Imitation of Wife

by La Jill Hunt

  “Dad, you have always been my best friend, and I can depend on you for everything. You’ve taught me to be the best in everything I do: on the court, in the classroom, no matter what. I pray that I continue to make you proud. And it is now with great pride that I announce that I will be attending...” Instead of reaching for one of the three hats in front of him, Tank reached under the table. It sounded as if everyone in the room gasped at the same time and held their breath. “Mission College in the fall on a full athletic scholarship.”

  The stunned look on Tricia’s face matched everyone else’s, including Titus’s. After the initial shock wore off, people began to applaud. Tank stood up and put the hat on his head, beaming with pride. Cameras flashed, and his teammates congratulated him.

  “What the hell? Did you have anything to do with this?” Tricia hissed, livid at Tank’s decision.

  Titus looked at her and said, “No, I had no idea. I can’t believe it myself.”

  Tank came over and hugged his dad. “What you think, Pop?”

  “I mean, wow. You picked Mission.” Titus still seemed shocked.

  “I picked Mission.” Tank nodded.

  “Mission? Why the hell would he choose some bottom-of-the-barrel black school?” Tricia scowled, horrified at the spectacle of her son’s announcement in front of the entire world. She couldn’t believe he would embarrass her like this, and had she known prior, she damn sure wouldn’t have been there. Her sisters were probably going to have a field day after seeing this. Not only had Tank not even mentioned her in his speech, but he’d failed to make the right choice.

  “Hold up, Ma,” Tank stopped her. “This was my decision, and Mission is far from being some bottom-of-the-barrel school. It’s one of the top HBCUs in the country. Not only that, I picked it because the people I respect and know who attended Mission, including Dad, all say that it was the place that changed their life.”

  “Do they even have an engineering program?” Tricia asked.

  “Doesn’t matter if they do. That’s not my major.”

  “What?” Tricia frowned.

  “I’m majoring in Recreation Therapy. I want to open my own community center and help kids.” Tank high-fived his father, then disappeared into the crowd of reporters waiting to speak with him.

  “This is what you called yourself working so hard for?” Tricia looked at Titus. “Your son could’ve gone to any school in the country for free, and this is what he picks, huh? This is an embarrassment, Titus.”

  “Embarrassment for who? I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder in my life,” Titus said before walking away and leaving her alone.

  Tricia’s anxiety returned, and she pushed her way through the crowd toward the nearest door. As soon as she got to her SUV, she took out her phone and hit the last number dialed. She needed a friend now more than ever, and for once, she was grateful she had one to call.

  Chapter 30

  Janelle

  Drinks tonight. Eight p.m. Copeland’s. First round and appetizers on me. I miss my girls. We need to catch up, and I have some tea to spill.

  Janelle stared at the cryptic message she’d received earlier and checked her watch to make sure she had gotten the time right. It was eight thirty, and she’d been waiting in the lobby of the restaurant for almost fifteen minutes. Neither one of her friends had arrived. It had already been a long day filled with nonstop meetings at work, and she didn’t get the chance to have lunch. She was tired, irritated, and the only thing that kept her from grabbing her bag and going home was the fact that she was hungry as hell, and she really did want to hang out with her girls. Between dealing with the reality of Sherrod’s lackluster sexual performance, and Titus showing up on her doorstep, she needed some girl time.

  “I know, I know, I’m late,” Natalie said as she walked over and hugged Janelle.

  “You’re not the only one.” Janelle shook her head and slid over so her friend could sit beside her.

  “Wait, she’s not here? How the hell are you gonna invite us somewhere and not be on time?”

  “Hey, that’s our girl. That’s why I wasn’t pressed about being on time.”

  They decided to go ahead and get a table while they waited for their host, and they ordered their first round of drinks and appetizers that Nivea had so graciously offered to pay for.

