“Come on, Kacie. Enough already. I’m tired of hearing the same old sob story about you and your seven kids and seven baby daddies. Get over it. Dog!”
Kacie looked at Layla and rolled her eyes.
“Be quiet, Layla You used to have your share of I need to talk moments. I don’t care how many times we have to listen to each other’s stories and woes, whateva, that’s what we’re supposed to do if we call ourselves friends.”
Layla nodded. “You’re right. And I’m sorry, Kacie. Get it off your chest.”
“I know you get tired of hearing it, but I can’t seem to move forward because I feel ashamed so much of the time. Yeah, I’m in school. So what? Men still think I’m a slut or something when I tell them how many children I have. I can’t even find but one, sometimes two, of either of their daddies. That’s a shame.” Kacie started to sniffle.
Envy leaned forward from the back seat of Layla’s car and looked at Kacie. “Kacie, how many times do you have to be reminded that none of us can afford to be seen in anything white.” She chuckled.
Layla laughed too, followed by Kacie.
Kacie became serious again. “I keep being used and abused because men think I’m easy. I guess I am. That’s the killing part. Then having this disability doesn’t help matters either.”
“I don’t see how having a disability can make a man look at you any differently. Shoots, they’re all out for one thing. It doesn’t matter how you look, walk, or what size you are. They don’t care if you’re butt ugly.”
“You know, you’ll say anything.” Layla eyed Envy in the rear view mirror. Stifling a laugh, she turned toward Kacie. A serious expression replaced laughter. “I feel you, Kacie. Disregard the relationship expert,” Layla advised.
“If only y’all knew half of what I’ve gone through with men because of my cerebral palsy, you wouldn’t be so quick to speak about what you obviously don’t know about, Envy.”
“Excuse me. I didn’t mean to step on your toes,” Envy apologized. Kacie could be sensitive about her disability. Most of the time, she and Layla tried not to talk about it, because just like tonight, Kacie would get upset.
“Forget it,” Kacie responded.
As they neared The Silver Spoon, an upscale lounge and restaurant, Envy planned to spill her guts. Hearing Kacie talk about her kids, and her believing that she was the only one who had given birth to a child out of the three of them, had to end, and it had to end tonight.
The ambience of The Silver Spoon was inviting. Low lights, live entertainment, and delectable food made it the perfect place to unwind on a Friday night. Each of them ordered a frozen margarita, different flavors, along with two appetizers they planned to share. The up-tempo music created an atmosphere where the girls could chill and fill each other in on the prior week’s events.
“Layla, what have you been up to?” asked Kacie. “I hope you aren’t still messing around on Dennis.”
“Look, don’t start, Kacie. How many times do I need to remind you two,” she used two fingers to point at her friends, “that I am just like you? Single. I am not engaged. I am not about to become engaged. I am not married. I am not about to get married. So, do you know what that means?” Layla didn’t wait for a response from her wide-eyed friends. “It means that I can do whatever I darn well please, and I can do it with whomever I please.”
“Nobody is telling you that you can’t, but you shouldn’t lead Dennis on either,” commented Envy. “You know that man worships the ground you walk on. He loves you for real. I don’t want to see him get hurt, the same way I didn’t want to see you get hurt by Mike. You, of all people, know how it feels to have your heart broken.”
“No, not really, because Mike didn’t break my heart. He actually helped build my spirit. Yes, he was a fool, an abuser, and he used me for everything he could. But when I wised up and told that fool that I couldn’t take any more of his mess; then he went ballistic. But you know, and I don’t know how many more times I’m going to have to say this, but what the devil meant for evil, God meant for my good. Now that’s all I have to say about the matter.”
“Blah, blah, blah, and blah,” said Kacie as she opened and closed her hand to make it appear that her hand was doing all the talking. “I hope and pray that this was your last time saying that. I’m so tired of hearing you talking about God used your situation for good. Okay, I can agree with that, but have you ever stopped, and I mean really stopped to think whether or not God is okay with you flaunting your body, dressing half-naked, flirting, and strutting yourself around like you’re His gift to man.”
