by Cynthia Blue
“What are sisters for?” Opal rhetorically asked and followed Clover into her office and the sisters sat down to eat their meal. “How’s business?”
“Great,” Clover answered and began to eat her red beans and rice.
“How’s Calista and Bray enjoying their honeymoon in Rio de Janerio?” Opal asked as she took another bite out of her drumstick.
“Having the time of their lives!” Clover answered. “They sent pictures. Have a look.” Clover pulled out her iPhone and gave it to Opal.
“Aww, how beautiful!” Opal exclaimed with a smile as she looked through the pictures. “I see they’re enjoying their matching tablets I bought them”
“Yes they are,” Clover said. “What’s on your mind?”
“I’m okay. I’m just trying to get my mind off my job closing down,” Opal replied with gloom.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Clover said and grabbed Opal’s hand for support.
“Thanks sweetie,” Opal said. “It’s a mess. I’ve been a part of that company for over twenty years and now it’s going out of business. I loved that job and now, I don’t know where I’m going to go. I guess I got to update my resume and start looking for a new job.”
“I’m sure you’ll find something. You’re intelligent and hardworking. When does your job close?” Clover asked.
“In about two months,” Opal answered.
“You’re not the only one with work troubles,” Clover volunteered.
“Is there a problem with the bakery?” Opal asked with concern.
“No, nothing like that,” Clover assured while shaking her head no. “My office manager Lila is relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina because her father is having brain surgery to remove a tumor and she wants to be close by and pitch in to take care of him.”
“How dreadful,” Opal shared Clover’s sympathy.
“Her last day is in about two months,” All of the sudden Clover was stricken with an idea. “I have an idea. Opal you have experience in an office environment. When your job ends you can be my new office manager.”
“Me? Are you sure Clover?” Opal was kind of skeptical.
“I’m very sure. You already know what to do, so I don’t have to train you. Plus, you’re my sister, I trust you completely and we get to spend more time together.” Clover proposed. “At least think about it.” She flashed that innocent puppy dog look.
“All right, I’ll think about it!” Opal surrendered and held her hands up in defeat.
“Thank you so much!” Clover cheered as she jumped out of her seat to hug and kiss Opal on her cheek. “That’s all I ask. Now let’s finish this chicken and get back to work.”
Chapter Four
The football season is about to start and Bray and Calista are back from their honeymoon just in time. To celebrate Skyla and Maximus are having a cookout at their mansion with family, friends and Bray’s teammates. “Thanks for throwing this cookout Uncle Maximus.”
Bray said.
“Anything for my nephew and his lovely wife,” Maximus said.
“My baby is a married man,” Moselle said and hugged Bray nice and tight.
“Thanks Momma,” Bray said.
“Congrats Bray,” Bray’s stepfather, Lynn, who happens to be almost seven years older than him, congratulated the newlyweds and gave them their wedding gift. It was a portrait that he drew of the happy couple on their wedding day.
“It’s beautiful, thanks,” Calista said and gave Lynn and Moselle a bug hug.
“There she is. My little princess,” Colton said and gave his daughter a big hug.
“Daddy,” Calista said.
“Hi Mr. Bryson,” Bray said.
“Boy, you know you can call me Colton.” He said with a laugh.
“Yes sir, Colton,” Bray said and shook Colton’s hand.
“Make sure your take excellent care of my little girl,” Colton said.
“Don’t worry. I’m going to be good to Doc.” Doc is Bray’s pet name for Calista due to her career profession.
“Look, Solomon just showed up with his crew,” Bray said, as he and Calista faced Solomon’s direction and he was making his way towards them. Solomon Kent is the tight end for the Atlanta Falcons. He was surrounded by women and friends, which included business manager, Richard Hartwell.
“Bray, what’s up?” Solomon greeted.
“What’s up man?” Bray greeted back. “You ready for this season?”
“Yes I am.” Solomon answered. “We’re going to take it home this year.”
“You were in rare form at practice yesterday,” Bray complimented.
