Insatiable Revenge

by Cynthia Freeman Gibbs

  “What else do you recall about your time there?”

  “I transitioned from being a free independent woman with the world in my hands to one forced to function on a schedule set by other people. I woke up, ate, and went to bed when told. I couldn’t control the noise or the temperature in my cell. My body still aches from the uncomfortable bunk bed I slept on with a thin, itchy blanket and flat pillow. Privacy didn’t exist to use the bathroom or shower. I find myself still scrubbing like crazy when I bathe to make sure every nasty part of that place is off me. Even after being out for several months now, the smell remains in my nostrils to this day.” Olivia’s nose wrinkled in disgust.

  Dr. Fluellen nodded.

  Olivia’s voice shook. “I cried. A lot. I prayed. A lot. I read the Bible as I’ve never done before. I couldn’t stop thinking about Simone and Christian. It destroyed me inside wondering how they were doing. If it wasn’t for Savvy giving me updates, I would’ve lost my mind worrying about my kids. I had separation anxiety. There were times I didn’t want to live.” Olivia paused and clasped her hands together. She stared out the window. Her mouth sagged into a frown.

  “What are you thinking about now?”

  “My mind is filled with how God delivered me. Sometimes, you don’t know what you have until you’re stripped of your everyday luxuries.” Olivia offered a weak smile. “I counseled other inmates. Many of the ladies were hurting and broken. They did things out of moments of desperation. Kind of reminds me of myself. First-time offenders who were jilted by their lovers. We became a support system for each other.”

  “You’ve always had a heart for people. It explains why you were such a great psychologist. And you will be again once you get back to work.” Dr. Fluellen offered a smile of encouragement. “Based on what you’ve shared, you’re in a much better place than where you were during your first appointment with me.”

  “Thank you. I needed that confirmation.” Olivia stood and straightened her clothes. “Well. I’ve said quite a bit. Have we talked long enough to give me credit for today?”

  Dr. Fluellen glanced at his watch and rose from the chair. “We finished right on the dot.” Dr. Fluellen’s gaze lingered on Olivia. “I see you’ve cut your hair. It’s an attractive style on you.”

  “Thank you.” Olivia ran her hand across her hair to smooth any out of place strands. “I didn’t think you noticed.”

  “Of course, I noticed. It’s a change that is a good one for you. Sometimes, we must let go of some things, including hair, when going through a transformation.”

  “I like your perspective.”

  “Are you interested in dating again?”

  “Heck no. I don’t have the patience to have a man in my life right now. The stuff going on in my world is enough to handle without adding another human into the equation.”

  “Don’t swear off men forever. In time, it’ll be good for you to try again. There’s someone out there who is right for you. Believe me.”

  “I appreciate your thoughts. I miss the experience of a man treating me like I mean something to them. Having someone dote on me would be quite special. I haven’t had anything along those lines since the early days of my marriage. That’s the part I miss. The other stuff which comes with a relationship, not so much.”

  “There’s no need to rush.”

  “Dr. Fluellen…” Olivia began.

  “Wait. Please call me Blair. We know each other too well to keep calling each other doctor.”

  “Okay, fine. Blair, you are thorough which is why I chose you for my therapy. You are a good friend, brilliant, and an expert in our field. At first, embarrassment about being analyzed by any of my peers consumed me. You’ve made my experience much more palatable. I can’t thank you enough.”

  “Olivia, don’t start thanking me until you apply what we discuss. Don’t mess with my professional reputation by not showing some improvement,” Blair teased.

  “Believe me. I won’t put you to shame. You’ll see significant changes in me,” Olivia said. She placed her purse on her shoulder. “I’d better get going. Do you have the paper for me to sign to show completion of this session?”

  “Here it is,” Blair handed her a form with a pen and pointed where to write her signature. “You’re all set. I’ll see you at our next appointment.”

  “Or earlier if things get crazy.” Olivia allowed him to escort her to the door. She pivoted and put her hand on his bicep. The strength in his arm surprised her. A slight sandalwood aroma of cologne filled her nostrils, which she hadn’t noticed before. “Blair, I appreciate your help.”

