Nappily Faithful

by Trisha R. Thomas

  The address on the bottom of the screen kept popping up for donations. The Doval Ministry Foundation. She sat up in her bed and continued to watch and wonder. Would Keisha still want to be friends with the great Trevelle Doval if she knew what happened that night? Or would she cut off her own nose out of spite?

  Delma sighed before pressing the power button. The black screen was a relief. She scooted down under her covers up to her nose. Maybe it was all a bad dream. Soon, Trevelle Doval would disappear from whence she came, never to be seen or heard from again.

  49

  Venus

  Jake was standing outside of the shower when I pushed the glass door open. I jumped, seeing him there, not sure if he was real or an illusion.

  “Hi,” I said, blinking past the steam. I stepped out even though he was doing a good job of blocking my way. “What’re you doing?”

  “I think the question is yours to answer. You wanna tell me what’s going on?” He held up the credit card statement. “Every time I ask you where you’re going, you say shopping. I look here to see what kind of damage I’m in for and you know what, you must be getting some serious bargains ’cause we’re all clear.”

  “Like that’s my only credit card,” I said, wrapping the towel around me.

  He folded his arms across his chest. “Stop playing games. Tell me what’s going on. So what, you’re spending all this time with that baby … you think I’m going to be mad about that?”

  “No, well yes, sometimes I’m at the park. Okay, you got me. Ralph and I are planning a clandestine rendezvous at Babies ‘R’ Us.”

  “Stop it. Okay. I know when you’re lying. I know when you’re trying to hide some shit.”

  “You’re right. I already admit it. I’ve been spending time with Alverene and the baby. You saw for yourself, I spend a lot of time at the park.”

  He snapped the paper statement with a finger flick. “Gas in Gwinnett. That’s over an hour away.”

  “Sometimes, I just drive. I get in the car and I keep going. What’s so hard to understand?”

  He stood silent for a few moments, not sure of what more he could say. “I get scared.” He laced his fingers over his head and searched the ground for something that wasn’t there. “I get scared when you walk out that door, that you’re not coming back. You want to adopt this little boy, fine. Let’s do it. Whatever it’ll take to keep you safe, ’cause you’re scaring me.”

  “I swear, I’m fine.” I tried to assure him. But the underlying reason behind his fear went deeper than not knowing where I was spending my time or with whom. He was referring to the day he found me sprawled across the king-size bed unable to respond. I could hear him calling my name. I heard his voice past the crowded buzzing in my head. I smelled the beach on his skin after his run. I couldn’t tell him I was all right. My lips wouldn’t move. But I heard him, frantic, more so by the second. “Awww, shit, babe. What’d you do?”

  He said the spilled red wine at the bedside was the only reason he panicked. He knew there had to be something wrong for me to allow the white carpet to get soaked unabated. When I wouldn’t wake up, he called 911.

  There’s no law against trying to get some sleep by any means necessary. Unless of course your toddler is left alone to wander the halls, to watch TV, get bored, then get up and walk out the front door. Jake said the lifeguard found her at the foot of the shore, building a sand castle. He tried to make me feel better by admitting he’d probably ran right past her himself. But he was the kind of man who’d notice a child too close to the water, whether it was his or someone else’s. He was always aware of danger. When it came to me, he had a sixth sense directly linked to my hazardous logic.

  “Sometimes I just want to be alone.” I hunched my shoulders. “Besides, there’s nothing either of us can do but wait.”

  He searched the ceiling the same way he’d searched the floor. Then he willed his eyes to look at me with the regrettable truth. We were powerless to change what was about to happen. The fact that we might have to hand Mya over to Airic and Trevelle, and possibly be the ones picking her up on Sundays for visits, became an ugly reality that we both had to face. And all we could do was wait.

  I couldn’t tell Jake of my dastardly plan. It made little sense even to me but I wasn’t about to talk myself out of taking a chance. I had to try.

  It was a purple-hued sky, nearly dusk before Airic pulled up beside me in his rented Jaguar. He looked nervous and hurried. The window rolled down. “I’m sorry I was late.”