“Thanks Bray. I try.” Solomon said.
“You do more than try. You’re the best tight end in the game. Now between us, are the rumors true about this being your last season?” Bray asked.
“Hell to the fuck no! Solomon Kent is not going anywhere!” He cheered, which made the rest of the team cheer right along with him. All of the sudden Richard inconspicuously left in a huff.
I wonder what his deal is. Calista thought. She was the only person who noticed Richard’s change in mood.
“Hey Miss Married Lady,” Laliyka greeted Calista with a surprise hug.
“Hi Laliyka,” Calista said, and the two decided to go where the ladies were gathered.
“How are you enjoying married life?” Mai asked.
“It’s great so far,” Calista answered.
“Good, Good,” Leo said.
“How’s the family practice where you work?” Skyla asked.
“Everyday is a new experience.”
“Are you and Bray going to have any babies anytime soon?” Laliyka asked.
“Not yet,” Calista answered. “Some day but not now. We want to enjoy newlywed life first.”
“That sounds wise,” Clover said.
“Speaking of kids. Your last kid Myk. That’s a unique name. How did you come up with it Clover?” Moselle asked.
Clover went on to explain. “Well, let me start from the beginning. My first baby, Lil’Sharp was named of course because Sharp wanted a junior. Sami was named for two different reasons. Samantha was Sharp and Colton’s mother’s name and it was also the name of my favorite character on my favorite soap opera Days of Our Lives, Samantha ‘Sami’ Brady. Out of all the kids, Sami was the only one that was planned.”
“Myk wasn’t planned?” Leo asked. It was a no brainer that Lil’Sharp wasn’t planned but it was kind of odd to her that the last child wasn’t planned.
“That’s actually a funny story,” Clover said with a laugh. “During that time, business at the bakery was booming. One day I was doing a presentation for a potential customer who was a gay erotic author who wanted to set up a booth for the black gay pride festival and out of nowhere I threw up all over this man’s shirt.”
“Eww!” The ladies yelled in disgust.
Clover laughed and continued the story. “I was so embarrassed. I got one of the bakers to help him get cleaned up and my office manager, Lila checked up on me in my office. Then a thought came to me. I pulled out my cellphone and checked the calendar and I realized that I missed my birth control shot. I went straight to the doctor for a checkup. My doctor came back to give me the results I just told her to go ahead and tell me how far along I was. The answer was three weeks. The author actually came back. I told him that I was pregnant and that if he decided to use my services it’ll be free of charge to make up for me ruining his shirt. His name was Myk Davis.”
“You’re right that is a funny story,” Moselle said with a laugh and the rest of the ladies joined in. “One more thing Clover. How long have you and Laliyka been friends?” Moselle, Skyla, Leo and Mai were shocked to discover that their longtime beautician is Clover’s childhood friend.
“Since second grade. My mother and I moved here from Dawson, Georgia after my father was killed by a stray bullet in a drive by.” Laliyka answered.
“This chick is loyal as they come,” Clover said and put her arm
around Laliyka. “She’s always had my back and always there for me.”
“Except one time,” Laliyka mumbled to herself. “Excuse me, ladies.”
Laliyka went in to the house and found a vacant room and sat on the couch. Unbeknownst to her Colton followed her. “Laliyka, what’s wrong?” Colton asked.
“It was all my fault.” Laliyka confessed while trying to fight the tears. “I should’ve been there to stop it or forced her to ride home with me and momma.” Laliyla carried the guilt she felt about Clover’s rape inside her.
“Laliyka, you can’t keep blaming yourself. Clover’s rape wasn’t your fault.” Colton said. Colton knew about Laliyka’s crush on him. Since Colton had morals, integrity and decency he never approached her in that way. Besides, Colton always thought that Laliyka was crazy but he had a soft spot for her. He let Laliyka do Calista’s hair in order to earn extra money. When she became pregnant with Ray, Colton donated Calista’s baby things. He even helped Laliyka deliver Ray when her sperm donor was nowhere to be found.
