by La Jill Hunt
“We are at the royal palace,” he answered, helping her out of the limousine. She realized that they were in front of the Majestic, one of the largest, most lavish hotels in the city. The concierge held the door as they entered the massive archway leading to the lobby. She expected Toby to go to the desk, but there was no need. He waved to the front clerk as they passed by.
“Toby,” she started as they got into the glass elevator and he pushed the number twenty-two. He kissed her again, distracting her from any other thoughts she could have had regarding what was going on. When the car stopped on the designated floor, he bowed as he stepped off the elevator and reached for her hand. She decided to play along and curtseyed. They embraced each other as they proceeded down the empty hallway. When they got to the room, he asked her to wait a minute. “I’ll be right back.” She frowned but nodded.
He slipped into the room knowing she wondered what he was doing. After everything else that had gone on that night, she wouldn’t know what to expect. He looked around the room and made sure everything was set. Kayla hooked the room up for him. I owe her big time, he thought as he made the final preparations. Turning the knob slowly and opening the door, he welcomed Roni in. She was hesitant.
“Come on,” he told her. “I promise I won’t bite.”
“Promises, promises,” she grinned.
Roni was dumbfounded when she walked in. Toby had not only reserved a room, but a full suite with a Jacuzzi in the center. There were white candles and rose petals arranged around the jetted tub. She spotted a bowl of fruit and a chilling bottle of wine along with a set of glasses on a tray near the steaming water. Prince was drifting from a nearby CD player.
“I love you, Veronica Black,” he whispered and hugged her from behind. He kissed the ring she was now wearing then put her entire finger in his mouth, sucking gently. He guided her to the mirror hanging on the wall and he stared at their reflection. They made a perfect couple.
She turned and kissed him with such passion that it scared him. Toby could not remember a time when he had put so much thought and effort into planning anything. Between the passion of the moment and the alcohol they had already consumed, he was now drunk with happiness. Before he knew it, she was naked in his arms and he was carrying her to the hot tub. He removed his clothes with a quickness and lowered his body into the steaming water.
“You are so beautiful, do you know that?” he asked as he fed her a ripe strawberry. She bit into it, juice dribbling from the side of her mouth. Toby leaned over and licked it off, nibbling from her lips down to her collarbone. With a quick movement, he sat her in his lap, and she threw her head back as he kissed across her chest. He buried his head into her shoulder, moaning as the bubbles enticed both of them.
Roni reached for a glass of wine, pouring it over his head, then used her tongue to catch the cascading liquid as it made its way from his head to his chest. His strong hands searched between her legs, and she tensed as his fingers found the spot they were looking for. She closed her eyes and became lost in the moment. It was as if he had found a rhythm and was playing a melody. She looked at him as her hands now found the treasure she was looking for. Her fingers massaged him in the same cadence that he played. She stared into his dark eyes, letting him know that she was not going to lose control; she was too much of a woman for that. He could tell that the intensity aroused her, and they played the duet together until neither one could take it anymore.
He didn’t say anything as he stood and reached for her once again. She stood and he helped her out. Lifting her once again, he carried her into the enormous bedroom of the suite. He laid her in the middle of the bed, and for a moment, just looked at her. He pushed her legs open and began playing the tune again, this time using his tongue rather than his fingers. Roni bucked like she was losing her mind; Toby seemed determined to have her go crazy. She called his name over and over as her body shook with ecstasy. When he felt she was satisfied, he smiled.
“Having fun?” he asked. She nodded at him then began laughing uncontrollably. “What’s so funny?”
She licked her lips seductively, smiling at him. “I’m just happy.”
He joined in her laughter and she pulled him to her. He laid his head on her chest and began playing with her nipples. She knew what was next and she was more than ready.
“I know you came prepared,” she whispered.
He nodded and reached for the condoms he had placed in the nightstand drawer. Roni was a stickler for safe sex, and he respected her for that. A lot of people, his brother included, didn’t practice it very often. She took the plastic from his hand and tore it open with her mouth. Her eyes never left his as she rolled it on him. Then, like a graceful jockey, she straddled him and began to ride like he was a thoroughbred stallion. He buried his head into her ample breast as he thrust into her welcoming body. He gripped her strong thighs and his arms found their way to her firm behind. As if on cue, she leaned back and looked into his eyes, rocking faster and faster. She stared at him, his name escaping her mouth as she cried out.
“Toby. . . I . . . I . . . Yes, that’s it!”
“Is that it?”
“God . . . yes . . .”
“Tell me.”
“That’s it,” she moaned, rocking continually.
“And what is it?” He smiled at her, gripping her harder.
“It’s . . . it’s . . .” She could hardly talk.
“Huh?” He had her right where he wanted her. He was about to explode but was determined to make her talk.
“It’s . . . yours. Toby . . . it’s yours, baby!” she screamed, leaning forward and grabbing his shoulders.
“Show me, then.” He reached up and pulled her so that her hair hung into his face. “Come for me, Roni! Now!”
He felt the tension that had built up in the moment release from deep within and explode from his body. Roni called his name over and over and he felt her legs begin shaking. Then, it was over. She collapsed on his sweat-covered chest and he kissed the top of her head.
