To Each Her Own (The Swirl Book 1)

by Sylvia Sinclair

  Maya eyed her down. “Why are you looking so smug?”

  Shasta tried to give as pleasant a face as possible. “I’m not.” She took a small sip.

  “What dates have you been on lately?”

  Shasta sat back, holding her glass. Her long, golden, rhinestone-tipped fingernails shimmered. “Oh, so now you’re going to get on me since your date went south?” Shasta bucked her head back.

  “Excuse you? I never hear your dating stories. You even said you were gonna get on Plenty of Fish, and as far as I know, you never did go fishing.” Maya reached to the side table and took hold of her wine glass as well.

  “You’re right. I didn’t. Online just isn’t for me. If I don’t run into someone, it’s not kismet. I’m wondering whatever happened to chemistry, chance meetings, and courting? Chemistry is something you’ve got to smell.”

  “It’s 2014.”

  “And?”

  “And so you’re not seeing anyone?”

  “No.” Shasta took another small sip.

  “Uh huh.” Maya took a big sip.

  Shasta set her glass down. “What? A woman can’t not date? Seriously, I’m fine with being alone. Just because I’m alone, doesn’t mean I’m lonely.” That sentence rang a bell in her head.

  “Yadda, yadda. Don’t give me that crap. We both want a man of our own. I don’t buy into it when women say they don’t need a man. We may not need one, but we sure as hell want one.”

  “True. You’re right. I do. But I won’t settle.”

  “Me neither.”

  Shasta said, “Good. So we’re on the same page.”

  “We are. I, for one, am glad that fool Mark who I dated went away and moved on. No more drunken texts. I actually saw him on Facebook. It says he’s in a relationship.”

  “You guys are Facebook friends?”

  “No. But I can see his posts.”

  “Do not go there, Maya. Stay away. You need to block him just so you can’t see him and get tempted.”

  “You know I’m nosey.”

  “Okay now. Nosey is going to backfire on you.”

  “Whatever. I even check Tyson’s page?”

  “Tyson Bain.”

  “No, Tyson Beckford. Of course Tyson Bain.” Maya smirked.

  Shasta did not. “Why?”

  “His wife tags him in a bunch of random shit. It’s a trip.”

  “Wow. Well while you’re doing all of this snooping, just make sure no one can see what you’re doing.”

  “Oh they can’t. Trust me. I check the View As link regularly.”

  “Good.” Shasta took hold of the remote. “So has the guy from last night even called?”

  “Nope. Thank, God. I’m done with men, like I said.” Maya took an even bigger sip of her wine.

  “We can’t be done. I know you want kids as much as I do.”

  “Hell, I’ll be a stepmom. That is, if he’s not still in love with his ex, like Mr. Jim Bob. But at least I’m trying to meet someone.” She gave a fake cough.

  “I will give you that. Yes, you are.”

  Maya set her glass down. “See, I never told you this, Shasta, but you know what I think the reason is that you don’t really date that much?”

  “Reason?”

  “Yes. The reason.”

  “Please. Do tell. I’ve got to hear this.” Shasta scooted back.

  “I think the reason you don’t date is because, your list is too long.”

  “My list?”

  “Yes. That list you told me about a few months ago. The one that goes on and on.”

  “Maya, it was not that long.”

  “It was too. Tell me, what was on it?”

  Shasta looked toward the TV. “I don’t remember. It’s not like I have it written down.”

  “Well what are some of the things on it? What are your wants?”

  Shasta looked up like she was reading from the ceiling. “I don’t know, tall, educated, successful, professional job, well off financially, loves God, protective.”

  “Good ones.”

  Shasta added as she looked at Maya, “Oh, and funny, honest, devoted, great lover, a gentleman, wants kids. Yes, and wants to get married. That’s something I ask right up front.”

  “I see. And?”

  She put her index finger to her chin “Likes to travel. Not on drugs, mentally stable, secure in who he is. Works out. Oh, and nice teeth.”

  “OMG! And you want all of that in one man?”