“It wouldn’t have happened if....”
“Kayson was a monster,” Colton interrupted. “There was nothing you could’ve done. Listen, you’re a loyal and great friend to Clover. You’re not just Clover’s best friend. You’re her sister. Always remember that.” Colton pulled Laliyka into a comforting embrace and kissed her on the forehead.
“Colton’s right.” Laliyka and Colton turned around and saw Clover standing in the doorway.
“Clover, I’m so sorry,” Laliyka apologized.
“You have nothing to apologize for,” Clover said. She joined Laliyka and Colton on the couch and put their arms around their guilt ridden friend. “There’s nothing you could’ve done.”
“I had a bad feeling that day. I should’ve followed my gut and I didn’t.”
“You helped me survive it. That’s all that matters. Honestly, I don’t know where I would’ve been without you. I love you girl.” Clover said and kissed Laliyka on her forehead. “I love you girl.”
“I love you too,” Laliyka said as both Colton and Clover continued to comfort Laliyka and assured her that no matter what happened she was as loyal as they come.
Chapter Five
“We did the damn thing!” Bray cheered along with his teammates in his hotel room at the Marriott in Charlotte, North Carolina after their win over the Carolina Panthers.
“Yes we did! Time to celebrate!” Vince Morrison, who was the wide receiver of the Atlanta Falcons suggested.
“Y’all go ahead. I’ll be chilling in the lobby to catch up on my reading.” Bray said.
“Little nigga, that’s all you ever do whenever we have an away game,” Vince said. “You need to go out, have fun and find a fresh piece of ass!”
“Hell no! I’m a married man, and the last time I checked so was your ass nigga.” Ever since Bray went pro he did his best to stay out of trouble and away from temptation. He followed his uncles’ advice to a T. His Uncle Phoenix used to be a huge player before settling down with Mai. He always said that no piece of ass is worth losing what you already have. Phoenix and Rocco suggested to Bray to get a hobby in order to distract him from temptation. Bray’s hobby of choice was reading. He was never really an avid reader until he heard some of his college classmates and teammates talk about a book series entitled Thugs Cry by Ca$h and his standalone Til My Casket Drops. After Bray read those three books he fell in love with reading. Not only does reading keep Bray out of trouble but it also brought him and Calista closer together because she’s an avid reader herself.
“Oh yeah, I forgot you’re a newlywed,” Vince teased. “Come on guys lets go.” Vince and the guys left the room and closed the door.
Bray grabbed his kindle, iPhone and charger and turned to Solomon who was laying down on his bed. “I’m about to head out. What about you?” He asked.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m expecting company,” Solomon answered.
“Cool, I’ll get out your way. I probably won’t be back until 5AM.” Bray informed.
“Thanks man,” Solomon said.
“See you later and good game out there,” Bray complimented before walking out the door. He took the elevator to the first floor and found the bar in the hotel lobby. He got the bartender’s attention and placed his order. “Excuse me, I’d like to order a Knob Creek on the rocks.” The bartender fixed his drink and Bray gave him a fifty dollar bill. “Thanks and keep the change,” Bray said.
Bray remembered Calista’s warning very well at Clover and Sharp’s anniversary party after the Xizzy incident. Calista is one in a million. She’s beautiful, sexy, funny, highly intelligent, sweet, a real loyal ride or die chick, and great in bed, but she also don’t play. Bray is not trying to fuck up what he has with Calista. Vince can go fuck up his ten-year marriage to Janice all he wants but Bray is staying out of trouble.
Bray took his drink and found a secluded area in the lobby and made himself comfortable on the couch. Before he started his reading ritual he decided to call Calista.
“Hey Doc,” Bray greeted.
“Hi baby. I saw you doing your thing on TV and I wanted to say congratulations on your win,” Calista said.
“Thanks baby. What you doing?” Bray asked.
“Me, Aunt Clover, Opal, Laliyka and the kids are having movie/game night,” Calista answered. “What about you?”
“I’m in the lobby sipping on Knob Creek about to start reading The Jersey Wars by The Cunning Linguist,” Bray answered.
