by Cydney Rax
“Maybe he should help out and get himself a part-time job.”
“Hello? He has no time for no damned job. He has to practice, all the fucking time. And speaking of practice, Leno’s big feet won’t stay the same size for longer than a month. They know us by name at Skechers and Finish Line and New Balance.”
Leonard grinned. “You say his feet are big, huh?”
Alita wanted to punch him. “On top of that,” she continued, “I have to scrape up the funds to send him to summer basketball camps and athletic clinics. Been doing that since he was in seventh grade. And he’s been begging me to let him take a driver education course; that costs at least five hundred dollars.”
Tears filled Alita’s eyes, but she dared them to slide down her cheeks. She toughened up. “So you see that doing your part is more than just paying the State of Texas. It’s driving him around. It’s keeping up with his schools. Making him do his chores. Taking his ass to the barbershop. Ha! You should see the new haircut Leno has these days. He wants to be all fancy and shit and stand out, so he has this Mohawk thing going on. The bottom part of his head is dyed brown like his natural color. And the crown is like a fiery blond color. It stands up several inches high. He calls it his signature hairstyle. Ha! Our son looks like that fucking Dennis Rodman, only he’s a hundred percent more handsome. I hope he won’t end up being as controversial as Rodman but it would be nice if he makes a grip of cash—” Alita shut her mouth. She wanted Leonard to know their son was good, but she wasn’t ready for him to know how great he was at playing ball.
“Okay, Lita. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate. Well, I’m doing what I can do. But if you work hard like I work, I don’t believe that you have time to do anything else for Leno. So tell me something. What’s really going on? What are you actually spending time doing besides spending all the child support money?”
“You cheap-ass bastard,” she said. “I know you’re good at what you do. Selling people a bullshit dream just like you did me years ago. So I know you making plenty of commission on these car sales. Thanks to President Obama, the interest rates are very low. So yeah . . . lots of people are being approved to buy all kinds of cars these days.”
“So?”
“So you can afford to give more money to your son.”
“Don’t you mean give more money to his mother?” Leonard rolled his eyes and stormed away from Alita. She ran and caught up with him again.
“The older he gets, the more things cost. He’ll be a senior very soon. And he needs money for graduation photos, a class ring, the prom, the class trip, and when he goes to college, that’s even more money.”
Leonard stopped. “You said he plays basketball, right?”
She wanted to say “yes, idiot” but she said, “Have you been listening to anything I’ve told you?” She sighed. “Leno plays ball. And he’s pretty good at it too.”
“If he’s as good as you say he is, then he’ll qualify for full scholarships.”
“Is that what you’re hoping for? Because if you believe that a full scholarship will replace your daddy duties, you are dead wrong, asshole.”
“The name is Mr. Washington.”
“You may have Denzel’s last name,” she argued, “but you definitely don’t have his class.”
“That wasn’t necessary, Lita.”
“What’s necessary is you stepping up and knowing you should be helping out more with our son. And yes, you should be contributing to his college fund and not automatically think he’ll get a full scholarship.”
“Well, if my son is busy, then guess what? I am too. I’m doing everything that it is humanely possible to do based on the schedule I have.”
Alita looked at Leonard like he was crazy. “You’re doing the best you can? Like, even though you work long hours you can’t call Leno once in a while? And you don’t work every Sunday, so surely you can squeeze in some time for him.”
“Look, I know what I’m saying makes no sense to you, but you’re on the outside looking in. I have so little personal time that I usually sleep in on Sundays. I do stuff around the house, taking care of my car, doing laundry. I have to live my life too.”
Alita bit her bottom lip. Everyone was busy. But some people had excuses while others got things done.
“Lita, don’t worry about Leno. He’ll be all right. And if you’re as dedicated a mother as you say that you are, then you two should wind up just fine.”
“I’m glad you’re so confident,” she said sarcastically. “But we could do even better with your help. This isn’t just about me. It’s about your own flesh and blood.”
“If things go good for him, then you probably won’t need my help. Just keep doing what you’re doing. He’ll get that scholarship, sweetheart. And I’m sure when he does, it may be one of the answers to your many desperate prayers, Alita.”
She wanted to punch him, throw him to the ground, kick him in his nuts, and then kick him in the face with some spike heels. But she remembered their recent Sister Day assignment: Confront someone in a nice way and tell them what’s been bothering you.
Alita knew that so many issues bothered her, she didn’t know where to begin. But she knew she had to start somewhere.
Be nice be nice be nice.
She softened her voice and tried to smile. “Look, Leonard, I know you take your job very seriously. You’re good at what you do, and I know that and I am impressed.”
“Thank you.”
“I see you’re very busy, and I honestly did not come by here to argue or fight or start any trouble.”
“Then why are you still here? And why are you still harassing me? I’m at my place of employment. If you could hold down a decent job, you might really understand me.”
Alita slugged him before she realized it. Her closed fist bopped him on top of his head. Leonard felt as if he’d been hit by a boulder. His face contorted with anger. And Alita instantly had scary flashbacks of Leonard yelling at her. Shoving her against a wall . . . his fist crashing through the living room wall and tearing a small hole into it.