“Damn, that was the best ever,” she said as she panted.
“All that for putting a ring on your finger?” he teased, wrapping her hair around his finger.
“All that for being the love of my life.” She kissed him.
Something about the way she said it bothered him. For a moment, it felt like deja vu, only it wasn’t with Roni in the dream he had, it was with another beautiful woman who in the end had run away, taking his heart with her. That was two years ago, and he hadn’t even thought of her in months, until she showed up again tonight, singing on stage.
43
“Where you going? I thought you were taking the day off,” Nicole said sleepily.
Terrell leaned over and kissed her forehead. He had hoped she would still be asleep when he left, but that wasn’t the case. “I got some stuff I gotta take care of this morning.”
“What kind of stuff?”
“I’m taking my car to be serviced this morning.”
“I can trail you and you can use my car if you want. That way you don’t have to wait.”
“That’s okay. Stay in the bed.”
“But you know we’re supposed to—”
“I know. I’ll be there at quarter to twelve. Promise.”
He kissed her again and she reminded him to lock the door when he left. He hurried out to be sure he wasn’t late picking up Darla. She was waiting when he got to her place and got into the car without saying a word.
“Hey,” he told her.
“I’m moving and I need you to give me some money,” she said, not looking at him.
He inhaled deeply, wondering where she was going with this. Her moving might be a good thing. That meant there was no way she could pull a stunt like she did last night or the several other times when she would just pop up at Toby’s crib or the club.
“I feel you. When you trying to make this move?”
“Soon as possible. I already started packing. I need the l
oot, though.”
He wanted to tell her that he was already paying for the abortion and didn’t think he should have to pay her anything, but decided to chill for right now. “I don’t have a problem helping you out.”
It was a beautiful March morning and it seemed as if everyone was in a mellow mood. The weather was just about to break; not too cold, but not yet spring. Terrell noticed smiles on people’s faces as he drove down the street, like they didn’t have a care in the world. He, on the other hand, had the weight of the world on his shoulders, and was doing everything in his power to get rid of it, starting with Darla and this baby. Which might not even be mine. But he wasn’t even taking the chance. The sooner he got rid of this baby, the better. And now it looks like I’m gonna be getting rid of Darla, period. Hell, I betcha Toby will be glad to hear her whining ass will be long gone. She was always trying to pop up at his crib uninvited.
Strangely enough, she didn’t say anything the entire drive to the clinic. He was expecting an emotional temper tantrum, with her trying to convince him that this was a mistake, but she sat quietly looking out the window. He assumed she just didn’t want to talk, so he turned the radio up and listened to Doug Banks. There was a radio advertisement promoting Dominic’s nightclub featuring DJ Terror, and he smiled. He could remember a time when Toby would get in trouble for scratching up their parents’ Kool and the Gang albums when they were little. After seeing Beatstreet, Toby was fascinated by deejays and determined to learn it like it was a science. Now, it seemed the beatings and practice had paid off because Toby’s career was successful. Terrell was proud of his older brother; there was no doubt about that. He had the crib, the career and now, the girl. He looked over at Darla and decided, I’m getting my life together too. I ain’t going through this shit no more. She ain’t even worth the gas I’m burning bringing her here.
He pulled into the lot and parked on the side of the building rather than the front. It was then that Darla decided to speak.
“Good thinking. You wouldn’t want anyone to spot your car outside the abortion clinic, right?”
He didn’t respond verbally, but cut his eyes at her as he got out of his car. He walked ahead of her and went straight to the receptionist’s desk, giving her Darla’s name.
“Yes, sir, if you could just have her fill these forms out, someone will be with you in just a moment,” the attractive woman told him in a sexy voice. She was a seductive blonde with an olive complexion, reminding him of one of the women from the TV show Friends. Terrell usually didn’t go for women outside his race, but there was something charming about her that added to her appeal.
“Thanks. Do you know how long this is gonna take?” he asked.
“I’m not sure. It depends on a number of things.” She shrugged.
“I understand. Look, can I go ahead and pay and then come back and get her?”
“We recommend you stay here with her, at least until after you speak with a counselor.”
“Counselor? For what?” There was no way Terrell was going to talk to a counselor. This thing was getting more complicated than he anticipated. He had planned on dropping Darla off, paying, leaving, then picking her up and taking her ass home.
“So that you both understand your options.”
“Is that really necessary? I mean, we’ve already discussed it and weighed our options. We’ve made our decision.”
“Well, it’s not a requirement or anything.” She looked toward Darla sympathetically, then back to Terrell, who was pulling his wallet from his pocket. He had stopped at the ATM before he picked up Darla.
“Good. The lady I talked to yesterday said it was gonna be three-fifty. This should take care of it.”
She took the money from him and gave him a receipt. “Come back around two.”
“Cool,” he said, thanking her. He turned and walked over to Darla, handing her the papers to complete. “Yo, you need to fill these out and they’ll call your name. I’ll be back to get you.”
She took the papers without a word. He turned back and waved to the receptionist.