  “It’s my pleasure. You’ll learn to be calm instead of choosing anger. You haven’t always been this way,” Blair reassured. “I remember the Olivia who I had a big crush on. You didn’t allow mess from anyone, although you were fun and easy-going. I couldn’t get a date with you.”

  Olivia paused and pondered for a moment. “Blair, I didn’t have time for dating in medical school. I focused on not failing my classes. You only asked me out once, or twice anyway.” Olivia tapped him on the arm with her index finger in a playful manner.

  “If I’m correct with my recollection, I asked you out seven times. I remember because I believe the number seven is one of completion. After the last rejection, I had to move on. I think you had time to date a guy from Detroit. What’s his name?” Blair snapped his fingers two times. “Oh yeah. Garrett.”

  “You don’t forget anything. I forgot all about Garrett. Nice guy. We didn’t date for long. He turned out to be a mama’s boy and she stayed in our business. Besides, you know you were pretty tacky in the way you tried to ask me out.”

  “What do you mean? I practiced my poetic lines daily to get up the nerve to ask you for a date.”

  “I could tell. You sounded like a robot. I can’t say you gave me a good reason to go out with you.”

  “Well, thanks for hurting a man’s emotions. You could’ve given a brother one inkling of a chance,” Blair said.

  “You did well for yourself in the end when you married Quinn. She’s an amazing person. When we used to study together in school, she talked about you all the time,” Olivia reminded him. In an instant, she noticed his facial expression cloud.

  “She’s an incredible woman. I still miss her every day. Seeing her in the psychiatric ward is tough. It wasn’t easy to commit her last month, although it had to be done.” The tone of their conversation changed from jovial to sadness.

  “I’m sorry to bring Quinn up. Please accept my apology.”

  “It’s fine. I wouldn’t wish her condition on anyone you love. She’s still exhibiting extreme paranoia and delusional thoughts. I don’t know what they’ll do for her at this point.”

  “It seems like only yesterday when I witnessed her receiving awards for her work in the community. She discovered solutions for everything. My prayers are with you and her for her recovery.”

  Olivia took Blair by the hand to offer sincere comfort. Once again, his well-pampered life showed by the lack of callouses and softness of his palm. Her eyes darted across his face to assess if he appeared okay with their discussion.

  “I appreciate it.” Blair squeezed Olivia’s hand. He held it a moment before letting it go.

  “You know what? I’ll go visit her. I’m sure she would benefit from seeing a familiar face,” Olivia suggested.

  “Uh. No. You can’t see her.” Blair rubbed the back of his head where hair remained.

  Olivia stared at him in surprise at his sharp response. “Why not? It’ll be therapeutic for her.”

  “Not in this case. I’ve restricted her from having outside visitors. She isn’t well and I’m sure she’d be embarrassed for anyone in her circle of colleagues to find her in this state of mind.” Blair’s firmness in his voice correlated with the frown on his face.

  “Oh. Okay. As you wish. I’m trying to help in any way I can.” Olivia waved her hand to dismiss her offer.

/>   “Well, um, help by staying away from her,” Blair snapped. “Focus on yourself right now.”

  “Well, excuse me.” Olivia’s skin prickled from his attitude. She cleared her throat and tried not to take his rudeness in a personal way. “Yeah. Sure. You’re right. Look. I’m sorry if you think I’m out of order. I’m not trying to pry into Quinn’s privacy.”

  “You’re fine. I know you have good intentions. You better get going.” Blair inched closer to the door. His voice had gruffness, which wasn’t there before. Let me know if you need anything.” Blair switched to his prior personality before the mention of Quinn.

  Olivia noticed the tension left his face. She relaxed and figured he must be a wreck about his wife’s state of mind. “You don’t know how much it means to me to have you be here for me. Thank you.”

  Blair’s eyes softened and he patted her shoulder. “Whatever you need. I’ve got you covered. Forever. Have a good night.”

