An Unexpected Love (Women's Fiction/BWWM Romance)

by Stacy-Deanne

  He touched her hair. “I hope I brightened your day. I could barely contain myself getting over here.”

  “When did you get out?” She stood at the front of her desk.

  “Last night.”

  “We talked on the phone for hours yesterday.” She sat at her desk. “Why didn’t you tell me you were getting out? I would’ve…”

  “Come to get me? I know.” He sat down in the chair across from her desk. “I wanted to surprise you.”

  “You did.” She propped her arms on the desk. “I can’t believe you’re here. It’s so strange to be together outside of Wellington.”

  “Yeah.” He snickered. “But it feels good. It feels right. I’ve never felt this optimistic after being released before, and I know it’s because of you.”

  “You look great.”

  She tried to slow her breathing. God, he looks good in that suit.

  “You look like a completely different person than the one I first met,” he said. “And this place is fantastic. I never realized it was so big. It doesn’t look that big from the outside.”

  “Yep, it’s huge, but I can manage it.”

  “I bet you can. I heard you barking orders in there. You usually ride so hard?”

  She giggled with her hand over her mouth. “I’m a perfectionist, and my job’s one of a few things I have control over.”

  “Hopefully I’ll be returning to work soon too. I’m supposed to talk to the principal next week.”

  “I’m sure they’ll love to have you back. I couldn’t imagine a better teacher than you.” Layla fidgeted and covered her eyes. “I’m going on like a teenager aren’t I?”

  “Yeah, you are.” He leaned forward. “But don’t stop on my account.”

  “I’ve been thinking a lot about you. The phone calls don’t seem to be enough to stop that.”

  “You couldn’t think about me half as much as I think of you. Every time I close my eyes, I see us dancing that night at the party.” He closed his eyes. “I actually feel you and smell you.”

  “It felt good to be that close to you.” She wiggled her feet under the desk. “It felt safe, which is something I haven’t felt in a long time. I don’t know if Patrick ever made me feel that way.”

  “Have you heard from him?”

  “He calls.” She sat back. “We just talk about the girls, and that’s it. He’s mad that I won’t go on a date with him, but he’s gonna have to accept it. What did you do last night after being released?”

  “Nothing but go home and go to sleep.”

  “Technically tonight would be your first free night, then.”

  He smirked. “I guess so.”

  “Surely you want to have some fun. Would you like to go out with me tonight?”

  He blushed. “Are you asking me out on a date?”

  “Does that mean you’ll accept the invitation?”

  His smiled faded. “No.”

  “No?” She deflated. “Why not?”

  “Because, as a gentleman, I’m supposed to take you out.” He walked over to her and knelt beside her. “Will you go out with me tonight, Layla? I’ve wanted to ask that question since I first saw you.”

  She forced away another giggle. “You didn’t even have to ask.”

  He gave her a gentle peck on the lips. “Pick you up at seven-thirty.”

  She nearly collapsed with anticipation. “Deal.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  That night, Layla slipped on the maroon blazer that matched her pants. “Are you sure I should wear this?” she asked as she stood in front of her bedroom mirror.

  “Definitely.” Shanti straightened the end of the blazer. “It’ll make a statement.”

  “What kind of statement?” Layla turned to the side, checking out the suit. “Is it a statement I wanna be making?”

  “It’ll show Cross that you’re your own woman. Also, you look hot.”

  Layla fixed the collar. “Hot, huh?”

  Shanti leaned back. “You’re working that pantsuit, Miss Thang.” She snapped her fingers.

  Layla laughed.

  “Anyone can look good in a tight dress.” Shanti fixed Layla’s collar. “It takes one heck of a woman to look good in a pantsuit.”

  “Your dad loved me in this suit,” Layla grumbled. “But you know what? If I wear it on a date with Cross, it’ll symbolize a new beginning for sure.”

  Shanti showed a slight smile and then backed up.

  “Oh, honey.” Layla pulled her close. “That was insensitive of me, wasn’t it? I know the divorce has been hard on you.” She brushed Shanti’s hair from her face. “Momma didn’t mean to make you upset.” She kissed her forehead.

