Cheesecake and Teardrops

by Faye Thompson

  CHEESECAKE AND TEARDROPS

  FAYE THOMPSON

  www.urbanbooks.net

  All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Joy Cometh in the Mourning

  1 - Charisma

  2 - Heather

  3 - Tangie

  4 - Charisma

  5 - Heather

  6 - Charisma

  7 - Tangie

  8 - Heather

  9 - Charisma

  10 - Tangie

  11 - Heather

  12 - Tangie

  13 - Charisma

  14 - Heather

  15 - Charisma

  16 - Tangie

  17 - Charisma

  18 - Tangie

  19 - Charisma

  20 - Heather

  21 - Tangie

  22 - Charisma

  23 - Tangie

  24 - Heather

  25 - Tangie

  26 - Charisma

  27 - Heather

  28 - Tangie

  29 - Charisma

  30 - Heather

  31 - Charisma

  32 - Heather

  33 - Tangie

  34 - Heather

  Epilogue

  Copyright Page

  Lorraine, Barbara, Adrienne, and Alvina, with

  friends like you who needs chocolate? And,

  Boobie, with Evie, Velma, and Dennis, who

  needs dessert?

  www.fayethompson.com

  Behind every successful woman is herself.

  —Unknown

  Joy Cometh in the Mourning

  I close my eyes and your face appears

  Forever etched in my heart

  Along with your laughter

  Blended with my own

  Making beautiful music.

  Was it a lifetime ago or am I

  Reliving a lifetime of yesterdays

  With each breath I take?

  Somewhere, our souls are dancing

  The dance of eternity.

  Of endless sunrises and sunsets.

  And yet, we are both still

  Embracing time as our own.

  But we both realize we can’t have forever.

  This is not our time.

  So we replay our dance in our hearts.

  Along with our memories and teardrops.

  And as we release, I discover a joy

  A new joy

  A different joy.

  I discover you.

  Copyright ©2003 Faye Thompson

  1

  Charisma

  Charisma Dearborn had just enough time to shower, apply makeup, and finger-comb her short, glossy locks before grabbing the keys to her silver Honda off the kitchen counter and heading to work. She was already ten minutes behind schedule. She despised being late today of all days when her new boss started. Damn, the Sunrise Highway was bumper-to-bumper. She’d make better time on the service road. The hooptie in front of her made an abrupt stop, forcing her to slam on her brakes. Where’d you get your license, lady, Target? she almost asked as she drove past the Green Acres Mall.

  Charisma knew she shouldn’t have let Dex stay over last night, but she had a weakness for well-groomed corporate types with strong backs, and Dex Spencer had all three. So she gave him a good workout last night and again early this morning. He left shortly thereafter, promising to call her later that night. She and Dex had a great relationship. Dex wanted more. She wasn’t ready for a commitment, but she did have her needs.... Charisma smiled at the recollection, but she was paying for it this morning.

  Okay, she could just about make it if she could find a parking space close to the building. Parking was always at a premium. What else was new? She circled a couple of times before spotting a Nissan a few feet ahead pulling out. She went for it, but so did a black Camry. His loss. As she stepped out into the early October air and gathered her jacket and briefcase, she could see Mr. Camry shake his head and grin before driving off. She had six minutes to spare. Thank God for small miracles.

  Charisma took the elevator up to the eighth floor. She could tell that the new boss hadn’t yet arrived. She was safe, proceeding to get her coffee and heading for her office.

  She needed to complete a marketing report by noon, and the morning staff meeting would only delay progress.

  She’d been working on the report for about twenty minutes when Amanda Smith, the assistant manager, stuck her head in the doorway of Charisma’s office. “Nate Arquette’s here. The staff meeting will start in ten minutes in the conference room,” she told her.

  “Thanks, Amanda. I’ll be right there.” Charisma logged off her computer and stopped at Lauren’s desk. The two fell into step as they headed to the conference room.

  “I hear he’s a real ballbuster,” Lauren admitted. She had earned the reputation of being the office gossip, but she was also a sweetheart.

  “Lucky for us we don’t have balls,” Charisma answered.

  In her eleven years as a marketing analyst with Freeman LTD, she had seen executives come and go. Most of them only lasted a year or two. This one probably wouldn’t be any different. The turnover was incredible. Charisma had been turned down for every promotion she applied for in the past three years, and to whites at that. It was like they belonged to a secret club. No matter how hard she worked, her efforts went unrecognized. When Chase Martini, the office slut, was promoted over her this last go-round, she realized that the old saying it’s not what you do but who you do was more than just that.

  They were all seated and waiting for Nate’s arrival. Finally, Amanda walked in with a tall, honey-brown man in a navy double-breasted suit. When he got to the center of the room, Charisma realized who he was. Shit, it’s Mr. Camry!

  So much for making a good first impression. Amanda introduced Nate Arquette to the staff of forty.

  “Thank you, Amanda. First, let me take this opportunity to tell you how pleased I am to be here and how excited I am to be working with you all at Freeman. Just to give you some background, I started out at Sandrell Incorporated fresh out of USC in an entry-level position and worked my way up the ranks. So, I believe in hard work and dedication.

