White Lines III Read Online Free

name?
    â€œI named you after the two men who had been most important in my life. My father and Born.”
    â€œDid you wish that Born was my father?”
    Jada hesitated before answering. “I did,” she admitted.
    Silence engulfed them again.
    Finally, Sheldon spoke. “I bet my dad didn’t like my name.” He toyed with his napkin.
    Jada didn’t know how to respond, so she said nothing; instead, allowing his words to float unanswered.
    â€œThank you for telling me the truth,” Sheldon said softly. “You coulda lied about a lot of stuff. But you didn’t. I’m glad that I know the whole story now.” He set down his napkin, pushed his chair away from the table, stood up, and looked his mother in the eye.
    â€œI love you, too,” he said.
    And, with that, he walked out and went upstairs to his room.
    Jada sat there alone, wondering if she should get her hopes up. She couldn’t help but pray that this signaled a light at the end of what had been a very long and dark tunnel. Only time would tell.

 
    2
    BIG DREAMS
    â€œGo, DJ!” the crowd yelled. Glasses clinked, congratulations abounded, and the music resumed its pulsing beat through the speakers. DJ was all smiles as people crowded around him to offer their well wishes and praise for his latest CD—one that was sure to be labeled a classic in years to come. Tonight’s event was in DJ’s honor, a party to celebrate his album debuting at number one on the Billboard charts. His career was at an all-time high, and Born looked like a proud father as he watched DJ soaking up all the accolades. Not one to get easily emotional, Born felt himself getting choked up and, quickly, covertly wiped a tear from his eye.
    â€œI saw that,” Dominique said, smiling at Born as she appeared at his side. “Don’t try to hide it. It’s okay to get choked up seeing your boy succeed the way that he is.” She clinked glasses with Born and watched a shy smile creep across his sexy lips.
    â€œI was just thinking about his father,” Born explained. “I wish Dorian was alive to see this. He’d be so proud of his son.”
    Dominique nodded. “I know the feeling. Whenever I reach a milestone in my career, I wish my dad was still around to witness it. But I believe that he looks down on me and sees the strides I’m making. I’m sure the same is true for DJ’s father. He must have a guardian angel watching over him, because the first-week sales he’s gotten are unbelievable in this day and age. Almost a million records sold in an industry that is struggling.… I’d say that’s divine intervention mixed with some incredible talent. This young man is at the top of his game!”
    Born agreed. “The kid is good.”
    A photographer approached the pair, and gestured for the two of them to stand closer together for a picture. Born held Dominique around the waist and drew her closer to him. Dominique felt a chill up her spine. The two of them smiled brightly as the camera flashed. The photographer thanked them and walked off to capture other partygoers.
    Dominique wasn’t sure if it was the wine or Born’s close proximity that had her feeling lightheaded. She noticed that he still held her waist even though the moment had passed.
    The deejay was excellent, and the dance floor was so packed that the floor beneath them shook from all of the movement. Born was feeling good. “Wanna dance?” he asked.
    Dominique beamed. “Sure.”
    They set down their glasses on a nearby table and headed to the dance floor to join the crowd. As they danced, Dominique laughed as Born did “The Wop,” a throwback to their heyday. She pop-locked to show him that she had some old-school moves in her arsenal as well. Born cracked up and they moved together happily, enjoying themselves for several more songs.
    DJ watched from across the room where he was