Jamal arrived a few days later, with his order for the Sable Inn. He greeted Lena at the desk, then headed to the dining room to place the centerpieces. As he was finishing up, he saw Lloyd Sable entering the room.
“Jamal,”
“Good morning, Mr. Sable,”
Lloyd smiled. “I wondered if you’d have a little time to speak with me this morning.”
Jamal looked around the empty room. “Of course, sir.”
“In my office,”
Swallowing, Jamal nodded. “Sure…”
“When you’re done in here, just come down. I’ll be waiting.”
“I’ll be done soon.”
Jamal started breathing again as the man walked out of the door. He got finished quickly and headed to Lloyd’s office. Lena lifted a brow at him as he passed the desk.
“Your father asked to see me,” he explained.
“I know. Good luck.”
Jamal frowned. “Do I need it?”
Lena shrugged. “He’s waiting…”
Jamal sighed and walked down the hall, feeling as if he was walking to his execution. Mr. Sable had never asked to see him in his office before, so he knew this was about Lorna. He prepared himself, and knocked on the door.
“Come in, Jamal.”
Entering the office, Jamal nodded and took a seat across from Lorna’s father. He glanced over and saw his business plan on the desk.
“You wanted to see me?” Jamal asked, looking Lloyd in the eye.
“Yes, I did. I wanted to talk to you about this.” He tapped the proposal with a finger.
Jamal nodded. “Lorna told me that she informed you about my plan.”
“She did,” Lloyd confirmed. “And she was very adamant in her support of you.”
“Lorna Sable is an incredible woman.”
Lloyd agreed. “She is…she’s my daughter.”
“I’m interested to hear your thoughts on my business plan.” Jamal stated.
Sitting back, Lloyd stared at Jamal in his Winston Gardens uniform. “You’ve built a nice little business here in Grayling.”
Jamal sat listening.
“I remember when you started with just a little flower garden,”
“You helped me purchase the greenhouse.”
Lloyd nodded. “And you paid back every penny.”
“I’m a man of my word,” Jamal said quietly.
“I’ve known that and that’s why I wanted to see for myself what you’re proposing…because I must be honest, when Lorna told me about it, I was not sold,” Lloyd confessed.
“I understand. It’s not what you see people do every day as a business venture,”
“No, it’s not,” Lloyd agreed. “So I wondered why you would put yourself through this when I’m sure you’re aware of the backlash that will come, against both you and my daughter.”
Jamal took a breath. “Mr. Sable, I’ve told Lorna that I don’t want her name connected to this. I know how some of the town thinks and what they think of me, but even in that, I won’t lose an opportunity to build something for myself and my family, like you’ve built for yours,” Jamal explained.
Lloyd sighed. “And this is the way you want to do it?”
“Lorna sounds just like you,” Jamal said with a smile.
“You know Jamal, I’ve raised my daughters to be women with their own minds and I trust their judgement. If Lorna is willing to put herself on the line for you, then I know that she truly believes in you and you’ve convinced her that you can do this successfully,” Lloyd told him.
“I know that I can,” Jamal confirmed. “I just need the resources, which I’m working on.”
Nodding, Lloyd flipped open the proposal. “I see your financials. That’s quite a bit of money…”
“I’m going all in,”
“Is Lorna one of your investors?”
Jamal shook his head. “No sir, I can’t take her money.”
“Why not?” Lloyd asked.
“Because, you don’t take money from the woman you want to marry…”
Lloyd lifted a brow. “If the woman you want to marry can’t support you, then who should?”
Jamal shook his head again. “I won’t take Lorna’s money.”
“If you married her, would her money be her money, and your money belongs to you?”
He frowned. “Of course not, everything I have belongs to Lorna. There’s nothing I would keep from her.”
“So you can give to her, but she can’t give to you?”
Jamal sighed. “What are you trying to tell me Mr. Sable?”
“That two people who want to marry each other, must always work in unison. Not one trying to be everything alone, but the two creating everything together,” Lloyd advised.
He looked at Lloyd. “I want you to see me as a man who will protect and provide for your daughter.”
“I do, Jamal.”
“The night that you caught me in her room, you told me that if I ever hurt her again, you’d kill me.”
Lloyd nodded. “I meant it, too.”
“I know you did. Trust, I had no doubts.” Jamal looked away. “But you didn’t have to threaten me, because I never wanted to hurt Lorna, then or ever…”
“I didn’t know that she would cry…” Jamal said quietly. “I didn’t know that she really cared that much. Seeing her tears, made me want to do better and I’d planned to, but things went left…”
Jamal lifted his gaze back to Lloyd’s. “But I’m a better man for all I went through and I’ll never let Lorna down ever again.”
