by Ricky Black
It had been a long year for Lamont. The drama on the streets fluctuated from calm and happy to end-of-the-world critical. There was little middle ground, and some crews seemed to look for any reason to fight each other.
Lamont had focused more on legitimate ventures, making a great profit with his housing venture. This was only blighted slightly by a failed investment in a pub. On the whole though, Lamont had no financial concerns.
Martin had organised a party to celebrate their latest venture, a gym. Lamont didn’t know any of the people Martin had invited. Apart from Xiyu, none of Lamont’s people were there. He didn’t know who to talk to, so he’d spent most of his time skulking in the corner, nodding to the music.
The party was in the backroom of a club on Call Lane. Martin had booked it and organised everything from the liquor to the DJ. Lamont liked some songs, but he wasn’t feeling the vibe. There were women scattered around. Several had made eye contact, but Lamont wasn’t interested. He wanted to be by himself, not surrounded by people he didn’t know. He felt strangely flat. Xiyu had been next to him, until he had spotted a woman and promptly disappeared with her.
Draining his glass, Lamont placed it on the bar and made for the exit. Martin stopped him.
‘L? Where are you going? You still need to say a few words.’
‘Relax. I’m just getting some fresh air.’ Lamont moved through the main room, nodded at the bouncers and stepped outside.
It was almost midnight, and the cool air was refreshing. Lamont leaned against the wall and looked at the sky. He liked the moment. The moon was out, but the sky was bereft of stars. Shrieking laughter brought Lamont back down to earth. Spotting the cause, Lamont froze.
She was more conservatively dressed than back in the day, wearing a pair of tight-fitting trousers with a navy blue top. Her hair was straight, just how he remembered it, and her face was flawless. She was laughing at something one of her companions had said. Maybe she felt his eyes on her, but she looked straight at him. Her mouth parted into an almost comical o shape. She stopped where she was. Her friends noticed. There were two of them. Both pretty. Both vivaciously dressed. Next to her, they were wallpaper.
‘L?’ She stepped toward him. Lamont did his best to look cool, but his heart hammered in his chest. It had been five years, but she looked as good now as she had then.
‘Hey, Rochelle.’ Lamont met her eyes, still trying to portray confidence. This was a woman that had seen his inner depths though. She had crushed him in a way no woman ever again could.
Lamont had often wondered how he would handle seeing her again. He’d considered tracking her down, seducing her, leaving her in the lurch as she had done him.
Now though, face-to-face, he regressed back to that pathetic kid he had once been. Lamont felt the deep shame as he recalled the time he had stood on her doorstep, watched Ricky Reagan putting his arms around her. He could still see that door closing, and took a deep breath.
‘What are you doing here?’
‘I’m in there,’ Lamont pointed at the club. ‘We’re having a party. It’s a business thing.’
‘Business thing . . . what kind of business thing?’ Rochelle was trying her hardest to sound non-committal. Lamont sensed that now. He could pick things up in her body language that he’d been too inexperienced to pick up on before.
‘We opened a gym. Guess you could call this a launch party.’ It surprised Lamont at how easily his words came. He was on autopilot now. Her friends looked from the pair to each other, trying to work out what was going on. Lamont doubted Rochelle had ever mentioned him. Why would she? He had been unmemorable.
‘That’s great, L. That’s really great,’ Rochelle said brightly. Lamont noticed she still hadn’t introduced him to her friends. He met their stares, then turned back to Rochelle.
‘How have you been?’
‘I’ve been well. Just working hard. You know how it is.’ Rochelle ran a hand through her hair, then rubbed it against her trouser leg.
‘Yeah, definitely.’
One of Rochelle’s friends coughed. Rochelle picked up on it.
‘Sorry. Lamont, these are my friends, Bronie and Tenika. Girls, this is an old friend, Lamont.’
‘Old friend, huh?’ Tenika looked Lamont up and down, her eyes suggesting that she knew exactly the type of friend Lamont had been.
‘It’s nice to meet you both.’ Lamont evaded her stare. There was another moment of silence, everyone watching the other.
