ALittleTasteofHome

by AliyahBurke

  “No. I didn’t want to leave you in trouble.”

  “Hon, trouble is my middle name. When do you two leave?”

  “Four days. We are getting married tomorrow. Will you stand up with me?”

  Sanura smiled through the pain that laced her heart. “Of course. Reception here after?”

  “Yes. That way I can say goodbye to everyone.”

  “God, I am going to miss you, Ali.”

  “Me too, Mac.”

  At the same time both women stood and walked up towards the front of the restaurant. Everyone knew about Allison leaving and so when Sherry and Allison headed back to the office it was pretty clear what was going on. Sanura began her usual walkthrough, checking on the patrons. She didn’t notice him until she got to his table. His head was tipped in with the other two with him. One was Clint and the other… the other was Mr. Harris himself.

  “Good morning, gentlemen. How is everything today?”

  All three looked up at her and smiled.

  “Fine, just fine,” came the cultured tones of Mr. Harris.

  “Wonderful. Let me know if I can get you anything else. Mr. Hartford, Mr. Rawlins, good to see you again.”

  “Oh, you know these two gentlemen?” Mr. Harris asked. He was a distinguished looking man. Fit and lean, he had a few streaks of silver at his temple.

  Sanura grinned. “I try to know all of the guests that come in. Yes, I know them. Pretty well. They come in here often.”

  Gavin jumped in and made introductions. “Ms. McKie, this is Mr. Harris. Mr. Harris, Ms. McKie.”

  “My pleasure to meet you, Ms. McKie.”

  “Please, everyone calls me Mac.” She smiled as she shook his offered hand.

  “Mac. And what do you do here?”

  Sanura blinked once. “I co-own this business with my best friend. This is our restaurant.”

  “Impressive. The food is wonderful and so is the service. My compliments.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “Tell me, Mac, do you have time to sit with us for a moment?” Mr. Harris questioned.

  “Is something wrong?” Her gaze flickered over all the men at the table.

  “No, I wanted your opinion on some of their drawings. They have some options of designs and I was wondering what you thought.”

  “With all due respect, sir, I know nothing of architecture and wouldn’t be any help at all. Second, from what I hear, these two are some of the best you will find.”

  “How well do you know these two?”

  The embers that had been smoldering found some oxygen and flared to life in her eyes. Sanura leaned over the table like she was about to impart a huge secret. “Well, not that it is any of your business, but I see them almost daily at their firm. And this one, here,” she pointed to Gavin, “took me on a date last night. So I should keep my opinions to myself for I might be jaded in my support of him. Good day, gentlemen.”

  * * * *

  Harris watched her stride off and chuckled as the other two exchanged glances. “I like her. She’s a spitfire. What do you think?”

  “I’ve always admired her,” Clint said.

  “And you?” The question was directed to Gavin.

  “That’s my girlfriend. So, if it is all the same, I would as soon not discuss her like this.” There was more than a hint of threat in his words.

  Something foreign flashed through Harris’ dark eyes. “Really? Good for you, son. She looks very special, hope you treat her right. Now, let’s get back to the sketches.”

  That was it? He didn’t want to say anything else about it? Gavin was drawn back into the work in front of him. Sanura didn’t stop back by and soon they had left.

  * * * *

  At the end of the day Sanura went back to the office and found both Allison and Bryce. She cleared her throat and shook her head as they sprang apart.

  “Get a room for crying out loud.”

  “Sorry,” they both said at the same time, blushes moving up their faces.

  “I am really happy for the both of you, you know. Ali, did you get Sherry filled in on things?”

  “Yes. I’m supposed to be cleaning out my desk.”

  “Is that what they’re calling it now?” she teased. “Well, I’m going home for a while. Since Julio called in sick I will be covering for him later tonight. Look, why don’t you guys take the house until you leave? I know it’s not much, but it’s free and available.”

  “No, I will not put you out of your house.” Allison shook her head vehemently.

