Foolish

by Anna Black

  She wondered why he always said, “if we make it.” Why would they not make it? Hell, how would he know if they had made it?

  She smiled and convinced him to go and get them something to eat. It was still early, and she wanted to do a little more before she left her place for the night. A few moments after he had gone, there was a knock at the door. Who could that be? she wondered as she moved toward the door. She had just moved in, and she couldn’t think of anyone who’d be coming by.

  She looked through the peephole. It was a guy. She opened the door a little to find out what he wanted, and she almost drooled. The brother was fine. Tyrese/Tyson Beckford–type fine, she thought when she got a good look at him.

  “How can I help you?” she asked, trying not to smile.

  “Hi, I’m Jerome. I live across the hall, and I just wanted to come over to introduce myself and welcome you to the building.” He extended a hand. He looked over her shoulder as if he was trying to see into her place.

  “Oh, hi, Jerome. I’m Shareese. Nice to meet you,” she said, shaking his hand.

  “Well, I don’t mean to be rude, but I’ve been dying to see what this unit looks like on the inside. I moved in about three months ago when your unit was still under reno, and I’ve been dying to see what they did to the space. I’m a contractor myself, and I just opened my own business. Things are moving a little slow, so I would like to see what’s hot.”

  “Sure, you can see, but I’m sure they are all standard,” she said, opening the door.

  “Not so,” he said, coming in and looking around. “Every unit has something different, whether it be the color or the layout. Some have fireplaces, and some don’t. So far, I’ve seen three units in this building, and they all have a different and unique feel to them.”

  “Oh, I guess. I didn’t know that.”

  “And they hooked your unit up. I mean, the newer they are, the better they get. Man, I should have held out.” He looked into the kitchen. “I know I would have gotten the stainless steel.”

  “What’d you get?”

  “Black on black, which is nice, but I’d have opted for the stainless. At that time, though, it wasn’t available.”

  “Oh, well, I guess I’m lucky.”

  “Yes, you are,” he said.

  She stood around while he looked around and made conversation. She was a little antsy. Tracy would be back at any moment, and although she tried to ignore it, he was the jealous type.

  “Well, Jerome, I’m not trying to be a mean new neighbor, but I must get back to work.”

  Just then, Tracy walked in. “Hey, baby, I got—”

  “Hey, man, what’s up?” Jerome walked over to shake Tracy’s hand. Tracy had the food in his hand, however, so he couldn’t. Jerome put his hand down.

  “Baby, Jerome lives across the hall. He came over to welcome me to the building,” November said, taking the packages out of his hand and going into the kitchen.

  “Oh, did he?” Tracy asked. He looked him up and down. “Looks like that’s not all he came to do.”

  Jerome held up his hands. “Listen, man, I’m not trying to start no trouble. I was just checking out the features over here. You know, just seeing the difference in the amenities in this unit.”

  November could tell by the look on Tracy’s face that he wasn’t trying to hear him. “The difference how? Compared to what you have versus what you don’t?”

  “Yeah, you can say that.” Jerome turned to November. “Well, Shareese, it has been a pleasure to meet you, and I’m sure I’ll see you around. Take it easy, Tracy,” he said and left.

  “Yeah, man, later,” Tracy said, shutting the door damn near on his heels.

  “Tracy, what was all that?” she asked.

  “You just moved in, and you let some stranger into your place, Novey? And then you got him calling you Shareese?”

  “Hold on, Tracy, he is my neighbor, and I didn’t want to be rude or seem unfriendly. And my name is Shareese. You are the only one besides my parents and coworkers who calls me November.”

  “Novey, what did you think I was gon’ say when I walked in and saw Mr. Chocolate Chip up in my woman’s face?” He walked to the kitchen where she was.

  “Oh, now I’m your woman? Just before you were talking about if we make it. Now I’m your woman?”

  “I didn’t mean that. I mean . . . You know . . . you know what I mean, Novey.”

