Relapse: A Novel

by Nikki Turner

  “So where are we off to?” she asked.

  “I thought I’d get you settled in at the house, and then we could grab something to eat.”

  Lootchee slid an arm around Beijing’s shoulders. “You look so nice, so stunning,” he whispered, but she could feel his breath tickling her ear.

  She had no intention of being swept off her feet with a few well-placed words.

  “Thank you—” she paused for a moment. “—but can you drop me off at the hotel I reserved? It’s been quite a long day and I would like to take a shower and pull myself together. I’ve been in these clothes since early this morning.”

  Lootchee was offended. “Hotel room? I wouldn’t hear of it. You’re staying at my house,” he insisted.

  “That’s not going to happen.” She shook her head. “I would hate to think that you got me twisted with a chick who doesn’t know any better. I’m not dumb enough to spend the night at no man’s house I just met.”

  “I’m just trying to show you southern hospitality at its best.”

  “No matter how much he wines and dines me, I do not play that game.” She scooted a few inches away from him in the backseat to let him know that she was serious.

  “You’re serious, ain’t you?”

  “As a heart attack.”

  “Then I guess you got me twisted also, because I don’t deal with bitches, only with ladies. And I don’t take rejection well either.”

  “You’ll get used to it,” Beijing said. Let him be mad, she thought. He is not getting his way with me. “I’m staying at the Tabby.” She was playing this mental chess game with Lootchee and enjoying every minute of it.

  “You know, I don’t really like the way things are going at all, but I’m going to still respect yo’ gangsta.” He smiled. “Damn, girl. You are something else and don’t let anyone tell you anything different.”

  Reluctantly, he instructed his driver to take them to the hotel.

  The Rolls coasted to a stop in front of the Tabby of Dallas, the newest addition to the hotel chain. They were instantly met by a valet and a bellhop. Lootchee told them the car was fine while Beijing directed them to the bags in the trunk.

  After checking in, Lootchee walked her up to her room and suggested that he’d pick her up in two hours for dinner.

  “I’ll be ready,” she said, accepting the offer. Then shut the room’s door, leaving Lootchee standing there with his hands in his pockets.

  Lootchee arranged for them to have a private dinner at Arthuro’s, an upscale restaurant.

  “This place looks closed,” she said.

  “Not for us it isn’t.”

  An Italian man with salt-and-pepper hair and a warm smile appeared in the doorway. “Lootchee,” he said with a thick accent, “I’ve been expecting you. Good to see you again.” He gave Lootchee a hug, patting him on his back. “Who’s the lovely lady?” Anthony asked, looking at Beijing.

  “This lovely lady is Beijing, so serve us nothing but the best, because she’s very dear to me.”

  “Say no more.” Anthony smiled. “Follow me.”

  The restaurant was beautiful, modern with an old-Italy feel.

  “This place is gorgeous,” Beijing said after being seated. “I hope the food tastes half as good as this place looks.”

  Once they were seated, Beijing noticed the surprised look on Lootchee’s face when she ordered her food in Italian. In fact, Anthony and Beijing began talking about Lootchee right in front of his face.

  “Can you clue me into the conversation?” he asked.

  “He simply asked how long I had known you. And I told him it felt like a very long time.”

  Lootchee nodded. “You speak Italian?”

  “Just a little,” she answered modestly.

  He smiled. “Impressive.”

  Six delicious courses and a bottle of wine later, Lootchee said, “Lady Italy, I have another surprise for you.”

  Five men made their way out from the back of the restaurant over to Lootchee and Beijing’s table. It was New Edition. They were in town to perform at a throwback show on Saturday night at a local club that Lootchee happened to be promoting. He’d hit them with a few extra bucks for a last-minute favor to serenade Beijing at the restaurant.

  “Beijing,” Johnny Gill said in a deep baritone, “this song is for you.” Music floated from hidden speakers, and the group sang their hit, “If It Isn’t Love.”

  After the mini concert, the two enjoyed each other’s company with nonstop chatter the entire ride from the restaurant to the hotel.

