Ella thought about Ava. The woman still had not responded to her messages. Her little sister had cut her off completely and Ella didn’t have a clue what she was planning to do and how she intended to handle this problem. She would have to talk to Ava before it was too late. Ava couldn’t say anything to anyone about her participation. “Ava will take care of me,” Ella said out loud, taking another mouthful of her drink. “She’d better,” the woman continued, saying, “I’m the big sister. She’d better do what I tell her, or else.”
Ava moved from her sofa to the television set to exchange the DVD in the player for another. She’d been watching movies back to back, the blinds drawn shut to darken the room as though she were in the theater. She hadn’t bothered to shower since picking up the lot of films the night before and still wore the pajamas she’d woken in. The telephone ringing barely distracted her as she waited for the answering machine to answer the call.
Moving back to the sofa, she listened as Ella left another message, screaming at her to pick up the telephone. The screaming turned to begging followed by a minute of silence before the woman started yelling all over again. The night before, after having sneaked past the guard, Ella had stood outside knocking on her door for hours but Ava had refused to answer the door, pretending she wasn’t even at home. She knew from the sound of her sister’s voice that when they finally did speak it would not be a pleasant conversation. Rarely was anything between her and her sister pleasant.
She’d become too accustomed to Ella’s mistreatment, wishing with every prayer she could muster that the two of them could be friends. But instead of getting better, it only got worse with each passing year and Ava was suddenly tired of trying so hard.
Ava reached into her bowl of popcorn, popping a handful of kernels into her mouth. She didn’t want to admit it, but Ella’s problems were bigger than she could fix by her lonesome. No matter how much she wanted it, nothing she could do would ever make things right for Ella. Her mother had tried to explain that to her the first time Ella had been sent away, but even then there had been no understanding of it.
Ava had vague memories of that time, remembering how distraught her parents had been by what Ella had done. Ava remembered that it had only been a game, one of the few times her big sister had offered to play with her. Ava’s father had taken them to one of his job sites and the lure of the big sand pile had been too much to resist. “Play nice, girls,” the man had admonished from his desk as they’d gone racing out the door.
Ava didn’t remember much after that. Her parents had told the story frequently over the years, how fourteen-year-old Ella had buried her beneath the sand, cutting off her air. It had only been by the grace of God that her father had come to see what they’d been up to, finding his lifeless eight-year-old just in the nick of time. Ella had been indifferent, unable to understand what the fuss was all about, and Ava remembered the animosity harbored in her sister’s eyes.
And now, here she was enduring another of her sister’s messes. Well, no more, Ava thought to herself. Enough was finally enough and she’d had her fill. First thing Monday morning she would set the story straight. She would tell them everything and hope that an earnest apology would make Darwin Tolliver go away.
She was forever hitting the rewind button on her remote, she thought as she maneuvered her movie back to the last scene she’d actually watched. “Enough is finally enough,” she said as she settled back against the cushioned pillows, staring at the television screen that hung against her wall.
Ella was furious when the guard at the entrance refused to allow her to pass. “Ms. St. John is away,” he said smugly. “She’s left explicit instructions that no one be allowed access to her home.”
Ella shook with rage. “I’m her sister. I need to check that everything is okay,” she hissed between clenched teeth.
The man shrugged broad shoulders. “I can’t help you. I’m sure her neighbors are keeping an eye on things.”
Shifting her car into Reverse, Ella hit the gas, backing out into the street like a wild woman. The guard continued to watch her as she shifted into Drive and sped back in the direction she’d come from, tossing him an icy glare before she pulled out of sight.
Ella drove for some time, having no idea where she was going. Her head hurt, a severe migraine coursing through her skull. She had to figure out a way to fix this. She didn’t understand why Ava was avoiding her and it made her even angrier to imagine that her baby sister might actually turn against her. Ava worshipped her and she couldn’t let anything change that. Ava would surely do what she needed if only the woman would talk to her.
Raging, Ella screamed at the top of her lungs into the cool night air. The man in the car beside her sat staring, a baffled expression crossing his face. Ella stared back, the man reminding her of Darwin and his pretty face. Then she screamed a second time, baring her teeth like a caged animal. She reached for the small-caliber, semiautomatic handgun that rested on the passenger seat beside her. Clasping the pistol in the palm of her hand, she turned to look at the stranger a second time as she pulled the weapon into her lap. The man tossed her a nervous smile, then pulled into the intersection. Ella looked up to see that the light had turned green. The driver behind her honked his horn and she loosened her grip on the gun, letting it drop to the floor beneath her feet. Tossing the driver a quick wave of apology, Ella took two deep breaths, gripped the steering wheel with both hands and made the right turn toward downtown and the television station.
As Rhonda exited the building she couldn’t help but notice Ella Scott sitting alone in her car, staring at the entrance door. Ella looked crazed, her hair jutting in every direction atop her head. Her eyes were glazed as her stare skated back and forth. The woman appeared distraught, not her usual calm and collected self, and Rhonda thought for just a brief moment about going to see if she could be of some assistance. The moment passed, though, when Ella’s gaze locked with hers and the woman snarled in her direction.