Layla bucked her eyes and leaned back in her chair. “Envy, do you hear this girl? Has she lost her rabid mind or what? Just because I finally have some self-confidence and feel good about myself, she, of all people, wants to call me names? I hope it’s not jealousy I’m hearing, Miss Kacie,” retorted Layla.
“Jealousy?” Kacie leaned forward like she was about to spring out of her chair, but the server interrupted the heated exchange by bringing their drinks and appetizers.
“Thank you,” Envy told the server, they all remained quiet until the server walked off.
“Now, like I was saying, why should I be jealous of you? Just because you lucked out and lost a couple of hundred pounds,” Kacie emphasized. “You lost your personality, not to mention your religion, along with it. I don’t know why you don’t realize that beauty comes in all sizes, not just a size eight. You were beautiful when you were a big girl.”
“Don’t you talk about me and my beliefs. I don’t have to prove to you and anybody else that I’m a child of God.”
“Oh, that’s funny. When you were fat—and by the way, I mean F-A-T, not P-H-A-T, you acted like you just loved yourself some God,” Kacie snapped. “And you do know the difference between the two, so don’t get it twisted,” mocked Kacie. “Every time we turned around you were up in the church house singing and shouting, getting your praise on as you called it. Now all you sing about are those same old tired love songs, or rump-shaking rap songs. You’re a fool and you don’t even realize it.”
“I bet I’m not a fool with enough children to have her own basketball team. So watch what you say, honey. You talking about you feel bad, shewww, you right to feel bad. Look at yourself. You keep on making the same old mistake over, and over, and over, and over, and over; let me see how many is that? Oh, I need two more. Over and over. Now, take a look at yourself before you try to talk about me.”
Kacie’s face turned crimson. Fire seemed to blaze in her piercing black eyes.
Envy stopped the heated conversation as they spiraled out of control. “Look, I didn’t come out here tonight to listen to the two of you bicker.” Envy looked at Layla. “Layla, one thing you’re right about, and that is you are a grown woman. You can do as you please.” Then she turned to Kacie. “And, Kacie, we need to stay out of her business, unless she asks us to be in her business.”
Layla nodded and the frown on her nicely made-up face transformed into a broad smile of satisfaction.
“So you’re taking her side?” A deep crease formed on Kacie’s forehead as she scowled.
“No, I’m not taking anybody’s side. I just don’t want to hear this tonight. Let’s talk about something pleasant for a change.”
Layla jumped right back in the saddle. “Okay, let me tell you about this guy I met online.”
“Online? Since when did you start going online to meet men?” This time Envy was the one who appeared stunned. She cocked her head to the side and peered over at Layla sitting next to her.
“I don’t go online to meet men. They see my profile and come after me. Anyway, like I was saying,” she continued in a mocking type of voice, “his name is Camden, and he is a hottie. He’s an electrical engineer, divorced, no children, and he lives in Arlington, Texas.”
“Oh, I guess you’re going to Texas now, huh.” Sarcastic undertones dripped from Envy’s lips.
“No, I have more sense than that, unli
ke some people I know,” Layla bit back. “All we do is chat and text. I’ve talked to him on the phone a few times. He said he might have to come to Memphis this summer for a training seminar. If he does, we’ll probably hook up.”
“Oh, like that makes it any better,” mumbled Kacie.
“You’re one to talk. How can the pot call the kettle black? Need I remind you again that you don’t have room to talk about anybody? And no use in being jealous of all of this, baby.” Layla allowed her hands to highlight her body.
“Stop it!” Envy slammed the flat of her hand down on the table so hard that their margarita glasses started to shake. “Stop all the fighting. Dang. Y’all getting on my nerves with all this.”
“Envy, there’s no use in getting upset. The truth hurts some people. I can’t help that I look good now. I can’t help it that men are waiting in line to meet me. Matter of fact, I met one literally in line at Whole Foods the other day. His name, let me see . . .” Layla twisted her mouth, placed her thumb and index finger on her lips, and exhaled. “Oh yeah, Landon. Now, talking about one fine brother. Y’all know that song that came out a while back by Usher called ‘OMG.’ Well, this brother gotta a body like pow, pow, pow,” she sang to the tune of the song. “Oh, and before I forget, he and a couple of his friends might come through here tonight.” She smiled a devilish smile.