  “I’m not upset.” She patted Layla’s back. “I’m happy for you. I’m glad you met Cross.”

  Layla pinched her cheek. “Are you?”

  Shanti clasped her hands. “Yeah, he’s funny and cute too.”

  “Isn’t he?”

  “His son’s cute too.”

  “Well, he seemed to like you a lot when we introduced you two.” Layla nudged her. “He’s a nice boy. I wouldn’t mind if you wanted to see him again.”

  Shanti’s entire face lit up. “You wouldn’t?”

  Aliyah walked in. “Hey.”

  Layla whisked around to face her. “Hey to you too. Something going on?”

  “Yeah…umm…” Aliyah chewed gum. “Look, I really have been nicer and all. I’m trying to work on my attitude.”

  “When?” Shanti raised an eyebrow.

  “Yeah, I’d like to know that too.” Layla straightened her blazer. “Didn’t you just curse me out the other day? You’re lucky you’re still alive.”

  Aliyah rolled her eyes and huffed. “Can I go to this party with A.C.? It’s in Fifth Ward.”

  “Did she…?” Layla pointed at Aliyah and looked at Shanti. “I know she didn’t just ask me if she can go to a party in Fifth Ward. Liyah, are you nuts?”

  “If I was, you’d probably know before anyone.”

  Layla fought the urge to smack her. “I can’t tell you how sick I am of that smart mouth of yours. I’m your mother. If you keep forgetting, I’m gonna have to remind you.”

  “Can I go or what?” She stood to the side. “Ain’t nobody got time for no speech.”

  Shanti held her breath.

  “You expect me to trust you to behave responsibly with that mouth?” Layla scoffed. “You aren’t going anywhere…especially not to some party all the way across town in Fifth Ward. And I don’t want you seeing that boy anymore.”

  “A.C.?” Aliyah smacked gum. “I love him.”

  “Just like you loved all those other guys you went out with?” Layla turned toward the mirror and put her earrings on. “I know you’re mad at me, but this staying out late and being disobedient ends now, Liyah. I run this house, and what I say goes. I don’t care if you hate me or not.”

  “I gotta go to this party.” She stood behind Layla. “Momma, you have no idea how big this is. They’re gonna have a DJ that’s worked with Slim Thug there. Can you imagine?”

  “No, I can’t.” Layla sprayed perfume on her wrists. “But you’ll have plenty of time to imagine it because you’re not going.”

  Aliyah poked her jaws out.

  “And you better stop looking at me like that, little girl.” Layla set the perfume down. “You’ve been having your way for far too long, and you need to remember your place.”

  “My place?”

  “That’s right.” Layla stuck her finger in Aliyah’s face. “You are seventeen years old. You have no business running up and down these streets at night with these boys the way you do. It’s a wonder you haven’t gotten pregnant yet, because I know you’re having sex.”

  “So you can go out with some crazy guy you met at Wellington, but I can’t go with my boyfriend?” Aliyah yelled. “This is bullshit.”

  “Watch your mouth!” Layla yelled back. “You’re not going anywhere but to your room. Do you understand me?
If you even think of leaving this house you’re gonna wish I was back at Wellington. You want to try me, Liyah?”

  She left the room, mumbling.

  “Do you believe that child?” Layla slipped on her bracelet. “If she thinks I’m gonna let her go across town to some party with a bunch of thugs, I’m sure she has lost her damn mind.”

  The doorbell rang.

  “That’s Cross.” Layla glanced in the mirror again. “Maybe I should stay home. I don’t trust Aliyah.”

  “I’ll keep an eye on her. Come on.” Shanti took Layla’s hand.

  They went downstairs and to the front door.

  Shanti stood aside. “Open it.”

  “How do I look?” Layla shook her hair off her shoulders. “Should I have pinned my hair up?”

  Shanti combed her fingers in it. “No, it’s pretty down.”

  The doorbell rang again, followed by a knock.

  “Answer it, before he leaves.” Shanti pushed Layla forward.

  “You sure I look okay? Do I look like I’m forty?”

  Shanti grinned. “You are forty.”

