Welcome to Features Friday, today’s author is:

Wayne Jordan

 

Synopsis

Chandra Williams’s dream of becoming an actress carries her from her home on Barbados to the bright lights of Broadway. But it’s the 1960s, and her goal of gracing the stage is obstructed by the limited opportunities for black actresses. Driven to help end discrimination and inequality, Chandra joins the Civil Rights movement.

Joel Donovan doesn’t understand the need for the Civil Rights movement. His life of privilege has sheltered him from the struggles of the black community. However, he’s intrigued by the courage and commitment of the beautiful immigrant from Barbados. Their attraction is immediate and powerful, and Joel is persuaded to join the movement.

When their efforts result in Joel’s freedom being challenged, Chandra gives him her unwavering support, but can their growing love survive the racial tensions and conflicts of the times?

Stick around to read the Prologue below.

More About Wayne:

Along with 36 years as a high school teacher, Wayne Jordan is also a published author. His first book, CAPTURE THE SUNRISE, and most of his other books were published by Harlequin. Recently, Wayne has self-published and was a part of a multi-author series, Decades: A Journey of African American Romance, a project he conceptualized. His contribution to the series, PROMISE ME A DREAM, set in the 1960s is one of the books he is most proud of as it tackles themes of race, immigration and the arts. Of course, romance is at the heart of the story. Wayne lives in the beautiful island of Barbados with its sandy beaches and all year sunshine.

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PROLOGUE

1964, Barbados

Chandra stood on the beach; her hands reaching for the skies. She started to dance with delicate grace. She appeared unskilled, but there was something in her movements. Passion. Yes, passion was the word. She danced slowly at first, but eventually, she gave in to the rhythm, moving faster and faster. There was no sound, no music, only pure abandonment…and, it seemed, the drums beating inside her head.

In the distance, gray clouds billowed, promising rain. The land was thirsty. For most of the dry season, it had hardly rained.

She stopped abruptly, racing over to the row of coconut trees that stood like soldiers along the shore. She sat, and the tears finally fell. Yesterday, her mother had left for the United States to find a better life. She’d gone to Sewell Airport with her family to see her off. She missed her mother so much. She sighed. She won’t cry anymore. As soon as things are settled, I’ll send for you. Her mother’s voice, always so calm, came on the wind, offering her the comfort she needed. It was as if her mother was here.

Chandra had heard the promise. She wanted to go to New York so badly. She wanted to dance and sing and act. She wanted to watch a show on Broadway. She wanted to act on Broadway. She had heard so much about the theater from Ms. Thomas, her English teacher. If you wanted to see theater at its best, well, Broadway was the place to go.

       Her mother had promised she would send for her in a few years. She was at The St. Michael School, one of the leading schools on the island. She was going to study hard and do the best she could. She’d promised her mother and she had all intentions of keeping that promise.

       A gust of wind startled her. She glanced up. The clouds had climbed overhead. She had to leave now, or she’d be caught in the rain. Nana, her grandmother, would be worried. She sighed, took a deep breath, and raced home.

* * *

1964, Manhattan

The soulful sound of the jazz band drifted from inside. Joel had come outside to get away from his guests. On a night like this, he should be feeling on top of the world. A week ago, he had graduated from college at the top of his class. He would be off to law school at the end of the summer. His family and friends had come to join in the celebration. His parents were proud of him. He was proud of himself. So why did he feel this overwhelming sense of dread? Why wasn’t he happy? Why was he experiencing this…emptiness? That something was missing from his life?

He sighed. He didn’t have the answers. He looked out onto the Manhattan skyline as if expecting some omnipotent voice to provide him with answers, but none came. Maybe he was just experiencing the effects of years of studying. He was tired of his life. There was more to it than rising each morning, school, and home again. He wanted more. Something was missing.

He heard the steady staccato of heels. Without turning, he knew it was his mother. He knew her well enough to know that she would come searching for him when she realized he’d disappeared. Christine Donovan was the typical mother.

He turned slowly. In her mid-forties, his mother was still stunning. She was that warm shade of caramel that spoke of her mixed heritage. He took after his father who was a dark mahogany and tall. The only thing he’d inherited from his mother were his eyes. His green-brown eyes always startled him whenever he caught his reflection. And more recently, he’d found himself staring more.

He was searching for something. What? Himself?

“Joel, why aren’t you inside entertaining your guests?” She smiled, but he could hear the veiled reprimand.

He didn’t answer, knowing that if he did, she wouldn’t like his response.

“What’s bothering you, son?” This time, her voice held the worry he expected. He had no doubt that his mother loved him.

He hesitated before he spoke. “I wish I knew. I should be happy but for some reason I’m not. I finally finished school and on my way to law school, but something is missing.”

Christine looked at him, her concern evident.

“Don’t worry, Mom. It’s just a passing phase. Tomorrow, I’ll wake up and everything will be all right,” he reassured.

She looked at him with skepticism but at his smile, she relaxed. She stepped up to him and placed her arms around him. For a while, she held him, her arms offering the comfort he wanted and needed. When her arms left him, he felt alone and afraid.

She looked up at him and pecked him on the cheek. “Come, let me introduce you to Gloria’s daughter, Chantelle. She has grown into a lovely young lady.”

He smiled again, hoping it reached his eyes. A lovely young lady was the last thing on his mind, but his mother’s wish was his command. He’d smile and be the dutiful son. It was what he did best.