  I got out of my car and made sure it was locked before going to his passenger side.

  “You look beautiful,” Airic said. Though I hardly felt it. In my attempt to dress down, I ended up in a white tank and jeans that felt a couple of sizes too small. He reached over and squeezed my thigh. “Sorry I’m late. Just call me Bond, James Bond. I had to double back a couple of times for safety.”

  “Trevelle knows something?” I asked. “I don’t understand.”

  “She’s made accusations. I couldn’t take a chance. She might’ve had me followed.”

  “What the …” I put my hand over my mouth to keep from spilling the laughter. “You’ve got to be kidding.”

  He stared straight ahead as if he’d already said too much. “She’s capable, trust me.” He started the car. “Let’s just have a good time, shall we?”

  “Right.” I put my seat belt on and adjusted my sunglasses, feeling like the other woman for once in my life. It didn’t feel good. I couldn’t wait for the whole charade to end. We ended up at the same jazz bar as the week before. I made sure to get gas in Atlanta this time, in case someone was checking.

  “So what do you tell her?” I sipped on the ice water.

  “Same as the last two times, I was here to see Mya.” He paused, thinking I’d correct him. He hadn’t seen Mya at all. Hadn’t even asked about her.

  “That also happens to be in Atlanta,” I added. “So why was she suspicious if you’re just visiting your daughter?” I asked with impartiality. “Have you done this sort of thing before … said you were one place but gone another?”

  “Haven’t we all?” he said.

  I had an entirely new perception of Airic Fisher. When we were together, he made it absolutely clear he wasn’t a gaming man. He didn’t have the time or the energy to chase skirts. He wanted a stable, strong relationship where both parties understood their role. If I was a betting woman, I would’ve said he and Trevelle were meant for each other, yet here he was, leaning into my shoulder, his knee brushing against mine, whispering words that would haunt me for all of my days.

  “We have unfinished business,” he said. “Why don’t we get out of here?” He stood up, slightly off balance. The single sleeping pill I’d dropped in his drink was taking effect. “I’m going to the restroom. Then we can get on the road. I made reservations at the Guerlain hotel.”

  “Take your time,” I said. I raised a hand to get the bar guy to come my way. He seemed disgusted by my thirst for only water. Now it was time for a heavy hitter. “Dirty martini,” I said. “Fast and in a hurry, if you get my meaning.”

  “Coming up.” He seemed pleased by my choice.

  “Somebody’s lookin to get dirty,” the man’s voice sang over my shoulder. He was dressed in an awkward-fitting suit, too big, too wide, too blue. “Hey Miz Sexy, let me get that for you. And one for me, too,” he called out to the bartender. His eyes were seriously bloodshot. His dark skin was riddled with hair bumps along his neck and cheeks.

  “No thank you, really. I have it covered.” I’d spent enough nights out on the town to know not to be rude. A polite “no thank you” usually did the trick.

  “Pretty lady,” he said, smelling like distilled vinegar, “I won’t take no for an answer. You too pretty to be sitting here all by yourself.” He opened his wallet. “Recognize that guy?” It was a picture of a boxer with his dukes up, wearing a fancy champion belt.

  “No, can’t say I do.”

  Both ma
rtinis were placed in front of me. He leaned over, grabbed his and finished it off in one, two, three gulps. “Your turn,” he said, far too close.

  Airic returned not a second too soon. He tried to scoot into the chair now being occupied by our new friend.

  “Hey man, I’m talking to the lady.”

  Airic calmly faced him. “I’m sorry, did I interrupt something?” He looked to me for the answer.

  “No … I’m finished. We should go.” I probably should’ve mentioned Mr. Blue Suit was an ex-boxer.

  “We’ll go when we’re ready,” Airic said. “I’d appreciate it if you backed out of our space.”

  “You’d appreciate it if I backed out of your space?” Mr. Blue Suit wasn’t budging.

  “Move along.” Airic put his hand out and moved between us.