  “Yeah, but I don’t wanna look like it.”

  “Cross is forty.” Shanti fluffed the ends of Layla’s hair. “Answer the door.”

  Finally, Layla opened it. “Hi,” she spoke as she trembled all over.

  “Hey.” He stepped in, holding flowers and wearing a silky gray shirt that complemented his eyes. “You look amazing.”

  “Thanks.” Layla pulled at the blazer. “You’re not disappointed that I’m wearing pants?”

  “No way.” He stared at the outfit. “I’ve never seen a pantsuit look so good.” He handed her the flowers.

  “You didn’t have to do that.” She sniffed the carnations. “Carnations are my favorite.”

  He dipped his head. “I remember.”

  Layla gave Shanti the flowers. “Shanti, put these in some water for me.”

  Cross made a funny face. “How are you again, Shanti?”

  She laughed. “I’m fine, Mr. Evers. How are you?”

  “I’m fine, now that I got my date.” He held out his arm to Layla. “Shall we?”

  She put her arm in his. “Yes, we shall.”

  “Have a good time, Momma.” Shanti kissed her cheek.

  Layla turned and winked. “I will.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Aliyah stood at her bedroom window talking on her cell when Shanti passed her room.

  “She just left,” Aliyah said into the phone.

  Shanti stood in the doorway, listening.

  “I can be ready in twenty minutes.” Aliyah fixed her curtains in place. “All right, bye.”

  “Uh-uh.” Shanti walked inside as Aliyah hung up. “I know you’re not trying to go to that party.”

  “Get out of my room.” Aliyah went into her giant closet. “Why are you always in my business?”

  “Was that A.C. on the phone? Did you tell him to come over here?”

  Aliyah grabbed a halter-top and mini skirt from the closet. “Maybe.”

  “You’re not going to that party.”

  “Oh yes, I am. I’m not gonna miss out on this party because Momma’s panties are too damn tight.” Aliyah took the halter off the hanger. “This is a huge party, and A.C. had to beg one of his homeboys to hook him up.” She took off her blouse and slipped on the halter-top. “I told you, a DJ who worked with Slim Thug’s gonna be there. Hell, Slim might be there too.”

  Shanti frowned. “Slim Thug ain’t gonna be at no raggedy Fifth Ward party with a bunch of scrubs.”

  “He might not be there…” Aliyah stepped into the mini skirt and struggled to pull it up. “But I will.”

  Shanti blocked her. “I won’t let you go.”

  Aliyah laughed, “Is that right, lil’ sister?”

  “You can’t go to this party. Do you know who’ll be there besides A.C.?” Aliyah got glittery lipstick out of her drawer. “Nope.” She glided it on her lips. “I don’t care, because I’m going there to have a good time and be with my man.”

  “Please.” Shanti took her hand. “Don’t do this. I got a feeling something bad’s gonna happen tonight.”

  “Why are you trippin’?” Aliyah snatched her hand back. “Everything’s fine.”

  “You’re going over there, and you don’t know who’ll be there. What if it’s gangs or something?”

  “I don’t care if the devil is there.” Aliyah put the lipstick in her purse. “I’m going. Say…” She pulled Shanti’s hair. “Khalil will be there.”

  “Who?”

  “Khalil, as you remember, is A.C.’s hot little yellow friend. He’s crazy about you. Every time I see him, he asks about you. He’s always begging me to give him your cell number so you guys can hook up.”

  Shanti’s stomach twisted. “That ain’t happening.”

  “Why not? He’s fine as hell.” Aliyah got her pack of gum off the dresser. “I ain’t into light-skinned guys, but he got it going on.” She popped the gum in her mouth. “Why you don’t like him?”

  “He gave me the creeps.” Shanti shivered. “He kept staring at me and licking his lips, like I’m a pork chop or something.”

  “Shanti, you’re a teenager.” Aliyah laughed. “You’re supposed to have fun. You just stay up under Momma. When you gonna start living your own life?”

  “If I lived like you, I wouldn’t have a life for long.”

  The doorbell rang.

  “There’s my baby.” Aliyah twisted out of the room and down the stairs.