Lloyd smiled. “I believe you, son.”
Jamal’s phone rang and he looked at Lloyd.
“Go ahead, you do have a business to run,”
“Winston Gardens,” Jamal said answering the phone, he retrieved from his jacket.
“Jamal, it’s Lance.”
He sat straight up. “Lance, how’s it going?”
“Good, you got a minute?”
Jamal looked at Lloyd. “Yeah, I got time.”
“Khayla and I came back and discussed your plan. We ran some numbers and checked into a few things and…”
At the pause, Jamal’s heart dropped. “And…?”
“We’re in.”
Jamal breathed. “Are you serious?”
“Fa’sho, we’re ready to do this.”
He ran a hand down his face. “All man…” Jamal sighed. “I can’t believe this…”
Lance laughed. “Well believe it. Sorry to take so long to get back to you.”
“No, no…I appreciate you and Khayla.”
“Check this out, we want you to come down to Detroit so we can get some papers signed.”
Jamal nodded. “Okay, tell me when and I’ll make arrangements. Uh, can I ask, what type of investment are you looking to provide?”
“We got whatever you need.”
Jamal’s eyes widened. “Damn…” He looked up. “Sorry Mr. Sable.”
Lloyd watched the young man with a smile.
“Cool, I’ll get back with you regarding the details and we can go from there,” Lance said through the phone.
“Lance, thanks again man.”
“Let’s get this paper,” Lance told him and ended the call.
Jamal shook his head and put his phone away. He dropped his face into his hands for a moment then looked at Lloyd.
“That was Lance Johnson. He and his wife are going to join the venture,” Jamal said happily.
Lloyd saw the happiness on Jamal’s face. “Well, before your phone rang, I was going to tell you that the Sables will also be joining your venture.”
Sitting back, Jamal stared at him. “Mr. Sable…your family has done so much for me,” he began.
“I’ve told you repeatedly that you’re family and we take care of family,” Lloyd reminded him.
“I can’t believe this is my life, right now,” Jamal said in awe. “All because of Lorna…”
“And the work that you’ve put in,”
Lloyd stood to his feet and came around his desk. “We’re happy to give our support, in every way.”
Jamal stood. “Thank you Mr. Sable. You don’t know how much I appreciate you.”
“I’m looking forward to you doing something great with this.” Lloyd placed a hand on his shoulder.
“When I’m straight, I’m coming to ask you for Lorna,” Jamal told him firmly.
Lloyd smiled. “You have my blessing at any time, Jamal.”
“For real?”
Lloyd nodded.
“For real…for real?”
Laughing, Lloyd patted him on the shoulder. “Yes, Jamal…you are my daughter’s heart.”
Jamal smiled broadly. “This is going to be the best Christmas ever.”
******
Lorna was in the great room, standing on a short ladder, hanging Christmas decorations when she was plucked from the rung into two strong arms.
“Jamal!”
Holding her in the air, Jamal looked up into her lovely face. “I love you, Lorna.”
Lorna touched his face. “I love you, too.”
“This is one of the best days of my life,” he told her happily.
“What happened?” Lorna asked excitedly. “Is it Lance?”
He nodded.
“He said yes?”
Jamal nodded again and she screamed, hugging him tightly and wrapping her legs around his waist.
“I knew they would!” She exclaimed. “Your plan is great!”
He looked into her face. “Beauty, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Lorna stroked his dark, wavy hair. “Baby, this is all you.”
Jamal kissed her slowly, as he lowered her to the floor. They stayed locked in each other’s arms until Lena came inside the space.
“The rooms are upstairs,” she told the pair and walked back out.
Jamal lifted his head and looked down at her. “I forgot where we were.”
“I don’t care,” Lorna whispered. “Congratulations…”
“Lance wants me to come down to Detroit to sign some paperwork. Can you come with me?”
Lorna smiled. “Yes, I’d love to go with you.”
“It’s all coming together, baby,” Jamal said, kissing her gently.
Lana entered the room and walked slowly over to the couple with a magazine in her hand. “Jamal, I’m glad you’re here.”
“Hey, Lana. What can I do for you?”
“I need to show you something,”
Lana opened the magazine to an article featuring Jamal and his gardens. He and Lorna smiled as they saw the pictures of him and his land.
“Whoa, this is dope!” Jamal exclaimed.
“Look at your greenhouse!” Lorna said, animated.
Lana looked at the pair, then flipped back a page. “This is the problem.”
Jamal looked at the photo of the land he’d prepped for his cannabis crop and saw the title of the story, “The King of Cannabis – A Black’s Man’s Reversal of Marijuana in America.”
“Jamal, there’s a full story on you and your business,” Lorna stated, staring at the glossy pages.