“I need to check that out right along with Brown Eyes by Paradise Taylor,” Calista said.
“I heard about that book. Real ain’t even the word to describe it.” Bray said.
“I know right,” Calista agreed.
“This is relaxing reading in the lobby. Solomon said he had company so I gave him his privacy and the rest of the team went out on the town and let’s just say that Vince is in full force,” Bray volunteered.
“I don’t know why Janice puts up with his shit,” Calista said with disgust. “It’s not like she needs the money.”
“What do you mean?”
“Janice is rich.”
“She is? I thought she was a stay at home mom.” Bray assumed.
Calista began to explain. “She is mostly, but she has money. When Janice was in college her grandmother who raised her won the lottery and gave Janice half of the winnings. After she graduated from college, Janice invested in her college roommate’s architect firm. She’s the money person behind the business.”
“Maybe Janice is staying for the kids or clueless about the affairs,” Bray guessed.
“Maybe, but you know the saying: love is blind,” Calista added. “Why else would she put up with all that humiliation?”
“Humiliation? Oh do tell Doc?” Bray said in a tone of a typical gossip in a beauty salon. That’s one of the many things Bray and Calista have in common.
Calista went on about how Janice went through three cars this year alone because they keep getting vandalized. One time Janice, Calista and a few of the wives were at the club having a good time and some chick ripped the side of Janice’s dress deliberately and, as a result, a fight broke out. Another time Janice ran into Skyla because, coincidently, Skyla and Maximus’ kids, Kalvin and Kerri attend the same private school as Vince and Janice’s two daughters. To pass the time, Janice and Skyla made small talk while waiting on the kids to be dismissed from school and another chick rolled up at the school confronting Janice about Vince being the father of her kids and she was preventing him from taking care of his responsibilities. Janice was so humiliated, because some random hoe brought this ghetto shit in her face at a private school in front of her children. Skyla’s heart went out to Janice and, of course, Vince always denied the cheating when confronted.
“She must really love that nigga if she’s putting up with that shit,” Calista said.
“Or just plain stupidity,” Bray added.
“That too,” Calista agreed.
“Okay Bray,” Calista said and Bray hung up.
Bray subtly peaked around the corner and saw the chick that was rumored to be Vince’s baby momma confronting Vince and some half naked woman. Bray guessed that the baby momma caught them in the act and was furious.
“Nigga, I’m tired of your shit!” The baby momma yelled.
“Bitch, you know better than to come at me with this bullshit!” Vince yelled back.
“Bitch? I’m a bitch now? You wasn’t saying that shit when we was fucking two days ago and now you acting all brand new because of some random hoe!” The baby momma yelled and pointed at the half-naked woman.
“Hoe? Bitch, I got your hoe!” The half-naked woman yelled with anger and charged for the baby momma. The two women were wrestling all over the floor. Throwing punches, pulling weave and kicking and scratching. Bray would go over there and break it up but he remembered his Uncle Maximus a retired NFL player strongly advised him to stay out of trouble and also avoid getting pulled into other people’s shit. Following his uncle’s advice Bray decided to stay out of it, but being a spectator wouldn’t hurt so Bray finished his drink and enjoyed the show from afar. Those girls fight like men! Bray chuckled to himself.
“Solomon got to see this shit!” Bray exclaimed with excitement to himself and dashed upstairs to his room. When Bray got to his room he burst through the door like he was the police. “Solomon, you got to check this shit out! It’s going down...” Bray lost his train of thought because he walked in on Solomon and his company in a compromising position and the couple shared Bray’s look of horror when they were discovered. “Pardon me. My apologies.” That was all Bray could say before shutting the door. With his eyes still widened, Bray managed to find his way back to the hotel lobby. Bray was still in such a daze he didn’t even notice the fight between the baby momma and the half-naked woman was still going on. He forgot all about the ghetto rachetness that had his full attention earlier, but the shocking display Bray just walked in on was more than enough to forget all about it.