The Graffiti Effect

by Forrest, Perri

  “I made that go away. I wanted you to have a fair chance in life and didn’t want anything held over your head that would make anyone keep you from greatness. Little did I know at the time, that you’d pave your own way. I’m so proud of your entrepreneurial spirit. Fuck working for somebody and making them rich! You did it the right way, fresh from college. I can’t tell you what it means to me that you’re—”

  “I can tell him.”

  A voice came from behind me; what direction I wasn’t sure. I turned from right to left until I spotted the source. She was a stunning woman, and she was making her way toward us. She was deep chocolate, slender, and had an innocence about her that made her more than surface attractive.

  The woman walked right over to Adonis, put an arm around his shoulders and then leaned down and kissed him. The love between them was evident right away. Good taste in women definitely ran in the family because she looked like she may have been a model at one time—if she still wasn’t.

  “Hello, Marco,” she said, taking a seat next to Adonis, holding his hand. “I’m Nori. I’ve been so excited to meet you. And this one . . .” she remarked, leaning her head onto Adonis’s shoulder, “. . . he’s been a nervous wreck wondering if you guys would get to have this moment. I’m just so happy that you took your uncle up on the invitation.”

  Your uncle. All the talking Adonis and I had been doing and my mind hadn’t yet wrapped around that. But, that’s who he was. My uncle. My flesh and blood. My relative. I had family. It seemed surreal, but it was real. It was a hard pillow to swallow. Not in a bad way, but in a shocking way.

  “I’m thankful for the invite. And it’s very nice to meet you too, Nori.”

  “How long do we have the pleasure of you?” she asked.

  “Baby . . .” Adonis nudged, as if she was asking too many questions.

  “I’m only asking to see how much time we have with him. I want to get to know him as well. You’ve waited for this for so long, my love.”

  “I’m here until tomorrow night,” I answered.

  “Tomorrow? Why is the visit so short?”

  I shrugged my shoulders, not wanting to tell her that I needed time to process, and that I needed to do that at home. But for some reason, I didn’t want to disappoint her.

  “He’s a businessman, baby,” Adonis answered on my behalf. “He’s got a business to run. A very successful business,” he stated proudly and in a way that made me feel . . . celebrated. Damn, it was weird having that happen. “He’s got a moving company with pretty large accounts in Las Vegas, California, and even in Texas.”

  “That’s impressive,” she remarked, shaking her head.

  “Thank you,” I responded humbly.

  It was a feeling like I never felt, having Adonis, familiar with what I’d done professionally. He really kept up with me. Wow. I was overcome with emotion. But I kept it to myself. I wasn’t quite sure why. Neither of them had done anything to make me think they were insincere. In fact, all they had done so far was treat me well. It was good to have almost-family.

  We talked for hours, and I surprised myself when I started to relax a little. I was talking more, and even laughing. I began to come around to the idea of having them in my life. What I could tell above anything, was that Adonis loved his woman and that she wholeheartedly, loved him back. I had never seen couples loving that way, in life. To know that a woman could love a man like that, and that a man was capable of loving her back at the same level, wasn’t something I even thought was possible. But there it was in living color.

  By the time evening had rolled around, we had already eaten two large meals. One of them was cooked by Nori, even though Adonis had a personal chef, with his own staff! She made two lasagna types—spinach and traditional—but with some kind of secret sauce that was mouthwatering. She homemade the bread, and then she had some sort of cobbler for desert. I never ate desert. It wasn’t my thing, but I ate the fuck out of hers. Not just because it would’ve been rude, but because after test-tasting a small portion, I had to get more.

  “I have to have this every single time I come, Nori!” I told her after I’d eaten too much.

  “You got it, nephew. I’ll make it just for you.”

  “Oh boy, I’ve been replaced,” Adonis said, jokingly.

  Nori kissed him on the cheek. “Now you know that would never happen.”

