Bertie cackled. “That’s true. But it’ll make things a little bit more bearable. It’ll clear your mind and your sinuses.”
Pumpkin laughed. “Grandma, you’re crazy.”
She slapped her knee. “And right. Take care of your man and don’t sleep on your mother. Keep one eye open.”
“Oh, I intend to,” Pumpkin said. “I’ll be watching Evie like a hawk.”
11
“That hit the spot,” Evie said, wiping her brows. She rested her head against the soft headboard and propped up a leg. Whew. It had been too long. She faced the large man next to her. “You’ve got some serious skills.”
“So I’ve been told.” Mitch grinned. He squeezed her cheek and reached over to check his cell phone. “We’d better head back before rush hour starts or we’ll be stuck in traffic for hours.”
He got up and slipped into his underwear and pants.
Evie admired his back muscles. She couldn’t tell the last time she’d slept with a man just for pleasure. Evie always made sure she got something, no matter how small. She was lying. She did remember the last time. It had been with Big Will.
She eyed Mitch. She wanted another sample, but she had to get back to Manhattan. Evie sat up and picked up her cell phone. When she saw a text message from Rodolpho, she touched her chest.
Found Freddie.
What did that mean? Did he get his money? What did Rodolpho do to him? She took deep breaths and hurried into her clothes.
Mitch had his back turned, so he didn’t see her distress. He finished getting dressed. “I’ll get your suitcase. We can leave in five minutes.”
“I’ll be ready,” she said. Once Mitch had left the room, she sent Rodolpho a quick text. Her fingers flew across the keyboard.
Did he give you your money?
“Please let him say yes.” She tapped her fingers on her leg while she waited for a response.
No.
Rodolpho had attached a picture with that simple word. Freddie’s face was bruised and scarred. Her hands trembled. Another text message flashed on her screen.
Don’t forget what you owe me.
Evie chewed on her bottom lip. When she’d reunited with Pumpkin a few hours ago, Evie thought she loved her too much to betray her. But seeing Freddie’s picture, Evie knew something else. She loved herself way more. She couldn’t get sentimental. Evie had to get Rodolpho that money. Her life was in danger.
I got it. I’m not worried.
She hit send. Now she had to back up her words. She made the bed to keep her hands moving. Evie ran her hands across the huge daisy on the bedspread.
“You ready?”
Evie jumped at Mitch’s voice. “Yes, I’m good to go.”
She studied the daisies that made up the room décor. She’d spent one night here, but it felt like home. Evie shut the door behind her and then scolded herself. She didn’t know what was in the air of her mother’s home, but she’d been emotional from the moment she’d stepped through the door.
Evie couldn’t let emotions dictate her actions. She had to get what she came for. She couldn’t leave without it.
“Can we stop by my old place in East Elmhurst?” she asked Mitch. “I’ve got to get something.”
“Sure, we can swing by there.”
When they arrived at her place, Mitch insisted on coming in with her. Evie ran up the flights of stairs and raced down the hall. Everybody was out today. Evie didn’t acknowledge anyone. She wasn’t staying here longer than necessary. She would bet her hundred-dollar weave Rodolpho had somebody watching out for her.
She pushed the key in the lock. It wouldn’t turn. “They changed the locks on me?” She yelled.
“Allow me,” Mitch said.
Evie moved out of his way. In one powerful thrust, the door flew open. She kissed him. “You’re my hero.”
Evie stepped inside and ran to her bedroom. Behind the wall, Freddie kept a safe. She put in the combination and opened the door. Her shoulders relaxed and she smiled at what was inside.
Evie took out the small revolver and shoved it in her pants pocket. She grabbed the bullets and holster.
Mitch stepped back. “You got papers on that?”
She nodded. “Of course, and I’m trained to use it.” Her lies came easy. It was Freddie’s gun, and after seeing his face, she figured she’d need extra security. Evie hoped she’d never have to pull the gun, but she felt safe just knowing it was there. It gave her strength and courage.