“Oh, shit, my bad. I’m so sorry.” She immediately felt regretful. Two men dressed in security officer uniforms quickly approached her.
“Mr. Washington,” one of them said, “is everything all right?”
“We’re good,” he told them. “I got this. We’ll be done in a minute. Thanks, guys.” After they left, Leonard asked Alita to come walk with him. They headed toward the very end of car lot. Leonard found a private space in between two Nissan Armadas. The vehicles’ height was so high, it felt like Alita was surrounded by skyscrapers.
She eyed Leonard suspiciously. Maybe she was about to get her ass whipped right there on a parking lot. “Why’d you bring me over here?” she asked.
“Stop thinking the worst,” he replied.
“Can’t help but think that when you’ve been known to raise your fist at me.”
“As I recall, Alita, you’ve assaulted me way more times than I’ve hit you. I still have a scar on my knee from that one time when you went batshit crazy. All because I got home five minutes and thirteen seconds late.”
She glared at him.
“And you’re very lucky that I never pressed charges,” he concluded. “So if I were you I’d just chill.”
“All right, okay.”
“Let’s get back to business,” Leonard said. “You came out here to see me, and I know it’s pretty serious, because the last time we talked you screamed into the phone ‘I never want to see your black ass again.’ Do you remember that, Alita?”
“What if I do?”
“I’m just saying that I know you, woman. I know how hell-bent and crazy you get when you’re passionate about things. You tend to stress out over stuff that can be solved if you just give it a chance.”
She nodded. “Go ahead.”
“And I know that it’s only because you think Leno has run away that I will give you a pass for acting like an ass back there.”
<
br /> “Oh, wow, thanks.”
“And be forewarned, the next time you won’t get a pass. You need to get over whatever you’re angry about, because it takes two to make a marriage work, and we know you were not the perfect wife.”
“Why are we talking about me?” Alita said.
“You’re right. This isn’t about you. The main thing you should be concerned about right now is our son, where he is right now, and you should definitely forget that idea about giving you more money. Maybe you can get a better paying job.”
Tears threatened to fill Alita’s eyes, but she wouldn’t allow it. “It’s not just the money, Leonard. You’re not around when I see my son run fast toward a basket . . .” She could barely speak. “I suffer through the worry and the fear . . . all by myself, Leonard. Can’t you understand that?”
Leonard shifted his eyes and refused to look at her.
“Money helps, but your presence is better. Maybe you can help him out with his homework, for example. Leno tries to do his best to pass his classes, and so far he’s done all right. His school ain’t about shit, but that’s because we’re zoned to it, and that can’t be helped unless we move. And I do work, by the way, and you know it. I have to. If I depended on the little bit of money you give me, both Leno and I would be out on the street pushing around a shopping cart and looking for someplace to sleep under a tall bridge and competing with the pigeons for food.”
He sneered. “You really know how to turn on the dramatics, don’t you?”
Alita almost wanted to laugh. “I’m keeping it real, Leonard.”
“You’re trying to manipulate me, Alita, and it won’t work. Not anymore.”
She felt like slapping him one last time. “Leonard, you were an ass back then, and you’re still one. I’m glad we’re not together anymore.”
“You’re not the only one. I’m glad about a lot of things too.” He stopped talking and realized he was sweating so hard that he needed to remove his suit jacket. He took it off and neatly folded it over his arm.
“Look, what’s done is done. Our only concern right now is our son,” he said. Leonard glanced at his watch. “Tell you what. I can take a short break and try to figure out where he is. I’m sure whatever is bothering him is only temporary.”
“How can you be so sure of that?”
“Because he has my genes. He is resilient. He is a smart boy and is not inclined to do too many stupid things. At least he doesn’t get that from my side of the family.”
“If you trying to throw shade at my family, don’t! They love Leno and care about him and everything he does.”
“Good for them.”
As if right on cue, suddenly Dru’s cute face came into view as she slowly walked past the two Armadas.
Leonard saw her and whistled. “Hey, over here.”
Dru smiled and walked over to Leonard. She extended her hand. “Well, hello there, brother-in-law.”
“Don’t call him that,” Alita scoffed.
Leonard smiled at Dru, reached over, and gave her a pleasant hug.
“You’re still looking just as beautiful as I remember you, Dru.”
“Why, thank you.”
“Oh, girl, if you fall for that lie, you’re really stupid. Only stupid bitches fall for stupid lies.”
“Um, excuse me,” Dru said. “Don’t forget I’m your ride. You can’t be talking crap about the limo driver. She will drive off and leave you. Then who’s going to look stupid?”
“And if you do leave me, with all these new cars around here, honey, I’ll be just fine,” Alita said.
They all started laughing and broke up the tension that threatened to make Alita explode with rage. She calmed down and turned. “Leonard, I don’t want to fuss and argue. I’ve called Leno ten times on his cell. He didn’t pick up. I know he’s mad at me, and it kills me when he ignores me. It hurts so badly.”
Feeling drained from all the drama, Alita found herself collapsing in Leonard’s arms. He nodded his head, patted her back. His display of sympathy actually made her feel even more emotional, but she didn’t want to break down in tears.