  “Okay, what’s this about?” Janelle turned and asked. She and Nivea barely talked these days, and they hadn’t hung out since they were at the nail spa weeks ago. Any other time her boisterous friend would be chock-full of information about her daily life that she shared in their group chat, but Nivea had become radio silent, and other than a simple “good morning” or “hey, besties,” she hadn’t had too much to say and seemed busy these days. Janelle and Natalie knew something was up and it most definitely had to do with a guy. Putting her friends on the back burner was usually what happened whenever Nivea became boo’d up, but this time, she’d been oddly secretive. Truthfully, Janelle had been relieved that her friend had been distracted these days because of her own situation that she’d been hiding that she planned to reveal tonight.

  “I don’t know. I told you I haven’t talked to her in a while, so your guess is as good as mine,” Natalie responded. “You think she’s gonna finally introduce us to her latest victim? I wonder who it is.”

  “I have no idea. She’s keeping this one quite private. Something’s up, that’s for sure. Maybe he’s unattractive,” Janelle suggested.

  “Nah, she’s dated ugly guys before. I’m thinking he’s white.”

  “Oh, hell no. She would never date a white guy. You know how woke she claims to be.” Janelle laughed.

  “That’s true, but I believe she’d date a white guy if he was fine enough. And I’m talking Jason Momoa fine.”

  “True,” Janelle agreed. “Hmmm, maybe he’s short.”

  “She’d definitely date a white man before she dated a short one.” Natalie laughed.

  “Wait, maybe he’s an ex-con who’s just been released.”

  “She does like them thuggish-ruggish dudes. Lord, our friend about to be on the next season of Love After Lockup. We can’t let her publicly embarrass herself like that, Nelle. Wait, I got it.”

  Janelle, now laughing so hard that she was in tears, composed herself enough to say, “What?”

  “Nelle, what if he’s married?”

  “Hell no.” Janelle gasped. “That can’t be it. As much shit as she’s talked about me and my situation with Titus? She wouldn’t never.”

  “I think that might be it. Think about it. She hasn’t posted him on social media or even sent us a pic of them together. She hasn’t even mentioned his name.”

  “You think she’s dating a married guy?” Janelle lowered her voice and glanced around, now suddenly concerned about others hearing what they were discussing. Never in a million years would she think Nivea would be someone’s mistress. Then again, never in a million years would she think she’d ever be one either. But her girlfriend had always been so condescending and judgmental when it came to Janelle’s situation in a subtle, shady way that let it be known that she certainly didn’t approve. If Natalie indeed was dating someone married, the tables would be turned.

  “Could be. Then again, we may be looking at this all wrong, and maybe this impromptu invite is to tell us that she’s no longer dating whoever this dude was she’s been kicking it with.”

  “So soon? If that’s the case, it definitely ain’t last long.”

  “Speaking of lasting long, what’s up with you and your boo? Did you give it another try?”

  Janelle leaned back in her chair and inhaled deeply, thinking about the answer to Natalie’s question. “No, we didn’t.”

  “I thought he came over the other night.”

  “No, it wasn’t him at the door. It was Titus.”

  “Oh shit.” Natalie’s reaction had been the same as Janelle’s when she opened the door and saw Titus. They hadn’t spoken since the flower incident, and it
was the longest they’d gone with no communication. She missed him but was determined to sever the soul tie they shared and stay away from him. His number was blocked from her phone, and so was his email address.

  “Titus.” Janelle’s heart began pounding as she stared at him. “There’s nothing to talk about. You shouldn’t even be here.”

  “I know, but I miss you. I miss us. And I know you’re pissed that I pulled up at your crib like this, but I just wanted to see you. To tell you—”

  “Tell me what, Titus? There’s nothing to tell. I can’t do this anymore. Don’t you know how hard it is for me to get you out of my head without you doing shit like this? I’m trying to move on.”

  “Maybe you can’t get me out of your head because that’s not the only place I’m in. We both know I’m in your heart, Nelle. The same way you’re in mine. That’s how it’s always been with us. That’s how it’s meant to be.” Titus went to reach for her, but she stepped back.

  “No, that’s not. You’re right, you are in my heart, and that’s why I gotta stay away from you, because as long as you’re there, I don’t have room for anyone else.” Her voice trembled.

  “You don’t need anybody else.”

