NOTHING STAYS THE SAME

by Suzetta Perkins

  With elbows on the edge of his desk, Marvin leaned his face into his extended hands and cried like a baby. He’d always been strong and was always in the gap where others were concerned, holding up the torch and fighting their battles to the end. Although he was divorced from his ex-wife, Denise, when she needed him—when she needed someone to help her get through her bout of cancer—he was there. Now, he had to make a grave decision: fight the big boys or sell out.

  Hurriedly, Marvin grabbed a tissue from the silver container that sat on the edge of his black executive desk, next to the picture of his family and a Newton’s cradle—five steel balls suspended by wire that swing back and forth whenever you knock one into another. Soon after Marvin and Rachel got married three and a half years ago, Rachel had redecorated his office, making it look more professional. Black lacquered furniture with stainless steel accessories turned an ordinary office into an extraordinary one. A flat-screen television hung on the wall opposite his desk where he tuned in daily to CNN for the latest news and to gaze at the television ads they’d prepared that celebrated Thomas and Richmond Tecktronics’ success. Black and gray carpet with a splash of red color running through it gave the room an executive look. With the tissue, Marvin wiped the tears from his face upon hearing Kenny’s voice that preceded his entrance into the office.

  Kenny bounced into Marvin’s office with his cell phone still attached to his ear. “I’ll meet you for lunch. I’ve got a hunch that I’ll have that information by then. See ya.”

  Kenny closed his cell phone and glanced in Marvin’s direction. Marvin leaned back in his chair. He was in no mood for talking—not even to Kenny.

  “Hey, man, I was going to ask what the good word was,” Kenny began, “but the look on your face suggests otherwise. What put that sour look on your face? Rachel’s cooking?” Kenny laughed.

  Marvin eased up in his seat without cracking a smile. “Streets aren’t always paved with gold. Things aren’t always the way they seem to be. One minute they’re this way, the next another.”

  “So what are you trying to say, brother? You and Rachel are cool, right?”

  “Yeah, me and Rachel are just fine. I love her just as much as you love Sylvia. I probably love Rachel more than you love Sylvia.” Marvin swallowed, and let out a nervous laugh, remembering a romantic moment he recently shared with Rachel.

  Kenny took a seat, concern written on his face. “I take it this has nothing to do with our wives.”

  “Right. I’ve been doing some thinking,” Marvin said.

  The tension in Kenny’s face eased a little. “I’ve been doing some thinking myself. I’ve got a few ideas I’d like to pass by you—some long-range goals, our next steps, and how do we get there.”

  “Funny, I’ve been thinking along the same lines.”

  “Whew. You had me worried for a minute, Marvin. I’ll have to learn to recognize your deep-in-thought look so that I don’t trip next time.”

  “You know, Thomas and Richmond Tecktronics, Inc., has been an industry leader for the last three years. Can you believe we’re moving and shaking with the Sonys and Toshibas, well, maybe not that big, but you know what I mean?”

  “Umm-hmm,” Kenny said, his voice barely audible.

  “Anyway, we’ve developed software just like the Japanese. We’ve got video games that people all over the world are playing. Damn kids know how to manipulate those games backwards and forwards, but half of that population doesn’t have a clue what the fifty states are or the names of our Supreme Court justices. They act as if the world was invented after the last commercial break, and we’re the ones responsible for it. Richmond, can you name five Supreme Court justices?”

  “‘Uncle Tom’ Clarence Thomas, David Souter, Scalia, Kennedy, and Ginsburg.”

  Shock registered on Marvin’s face. “Damn, boy, you’re good. I’m thoroughly impressed. You better keep those in your hip pocket because we may need all nine of them one day.”

  Kenny cocked his head and looked straight into Marvin’s eyes. “It’s me, Marvin. You need to shoot straight and stop talking like a white boy. What in the hell is up with you? No more beating around the bush or playing like you’re the host of some reality TV show. I’m better than a fifth-grader. So if you’ve got something to tell me, spit it out.”

