Soon all the commotion was over and Marianna’s cries had drifted off after they let her get into the van with her baby in her arms. I felt like shit as I plopped down on my couch, repented for what I had done and hoped karma would never find me. Before I knew it, tears rolled down my cheeks as I cried for the little boy whose life I ripped apart. I cried until I couldn’t cry anymore and then fell asleep in a puddle of my own tears.
For two days after that I fell into a deep depression, just like the one I was in after Alvin left me. All I would do was lay on my couch, cry, watch movies, or try to remember the past where all my trouble began. I didn’t answer the phone, bathe, and I barely ate, except for fruit and nuts the entire two days. I felt like I had ruined so many lives, lives I could never repair and I didn’t know how to get past that. I even started to rethink my whole revenge plan with Wayne, as I wallowed in my own guilt. I didn’t know if I wanted to seek revenge and possibly ruin more lives even though Wayne deserved it.
I stayed at my lowest until that Sunday, the day before the banquet. I moped around my condo all day, unsure if I should even show up at the banquet as what happened to David and his family played in my mind. Around five that evening, my phone began to ring and something told me to go over and answer it. I quickly picked it up and answered it after I looked at the ID to see that it was Kyle. His warm, love filled voice made me feel better as I sat back down on the couch and smiled.
“Hey, hey, hey. How my favorite girl doing today?” Kylie said in his carefree, light-hearted tone.
As soon as he said that everything that had happened with Wayne came out of my mouth, and I poured my heart out to him. Kyle listened intently until I had finished. When I was done I expected a long lecture about good and bad from the little, almost brother, who I loved like blood, but Kyle shocked me with what he really said.
“Yass, let me be honest for a second. You were stupid as fuck for messing with that fool off the top. That’s first. Second, I don’t want you up here feeling bad about giving his ass exactly what he dished out. Every action has a reaction and Wayne couldn’t have possibly thought you would just let him try to throw away your career over a nut and get away with it. I know I usually say don’t do things like this, but fuck that Yass. You’re trying to buy a home, help youths, and a whole lot of other shit. You needed that bonus and you worked hard for the recognition. So what his pussy ass feelings got hurt, you told him from the jump. I say, do you Yass, ain’t no karma behind righting a wrong.” Kyle said as I thought about his words.
After a few seconds lost in my thoughts I concluded Kyle was right and decided to go through with my plan. I figured I would help more people with his revenge than harm, since Lynworth and Emerson as a whole wouldn’t be robbed anymore.
“Damn lil bruh. How did you get so wise with your albino Wiz Khalifa looking ass?” I asked Kyle as we both laughed.
Kyle and I talked for a while about my plans before I decided it was time for me to get off the phone to prepare for my big day. Just before I got ready to say goodbye Kyle stopped me and my heart skipped a beat.
“Yass before you hang up. I got a message for you from my friend Courtney. You remember Courtney right? The half black/ half Italian skater who just went pro. Remember how much he loved you when we were teenagers and you always pushed him off because you were 20 and we had just turned 18?” Kyle asked as he laughed and I searched my mind for the face to fit the name.
Suddenly the tall, peanut colored skin cutie who used to write me poetry popped in my head. He had the sexiest brownish gray eyes with flickers of green and huge dimples. I remember how much he liked me back then and how much I ignored him no matter how he tried. I thought he was too young for me back then and I also didn’t want to violate the bond that Kylie and I shared.
“Yeah, I remember him.” I said out of breath as my heart raced, I felt a tingle in my spine, and my knees began to shake.
“Well that maine has not given up. I think he still likes you just as much. He told me to tell you to call him this morning and that you should still have his number from back in the day. Then he said some weird shit like, tell her that stars are never out of her grasp, she just has to keep reaching. I told him I would tell you the weird shit, so I did. Now, goodnight beautiful. Talk you tomorrow after the funeral.” Kyle said as he laughed and broke the trance I was in.