  Olivia left the office still ticked off by his attitude about her suggestion to visit Quinn. She brushed it from her mind for the time being.

  NINE

  Savvy

  The Friday night wine enthusiasts packed into the posh, upscale bistro wine bar. Bright colored leather couches and chairs made for lounging added to the sexy vibe. Local artist’s latest projects decorated the walls, with price tags attached for purchase. The crooning voice of a man above the tinkling keys of a piano mingled with the sound of champagne corks popping and animated conversations.

  Savvy arrived thirty minutes early to secure a table for four. She glanced at her phone to check the app which contained the pictures of the two guys they were to meet. After scanning the room, she didn’t see anyone who appeared to be them.

  Her phone rang in her hand and an unknown number popped onto the screen. She pressed the button to answer. “Hello?”

  “Hello, beautiful. I’ve been thinking about you since I’ve been on the road.” Kolby’s sultry voice boomed into the earpiece. Music blaring in his car, in addition to the sounds surrounding her, made it difficult to hear him speak.

  Savvy pressed the phone to her ear. “Oh, hey, Kolby. How are you?” A smile spread across her face.

  “I’m good. Rolling up the highway and hoping to pick up our conversation where we left off on Monday.”

  Savvy frowned. “Kolby. I’m having trouble understanding you. Turn your music down, please.”

  The music through the phone was reduced. “My bad. I didn’t know you could hear it.”

  “Yeah. It sounded like a rap concert in your car,” Savvy laughed.

  “Music keeps me awake when I’m on these roads.”

  “Get off the highway to buy coffee if you get sleepy,” Savvy suggested. She glanced at the front door as people continued to file in. No sight of Olivia or the guys.

  “I’ve gone through two cups already. I’m hoping you’ll talk to me for the rest of my trip. I have another hour to go before I get to Dallas.”

  Savvy crinkled her brows. “Talk to you for an hour? Kolby. I’m in a bar right now waiting for friends to arrive. I’ll stay on the phone with you until they get here. We’ll have to catch up later.”

  “Oh. You’re in a bar? You don’t look like the type of girl who hangs in bars.” Kolby’s voice had a slight edge to it.

  “It’s a bistro wine bar. Classy and upscale. Not a hole in the wall kind of place.”

  “Of course. You’re too good for a hole in the wall. Someplace fancy. I get it. You and your girls having a night out?” Kolby replied, his tone inundated in doubt.

  Savvy ignored his question. “One of my classmates from FAMU owns it. It’s nice and they get a good crowd here.”

  “Fammoo? What’s that?”

  “FAM-U.” Savvy emphasized the U. “It’s where I attended college in Tallahassee. FAMU is short for Florida A&M University.”

  “Oh. Yeah. Okay. I see y'all bitin’ off Texas A&M.”

  “No. They’re two different schools altogether. Nothing in common at all. FAMU is an HBCU that stands for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”

  “I know what an HCBU is. I ain’t stupid,” Kolby said with sudden sharpness.

  Savvy turned her head to the side and released a long breath. “Umm…that’s H-B-C-U,” Savvy corrected “I wasn’t implying you were stupid. Sometimes people don’t know what it is. I apologize if I offended you by explaining.”

  “No problem, sweetie. Well, since you’re busy with your college friends, I’ll hit you up later. What time will you be home?”

  Savvy didn’t like how Kolby’s personality changed to one with a possessive edginess. “I don’t know. It’ll probably be late.”

  “Just give me a time to call you. How about ten? You think you’ll be home?”

  “I have no idea. It’s Friday night. I’m out to have a good time. I can’t tell you when I’ll be home.”

  “You hangin’ in the streets all night?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Girl. I’m messin’ with you,” Kolby laughed. “I don’t want to call at an indecent time. How about you call me when you get home?”

  “We’ll talk tomorrow.”

  “Sweetie, you’re the one who told me to call you on Friday and that’s what I did. I need to make sure you get home safely.