Outside a bar across the road, a woman was screaming at a man as the bouncers tried to separate them. Despite not knowing what the situation was about, Lamont seized the distraction, watching as the bouncers moved the commotion down the street. He mentally tried to compose himself. He needed to be in control. Seeing Rochelle had changed his night. He needed to put some distance between them. Fast.
‘Do you want to come in?’ Lamont motioned to the club. He could have kicked himself for blurting it out. Rochelle blinked.
‘We shouldn’t. It’s your party.’
‘I don’t mind. Stay and have a drink.’ Lamont motioned for them to follow, his head and heart not on the same page. Martin was chewing his nail when Lamont walked in.
‘Where the hell were you? What’s going on?’ he eyed the women.
‘I told you I went for fresh air. Ladies, this is Martin Fisher, my business partner and close friend. Martin, this is Bronie, Tenika and an old friend of mine, Rochelle.’
Martin shook hands with the trio. He led Bronie and Tenika to get drinks, leaving Rochelle and Lamont stood, trying not to look at each other. Lamont couldn’t help it though. Some women never lost their mystique and Rochelle was one of them.
‘L, while we’re here, I want to say sorry, for—’ Rochelle started.
‘Don’t worry about it.’
‘No, I have to—’
‘No. you don’t. I made an error, and I learned the hard way.’ Lamont didn’t want to drag up the past. Rochelle looked at him for a long moment, then nodded.
‘I understand.’
‘Did you ever pursue the teaching gig?’ Lamont changed the subject. Rochelle shook her head.
‘I had to grow up. I was promoted, but I’m still working for the same company.’
‘Well, we all have to work,’ Lamont said, not knowing what to say. ‘How’s Mia?’
‘She’s doing really well. She’s engaged, and she has a son. He’s two years old.’
‘That’s good. Are you seeing anyone?’ Lamont didn’t know what possessed him to ask. Rochelle blinked, but recovered quickly.
‘Not at the moment.’
Lamont nodded. ‘I see.’
‘You don’t believe me, do you?’ Rochelle’s eyes narrowed. Lamont shrugged.
‘It’s none of my business. Doesn’t matter if I believe you.’
‘Fair enough. How’s Marcus?’
‘Still doing what he wants, when he wants.’
‘That does not surprise me. I’m glad I don’t have to listen to him screwing my little sister anymore,’ Rochelle laughed. Lamont laughed with her, enjoying the moment.
‘Those were some awkward nights.’
‘Plenty of awkward nights back then.’ Rochelle met Lamont’s eyes. He felt himself relax. Rochelle was beautiful, but she was equally nervous. That gave him strength. Tenika walked over with a drink for Rochelle, and they talked.
The rest of the night was a blur, but Lamont didn’t leave Rochelle’s side, and she didn’t seem to want to leave his. Before he knew it, they were both drunk. Lamont’s shirt was sticking to him and he had to keep moving his arms to avoid the perspiration showing. Rochelle was next to him, smiling goofily, looking more like she had back in the day. He put his arm around her waist, pulling her close, pleased when she didn’t move away.
‘Where are you going after this?’ he slurred in her ear.
‘I don’t know . . . Home I guess.’ Rochelle whispered back.
‘Yeah. Whose home?’
&nb
sp; Rochelle giggled. ‘Don’t think you’re gonna get me drunk and take advantage.’
‘You’re already drunk. So there’s no need,’ Lamont countered. Rochelle nudged him.
‘You’re trouble, L. you were always trouble.’
Rochelle beamed, and Lamont laughed. Tenika watched them both. She walked back over, Bronie trailing.
‘We’re gonna take off now. Are you coming?’
Rochelle hesitated, and Lamont made a split-second decision.
‘Ring her later. I’ll make sure she gets in.’
Tenika looked to Rochelle, who giggled.
‘Make sure you look after her though. I know who you are,’ Tenika warned. This piqued Lamont’s interest, cutting through the alcohol haze.
‘What do you mean?’ he asked. The pair were already walking away though. Rochelle linked arms with him.
‘What now then?’ she asked, eyes twinkling.
They took a taxi back to Lamont’s, not speaking. The taxi driver tried to make conversation, but they ignored him. Giving the driver a tip, Lamont led Rochelle inside.