“Oh no you didn’t invite him here,” Kacie bit on her bottom lip, and inhaled. “This is supposed to be girls’ night out. No guys are included, and you know that. I’m worried about you for real.” Kacie pushed back from the table and stood up. “I’m going to the bathroom. Suddenly I feel like I need to…to sit on the toilet.”
“Last time I looked around, this was a public establishment. I don’t need your permission to tell a friend about this place. And, as long as you meet the legal age limit and pay your money to get in, then there’s nothing you can do about it.” Layla jerked her head from side to side.
This time Envy couldn’t stifle her need to laugh. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with the two of you. Y’all kill me.”
Kacie stormed off. “Humph,” she said as she walked away.
“Now you know you were wrong for that,” said Envy.
“Wrong for what? Kacie gets on my nerves. Trying to act like she’s so perfect. You and I both know all you have to do is look at her and all the baby daddies she has. Plus, when she tried to pin Kyland on that man from church. Now that’s what you call dead wrong.”
“That was three years ago, Layla. Plus, none of us should be judging each other. Kacie is just looking out for you. She means well and you know it. So go easy on her. And another thing.”
What?”
“She’s right about girls’ night out. It is supposed to be for us. No men.”
“Yeah, that was only because we didn’t have any men to include. You won’t give that Leonard dude or any other man the time of day. And Kacie, well, she only keeps a man long enough to get knocked up. She needs to go on strike.” Layla leaned her head back and laughter spewed forth.
“See, that’s what I mean. I agree with Kacie. You’re so condemning—like you haven’t ever made mistakes.”
“The truth is the truth. Call it what you want.”
Kacie returned to the table. “Whatever y’all were saying, please don’t stop on my account.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t,” replied Layla. “Oh, my gosh.” Layla’s hand flew up to her mouth, and she quickly bowed her head.
“What is it?” asked Envy. Kacie looked surprised as well.
“It’s−it’s the guy I told y’all about. Landon.”
“Why are you ducking and dodging? You just said he was coming with two of his—”
“Friends,” Kacie quickly added. “Is that Dennis standing next to him?”
Envy looked toward the entrance of the lounge. Sure enough, Dennis and two other gentlemen were entering. One of them peered around like he was searching for someone.
Kacie’s surprise was accompanied by laughter. “You’re caught if one of them is Landon with Dennis, and you’re still caught if Landon is coming and Dennis is here already.”
“Shut up. Are they looking over here?” she asked, her head still bowed like she was picking up something from off the floor.
“Affirmative, and they’re coming this way,” said Envy.” I think Dennis just spotted me and Kacie.”
“What do I do?” Layla sounded frantic.
“Handle your business like a grown woman,” Kacie remarked harshly. “Hi, Dennis,” Kacie said as soon as he and the two men approached the table.
Layla looked up. “Hi. What are you doing here?”
“Hi, Dennis and friends,” added Envy.
“Hi, Envy. Baby, I didn’t know y’all were coming here tonight,” remarked Dennis. “Me and Steve told our co-worker here, Landon,” Dennis patted Landon on the back, “that we’d meet him here. He’s hooking up with this female, and just in case it doesn’t go too well, me and Steve were going to be his way out.
“You know Layla?” Landon frowned and looked at Layla and then Dennis. Steve stood back, quiet, with his arms folded.
“Do I know Layla?” Dennis pointed at himself. Without any warning, his expression changed. “Man, what kind of question is that? This is my lady. I need to be asking, how you know her?” His mind seemed to go into overdrive as he looked to his side at Landon, then slowly they reverted to Layla. “Man, don’t tell me she’s the female.”
Landon threw both hands up in the air in a state of surrender. Envy, Kacie, and Steve watched. Thick intensity filled the space.