He began driving around, thinking of what he could do to waste time. He had taken the day off but didn’t feel like going to his own home. Instead, he decided to go to Kayla’s for a minute.
“What’s up?” she asked, opening the door with one hand, holding Day in the other.
“Chilling. I came by to get some breakfast.”
“You mean you came by to cook breakfast? Because you know I ain’t cooking jack,” she said matter-of-factly. He followed her into the living room where she was obviously packing Day’s diaper bag and getting dressed for work at the same time. He took the baby from her arms.
“Hey there, princess. You been breaking any hearts lately?” he asked the vibrant infant. She cooed back at him, causing him to laugh. He sat on the sofa and bounced her on his knee.
“Well, I’m glad you stopped by. I can save my gas and ride with you,” Kayla called out as she walked down the hall toward the bedroom.
“No can do. I got the day off.”
“Huh? Then what are you doing out this early in the morning?”
“Your mama is nosy, you know that?” he whispered to the baby. “I had some stuff to do early this morning. Is that a’ight with you?”
“I don’t care what you gotta do as long as it involves dropping Day off at the sitter.”
“That definitely wasn’t on my agenda this morning.”
“Come on. You know I’m running late today, Terrell.”
“You run late every day.”
“Please. You’re her godfather. You need to bond with her.”
“We’re bonding right now.”
Kayla came back dressed in jeans and a sweater, carrying a pair of sneakers. Her long hair was held off her face with a headband. He shook his head at her.
“What? It’s dress down Friday, Terrell. Don’t even try it. Besides, I don’t see where you look all that great either.”
He looked down at his own jeans and Iverson jersey. “Whatever, yo, and I ain’t talking about your clothes. I’m talking about that headband.”
“I don’t even have time to deal with you and your so-called fashion criticisms. Are you gonna take Day for me or what?”
“Don’t even try to start making this a habit. You need to start getting up an hour earlier.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Thanks, Terrell. I appreciate it.” She smiled as she kissed the baby. Grabbing her purse off the coffee table, she called out, “Her car seat is by the door. Don’t forget the diaper bag. I’ll call you later.”
Terrell put Day into her swing and clicked on the television. After channel surfing for a few minutes, he settled on the news. He checked his watch and was disappointed that it was only 10:15. Time seemed to be creeping by. Day was beginning to drift to sleep so he decided he’d better put her into her seat and take her to the sitter. He gently took her into his arms and placed her into the carrier, buckling her in and covering her with the fuzzy pink blanket, which was lying in the chair. He noticed she was looking at him with her big, bright eyes like he was crazy.
“I know. Uncle Terry needs the practice, though, okay? Go back to sleep.” He grinned. He made sure the door was locked and headed out to the driveway. Day must have understood what he told her because before he could even put her into the car, she was knocked out. He made sure the seat was fastened in and locked the door. His cell phone began vibrating in his pocket and he answered. “Yeah.”
“What’s up? You busy?”
“Naw, what’s up with you?” he asked, walking to the driver’s side and getting in the car.
“Nothing really. You drop your first baby mama off at the clinic?”
“Yep. Already took care of that. And quit calling her that.”
“She is your first baby mama. And now you gotta go and meet your fiancée, right?”
“You know what Anjelica? You’re getting to be as much up in my business as your sister. Must be something in th
e blood.”
“Don’t ever compare me to her. I told you about that. Keep on and our friendship will end right here and now. I’m surprised she’s not in your face right now.”
“She’s gone to work already. I’m dropping Day off at the sitter for her.”
“How is my gorgeous niece?” she asked. He could hear the hurt in her voice. Over the past few days, he had learned that although Anjelica tried her best to be a bitch, she still had a love for her sister and niece. “I bought her some cute outfits and a new diaper bag last weekend, but Kay thinks they’re from my mother.”
“Damn!” Terrell said loudly, slamming on the brakes.
“What’s wrong?”
“I forgot the diaper bag, and I locked the door. Dammit!” He looked at the clock and saw that he only had thirty minutes to drop Day off and make it to meet Nicole. “I don’t have time to deal with this.”
“Calm down. Look under the flower pot on Kayla’s porch and get the spare key,” Anjelica told him. He wondered how she knew this and began to question whether or not the rumors that Anjelica was the mastermind behind the attack on Kayla a few months back were true. Janice, Geno’s ex, broke into Kayla’s home and assaulted her, nearly killing her. There was talk that since Janice and Anjelica knew each other, she had set her sister up to be attacked.
“I don’t even wanna know how you know where her extra key is,” he said as he turned around in the middle of the street and headed back toward Kayla’s house. He left the car running as he quickly dashed to the porch and lifted the large flower pot sitting there. To his horror, there was no key. “Ain’t no key here!”
“Look under the mat that it’s sitting on, retarded! And stop yelling at me!”
He lifted the green mat under the plant and sure enough, a bronze key was there. He breathed a sigh of relief and proceeded to reenter the house. His phone began beeping and he saw that it was Kayla calling. He told Anjelica to hold then answered the other line. “Yo.”
“Hey, everything okay when you dropped her off?”
“I ain’t made it there yet. I forgot the diaper bag and now I gotta go back in and get it.”