  “No, what do you mean, Tracy? I mean, because I don’t wanna break any rules or misinterpret what we are, so please tell me, what do you mean?”

  “Look, Novey, I care about you, all right? And I would like for us to be together, but I have to trust you. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way about anyone, and if we are together, I need to be able to trust you. I want to be in a relationship with you, I do, but I have trouble trusting so easily.”

  “Have I given you any reason to not trust me, Tracy?” she asked softly.

  “Damn, November.” He walked off.

  She couldn’t figure him out. What was he talking about? They were together every day. They had shared practically every evening and weekend together since they started kicking it. And they were on the phone whenever they were apart. Why would he not trust her? He had to know she wasn’t seeing anybody else.

  “Tracy, baby, talk to me. What is this about? What did I do to get you upset?”

  “Novey, you didn’t do anything. Listen, I want to be with you, and I want us to be together, but I have to be able to trust you. And you have to be sure that you only want me, because I need you to be faithful to me.”

  “Tracy, I will be. You are the one who’s holding back on me. What are you so afraid of? You know I’m not trying to play you, and I know you know I care about you too, so what’s with this ‘if we make it’? Either you wanna have a relationship with me or you don’t.” She looked him in the eyes. “I wouldn’t hurt you, nor would I lie to you.”

  Hell, Tracy was good to her, and he was the only man she had shared herself like that with. Why would she mess that up? He was sweet, romantic, kind, generous, and to top the cake, gorgeous as hell. A man with those qualities had no damn reason to be insecure.

  “I believe you, Novey, and I know you mean that. You are beautiful, and I didn’t want to rush into anything, or even get involved like this, but I can’t fight it anymore. I didn’t expect to fall for you so hard, but I did, and it is what it is.”

  “Well, Tracy, I didn’t expect any of this either. I didn’t expect us to get this close, but it happened, and I don’t want to turn back. I want to be with you, but if you are not ready for a relationship, I am cool with that.”

  “Listen, I am ready. I want us to be together as a couple, not just friends, but I want you for me and only me.”

  “Are you sure?”

  He smiled. “Yes, I am sure.”

  “So, we are officially a couple now? None of that ‘friend’ business when you introduce me?”

  “Yes, yes, yes,” he said and pulled her close.

  “All right, then let’s eat,” she said and kissed him.

  “Okay.” He followed her back into the kitchen. “And, Novey,” he said.

  “Yeah, baby,” she answered thinking, what now?

  “I don’t wanna see Jerome’s ass over here checking out your ‘features and amenities’ ever again.”

  “Okay, man, damn. I see how jealous you are.”

  “That’s right,” he said and popped her on the ass. “Because these are my features and amenities and Jerome doesn’t need to be checking them out.”

  Chapter Nine

  Life was good for November. She was settled into her new condo, and thanks to her man, she was pushing that Denali. It was hers not on loan, but in her name. Her life couldn’t be better. Tracy had finally met her parents. She had been nervous about him meeting her daddy, but it had gone well. She was surprised because her dad never liked any of the guys she had brought home before.

  When April met him
, they hit if off from the start. November guessed it was because her sister was so bizarre. She had Tracy laughing all the time at her crazy ass. He told November that her sister was definitely a bit extra and she agreed. She knew that was his nice way of saying her sister was a loony tune.

  They went over to her house for dinner one night and April, crazy-ass fool, convinced Tracy to let her tell him his future. She said some things that made his brow rise about fifteen times, some craziness about him traveling all over the country and having thirteen sons and buying a farm. He laughed all the way back to November’s condo on that one.

  “Hey, Miss Shareese,” Jerome said when he came out of his condo. November was in the hall trying to get into her door. She had a couple bags with more merchandise for her new place.

  “Hey, Jerome, how’s it going?”

  “Good. Do you need any help?”

  “Nope, I’m good,” she said, finally getting the door open.

  “And you’re also looking good,” he complimented her, flirting with her again as he always did in passing.

  “Thank you,” she said, trying to get on the other side of her door.