  “Nothing, it’s nothing, man. I had a long talk with a friend of mine yesterday, and it made me take a long, hard look at my life. I’m good. Needed you to make me come to my senses with your assurances that things were moving in the right direction. How was Kenny Jr.’s birthday party?”

  “Marvin, if there’s something you need to tell me, now is better than later. I’d hate to learn something the hard way when it could have been resolved on the front end. By the way, Kenny Jr. enjoyed himself. Sylvia outdid herself with his party. She had clowns and all sorts of stuff to entertain the kids. I got little Kenny the Hummer he wanted. He probably won’t play with the rest of his toys until it rains.” The two men enjoyed a laugh.

  “Thanks, Kenny. No need to worry. Everything is alright, man. I know your day is full, unless you came down here to talk to me about something specific.”

  “No, I was just checking on you—touching base. After you didn’t stop by little Kenny’s party, I thought I’d pay my partner a visit. If you’re alright, I’m alright. I’ll get back with you about my long-range plans.”

  “When my cousin Harold and I were partners, I trusted him with my life. I feel the same about you, Richmond. I’m proud of our partnership, if I hadn’t told you that before. I love you, man.”

  Marvin watched as Kenny stood on his feet and came around to where he sat. It was easy to see that his tone and metaphor-laden conversation troubled Kenny. It was almost as if Marvin could hear Kenny’s brain sizing up the last fifteen minutes, analyzing and reanalyzing what had been said or possibly implied. Although it might not be fair, he was going to wait until the last minute to let Kenny in on the time bomb that was ticking and on target to rock the fabric of his life as well as the lives of his family and friends.

  “Love you, too, man,” Marvin heard Kenny say. They shared a brother’s handshake, and Kenny departed.

  As soon as the door closed behind Kenny, Marvin picked up the phone. He pretended to dial some numbers, then looked at the phone and began to talk. “Baby, I love you and Serena. My whole world revolves around you and everything that I’ve ever done was to give you and Serena the life you so deserve. I don’t know how to put this other than to just say it.” There was a long pause. “Rachel, I’m deep in debt. I’ve made some financial decisions that have caused me some anguish. Now, I might lose the company because a larger firm is trying to buy me out and take over the company I’ve built from the ground up. I may lose everything...the house, the cars. I don’t know what to do, Rachel. Help me.”

  Marvin placed the receiver on its base. The television commercial made it seem easy as actors portrayed parents who had to talk to their teens about drugs and went through a ritual of a practice run before the real meeting. The practice run was tense for Marvin, but he wasn’t sure that he would be able to go through with the real thing.

  His company’s climb to the top made him blind to the economic crisis that loomed across the nation, even while politicians gearing up for the next presidential election were making light of it everywhere they went as they crossed the country talking to everyday folks. His mind way out in space, Marvin shook the clouds from his thoughts and turned on the TV. He gasped as he saw that another giant in the banking industry was about to fall.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Rachel flitted from room to room with her maid, Isabel, at her side, carrying two large books that contained swatches for her new project. It had been only three years since she and Marvin had moved into the three-acre estate that boasted a four-car garage; five bedrooms and five baths; a large solarium; and a chef’s kitchen complete with orange-and-charcoal granite countertops, copper pots and pans extending from the ceiling, and a chef’s
butcher block fitted with an oven/grill and a sink large enough to hold a side of beef. Marvin enjoyed this item in the kitchen more than Rachel, and often was the head chef at many of the dinner parties they hosted at their home. But Rachel was set on giving the room and others in the house a face lift with the latest in drapery fashion.

  “Isabel, what do you think about this fabric for the kitchen?” Rachel asked as she fingered it and glanced up at the window and around the room.

  “That’s nice, Mrs. Thomas.”

  “Are you saying that just to agree with me or because you really agree with me?”

  “Because I agree with you, Mrs. Thomas. It is really beautiful.”

  “Well, I don’t like it. It’s too dark for this room. We need something light in the kitchen that will pick up the colors of the countertops but not make everything dark. You understand, Isabel?”

  “Yes, Mrs. Thomas, I understand.”

  “Oh, Isabel, you’re not much help. Roland should be here any minute. He’ll have all the rooms picked out in no time.”