  I had to admit, it felt good being around them. Most of what we had done, was talk, but that was okay. Talking got me more familiar with who they were as individuals, and as a unit. I decided that I would for sure come back and visit. Meeting the rest of the family was going to wait. I wanted to know Adonis first, and then make my way to all the other relationships. All except Kaia. Sister or not, I wanted nothing to do with the bitch. At all.

  Later, when Adonis and I were alone again, I addressed something with him. The more I got to know him, the more it weighed on me.

  “I notice, and appreciate how dedicated you are to family.”

  “I’m glad you observed that, Marco. There has never been anything that I wouldn’t do for you, and you’re the most distant of all our relatives—with the exception of the ones out of the country. I’ve loved you all of your life. That will never change.”

  “You know why I bring that up, right?”

  Adonis nodded his head, knowingly. “I do know why. And so now that we’re there, let’s go ahead and discuss your sister, Kaia.”

  -80-

  KASSIDI

  “If I waited for you to call, I would never hear from you, my beautiful niece.”

  “Auntieee!” I sang upon hearing my aunt’s voice on the other end of my phone.

  “Missy, don’t be actin’ like you’re happy to hear from me.”

  “But I aaaam!”

  “MmHmm. If that was the case, it wouldn’t be me calling to check on you. You’d pick the phone up more often.”

  “Auntie, don’t be like that. You know every time I call you, you’re in the middle of one of those cheesy Hallmark movies, or on your way to hang out with your friends, or your new man-friend. But it’s always something!”

  “Well, you got a point,” she laughed.

  “See!”

  “But still. I just need to hear that voice of yours, ever so often to know that you’re good. When I don’t hear from you, I’m thinking you don’t want me to hear sadness in your voice or something.”

  “Oh, my goodness, Auntie. That’s that over-protectiveness you got going on.”

  “Well, you know how I am about you.”

  “I know, Auntie. But, I’m not sad. I miss you, but I’m not sad.”

  “I miss you too, pretty girl. Now, fill me in on work. Meet anybody new?”

  “Work is good. I like it a lot. And it’s a black-owned company. I love that.”

  “I’ll have to come out there soon and see this place and meet some of your co-workers.”

  “That would be nice, Auntie. I think you’d like it here. It’s hot as all outdoors, but it’s okay. Can you believe I sleep with my fan on?!”

  “Not you! Not the girl with the security blanket!”

  “Yes. And trust me, it’s at my feet. I gotta feel like it’s near!”

  My aunt broke out in laughter. Since I was a child I had to have a blanket in the vicinity. Even when it was hot. It was something mental, I think. I was convinced that if it wasn’t near, I couldn’t get a good night’s sleep. I needed to be able to grab it in case it got cold—even when I knew it wouldn’t get cold!

  “Too funny! So, then I guess that answers my next question of whether you met anybody. Because if you did, they’d be in the wind by now, knowing about that weird blanket situation!”

  This time it was me that fell into full-on hysterical laughter.

  “You are so wrong for that!”

  “Well, you let me know when it happens and how you explain it away.”

  “Umm, no . . . I will not be sharing bedroom details with you, Auntie. Ain’t gon’ ha
pp’n cap’n!”

  “We shall see.”

  “We shall not.”

  “So anyway, I keep forgetting to ask you this. But did the same people that came to get your stuff, bring you your stuff?”

  Oh Lord, I thought to myself.

  “I’m not sure who picked up, just who dropped off,” I lied, trying to avoid the direction of the conversation that would lead to Marco.

  “Okay, well the guy that came here to unload your storage, was very attractive. A white guy. He told me that he owned the company. He was really nice too. I was going to play matchmaker, but—”

  “No matchmaking, Auntie. Ever. Just don’t.”

  “I won’t make any promises. I think he would have been something nice for you to try, sweetie. Very respectable, like I said . . . very cute. And I just know you would’ve liked him if you saw him. So, it must not have been him to drop off your stuff. It was a long drive here from Vegas, so they probably had someone else do the actual move once they got your stuff there. You should find out. I think I might remember his name.”

  “Lady, listen. There’s nothing to find out. I don’t need to know anybody’s name. That was a while ago anyway.”

