“Okay, you want to play games. Forget the last name. Why do you have the blues, Malik?”
“I found out something today that’s got my world turned upside down.”
Anissa took a sip of her drink. “I’m not going anywhere right away. I’ve got time, if you want to talk.”
Malik took a look at Anissa and felt that she was safe. He bent his head down and exhaled. “Bartender, another Bloody Mary, please.” Malik looked at Anissa, who seemed to be studying him. “I’ve been in love for a long time with a woman I couldn’t have—she was married. But the moment she became free I didn’t pounce on her like I should have. I was there for her because her loss seemed great to her at the time, and I was there as the dutiful friend to encourage and be there for her for whatever it was she needed. I think she had some feelings for me, but things happened and she wasn’t suddenly free anymore, but we finally had that moment that seemed magical. We made love to each other. But it was over as soon as it began.”
“That’s so sad. So did you ever find true love?”
The bartender slid Malik his Bloody Mary and he took a sip. “I loved only her, but when our lives drifted apart, I did fall in love again. But it wasn’t the same as before. The new love of my life filled a void, but it still wasn’t the same. Nevertheless, I married my new love and now we’re going to be parents.”
“Oh, I get it. You’re going to be a father and you aren’t comfortable yet in your new role. Depending on how many months your wife is, you’ve got plenty of time to get adjusted to the idea of being a father because when the baby gets here, that’s when the real pressure begins.”
“No, that news isn’t earth-shattering. In fact, I welcomed the news with open arms.”
“So what’s got you in a tizzy?”
“You need your drink refilled. Bartender, another Long Island Iced Tea for the lady.”
“Coming up,” the bartender said.
“Thank you, Malik. Now finish your story. You’ve got me all curious.”
“I learned today that I have a son.”
“Whoa. I missed something; that came out of left field.”
“Damn right it did. My mother-in-law . . .” Malik seemed to drift off in thought.
“You mean your wife’s mother . . . who had the accident and is in the hospital?”
“You were listening.”
“You tell a good story.”
“Yes, the woman in the hospital. Her twin babies were also in the accident and one had a rare blood type.”
“That’s not so awful, is it?”
“The doctors thought he might need blood, but neither my mother-in-law nor father-in-law have that blood type.”
“So are you trying to tell me that you have this same rare blood type and you are the baby’s father?”
“You are so discerning, Anissa.”
Anissa put up her hand. “Recap. You got down with your wife’s mother and sired a son, and now your wife is having a child for you as well. Jesus. This is a bestseller, and if I were writing it I’d call it, My Wife and Mother-in-Law—My Babies’ Mommas.” Anissa giggled and took a sip of her drink.
Malik grunted. “It isn’t a funny place to be.”
“I guess not. So what is your father-in-law saying?”
“If you can find any humor in this, my father-in-law used to be my best friend. We’re frat brothers.”
“Let me take a guess. You’re a “Q.”
“How could you tell?”
“I’m discerning, remember, and you have Q written all over you. In fact, I know a lot of Q’s.”
Upon hearing that, Malik became silent, collecting his thoughts and running over in his mind what he had shared. Who was this Anissa? Who did she know? She seemed harmless. Damn, he’d talked too much. He could cut his losses and go back to the room, ending what seemed at first to be an opportunity to unload a burden with a stranger.
“Did I say something wrong?” Anissa asked.
“No,” Malik said matter-of-factly. “Just thinking.”
“Well, Malik, I wish you well with your situation. Hopefully, you can sort it all out. It’s time for me to go home and get ready for Friday. I’ve got a lot of work to do in the office tomorrow. It was a pleasure meeting you, and thank you for the drinks and your company.” Anissa reached in her purse and pulled out a business card. “If you should need a shoulder to lean on again, give me a call.” She got up from her stool and patted Malik on the shoulder.
Malik looked at the card and put it in his shirt pocket. “Thanks for listening, Anissa. If I should need a friend, I’ll be sure to call you.” And Anissa evaporated into thin air.