‘This is a nice place.’ Rochelle remarked, sitting in the living room. It was decorated in shades of light blue. There was a TV/video player with an extensive collection. In the room’s corner was a Hi-Fi, and a large amount of CD’s.
‘Thank you. Can I get you a drink?’ Lamont offered. Rochelle shook her head.
‘I think I had enough.’ She crossed her legs. Lamont watched.
‘You haven’t changed a bit; I thought you would have learnt how to be subtle.’ Rochelle giggled. Lamont shrugged. He headed to a wooden drinks cabinet and poured some brandy. He finished it and placed the glass on the table.
‘I never thought I’d see you again.’ Lamont looked directly at Rochelle. She shifted in her chair, but maintained his gaze.
‘And now you have.’ Rochelle laughed again, but it sounded forced.
‘I was determined to put you behind me, but, I always wanted to speak to you. To find out about what happened that day,’
Rochelle didn’t speak.
‘Do you remember which day I’m talking about?’
‘Did you bring me here to rehash the past?’
‘What if I did?’
‘If you did, then I think I should go home.’
‘You’re not going anywhere.’ The authority in Lamont’s tone unnerved Rochelle for a second. It was the same attitude he’d displayed the night they slept together.
‘Are you going to keep me here against my will?’
‘How could you sleep with Ricky? He’s a prick.’ Lamont ignored Rochelle and poured himself another drink.
‘You don’t even know him.’
‘Of course I know him. I didn’t then, but I do now. I know all about him. You picked him over me.’
‘What are you talking about? I told you I had baggage, but you kept pursuing me anyway. Yeah, I had something going with Ricky, and it was awkward, it was all-consuming, and it made me that miserable bitch you used to stare at on the sofa. But that was then. I don’t want to go through it all again. Can you understand that?’
Rochelle sighed loudly, closing her eyes. Lamont finished his drink, then licked a stray drop of alcohol from his top lip.
‘I’m sorry. I just, that day . . .’ It was Lamont’s turn to sigh.
‘Can we just forget it? Please?’ Rochelle’s voice was almost pleading now. He nodded.
‘Consider it forgotten.’
They sat awkwardly in complete silence. Rochelle fidgeted with her handbag whilst Lamont stared at the empty glass on the coffee table. After a while, Rochelle rose.
‘I’m going to go. This was . . .’ Rochelle was about to lie, but couldn’t. Instead, she gathered her handbag and started for the door, expecting Lamont to stop her. He didn’t though, still analysing his glass. Shaking her head, Rochelle was at the front door when Lamont spoke.
‘I loved you.’
The words were barely above a whisper, yet Rochelle heard as if he had shouted in her ear. She paused, her hand resting on the front door handle. Turning, she re-entered the room. Lamont was still looking ahead.
‘What did you say?’
Lamont glanced at her now, his eyes wet and slightly bloodshot.
‘I said, I loved you. I was a stupid kid, but I loved you. When I saw Ricky at the door, it crushed me.’
‘You loved me?’ Rochelle sat back down without realising.
‘I did. I don’t think I even knew until you closed the door on me that day. I had nothing to compare it to.’
‘I didn’t—’
‘Of course you didn’t know. I was a mess. I had nothing going for me. You were extraordinary. I wanted to tell you I wanted a relationship. Figured you’d laugh, but I was going to do it anyway.’
‘Why?’ Rochelle’s voice was hushed.
‘Because even if you’d rejected me, even if you laughed, at least I would have had closure. I suppose that piece-of-shit answering your door was closure too.’
Rochelle’s eyes glistened.
‘I’m sorry,’ she whispered.
Lamont smiled. ‘You have nothing to be sorry for. I was a silly kid. I learnt a lesson that day. About giving too much of myself to someone. I owe you for that.’
‘That’s not a lesson, L.’
‘Really, then why are you single?’ Lamont countered.
‘There’s nothing wrong with being single,’ Rochelle snapped.
‘When you look like you though, it makes a man think; makes him wonder what damage someone could have done to that woman.’
‘I’m leaving.’ Rochelle again stood, but this time Lamont grabbed her arm.