He let her lean on him for a minute then gently pushed her away.
“I’ll help you, Alita. Give me a minute,” he said and began to move from in between the SUVs.
He quickly departed, leaving Alita and Dru to themselves.
“Hey, everything all right?” Dru asked.
“I honestly don’t know,” Alita said. “Welcome to my life. Shit always bound to happen, and this is just the newest thing to deal with.”
Dru placed her arm around her sister’s shoulder. They walked toward the dealership showroom to catch up with Leonard. Ex-husband or not, Alita was forced to team up with him and figure out what could be done to save her son’s life.
CHAPTER 5
The Lord’s Day
Burgundy Reeves Taylor, the modern day superwoman, was on a constant mission: From the time she was seven years old, she strove to be the best at everything she did. Burgundy made all A’s from elementary school through twelfth grade. She quickly enrolled in college and graduated early thanks to the blessing of a full scholarship. Burgundy always wanted to be her own boss; she earned an undergraduate degree in business administration and minored in marketing. Although she did pledge Delta Sigma Theta when she was a sophomore, Burgundy refused to seriously date while she was in college. She hung out with her sorors, but she was mostly single-minded, and her studies always came first in her life.
But she crossed paths with Nathaniel Taylor when she was twenty-one years old, shortly after she finished college. Burgundy knew from their first date that there was no other man for her. Nate was a perfect gentleman, he seemed to have a good head on his shoulders, and he didn’t nag her for sex like most young guys did. He had just opened his brunch business and seemed to be on the path to success. The qualities he possessed made him stand out. Burgundy became serious about Nate rather quickly, acting fast before any other woman could grab on to him. They became engaged within that first year, and she married him nine months later. Burgundy’s wedding was attended by two hundred people and included her sorority sisters and his frat brothers. The wedding was paid for by Nate’s family. They were featured in the Houston Chronicle and became the talk of the town. Nate and his parents split the costs for their Hawaiian honeymoon. As lovely as that trip was, after they returned to Houston and settled in, Burgundy decided that would be the last time she’d let someone else pay for anything major on her behalf. Burgundy had a brilliant mind and could easily brainstorm when it came to business and marketing ideas. She and her husband made an enviable team. They excelled at whatever venture they started. She was determined to be the best wife she could be and grew more determined after she gave birth to his two daughters: Natalia, who was six, and Sidnee, who was four years old. And now she was embarking on the normal quest that had become her life.
It was Sunday, one day after the Sister Day meeting. Burgundy woke up early, around five-thirty. Burgundy lay next to Nate, who was sound asleep. It felt so good whenever she could reach over and caress her husband. Knowing that he was inches away from made her feel calm and peaceful. She drew her strength from realizing she had a good man.
Burgundy started talking to him even though she figured he couldn’t hear her.
“Hey, baby. God is good. He woke me up this morning and blessed me to see another day.” She smiled and pressed her lips against his warm cheek. Nate mumbled and shifted to spread out on his side.
She softly laughed then continued. “I want you to know that I love you very much, baby. I think the Lord for you, for my kids, our life.”
She sighed in contentment and refused to wipe the huge smile from her face.
Right then she heard her cell phone vibrating. She rolled her eyes but reached over to grab it off the table.
“Hello, Lita,” she answered. “Is everything all right?”
“Sorry to bother you.”
“You’re
not bothering me.”
“Girl, stop! I know you’re up already. You probably about to run on that treadmill or suck Nate’s dick so he can wake up and fuck, fuck, fuck you real quick since he’s always working and you always doing something.”
Burgundy grimaced. “Watch all that foul language, please. It’s the Lord’s Day.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? Y’all don’t fuck on Sundays?”
“Lita, please. Hold on a sec.”
Burgundy was ready to groan. Although she had not been thinking about nibbling on her husband’s penis, she figured that Alita was right. If Burgundy was going to sex him up, it probably would have to be done on Sunday morning while he was asleep, because God knows when she’d have time to do it otherwise.
But right then hopping on the treadmill instead of on Nate seemed more probable.
Burgundy got up and pressed the phone to her ear. “I was just getting up. I need to do a thirty-minute cardio walk and lift that set of barbells that Nate bought me for my birthday.”
“That’s what he bought you?”
“He sure did,” Burgundy said as she began to make her way to their home gym. It was located on the second story of their spacious stucco home. The house had two staircases, one in the front as soon as you walked in the door and the other in the kitchen, which provided a shortcut if you didn’t want to walk all the way to their huge foyer.
Burgundy and Nate’s bedroom was located closer to the back staircase. She made her way up the stairs trying to listen to Alita’s chattering.
“Anyway, girl,” Alita continued, “I had to fill you in on what happened yesterday. Remember? I called to tell you about the drama I went through about Leno and his daddy and those fast-ass little girls and how he called himself running away?”
“Yeah.” Burgundy yawned. “What happened?”
“So at first his daddy couldn’t get the boy on his phone either. But after about thirty minutes, Leno called him back. I was glad he did that. Sometimes he gets in these moods where he is mad at his daddy for long stretches and he’ll ignore him.”