  I was up on my feet. I waved to the bartender. “Check.”

  “Nah, pretty lady. I got this.”

  “You don’t have anything. I can pay my own tab.” Airic pulled out his wallet and tossed a couple of twenties on the marble bar. “Come on,” he grumbled. “It stinks in here. Like someone’s all washed up.”

  What’d he say that for?

  Mr. Blue Suit spun Airic around and got in two punches before either one of us knew what hit him. Airic dropped to the ground with a thud. He threw up his hands and danced around. “I am the greatest, I am … the greatest,” he sang. A few patrons clapped with slurred cheers and whistles.

  The manager rushed over. He leaned over Airic, who was completely dazed. “Sir, are you all right? Do you need an ambulance?”

  “No … please no, just ice,” I said, not wanting anything to end up in a police report. I couldn’t chance it. “We’re leaving.” I pulled Airic by his arm and shoulder. “Come on, you have to get up.” He only moaned, his eyes opened then closed again.

  “Now talk pretty for me.” Mr. Blue Suit was still riding on the steam of his knockout.

  “All right, that’s enough. I want you out of here. This is the last time I’m putting up with this.” The manager pulled the cell phone off his belt. “Out or I’m calling the police.”

  “I’m leaving. Whatever.”

  I helped Airic to his feet. The ice pack didn’t come fast enough. His left eye had swollen and the discoloration had already started underneath. “Just hold it there,” I told him as I did my best to steady his lanky frame. We got outside without incident.

  “I could sue him for everything he’s got,” Airic slurred through his swollen lip. “He should be in jail.”

  “Not today,” I said, unlocking the car. The last thing I needed was another run-in with officers of the law. I helped him into the passenger side. I ran around to the other side. “You knew who that guy was?” I asked. “And you had the nerve to provoke him?”

  “It’s a free world. I can say what I please.” He leaned back and closed his one good eye. The ice pack covered the entire other side.

  I was about to start the car, then stopped. I grabbed my purse and pulled out the folded paper. I’d planned to wait until he was in a drug-induced stupor. But being punched silly by a crazed ex-champion boxer would have to do.

  “Airic, I need you to sign this … I need you to agree to …” Suddenly my mouth was dry and my throat nearly closed. I fought it back. “Airic, you have to sign this.”

  “What … sign what?” He held the ice, covering half his face. I figured he wouldn’t be able to see it anyway.

  “It’s just a release that Mya needs for preschool. It … well … you’re her parent, too, so I need your permission.” I held my breath, “Please. I just need you to sign, here.” I put the pen in his hand and positioned it over the paper.

  “I’m not signing something without reading it first,” he mumbled under the ice.

  “Just sign it. It’s a parental release form, field trips, that kind of thing. That’s what it’s for.” I tapped the pen. “Airic, please.”

  He moved the ice pack off his face and held the paper steady to get a look with his one good eye. “What the hell is this? What’re you trying to pull? Are you kidding?” He folded the sheet and ripped it in half and threw the pieces in my lap. “Why would I sign a relinquishment of parental rights? Did you really believe I would sign this?”

  “You explain to me how you’re supposed to be visiting with your daughter and all you can focus on is getting a piece of my ass? You don’t care about her … you never have!” I yelled. “You’re incapable. Yes. Absolutely. I thought you’d sign it.”

  “In exchange for me being able to sleep with you?” He shook his head. “You’re giving yourself a whole lot of credit.”

  “How about in exchange for a million dollars of your wife’s money? That’s right. I did the math. Three and a half years of child support that you conveniently forgot to pay right along with every medical bill, preschool tuition, and day care. Don’t even try it,” I said, furious, my finger in his face. “I read you from day one. Your only goal has been revenge. Getting back at Jake and me for hurting your precious ego. And you thought why not … why not pretend to be the innocent father caught between a pushy wife and a bitter ex?”

  “You’ve put a lot of thought into this,” he slurred. “But you’re wrong.”