  “All right. But tomorrow night, it is all yours. Deal?”

  “Deal.” Bryce gathered the two women close to him and hugged them tightly. “I love both of you, you know that, don’t you?” he asked.

  Sanura couldn’t speak for fear of letting them know how this was tearing her up inside, so she nodded.

  She stepped back and walked out of the office and left the restaurant after telling them when she would return. As she was getting into her Yukon her cell rang.

  “Mac.”

  “Miss me?” She smiled as she rolled her eyes at the voice that sent shivers throughout her body.

  “Maybe. What are you doing?”

  “Dreaming about you naked, next to me. I missed your voice. Stay with me tonight.” His words were low and seductive.

  “I’m closing tonight at the restaurant.”

  “So, I’ll wait. Or you can come over after. I want to fall asleep beside you. I want your warm body next to mine.”

  “I won’t be done until closer to midnight.”

  “Don’t care. Come over?”

  “I’ll be there. Leave your door unlocked and that way, if you are sleeping, I won’t have to wake you.”

  “Ohh. How would you wake me?”

  “Enough of this. I don’t have time for phone sex. I have to go home, change and come back.”

  “I miss you.”

  “You saw me earlier today and again closer to lunch.”

  “So you don’t miss me?”

  “Didn’t say that.” She shook her head.

  “Harris liked you.”

  “He’s a nosy old man.”

  “I told him you were my girlfriend.”

  Panic stopped her heart. “Why? What about your account?”

  “Because he asked me what I thought about you and so I told him.”

  “What am I going to do with you?” She grinned despite herself.

  “I can think of a few things.” He left no room for her to wonder what he meant.

  “I have to go. I want a nap. I’m still tired.”

  “Me too. Are you sore?”

  “I’m hanging up now. See ya.”

  “Bye, kitten,” he purred as he hung up.

  “Bye.” Her palms sweated as she turned onto her street and into her driveway. That man was dangerous. “Okay, Lord. Is this what love really is like? I hope this isn’t a test where you let me have it and then take it away in a flash.”

  She entered her home, changed, and lay down for her nap.

  Sanura was gathering her things when the doorbell chimed. She opened it and beyond the screen stood none other than Mrs. Rawlins. Beyond her was her driver, waiting by the black town car.

  “Yes?”

  “Open the door, girl. It’s rude to keep me out here.”

  No way, you ain’t coming in my home. “I was just leaving.” Sanura stepped out and shut and locked the door behind her. “What can I do for you?”

  “Let me see my son.”

  Her brows furrowed. “He’s not here. Why would he be here? Isn’t he at work?”

  “No, I mean if you stay away from him then he will have time for me.”

  “I don’t have any control over your son. I don’t make him do anything. From what I’ve seen of him, I don’t guess many do.”

  “Do you really think he will give you money?”

  That eyebrow reached for the sky. “Excuse me? What did you say?” Stunned beyond belief was a mild wa
y of putting how her question made Sanura feel.

  “Money. How long before you come to me claiming a child and needing money or you will tell the papers?”

  Lord, help me to remember we should respect our elders, for I am ready to knock this one into the next millennium. “What did I do to make you hate me?” Sanura was proud her voice was modulated and still polite.

  “You went after my son. Saw all his money and wanted a free ride. Even got him believing your story about getting beat up protecting someone. Who was it really, your pimp?”

  Her eyes narrowed dangerously. “I’d be careful with the next words that come out of your mouth. You have no right to judge me.”

  “You even went to his condo, pretending to do the Meals on Wheels thing. You won’t see one cent of his money. I’ll see to that. Besides, he is with Cathy. He doesn’t want you. You are a forbidden fruit to him.”

  “I believe you have worn out your welcome. Leave my house.” There was an edge to her voice that made Mrs. G. Rawlins listen. With a sniff she walked down the steps and got into the chauffeured car.

  Sanura was still mad when she reached work. Sitting in her office, she called Gavin’s cell phone and her heart shattered when she heard a female voice answer. “Hello? Who is this?”

