Four Degrees of Heat

by Rochelle Alers, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Brenda L. Thomas; Crystal Lacey Winslow

  She wanted to tell him that if she looked great, then his cousin had something to do with her transformation. “Thank you.” She handed him the bag. She had purchased a three-piece set of sterling silver frames in different sizes as a housewarming gift for the Nelsons. She’d also brought two bottles of their favorite champagne. “Please give it to Wayne.”

  Grinning, he took the bag from her grasp. “Of course. I’ll be right back.” It was almost an instant rerun of the wedding reception, when Richard had gone to get her a drink.

  Nina walked over to her friends. Kim was rubbing Michelle’s back as she took furtive sips of a pale carbonated beverage. Bending down, Nina kissed Michelle’s cheek.

  “How are you feeling, girlfriend?”

  Michelle shook her head and rolled her eyes. “She’s kicking my butt.”

  Nina stared at Kim over Michelle’s head. “It’s too soon to know if it’s a girl.”

  “Oh, I know it’s a girl. A boy would be a lot nicer to his mama.”

  “Now, you know that’s sexist,” Kim chided in a soft tone.

  Nina held Michelle’s hand. “Why don’t you go inside and lie down?”

  Michelle stared up at her. “I just got up.”

  Lloyd appeared with a damp cloth. “Wayne said you should lie down with a cool cloth on your head.”

  Forcing a weak smile, Michelle extended her hand to her husband. “Help me up, baby.”

  Nina and Kim stood back as Lloyd gathered his wife off the chair and carried her into the brownstone. The two friends stared at each other, slowly shaking their heads.

  Kim sucked her teeth. “Watch homegirl milk this for all it’s worth.”

  “I’ll give you your words back when you’re in the family way.”

  “You’ve got that right. Ever since Billy put a ring on my finger, he’s gotten a little slack. Every once in a while I have to remind him that he married an African…” Her words trailed off as she stared at something over Nina’s shoulder.

  Nina felt his presence even before she was given the opportunity to turn around. She schooled her expression not to reveal what she was feeling at that moment—fear and uneasiness. Fear, because she did not want him to know how much she loved him, and uneasiness, because she did not know what to say to him.

  Turning slowly, she stared at Drew. He was casually dressed, like most of the other guests. He wore a beige linen shirt, matching shorts, and a pair of brown woven sandals. She forced herself not to stare at his legs.

  “Hello, Drew.” Her voice was steady, calm.

  He inclined his head. “Hello, Nina.” He lifted an eyebrow behind his sunglasses. “It’s good seeing you again.”

  “Same here.”

  He nodded to Kim. “Hello. I hope you don’t mind if I borrow your friend for a few minutes?”

  Kim waved a hand. “Of course not. I was just going in to ask Carmen if she needed any help.”

  Drew extended his hand. “Nina?” She placed her hand in his, and minutes later she found herself standing on the sidewalk along the tree-lined street.

  “What do you want, Drew?”

  He tightened his grip on her fingers. “Come, walk with me while we talk.”

  Why, she asked herself, hadn’t she noticed how soft his voice was? It was always evenly pitched, controlled. “What do you want to talk about?”

  Drew led Nina down the block, his hand covering hers in the crook of his elbow. They’d been apart a week, and in a week he’d tried remembering everything about her and failed. All he remembered was the hypnotic scent of her perfume and the feel of her silken skin. And now that he had seen her again, everything else came rushing back: the sultry timbre of her beautifully modulated voice, the dark slanting eyes that challenged him not to look away, and her quick mind.

  He’d spent a rewarding eight weeks with her, discussing their favorite writers, reading poems to each other, watching classic movies, and listening to music from a prior generation.

  “What happened between us at your summer place on Sag Harbor, Nina?”

  Stopping, she stared at him. “We slept together.”

  He shook his head slowly. “Wrong, Nina. You may have slept with me, but I fell in love with you.”

  Nina’s eyes filled with tears, and her lids fluttered as she tried blinking them back. “I fell in love with you, too.”

