Jen just smiled and waited.
“It’s between Superman and Flash.”
Jen laughed. “From what you’ve told me about her, I get the feelin’ that she wouldn’t care what you wore. Go with Superman.”
Less than an hour later, Haley was alone. She was tempted to call Tonya, but they had already talked earlier. Haley was sure she would answer, unless she was still working out, but that was beside the point. She didn’t want to overload Tonya on, well, her. They talked at least twice a day, and at night, sometimes it extended well past midnight. It was a wonder that she didn’t go to work worn out. Somehow, she always had energy for more.
Haley sighed and got comfortable on the couch.
The whole thing had snuck up on her. It wasn’t as if she walked around in fortified armor specially designed to repel women. Haley just liked things to be as uncomplicated as possible. So after that mess in college, combined with the revolving door of her mother’s love life and the ups and downs with Nate and Jen, she figured there was no such thing as a smooth ride, especially where relationships were concerned.
In direct contrast, she’d chosen what could be a dangerous and demanding career. So what the hell was up with that? She’d been shot at, cursed at, and seen enough dead bodies to start her own mortuary. Haley had taken it all on the chin as part of the job. Was she affected? Hell yes, but she did her best to maintain some perspective, and having a support system helped things stay together. Haley was willing to put her body through hell to make it stronger. She had never wanted to do the same with her heart, but that tune was changing.
Haley refused to sit there and analyze anymore. She got up and headed into the kitchen for another bowl of Cap’n Crunch. If there wasn’t at least half a bowl left, she was going to kill Nate.
* * *
With a glass of sweet tea in her hand, Tonya sat on her front porch to watch the late part of the day roll by. It had been ages since she’d done this. Lack of desire, and the heat, usually kept her indoors, but this afternoon the temperature was in the mid-80s. So with the ceiling fan on high and blowing directly on her, it was tolerable. As for desire, she had recently found the drive to do all sorts of things.
She waved at neighbors going into their homes, and even watched a group of teenage boys playing a very physical game of basketball. She didn’t understand what she was seeing, but they seemed to be having a good time. Tonya shook her head and rolled her eyes when they argued about something called a flagrant foul. She stood, and the movement caught their attention.
They were all shirtless and sweaty, but a majority of them jogged across the street toward her anyway. The biggest one, the one who had been flat on his back on the concrete, stepped forward. His head was bald, and his chest was hairless and chiseled. He was a good-looking black man, definitely not a teenager. In fact, several of them looked a bit older.
“You saw, right?” He smiled, tone light and teasing. His gaze was direct.
Somebody groaned. “Brah, stop trying to flirt and let’s get on with it.”
“Yeah, it’s a pickup game, and ya’ll are losing. Free throws aren’t gonna help.”
Tonya was amused. “I saw you on the ground. I can testify to that.”
More than one young man laughed.
“Well, I’m guessing you were watching me pretty closely. You had to see him practically clothesline me.” He pointed toward one of the men in the back. “I’m Nick, by the way.”
Tonya smiled. “Thank you, but telling me your name isn’t going to improve my understanding of basketball.”
Just then, the front door opened and her father stepped out. “It was all ball. Saw the whole thing.”
“Told you! Can we stop wasting time? I gotta go to work in an hour.”
Tonya glanced at her father. She turned back to Nick and said, “Hope that helps.”
Nick smirked. “I could teach you the fundamentals. That way, next time you’re out here, it’ll make sense.”
Tonya was flattered by his interest and repulsed by his sloppiness at the same time. “That’s okay. I’ll survive.” She swirled her glass, circulating the ice cubes to make sure the last little bit of her drink was as cold as possible.
Robert stepped forward then and introduced himself. When she heard him say, “This is my daughter, Tonya,” she snapped to attention, but it was his next words that made her stomach sink.
“You look like you need a cold drink, or we got sweet tea. Tonya made it, and it’s good.”
