If I Were Your Woman by Donna Hill Page B

course of the conversation. “Ell, what were you telling me a few days ago about meeting a murderer?”
    Everyone’s mouths opened, and all eyes were trained on Elizabeth.
    â€œWell, his name is Ali….” She went on to tell them of how they met. “Anyway, he was a former member of the Black Panther Party back in the sixties in Atlanta,” she said, her voice lifting with excitement and a hint of intrigue. “During a raid of their headquarters, there was a shoot-out and he was accused of shooting a cop. He was in jail until eight years ago until he was exonerated of all charges. He wasn’t even there that night.”
    â€œWow,” they chimed.
    â€œIt boggles the mind how often our men wind up in jail for crimes they didn’t commit,” Barbara said. “Really pisses me off.”
    â€œAnd the sad part is, his wife divorced him while he was in jail. Took his two kids and he’s never seen them again.”
    â€œWhat a shame,” Terri said.
    â€œAnyway, now he’s working with Ron on his construction crew. He seems like a really nice guy.” She shook her head. “The girls were totally enamored with him and he has such a gentle way about him, I’m sure he would have made a good family man if he’d had the chance. He reminds me of someone, but I just can’t put my finger on it.”
    â€œMaybe you saw his picture somewhere years ago,” Terri offered. “I mean, it was a little before my time, but I do remember there being tons of photos and news clips about the Panthers.”
    â€œHow old would you say he is?” Stephanie asked.
    â€œHmm, early sixties.”
    â€œYou said he had kids?” she asked.
    â€œYeah, but when I tried to ask about them, he got really quiet. You could tell it still bothered him.”
    â€œThat’s too bad,” Ann Marie said. “It would be easy to blame the woman. But sometimes ya gotta do what’s best for you and the kids. She had to move on with her life.”
    Stephanie stood up. “What about the kids? Was it fair to them to grow up without knowing their father?” she blurted out, stunning the group with the vehemence of her outburst. “Excuse me.” She walked out and went into the kitchen.
    â€œTouchy subject for Steph,” Barbara said by way of explanation to Terri.
    â€œI know all about family loss,” Terri said. “My mom, my dad, my brother…It does affect you. And it hits different people different ways.”
    â€œI’ll go talk to her,” Ann Marie offered. “It was me damned big mouth anyway.” She pushed up from her seat and went into the kitchen.
    Stephanie was sitting at the table, staring into space.
    â€œSteph, you know me run me mouth too much. Didn’t mean to upset you.”
    Stephanie waved her hand and sniffed. “It’s okay, really. Any other day it probably would have rolled right off my shoulder.” She shook her head and sighed. “But lately, I’m all twisted in a knot. The slightest little thing sets me off.”
    â€œIt happens…to all of us.” She came around the table and took Stephanie by the arm. “Come on. This night is a fun night, not time to sniff and moan. You can do that later.”
    Stephanie looked up at Ann Marie and grinned. “Damn, didn’t we used to hate each other?” She stood up.
    Ann Marie hooked her arm through Stephanie’s. “Yeah, we sure did. I still can’t stand ya,” she added.
    They chuckled in friendship and returned to the party.
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    â€œHey, Steph, thanks for inviting me tonight. I really had a good time,” Terri said as they stood outside Barbara’s building. “You have some really great friends.”
    â€œNow they’re your friends, too.”
    Terri smiled. “Yeah, I like the sound of that.”
    Stephanie gave her a hug. “Get home safely. We’ll talk next