  Shasta was certain. She went on, saying, “I do. And definitely a man who doesn’t cheat. A man who isn’t hanging out at the strip club, and sitting up in bars all the time with his friends. A man who can cook. Someone who owns his own home would be nice. Someone who’s a good communicator. Someone who loves his mother. And honestly, I like Leo men. I think they’re really confident and strong. Also, Scorpio men are cool. They’re good in the bed.”

  “Shit, Shasta! He has to be a Scorpio-ho, too? And born in a certain month? How can any one man be all of that?”

  “Maybe not all of that, but most of it. As close to it as possible. Heck, what they’re getting in return is someone who works out, who’s successful, faithful, church going, and who can cook. I’m all of that and more.”

  “Maybe. But no man is most of what you just mentioned. Everyone has flaws. Even you.”

  “Of course I do.”

  “Like what?”

  “Having you as a friend.”

  Maya pointed to Shasta with her eyes. “Yeah right, very funny. And what else?”

  “Maya, you know I told you that Walter said I’m stuck in my ways. And, I’m picky. I’m way too frugal sometimes. You know I’d rather save money than spend it. I go to bed early. I like the room to be cold all the time. I even snore. Shoot. I know I’m not perfect.”

  “You snore?”

  “Yes. And?”

  “And what if you get a man who has all that’s on your list? You’re telling me he has to put up with your snoring ass?”

  Shasta gave a devilish look. “Oh, I’ll make it worth his while, now.”

  “Uh-huh. I’ll bet you will.”

  Shasta nodded. “Sure will.”

  “So tell me this. What if he has bad feet?” Maya asked.

  Shasta turned up her nose and raised her eyebrows. “Oh no. I cannot do bad feet. Sorry, Charlie.”

  “Shasta.” Maya examined her like she was sad.

  “I’m being honest.”

  “Okay, so let me ask you this. What if he’s black?”

  “Black? Now why would you ask me that?”

  “Because. I’m just wondering. Have you ever dated black men?”

  “No.”

  “Why not?”

  Shasta shrugged. “I just haven’t.”

  “Why?”

  “No reason. Heck, have you ever dated white men?”

  “Dated? No.”

  “Oh, so you’ve been with white men?

  “I said no.” Maya reached over and ran her fingertip along the rim of the wine glass.

  “Okay, so why haven’t you?”

  “Because white men don’t approach me.”

  “I’ll bet they do.”

  Maya crossed her arms as she sat. “I’ll tell you what I can bet on, because I see it with my own eyes, is that black men check you out all the time.”

  “I wouldn’t necessarily say that. But trust and believe, I’m not specifically looking for a certain race.”

  “Maybe not consciously, but subconsciously, maybe you’re excluding anyone who’s not white?” Maya sat forward and grabbed the wine bottle from the coffee table, pouring more into her glass.

  “I am not. Are you excluding anyone who’s not black?”

  “No. You want anymore wine?”

  “No, thanks.”

  Maya asked, putting the bottle back, “So if men of other races asked us out, we’d both be open, right?”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “Why not?” Maya sat back, taking h
er glass in hand.

  “Maya, I will admit that I grew up in the south. In Augusta, Georgia. There were mainly white kids in my school. But in my case it’s not so much about how I grew up. It’s how my father grew up. Back then, in the 1940’s and 50’s, things were segregated. He let it be known when I was young, that . . . well, that mixing races is something that bothered him. And I’ve had to live with understanding that about him. I didn’t talk to him in detail about it. But, I know his beliefs are deep rooted, and I respect that about him.”

  “Okay. So in respecting him, don’t you think he persuaded you to not be open to it?”

  “No. When I went to college, there were at times more blacks than whites in class. I was fine. I don’t dislike anyone based on race.”

  “I think he did persuade you.”

  “Maya, my dad was talking about not having kids that are mixed. That was his opinion. I have no problem with it. Mixed kids are beautiful.”

  “Would you have mixed kids?”

  Shasta did not hesitate. “If I did, that would mean I married outside of my race. Out of respect to my father, I just think it would be easier to not do that.”

