by La Jill Hunt
“I turned my card in the day I met you, but you didn’t want me, so I had to get it back. And I haven’t married her—yet.”
“You will. You love her. I could see it in your eyes the way you looked at her. Now, when you think about the way you felt the night you proposed, any doubts you may be having about getting married should vanish. Think about the love you felt at that moment.” She looked at him so intensely that he could feel the words as they escaped her lips. She had a way of reading him like no other woman could.
Before he could react, Uncle Jay appeared at the table. “You two need anything?”
“No thanks, Uncle Jay. You remember Isis, don’t you?” Toby asked.
“How could I ever forget someone so beautiful—and talented, at that?” Uncle Jay smiled. “How are you? Is the food okay?”
“Yes, everything is fine,” she told him. People began to applause as the band announced they were taking a five-minute break. Toby could tell his uncle was up to something. He watched, curiously, wondering what it was.
“Isis, since the band is here tonight and you did such a wonderful job the last time,” Uncle Jay began, “do you think you can sing another song for us?”
“Huh? I . . . uh . . . I really didn’t plan on singing, Mr . . .”
“Sims,” Toby told her.
“Uncle Jay,” he corrected.
“You didn’t plan on singing that night either, did you? But you got up there.” Toby winked.
“That was a gift.” She gave him an evil look, which was obviously a fake one.
“Go on up there and sing, girl. Unless you’re scared,” Toby challenged.
“She ain’t scared. I know you ain’t scared, are you?” Uncle Jay asked.
“No, Uncle Jay, I’m not sacred, and Toby knows it,” Isis told them. She shook her head at Toby and Uncle Jay. “I’ll be right back.”
Toby’s eyes followed her as she stood and walked toward the door leading backstage. The silk dress she wore fit the contours of her body just right, and he forced himself not to think about what was underneath.
“I like her,” Uncle Jay said as he sat in the chair Isis had just vacated.
“Forget it, Uncle Jay. She’s too young for you,” Toby joked.
“Believe me, your uncle ain’t as old as you think he is. I still got a lot of hang time in me.”
“All right, Uncle Jay,” Toby told him as he began eating his food.
“I’m serious, Tobias. You can ask—”
“I believe you!” Toby quickly interrupted before his uncle began calling names. He had no desire to know who his uncle was having relations with.
A few moments later, the band came back on the stage, followed by Isis. The saxophone player placed a stool in the middle of the stage in front of the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, Liquid is pleased to present the vocal style of Miss Isis Adams.”
There was a thunder of applause and a hush fell over the crowd as she took her place. She didn’t say anything as she sat on the stool. The band began playing a few chords and she began singing “Feel the Fire” by Peabo Bryson. Her eyes remained closed, as if she was afraid to open them. She was in her own world, and her voice exuded power.
As he watched her sing, Toby recalled the first time he saw her and how this woman had turned his world upside down. Feelings he thought were long gone and buried began to rise, and he knew that he had to leave now for fear he would act upon them. He whispered good-bye to Uncle Jay as he stood up and headed for the exit. Toby looked back once more, locking his eyes to hers. He gave her a small nod of his head and he knew she understood why he couldn’t stay.
54
“I need to talk to you. I’m at Jasper’s, working the bar,” Terrell said into his cell phone after he heard the voice mail pick up. “Meet me up here.”
Chills ran down his spine as Isis’s voice floated through the club. The girl had a voice that would make Patti LaBelle do a double take. He looked over at his brother, who seemed to be in awe as he watched her perform. There had always been a connection between Toby and Isis, yet nothing ever jumped off between them, and he always wondered why they never hooked up. Too late for that now, because Roni had staked her claim and he had no doubt in his mind that his brother was in love.
“They must really be desperate for help.”
Terrell turned around to see Meeko standing near the bar. “No, they needed a skilled brother like myself for a change.”
“Skilled brother like me,” Meeko corrected. She pointed to Isis and asked, “How long has she been on stage?”