  Isabel rolled her eyes. “Yes, Mrs. Thomas.”

  Rachel moved to the dining room. This room was one of her favorites. It had an Asian theme, which included two large Oriental vases that stood three feet tall, a large Oriental water-color painting that lay against a pale yellow wall with eggshell-colored crown molding that snaked around three walls, and a black lacquered dining room set that sat six but could be extended for eight. A six-by-four-foot Oriental rug sat underneath the dining room table.

  Rachel fingered a pale, champagne-colored fabric with Japanese motifs embroidered in dark brown that she imagined would look elegant on the ten-foot window that looked out into a meadow filled with pine and dogwood trees. She nodded her head in approval. “I like this fabric for this room, Isabel.”

  “Yes, Mrs. Thomas.”

  There was a loud knock at the door, and Isabel made a beeline for it. Rachel temporarily put the swatch books down on the dining room table and anticipated Roland’s entrance.

  “Girlfriend,” Roland said upon entering and threw Rachel two air kisses. Dressed in navy pleated silk slacks, a white long-sleeved shirt opened down to the top of his breasts, and a burgundy linen vest, Roland swiped his hand in hello to Isabel, who wasn’t interested in any kind of kiss from him whether it was real or one blown in the air. His makeup was flawless, setting off his manufactured cat eyes, and his hair was cut in a precision short Afro so tight that it looked tailor made.

  “Water, Mr. Roland?” Isabel asked.

  “No sweetie, make it stronger than that. I need me a nice glass of chardonnay. You do have some, Miz Rachel? I need a drink before I get to messin’ up in here with you. I love working for you, Miz Girlfriend, but you always seem to make my pressure rise.”

  “Roland, you’re a trip, but you’re right about me working your bony ass today. I need new drapes for five rooms, and I want to know what you think of my choices.”

  “So you’re getting ready to spend some real money today, Miz Rachel? You know that will make me very happy.”

  “Yeah, Roland. I need a change.”

  “I guess you and your man got it like that. ’Cuz these drapes that have already got these rooms looking fabulous got a lot of good years left on them. But I ain’t mad, girlfriend. I’m trying to refurbish my condo. Where is that drink?”

  “Here you are, Mr. Roland,” Isabel said as she extended the glass of wine to him.

  “Cheers, baby!”

  “Cheers,” Rachel said, hoisting one of the books up in the air. “I’ll have my glass of wine later. I want to be fully cognizant of every decision we make.” Isabel frowned with disgust and left the room.

  Roland poured the sweet liquid down his throat. “Alright, Miz Girlfriend, let’s get this party started.”

  Rachel and Roland spent the next three-and-a-half hours fussing over fabric, taking measurements, and making suggestions until choices were finally made and Roland had written up the order. He followed Rachel to the kitchen so she could put her copy of the order in the secretary drawer. “I’ll call you tomorrow, girlfriend, and let you know what kind of damage you’ve done—and it’s extensive enough, in fact, to call for disaster relief.”

  “You let me worry about that. I just want to know how fast you can get my order to me.”

  Rachel and Roland turned in unison at the sound of keys hitting the kitchen counter. Rachel smiled when she saw Marvin, and Roland grinned harder.

  “Hey, honey, how was your day?” Rachel asked.

  “What’s going on, Rachel? What’s this I hear about disaster relief?”

  “Marvin, this is Roland.” Roland smiled and gave Marvin a friendly wave. “He’s the interior decorator I hired to do our drapes when we first moved in.”

  “Is something wrong with them?” Marvin asked.

  Roland moved his head like a ping-pong ball as the conversation bounced between Marvin and Rachel.

  “What’s wrong, Marvin? Did something happen at work today?”

  “What is he doing here?” Marvin asked, pointing to Roland, who made a poker face.

  “Honey, I wanted to put new drapes in some of the rooms. I thought it would give the house a nice face lift for the fall.”

  “We don’t need new drapes, Rachel. You’re spending money as if it grew on trees. Do you have a clue what’s going on outside of these walls? There’s an economic crisis that’s going to hurt all of us.”