  “So, what does that mean? I hope you’re not out there closing yourself off to possibilities because of what happened. Don’t do that, baby. That was a moment in time. Let it go and move on to some fun and happiness.”

  “I’m not closing myself off. I promise.”

  Little did she know how literal that statement was. I had had my legs open a few damn times already! And to the man that she was talking about. It was almost funny, but I couldn’t . . . wouldn’t dare laugh. The slightest chuckle and she’d pick up on it like the sleuth, she was.

  “Good to know. Because you’re worthy of love. And you better know that.”

  “I do.”

  “Okay, so now that we’re past that, have you talked to my sister?”

  “She emailed me last week, but I haven’t spoken to her live. Her energy is too much for me. Why?” I asked, dryly. “What’s going on with her?”

  “Nothing. I was just asking. I saw on social media that she was in Jamaica recently with that new guy she met.”

  “Lord. That woman wastes no time at all.”

  “That’s your Mama . . . my sister. Always been a free spirit.”

  “Right.” I quieted for a second because I knew what I was about to say and I always tried to refrain from saying negative stuff about my mother to her sister. But I couldn’t help it. “Yet, she judged me. How can she judge when all of her relationships combined, have lasted about as long as a Lifetime movie?!”

  After I finished my miniature outburst, I sat there feeling all kinds of stupid. There was no reason for me to be going on and on like I was! That was just crazy!

  “Auntie, I’m so sorry about that. Please forgive me.”

  “There’s nothing to forgive. You were just ranting. You done now, baby?”

  “Yes,” I chuckled. Such a smart ass when she wants to be.

  “You sure?”

  “Yesss, lady. I’m a thousand percent sure.”

  “Wonderful. So, how ‘bout now we get back to the original topic of finding you a guy.”

  “Oh God,” I sighed and shook my head. “Here we go.”

  “Yep, here we go.”

  -81-

  KASSIDI

  Dinner and drinks seemed like an okay idea. It also seemed like a good time to be one-on-one with Clyde, since our dealings had primarily been in group settings. It would give me a chance to get inside his head, soak up some knowledge. But then again, what if he didn’t want to talk shop? What if the conversation led somewhere else? I hoped that it wouldn’t. Hoped that he was just interested in getting to know his newest team member a little better. Admittedly, my heart raced a little. I just wanted for our interaction to be as healthy as possible, and for no tense moments to be born. I sighed lightly before rolling down the window in the backseat of the Uber. I don’t know why I did because the push of hot summer air that came through, was ridiculous. I quickly raised it back up when I realized it was blended with humidity. No thanks!

  “I can turn up the air conditioner, if you’d like ma’am.”

  “Oh no, you’re good.”

  There was nothing wrong with the air flow in the car. In fact, it was perfect. I’d just worked up a huge ball of nerves that had me convinced, it was hot in the car. The rest of the way, I just sat silent, trying to think positive thoughts, and none that would have me tripping off of things that didn’t even need my attention. It’s just dinner, I told myself . . . over and over.

  When I spotted the large VENETIAN sign a few lights ahead, I reached into my purse for a mirror. I checked for anything out of the ordinary: smeared mascara, lipstick on my teeth, anything hanging out of my nose. But there was nothing keeping me from passing inspection.

  Since I was always dressed in corporate attire at work, I opted to dress way down for this “date”. I was comfortably fitted in a short-sleeved, olive-green shorts romper. It was V-neck with a zipper down the middle. Topping the ensemble off, were a pair of nude four-inch pumps. I pulled my hair into a messy bun and put a pair of oversized 14k gold hoops in my ears. I was going for casual and cute but not inviting.

  “Thank you so much,” I said to the driver when he opened the door to let me out.

  “You’re very welcome. I hope you enjoy your evening.”

  Immediately upon entering The Dorsey, its sophisticated décor caught my attention. Made me feel like I should’ve Googled to see if there was a strict dress code enforced. Seeing how fancy it was, I half expected to get inside, to find the guys decked out in suits and ties, and the women in evening dresses. It was that kind of feel. The design was stunning. It was like walking into an ultra-chic, ultra-sophisticated setting, and being surrounded by nothing but rich people. Music filled the air. It was beautiful music too. Not even sure what it was, but it fit the atmosphere perfectly.