“She just got up there. Tearing it up, as usual.”
“I see,” she replied. They stood watching Isis pour her heart and soul into the song. “Damn, that girl can sing.”
“No doubt about that. Did she know you were coming?” he asked as he looked her up and down. She was still the baddest redbone he had ever met.
“Yeah, I told her I’d meet her up here and check out the band. She didn’t mention you’d be here, though,” she said, sitting on an empty stool. He made an apple martini and placed in front of her. “Thanks.”
“So, where your man at?” He couldn’t resist asking.
She cut her eyes at him. “What are you talking about, Terry?”
“Your man. Where’s he at?”
“I’m gonna ignore that question. Especially coming from you.”
“Why’s that?”
“Don’t you have a woman?”
“Yeah, I got a woman. That’s not the issue. The question I asked you was where’s your man at?” He grinned.
“I don’t have a man. Unlike your lockdown ass, I’m a free agent.”
Terrell scowled at her as she killed herself laughing. He decided not to give her a rebuttal. Isis was completing her song and people were on their feet clapping. He saw Toby ease out the door without even saying good-bye. Roni must’ve called and told him to come home, he thought. Good thing, too, because the heat between him and Isis was obvious enough for Stevie Wonder to see.
“Was that Toby?”
“Yep,” he replied, leaning past her to take an order from Monica.
“What’s wrong with him? He didn’t even speak. Did Isis see him?”
“They were sitting together before he left,” Monica volunteered. Terry shot her an angry look and she shrugged. “Oh, sorry.”
“They were sitting together?” Meeko asked. “Uh, I know this is none of my business, but where’s his fiancée?”
“You’re right; it’s none of your business,” Terrell warned, passing the tray of drinks to Monica.
“Whatever,” Meeko told him, finishing off her martini and requesting another. “So, you seen Jermaine?”
“Haven’t talked to him.” He refilled her drink. “Were you expecting him?”
“Not really, but I did mention that Isis and I were gonna come check out the band this evening,” she commented.
“And you think that because you told him you were coming through he would automatically be here?” he asked, wondering just how often they had been talking. “Sorry to disappoint you, but looks like your date’s a no show.”
“He’s not my date,” she said, sucking her teeth. She waved at Isis, who was coming through the stage door. People were on her like bees to honey. Probably paying her compliments. That girl is a true talent.
“I’m saying, you trying to kick it with him now?”
“No, and why are you acting like a jerk, Terry? What’s going on with you?”
Terrell knew he was being a total asshole, but he had a lot on his mind already, and the fact that Meeko was asking about Jermaine of all people didn’t help his mood. He was about to apologize when he saw Jermaine enter the club. “There’s your boy now.”
Meeko shifted around then turned back to Terrell. “Guess my date showed up, huh?”
He watched her walk over to Jermaine and hug him. Isis soon joined them and pointed over to Terrell. Jermaine was all smiles as he sauntered over to
the bar, a beautiful woman on each arm.
“What’s up, Terry? What are you doing behind the bar?” he asked. “I thought you were a big exec now.”
“Aw, man, you never know where you’ll find me when it comes to Jasper’s. This is home. You know that.” Terrell reached out and gave him a pound. “What you drinking? Long Island?”
“Naw, I’m taking it easy tonight. I got a new job to start on in the morning.”
“Really? Where?” Meeko asked, sitting a bit too close for Terrell’s liking.
“Over in Wheatland Heights.” Jermaine beamed.
“Must be a pretty big job,” Isis commented. Terrell followed her eyes to the table where she and Toby had been sitting, and he saw the sadness in her eyes.
“Isis, girl, you should really think about hitting a studio and laying down some tracks. That was beautiful,” he told her.
“Thank you, Terry. I appreciate that, but I don’t think so.” Isis sighed. “Singing is just a hobby.”
“I can’t believe I missed you singing,” Jermaine told her.
