Never Too Soon

by Tamika Christy

  “You promise?” he asked in between kisses.

  “I promise.”

  “You promise to do that thing I like too?” He held her again, and she giggled.

  “Maybe.”

  “Well hello,” a familiar voice said from behind them. Holy hell. The hairs on the back of Anaya’s neck stood up, and she stepped away from Carl.

  Anaya wiped her lips. If she were Spiderman, she’d weave a web and climb out of the building through the roof. She felt Carl’s steady breathing behind her.

  “Professor Jackson. How are you?” Carl’s greeting was chilly. Carl and Jeff shook hands while Anaya focused her attention on a package of pink plastic sunglasses near the end of the aisle. Maybe everyone can wear these at the baby shower.

  “I’m good.” Anaya saw Jeff look past Carl at her and the sunglasses. She slipped on a pair.

  “How have things been going with you, man?” Jeff asked Carl.

  “Can’t complain. Are you still teaching?”

  “Nah, no time. How about you? Social work was your field, right?”

  Anaya felt lightheaded.

  “Yeah. Social work.” Now Carl looked over at her, brow slightly furrowed. He’s probably wondering why I’m so far away . . . looking at stupid things.

  “Are you finding everything you need?” Jeff called over to her. She turned to them as if she had just realized they were there.

  “Me?” She pointed to herself. “Oh! Yeah, I’m good. Just picking up some stuff. How are you?” She pretended as if she hadn’t just spent the past two hours with him in a meeting or the past two months working with him.

  “I’m great, since I last saw you a few minutes ago.” Jeff chuckled. “Just came here to pick up some things for my daughter’s birthday party. You’re here for the baby shower supplies you were telling me about?”

  Holy hell. It was a miracle that she wasn’t visibly drenched in sweat because she felt it pouring from her armpits. The Zantac wasn’t working.

  “Yup,” she said, staying at the end of the aisle. The distance allowed her to compare both men’s physiques and expressions. Admiration lurked in the depths of Jeff’s eyes while Carl’s confusion was quickly turning to anger.

  “Funny seeing you here.”

  “Yup.” Jeff wasn’t getting the hint. He was smart, but not smart enough.

  “Better get your break in now. Tonight is going to be a late one. I think Sue is calling in for Italian, but I told her to order a salad for you.” He winked at her. “I know how you roll. Did you read that email from Wendy’s secretary?”

  Beads of sweat dripped down the back of her neck. She wanted to throw something at Jeff to get him to knock it off, but it wasn’t his fault she had been deceptive.

  “No, not quite yet, Jeff.”

  “Well, they are doing exactly what we talked about last night.”

  “Really? That’s, uh, that’s interesting.”

  “Yeah. Well, I got all my goods so I have to get back.” He held up a roll of streamers and some pink plates. He turned to Carl. “All right, man, good seeing you.”

  “Take care,” Carl said. Anaya could tell he was trying to keep his cool.

  “I will see you shortly,” Jeff said, pointing a finger at Anaya.

  She wanted to break something. Anything.

  “See you.” She sounded like a wounded bird.

  She had no memory of buying anything, and when she and Carl got outside, the walk to her car took a lifetime. She put her things in the trunk. Carl wasn’t much for making a scene, and Anaya was grateful. But when she went to the driver’s side where Carl was holding her door open, his eyes were narrowed.

  “What’s going on?”

  “I, um . . . the county contracted Jeff to work on the naval base project. His, um, his firm is familiar with construction stuff and contracts,” she said quietly. She wanted to leave and have this conversation somewhere else, but deep down, she knew that might just be her way of delaying this inevitable conversation.

  “When?”

  “Huh?”

  “When did this happen?” He’d never raised his voice at her before, and she shrank back.

  “Um, a couple of months ago,” she mumbled.

  “A couple what?”

  “A couple of months ago,” she repeated, louder. She couldn’t look at the betrayal on his beautiful face. She had made a terrible mistake.

  “And you were going to tell me about this when?”

  “Eventually.”

  “Eventually when? Eventually in a few weeks? Eventually in a few hours?”

  “V-very soon,” she stammered.

