NOTHING STAYS THE SAME

by Suzetta Perkins

  “Well, we all have skeletons in our closet, Trina. I’m sure you have a secret or two.”

  “I don’t know what you’re trying to imply, Cecil, but one must look at oneself before throwing stones.”

  “And I guess you’re not guilty of that very thing? Yeah, you went to all the right schools and found your way to the right law firm right after college.”

  Trina smiled at her husband’s accolades. Yes, she had done well for herself. She went to the bar and fixed herself a gin and tonic. “Want something to drink?”

  Cecil shook his head. “No, I’ll save my drinking for the party tonight. We might as well make this into a victory party for Senator Obama. I feel it in my bones that come Tuesday night, we’re going to have our very first African-American president.”

  “I’ll drink to that,” Trina said.

  “By the way, Trina, why did you abort your baby?”

  Liquid flew into the air as Trina spit out the gin she had begun to swallow. Protruding eyes dominated her face as Cecil dragged the wool off her secret. His revelation made her uncomfortable, although he remained cool, calm, and collected.

  “Wonders never cease. I’ve done a good job of hiding your secret all these years.”

  Recovering, all Trina could do was gawk until her voice found her. “How long have you known? That happened several years before I knew you even existed.”

  “How long have we been married?”

  “You’ve known for fifteen years and didn’t say anything?”

  “More like sixteen years, but who’s counting. I knew this day would come—not that I would hold it against you. I’m sure you had your reasons for not sharing it with me. You know how much I wanted children. But the point is, Trina, we all have something to hide; some don’t care. It doesn’t minimize my love for you.

  “Now, why don’t we get ready for the party tonight? I think I’m up to meeting our neighbors, friends, and relatives.” Cecil smiled. “Oh, and I have a surprise for you, but I’ll wait until this evening when I can share it with the whole group.”

  Words couldn’t find their way to Trina’s usually glib tongue. It was so unlike Cecil to be talking in riddles. Maybe he was bothered by the fact that Trina made him see what he’d become, but to bring up the fact that she’d been pregnant before? Her secret that had lain dormant for years had come bursting forth like a geyser, opening up old wounds, and now Cecil was talking about a surprise; this was too much. She was the prosecuting attorney, but her case had been cracked wide open. She turned in time to see the smug look on Cecil’s face, and she didn’t appreciate it one bit. Silently, she went into the kitchen to finish preparations for the night’s gathering.

  At precisely eight o’clock the doorbell rang. The anxiety of the morning was still with Trina, but she put on her happy face. She opened the door to the honorees, Sylvia and Kenny.

  “Hello and come in,” Trina said. Sylvia wore a red-belted, sleeveless, iridescent after-five, while Kenny wore a black Yves St. Laurent suit and a black knit turtleneck. “Sylvia, you look absolutely stunning,” Trina said to Sylvia, taking the couple’s wraps.

  “So do you, Trina,” Sylvia returned the compliment, giving her an air kiss and admiring the fuchsia silk chemise that accentuated Trina’s shapely curves.

  Cecil appeared from a long hallway and smiled at the group. “And so this is cousin Kenny Richmond and his lovely wife, Sylvia.” Cecil shook Kenny’s hand and placed a kiss on Sylvia’s knuckles. “My wife has worked hard all day to make this party a success.” He winked at Trina. “You all make yourselves comfortable.” Trina went into the kitchen.

  “Thank you,” Kenny and Sylvia said simultaneously.

  “Too cool to go outside. During the summer, we sit out on the deck and admire the lake.”

  “I’m sure it’s beautiful,” Sylvia offered. “What I can see of your home is absolutely gorgeous. I’m sure Trina spends hours making it look fabulous.”

  “Not really. So what are you drinking?” Cecil continued.

  “Chardonnay,” Sylvia said matter-of-factly. “For both of us.”

  “I like that you speak for your man,” Cecil said. Sylvia blushed.

  In the kitchen, Trina’s nerves were on edge. She was in the dark about Cecil’s surprise and when he was going to reveal it. She really wanted to enjoy the party, especially since this was the first time she’d hosted anything at her home. Saved by the bell, she flew to the door.