Malik was grateful he hadn’t given Anissa his last name. He couldn’t afford to have any slip-ups on his way to winning a state senate seat. He was going to take Perry’s advice and step up his game. Malik finished off his Bloody Mary and prepared to leave.
“Malik Mason?” the gentleman asked, approaching from behind.
“Yes, and you are . . .” Malik squinted.
“Dr. Shelton Wright, the people’s candidate for state senator out of Raleigh.”
Malik perked up and shook Dr. Wright’s hand. “Hello, Dr. Wright. I didn’t recognize you, with it being so dark and all. What brings you here?”
“Had a meeting with some of my constituents in the hotel—trying to feel the pulse of the people I hope to serve one day. How’s your race going down in Fayetteville?”
“It’s going good. Campaigning is hard work, but I want this and hopefully we’ll be officemates soon.”
“Well, it was good to see you, Mr. Mason. I’ve got to tell you, though, stay off of the sauce and away from women other than your wife. You never know who might be lurking about, ready to get some tidbit on you so they can put your business in the street. If you plan to win, you have to keep a squeaky-clean image. Well, I’ve got to run home to the wife and love up on her awhile.”
Malik looked at Dr. Wright thoughtfully and sober enough to understand his meaning. “Thank you, Dr. Wright, for the words of wisdom.” Malik watched as Dr. Wright took his leave and then looked at his watch. He needed to call Ivy, but it could wait until in the morning.
Forty-Four
Ivy watched as Winter pulled out her key and opened the door leading from the garage into the foyer that led into the kitchen in Margo’s townhouse. It was close to midnight, and everything was dark and still. Ivy navigated her way in and followed behind Winter as she flicked on lights in several rooms. Evan was fast asleep, and Winter was eternally grateful that the hospital staff had offered milk and pampers for Evan.
“Mom’s house is nice,” Winter said, taking the stairs to the second floor to put Evan in his crib. “She deserves it after helping everyone else to acquire prime real estate.”
Ivy was taken aback but wouldn’t say out loud how much she loved the place. It felt warm and cozy, and she could feel her mother’s presence running through it. “Do you think Momma is lonely?”
“Because Daddy isn’t here? You know their divorce is going to be final in a few weeks.” Ivy put on Evan’s sleepers and laid him in the bed. “Let’s go in Mom’s room and talk.”
“My God,” Ivy exclaimed as they entered Margo’s bedroom. “This room is massive. Fireplace and how big is that flat-screen? I know she’s not enjoying this all by herself.”
Winter sat on the bed and Ivy followed. “Feels like old times, big sister.”
“Yeah,” Ivy said.
“Truth, Ivy? Mom is putting up a big front. Yeah, she thought she wanted to be alone; she’s been through a lot. But, girl, when I dragged Daddy over here so he could see the boys, you should’ve seen the chemistry between him and Mom bounce in the room. She still loves him, but her pride won’t make her change her mind. It’s as if she had to get her point across, and she did so by making a bold statement in filing for divorce.”
“How does Dad feel?”
“That man loves that woman. He told Winston and J.R. several t
imes that he loved Mom.”
“Maybe, she’ll look at things differently after this accident.”
“Girl, our mother is stubborn . . . just like you.”
“Don’t go there, Winter. Anyway, who was that fine brother that was following behind you at the restaurant when I saw you last?”
“You mean Phillip?”
“If that’s his name, he’s the guy I’m talking about. He looked as if he had the hots for you, girl.”
“Believe it or not, I’d just met him. He’s studying to be a doctor, and his father is running for a senate seat in Raleigh, just like Malik. I went on a date with him the other night, and I think we could have a future. It’s too early to tell, though. I’ll let you in on a little secret; he can kiss. Oh my God. I almost lost it when he touched my lips. He set me on fire.”
“What about the rest of your body? Did he make it tingle? Did you let him touch . . .”
“Okay, enough.” Winter patted the bed and lay on her side. “Let’s talk about you.”
“There’s nothing to talk about.”
“Sistergirl, I must look like some kind of dummy. You’ve got a lot to share with me.”
“What are you talking about, Winter?”