  Cradling her face between his hands, Drew brushed a kiss over her trembling mouth. “Marry me, darling.”

  Smiling through her tears, she nodded. “Yes.”

  He released her long enough to glance at his watch. “Come, Nina. I want to get there before it closes.”

  “Where are we going?” she asked, quickening her pace to keep up with his longer legs.

  He smiled at her. “You’ll find out soon.”

  Nina sat in the back of a taxi, wrapped in the protective warmth of Drew’s arms. She hadn’t registered his “Fifty-seventh and Fifth” to the driver until the cabbie stopped across the street from Tiffany & Co.

  He gave the taxi driver a fifty-dollar bill. “Keep the change.”

  Not waiting for the light to change, he scooped her up in his arms, skirting cars, taxis, and a lumbering bus, and sprinted into the store.

  “Put me down, Drew,” Nina hissed in his ear. “People are looking at us.”

  There was a stunned silence as shoppers and clerks turned and looked in their direction. Sheepishly, Drew lowered her feet to the floor. “We’re in love,” he announced in a loud voice. There was a smattering of applause before everyone went back to their buying and selling.

  Nina held back as Drew went over to an older woman with short coiffed hair. They shook hands, then put their heads together. He pointed to several trays of diamond rings under the glass.

  Holding out a hand, he said, “Come, darling, and pick out what you want.”

  Heart pounding, knees shaking, Nina closed the distance between them. When she’d gotten up that morning, she hadn’t thought she would ever see Drew again, and now she was picking out an engagement ring.

  Someone brought over a chair for her to sit on, and less than an hour later she wore a two-carat brilliant-cut diamond with a platinum paved band on her left hand. Her heart had slowed to a normal rate as she and Drew selected matching bands.

  She hid a smile when Drew placed an American Express credit card on the counter. He curved an arm around her waist and pressed his mouth to her ear. “On the way back uptown I’ll tell you about my business.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me before?”

  “Because you were only my girlfriend, not my wife or fiancée.”

  “I was never your girlfriend,” she said softly.

  “What were you?”

  “Your lover.”

  Smiling, he shook his head. “You were my girlfriend when I took you to B. Smith’s.”

  “Okay, I’ll concede that. And because I was your girlfriend for about a week, I expect you to court me properly, Andrew Lancaster, before I become your wife.”

  “Are you saying we won’t sleep together?”

  “How long can you hold out?” she teased.

  He angled his head. “Probably a month.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “No. But I’ll try.”

  Curving her arms around his neck, Nina rested her head on his shoulder. “When do you want to get married?”

  “How about Christmas? We can honeymoon in the Caribbean, or would you prefer Tahiti?”

  “I’ve never been to Tahiti.”

  He kissed her. “Then Tahiti it is.”

  The salesclerk gave Drew his receipt and a blue shopping bag with their bands. “Congratulations, Mr. Lancaster. Miss.”

  “Thank you,” they chorused in unison.

  They stood on the corner, arms around each other. Drew whistled through his teeth for a taxi for the return trip uptown. A streak of yellow screeched to a halt in front of them. They were barely seated when the driver took off. Drew gave him the address to his cous
in’s brownstone, then held Nina close to his heart.

  Chapter 10

  Nina and Drew returned to the cookout, her left hand hidden behind her back.

  Kim met them carrying a plate overflowing with food. “Where were you two?”

  Nina gave her a mysterious smile. “We were celebrating.”

  “Celebrating what?” Wayne asked. He wore a bibbed apron withKISS THE COOK printed on the front in big red letters.

  Pulling her hand from behind her back, Nina held out her splayed fingers. “This.”

  “Damn!”roared several people standing close enough to see the brilliant stone on her finger.

  Wayne caught Drew’s shoulders and pounded his back. “Yo, Slick, you finally did it. When are you getting married?”

  Drew smiled at Nina. “Christmas.” He gave Wayne the shopping bag with their wedding bands. “Put this in the house for me.”

  Carmen came over to join the people gathering around Drew and Nina. “Who’s getting married?” She saw the diamond on Nina’s hand and screamed, dropped her oven mitt, and hugged Nina.