Was he presenting her like some sort of prized pig? Her father was standing right in front of her, but never had he seemed so far away. More sad than angry, there were so many things she could have said in that moment, but they were things he already knew yet refused to acknowledge. Instead of making a scene, Tonya walked into the house, leaving her empty glass behind.
Later, she wasn’t surprised to hear from Stephanie. She’d been a ball of excitement ever since Tonya’d told her about the upcoming date.
“You want me to come over?”
“I’ve been on a date before. You know that, right?”
“I know that! But not since I’ve…how long has it been, anyway?”
Tonya sighed. “About a year.”
“Jesus, your last date was that boring to you—”
“Yes, I didn’t see a point. I just wasn’t very interested in the whole thing anymore.”
“Haley is different,” Stephanie said.
“I agree. She is.”
“That’s not even the half of it. The two of you together almost burned my eyebrows off.” Stephanie’s voice was full of amusement.
Tonya smiled. She agreed with that too.
“You nervous?”
“You’ve already asked me that, what, every day this week?”
“And you haven’t really answered me.”
Tonya tried to think back, but she couldn’t remember with any accuracy. “Yes and no. I’m looking forward to it.” She paused. This was Stephanie. It was okay to be open. “I need this.”
Stephanie was quiet for several seconds. “Is it getting easier? To talk to me, I mean?”
“I just don’t see the point in holding things in anymore. It hasn’t gotten me anywhere.”
“You’re right. Mercury must be in retrograde or something. Look at what you’ve got going on. We’re closer than ever. There’s Haley, and the thing with your sister. Has your dad—”
“No, he hasn’t come around, if that’s what you were going to ask. In fact…” Tonya told her about what had happened on the porch.
“You’re fucking kidding?” Stephanie was outraged. Tonya didn’t need the validation, but it was still good to hear.
“I wish I was.” Before her morose thoughts struck again, Tonya interjected a moment of levity. “Nick would be perfect for you.”
“Oh really? What does he look like?”
“Mm, think Tyrese Gibson.”
“Oh God, I need to come hang out at your house more often. Maybe wear a bikini and stand on the curb with a pitcher of lemonade.”
Tonya laughed. “That’s quite an image.”
“It would certainly be memorable.”
“Yes, indeed it would. Now enough about me and my fantasies. It’s almost four thirty. Go get ready.”
Tonya couldn’t argue with that.
Sometime later, Tonya looked at herself in the full-length mirror in her bedroom. She’d used a little more makeup than usual, making her appear smoky and sultry despite the casual attire. She glanced down at her pale blue shirt, done up to the last button, and loosened a couple of them, revealing a hint of cleavage. The silver chain with the dangling heart charm called even more attention to it. Tonight, she wore jeans instead of her normal pants. They hugged the curve of her hips and ass perfectly and drew attention to the length of her legs. She ran a quick hand through her hair to adjust a few errant curls, which only added to the tousled look she knew worked well for her.
Tonya took a deep brea
th and smiled. She had no idea where they were going, but Tonya had made her peace with that. Surprises were not a bad thing. She’d had a few of them lately that had ended up being very pleasant. Besides, it was Haley, who made her laugh, and ache.
Her phone chirped. Tonya grabbed it off the bed. It was Haley.
On my way, will call if I get lost.
Tonya pressed a hand to her stomach as heat curled through her. Still, she smiled as she typed.
I’m easy 2 find. Shouldn’t b a problem.
See u soon.
Tonya put the phone down and turned back to the mirror, studying herself. There were no physical changes, but she knew she was different. Finally, she went downstairs. Instead of going into the living room to wait, she went to the kitchen to get a bottle of water. Her father was there, reheating something in the microwave. Tonya watched silently as he went from the microwave back to the refrigerator.
He paused for a second but didn’t say anything. Tonya refused to let it affect her. Not tonight. They moved around each other as though they were dancers listening to completely different tunes. Tonya unscrewed the cap from her water and took a swig. She could always reapply her lipstick in the downstairs bathroom before she left.