  “You can’t be this selfish, Titus. Don’t you think I deserve to be with a man who loves me and cares for me? A man who wants to build a future with me? Don’t I deserve to be happy?” Janelle didn’t even try to wipe the tears that fell from her eyes.

  “I love you and care for you. You’re not happy with me?” Titus frowned.

  “So, I’m just supposed to be your mistress for the rest of my life and be happy with that? That’s all you think I’m worthy of? I want to have a family.”

  “We can have a family, Janelle.” Titus reached for her again. “You want a baby, we can have one. I want another child.”

  “Do you know how crazy you sound right now? You want another child, go and have one with your wife. I’m finished with this... this relationship, friendship, whatever you want to call it. Leave me alone, Titus. If you love me, please leave me alone,” Janelle pleaded.

  “Is that truly what you want?” Titus said, his eyes now filled with as many tears as Janelle’s.

  “Yes, Titus, that’s what I want.” She nodded.

  He kissed his fingertips and placed them on her forehead. This time she didn’t move away.

  “You deserve to be happy,” he whispered. “Bye, Nelle.”

  “So, you’re really done with him?” Natalie’s voice had a hint of sadness, as if she was disappointed to hear that the forbidden love affair that consumed the last three years of her friend’s life was over.

  “Yes, I’m done. It’s time I settle down with someone that I can build a future with.” Janelle nodded.

  “And that’s Sherrod?”

  “Yes.”

  “Despite the shortcomings? No pun intended, Nelle. I’m just making sure.” Natalie smiled.

  “Nobody’s perfect, Nat. Not even me. And if Sherrod’s willing to accept my flaws, then I can accept his. He’s a decent guy, and sex isn’t the only thing that holds a relationship together.” Janelle prayed that she was right.

  “To new beginnings.” Natalie raised her glass.

  “I know y’all heffas ain’t start drinking without me.”

  Janelle’s head turned toward Nivea, who stood a few feet away from the table, her arms folded and her head shaking in disbelief.

  “Heffa, we know you ain’t rolling up in here forty-five minutes late like you’re on time.” Natalie smirked.

  “Hell, we about to start eating without you,” Janelle said.

  “Greedy asses.” Nivea kissed both of their cheeks before sitting.

  Janelle noticed the large Gucci purse she hung on the back of her chair. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, what do we have here?”

  “Oh, this?” Nivea looked at the bag and shrugged. “Just a little treat I got from someone special.”

  Janelle’s eyes met Natalie’s across the table, and they gave one another a knowing look. They were right. She had a new boo, and clearly, he was paid. They’d been invited for the big reveal of the boo and the bag.

  “And who is this someone special?” Natalie asked.

  “Let me get a drink and I’ll explain, because well, it’s kinda funny, actually,” Nivea said.

  “Funny how?” Janelle asked. “Is he a comedian?”

  “No, he ain’t a comedian, smart ass,” Nivea replied and ordered a drink from the waitress who was delivering their appetizers to the table. She picked up one of the coconut shrimp, and before popping it into her mouth, said, “Before we talk about my someone special, how about we talk about yours?”

  Her statement was directed at Janelle, who was stunned for a second, and didn’t answer right away. “What do you mean?”

  “Well, I know you haven’t been hanging out with Jarvis these days, but you’ve been hanging with someone,” Nivea said after chewing. “So, spill it.”

  Again, Janelle looked over at Natalie, who avoided her stare as she grabbed one of the potato skins from the middle of the table and popped it into her mouth. Her friend obviously had mentioned something to Nivea. But how much, she didn’t know. Instead of denying it, or avoiding the conversation, Janelle decided to just tell her.

  “There’s nothing really to spill. I’ve been seeing someone for a couple of weeks now, and I mean, it’s cool. I like him a lot.” She wished she’d ordered another drink for herself.

  “Interesting. Well, you like him enough to stop dealing with Jarvis?” Nivea asked.

  “Yeah.” She hadn’t spoken with Jarvis or gone out with him since she started seeing Sherrod. “You do realize Jarvis and I weren’t a thing, right? He wasn’t my man. We weren’t in a relationship.”