  Nina barely had time to react when she found herself sandwiched between her three best friends. Michelle burst into tears, and within minutes all of them were crying.

  Michelle sniffled. “Even though I’m pregnant, I still want to be a bridesmaid.”

  Nina kissed her damp cheek. “And you will be.”

  Richard strolled over and dropped an arm over Drew’s shoulder. “Congratulations, cuz. You’ve got yourself quite a prize.”

  Drew nodded. “Thank you.”

  “Tell me something, D.L. How do you plan to support your wife? You know hustling ain’t easy.”

  Resting an arm on Richard’s shoulder, Drew angled his head close to his cousin’s. “Have you ever heard of the Wright Group?”

  “Sure. They rent private jets and limos to captains of industry, entertainers, and athletes.” Richard noted the smug expression on Drew’s face. “You’re one of the partners?”

  Drew nodded. “Bingo, cuz.”

  Richard shook his head in dismay. “Dammit, Drew. Why didn’t you say something before they started calling you D.L.?”

  “D.L.’s all right. It’s a lot easier to say than Drew Lancaster.”

  There was a popping sound, and everyone turned to see Wayne uncorking a bottle of champagne, while Carmen handed out flutes.

  Drew released Richard and walked over to Nina. Crossing his arms over his chest, he crooked a finger at her.

  Smiling, she shook her head and repeated his gesture. He closed the distance between them and gathered her close to his chest. Smiling, he stared down at her smiling up at him.

  “I love you, Nina.”

  “Love you back, Drew.”

  He lowered his head and kissed her to rousing applause. He stopped to accept a flute of champagne as Wayne waxed eloquently about married life.

  Carmen interrupted him. “Enough, Wayne.” She lifted her glass. “To Nina and Drew. May love and happiness be with you always.”

  “Hear, hear,” everyone chorused.

  Drew pressed his mouth to Nina’s ear. “How long do you want to hang out here?”

  She smiled. “Long enough to be sociably polite.”

  “Your place or mine?”

  “Which is closer?”

  “Mine.”

  Nina nodded as her gaze fused with his. She was astonished at the sense of fulfillment she felt.

  Drew emptied his glass, set it down on a table and curved an arm around his fiancée’s waist. “I’d say it’s been quite a summer.”

  That is has, Nina thought. In fact, what they’d experienced was summer madness.

  Rebound

  ReShonda Tate Billingsley

  Chapter 1

  Victoria stared at her reflection in the full-length mirror. She looked as she always imagined she’d look on this day—absolutely radiant. Her makeup was flawless across her caramel-colored skin. Her sandy brown shoulder-length hair was swept up into a bun, with several strands hanging loosely around her face. The intricately beaded Victoria Wang gown hung from her body like it was created especially for her. Her voluptuous breasts protruded from the A-lined front of her dress. Yes, she was indeed a beautiful bride.

  Victoria forced a smile as she gazed at herself. As her mother and friends banged on the door outside the bride’s room in the church, Victoria wiped away the single tear that had found its way down her cheek.

  Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Not Goin’ Cry” echoed in her head.

  “Come on, Victoria, open the door, baby!” her mother yelled.

  Victoria ignored her mother, just as she had been doing for the last hour—since the love of her life, the man who she thought she would grow old with, had sent a note saying he couldn’t go through with it. He couldn’t marry her.

  A fucking note.

  Had she not given that man her heart and soul? Had she not devoted ninety-nine-point-nine percent of her time to making him happy? Yet he couldn’t even be man enough to dump her to her face. He sent a fucking note. By a stranger, at that. Some homeless man he paid $20 to bring it to the church.

  Victoria sighed as she thought of how she had just had a long talk with Kendrick three days ago. He could’ve told her then. Hell, he could’ve told her last night, when they said their respective good-byes before heading off to their bachelor and bachelorette parties. She had noticed that Kendrick had seemed withdrawn and aloof the last couple of weeks. But every time she asked him what was wrong, he’d said nothing. Even the night of their extensive talk, he acted nervous and scared, but he kept saying he was fine, so Victoria struck it up as prewedding jitters.