‘Let go of me.’
‘No.’
‘I’ll scream if you don’t.’
‘Scream then,’ Lamont pulled Rochelle towards him. ‘Go on then . . . scream.’
Rochelle struggled but Lamont was too strong, holding her arms tightly by her sides.
‘Let go of me!’
Lamont paid no attention, his eyes calmer now. Gazing at Rochelle, he pressed his lips to hers. A delicious electric tingle shot down Rochelle’s spine. She was no longer resisting. It took a moment to realise Lamont had let her hands go. His hands grasped her hips, and he slowly darted his tongue deeper into her mouth. They broke away, panting, eyes meeting, hearts frantically beating.
‘Like I said; you’re not going anywhere,’ said Lamont, and then he kissed her again. This time, Rochelle was more than ready. She let out a gasp as Lamont slammed her against the wall but she didn’t break the kiss. Her soft hands cupped Lamont’s cheeks, tilting his head as she kissed him deeper. Lamont’s hands travelled down her back, palming her ass.
Rochelle’s body felt like it was on fire. This was not the Lamont she had dealt with previously. The awkward teenager whom she’d guided was gone. In his place was an assertive, worldly man who knew exactly what he was doing.
Lamont attacked Rochelle’s neck with a viper’s precision, leaving a tingle everywhere he touched. The pair writhed on the floor now, undressing each other. Holding Rochelle’s arms above her head with one hand, Lamont traced her body with the other, his mouth engulfing a delicious breast. He dipped lower, his tongue touching her belly button, then going beneath her pelvis. Kissing at the insides of her thighs, Lamont took his time. Rochelle’s head snapped back with such force it banged against the wall. She tried to cry out, but her voice caught in her throat.
As Lamont explored her with his mouth, a whirlwind of emotional pleasure cascaded over Rochelle. She couldn’t believe this was happening. She grabbed Lamont’s hair, her fingers tangled in his coarse black curls. She felt it manifesting, bubbling to the surface and until, finally, Rochelle exploded with an earth-shattering, ear-splitting climax.
Chapter Twenty Three
Saturday 18 May 2002
Morning came. Rochelle opened her eyes, taking a moment to gain her bearings. She didn’t recognise where she was immediately, light snorin
g to the left startling her. Lamont was laid half on his side in a deep sleep.
Rochelle watched him, thinking about the night before. The sex had been spectacular. After they had caught their breaths, they had headed upstairs to repeat the act. They had taken their time, exploring one another’s bodies.
Last night it all seemed perfect. Sleeping with Lamont had seemed the most natural thing in the world. Now, she felt awkward.
Climbing from the bed, Rochelle quickly dressed. She had everything on but couldn’t find her shoes. silently cursing, she hurried downstairs. The shoes were next to the table. Rochelle was about to put them on when she sensed another presence.
‘Going so soon?’ Lamont stood in the doorway clad only in some brown pyjama bottoms, his arms folded. Rochelle hadn’t even heard him enter.
‘Busy day, lots of things to do. You know?’ Rochelle said in a fake, hearty tone she didn’t recognise.
Lamont nodded. ‘I understand.’ He smiled, but there was no warmth in his tone or eyes. Rochelle knew that Lamont sensed what was going on. She didn’t need to break it down for him. Instead, she just stared. The vulnerability again flared in Lamont’s tired eyes. Rochelle opened her mouth to speak, but she couldn’t get the words out.
‘How’s things ended with us . . . I’ll always regret it, L.’ It wasn’t quite what was on her mind, but it was true.
Lamont nodded.
‘Call me if you ever want to talk,’ he said listlessly. After putting Lamont’s number in her phone, they walked to the door and shared a brief hug. Surprising herself, Rochelle leaned in for a kiss, only for Lamont to angle his head so she caught his cheek. She could smell herself on him and for a second, she squeezed tightly.
‘Take care,’ Lamont’s voice was mechanical. Rochelle didn’t know who she was seeing now. She’d thought sneaking out would be best for Lamont. He had truly changed though. Lamont wasn’t that sensitive little boy anymore, and it was because of her. With a regretful smile, Rochelle left.