  “Which part, you wanting a relationship with your daughter who you haven’t even mentioned, not once. You haven’t asked to see her. You never once asked to talk about who she is, her likes, her dislikes. You’d rather spend your time with me, rehashing the past.”

  “You’re making a fool of yourself, you know that, don’t you?”

  “Well you see, that’s the difference between you and me. I’d make a fool out of myself for the people I love. I wouldn’t stay away and not see my child for three years out of spite or embarrassment. I’d give my life for the people I love.”

  “I hear you already tried that. Didn’t work out too well,” he said with enough venom to make me see what I was really up against. So I tried another approach.

  “Airic, I know you. I know how you feel. Your ego was hurt. All you’ve wanted this entire time is to try and get back your pride, the dignity you lost when I chose Jake over you. Don’t you see that? You think it’ll stop you from being angry. I know that feeling, I’ve lived it. But you can’t ever put things back the way they were. When you make room in your heart by letting go, you leave room for something better.”

  He shook his head, then let out a strange sound. I thought he was crying. I thought I’d finally broken through, but instead he was laughing. Hard, hysterical laughter that made him wince in pain from the swelling on his face. Then he’d start again, laughing so hard he was losing his breath. “The truth is,” he inhaled and exhaled slowly to get hold of himself, “I knew with everything stacked against you and your fake gangsta husband, there was a solid chance I could get custody of Mya. Then it occurred to me, I could get two for the price of one. A family set. I wouldn’t mind having you back. It would be a shame to separate the child from her mother, barbaric even.” He smiled. “So you see, I was doing you a favor. But I never wanted you.”

  Unable to take being near him any longer, I got out of the car. Before I slammed the door I leaned in. “I didn’t even know it was possible to hate you more than I already did.”

  He put the ice back on his swollen eye. “Is this where I’m supposed to get scared? After you’ve exhausted all the possible avenues to make me go away, now your husband will put a hit on me like he did his accountant?” He laughed again.

  “Good-bye, Airic.”

  “I’ll at least let you have visitation,” he said. “That’s more than you were going to give me.”

  I reached inside and snatched the car keys out the ignition. Even after all he’d said and done I didn’t want him crashing from the pill I’d slipped into his drink. I hurled them into the pocket of tall grass and trees a good fifty feet away. I walked back into the jazz bar and called a taxi to take me to my car.

  50

  Trevelle

>   She could only hope it wasn’t too late to salvage her and Airic’s relationship. The court date was approaching in less than twenty-four hours, and soon this entire can of worms she’d opened would be back in its nesting place. No more Mya. No more Venus. She allowed him his one last visit.

  She heard his keys at the door and moved quietly to the chaise near the open patio. She positioned herself like she’d been taking a nap. He entered the house and closed the door with extreme care.

  “You’re back,” she said, stretching and gently yawning.

  He acted startled. “I didn’t see you.”

  “So how’s Mya?” she said, getting up and coming toward him. She stopped midway, not sure if she was seeing things. “What happened to you?” She took a few steps closer. Airic turned his head, avoiding her. “Oh, my … what in the world? Look at you.” She summoned the compassion to rub his shoulder. “What happened? You were fighting with her husband. He hit you?”

  “No … it wasn’t anything to do with Venus or her husband. This guy … I made an off-color comment about an ex-boxer’s washed up career and he hit me.”

  “An ex-boxer? You were somewhere with your daughter and an ex-boxer comes out of nowhere and beats you to a pulp?”

  “You know, it was probably the worst experience I’ve had in my life. And right now, I’m not in the mood to be grilled by you.”

  “Okay. Let me at least help you.” She went to the edge of the circular stairs and called out, “Nita … can you come down, please?”

  The housekeeper arrived at the top of the stairs. “You need something?”

  “Mr. Fisher needs an ice pack for swelling. And can you check the medicine cabinet up there and get him some pain relievers?”

  “Sure.” Nita couldn’t help but take a peek. Her face twisted and her jaw dropped seeing Airic’s black-and-blue face.