Mitch nodded. “Let’s get out of here.”
Evie couldn’t leave fast enough. When she jumped into the vehicle, she didn’t look back. If she had her way, she’d never step foot in this area again.
“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?” Mitch asked.
Evie shook her head. Dumb wasn’t her middle name. Mitch would tell Cameron and Pumpkin. “It was a gift. I’m not leaving it behind for someone to commit a crime and I get charged since I’m the owner.”
Mitch nodded. He seemed satisfied with her answer. Evie hoped that was the end of his questions. She’d given him a piece of the pie, not the whole box. Goodness. She liked him better when he wasn’t saying a word. Now he was trying to be her hero and questioning her like they were an item. Didn’t he know the rules of a hookup?
“Listen, what we did back there was just me getting the edge off. It didn’t mean a thing. We had fun and now we can chill. Okay?”
“I know the deal.” He took his eyes off the road for a second. “But why did you feel the need to point it out?” That was the longest sentence she’d heard him speak so far.
She shrugged. “I didn’t want you thinking you’re my man now that you’ve been there done that with me.”
“I don’t.” Mitch headed toward the tollbooth of the Throg’s Neck Bridge. “Now tell me what’s going on. Since I care about Pumpkin and Cameron, I’m going to help you fix it and maybe fix you in the process.” He paid the toll and resumed driving.
Evie snickered. There was no fixing her. So many men had attempted that task and failed. Her mother had tried. Even Jesus had tried and He’d probably given up.
“I don’t need your help.” Her lips poked.
“So there is something to fix,” Mitch said.
She opened her mouth to argue and froze.
He nodded. “I knew it.”
She folded her arms. She wasn’t about to let a man-kid outsmart her. She’d keep her mouth shut.
He squeezed her leg. “Let me help.”
Evie so wanted to take Mitch’s offer. The truth bubbled inside her and sought release, but she hardened her heart. She was in this mess because she’d trusted a man. As a matter of fact, most of her mess-ups were because she’d trusted the wrong men. Pumpkin’s father came to mind.
Big Will was the first man to make a fool of her. He’d knocked her up and then ignored his responsibility. So what if she’d set him up?
Evie stole a glance at Mitch. He reminded her of Big Will.
“I’m going to make it my business to find out,” Mitch said, when she still hadn’t answered.
“You remind me of someone.” Evie touched her lips. She hadn’t meant to utter her thoughts aloud.
He jutted his jaw. “Well I’m not him. I’m me and I’m like no man you’ve ever met.”
“You’re young. What do you know about being a man?”
“I’m old enough to know age doesn’t make a man.”
“You’ve got words,” she said.
“I’ve got action,” he countered.
“Keep your corny words to yourself,” she said. “I’ve heard them all.” Then she asked, “Can we keep what happened between us?”
“Nope.”
“You’re not how I thought you’d be,” Evie said.
“And you’re behaving exactly as I thought you would.” Mitch pulled the car into the garage.
“How’s that?”
“I know women like you. I grew up around them. You’re a survivor. You’r
e going to look out for you first. You’ve never truly been in love because you won’t allow it. You’re up to something and I know it’s not good. That’s why I plan on staying on your tail.”
“I… Leave me alone.” Evie got out the SUV. She had to get away from him. How could someone she just met read her so well? Now she knew why Cameron hired him. He was not just brawn. The man had brains and he was perceptive.
That made Mitch dangerous. Evie would have to be careful. She couldn’t afford for him to find out why she was really here.
12
“You look runway fierce,” Pumpkin said the next evening. Bertie had spent the night with her instead of going home. Pumpkin, Bertie, and Evie had spent most of the day shopping and getting makeovers.
She had ordered two deluxe pizzas when they’d arrived back at her place.
Evie felt self-conscious as she patted her natural hair. She looked at Pumpkin. “You like it? I’ve been rocking weaves for so long, I feel naked.”