Rhonda was startled by the gesture and found herself clutching her handbag closer to her side as she rushed in the direction of the car. She heard the woman calling her name but she ignored her, pretending not to hear a thing as she got into her car, started the ignition and pulled out of the parking lot.
Rhonda couldn’t begin to imagine what Ella was thinking. Everyone had been whispering about her being terminated from the company and though Ella wasn’t one of her favorite people, she was saddened by the turn of events that had gotten Ella to that place. She sensed that Ella was a bit more than disgruntled and Rhonda didn’t mind admitting that the woman scared her to death. She’d had more than her fair share of Ella’s Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde moments, having borne the brunt of a few too many tantrums when Ella hadn’t been happy about something. Rhonda had chalked each experience up to her being the intern, the employee most expendable and usually relegated to all the dirty jobs no one else was interested in doing.
As she made her way onto the highway entrance ramp, she pondered whether or not she should call someone and report her last encounter with Ella. Making her way through the evening traffic, she thought better of it, figuring it was probably wiser to just mind her own business and leave the poor woman alone.
Joshua Bayer stood in front of Bridget’s front door. The designer suit he wore fit his lean frame nicely, but by the way he was pulling at his sleeves one would have thought the garment was too small and very uncomfortable.
Bridget watched him for a brief moment, peeking through the curtained sidelights. The man was hardly his usual self, his calm demeanor seeming just a touch anxious as he waited for her to answer the door. She paused, her hand resting on the doorknob as he rang the bell for a second time. She pulled the wooden structure open just as he was having second thoughts about being there in the first place.
Joshua pulled at his sleeves and then his lapels, adjusting the silk jacket around his torso. “You need a proper office if you’re going to be meeting with clients,” he s
aid in greeting.
Bridget chuckled, waving her head from side to side. “I have an office, but thank you for being concerned. Since I don’t plan to make a habit of meeting with clients on the weekends, I’m considering you an exception.”
She held the door open wider to allow him entry. As he stepped over the threshold, Joshua leaned to kiss her cheek.
“Good morning, Bridget. I appreciate you seeing me on such short notice.”
“Well, you said it was important that we talk. It’s the least I could do for an old friend.”
Joshua looked around her space, taking in his surroundings. “Very nice,” he said casually, pushing his hands deep into the pockets of his trousers.
“Thank you. So what’s this about, Mr. Bayer?” Bridget asked, crossing her arms over her chest. She didn’t bother to offer the man a seat, so the duo still stood in her foyer.
Josh cleared his throat as he twisted his hands together in front of him. “Ava St. John would like to meet with your client to see if the two of them might be able to resolve this problem amiably. Obviously, I advised her against it, but she’s insisting so I’m obliged to ask. I thought you and I might be able to facilitate something for tomorrow. That is if your client would be interested.”
Bridget stared at him, her eyes locked on his face, his eyes dancing everywhere else. “We already discussed the terms of any settlement. My client isn’t going to change his mind.”
“I understand that but as I said, my client is insistent.” A flush of vibrant red colored his ivory cheeks.
“Oh, my,” Bridget cooed, amusement tinting her words. “Have you been smitten by Ms. St. John’s charms, Joshua? This is so unlike you.”
Joshua blushed again. “She’s a good friend, Bridget. You know how much I value my friends.”
“I do, which is the only reason I’m going to do this. But tomorrow’s not good. Does nine-thirty Tuesday morning work for you?”
The man gestured with his head. “My office or yours?” he answered, glancing around the room a second time.
Bridget smiled. “Mine,” she said, jotting down the address of the new office space she’d rented onto a scrap of notepaper. She passed it to him and he stood staring at it briefly before putting it into the breast pocket of his blazer. He smiled almost shyly as he moved back to her front door.
“I think once you hear what Ava has to say we’ll be able to bring this case to a close or at least to a quicker settlement,” he said.
Bridget shrugged as if disinterested. “Maybe. Maybe not. In any case, we’ll see you on Tuesday,” she answered.
Joshua paused in the doorway, turning back to face her. “Thank you, Counselor. I appreciate your time.”
“Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Josh.”
The man winked, gave her a quick salute, then rushed out the door. Bridget shook her head as she watched him race toward his car. There had only been one other case where Joshua Bayer had known he was defeated. She remembered the moment well when he’d had to present a sizeable settlement check to the opposing attorney, a look of concession painting his face.
She’d proven herself a formidable opponent without stepping into a courtroom and Joshua’s demeanor showed her he was feeling it. Bridget grinned broadly as she closed her front door. She was going to enjoy seeing that look on Joshua’s face one more time.
Bridget and Jeneva were laughing so hard neither could catch her breath. Roshawn giggled with them, the trio only midway through what could easily be an hour-long telephone call.
“You have to stop, Roshawn,” Bridget finally managed to utter. “That’s just too funny!”
“I swear you don’t have an ounce of good sense,” Jeneva added.
Roshawn chuckled. “Well, I don’t care what either of you say. I will not cut my son’s hair until it’s time for him to go to high school and I might not do it then. His braids are just too cute!”