“And somebody in town has read this and they’re already calling around, ready to start a petition against Jamal.” Lana informed them. “I just took the call for Daddy.”
Lorna looked at Jamal. “We knew this was coming eventually.”
Jamal shook his head. “Damn…I thought I’d at least get the application in first.”
“What can they do, Lana?” Lorna asked.
Lana sighed. “They’re going to call a town meeting and probably take a vote to block Jamal from growing cannabis.”
Jamal frowned. “Can they do that? It’s my land.”
“We’ll have to see Jamal,” Lana told him. “Daddy is on your side and he’ll try to persuade them, but it may take more than that.”
Lorna touched his arm. “It’s okay. We’ll get past this.”
Jamal nodded and looked at his watch. “I’ve got a few more deliveries today. I’ll call you later.”
She kissed him softly, then watched him walk out the door.
“Are we going to get past this?” Lorna asked her sister.
“We’re going to do all we can,” Lana promised.
******
Jamal finished his deliveries, changed out of his uniform, and headed back to his gardens. Checking the mail, he saw a copy of the black business magazine that had been mailed to him in addition to his Forbes magazine. Walking inside his office, he took off his coat and sat at his desk. Jamal sat both magazines in front of him and looked at them.
Flipping open the black business publication, he found his article and read it all the way through. He was proud of the way, Casey had described him and his business. She’d actually done a great job laying out his purpose and showcasing his land.
No matter what anybody said, Jamal was proud about what he was planning to do. If he had to fight the town and their ideals, then so be it. His phone rang and he answered.
“Winston Gardens,”
“Jamal?”
He threw his head back. “Yes, Mr. Perkins.”
“As the City Manager, I have the responsibility to call you to inform you that the town has received some disturbing information,”
Jamal sighed. “Yes, sir…”
“So before I move any further, is this true about you wanting to grow those little funny cigarettes?”
“I’m going to grow cannabis for people with medical conditions,” Jamal explained.
Mr. Perkins paused. “Now what kinda doctor prescribes that?”
“Any licensed medical doctor can prescribe it,” Jamal explained.
“We don’t want that kind of stuff here in Grayling. This is a wholesome town,” Mr. Perkins told him.
“It won’t be sold in Grayling, Mr. Perkins. It will go to dispensaries all over the state.” Jamal rubbed his face.
“I have to call a town meeting, where you can present your side and then we’ll go from there,” Mr. Perkins announced.
Jamal sighed. “Okay, let me know when.”
He ended the call and sat back in his chair. One hurdle after another, he thought to himself. Jamal pulled out a pad and pen to make notes on his next steps. After plotting his strategy, Jamal dropped the pen and moved to his computer to print off all the information he could find on the benefits of cannabis and the growing process, to present to the townspeople. Maybe Lorna could help him put together some type of visual presentation like she did for her menus. His phone rang again, awhile later, and he quickly answered.
“Winston Gardens,”
“Hi Jamal,”
He smiled. “Hey Beauty,” Jamal looked at his watch and saw that it was late.
“What are you doing?”
“I’ve been working on stuff to present to the town. Mr. Perkins called, he said that he’s calling a meeting about me growing cannabis,” he informed her.
“I talked to Daddy, and he’s going to speak with Mr. Perkins,”
“Tell him thanks,”
“Are you coming by tonight?” Lorna asked.
Jamal scratched his head. “Nah, I’ve got too much on my mind. I won’t be good company.”
“Come talk to me,”
“Get some rest Beauty, I’ll see you in the morning when I deliver your flowers.”
Lorna pouted. “Where are you now?”
“At the gardens, in my office.”
“Don’t worry, Jamal…”
He rubbed his eyes. “I’m straight. I just need to figure some things out. Get ahead of the game.”
“Have you eaten dinner?” Lorna asked.
“I’ll grab something later,”
She sighed. “I don’t like when you get this way.”
“What way?”
“Distant…”
“I’m not trying to be distant from you, Lorna. It’s just been a long day,” he explained.
“Okay, I’ll see you in the morning,” she whispered. “I love you.”
“I love you, too. Sleep well…”
“You, too.”
Jamal ended the call and went back to work for a few more hours until the words on his screen began to blur. Shutting down the machine, he finally called it a night. Closing up his office, Jamal turned off the lights and headed to his truck.
The light snow on the ground swirled around his booted feet before he climbed into the vehicle. Turning on the heat, he waited a minute for it to warm up and turned on the radio. Cassandra’s song came on the station and he immediately turned it off again.
Taking off, he drove on automatic and ended up at the Sable Inn because no matter what, all roads led to Lorna Sable. Driving slowly, he headed in the direction of her house and saw all the lights off. Jamal stopped and stared at her door, before reversing and heading in another direction.