Pumpkin forced out the compliment. Her mother had been trying to make conversation with her all day. “It looks good. You look like you’re in your twenties and not like you’re fort—”
“I’ll take the twenties,” Evie said with a chuckle.
Pumpkin noticed Evie glanced Mitch’s way. He’d taken a spot in their living room area and from the looks of things; he was in no rush to go home. She frowned. That was unlike him.
Pumpkin noticed Bertie kept looking at Evie and Mitch. Mitch also kept looking at Evie.
Maybe that was why Mitch was still there. He might think Pumpkin needed protecting from Evie.
Then Bertie’s mouth dropped open. She jumped up from her spot on the couch and confronted Evie. “You slept with him, didn’t you? And in my house!”
Pumpkin clenched her jaw to keep from saying anything. Why waste her time? She knew what her mother was. Evie’s promiscuity had been her greatest source of humiliation.
Pumpkin had spent most of her high school years traveling as a model so she hadn’t made any real friends. Her grandmother had thought inviting kids from Pumpkin’s school to her birthday party would be a good way for Pumpkin to socialize and make more friends. But Evie had shown up and made out with one of the seniors. Pumpkin never overcame the gossip or the embarrassment.
Evie stood with the same look on her face like at Pumpkin’s birthday party. She shook her head. “I didn’t.”
“We did,” Mitch confirmed.
Pumpkin bit into a slice and listened to the conversation around her. She couldn’t believe her mother had seduced Mitch. Evie had only met him a few hours before she’d taken him to bed.
Then Pumpkin remembered her and Cameron’s one night stand and shifted with unease. She was nothing like her mother.
Bertie’s eyes widened. “You haven’t changed one bit,” she huffed. She pointed Pumpkin’s way. “Evie, you have a daughter. You need to set a better example. He’s ten years younger than you.”
Evie lifted her chin. “We’re both consenting adults. It’s natural what we did. Don’t you Christians watch the nature channel?”
Pumpkin pressed a hand to her stomach. The idea of Mitch and her mother possibly becoming an item unsettled her. But they were both grown. What could she say?
“You chose the right outfit for a cougar,” Pumpkin chimed in. She tried to keep the saltiness out of her tone.
Evie looked down at her leopard print dress. “I wasn’t thinking about that when I picked it out.”
Bertie got a can of air freshener and sprayed.
Evie coughed. “Momma, what are you doing?”
“I’m trying to erase the stink of you two doing it from my mind.”
Pumpkin chuckled at her Bertie’s antics. She looked at Mitch. “You good?” she whispered.
He nodded. That was good enough for Pumpkin. Mitch had had a tough life. She didn’t want him getting hurt. “Be careful,” she mouthed.
Mitch eyed Evie with a gleam in his eye. “I’m good,” he said.
Pumpkin relaxed.
“I’m sorry, Pumpkin,” Bertie said. “I did the best I could with your mother. Just know that. You’re proof I’m not so bad at the whole parenting thing.”
“It was just sex,” Evie said. “No need to get all dramatic.”
Bertie rested a hand on her forehead. “Lord, You know all about my struggle.”
The door opened and Cameron came inside. He and Mitch fist bumped. Then he looked at Bertie and Evie. “Wow. You guys look smoking hot.”
Bertie posed in her dark blue, cocktail dress. “Thank you.”
He came to greet Pumpkin. She had told Cameron about Evie and her illness because she felt he needed to know, but Pumpkin was still reserved. She gritted her teeth to keep from cringing.
“You look fantastic,” he said.
Pumpkin heard the need in his voice and her body responded. “We’re going to see The Color Purple.”
“Oh, I see. Have fun.” Cameron’s facial expression reminded Pumpkin of the one kid looking through the curtain while the other kids played outside.
“I got you a ticket,” she said, shyly. “I wasn’t sure if you’d be up to coming. We can grab a late dinner first.”
He sprang into action. “Give me twenty minutes.”
“Take your time. We can wait,” Pumpkin said.