  “That’s true. But Jarvis was fine,” Natalie pointed out, suddenly contributing to the conversation.

  “Yes, God, he is,” Nivea agreed. “Well, let me ask you this: this new guy, do you like him enough to leave Titus alone?”

  “How did this conversation turn to be about who I’m dating? We’re here for you to spill the tea about your new man, remember?” Janelle asked.

  “Oh, trust, I’m going to spill it. But answer the damn question, Nelle. You like him enough to stop messing with Titus?”

  “Yes, I do.” Janelle nodded.

  “Damn, okay, now I gotta know. Who the hell is he?” Nivea asked. “I never thought I’d hear you say that.”

  Janelle paused for a few seconds, then said, “It’s Sherrod.”

  Nivea’s eyes widened. “Rod? My Rod? My ex? That Sherrod?”

  “Now, Niv, you know that’s a stretch. You messed with him for a couple of months in high school. I wouldn’t call him your ex,” Natalie said.

  “Sherrod Crawford.” Janelle nodded.

  “Well, damn.” Nivea sat back, a look of shock on her face.

  Janelle waited for the loud outburst and plethora of profane words she knew her friend was about to release, but there weren’t any. To her surprise, Nivea slowly smiled, then started giggling.

  “What’s funny?” Janelle gave her a strange look. She’d expected some kind of reaction, but this definitely wasn’t it.

  “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to laugh.” Nivea dabbed at the tears in her eyes. “My bad. I just wasn’t expecting you to say Rod. But that’s really nice though, Nelle. He’s a good dude. I’m happy for you guys.”

  “You are?” Natalie asked.

  “Yes, I am. Why wouldn’t I be?” Nivea shrugged.

  “Because the first thing you said was, ‘My Rod? My ex?’ That may be why,” Janelle reminded her.

  “Okay, true. But I guess I was kind of surprised to hear that’s who you were talking about. Real talk, I thought it was someone else.”

  “Who?” Janelle asked.

  “I thought you were gonna say Kenny.”

  “Kenny?” Janelle and Natalie said simultaneously.

  “Now we all know Kenny is a man whore. Hell, he’s tried to
holler at everyone at this damn table,” Natalie pointed out. “Probably everyone female in this restaurant.” They laughed.

  “No, I’m not dating Kenny,” Janelle said. “So, now that I’ve spilled my tea, it’s time for you to spill yours. Who is this someone special monopolizing all your time these days and buying you Gucci bags?”

  “And belts.” Nivea leaned back to display the belt she was wearing that matched her purse.

  “Well, damn,” Natalie said.

  “Okay, well, like I said, it’s kind of funny, especially since now I know you’re dating someone I know. He’s actually someone you know.” Nivea exhaled. Her eyes went from Natalie to Janelle. “Someone you’ve known for a while, actually.”

  “Someone I know? Who?” Janelle frowned as she began to wonder who Nivea could possibly be talking about. Her mental Rolodex went through all the possible guys Nivea could date, but no one in particular stood out.

  “Damn, I gotta take this call. I’ll be right back,” Nivea stood up and said.

  “Wait, we’re in the middle of a conversation,” Janelle told her.

  “Nivea,” Natalie called after her, but it was too late. Nivea had walked away.

  “Who the hell is she talking about?” Janelle asked.

  “Maybe she’s using reverse psychology and she’s the one dating Kenny.”

  “Nah, if Kenny was dating Nivea, he’d tell Syl, and she would tell me. The two of them have no secrets between them.” Janelle shook her head. “It damn sure better not be who I’m thinking about.”

  “Who?”

  “How does she know I don’t deal with Jarvis?” Janelle pointed out. Granted, she and Jarvis were never in a committed relationship, but the thought of one of her best friends dating him made her uncomfortable. Could she really say anything though? After all, wasn’t she dating Nivea’s old high school boyfriend, and to make matters worse, the guy she’d lost her virginity to? But she’d dealt with Jarvis a couple of months ago, and it had been decades for Nivea and Sherrod. There was a big difference, wasn’t it?