Just as she raised the bottle to her lips again, the doorbell rang, and Tonya nearly poured water down her shirt. She looked at her watch. It was 6:01. Tonya had expected a phone call or a text when Haley arrived. This was a little old fashioned, as well as totally charming. Her father looked at her then, and Tonya smiled. She left him with his reheated food and walked to the front door.
She opened it, and Haley stood there.
Tonya blinked. She took in the Superman T-shirt and matching blue sneakers. It fit her well, and for some reason, Tonya was charmed even more. She chuckled. “So we’re feeling super tonight?”
Haley’s smile was huge, bright. “Yeah, we are.” She stepped forward and pulled Tonya into a hug. Tonya held on tight and sank into the welcoming warmth.
Easing back a little, Haley whispered, “You look good.” Then she kissed her. It was soft and quick, but Tonya felt it all the way down to her toes. “You ready to go?”
Tonya nodded and turned back to close and lock the door. She stopped when she saw her father standing in the dining room, watching them. His face registered anger, disbelief, and disappointment.
Before she could be bombarded with her own feelings, Haley wrapped an arm around her. “It’s okay,” she whispered right into her ear before pressing a kiss against it. Tonya glanced up; Haley looked like she believed what she’d said. So Tonya did too.
She closed the door.
As Haley pulled away from the curb, she glanced at Tonya. “You wanna talk about it?”
Tonya shook her head. “No. This isn’t about him right now. This is about us. This is about feeling good.” She meant every word. Nothing was going to ruin this.
“I’m all for that.”
“Good. Will you tell me where we’re going now?”
“Not a chance, but I’m damn sure you’ll get a kick out of it. I really can’t believe this is our first official date. Feels like we’ve been doin’ this for a while.”
“True. Is that your way of saying we’re behind and you should’ve been in my pants already?” Tonya teased, smiling.
Haley laughed loudly. “No, but if you wanna get technical, you do dream about me. I bet I get plenty.”
“I never said that!”
“Give me time.”
“I don’t know how you walk around with a head big enough to have its own zip code.”
“I’m lookin’ forward to you takin’ me down a peg or two.”
Tonya huffed. “I don’t think it’s possible.”
“Well, if it helps, you could do anythin’ you wanted. I don’t think I’d mind.”
Something burst inside Tonya’s chest and spilled all over the place. She was hot and cold at the same time. For a moment, there wasn’t room for anything else. “You say that now—”
“I gotta feelin’ it’ll be the same tomorrow too.”
Tonya just stared. Haley paused the truck at the tollbooth and handed the lady a five-dollar bill. While she waited for change, she glanced at Tonya and gave her a dazzling smile. It was enough to kick-start Tonya’s ability to form words again.
They talked on various subjects for some time, and finally Tonya realized they had been driving for a while. She looked out the window. “Are we in Metairie?”
“Yep.”
“I wasn’t paying attention, but since everything seems so clean, I figured.”
Haley chuckled. “And no potholes. My shocks and struts are safer here, and so are we.”
“I agree. I hate what Nagin said about New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.”
“Ah, yes, chocolate city.”
“Exactly. The big leap in crime was blamed on all the black people coming back in, but most of them were the same people who lived there before. New Orleans was vulnerable, so it was easy for more criminals, whether they were black, white, or Hispanic, to slip in and take advantage.”
“True. It was bad before, but nothing like it is now. I still love it here. Eventually, somethin’ will break for the better and the city can move forward.” Haley’s words were naïve and idealistic, but she said them with conviction.
“That’s—”
“I know how it sounds, but I’m gonna stay hopeful as long as I can.”
Tonya smiled. It was good to be around such a positive person. She looked out the window again as Haley turned near a Taco Bell and then drove past it. “I got scared for a minute. I don’t do Taco Bell. I was going to get out and walk home.”
Haley laughed. “Some stuff on the menu is pretty good. I wish they had breakfast.”
“I just lost all respect for you.”