  Carl’s fury rose with the volume of his voice. “So, you are working with your ex-boyfriend and you didn’t tell me? Any other old boyfriends you have hanging around that I don’t know about?”

  She reached out a hand to him, but he stepped away.

  “Carl, please. I’m sorry.”

  “That’s the best you have for me, Ny? The man that you were in love with and left me for six years ago starts working with you, apparently with late nights and Italian food, and you decide not to tell me anything?”

  She tried to interrupt, to explain more, but Carl kept going.

  “I trusted you!” he said. “After what happened at my place, I was worried about what you might be thinking about me and Zendaya, and you were the one with the secrets all along!”

  Without giving Anaya a chance to respond, he walked over to his car, got in, and drove away.

  TWENTY TWO

  Anaya had to admit that Catie’s baby shower turned out more fabulous than she had expected. She had poured all her extra energy into the party in order to avoid thinking about Carl. And Jeff. The reality of life without Carl after the scene from the party store two weeks ago still hadn’t settled in her mind. She kept wondering when Carl would call, and then she would remember. How could I be so stupid?

  She turned her focus back to the party. Selected for its view, the room in the Ritz Carlton was arranged in lounge style with half a dozen bar tables along the wall, each holding hors d’oeuvres including tiny chicken and waffle sliders, bacon-jalapeno deviled eggs, macaroni and cheese cups, crudités, and cucumber rounds. The five ten-person tables had beautiful centerpieces of purple and white hydrangeas in tall crystal vases. The white chocolate fountain poured its never-ending decadence in front of a six-foot lavender and white rose wall that read Catie’s Fabulous New Addition. The hotel didn’t offer Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, as Catie had requested, but Anaya ordered the music from Amazon.

  Anaya was chic in a strapless, wide-legged jumpsuit with her hair pulled into a low bun with a middle part. With half an hour to go before the party started, she passed in and out of the main room making sure everything was perfect.

  “Please move the fountain back from this walkway. I would hate for someone to get that on their clothes,” Anaya said to one of the waiters.

  “Can we center that photo of Catie and Antoine a little more?” Anaya tilted her head to the side. “It’s off.”

  “Exactly who was in charge of folding the napkins? Do it over please.”

  “Anaya, where are the balloons?” Sophie asked as she put the satin and lace favors on the tables. “I think that’s the only thing missing.”

  Anaya had delegated balloon duty to Ava, who had apparently delegated it to Joe.

  “Joe is going to drop off the balloons when he picks up the boys.” That was Ava’s excuse anyway. As guests started to arrive, the boys played tag around the rose wall and had their way with the purple mini cupcakes. Joshua was napping in his car seat.

  Catie arrived, looking radiant in a white, floor-length, off-the-shoulder chiffon gown with a lavender floral crown. As soon as she saw Anaya, she rushed over.

  “Oh my God, Ny. I can’t believe how incredible it looks in here. That rose wall! I feel like a Kardashian. And this view. It’s perfect.” Catie looked around in delight. “And you look gorgeous. I love your hair pulled bac
k that way.”

  Anaya smiled, all the stress from hours of preparation melting away as she took in her friend’s joy. “I’m glad you approve. Just enjoy yourself and entertain your guests. And no one is as stunning as you, my friend.” Anaya hugged Catie and thought she saw a tear.

  No way. Is she crying? Something is going on with her lately.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yes.” Catie blinked rapidly so as not to ruin her perfect makeup. “I just can’t believe you guys did all of this for me.”

  Anaya grabbed her in another hug. “Girl, you know we love you. And we were not going to let your shower be anything short of extraordinary. You wouldn’t let us.” She winked.

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I underestimated you though. A chocolate fountain? Wow.”

  Anaya snapped her fingers and did a slight neck roll. “White chocolate fountain. Nothing less than the best for you.”

  London, Catie’s only childhood friend that Anaya knew of, walked over wearing a huge smile and a tiny dress.

  “What’s this little love fest happenin’ without me?” London said, hugging Anaya and Catie. “It’s litty up in here.”

  “Just trying to get your girl to enjoy herself.”