  I stayed with Sandrell for eight years before becoming an assistant manager at Elliott Brothers. I worked at EB for the past seven years, and I hope no one is doing the math.” Nate paused, smiling.

  They all laughed politely.

  “Now, I would like to meet with the department managers this afternoon at three. And I certainly do want to apologize for being late this morning. I didn’t realize parking was at such a premium,” he admitted.

  “Sorry, Nate, we’ll get your permit registered right away. Welcome aboard,” Amanda replied.

  “Thanks. That’s all for now,” he said, dismissing them.

  As they broke up, Chase Martini, the resident rich bitch, whispered to Charisma, “That’s just the way I like ’em—tall, dark, and handsome. And not a wedding band in sight!”

  Just what every office needs, Charisma thought, a slut with morals. Luckily for Chase, she kept it moving. She had beat Charisma out of the last two promotions simply because she spread easier than butter and threatened to file a sexual harassment lawsuit against the former boss. Ultimately, he couldn’t stand the heat and fled. So, Charisma didn’t have much to say to Chase.

  Charisma returned to her office totally prepared to focus on the report, but the phone wouldn’t let her. First her mother called.

  “Charisma, your brother wants you to come by for dinner Friday evening so we can all meet his latest,” Jena Dearborn said.

  “Knowing Eric, she’s his latest and his greatest.”

  “Well, a
t least he’s moving in the right direction. If you’re not careful, your little brother will settle down and make me a grandbaby before you do,” she warned.

  “I’m in no hurry, Mother.”

  “I know. That’s the problem. You’re too busy being independent. Don’t you know men like to feel needed? You’re probably scaring them all away.”

  “Mother, I don’t have time for this now. I have tons of work in front of me. I’ll see you and Daddy Friday night.”

  No sooner had Charisma replaced the receiver when she received another call. This time it was an inside call.

  “Charisma Dearborn,” she said.

  “Miss Dearborn, this is Nate Arquette.”

  Silence.

  “I understand you’re working on the biweekly report. How’s it coming along?”

  “We’ve had several new clients last month. I’m still gathering data, but I should have the figures on your desk by noon.”

  “Fine. I’ll let you get back to work, and I’ll expect that report shortly.”

  “Yes,” she said simply before hanging up. Determined to have the assignment completed ahead of schedule, Charisma absorbed herself completely in the task at hand. In fact, she allowed her voice mail to answer all other calls rather than being further distracted. As a result, by eleven-thirty she had the report proofed and printed. No sense getting off to a bad start with the new boss. She dropped the report off in his office, noticing a single framed photo of him playing tennis with what must have been his son. They were both wearing tennis whites and from his son’s smile, he must have won. The photo was right next to his Go Get ’Em! coffee mug.

  Just as she was about to leave, Nate walked in.

  “Is that the report?” He was easily six foot one.

  “Yes, hot off the presses.”

  “And early at that,” he added.

  “Timing is everything.”

  “Yes, especially when you’re driving, what, a silver Honda, Miss Dearborn?”

  Charisma rubbed the hair on the back of her neck and laughed. Nate laughed too.

  “You know, it just happened so fast . . .” she admitted.

  “Hey, I admire a woman who goes after what she wants. If this report is as impressive as your parking skills, this company is in for a smooth ride.”

  “Let’s hope so.”

  Later that evening after a long, hot bubble bath Charisma felt revived. Tempted to phone Dex for another steamy session, she opted instead to call her best friend, Tangie. That way she was certain to get her much-needed seven and a half hours of sleep. Few things were more vital to her wellbeing than her beauty sleep, plenty of water, and consistent exercise. People didn’t realize their impact, but she knew the role they played in keeping her balanced and focused.

  Not to mention giving her caramel skin a glow most women envied but refused to take the energy and effort to maintain.

  Sure, the right cosmetics did wonders for all women—natural beauties and plain Janes alike, but some things couldn’t be bought at the makeup counter. The superficial pampering of manicures, pedicures, and weekly salon visits weren’t enough. Some things had to be done the old-fashioned way, and Charisma was her own best investment.

  She ended up leaving a message on Tangie’s machine and whipping up dinner. Chicken breast and a salad were a breeze to prepare, but the best part was the room left for red velvet cake. In fact, she was curled up on her sofa with dessert, listening to the stereo, when Tangie returned her call.

  “Are we still on for dinner Saturday night?” Charisma asked.

  “Yeah, Heather called me today at work. She said she’ll meet us at eight. Her car’s back in the shop, but she’s picking it up Saturday afternoon.” The three friends had a girls’ night out at least twice a month. They looked forward to playing catch-up and exhaling. They’d been friends forever.

  “Great. Tangie, remind me to bring your Jill Scott CD.”

  “Okay. I’ll talk to you later.”

  Charisma prepared to leave work Friday evening and head over to her parents’ for dinner. Her new boss had just popped his head in her doorway as she was about to leave.

  “Charisma, I have a proposition for you,” he said.

  “And what might that be?”

  “You seem like a woman who knows how to have a good time. I was wondering if you could show me some of the city’s nightlife one evening.”