“That big rock on your finger, girl. My big sister went and got married and now I’ll never be a maid of honor in my sister’s wedding. Remember when I said that I’d get married first?”
“I proved you wrong.”
“You did, Ivy. Why Malik?”
Ivy sighed. She didn’t want to go there with Winter, but it was inevitable. “He was there. No ulterior motives.”
“Come on. You had to have feelings for him. I’m not stupid, I keep telling you. But Malik is so much older than you and he used to be Daddy’s best friend.”
“I know.” Ivy dropped her head. “Malik loved Momma, in fact, I believe he still does.”
“So why did you marry him, Ivy? Was this your way of getting back at Mom?”
“Don’t judge me, Winter.” Ivy jumped off the bed and began to huff.
Winter got up and went to Ivy. “Sis, I’m sorry. I’m not trying to start anything. I was just asking. I guess I was trying to understand the rhyme or reason. You and I were always able to talk and when you cut me off, cut the whole family off, I couldn’t figure out why.”
“Look, Winter, I’m going to be honest with you. I’m scared.”
“Scared of what, sis?” Winter took Ivy’s hand and led her back to the bed. They sat on the edge.
“That Malik will either try and get custody of Ian or pressure Momma in some kind of way to let him into her world.”
“Listen up, Ivy. Mom doesn’t want anything to do with Malik. To tell you the truth, she can’t stand him. That’s why it hurt her so much when she found out that you and Malik got married. Not because she wanted him, but because she realizes that Malik had it bad for her and she doesn’t want to see her eldest daughter hurt.”
“Oh, I want to believe that, and even if it were true, I don’t trust Malik. Why hasn’t he called? He has just as much at stake in this matter as the rest of us do. I did fall in love with him, Winter. I truly did, but I’m not sure I did the right thing by marrying him.”
Winter hugged Ivy. “You can talk to me anytime you need, sis. I’m sure Malik loves you or he wouldn’t have married you.”
“I’ve had some time to think about it, and sometimes I think he married me so that it would look good on his resume . . . so that he can say Senator and Mrs. Malik Mason.”
There was a loud, cackling sound. Winter couldn’t stop laughing. “You should’ve heard yourself—Senator and Mrs. Malik Mason.”
It was Ivy’s turn to laugh. “Did I really sound like that?”
“Yes, you did. Anyway, don’t worry about Malik. I think he’s going to make my sister proud. And anyway, if he steps to Mom, you heard what Daddy said. He was going to whoop his ass into the ground.”
Ivy laughed. “Sis, I do have something to tell you.”
Concern was written on Winter’s face. “What’s wrong, Ivy?”
Ivy smiled. “You’re going to be an auntie.”
“What?” Winter screamed. “I’m going to be an auntie?” Winter jumped up from the bed and screamed. “I’m going to be an auntie. My sister is pregnant.” Winter pulled Ivy up from the bed, hugged and kissed her on the cheek. “Sis, I’m so happy for you. I’m going to be a good auntie, and this child, girl or boy, is going to have the best of everything.”
“Thanks, Winter.” Ivy held on tight. “Thanks, little sister.”
Winter pulled back. “We’ve got to tell Mom and Dad. Oh my God. We’ve got to tell Winston and J.R.”
“Slow down, Winter. That’s why no one wants to tell you anything. You don’t know how to absorb a little information and massage it for awhile. Anyway, I already told Daddy, and he’s cool with it. I’m looking forward to bringing this life into the world.”
“Girl, you’ve turned a somewhat bad day into a good one. Give me another hug.” Winter hugged Ivy. “I love you, Ivy.”
“I love you, too.”
Forty-Five
The room was close to being silent except for Malik’s snoring that could have awakened everyone in the hotel. His sleep was sound, probably a product of the two or three Bloody Marys he had gulped down the previous evening. His labored breathing seemed to intensify as the morning wore on.
A loud knock on the door caused Malik to stir. He wasn’t quite sure where he was and he fell back asleep.
Knock, knock, knock. “Housekeeping. Can I come in?”