  “Wait.” Shanti ran after her. “Don’t do this, Liyah.” She rushed in behind her. “I got a very bad feeling. I’m worried about you.”

  “Then come with me.”

  The doorbell rang again, as the girls got to the door.

  “I can’t go,” Shanti said.

  “Then stay here and worry.” Aliyah opened the door. “Hey, babe.”

  “Hey yourself.” A.C. grabbed her and kissed her. “Damn, you make a brotha wanna forget the party. I could be slobbing you down right here.” Then he sucked her neck.

  “Stop.” Aliyah pushed him away. “Say ‘hi’ to my sister.”

  He winked at Shanti. “Hey.”

  “Let’s go,” Aliyah said.

  “Liyah, please.” Shanti pulled her back. “I’m scared for you.”

  “I’m going for the last time.” She ripped her arm away from Shanti’s hold. “Either you’re in, or you’re out.”

  “Wait.” Shanti cursed to herself. “I’m going. Let me get my purse.”

  ****

  “Val!” David stormed into the living room. “Valerie?”

  She looked up from her computer.

  “What the hell is your problem?” She took off her reading glasses. “You scared the shit out of me.”

  “Do I look like I care?” He walked to her desk and threw his briefcase down. “How could you do it?”

  “Do what?” She scooted her chair back. “You standing over me like you’re about to do something.” She pushed him. “Move back.”

  “I don’t believe you.” He bent down and leaned on her desk. “Guess who called me at work today?”

  “How the hell am I supposed to know?”

  “Dr. Seun.”

  Shit. She laid her glasses beside the computer. “Did he?”

  “Yes, he did.” He stood up straight. “He said you made an appointment to talk to him again about the procedure.”

  “It’s just to talk—”

  “How dare you go behind my back? I told you we can’t afford to have that procedure. Our insurance won’t cover it.”

  “We can pay out of pocket.”

  “Out of pocket?” He walked around, waving his arms. “We don’t have any money, Val! All of these procedures have drained us dry. There’s no way…no way…we can do this!”

  “I told your ass I’m not stopping until I have a child.” She clenched a fist. “I don’t care if we go broke. It’s gonna be worth it if it pays o
ff.”

  “It won’t pay off, damn it.” He marched toward her. “I’m sick of you living in some fantasy land. You need to just accept the fact that you can’t have kids.”

  “How can you say that?” Tears stung her eyes. “How could you?”

  “If we’ve spent all this money and tried all this stuff and it hasn’t worked, then common sense says we’re not meant to have kids together.”

  “What is this?” She shook her head. “When we first got married eleven years ago, having kids with me was all you talked about. Now you act like it makes you sick.”

  “I do wanna have kids, but we gotta eat too, woman.” He scratched his head. “We got bills and a house to take care of. We can’t afford to throw more money away, and I refuse to go broke for no good reason.”

  “I don’t see it as throwing money away.” She leaned her head back. “Maybe you’re just not interested in me anymore. Is that it?”

  “Come on, Val.” He swung his hand through the air. “Stop making this about me. It’s you! You’re the one who’s obsessed, and you’re the one causing strain in our marriage.”

  “And I suppose you having the hots for my sister has nothing to do with it?”

  “This is not about Corrine, for the last damn time!” His eyes spread wide. “This is about you and how you can’t let go of anything.” He counted on his fingers. “Not what you think Corrine did in the past, not losing the baby, not being able to have a baby…nothing! I can’t live like this anymore. I’m not happy.”

  “The appointment with Dr. Seun is Friday in the afternoon. I’d like you to take off…so…”

  “Do you hear yourself?” he squealed. “I just said we can’t afford to do this, and we won’t be going to any appointment.”

  “I’m doing it! I don’t care about anything else but having a child.”

  “You’d choose having a baby over me?”

  “I love you, David.” She sat down and turned her chair away from him. “But as long as I’m alive, I’m gonna try. If it breaks up our marriage, then maybe that’ll just have to happen.”

  “God.” He exhaled into his hands. “Who are you…because you’re not the Valerie I married. My Valerie believed that our love could last through anything thrown at us.”