  “What an amazing night. I’ve never had anyone serenade me before,” she said back at the hotel.

  “There’s a lot of things you can experience with me that may be your first. Like you, I’m a very resourceful man,” he said, “and can make things happen that are beyond your wildest dreams.”

  “I can believe that.” Her eyes were gleaming. “This is a pretty nice start.”

  “If I ask you a question, will you promise to give me an honest answer?”

  “If I can, sure I will.”

  His eyes grabbed her, pulling her full attention toward him. “Are you glad that you’re here with me?”

  The words eased from her mouth in a melody. “I am,” she admitted.

  Lootchee was delighted. “Music to my ears. Then everything I did was worth it.” He gave his trademark smile.

  “Oh, I almost forgot. I have something for you. Well, it was for your birthday but I guess I can give it to you anyway.” Beijing reached into her duffel bag and removed a beautifully wrapped box. “Go ahead and open it,” she urged him.

  Lootchee took his time removing the wrapping paper from the flat, rectangular box, revealing a Gucci wallet inside. “I love it,” he said. “I got a pair of Gucci sneakers at home that’ll go perfect with it.

  “Thank you.” He gave her a big hug. “I’m surprised,” Lootchee added, looking at her.

  “Why?” she asked. “I came here thinking that I was going to your birthday party.”

  “Well, because besides sexual favors, women really don’t shower me with anything. I usually just go cop whatever I want.” He admired the wallet. “You know how to score big points, huh?”

  “I’m glad you like it.” Neither one of them spoke for a moment as each tried to figure out what to say next. “I guess this is good night,” she murmured.

  “Aren’t you going to invite me in for a drink?”

  “Of course … I’m not.” She rejected his begging eyes. “I told you. I’m not some jumpoff that wants to give you some sexual favors, so see ya tomorrow.”

  “I’ll be here first thing in da morning.” He barely got the words out before the door to her room closed. He laughed at himself, not believing that he’d have to wait until the next day to see her.

  CHAPTER 13

  Ten Carats

  Beijing lay in bed thinking of Lootchee and what a wonderful time they’d had. Sure she was a little peeved about lying about his birthday, but that seemed like something that could be overlooked. After all, he was being the perfect gentlemen and showing her a wonderful time.

  She made a mental note to get Rayna a thank-you gift, because Lootchee was different from the guys that she usually dated.

  This trip was just what she needed to get her mind off Don, his foolishness, and all the madness of work, she thought. If the rest of the weekend came close to tonight, it would be well worth the time.

  A knock at the door brought her out of her thoughts. She slipped on a robe, tied the belt, and went to the door to peek out the peephole.

  It was Lootchee.

  “Funny, I was just thinking about you,” she confessed.

  “I’ve been thinking of you too.” He looked deep into her eyes as if he was searching for something inside of her. “Actually”—he smiled—“you’ve all I’ve been thinking of. Can I come in?”

  “I told you …”

  “You told me tomorrow,” he said, looking at his watch. “I
t’s after midnight. It’s officially Saturday. I promise I won’t try anything.”

  Beijing threw reason to the side and listened to her emotions. She stepped away from the door. “Come on in, but you’re not getting any.”

  “I’ll be on my best behavior.” Lootchee threw his right hand in the air before adding, “Scout’s honor.”

  Once inside he said, “I’d like to lie down with you and hold you in my arms.” Before she could speak he said, “I promise I will be on my best behavior.”

  She couldn’t say no to him. He removed his clothes; she took off her robe and got under the blanket. Lootchee slid in behind her, wrapping his arms around her soft warm body.

  “All we’re going to do is spoon,” she reminded him.

  Beijing was enveloped inside Lootchee’s strong arms when she was awakened by the hotel phone. She picked it up.

  “Good morning, Ms. Lee. This is Roger from the front desk. There’s a Mr. Lootchee down here in the lobby waiting for you.”

  Beijing’s eyes went to the other side of the bed, then to the clock. The bed was empty and the clock glowed 6 AM. Last night was a dream!