  Mona was also stunning in her blueberry-colored, iridescent silk taffeta wrap dress with ruffled trim accented by a multi-strand bib necklace made of jet black and clear Austrian crystals along with matching earrings. Michael, always immaculate, wore a blue Bob Mackey two-piece suit with a white shimmery knit turtleneck.

  “Hey, everyone,” Mona said, stepping inside. “This is my husband, Dr. Michael Broussard,” she said to Cecil and Trina, although Trina had already met him. She loved flinging Michael’s credentials at those who thought they were more uppity than she. “It certainly smells good in here. Claudette and T are right behind us. They were just pulling up when we rang the bell.”

  “Come on in and make yourselves comfortable,” Cecil said, giving Mona an extra stroke with his eyes. “I’m the bartender for the evening, and your wish is my command.”

  “Whew,” Mona said. “I like that, but I’ll start off with a glass of wine, if you don’t mind.”

  “Me, too,” Michael said.

  “Please help yourself to the hors d’oeuvres,” Trina said, unveiling the silver platters that held cream cheese-stuffed endive, mini vegetarian egg rolls, stuffed mushrooms, watercress sandwiches, and fruit in season on long wooden skewers just for starters. “I also have smoked salmon, Beef Wellington, and Swedish meatballs that I’ll put out in a minute.”

  The doorbell sounded again and Cecil glided to the door as if he’d performed this task many times before. He opened the door and stood back as he surveyed the three couples that stood there. “Come on in.”

  “Hi, I’m Tyrone and this is my wife, Claudette.” Tyrone extended his hand to Cecil.

  “I’m Cecil Coleman and my wife, Trina, is entertaining the others.”

  “Hey man,” Marvin said as he followed Claudette and Tyrone, giving Cecil the brother handshake and hug. “This is my wife, Rachel, and with us is my cousin, Harold, and his fiancée, Denise.”

  “I don’t know how you dudes ended up with these fine women, but you must have the Midas touch. What an attractive bunch you all are. Come on in. Kenny, Sylvia, Mona, and Michael are already here. Is everyone here, now? I see a car circling the block.”

  “No, I think this is everyone,” Marvin said. Cecil shut the door.

  Excitement was in the air. Hugs and kisses went around the room. The ladies admired one another’s evening dresses, a definite shoo-in for Ebony Fashion Fair’s evening wear scene on the catwalk, especially Claudette’s custom-designed kente cloth ensemble and Rachel’s low-cut, sea-blue crinkled chiffon dress with an empire waist and a flowing split front. Denise wore a simple but elegant black, V-neck, form-fitted cocktail dress.

  “You’re working it, Claudette,” Mona said. “You are so cute.”

  “I think everyone looks lovely tonight,” Claudette said. “Tonight feels so right. Feels like love.”

  “I’ll drink to that,” Denise said.

  “What’s this I hear about you and Harold getting married?” Mona asked, taking another sip of wine.

  “Yes, we’re going to do it in December, and you’re all invited.” Denise looked at Rachel. “Ladies, I’m truly in love this time.”

  Rachel smiled. “I’m glad to hear that because Marvin is all mine.” The ladies giggled, although Trina had no idea what the joke was. Realizing this, Rachel told Trina that Denise was Marvin’s first wife.

  “Oh, I see,” Trina said, staying far away from that conversation. “Everybody, can we all gather around?” she asked. “Cecil, I need you. It’s time to make a toast.”

  Cec
il left the comfort of male conversation and stood by his wife. “Glasses full,” Cecil said. Everyone filled their glasses and waited for the toast. “You do the honors, sweetheart.”

  Trina held up her glass. “This is a special night for me and Cecil because this is the first time that we’ve entertained in our home. And I can’t think of a better way to open up my home than by celebrating finding my cousin, Kenny, and his wife, Sylvia. Mind you, he was never lost, but there was a disconnect that was probably my doing. While I won’t go into it, I discovered something about myself when I saw Kenny jogging a few weeks ago. I realized that family is important—that we need family.

