Duke's Jazz

Chapter 1

10 Years later

June, 2014

Jasmine

“Avery Duke Brookes, get down here! You have school and the bus will be here in ten minutes!”

I watched my nine-year-old son walk down the stairs with his blue eyes half closed and his black hair all a mess. In my eyes, he looked just like his dad except for his eyes and he was tall for a ten year old also, thanks to his dad.

Walking back into the kitchen to grab and fill a bowl of cereal while my little man plops in his chair with his school clothes and back pack on. “Now Avery, you will remember to go to Grandma Millie’s after school, right?” I question.

“Yes, ma’am” he was annoyed.

Mentally giggling, well I guess I am doing my job then. As he eats, I can’t help but remember Duke at ten years old and his bad habits and I found some of those habits are genetic.

Avery finishes and runs to the door to catch the bus. “Bye, mom, see you later!” he yells half way to the bus.

“Bye, Baby have fun!” I yelled back.

He stops at the bus door, he turns around and yells “Don’t call me that!” annoyed even more as he gets on the bus. I wave and giggle as I close the door.

***

Duke

“Eva, it’s over and it has been over for two years, stop calling me!” I said, annoyed as all hell. I am retired/honorable discharged from the military and taking over my parents' company in a week. I really don’t want to talk to my ex-wife while trying to pack to go back home.

“Duke, I need money.” Oh, I know she needs money since her father’s company went bottom up last year.

“I gave you enough money in our damn divorce settlement and asked one of your lovers to give it to you.” Seriously, I left her for cheating and I am paying for it seriously!

“Duke, I am getting remarried and I need more money than I got in the settlement.” There is classic Eva trying all ways trying to pin her problems on me.

“Not happening!” Click. Throwing my phone on my bed, to finish my packing.

***

One shower and a four hour drive and I was back at the family home. When I pull up, everyone runs outside and gives me a hug.

“Welcome home baby. It’s been ten years!”

“I know mom, and don’t call me that.” I whispered in her ear.

“Come here son and give your old man a hug or are you too old to do that?” he smiles with his arms open.

“Nah, dad, I am never too old for you”. Walking into his embrace, looking over his shoulder, I saw my mother crying. “Well old man, are you ready to hand over the reins to this military man?”

Grabbing my shoulders and pushing me away, he smiled. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Sam running out of the house to his car.

“Sam, you can’t come say hi to your old long lost brother?” he whips around, runs over, gives me a hug, says hi and runs to his car and drives away.

“What’s up with him?” I asked, looking at mom.

“Well, he has a job interview and he won’t tell us where. Now let’s get you in the house and all squared away and then you can have dinner. I had the cook make all your favorites.” She smiles.