  The color scheme was ocean blue, mahogany, and surrounded in gold and glass. It had an exclusive lounge appeal. The sofas were the ocean blue and beautiful! On another side of the room, scattered about, were chocolate leather sofas. Mirrors for walls in places and cocktail tables were throughout. Because it was open space, people were spread out in their pockets socializing, dating, or whatever they were doing. Clear across the room there were steps leading up to a large circular bar. I was so caught up that I didn't spot Clyde walking toward me, until his cologne spoke.

  “Hey,” I greeted him.

  I was pleasantly surprised when I saw a more casual side of Clyde. He looked good. Not that he didn’t at the office, but he really looked good now in his faded True Religion jeans, an olive-green button down, and a suede dress shoe to match.

  “Hey you,” he said, reaching out to hug me—a gesture that took me by surprise. “I see you got the olive-green memo.”

  I chuckled, bashfully. “I guess so.”

  “Glad you made it.” We separated from our hug and he looked at me, his eyes smiling. “You look calm, cool, and relaxed.”

  “Thank you. I was thinking the same about you.”

  “Let me get you to our seats so we can get some good food and good conversation going.”

  We walked across the room, up a few stairs and off to the side of the bar that had caught my eye upon arrival.

  “It’s so pretty in here,” I said to Clyde once we were seated in our area. “I have never seen blue furniture in my life. Not up close, anyway. It’s beautiful,” I told him as we took a seat on one of the many plush blue sofas.

  “Yeah, it’s cool here. I come here a lot.”

  “Nice.”

  He smiled, showing a smile that I realized I’d never seen before. It gave him a whole new look.

  “So . . .” he began. “I didn’t even think you owned a pair of jeans—let alone, shorts—since you’re always decked out in business professional. It’s nice.”

  “Thank
you.”

  Suddenly, an approaching voice spoke. “Good evening, Mr. Morgan. What can I get for you and your beautiful guest?” the host asked, looking back and forth between the two of us.

  Clyde looked at me, his eyebrow raised, awaiting my response.

  “Oh!” I chuckled, slightly embarrassed, but chalking it up to nerves. “Well, I haven’t had the chance to look at the menu and it’s my first time here,” I alerted our host, as I picked up the menu. “Any suggestions?”

  “Hmm, tell me what kind of flavors you like and I can make a recommendation.”

  I scanned the menu looking for the first thing that caught my eye. Seconds later, something popped out at me.

  “Uh-oh, looks like the lady found something she likes.”

  “You must’ve seen my brows arch a bit. Pineapple anything and I’m sold. So, I’ll take this Light of the Eye.”

  “Good choice!” he said excitedly. “I’ll get that going for you. Mr. Morgan, I’m assuming you want your regular?”

  “Yes, Kevin,” Clyde addressed. “My Shangri-La is all I want.”

  “Is that all for now?”

  “Also, two orders of the crispy chicken buns and two orders of the Kimchi fried rice.”

  “Okay, coming right up. You’re going to love your drink,” Kevin said to me.

  “I’m sure I will.”

  It was crazy because while Clyde was confirming his drink order, I browsed the menu to see what all they had in the way of food. Sifting through, I noticed that it was primarily a cocktail lounge. It wouldn’t have been much of a problem, had the invitation not been for ‘dinner’. What also caught me off guard was the fact that he had taken the liberty of ordering for both of us, without first checking to see what I wanted.

  Though we weren’t on an official date, I found myself slightly annoyed. His actions gave me a taste of Jamie, all over again. One of the ‘small’ things I ignored in the beginning of our dating. Now, here Clyde was exhibiting the same behavior. He hired me, and had seen me not just work, but manage. So, he knew that I was totally capable of making my own decisions. I didn’t mind one bit, being in the presence of a man that took charge, but this was something different. I didn’t like it. Not in this setting, and not with this man . . . who wasn’t my man.