I barely said bye before I hung up the phone and sat there in a state of complete shock and elation. Suddenly it all made sense as I searched my mind for my dreams of the mystery man. This time when I imagined him I could see his face clearly, as he said the exact words that Kyle said Courtney told him. I jumped up as soon as the realization registered and went into my room immediately.
I pulled the big decorated shoebox I kept all my memories in out from under a stack of blankets and sat on the floor in my closet as I sifted through the contents of the box. When I came to the beautiful pink birthday card from my 21st birthday that had a huge butterfly on front, I smiled as I opened it and found Courtney’s number. I ran my fingers across the numbers slowly as I remembered every intimate dream I had about him. I couldn’t believe that the old man was right and the love I searched for was with me all along. That knowledge gave me even more motivation to get my business over with and get back to life. I quickly put all of the pictures and letters I kept back into the box and got up with Courtney’s card in my hand. I placed it in my nightstand next to my bed before I went into the closet and picked the perfect outfit for the funeral I was about attend.
After that I prepared myself a light dinner of grilled salmon, salad, and fresh lemonade and watched T.V. until I got tired. I went to bed that night around 10, anxious and nervous at the same time. I was ready to end that ugly chapter with Wayne and weary of what would happen when I finally got the courage to call Courtney. I tossed and turned most of the night before I finally fell into a peaceful sleepless dream. The phone woke me up the next morning about six as I answered to Mr. Lynworth’s voice. I sat up in my bed and listened after I said hello and Mr. Lynworth informed me I didn’t have to come in until the banquet at seven that evening. I apologized to him again and he thanked me for all my hard work before we hung up the phone and I fell back into my bed.
“Almost that time Yasmine, let’s get it!” I said as I hopped out of bed and prepared for the banquet no one would forget.
After breakfast, I showered and dressed quickly before I headed to east Memphis to get my hair, nails, and makeup done. Once my stylist Jayda at J’s Tax & Beauty salon slayed my hair and makeup, I floated out of the shop to the nail bar next door, feeling like the bitch who was about to make the world stop. I listened to the trivial nail shop gossip as I got my classic French manicure done and then I headed straight home. By the time I made it home it was after two and I was anxious to get dressed. I didn’t though, I grabbed my speech instead and made sure I knew each part word for word. I paced my floor for hours as I recited Wayne’s eulogy and though about that call to Courtney.
Butterflies flapped around madly in my heart and stomach as I practiced my speech for Wayne and the words that I would say to Courtney when I called. After a while, all the butterflies flew away and I got the courage to take the card out of my nightstand and dial the number inside. My hand shook as I listened to the phone ring and no one answered. Finally, Courtney’s voicemail picked up and I listened to the message about him being on tour. I started to hang up the phone after I confirmed his voice to be that of the man in my dreams, but something wouldn’t let me do it. Something inside me told me to take that chance and I did as my heart raced.
“H-Hi Courtney. This is Yasmine, Kyle’s foster sister and he told me that you wanted me to call. Damn. Ummm. I don’t know why I’m so nervous or being so formal being that I’ve known you all of my life, but I can’t help it right now so bear with me. There’s so much I want to say to you and I’m sure there’s a lot you want to say to me too, but I don’t think over the phone or an answering machine is the
place to do it. So whenever you’re back in Tennessee let me know because I’d really like to talk to you. By the way, I will never stop reaching and I see you. I see you now and really I always have.” I said before I quickly hung up the phone and released the breath I held the entire time.
I felt like a fresh start was around the corner after I left that message so I put my phone back on the charger and started to get ready. I took my time as I dressed and made sure that everything was perfect. When six o’clock hit, I left my house flawless as my $5,000 heels clicked loudly on the concrete. I drove to Emerson in silence like I was on my way to a real funeral. When I got there I noticed that the parking lot was packed and mostly everyone was already there, just like I wanted it. I quickly drove up to the valet service that Emerson had hired for the event and stepped out of the car like the Queen of England.