  “Get a grip, Marvin. You haven’t indicated to me that we had anything to worry about.”

  “Look, Miz Rachel,” Roland cut in. “This is my cue to leave. You call me later and let me know what you want me to do. Girl, that’s some sweet tea,” he whispered to Rachel. “Fine as wine.”

  “Roland, let’s go,” Marvin said, showing him the door. “My wife and I need to talk. Don’t get your hopes up.”

  “Good day, folks.” Roland left in a hurry.

  “Why were you so rude to Roland, Marvin? That isn’t like you. He was a guest in our home and here at my request.”

  “Rachel, were you going to make a decision like this without consulting with me?”

  “Honey, you need to relax and calm down. Whatever has irritated you should not be taken out on me. Yes, I was going to tell you all about what I was doing, but my God, I was only getting estimates.”

  “If I hadn’t walked in on your little workshop, those drapes would’ve been hung up without my knowledge until the bill arrived. Look, I’m sorry, baby, for reacting that way, but I need you to be a little more frugal with your spending.”

  “What is it, Marvin? Are we in some kind of trouble?”

  “No, nothing like that. I’m just afraid that with the housing market stiffening up as it is, there is going to be some real repercussions that will eventually affect how we spend money. Mark my words.”

  “Okay, baby, but I’m concerned about your well-being. Your outburst scared me.”

  “It won’t happen again.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  Rain fell from the sky as if an airplane had burst the interior lining of a cumulous cloud, sending liquid spewing out every which way upon the city of Atlanta. The rain, along with the wind, knocked on windows, beat the sidings of well-constructed buildings, and scared the wits out of Sylvia as she rustled Kenny Jr. and his toys inside the house.

  “I hope your daddy gets home soon.” Sylvia sighed as she watched little Kenny rearrange his toy cars in the play parking garage. She walked a couple of feet to the couch, found the remote, and turned on the television to see what the newscasters were saying about the sudden downpour.

  The phone rang. Startled, Sylvia jumped. “I hope nothing’s wrong with Kenny Sr.,” she said out loud before finally picking up the phone. She glanced at the caller ID, sighed, and answered.

  “Hey, Rachel. How about this rain?”

  “Yeah, girl. It just came out of nowhere.”

  “Well, I hope Kenny gets home soon. It’s seven o’clock and
he should’ve been here. This weather reminds me of the day that tornado sneaked into Atlanta and caught us unaware.”

  “I don’t think it’s as bad as that, Sylvia, but I know what you mean. Speaking of Kenny, though, have you talked with him anytime today?”

  “Early this morning, why?”

  “I’m not really sure, Sylvia. Marvin came home tonight acting real strange. He claimed that nothing was wrong, but I’ve never seen him pull a temper tantrum before. Darn near kicked Roland out.”

  “That’s it. Marvin caught you spending his hard-earned money. I told you that you didn’t need to be getting any drapes when the ones you have will be good for the next two decades.”

  “I needed a change, and we can afford it.”

  “Rachel, you’ve got to be prudent. Yes, you’ve got money, you’re sitting on a two-or-three-acre lot, got a loving husband and a beautiful child, but sometimes you’ve got to take time to find out what their day is like and what they might have gone through. If you look at the news channel every once in a while, you’ll hear that the economy isn’t faring so well, and that could have an effect on everyone.”

  “So what’s Kenny saying, Miss Know-it-all?”

  “Kenny has grown another appendage on his body. I can’t get that cell phone away from his ear. He lives and breathes that thing. Says he’s making deals to help boost the company’s profit margin.”

  “Well, if you hear anything, let me know. I’m worried about Marvin. Can’t put my finger on it, but something’s going on with him.”

  “I hear Kenny now. I’ll let you know if I find out anything.”

  “Thanks, Sylvia.”

  “Love ya, Rachel.” And the line was dead.

  “Hey, baby,” Sylvia said, getting up to give her man a kiss hello. Kenny stopped long enough to give her a peck on the lips as he continued to talk to the anonymous voice coming through his cell phone. Sylvia’s left brow furrowed as she wrapped her arms around her waist. This practice was going to stop as of today.