  Maya paused, giving Shasta the side-eye. “Shasta, are you racist?”

  Shasta’s voice grew. “No! How could you even ask me that? Would I be sitting up here with you if I was?”

  Maya titled her head. “Excuse you, but please don’t give me that mess about since you have black friends, that means you’re not racist. Having black friends, and sleeping with or marrying or spending a lifetime with black people are two very different things.”

  “Well, as you noticed, my list of what I want did not include that he needs to be white.”

  “It didn’t include that he can be black either.” Maya shook her head. “I don’t know about you.”

  “Yes you do. You know I’m not like that.” Shasta crossed her pale, thick legs away from her thin, brown friend.

  Maya gave a wink and a small grin, and took another sip from her glass as the doorbell rang. “You’re good in my book.”

  “I know I am.” Shasta stood, wearing black shorts, grabbed some cash from the table, and headed to the front door, switching her curvy hips.

  Maya said, “You’ll find the right man. Black, brown, or green. And by the way, with you being Scorpio, another Scorpio is a good sign for you. Your element is water. Compatible personalities, in and out of bed.”

  “Okay, Ms. Cleo.”

  “Don’t make me laugh. I know signs. Don’t hate.”

  “I see that.”

  “Call me now!” she yelled, giggling.

  Shasta giggled too as she opened the door. “Just waiting for my last love, fortune teller.”

  A young, tall, muscular black man stood before her, holding the large pizza box and two-liter Pepsi, saying, “Well hell, can I be your last love then?”

  Shasta replied, barely smiling, “Excuse me?” She put her hand along her waist. “I’d like to know, what happened to the day when pizza delivery guys would simply say, ‘Pizza Delivery!’”

  “I would’ve, but you answered the door looking drawn all perfect, and threw me off. I do apologize.” His eyes were somewhere near Shasta’s hips.

  She noticed him looking, slowly saying, “It’s okay.”

  He looked serious as a heart attack. “So, the answer’s no?”

  She looked back at Maya who simply watched the two, grinning, sipping her wine like she was watching a reality show.

  Shasta looked back at him. “What’s your name?”

  “Kyle.”

  “Kyle, huh?” She shifted her weight to her other leg. “Well, honestly Kyle, instead of answering your question, all I need tonight is that big old meat lover’s pizza with green peppers and extra cheese that you’re holding in your hands that smells so good. Oh, and the soda.” She stared at his full chestnut lips, and then looked at the box.

  “Well that’s what’s in here.” His eyes stayed on her.

  “Good. Can I have it please?” She opened her right hand and showed him the cash she’d been holding, and then extended her left hand. “Here’s twenty-five dollars. You keep the change. I’ll take the pizza.”

  “Not my first choice, but, you say so.”

  “I say so.”

  He took the money and handed her the pizza.

  She balanced the box as she also took the soda. “By the way, does your boss know you’re offering yourself up to customers upon the ring of a doorbell?”

  He looked sure. “Honestly. I don’t even care.”

  “Really?”

  “If I had a chance to call you, this job would be the least of my worries.”

  She again looked at his lips. All she could say was, “Well, Kyle, you have a good night.”

  He held his hand out and showed her the cash she had given him. “It’s on me. The pleasure was all mine. Trust me.”

  She hugged the soda bottle like a baby to free her hand and, grabbing hold of the doorknob. “As I said, have a good night.”

  “Goodnight, beautiful.”

  Shasta closed the door without taking the money, turning to see Maya give her a curious eye.

  “Look at you, hot stuff. Getting hit on by the brothers. Again. Told you.”

  Shasta walked to the coffee table. “Please. It does not happen that much.”

  “Oh, but it does. And each time, you do what you just did. Not a damn thing.”

  Shasta set the pizza box and Pepsi on the table and then sashayed into the kitchen. Her voice grew louder the further she got. “What do you mean nothing? I just don’t think that man should be hitting on any woman while on the job. And while on a pizza delivery job at that, offering to pay. He couldn’t make enough money for all that smooth Mack Daddy mess.”