  “Tell him I’ll be down in about forty-five minutes,” she said sleepily.

  Less than an hour later, she had showered, dressed, and was in the lobby, where Lootchee was having a cup of coffee and reading the paper.

  “Morning, beautiful,” he said with a smile. “How did you sleep?”

  “Like a baby.” She sat down across from him. “What do you have planned for today, early bird?” she asked and then yawned, covering her mouth. “Excuse me.”

  “Early bird gets the worm,” he quipped. “But to answer your question … we’re going to Six Flags, shopping, a concert tonight, and I have a surprise for tomorrow.”

  “A surprise? I love surprises! Tell me.”

  “If I tell you, it’s not a surprise.” Then he gave her the rundown of the day’s itinerary. “For starters, it’s unheard of for you to be my guest in my town and not go to a Cowboys game. We play the Dead Skins tomorrow and I got a bundle on the big game.”

  “I’ve never been to a professional game before,” Beijing admitted. Football wasn’t really her thing, but she was willing to give it a try. “Just gotta get something to wear. You know the weatherman was all wrong about the weather.”

  “The only person who can give wrong information and still have a job,” Lootchee said, “but we’ll be at the Galleria when they open to do a little shopping for the occasion.”

  Once they were at the mall, Beijing was in her element. She tried on about ten outfits and decided to keep four. Then she and Lootchee argued about who was going to pay for them. He insisted that the least she could do was allow him to be a gentleman in his hometown.

  “Thank you very much,” she said, “but I can pay for my own clothes. You’ve done enough and I appreciate you.” She gave him a hug.

  Lootchee raised his hands as if he was surrendering. “You win.”

  After she sent the sales associate to search for a pair of boots that she’d seen on display, Lootchee said, “I’m going to step out for a minute to use the phone.”

  Beijing was admiring another pair of shoes as she said, “Okay, no problem.”

  No sooner had Lootchee left the store than he peeped this cat named Owen coming out of the jewelry store.

  Owen and Lootchee had never liked each other. Owen was “the man” at one time. He owned a few car lots, among other things. He made plenty of money and had no problem spending it. And just as two billy goats can’t stand at the top of the hill without butting heads, Lootchee and Owen were always trying to knock each other down.

  Much to Lootchee’s delight, over the past ten to twelve months Owen had fallen off in a major way. He still dressed the part because when he was getting it, the getting was good, but now his pockets were hurting. Owen walked past Lootchee with hate in his eyes and envy in his heart. Lootchee laughed and went into the jewelry store that Owen had just left.

  “What up, Jo?” He gave the jeweler five.

  “Nothing much, just trying to stay afloat.”

  “I feel that,” Lootchee said. “I see ol’ Owen just left. What dat nigga buying?” If it was anything worthwhile, he would buy a bigger one just for spite.

  “Nada.” Jo shook his head in disgust. “He returned a piece I custom-made for him. He asked me to lend him money on it till he can do better.”

  “Word, let me see the piece.” Lootchee had heard stories that Owen had been strapped for cash and was spinning out of control but had not seen it firsthand.

  “I feel bad for the guy because he has spent a lot of money with me,” Jo said, shrugging, “but I’m in business. I just can’t give my creations away for free.” The Mexican man went over to the safe and pulled out a necklace. “Such a beautiful piece.” He shook his head. “I think Owen is getting wasted on a regular basis. I can see it in his eyes,. He tries to hide it, but I know the look.”

  Just then Lootchee saw Beijing step out of the clothing store, looking around for him.

  He stuck his head out of the jeweler’s shop. “I’m over here, beautiful.”

  Beijing joined him in the store just as Jo handed him the necklace. “The heart pendant is made up of ten carats.”

  “Ten?” Lootchee was impressed. “Really?”

  “Yup and the necklace is …”

  Lootchee cut him off and asked Beijing a question he already knew the answer to: “Baby, how long has it been since our first call?”

  “Today makes ten days.” She smiled, thinking about the first night she’d called him.