Haley didn’t speak as she parked in a rather large lot. Tonya looked around, then up toward the sign reading Airline Skate Center. She was shocked, touched, and apprehensive. She didn’t know the first thing about skating.
Haley glanced at her and reached out to rub the back of her neck. She looked eager and a little hesitant. “Well?”
“I think…I think this is the most unusual date I’ve been on. You have my attention, but you’ve had that since we met.”
“Good on all counts. I thought you might like it. I haven’t been skatin’ in years. I’m probably more excited about it than I should be.”
“Well, I guess I should probably tell you that I don’t know how to skate.” Tonya thought it was best to be up front.
“Don’t worry about anythin’. I’ll teach you the basics and be beside you the whole time.”
After she paid the cashier, Haley opened the door. Once inside, the bass was deep enough to make Tonya’s bones rattle. At first it was cacophonous, but her senses settled when Haley pressed her hand to the middle of her back and ushered her forward. The place smelled like leather, hot dogs, and nacho cheese. Picnic tables dotted the sitting area, and most of them were taken by people eating, resting, or changing into their skates. Tonya took it all in, and a bubble of excitement lodged in her chest.
A few minutes later, Tonya sat down, Haley beside her. She pushed her feet into her skates and tried not to think about the thousands of feet that had been in them before hers. In the middle of tying them, Haley kneeled down in front of her. She brushed Tonya’s hands away and pulled roughly at the laces to make sure they were tight enough.
Haley said something Tonya couldn’t hear over the music. She leaned forward. “What?”
“Feel good?”
Tonya smiled and nodded. Yes, all of this felt good.
Haley moved away to give Tonya room to stand, but when she tried, the world tilted and slid from underneath her. Tonya ended up right back where she’d started. At least it was the bench and not the floor.
“Sit tight. I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.”
It wasn’t long before she returned with some kind
of contraption behind her back. “What is that?”
Haley went from smirking to grinning. There was a mischievous look in her eyes. With a flourish, she revealed her surprise. Tonya stared. The thing reminded her of a tiny walker. She scanned the sitting area. A lot of children had them as well. Tonya glared.
Haley laughed.
“You’re an ass!”
“Oh c’mon! You know it’s funny.”
Tonya’s lips twitched. “Maybe a little.”
Haley reached out a hand, and Tonya took it. The world shifted again, but this time she was a little more steady while navigating it. Haley kept her eyes on her the whole time. Bending slightly, Haley whispered, “You ready?”
Tonya nodded. Haley kissed her ear. It was chaste and gentle, but Tonya still burned.
She was able to remain upright until they actually got on the rink. But when Tonya’s feet slipped from under her, Haley was there to put things right again. She took Tonya’s hand and held on tightly. People stared, but to Tonya their gazes meant nothing.
“Use the railin’ if you need to slow down, not the stoppers on the skates.”
“Okay!”
Tonya’s heart raced as they went one complete turn around the rink. She was scared of falling, but at the same time, exhilarated by the music—something by Beyoncé. Haley was solid and warm against her. With each pass, they moved faster until it felt as if they were flying. It really was freeing. Haley glanced at her every few minutes. Tonya had initially been afraid to take her eyes away from the ground or the people in front of them. She wasn’t anymore. She met Haley’s gaze.
Haley smiled and started singing the song and bobbing her head. Tonya laughed and attempted to wiggle and sway to the beat. When she didn’t quite pull it off, Tonya laughed even harder. Suddenly, she stumbled and the ground jumped up to meet her as if it had been waiting. Tonya yanked Haley down with her. Even then, she couldn’t stop laughing. She wasn’t hurt, and Haley was smiling so hard it had to be painful. But, her eyes…she looked at Tonya like she could swallow her whole. For a moment, Tonya lost the ability to breathe. People skated on around them while she reveled in the moment. Finally, Haley stood and pulled her up as well. She brought Tonya’s hand to her lips and kissed her open palm before leading them around the rink once more.
Between the Lines Page 20