“Hey, man, I had no idea.” He pointed at a pale-faced, speechless Layla. “Girl didn’t mention she had a man. I told y’all I met a chick a couple of days ago, man. Y’all already know what’s up. Hey, man, I’m sorry.” Landon extended his hand toward Dennis.
“Man, it’s not your fault.” But he still shook Landon’s outstretched hand. ‘She’s the one who needs to do some explaining.” Still standing, Dennis bit his bottom lip and shook his head in disgust. “Why you play me like this?”
Layla rolled her eyes up in her head. “Don’t try to make this my fault. If you weren’t interested in meeting some other female, why did you agree to come along with him?” she asked. “And, Steve, last time I checked, you had a wife and kids, so seems to me like I’m not the one in the wrong here. All I did was have an innocent conversation with Landon. Told him about The Silver Spoon.” She eyed Landon with raised eyebrows and a distorted face. “Don’t play,” she said to Landon and cocked her head to the side. “And,” focusing her attention on Dennis now, “It’s not like I owe you an explanation when I haven’t done anything in the first place.”
Envy’s mouth slightly hung open, but no words formed. Kacie looked away and started picking on her sweater.
“She’s right, man,” Landon said. “I’m the one who misunderstood.”
Dennis looked over at Landon. “I’m no fool, man, so don’t try to cover for her.” He switched his focus back on Layla. “Even Kacie and Envy can’t vouch for you. You’re busted. For the past couple of months, I knew there was something that wasn’t right, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.” Dennis looked over his shoulder at Steve. “Man, you tried to tell me, but I wouldn’t listen.”
Steve placed his hand on Dennis’s shoulder. “Look, man, let’s just get out of here before things get out of hand,” recommended Steve. “You’re upset right now and this is awkward for everybody. You and Layla need to talk about this in private.”
Dennis jerked away from Steve. “You’re right. Let me get out of here.” Dennis turned around and walked out of the lounge.
Landon looked at Layla like he was unsure of what to do.
“I’m out too, man,” said Steve. “I’ll holler later.”
Landon was the last man standing.
“Come on, Kacie. Let’s move closer to the band. Let the two of them talk.”
Kacie nodded but did
n’t say a word. She got up and followed Envy.
“What’s up with you, lady?” asked Landon and sat down. “So you messing around with my co-worker?”
Layla looked embarrassed, but she quickly tried to change embarrassment to a look of self-assuredness.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but yeah, Dennis and I are friends. I also told you that I wasn’t married. I care a lot about Dennis. I wouldn’t ever want to intentionally hurt him.”
“But that’s the thing. Hurt was written all over my man’s face. He’s good people.” Landon used both hands to cover his face for a second. “Ugh, this is messed up. I haven’t known Steve or Dennis for that long. I just started working the same shift with them a few weeks ago. This was our first time hanging out.”
Landon shook his head. “Man, why didn’t you just say you had a man and leave it at that. I don’t want to be part of no mess.”
“Aren’t they waiting on you outside?”
“We drove our own cars, because like I said, I told them I was meeting you. Steve was just getting out for the enjoyment. Nothing was on his mind about cheating on his wife. The same with Dennis. He told me he had a beautiful woman, and she was crazy about him. I can’t lie. You’re gorgeous. Tell me, why you gave me your number?”
“I’m not going to sit here all night, Landon, and try to explain things to you. I did not intend to form a forever-after relationship with you. As for Dennis, if he loves me so much, then he should have put a ring on it, not that I would accept it, because I’m happy. I’ve held back on living life for far too long, and I’m not going to take it for granted ever again. If that means that someone gets hurt in the process, oh well, sorry. But I’ve got to do me now.”
The look on his face was difficult to read. “Look, you’re one sexy, fine, and confident woman. I have to admit that you turn me on. I would have loved to get to know you better, a whole lot better,” he said, and laid his hand on top of hers.
“Landon, there are enough worries for today to waste time worrying about what might have been. It was nice meeting you.” Layla turned away from him. Landon walked off. Another one bites the dust. If only Dennis hadn’t shown up.
True Beauty Page 4