  “That’s what I thought.” Lootchee looked at Jo and said, “I’ll take it.” He instructed Beijing to turn around so that he could put the necklace on her neck.

  “I can’t accept that,” she gushed.

  “Sure you can. It’s a sentimental moment. Now turn around,” he instructed her.

  “What do you mean, sentimental?”

  “I mean it’s significant. How could it not be? What’s the chance that my main man Jo would have a gorgeous custom necklace that signifies our courtship—ten carats? A carat a day. It was meant for me to buy this for you today. I believe in fate.”

  Beijing smiled and took another look at the breathtaking piece of jewelry. The diamonds were so clear they looked like ice cubes frozen from the finest springwater. There was no denying that it was beautiful. She slowly turned around and let Lootchee clasp it around her neck.

  “This is just so gorgeous. I don’t know what to say.”

  “You don’t have to say nothing. You don’t even have to say thank you. Seeing you smile is all the thanks I need.”

  The timing couldn’t have been better because just then Owen walked past the shop. He said, “Turn this way baby, so I can see how it catches the light.”

  Beijing turned facing Lootchee but in Owen’s sight. She did as she was told, pulling her long flowing silky hair up off her neck.

  Owen turned and stared from the doorway. His eyes were burning with hate when he saw Beijing wearing the necklace he’d had made for his mother.

  Lootchee laughed.

  CHAPTER 14

  Club Celestial

  After Beijing and Lootchee left the mall, they spent the day at an amusement park. The time seemed to fly by. Lootchee had dropped Beijing off at the hotel to change clothes for the New Edition concert. After he changed his own gear, he scooped Beijing back up and took her to Club Celestial.

  As Lootchee pulled into his reserved parking space, people were treating him as if he were a movie star, running up to his car, greeting him, and giving him fives as he got out. Beijing was impressed at how people respected him.

  A tall, handsome man spotted Lootchee getting out of his car. He stepped from behind the black velvet ropes, meeting the two of them at the curb.

  “What’s popping, my nigga?” They gave each other dap. The tall guy leaned over to Lootchee and asked, “Who’s the honey? I never
saw you bring sand to the beach.”

  “First time for everything,” Lootchee said, and then he took Beijing’s hand. “This is Beijing. Beijing”—Lootchee moved his eyes from her to his man—“Jeff.”

  Beijing remembered him from the fight and gave Jeff a warm smile. Jeffrey couldn’t help but notice that the lady was a straight dime, and he pulled his eyes away from Beijing before getting himself in trouble. He said, “The fire marshal already been here.”

  Lootchee looked around. “I can’t tell.” The music was still jumping from the inside. “Looks like the party’s out here, not in there.”

  Beijing had to agree with Lootchee as she looked around. The place was jam-packed. People were standing all around in the back and front parking lots, conducting some sort of business, envious of those who were inside.

  “Naw they partying like rock stars in there. We sold out, and the bar is bananas for sho,” Jeff assured his partner with a nod. Beijing could only image the fun people must be having inside. The strong aroma of the marijuana hit her nose before she actually noticed the people who were smoking weed. There was no denying that Lootchee smelled it too.

  “Sounds like everything going all right.” Lootchee nodded.

  “That crook wouldna gave a fuck if we had the entire Chinese Republican Army in that bitch after I put them Franklins in his pocket.”

  Lootchee smiled at his boy, but Beijing was thinking how she needed to have the fire marshal added to her Rolodex.

  “The bar sales looking good, but man, I didn’t even have to tell you that, you can tell by the looks of this crowd out here.”

  “Let’s go in,” Lootchee said.

  “New Edition’s inside. They haven’t taken the stage yet, but they gon go on in a short,” Jeff said.

  Jeff led the way followed by Lootchee and Beijing, with Steve covering the rear. Beijing was confident and felt good as all eyes were on her checking her out hand in hand with Lootchee. As they walked past the long lines of people desperate to get in, Beijing felt sorry for the guy with the guest list. He was being bombarded by people claiming to be on it. Another girl was saying that she was on New Edition’s VIP list but the guy with the list didn’t see her name.