“No wonder your husband is having a fit. It must be driving him crazy that people think Dario is a little girl.”
“Angel will get over it,” Roshawn mused. “Besides, my child is all male and just like that daddy of his. Give me some time, though. I’ll fix those bad habits.”
“So,” Jeneva said, changing the subject. “Did baby girl tell you about her tryst with my brother-in-law, Roshawn?”
“Don’t start, Jay.”
“Who’s starting? I just asked a question.”
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me,” Roshawn exclaimed. “So, you done finally got you some and from a real man, not the battery-powered kind?”
“Darwin and I are enjoying a mutually satisfying relationship that I don’t need to discuss with you two,” Bridget responded.
“Oooh, that’s what I’m talking about!” Roshawn exclaimed. “Give us the details.”
“I’m not giving you two a thing.”
“Well, at least he’s cured,” Jeneva interjected.
“Cured? Of what?” Roshawn asked.
“Well…” Jeneva started “it was…well…”
“I cannot believe you!” Bridget groaned. “How did you find out?”
“Find out what?” Roshawn asked.
“Mecan told me.”
“Darwin is going to kill him!”
“Mecan tells me everything. Darwin knows that. But why didn’t you tell us? You know we would have been there for you.”
“Tell us what?” Roshawn interrupted. “Someone tell me something.”
Bridget sighed. “Darwin has a personal male problem we’re dealing with.”
“Personal male problem?”
Jeneva giggled. “It’s an equipment issue. His equipment won’t work.”
“Oh,” Roshawn said, understanding seeping over the telephone line. “You’re kidding, right?”
Bridget shook her head, switching her telephone receiver from one ear to the other. “Neither one of you is funny. This is serious.”
“I guess it is,” Roshawn said with a deep chuckle. “I swear, Bridget, if it’s not one thing with you two it’s another.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Darwin and I are just fine, thank you very much.”
“Uh-huh,” Roshawn said, rolling her eyes as if the other two women could see her.
“We are. Intercourse does not make a relationship, Roshawn.”
“If you say so.”
“Well, I do. In fact, I can personally attest to the fact that where my boo may be lacking in one department, he more than makes up for it with other expertise.”
“Meaning?” Jeneva queried.
“Meaning Darwin may be penile challenged, but he is definitely not orally challenged.”
“Now that’s what I’m talking about!” Roshawn chimed.
“Too much information,” Jeneva quipped. “I’ll never be able to look at Darwin the same ever again.”
Roshawn laughed. “I’m looking at him with renewed respect. You go, girl!”
“If either of you says anything to Darwin I will personally kill you both.”
The other two women laughed.
“My lips are sealed,” Jeneva responded.
Roshawn was still giggling. “Would I do something like that?”
“I mean it, Roshawn,” Bridget admonished.
“Oh, lighten up. I am not that bad.”
“Yes, you are,” Jeneva said with a light giggle.
Roshawn sucked her teeth. “I don’t know why I’m friends with you two cows!”
“You did not just call me a cow!” Jeneva exclaimed.
“Yes, she did,” Bridget teased. “That heifer has some nerve.”
The trio laughed again.
“Well, answer me this,” Roshawn finally asked. “Are you happy, Bridget?”
Bridget smiled into the receiver. “Happier than I ever imagined myself being.”
“He loves you very much,” Jeneva said. “He told me and Mac that.”
“I love him, too,” Bridget responded, a wide grin blessi
ng her face.
“Well, then all my hard work has finally paid off,” Roshawn concluded. “Gosh, I’m good.”
“Oh, please!” Jeneva snorted.
“Please nothing. First you and Mac, and now Bridget and Darwin. I’m good, girl!”
“You’re a fool!” Bridget and Jeneva both chanted simultaneously.
Roshawn laughed. “I love you heifers, too!”
Chapter 18
Darwin and Mecan sat in a middle pew at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Alexa slept soundly between the two men, her head resting in her father’s lap, her black patent leather shoes and white ankle socks propped against her uncle’s leg. Reverend Dr. Samuel Berry McKinney stood majestically in the pulpit preaching the morning sermon. Bridget and Jeneva sat with the women’s choir, both draped in flowing white gowns that reflected the prism of light filtering through the stained glass windows and filling the sanctuary.
The family had enjoyed a quick breakfast together before rushing to Sunday school and the morning worship service. As Darwin stared at the colorful appliquéd tapestry that hung over the baptistery, one ear listening to the minister’s words, he was grateful for the refuge, the entire morning a welcome balm for his spirit. He also cherished the moment of thanksgiving knowing he had much to be thankful for.
The previous day had flown by, time seemingly lost as he and Bridget had spent the afternoon and evening together. They’d talked, laughed, shared and had just experienced the simple comfort of being by each other’s side doing absolutely nothing and expecting even less. Darwin hadn’t known how pleasurable it could be to have a woman cater to him as Bridget had, the woman refusing to let him lift a finger in the kitchen as she prepared their dinner and dessert. He’d watched her from the sofa as she’d maneuvered her way around the kitchen, actually surprising him with her expertise.
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