  Victoria reflected on their fairy-tale romance. Kendrick had spotted her buying coffee at Starbucks—her regular morning routine. He asked for her number, but she blew him off. He pursued her relentlessly, showing up at Starbucks every morning until she finally gave in and agreed to a date.

  They’d dated exclusively for two years, and while Victoria knew she was ready to get married, she had never pressured him. In fact, getting married was his idea. He had gone through this whole elaborate proposal, renting a billboard and everything. Why would he go through all that just to leave her at the altar?

  Victoria looked down at the note still crumpled in her hand. She gently unfolded it, hoping she could find answers she hadn’t previously seen. But the note still read the same: “Victoria, I’m sorry, please forgive me. I’m just not ready. K.”

  That was it. No real explanation, no nothing.

  “Victoria, sweetie, it’s Iman. Please open the door and let me in.”

  Victoria glanced toward the door. She could just see Iman in tears on the other side of the door. Iman was her best friend since elementary school, a true sisterfriend. Iman would kick your ass, then cry with you about it. She was an unusual mix of sensitivity and sassiness. Her histrionics could also work some nerves, which was why Victoria didn’t want to let her in either.

  Iman had been with Victoria styling her hair when that dirty-looking, dreadlocked man had walked in and handed Victoria the note. Iman had immediately started crying as a stunned Victoria called Kendrick on his cell phone. At first, Victoria thought it had been a cruel joke. But when she got Kendrick’s voice mail and it said, “Victoria, I hope you can one day forgive me,” she knew this was for real.

  Through her tears, Iman had tried to hug Victoria, comfort her, and tell her everything would be all right. Victoria couldn’t take the pity, so she had sent Iman to tell everyone at the church the wedding was off. As soon as Iman left, Victoria had locked the door and tried to deal with what was happening. As of yet, she hadn’t really cried. Although her heart hurt like hell, Victoria was the strong one of her friends and family. She was the one who set and accomplished all her goals, not letting anything deter her. Everyone called her “the rock” because she was so together. She couldn’t let that change now. She refused to let them see some jilted, driveling bride.

&nbs
p; “Fuck him,” Victoria numbly muttered as she stared at her reflection. “It’s his loss. I don’t need him.”

  Now, if only she could really make herself believe that.

  “Victoria, honey, if you don’t open this door, I’m going to call the fire department and have them break this door down,” her mother called out.

  Victoria closed her eyes and inhaled. Her mother, Rhonda, would definitely call the fire department, the cavalry, and anyone else she could think of. Victoria reached down and swooped her train up in her arms as she walked over to the door. She took a deep breath before opening it.

  “Oh, baby!” her mother cried as she rushed in. “I’m so sorry.” Victoria managed to pull herself from her mother’s grasp. There had to be fifteen people, mostly bridesmaids, along with a couple of relatives, standing just outside the door. All of them looked like their best friend had just died.

  “Are you okay?” Iman asked, clutching a handkerchief in her hand.

  Victoria gulped, making sure her voice didn’t crack. “I’m fine. Dang. What’s the big deal?” She turned, walked back toward the dressing table, and began removing her jewelry.

  “Baby, you can’t be fine,” Rhonda softly said. “Don’t act like this isn’t affecting you.”

  Victoria dropped her pearl necklace into her jewelry bag. “Can one of you help me out of this stupid dress?” She reached back, trying to unzip the dress. “Um…Hello, can somebody help me here?” Victoria repeated when no one moved. “Why are you all standing there staring at me with those pitiful looks?”

  “Baby,”—Rhonda stepped toward her daughter and started unzipping the dress—“I think we should talk about it. I know this has to hurt.”

  “Mother, please.” Victoria sighed. “It’s probably for the best.” She stepped out of the dress. “Iman, hand me my bag over there, please.”

  Iman fought back tears as she handed Victoria her overnight bag.

  Victoria forced a laugh. “Girl, you act like you’re the one that got left at the altar.”

  Iman gently stuck out her bottom lip. “I just can’t understand why he would do this to you.”