He ended up at the old cabin where he and Lorna used to meet. Jamal parked and went inside, lighting a fire in the hearth. Although the outside was old, Mr. Sable kept the inside stocked with blankets, food and candles for whenever the men went fishing.
Jamal kicked off his boots, then went to the little kitchenette and checked to see what was available, since he hadn’t eaten since lunch. Spotting a can of baked beans, he pulled them out of the cabinet. Inside the fridge, he pulled out some beef franks and got everything cooking on the stove.
In the cooler, there were sodas and Willie’s beers. Jamal opted for a soda, then removed his coat, and went to sit in front of the fire until his food was ready. Mr. Sable didn’t mind anyone using the cabin as long as they replaced what they used and left the place clean.
Sipping his drink, he thought about his times here with Lorna. He’d make a fire and they’d sit and talk. She’d sit on the bed, while he took up the sofa. Sometimes, she’d bring her schoolwork and he’d listened to her talk about all kinds of subjects that she was studying.
Jamal loved how smart Lorna was, and how animated she became talking about different things. Her pretty face would light up and his heart would melt, each and every time. He took another sip and stared at the fire. Now that he had Mr. Sable’s blessings, a wrench was being thrown into his plans. He knew this town well, he’d lived here all of his life.
Jamal knew their ideals and what they believed. Now, he had to show them that their old visions needed to be examined to see the new potential. He looked up as the door opened and the wind swirled light snowflakes through the opening.
When the figure in the big parka stepped inside and closed the door, he watched as the hood lifted from over the head and a pretty face looked back at him.
“I hope you made enough for me,” she told him with a smile, when she smelled the food cooking.
Jamal got to his feet and walked over to her. “What are you doing here this late?”
She smiled up at him. “I came to see you.”
He began to help remove her coat. “How did you know I was here?”
“Because you always come here, when you’re thinking.” Lorna explained. “And I saw you drive past my house.”
Jamal took her coat and put it aside. “You shouldn’t be out this late by yourself.”
“It’s my land,” she reminded him as he took her into his arms.
He felt the cold on her face. “Did you walk here?”
“I ran,”
Jamal picked her up and carried her over to the fire. “Come here and let me warm you up.” He grabbed a blanket and sat on the floor with her in his lap in front of the flames. Removing her shoes, he wrapped the blanket around her and looked down into her face.
“Don’t run over here,” he admonished.
“You know I’m used to it,” Lorna laid her head on his shoulder.
“It’s late and it’s cold.”
She held him close. “I knew you’d warm me up.”
“You want me to make you some hot chocolate?”
Lorna sniffed the air. “I smell beans and franks.”
“Did you not eat dinner?” Jamal asked.
“Yeah, I did, but who turns down beans and franks?”
Jamal kissed her face. “They’re almost ready. I’ll make you a plate when they’re done.”
“You made enough for me?”
“Whatever I have, there’s always enough for you, Beauty.”
Lorna placed her cold lips to his and he warmed them with his tongue.
“What did Mr. Perkins say?” Lorna asked.
“Something about the town doesn’t want that ‘stuff’ here. I wanted to tell him that his grandson used to be my plug, but I’ll just let that go…” Jamal replied.
“You bought weed from Mr. Perkins grandson?”
Jamal nodded. “He was around twenty and selling it to all of us teenagers around the school.”
“Jamal!”
“He was…”
Lorna shook her head. “You’d better be glad that my Daddy never caught you in here smoking.”
“Nope, a beauty caught me and told me I couldn’t smoke in here anymore,” he recalled.
“Because, if Mr. Langston, Willie or my father had found you, you would’ve been in a world of trouble,”
He laughed. “I already was…”
Lorna traced his jaw with a hand. “I promise you, we’re going to get the town on our side.”
“I want to ask you to help me put together one of those video presentations that you do for your menus, to show the residents,” Jamal inquired.
She nodded. “That’s a good idea. We can work on that together.”
“Thank you,”
She locked her eyes with his. “We have to celebrate, tonight.”
He kissed her neck, inhaling her sweet scent. “I’m glad you came.”
“I knew you would be,”
Jamal began unbuttoning her shirt, exposing her flesh and touching it with his warm hand.
“Hey, where’s my beans and franks?” Lorna whispered.
He laughed and stood, before heading to check on the food. Lorna watched him turn off the gas burners, then turned to her. She smiled when he whipped his thermal shirt over his head that left him bare chested with brown muscles rippling. His jeans hung low on his hips, showing the top band of his underwear and a very solid bulge underneath his zipper.
“You want beans and franks or this?” Jamal asked leaning back against the counter and crossing his ankles.
“On second thought, who cares about some damn beans and franks?”