Read Online Tell Me I'm Dreamin' by Eboni Snoe - Free Book Online Page A

Basil says he has some important business to discuss with you if you can find time today. He is too busy to come to Sovereign. So drop by when you get a chance.”
    Nadine could see the muscle in Ulysses’ jaw contract and expand.
    â€œThat is, if you have the time, Ulysses,” Rodney added sheepishly.
    â€œI will see,” was Ulysses’ only reply.
    Rodney left as Catherine entered with a steaming pan of hot conkies and a pitcher of cold coconut water. The spicy smell of pumpkin, sweet potato, raisins, and coconut floated beneath Nadine’s nose, making her stomach reply quietly to the aroma.
    â€œLike Master Ulysses said, it is time for your medication, madame,” Catherine stated as she placed the food on the table.
    At first Madame Deane snatched away from the housekeeper, and pushed her lower lip out like a pouting child. Then her tiny head turned in Ulysses’ direction, and she looked up at him with cowering eyes. He gazed back with a compassionate but firm look. She sat back in her wheelchair, and with a resigned sigh allowed Catherine to roll her away.
    Nadine had no idea what to say, so to busy herself, and appease her hunger, she placed fresh slices of mango and tangerine on her plate along with a cup of yogurt. Ulysses preferred the conkies and coconut water that had been provided especially for him, and for a few moments they prepared their plates in silence.
    Now that they were alone Nadine’s confidence in her charade began to ebb. Feeling nervous, she tried to give the impression of finding the slices of fruit and the yogurt more interesting to look at than the man that sat before her. Ulysses on the other hand seemed content to sit back, relaxed, with an open banana leaf in hand, never once removing his eyes from Nadine’s face.
    â€œI have never met an African-American historian from the United States before,” Ulysses stated as he continued to watch her.
    â€œOh, well. Here I am in living color.” Nadine let go a nervous laugh. “Some of my ancestors were from Africa and even this part of the world,” she lamely explained.
    â€œI see.” He placed more food in his mouth. “It is different for me. My mother was African. She was an Egyptian. So my blood is half-African and half-British. I believe I know which one runs the hottest inside me.” He stared into her eyes. “I claim both of them. But I was born of my mother’s body, and therefore I hold my Egyptian heritage close to my heart.”
    â€œI can understand that,” Nadine replied, somehow relieved. It made her feel Ulysses Deane was not as taboo as she first thought.
    â€œSo, Miss Clayton, does your research into our history include interviewing the people of Eros?”
    She released a breath she did not realize she was holding. Nadine felt safe with the subject at hand. “Why, yes, it does, Mr. Deane. Along with reading your literature and uncovering your legends, if any. Could you tell me where to begin?”
    Ulysses’ dark eyes narrowed before he answered, “Yes, I could. With me.”
    Nadine let go a laugh that sounded to her ears similar to Woody Woodpecker’s. “I believe you may be right. What did Mr. Sharpe call your estate, ‘the Protector of Eros’ Treasures’?”
    â€œThat is correct. And I must add we have treasures of all kinds. Tangible and intangible,” Ulysses added in a husky voice.
    â€œWell . . . I’m . . . sure you do,” Nadine replied, almost choking on a piece of mango at his innuendo. “Your house is a virtual museum from the little I’ve seen of it. It must have been in your family for a long time.”
    â€œAccording to our family records, some, if they are authentic, and we have no cause to believe other than that, date back hundreds of years. Sovereign has been in existence since the early seventeen hundreds. Many of our books and art date back even further than