Cameron eyed her with a wary expression. Pumpkin’s sense of humor kicked in and she giggled. “Go on. I’m not sweetening you up before killing you. You’re safe with me.” She spoke low so only he could hear.
“You’re being nice to me and I don’t know how to take it,” he growled into her ear.
“Let’s chat later,” she promised.
He nodded and rushed off to shower and dress. She tapped her nose. Maybe her grandmother was right. Suddenly, her body was on fire. Pumpkin stood. “Let me go pick out a suit for him to wear.”
“We all know what that means,” Evie cackled.
“Evie, shut your mouth,” Bertie said. “You don’t have to say everything that comes to mind.”
Pumpkin retreated, but she heard Evie’s response.
“I know she’s hightailing it out of here to get her a quick piece and I don’t blame her. That man is fine. I bet he’s as good as a piece of your sweet potato pie.” She yelled at Pumpkin. “That’s my girl. Go on, Baby. Get you some legal—”
“Evelyn Burkette, behave yourself!” her grandmother screamed.
Pumpkin shook her head. Her mother was a trip. Their master suite was soundproof so Pumpkin wasn’t worried. However, she wasn’t about to do anything. Not with her mother, grandmother and Mitch out there.
Pumpkin took out a black suit and a grey shirt to complement her grey dress. She set out his socks and shoes. Then she decided to take a peak at Cameron in the shower. Their walk-in-shower was made of all glass so she could see everything on display. She swallowed. The display was magnificent. The fact that Cameron didn’t know she was in the room excited her.
She watched him lather himself. He turned around to rinse off and spotted her. He paused.
Pumpkin strolled over and opened the door. Small vapors of steam hit her face. Cameron walked over and gave her a tentative kiss. He was careful not to touch her dress. The smell of sea breeze taunted her nose and fired her senses.
When she returned the kiss, Cameron deepened it. He kissed her with a fierce hunger that made her remember it had been awhile since they had been intimate.
“I’ve missed you,” he said, after ending the kiss.
Pumpkin held onto his head and kissed him. Then she realized her body was ready, but not her mind.
With a shake of the head, Pumpkin tore her mouth from his. He reached for her but she stepped back. “I can’t do this. Not now.”
Cameron’s jaw clenched. “When?” he pleaded. “I need you.” His eyes held raw pain.
Pumpkin couldn’t bear to see him suffer, but she couldn’t dismiss his lies. “I need more time,” she said. She forced her gaze awa
y from his sweet body and turned to walk out the room.
“Okay. I get that. But tell me there’s hope for us.”
Pumpkin closed her eyes and tried to picture her life without him. Her heart constricted. It’d be more painful than if she were with him. Cameron was her best friend. She couldn’t desert him now. If he were going down, they’d have to go down together.
“There’s hope,” she said, and scurried out of the room.
13
“Jennifer’s voice is amazing. She nailed it as Shug Avery. Actually, the entire cast was phenomenal. I’ve got to see it again,” Pumpkin said as she undressed that night.
“I’m so glad you invited me. I had a good time.” His voice was low and deep.
She could feel Cameron’s eyes on her back. Her body heated, but Pumpkin wasn’t about to act on it.
She stepped out of her underwear and walked to her dresser. She wasn’t trying to be a tease. She’d lost any self-consciousness about her body after years in modeling. She picked out fresh underwear and a cotton t-shirt.
Then she trudged into the bathroom intending to take a quick shower. Cameron was right behind her. She reached for one of her body washes and opened the cap.
“I smell vanilla,” he said, taking a deep breath.
She nodded. “I know how much you like it.”
He moaned. “Since I can’t touch, can I watch?”
Pumpkin gave a shy nod.
He pulled up her vanity chair and pressed the remote to turn on the radio shower. A slow jam was playing. Pumpkin soaped her body and looked him in the eyes.
Cameron’s jaw dropped and his groans empowered her. She gave him the show of her life. Pumpkin rinsed and he brought her a towel. She looked down and gulped. He had enjoyed her performance.
A Piece of the Pie Page 7