  “These past few days hanging out with you all, even though a very serious matter brought us together, has been so special. I guess I’ve been working so hard that I didn’t have time to realize that I had no special friends in my life. Cecil has always been my best friend, but I never thought I’d relish the time with a special girlfriend. You all have something...a chemistry that endears you all to each other. When I saw how the girls went to bat for Rachel and Marvin, and I hear that Kenny, Harold, and Marvin did some investigating on their own, it made me want to be a part of this special something.”

  Smiles radiated from Rachel’s, Sylvia’s, Claudette’s, and Mona’s faces. Sylvia went to Trina. “You’re our girl, too. We have some crazy moments, but the beauty of it is that we all love and cherish each other’s friendship and will go the last mile for one another. We’ve been put to the test many times.”

  “I’m a witness,” Denise cut in. “Even though I was not the most likable person in the beginning, when they found out I had breast cancer, these ladies were there for me.” Denise pinched her lips together and could no longer contain the tears.

  “Get that glass from her before she drops it,” Mona said.

  Harold went to Denise and hugged her. “I love you.”

  “I could go on,” Trina said, “and although my toast was all over the place, you get what I mean. I love you guys.”

  “I concur with her,” Cecil said. He took Trina in his arms, then kissed her passionately in front of everyone. As if on cue, everyone began to clap and didn’t stop until Cecil finally released Trina’s lips. “And while we’re celebrating, I want to remind all of you to vote on Tuesday if you haven’t done so already. Obama for president. Yes, we can.”

  “Obama for president,” everyone shouted.

  “Before we eat,” Cecil continued, “I have a big surprise for everyone, since we’re family now. I can say that, right?” Trina had a big smile on her face.

  “Yeah, man,” Kenny said. “You’re family.” They embraced.

  “I can’t keep the excitement bottled up anymore. A couple of days ago, I had a meeting with Robert Jordan, who’s representing Regal Resorts. Without going into all of the details, I do think we can win this. I don’t want to get your hopes up too soon, but I think I’ve got them backed into a corner. It may take raising some money, but I’ll talk to the guys about that later. But here’s the real drum roll.”

  “Baby, hurry up,” Trina said. “I’ve been on pins and needles all afternoon since you mentioned a surprise.”

  “Well,” Cecil began, “you would never believe who works at the law firm where Jordan is the senior partner.”

  “Who?” Marvin asked.

  “I won’t make you wait any longer. Peaches, Peaches Franklin.”

  “What?” Marvin screamed. “You got her last name?”

  “She walked into Jordan’s secretary’s office while I was there, and just before I left the room, the secretary called out her name. How many Peaches are there in Atlanta? From what Trina has told me about her, she seemed to fit the description. I went back later and got Peaches’ last name, but the girl was sure that her first name wasn’t actually Peaches. She’s going to try to see if she can come up with that information for me. How about that?”

  Marvin jumped around the room like a kangaroo. He pulled Rachel to him and they began to dance. Soon, everyone joined in. “Where’s the music?” Mona crooned. “I feel the party coming on.”

  Marvin stopped for a second. “God is good.” He shook Cecil’s hand. “I know we are still far from getting a handle on Peaches, but this is closer than we’ve ever been. I feel in my heart that God is going to work everything out.”

  Sylvia went to Marvin. “He has. Just wait on Him to do His thing. I’m so happy for you and Rach.”

  Rachel took her turn in the spotlight. “If I haven’t said it before now, I love you all. I can’t thank you enough for putting yourselves out for me and Marvin. I know you love us. You all are my everything.” Rachel burst into tears.

  “Okay,” Mona cut in. “Trina, I know this is your and Cecil’s place. But we’ve got to cut out the sob stories. This is a party. Now let’s celebrate. Thanks for that good news, Cecil. We needed it. With all the goods we’ve got on Peaches, it’s just a matter of time. Now, where’s the music?”

  “To Kenny and Sylvia,” Trina said, lifting her glass once more. “Now we can eat, dance and be merry.”

  “To Kenny and Sylvia,” everyone cheered.

  Music floated through the air while everyone got in line to fill their plates with smoked salmon draped with a crème sauce, mini Beef Wellington, Swedish meatballs, chicken and cilantro bites, and other wonderful appetizers.

  “Look at Mona checking out the food,” Sylvia said to Rachel. “She thinks nobody can cook but her.”