  In the background she heard Gavin ask who it was and the woman said, “No one.” His response was, “Well, hang it up, Cathy, and come back here.”

  Tears of frustration rolled down her face. One day. She had one day of happiness. Thanks, Lord. No more men for me in this lifetime. Well, at least you took him away the day after. Sorry about the sarcasm, Lord, but come on. A break here?

  The night was long, but it was busy so her mind stayed occupied. As she closed down after everyone went home she wandered around the place. She loved it here. It was comforting and brought her a sense of peace. Lights off, she walked back to her office and stretched out on the couch. She lay in the dark for about an hour when her cell phone rang.

  Flipping it open she answered, “Mac.”

  “Where are you?” a deep voice asked.

  “Who is this?” Her brain was not helping her.

  “Your boyfriend. Remember me? It’s after one in the morning. Where are you?” His voice held more fear than anger.

  “In bed, sleeping. Like you should be doing. Goodnight.”

  “What’s wrong? Why aren’t you lying next to me? What’s bothering you? You sound like something is wrong. I thought you were coming over. Come over and talk to me if I did something wrong, or I will come to you. Sanura, don’t put a wall back up between us. Talk to me.”

  Sanura erupted. Her tone cut sharper than any knife could ever do. “Fine. You want to know what’s wrong? I leave my house today and find your mother standing outside my door. She says I am trying to trap you. That it was my pimp who beat me up and I lied about protecting someone. Then she tells me you are with Cathy. So I call you after I get back to work and damn if the bitch don’t answer your phone. What do you tell her, hang up and come back over here. Congrats, you got your lay with a black girl. Now leave me the fuck alone.”

  Click.

  * * * *

  She was gone.

  Gavin stared at his phone in shock. When everything had sunk in he rose and dressed himself. Got in his car and drove by the restaurant. Her car was there but the place was pitch black so he headed for her house—again he didn’t stop. He drove to Rawlins Manor and was let in the gate. Gavin was furious. He stormed through the front door and yelled for his mother.

  “Gavin, what are you doing here at two in the morning and why are you yelling?” She came down the stairs, looking as together as ever, which pissed him off even more.

  He raged. He fumed. While he had driven to the various places he had called Sanura back no less than four times and each time had gotten her voicemail. With an abrupt motion he stopped his mom’s next sentence by pushing redial on his phone.

  “Mac.” Her voice was languid. She spoke in that unhurried way he had come to recognize as her voice after making love. Hot waves of anger coursed his body as images of another man touching Sanura and her essence. Making her cry out in passion like she had done while in his arms.

  “Where the hell are you? Don’t you ever hang up on me again!” he thundered.

  Click.

  “Damn it!” Eyes wild, he dialed one more time. And she answered in the same way. As did he.

  Her dreamy voice became flat as she spoke, “Oh. It’s you.” He didn’t like that at all. “It’s late. Why aren’t you sleeping?”

  “Where? Are? You?” he ground out between his clenched teeth.

  “Trying to get some sleep, but someone keeps calling me.”

  “We need to talk.”

  Gavin heard her deep sigh and knew he was losing her. “About what?”

  “About what happened.”

  “Whatever. Maybe in a few days. I have a wedding tomorrow and you are keeping me awake. So goodnight.”

  “Don’t you dare hang up. We need to talk, now. Tell me where you are. I’ll come straight there. To you.” His voice deepened and became almost hesitant. “Please don’t push me away. Talk to me. Just don’t shut me out.”

  “Sorry. I have to work things out for myself. By myself, I need some time.” Movement came across the phone to his ear.

  “How much time?” His heart ripped open.

  “I can’t say. I wish it didn’t have to be this way, but. . .”

  “It doesn’t,” he broke in.

  “Stop. This isn’t easy for me you know. Do you know how easy it would be for me to fall into your arms and let you sweep me away to forget all of this? To make love to you again?” Gavin heard the tears now. “I can’t anymore. Those words your mother said killed something inside me. I . . . I have to go. I’m really tired. See ya.”