All eyes were on me as I sauntered into the building and spoke to a few of the people that worked in guest services on my way to the ballroom. As soon as I stepped into the ballroom all eyes turned to the door and the spotlight hit me in the face. I squinted my eyes to see past the light and noticed that Wayne, Lynworth and several other company leaders were already on stage. Suddenly Lynworth’s voice came over the loud speaker and applause burst out all over the room as he introduced me.
“Here she is everyone, the woman of the hour Ms. Yasmine Anderson. Ms. Anderson is a lawyer that works for our partner firm and she worked closely with Wayne here to solve our biggest case in record time. So would you all help me to welcome YASMINE ANDERSON.” Lynworth yelled as another round of applause broke out and I began my slow walk towards the stage.
As I walked down the long aisle in the middle of dozens of rows of seats, I heard gasps and snickers as people noticed my attire and I smiled underneath my veil. I know I had to be a sight as I scrolled through the sea of people in my black, Carolina Herrera sleeveless, V-neck Ball Gown, black Ralph Lauren Alligator Celia pumps, and black veil with my black bag. I looked just like a rich, slave owner’s wife on her way to a funeral as I waved at the astonished and confused faces all around me.
When I made it to the stage the first thing I noticed was the worried and confused expression that Wayne wore as Lynworth helped me on to the stage and sat me right next to him. I looked straight ahead as I tried to see the faces of the people in the crowd and Wayne tried to get my attention. I ignored him as I scanned all the faces until I saw Emily, Tameka, and Dana front row and center with smirks on their faces. I couldn’t wait to wipe those silly ass smiles right off when I put their leader on blast. As I sat there and Lynworth talked about Emerson’s excellence and Wayne whispered my name, I wondered just how much the peanut gallery knew about Wayne’s activities. It dawned on me then that someone had to have worked with him to get all of the vital information he had like my address and Lynworth’s account info. I knew exactly who that someone was too as I watched Emily wink her eye at Wayne and I chuckled to myself.
I turned to look at Wayne as he mouthed something back to Emily then looked at me with soft eyes as he pleaded with me not to retaliate.
“Yass, I hope you meant what you said on the phone. I’m sorry, don’t do anything that could ruin this.” Wayne whispered as I smiled sweetly at him before I turned my attention to Lynworth who had begun to talk about our success with the case.
I ignored Wayne like he wasn’t sitting there as I took a black, lace, old-fashion fan out of my bag and began to fan myself. I heard a few of the girls I talked to in the office laugh when they saw me and I winked my eye at them and told them to hold on. I was sure all of the people Wayne had been an asshole to and all the women he had hit on were about to be happy as hell when I let the cat out of the bag. I could barely contain myself as I sat there and fanned while Lynworth introduced Wayne as the veteran in his division who had made tremendous strides that led him to the V.P. promotion he was about to receive. I thought I would choke on the spit in my mouth when I heard that bullshit and Wayne looked at me and gave me a nervous smile before he got up.
It became clear to me then why Wayne wanted me to forgive him so badly and I laughed on the inside. His bitch ass just didn’t know he had made my revenge even sweeter because at that moment I knew he had so much more to lose. I sat through Wayne’s fake ass speech with my legs crossed as I fanned myself and rolled my eyes at all the bullshit he said. I almost jumped out of my chair and interrupted his ass when he said I was a great help in the case and he couldn’t have won it without me. I know I gasped and chuckled loud as hell because everyone on stage and on the front row instantly turned to look at me as I covered my mouth with my hand and pretended to cough. Once all the attention was off me again I sat back in my chair and decided I would begin my speech completely different than how I had planned. I didn’t want to beat around the bush anymore and say a bunch of bullshit about people I didn’t care to see again like I initially planned. No, Wayne’s little trick had hardened my heart and I just wanted to get straight to the tea. When Wayne finished his speech and turned and walked back to his seat, I whispered, “Game on!” to him as applause roared in our ears.
I could see confusion and worry on Wayne’s face as he sat back down and I placed my fan back into my purse before I took my phone out. Wayne whispered my name and nudged me as Lynworth began his speech to introduce me. I blocked the weak bitch out and focused on the task at hand as my heart raced in my chest.