  Maya spoke up, too. “Oh, so I guess he didn’t fit your list? You surely think pizza delivery is not a profession. But for all you know he owns the place.”

  “I doubt it. And Maya, please do me a favor. Leave the list subject alone. Dang!” Shasta grabbed two paper plates, a few paper towels from the roll, and two plastic red cups from the pantry.

  “I’m just telling you the truth.”

  Shasta headed back to the sofa and looked over at the wall clock. “I say we watch this TV show you missed.” She put everything on the table and sat on the other end of the sectional.

  Maya grabbed a plate and a slice of pizza.

  Shasta exhaled. “Maya, maybe white men are intimated by you, and perhaps black men are more secure, bolder maybe. I don’t know.” Shasta leaned forward and took a slice as well. “You ever thought about that?”

  “I don’t know. But I know one thing. Black men like you. Maybe because of all that backside you’re draggin’ around. I mean you are in the ATL. But don’t be scared.”

  Shasta looked back at her friend. “Right now, all I’m trying to do is watch our girl Olivia. Okay?”

  “Okay. But let me tell you one more thing about the list if I may. You might want to take the tall requirement off of it. Because girl, I am telling you . . . short men, they slay in the bedroom.” Maya bit into her pizza.

  Shasta opened her mouth to prepare to take a bite, and then stopped. “Oh, and you know this from experience?”

  Maya chewed and spoke. “I just know.”

  Shasta put her pizza on the paper plate and reached for the remote, pressed Recorded TV and then Play, and turned up the volume, putting the remote down. She leaned back with the plate, put her feet up and tossed a black throw over her legs.

  Maya said, “This damn show is swirl central. Olivia ain’t scared.”

  “Shut up, girl! The two of us . . . that’s all the swirl I can take.”

  “Ha-ha.” They both stared at the opening scene. “Damn that white boy Jake is fine!” Maya licked her lips and then bit into her pizza again.

  Shasta said, “That’s what I’m talking about. That’s me all day long.” In her mind though, she was thinking about meeting Ramón the next
night. And what she felt was anything but scared.

  Chapter 3

  Sandy Springs, GA

  The next night, the place was Taco Mac in the Prado Shopping Center at the busy intersection of Roswell Road and 285. As usual, the place was crowded. Ramón had already secured a table, and had sent Shasta a text letting her know to walk straight in and to the left. He sat near the bar with a great view of the many HD TV’s in every direction. There were over eighty of them.

  He stood as she walked up. She stepped to him like a runway model, in her black Calvin Klein slingbacks. He moved in for a hug. “Hey you. There you are.”

  “Hello, Ramón.” Shasta inhaled him, hugging him back.

  He looked back toward the path she had walked. “Dang, all eyes are on you. Do you always cause a riot wherever you go?”

  She looked oblivious. “What?” she replied, looking back briefly. She saw two gentlemen at a small table staring her down.

  She turned back. “Oh, no one even notices me.”

  “Yeah, right.” Ramón was all smiles as he waited for her to sit first.

  She scooted over and placed her large black and white bag next to her hip while she crossed her legs. Her tight white dress showed every curve, and the neckline was just low enough to expose the meeting of her cleavage. She watched him look at her.

  He sat, wearing baggy jeans and a blue tee.

  She asked, “What are you wearing? Smells good.”

  “It’s called, Very Sexy for Him. It’s by Victoria’s Secret.”

  “Oh really? It smells really nice on you. Very sexy indeed.” She folded her arms along the table.

  He nodded and flashed a dimple. “Well thank you. I’ll have to buy some more.”

  “Yes, you will.” She noticed his hairline. “Do you cut your own hair? Each time I see you, it’s like you just got it cut.”

  “I do actually. I can work my way with a clipper pretty well.”

  “I see. Nice.”

  He grinned. “Oh, talk that talk, now. You get an extra appetizer and a glass of boxed wine with those words.”

  She grinned and shook her head, then picked up the menu. “Speaking of drinks, did you order anything yet?”

  “No. I was waiting for you. They have every beer on draft you could ever want. Are you a beer girl?”