“She blew the roof off, too, Jermaine.” Meeko nodded. “Didn’t she, Terry? Toby was here but he left.”
“How long ago did he leave? I need to talk to him, Jermaine quickly asked, looking at Terrell.
“I’m surprised you didn’t see him in the parking lot before you walked in. He just left right before you got here,” Terrell told him. He wondered why Jermaine looked worried all of a sudden, especially since Toby had been so distant earlier. Something was going on, and he wanted to know what it was. “What’s up?”
“Uh, nothing,” Jermaine said, glancing at Isis then back to Terrell. “He’s supposed to be helping me out tomorrow and I need to get with him about the logistics of what we need to take care of, that’s all.”
Terrell didn’t believe him for some reason. Maybe it was the bullshit way Jermaine answered or the obviously bogus excuse he quickly came up with. Helping Uncle Jay out at the club was one thing, but moonlighting for Jermaine was something else. He gave Jermaine a look to let him know he wasn’t buying it and to come clean. Jermaine just stared back at him like he didn’t know what was going on.
“Let’s get a table, Jermaine,” Meeko said after they talked with Terrell for a while longer.
“Cool. It’s an empty one over there,” Jermaine told her, taking her by the arm. “I’ll holler at you later.”
“You coming, Isis?” Meeko asked her girlfriend, who wasn’t moving.
“I think I’m gonna get out of here soon. You guys go ahead and enjoy yourselves,” she told them.
“They look cozy, huh?” Terrell asked Isis after they had gone.
“Yeah, maybe Jermaine will be the next one popping the question,” Isis replied.
“I knew something was up with them,” Terrell hissed.
“What is your problem, Terry?” Isis asked, realizing he was serious. “You can’t possibly think that something is going on between the two of them. You know Meeko is probably trying to get him to give her the hookup on a security system or something.”
“Or she’s trying to hook up with him.”
“So what if she is? You didn’t want her, so why can’t someone else have her?”
“Because he’s supposed to be one of my best friends and she’s my ex. That ain’t even cool.”
“If you say so, but believe me, there’s nothing going on there. I’m leaving.” She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek as she said good-bye. When she was gone, he couldn’t help looking over at Meeko and Jermaine sitting at their table, laughing. Suddenly, he heard his name being called from across the club. He looked up to see his manager, CJ, walking toward the bar.
“Hey there, CJ, what’s going on?”
She smiled. Terrell couldn’t help noticing how nice she looked in the red sundress she was wearing.
“When they told me you were over here at the bar, I thought they meant you were having a drink. I had no idea that you were the bartender. Do we not pay you enough at your day job?”
“No, that’s why I have to tend bar on the weekends. You think you can talk to someone and handle getting me a raise?”
“Depends on how good my drink is,” she said seductively, leaning on the bar in a manner that left no question about whether she was wearing a bra.
“So, that’s the determining factor?”
“That’s the determining factor. You can show me just how good your job performance is.” She nodded.
“Well, I hate to brag, but my performance has always exceeded expectations. What’s your pleasure?”
“Um, let’s see. How about a Long Island Iced Tea?”
“That’s it?” he asked. “I’m about to be paid.”
“We’ll see,” she said. She continued flirting with him as he made her drink and he wondered if she was serious.
“Here you go. I think you’ll find it’s well beyond your liking.”
“We’ll see,” she said, taking a sip. “Brother, you’re about to get a raise.”
“Told you. I’m a man of many talents.”
“So I see. You’ll have to display more of them to me one day. It was nice seeing you, Mr. Sims.” She paid him and waved good-bye.
“No, what she should’ve said was you’re a man of much bull.” Terrell didn’t even see Anjelica until she spoke. He had actually forgotten that he had called and left the message for her to come up there. Now he was wishing that he hadn’t, especially when he remembered that Jermaine and Meeko were having drinks at a table a few feet away. He wasn’t sure what type of relationship Jermaine and Anjelica had, but he was pretty certain that his boy wouldn’t feel comfortable being seen at a table with another female.