“Now as Wayne said earlier, he couldn’t have done this without the help of one smart, feisty, resourceful lawyer by the name of Yasmine Anderson. Ms. Anderson is a contractor working with Emerson from McCullough, Ebers, & Strayer Law Firm, which I just heard will soon be McCullough, Ebers, Strayer & Anderson Law Firm. Since Ms. Anderson has worked with our company she has done nothing but go over and beyond expectations. She is a young, smart, eager woman who learns quickly and works hard at everything she does. She brought life here to Emerson and I want to thank her for that. Emerson would also like to offer her this plaque of appreciation to show her how much her work here meant. So without further ado, put your hands together for Yasmine Anderson.” Mr. Lynworth said as applause broke out and I stood to walk to the podium.
I felt like I was about to give the inaugural speech as people stood up in their seats and cheered. Most of those people were the ones in the office that hated Wayne or simply hated their job at Emerson. They could tell from my attire and the feeling in the air that it was about to go down. Their applause and support pumped me up too as I walked up to Lynworth with my shoulders straight, took my plaque, and shook his hand.
I sat the plaque down on the podium along with my purse and phone, and waited on Lynworth to sit down and the applause to stop before I began. I glanced out of the corner of my eye as I stood there and saw Wayne as he whispered to Emily and she looked at me with a worried face. For the first time she felt the heat Wayne felt, but it was far too late. Soon the room was quiet enough to hear a pin drop and I took that as my cue to begin. I cleared my throat and opened my mouth to release the tea that would rock Wayne’s world.
“Thank you Mr. Lynworth and Emerson for this beautiful plaque. I am so glad that you all appreciate the work I did here, but I’m afraid this speech won’t be about that.” I said as I heard low chatter and gasps break out all through the audience and on the stage behind me.
I smirked as I looked directly into Emily’s eyes and began the speech that would end life as she knew it.
“Now, I know all of you are wondering why I’m dressed as if I’m going to a funeral. To you all who are thinking that I say, because today is a funeral. Today we are having a service for the career that used to belong to one Mr. Wayne Godwin, so could you all bow your heads and give Wayne a moment of silence.” I said as I closed my eyes and bowed my head while loud chatter and laughter broke out.
I heard Wayne yell Lynworth’s name behind me as I stood there with my head bowed and eyes closed while I laughed to myself. Seconds later I opened my eyes and turned to see Wayne lea
n over to whisper something in his ear and then Mr. Lynworth started to get up. I wasn’t about to let him interrupt me though so I quickly sat his old ass back down.
“No, Mr. Lynworth let me finish because I’m sure you want to hear this.” I said as I watched him sit back down and then turned back to the crowd.
“Now as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, TODAY is the funeral service for Mr. Wayne Godwin’s career because after I reveal what I have to reveal, I’m sure he won’t even be able to deliver a newspaper. I recall some time back I told Mr. Lynworth in a private conversation that he should watch the company he chose to keep after he gave me the same advice. In that same breath I told him that everything in the dark eventually came to the light. This is the time and what I hold here in my hand is that light. I just want to say before I play this that Wayne Godwin has been a cancer at this company for some time. He is a devious wolf in sheep clothing with a pack of jealous airheads who do his dirty work. I had to learn the hard way that Wayne was not to be trusted and it’s about to become apparent to all of you that do, mostly Mr. Lynworth and Emerson. So please, everyone remain quiet until the recording stops so that everyone can hear.” I said as I pushed play on the audio that Neco altered for me and put it up to the mic.
I looked around at the reaction of the audience as Wayne confessed to embezzlement from Emerson’s account and that he stole from Lynworth’s personal account as well. When my tape finished the room erupted with gasps, laughs, and people’s voices. I turned to look at Lynworth and Wayne as Wayne tried to explain.
Cold Piece of Work: The Erotic Adventures of A Single Woman Page 14