With the loud knocking, Malik’s body jolted upright. “Damn, what time is it?” Malik said, wiping saliva from his mouth while taking a deep breath.
“Housekeeping. May I come in?”
“Go away!” Malik shouted.
Malik laid his head back on the pillow and fell easily asleep until the alarm on his watch began to chime. He reached over and turned off the alarm, and after another minute of lying prone, he finally sat upright. Pulling his legs over the side of the bed, Malik wiped his eyes before looking at the clock that stood on the table next to the bed. “Oh my God, I can’t believe it’s ten-thirty,” Malik said out loud. “I’ve got to get to the hospital to see Margo . . . to see the baby.”
Malik sprang into action. He got up and went into the bathroom to relieve himself, then jumped into the shower. The steam revived him . . . almost made him feel like a new man. He scrubbed his body as if he was getting rid of the stench of a thousand men but smiled and when the task was done, he exited the shower a new man.
He admired his naked body in the mirror that lay on the wall between the armoire and the desk with all the hotel information sitting on it. He patted himself on the chest and nodded his approval. His body was still in good shape and he wondered absently if Margo would approve.
Malik toweled his body dry. “I’ve got to see Margo; I’ve got to talk to her. I have to let her know that I’m here for her and our son.” Malik exhaled. “What am I going to do?” He punched his hand with his fist. “I want both of them.”
Malik quickly dressed and put his wallet in his pants pocket. He picked up his cell and called Reggie, updating him on the situation with his mother-in-law and that he hoped to return to Fayetteville by nightfall. Next he called Perry, the one call Malik dreaded but had to make anyway. Fortunately, Perry didn’t answer and Malik left a voicemail.
“Perry, this is Malik. Still in Raleigh at the hospital. Will see you this evening.” That done, Malik checked out of the hotel and headed for the hospital.
Malik was surprised that he hadn’t heard from Ivy, but he was fine with it. He wasn’t ready to deal with her and the issue of Ian—the baby that had him joined to Ivy’s mother. He hoped she wasn’t at the hospital and that he could have some one-on-one time with Margo.
As Malik stepped out into the sunshine, his head turned in the direction of a group of women who were chatting rather loudly. At that moment, Malik
froze, scanning the group in quick fashion, suddenly remembering the lady at the bar—Anissa. The last thing he wanted was to run into her again. He couldn’t be sure what she looked like because the light in the bar was dim, although he was sitting next to her. However, the light on this bright, Saturday morning made it difficult to discern one lady from the other. He counted six women, but they hadn’t glanced once in his direction. And then he remembered Anissa saying that she had only stopped by for a drink.
Feeling safe to do so, Malik walked briskly to his car, got in, and drove away without looking back. The streets seemed crowded—almost like a weekday—with people taking care of business, out for a jog in the park, getting groceries at the supermarket, or on some family outing. Before he knew it, Malik pulled into the hospital parking lot, parked his car and headed inside.
He was on a mission and Margo was his target. He walked up to two ladies who sat behind a desk marked INFORMATION DESK. One of the ladies gave Malik the location of Margo’s room and he proceeded to the elevator to make his ascent to the floor she was on. Malik constantly turned his head left and right as if he was on the lookout for someone. Pleased, he proceeded to his destination more relaxed than when he came in.
Malik stood outside of Margo’s door but was unable to move forward. He prayed a silent pray that she would be alone so that he’d be able to tell her how he felt and what he could offer. He scratched his head, counted to three, and went inside the room.
There was a sigh of relief as the room was void of visitors. Margo was partially hidden behind the makeshift wall made of muslin that was used to divide the room. He could tell that one leg was in some type of cast, but the rest of her was covered up by a thin, white bedspread. But it was Margo’s stare once he was upon her that scared him . . . that caught him off-guard.
“You timed it just right, didn’t you?” Margo asked.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” Malik replied.
“You saw Jefferson, Winston, and J.R. walk out of here. They haven’t even been gone a minute. What were you doing? Hiding behind a wall or in the bathroom?”
In My Rearview Mirror Page 18