“What’s up, girl? Took you long enough to get here.”
“I just knew you were lying about being the bartender. I would think such a job is beneath you, Terrell. I hope you notice that I didn’t bring a purse, so my drinks will have to be on the house,” Anjelica remarked, looking good in jeans and a crop top. Her long hair was in a mess of curls, surrounding her pretty face.
“No job is beneath me when it comes to Jasper’s. If Uncle Jay needs me to clean the toilets, I would,” he told her.
“Well, it’s nice to see you can be loyal to something.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? You know what? Never mind. What do you want to drink? And you only get one on the house, so if you want more than that, I suggest you use the ATM located in the lobby.”
She ordered a Tequila Sunrise and sat down. “So, talk.”
He decided to talk as long as possible in order to distract her from looking around the club and seeing Jermaine. He told her about having dinner with Nicole and Gary and his girlfriend, whom he happened to be familiar with. Instead of being concerned, Anjelica found the entire situation funny. She nearly choked on her drink when he told her.
“What the hell is funny about that?”
“I mean, the fact that your future brother-in-law’s girlfriend is the nurse from the abortion clinic you took your booty call to. If that ain’t hilarious, I don’t know what is.”
“First of all, she was the receptionist, which is another thing. I think she told Gary and Nicole that she was a nurse, not a receptionist.”
“Then there you have it. She was probably just as uncomfortable as you were. You know her dirt and she knows yours. Did she say anything?”
“Nope, not a word. We acted like we didn’t even know each other. She didn’t mention it to me and I didn’t mention it to her. We had dinner, that’s it.”
“Then what makes you even think that she remembers you?”
“I can tell she remembered me. I’m not that forgettable, and it wasn’t that long ago that we were there. She remembers. I don’t know what I’m gonna do.” He sighed. He was glad he had finally told someone about the situation he found himself in. He wanted to talk to his brother about it, but Toby seemed to have a lot on his mind, so Terry didn’t bother him with it.
“I say be like the Army—don’t ask, don’t tell. If she doesn’t bring it up, then you don’t bring it up.”
“I guess that’s one way of looking at it, but there’s something else that happened Saturday night.”
“Damn, something else happened? You had a rough weekend, huh? Is this as funny as the other thing? If so, let me put my drink down before you tell me.” Anjelica smiled.
“No, this one isn’t that comical,” Terrell told her, his voice full of tension. He had also been thinking of how to tell her about the other situation he found himself in.
“What is it?” she asked, noticing his grim face.
“Kayla . . .”
“Mr. Sims, I’m about to leave. I just wanted to say good-bye and thank you for a wonderful drink. We will talk about those other talents really soon,” CJ called over the bar as she headed for the exit. He turned toward her and noticed Meeko and Jermaine standing right behind her. He prayed that Anjelica wouldn’t turn around and see them, but CJ’s yelling was hard to ignore. Anjelica swiveled around on the stool and got a full view of the couple. The look on her face confirmed just what he suspected; she was obviously not pleased with seeing them together.
“Okay, CJ, we’ll do that. Drive safely,” Terrell called to her and turned his back to Anjelica. He pretended to be busy washing glasses and putting away bottles of liquor, waiting for her to speak before he did. When she didn’t, he turned back to see why she was so quiet. He was flabbergasted to find her chair empty. She was talking with Meeko and Jermaine. He stood, waiting for the catfight to break out between the two women, but it didn’t. Neither one looked angry or even uncomfortable as they stood and talked. Soon, she resumed to her seat and Meeko and Jermaine walked out the door.
“You really are funny,” Anjelica snapped. “I can’t believe you did this.”
“What are you talking about? I didn’t do anything.”
“I guess you called me up here to catch Jermaine with another woman, huh? Was that your little master plan? You thought I would clown and get all ghetto and show my behind like some crazy, jealous person? You must have me confused with . . . what’s Craig’s ghetto wife from New York’s name?”