  Then she was gone. Just like that.

  Gavin shut off his phone and turned burning eyes to his mother. “You. You hateful, spiteful, bitch of a woman. Why? Tell me why you did this.”

  Gwendolyn Rawlins looked at her son. “I think it is time for me to tell you why I did this.”

  His eyes were empty as they looked down on her. “You know what? Forget it. I don’t care what your excuses are. I don’t want to see you again. You feel the need to fix your will so I don’t get any of this money, fine. Sanura is worth more than all the money you could ever leave me.” He left her alone with her bitterness and disappeared into the humid darkness.

  Back in his car Gavin pounded the dash with his fists as he tried to control his anger. One day. That’s all he had with her. It had been the best day of his life—happy, content, in love. Now it was gone. His money couldn’t help him, his status in the community couldn’t help him. The one thing he longed for had pushed him away.

  The moment he walked into his condo he got a drink. Then another and another. The next five days he stayed in his apartment and drank more and more. His phone was shut off and he didn’t answer the door. Regardless of the people that came and pounded on it. He drank and slept, and when he woke and remembered she was gone he started all over again.

  * * * *

  Sanura watched her two best friends get married and helped them pack to move overseas. They had just pulled up to the airport and the eight of them were standing in front of the security gates.

  “Well, we should be going. We have to be there early.” Bryce’s words made tears form in her eyes.

  Sanura turned to the other members of his SEAL team that were with them and started with the one closest to her. “Jase, come give me a hug.” As his thick black arms closed around her she kissed his cheek. “I’m going to miss you.”

  “Me too, Mac. Love you, girl.” He put an identical kiss on her cheek and stepped back.

  The scene was repeated with Don, a southern country boy from Alabama. Raphael, from the mean streets of New York. Greg, who had grown up on a farm in the Midwest and also Luke, who was a California boy all the way down to his blond roots.
After those five had said their goodbyes they headed through the gate to give Bryce, Allison, and Sanura a chance to say goodbye alone.

  Sanura struggled not to cry. Forcing a brave smile, she beckoned to Bryce. “Well, come on. You two have to get going and some of us have to get back to work.”

  Soon she was enfolded in his comforting embrace as he whispered into her ear, “I love you, little sister. Take care of yourself.”

  “I love you, too, Bryce. Take care of her and stay safe. Don’t forget about me.”

  “Never that, darlin’. Never that. You know how to reach us?”

  “I have everything. Don’t worry.”

  With one last squeeze she stepped back and gave him a wobbly smile. His eyes were a bit shiny as well. Sanura turned to Allison and her face scrunched up and the tears began to fall. Allison’s as well. The women locked into an embrace and cried.

  “I’m going to miss you, Ali.”

  “Me too. We’ve never been apart. What am I going to do?”

  “Keep him out of trouble and raise that baby.”

  “I don’t want to leave you here.”

  “Well, you should be with your husband. Ali, I will be fine, so will you.”

  “I am calling you the minute we get there. Don’t forget you are the godmother of this here babe.”

  “I will never forget. You are the best friend I could ever have hoped for.” Sanura pulled back from Allison, straightened her clothes and wiped her eyes. “Now go on. The world is waiting for you, Allison.”

  Allison nodded. With a deep breath she reached for her new husband’s hand and they walked to the line for security. Before she got there, though, Allison dropped Bryce’s hand and bolted back to Sanura. The two friends hugged one last time, before Bryce came and took his wife away.

  Sanura stood there watching until they had disappeared from her sight. Suddenly she was unable to stand and so she stumbled over to a bench and sat down. Sobs racked her body and it took her a while to calm herself down. When she did, she rose and walked out of the airport without looking back. Well, maybe once. She drove back to her house and kind of puttered around, not really doing anything, only feeling alone. So very alone. Then she showered and headed to the restaurant.