  I want to listen to your beautiful voice before I go to bed tonight.”

  Impatience began to mount in Savvy’s chest. “Kolby, thank you for your concern. I do well about seeing myself home since I’ve been doing it for a long time. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

  The door at the entrance swung open and she spotted Olivia rushing in from outside with a scarf tied around her hair. She covered the mouthpiece of the phone and yelled, “Olivia. I’m here.” Savvy waved her hand in the air to get her attention. She spoke into the phone. “I need to go now. One of my friends has arrived.”

  Kolby hesitated in speaking. “Alright. I guess you need to go be with your friends. I’ll call you tomorrow. Bye.” The call ended.

  Excitement radiated from Olivia’s face when she spotted Savvy. The room became her runway even with the simple act of removing her coat. New confidence showed in the way she maneuvered her tall frame through the crowd like a model.

  Savvy noticed a few guys turning to check her friend out in the royal blue, fitted, knee-length dress, which accentuated her mahogany-colored skin. Men’s lingering eyes indicated their interest in her plunging neckline. She passed their table as if they didn’t exist.

  “Hey Savvy. It’s a good thing you got here early. This place will be packed before we know it.” The two engaged in a brief hug before settling into their seats.”

  “Okay. Remove the scarf. Show me this new hairstyle you’ve been talking about. I’m sure the pictures you sent this week don’t do it justice.”

  “Alright. Here we go.” Olivia slid the scarf from her head and revealed her hair.

  “Oh my gosh. Olivia, you look amazing. I love your haircut. Sexy.” Savvy clapped her hands. “Turn your head to the side. I want to check out the back.”

  Olivia rubbed her hand on the nape of her neck and turned to the side. “I’m glad you like it. You know I’ve been talking about getting it cut to start my new life with a different look. I finally got the nerve to have it done. I love the way it turned out.”

  “Obviously, those guys at the table near the entrance like it too. They about broke their necks trying to get a good look at you.”

  “Girl. I ain’t thinkin’ about men. I have enough problems without dealing with another knucklehead.”

  “By the way, thank you for agreeing to double date. We may hit the jackpot tonight. You know you need to get back into the dating scene.”

  “Who? Me? Puh-leaze.” Olivia waggled her finger at Savvy and rolled her eyes. “I know you’re not suggesting I start dating while I’m still a married woman, are you?”

  “No, I’m not. You’ve alrea
dy filed for divorce and waiting for it to be final. It won’t hurt for you to meet new people. I’m serious, Olivia. It’s time to move on. Get a man lined up for when everything is over.”

  “Hold your thought. I think I see our girl.” Olivia ignored Savvy’s statement. She waved her hand and called out toward a woman making her way around to each table to greet guests. “Zoriyah. Come here when you get a chance.”

  Zoriyah’s dazzling smile filled her face upon seeing Olivia and Savvy. She excused herself from the people she chatted with and trotted in high heels to their table.

  “Hey, FAMUly. My girls. How are y’all doin’? It’s about time y’all showed your faces.” Zoriyah wore a flowing, multicolored floral dress. Her golden sisterlocks were wrapped into a French-roll bun. She had the appearance and glow of an African queen.

  Olivia and Savvy stood and embraced Zoriyah with squeals of delight from reuniting.

  “It’s been a minute since we’ve been in here,” Olivia said.

  “We need to do better. You have quite a crowd tonight,” Savvy chimed in.

  “Business has been booming for the last couple of months. We changed chefs and added a few international wines to our list. In an instant, we had an increase in the number of people visiting,” Zoriyah beamed.

  “What a blessing. By the way, where’s your hubby?” Olivia asked.

  “He’s helping at the bar. Amir is keeping an eye on the new bartender we hired. Can’t have him pouring too much wine,” Zoriyah laughed.

  “Except for in our glasses,” Savvy exclaimed.

  “Of course. What are you ladies having tonight?” Zoriyah asked.

  Olivia perused the wine menu. “I see you added a Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc to the list. Savvy, are you good with this one?”