  “Uh-uh, honey.” London grabbed Catie’s shoulder. “This party is for you. Get out there and enjoy thyself. No wallflowers, boo-boo. Mingle.”

  “Okay, okay.” Catie paused, then smiled again. “I love you guys.”

  London dramatically put her hand to her ear. It was rare to hear such warm sentiments from Catie. “Say what now?”

  Catie rolled her eyes. “Nothing. Just wanted to say thanks for the party.”

  “Thanks for helping, London,” Anaya said after Catie walked away.

  “Chile, please. Caitlin is my girl. Any celebration for her, I’m going to be there.” London towered over Anaya in five-inch heels. “She looks great, doesn’t she?”

  “Yep. She’d look even better if she didn’t have to dodge my nephews.” Anaya frowned at Hezekiah and Jeremiah as they ran past. Sweet Jesus, why couldn’t Ava control those boys?

  “They’re boys, that’s how boys behave,” said Troy, walking over to Anaya. It was hard to describe Troy’s outfit. She wore suspenders, a newsboy cap, and a scarf that looked like it belonged to a train conductor.

  “Boys or not, they aren’t supposed to be here, and they aren’t supposed to be behaving like . . .” Anaya searched for the right word.

  “Savages?” London drawled.

  “You are too hard on them,” Troy said easily. “They are just having fun. No one’s even noticed them.”

  “Yeah.” London rubbed her neck and pointed. “Especially not that lady who just spilled wine all over her dress trying to step over the one that growls all the time.”

  Anaya gasped as the woman rushed off to the bathroom. That did it.

  Troy caught her by the arm. “Don’t stress. Everything is beautiful. The boys being here isn’t that big a deal. Trust me.”

  “I hope not,” Anaya said, exhaling deeply. She smoothed out her jumpsuit and smiled. It was nice to have the input of a levelheaded person. “Thanks for coming, Troy. Help yourself to the food. The games will start soon.”

  Someone behind Troy waved. It was Marie and Wanda—Uncle Riley’s ex-girlfriend and Antoine’s mother. They each carried a large bag.

  “Hey aunties,” Anaya said, rushing over to them and giving each a kiss on the cheek. Wanda wore a floral print dress and had her hair pulled back, while Marie was wearing a fitted pink jumpsuit with strappy heels.

  “Wanda is all set with the games, and I have the prizes,” Marie said.

  Troy turned to look at Wanda at the mention of the woman’s name.

  “Great,” Anaya said overly brightly before Troy could say anything. “There’s a table over there where you can set everything up.”

  As Marie and Wanda left, Troy turned to Anaya. “That’s the woman Riley was with for ten years? In those Clarke shoes? My grandmother wore those.”

  “Keep it civil, Troy.” Anaya started to walk toward Ava to check on Joe’s status, but Troy grabbed her arm.

  “I could’ve done games, Ny. You know that’s my thing! Why didn’t you ask me?”

  You could have, but you didn’t volunteer. I’ve been working on this shower for months. “I didn’t even think about it, Troy. And Wanda volunteered. Next party, though.” Anaya excused herself. She saw Troy head in the direction of the game table where Marie and Wanda were setting up. Please don’t make a scene, Troy. Uncle Riley and Wanda are over and done.

  She found Ava standing by the rose wall. The party would be over by the time the balloons arrived, and now the boys were jumping around like frogs. Sweet Jesus.

  “Ava, when is Joe getting here with the balloons and picking up the boys? They shouldn’t be here.”

  “He will be here soon,” Ava said calmly, examining a lavender rose. “He’s going to take the boys to get Halloween costumes.”

  “You said that an hour ago and he’s still not here,” Anaya said between her teeth. I don’t care where he takes them as long as they’re gone. And where did you get money for Halloween costumes?

  “He will be here, sister dear. Chill. It’s too beautiful in here for you to be uptight.” She strolled away without a care in the world, leaving Anaya shaking with rage.

  This was typical Ava. There was no urgency whatsoever in her life. She had only been responsible for bringing the balloons to the party, and she couldn’t even manage to deliver on that. And it didn’t even bother her!

  Anaya was arranging Catie’s gifts when she felt a tap on her shoulder.