  “That girl is a trip, but I love her,” Rachel said. “Oops, my cell phone is vibrating. I hope nothing’s wrong with Serena. She and Danica are next door. Can you believe that Denise and I can really be friends? Hold on a second. Hello.”

  “Hey, Rachel, this is Holly, your next-door neighbor. Would it be too much to ask you to get Serena’s Dora the Explorer video? She’s whining and keeps saying she wants to see it. I really didn’t want to bother you.”

  “Alright, I’ll come home and get it. It’ll only take a couple of minutes. If I was anywhere else, Serena would just have to suck it up. She can’t always have her way.”

  “Thanks, Rachel. I just want Serena to be comfortable.”

  “Okay.” And the line was dead.

  “Rachel, are you really going to go home just because Serena wants to see a video?”

  “I know, Sylvia. I’ve spoiled that little girl. But that’s my love. It will only take a few minutes.”

  “Why don’t I go with you?”

  “No, no. It’ll only take five minutes. Enjoy the party. After all, it’s for you and Kenny. We’re just helping you celebrate. If Marvin asks, tell him I’ll be right back. The guys are over there in a huddle discussing business, and I don’t want to interrupt.”

  “Okay. You know he’ll be mad when he realizes you slipped out. Keep your cell by your side.”

  “I will.”

  CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

  The Colemans melded into the group easily. The ladies were in their corner eating and swapping stories, while the men talked strategies. Every now and then, Mona would sing along with Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack as they sang “Tonight I Celebrate My Love for You.”

  Out of the clear blue Claudette got up from her seat, put her plate down, and fetched her purse. “Marvin, I plumb forgot, I guess with all of the excitement. I received a letter in the mail from Ashley today, and she asked me to give it to you. I saw her a couple of days ago, and she asked me for your address. She said something about sending you some encouraging words. I’m not sure why she sent this to me. Oh, here it is,” she said, pulling the envelope out of her purse and handing it to Marvin.

  All eyes were on Marvin. He searched the group of women. “Where is Rachel?”

  “She ran home to get something for Serena,” Sylvia volunteered. “The babysitter called. She’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  “I wish she had told me,” Marvin said, a little agitated, but all the while opening the envelope. “I don’t want her to be out at night by herself with
that crazy woman on the loose.”

  “She’ll be alright, Marv,” Kenny said, patting Marvin’s back. “It’s just a few blocks around the corner. She’ll be back in no time.”

  “Okay.” An envelope addressed to Marvin was inside the larger one. Marvin ripped it open and took out a sheet of paper that was folded. Unfolding it, Marvin’s eyes began to bulge. “What is this?”

  “What is it?” Mona asked.

  Marvin lifted the cashier’s check in the air by the corner. He gulped. “It’s five hundred thousand dollars. Oh, my God...”

  “Let me see that,” Cecil said, taking the check from Marvin. He examined it and ran his fingers across it as if it he was making an expensive purchase. “Man, you must be living right. God has answered your prayer. What does the letter say?”

  “Read it for me, Sylvia,” Marvin said, handing her the letter and shaking like a leaf. “I can’t believe it. I can’t believe this is real.”

  “Okay, I’m going to read the note.” Sylvia began to read:

  Dear Marvin,

  Ever since I heard about your plight, I wanted to do something to help you. And when I realized my father was the opposing attorney on your case, I resolved to do what I could. My father has no idea and probably doesn’t give a damn about how you worked hard to establish your business and make it what it has become. His only concern is to win.

  Claudette kept me up-to-date with what was going on, and I hope that this little token will help you with your defense. You were always there for me when I was going through my trials with William. Rachel is so fortunate to have a man like you. William was a good man in the beginning, but somewhere things went wrong. Again, I hope this helps. I miss my Ex-Files family. Come visit me sometime.

  Ashley

  Silence choked the air out of the room. Tears flowed from just about everyone who’d been a witness to this miracle. Even Cecil was getting teary-eyed...maybe because he was going to get paid or because the five hundred thousand dollars was what he needed to get Regal Resorts to give up their quest to obtain Thomas and Richmond Tecktronics. “Thank you, Ashley,” Marvin said finally.