An Elderberry Fall by Ruth P. Watson

you?”
    â€œShe was saying a lot of stuff. I really wasn’t listening to that woman. I was not interested,” he said, shaking his head.
    â€œI will never trust her. She wants you, and you are my husband.”
    â€œIt takes two people for something to happen. I am not interested in Nadine. She is a woman across the street. Let’s not waste ourtime together worrying about her. We have got too many other things to talk about.”
    â€œI want to know what she said.”
    â€œIt is not important. You are my wife.”
    â€œNow you see why she could never be my friend. She’s a slut.”
    â€œCarrie, we are going out tonight. Let me do something special for you.”
    A smile rolled across my face.
    â€œWhere are we going?”
    â€œWe are going to see Mrs. Pearl Brown.”
    Pearl was a superstar wherever she traveled; at least she acted like one. People at home in Jefferson said she was a big put-on—full of herself. It amazed me how little people from the country really knew. I couldn’t wait to go back to the club. Watching the patrons come in and out was as much excitement for me as listening to Pearl’s sultry and seductive voice turn on the men. I envisioned Pearl entertaining on many levels, especially after seeing her with a white man. The businesses and community folk all gathered there just like we did in Jefferson at the church. The city had more than one place to fellowship and I liked the idea of places where I wouldn’t be judged.
    The evening didn’t roll in fast enough. I couldn’t wait to dress up, and put a little lipstick on my lips. Simon seemed to enjoy places like the club. I wondered if, while he was on the road, he went to places like that often. My guess is, he did.
    â€œI can’t wait to see Ms. Pearl singing again.”
    â€œI noticed how much you enjoyed it the last time we were there.”
    â€œShe has a beautiful voice, and everyone seems to love her.” I paused. “You know, I saw Ms. Pearl coming out of the Jefferson Hotel with a white man.”
    â€œCarrie, you don’t understand how the world is. People are always watching and judging you. Pearl should be careful. Her reputation is what she’ll have left when her singing voice is raspy and her career is on the downfall.”
    â€œIs it the same way you feel about baseball?”
    â€œIn a way, I suppose. Most people are not concerned about an athlete’s personal life. They just want him to perform physically when he is on the field.”
    â€œDoes it mean you can do wrong, and not be held accountable for it?”
    â€œNo, but sports players are a little different.”
    â€œShouldn’t we all watch our behavior, especially in public?”
    â€œYeah, we should.
    â€œAre you about ready? I am driving tonight.”
    â€œI am. I want to see if everything looks good. I can’t wait to see Mrs. Walker again too.”
    He chuckled.
    â€œI can’t believe my country little wife is so excited about the city. I am so glad you are leaving the Jefferson ways behind.”
    â€œYou used to like my ways.”
    â€œI still do. I’m country too. I am happy you are not judging the people at the club. People from our hometown might not like me taking you to a nightclub.”
    â€œI don’t care what they like,” Carrie commented.
    â€œMe either. Hurry up so we can take Robert downstairs to Mrs. Hall.”
    â€œI hope I am not leaning on her too much.”
    â€œShe loves little Robert, and her husband loves him being with them.”
    â€œWho would have thought a white woman would take to a colored child?” Carrie said.
    â€œShe’s different. She is family like any colored person. She has given up a lot to be married to a colored man. She is comfortable in this community. They are the best neighbors anybody could have.”
    â€œShe’s like my best friend.”
    â€œIsn’t she