  “Go and get your uncle’s girlfriend,” Marie hissed over Anaya’s shoulder. “She’s over there gushing about Riley to Wanda like somebody wants him.”

  “Oh my goodness,” Anaya said exasperated. “Wanda and Riley dated eons ago. Wanda doesn’t want him.”

  “Exactly. But Troy is over there acting like it’s all fair in love and war.”

  “Wanda can handle her,” Anaya said dismissively. “I’m not worried about it.” She couldn’t micromanage every relationship when she was the hostess.

  Marie shrugged and walked to the bar.

  “What’s wrong, Ny?” Sophie walked by carrying a bag of extra favors.

  Anaya sighed. “A lot, but my biggest concern is Ava. The balloons aren’t here, and the boys are behaving like hoodlums.”

  “They’re always like that.”

  “At home. This is not the place for it.”

  “Yeah, I noticed they were a little turned up. Where’s Joe?”

  “Who knows? At the gym? At church? Saving souls who don’t want to be saved? Lifting things that don’t need to be lifted? He’s anywhere and everywhere except work or here.”

  “The games are starting now!” called Marie, getting the attention of the guests. Anaya smiled as she watched from a distance, doing her rounds of the food and drink tables to make sure everything was perfect. After the games, the guests mingled, munched on cupcakes, and took pictures in front of the rose wall.

  It was only after the first guest left that Joe finally showed up with the balloons.

  “Seriously?” Sophie whispered to Anaya. “Is he really just getting here with the balloons?”

  “I can’t even begin to address this because I will go off completely,” Anaya fumed. “Please handle it, Sophie.”

  Sophie saluted and went to Ava and Joe near the door.

  By the time most of the guests had left, Anaya could see Catie was exhausted. She had seemed far more emotional all day than Anaya had ever seen her.

  “You all right, girl?” Anaya asked. Catie had propped her feet up on a chair and was fanning herself. Anaya pulled out a chair next to her. She could take a break from cleaning up for a moment. The others who had stayed to help drifted over, as if Anaya sitting down gave them permission to take their own breaks.

  “Yes, a little overwhelmed. I think this pregnancy
is making me emotional.”

  “You were fabulous today.” Anaya kissed Catie’s cheek.

  “This party was phenomenal. I can’t believe how creative you are,” Catie gushed.

  Ava came over and sat next to Catie with a look of tranquility. “Next, we will be planning your bridal shower.” She patted Catie on the thigh. “You didn’t do it in the right order, but that’s fine.”

  Anaya and Sophie exchanged glances. Why must Ava always put her foot in her mouth? Why?

  “What is that supposed to mean?” Catie leaned away from Ava. Her tone was light, but her face had darkened.

  “You know what I mean,” Ava shrugged her shoulders. “People typically get married first and then have a baby.”

  “That’s funny. I thought people typically do whatever the hell they want to do. Besides, what makes you think I’m getting married?”

  “Well, you are already with child, so it would seem to me that the next Christ-like step is marriage.”

  Catie looked like she was about to spit fire. “And you are with three children and a fourth on the way, so it would seem that the next Christ-like step would be for you and Joseph to seek gainful employment.”

  “Fine,” Ava said, shrugging again. “Just trying to keep you grounded in Christ.”

  London stood up. “Hell, y’all over here talking about Christ? That’s my cue to go. I have a date, boo.” She said her goodbyes and promised to call Catie later.

  “Ny, I just realized Aunt Deb didn’t come,” Catie said. “Why didn’t you invite her?”

  “I did, but she said something about the North Node, so she needed to travel east.”

  “North Node?” Catie shrugged. “Aunt Deb and her astrology.”

  “She sent a gift though.” Anaya pointed at a big purple bag on the loaded gift table.

  “Aw, she’s so sweet.”

  “She knows motherhood is a big deal. It takes some people a lifetime to get it right.” Anaya reached over and rubbed Catie’s belly.

  “Antoine is going to make a great father,” Marie said, and Wanda smiled at her. “He reminds me of Allen.” She paused and frowned. “Twenty years ago Allen, not this new Allen.”