  “I guess I know a few of the hot spots. I would love to show you around. Just say when.”

  “You’re sure your boyfriend won’t mind?” Nate asked.

  “Not at all,” she said simply.

  “Good. Let me know when you’re available.”

  “I’m free next week.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Oh, and Charisma?”

  She looked up from packing her briefcase.

  “Thanks.”

  “Don’t mention it.”

  Less than an hour later Charisma was in her mother’s kitchen preparing a salad. Charisma was the spitting image of Jena, from her long, sexy lashes and fine, glossy black curls to her slender build. Her father, Ellis, a hardworking loan officer, was due home any minute, and her brother Eric was bringing his latest girlfriend over to meet the folks.

  Five years her junior, Eric often brought his girlfriends home for inspection. Why, in the last year alone, he had brought home three girls. Charisma was beginning to lose track of all his women.

  “I’m home,” Ellis Dearborn said as he entered the house through the side door.

  “We’re in here, honey,” Jena said from the kitchen.

  “Hi, Daddy.” Charisma kissed her father on the cheek.

  “Hi, princess,” he said, kissing her back. “Is Eric here yet?”

  “No, he just called. He’ll be here in about twenty minutes,” Jena said.

  “Good. I’ll have time to shower and change,” he said, heading upstairs to the bathroom. Ellis Dearborn was a salt-and-pepper–haired man of average height. He had a slight potbelly and the warmest brown eyes to match his gentle smile.

  Jena and Charisma finished making dinner—London broil, macaroni and cheese, salad, and dinner rolls. Jena had even left work early so she’d have enough time to make Eric’s favorite German chocolate cake.

  “You know, Charisma, having a career is fine, but there’s more to life than just work. When are you going to settle down, get married, and have some babies?”

  “Mother, please, not tonight. You act like I’m ancient. I’m only thirty-four. What’s the rush? Just because you married at nineteen, doesn’t mean that’s the law of the land. And besides, I haven’t met the right man yet. I know you don’t want me to marry any ole thing that comes along just for the sake of having a husband. Or do you?”

  “Don’t be silly, Charisma. I just don’t want you to end up like your cousin Candace. She gave away all her candy until there was none left. Now, nobody wants her. No man wants a woman who’s been too picked over. You’re too intelligent to be foolish. I just want what’s best for you.” Charisma sighed.

  Jena continued. “I may not always be right, Charisma, but I’m never wrong.”

  Charisma shook her head. “Okay, Mother. Now can we please change the subject?” Charisma glanced out the kitchen window. “Eric and his latest are pulling up.”

  “What’s her name again?” Jena asked.

  “Sophia,” Charisma reminded her.

  “It would be a shame if your little brother beat you to the altar. I keep telling you, Charisma, you’re not as young as you think you are.”

  Charisma drove the short distance down the Sunrise Highway to Red Lobster in the Green Acres Mall for dinner with her two best friends, Tangie and Heather. She found a parking spot close to Best Buy just as another car was pulling out. It was Saturday night, and the restaurant was packed. Tangie had already arrived. They waited about half an hour before being seated at a booth. The waitress came shortly to take their order, but they decided to wait for Heather.

 
“Before I forget, here’s your CD.” Charisma reached inside her purse for Jill Scott’s latest.

  “Thanks,” Tangie said.

  Charisma and Tangie had been best friends since kindergarten. From the very beginning, people often mistook them for sisters. Known affectionately as Tangie, Tangela Winterhope was a force to be reckoned with. Her shoulder-length layered hair and copper highlights only emphasized her golden skin tone. If a man didn’t notice her bedroom eyes first, it was because they were too busy checking out her DD cups. Naturally friendly, Tangie had been boy-crazy ever since Charisma could remember. Like Charisma, she loved shopping and often spent hours at the mall looking for the perfect shoe, the perfect dress, the perfect lipstick . . .

  Finally, Heather arrived. She was a full-figured biracial woman with warm green eyes and a naturally curly honeybrown mane that fell way down her back. “Sorry I’m late. My car wasn’t ready until half an hour ago. Would you believe it? It was supposed to be ready this afternoon. Those damn mechanics get on my nerves, and they charge an arm and a leg. Have you guys been waiting long?” she asked as she squeezed into the booth next to Tangie.

  “No, we just got here,” Charisma said.

  Heather signaled for the waitress and they placed their order. As the youngest of the trio, she had met Charisma and Tangie during an orientation weekend at Howard University.

  They were amazed to discover that Heather was from New York as well. Despite the three-year age difference, they clicked and promised to keep in touch. When Heather entered Howard on a full scholarship that September, Charisma and Tangie immediately took her under their wing, giving her the inside track on everything from which professors to avoid to where the best on-and off-campus dorms were located. Heather affectionately referred to them as Howard’s Angels, and held them partially responsible for her summa cum laude degree.

  The waitress returned with piping hot biscuits and their drinks—Tangie’s Sex on the Beach, Charisma’s Long Island iced tea, and Heather’s seltzer water. When she left, they raised their glasses in their customary toast. In unison they said, “Behind every successful woman is herself.”