  “So, when are you gon’ stop over to see my bricks?” he said, damn near following her into her unit. That made her nervous.

  “Soon, real soon,” she said, trying not to let him enter. Tracy was on his way, and the last thing she wanted him to see was Jerome in her condo.

  “Well, how about now? I’d love to show you.”

  “Well, now is probably not the best time.”

  “Why? It’ll only take a couple of moments. You have to see the craftsmanship on the cabinets and fireplace,” he said, insisting.

  “Okay, but I only have a minute.” She pulled on her door but didn’t shut it all the way, then followed Jerome across the hall. He was right. His place was absolutely beautiful. She looked around, admiring his décor, and he offered her a drink.

  “No. No, thanks. I really should be going,” she said, heading for the door.

  “Already?” he said, standing close to her. He was making her feel uneasy.

  “Yeah, Tracy should be coming any minute.” She tried to move past him.

  “Oh, yeah, the tow truck guy, right?” he asked as if her man’s job was a fry cook at McDonald’s.

  “Yes. He owns two locations. You’ve heard of it, right? Stone Cold Towing?” she asked, knowing he probably hadn’t.

  “Oh, big man owns them, huh?”

  “Yes, two.”

  “Ump, okay.” His tone said, “Who cares?”

  “So, I’ve got to be going,” she said, trying to open the door.

  He stopped her. “You sure you can’t stay for a few more moments? I’d love to talk to you.”

  “I’m sure, Jerome. I gotta go.” She walked out and saw Tracy approaching. “Hey, baby,” she said nervously.

  “Novey, what’s going on?” he asked, narrowing his eyes at her.

  November’s eyes darted from Tracy to Jerome. The foolish grin on her neighbor’s face didn’t help the situation.

  “Nothing, baby. I was on my way in when Jerome asked if I wanted to see his place. It’s beautiful. Do you wanna see it?” Her hands were shaking, and she knew that looked bad. Although it was innocent and nothing had happened, she envisioned the huge argument she and Tracy would have behind him seeing her coming out of Jerome’s condo.

  “No, I’d rather not see it.” He spoke through clenched teeth.

  “Well, Shareese, I will see you around,” Jerome said with a smirk and shut his door.

  November wanted to slap his ass.

  “Baby, it’s not what you think, I swear,” she said as soon as she and Tracy were inside her place.

  “Oh, so what am I thinking, November? Tell me what you think I’m thinking,” he yelled.

  “Baby, please don’t yell, okay? Please?” she pleaded.

  “Tell me the truth. Are you fucking around with this cat?”

  “Baby, no. I just got in. See, these are the things I just brought in. I set them right here, and I left the door cracked. I promise you there is nothing going on.”

  “I’m not a fool, November. Don’t try to play me!” he roared.

  “Tracy, please lower your voice. I said it was nothing and that’s what it was. Nothing,” she said sternly. She wasn’t going to keep telling him the same thing over and over again. He had to accept that she was telling the truth.

  “Whatever! You wanna play games, find another brother to play games with. I’m out!” He headed for the door.

  She ran and blocked the door. “No, Tracy, I will not allow you to walk out on me this way. You have to believe me. I’m not interested in him. And absolutely nothing happened.”

  “Don’t play with me, Novey! I know what I saw.”

  “All you saw was me walking out of Jerome’s condo, that’s it. I just walked in this building when you and I got off the phone. How could I come up, come into my place with bags, and go fuck and shower and get completely dressed? Baby, I knew you were on your way over here. Why would I do that? How could I do that?”

  “November, I can’t deal with a liar.”

  “Tracy, come on, now. You are a smart man. Come on, please look at me. I said I’ll never lie to you and I meant that, Tracy.”

  “Novey, don’t ever lie to me. It will be a bad thing if you cheat on me. I wouldn’t be able to handle that. I wouldn’t be able to be with you if you did that.”

  “Relax, baby. I care about you so much and this relationship. You make me so happy, and I don’t wanna mess up a perfectly good relationship for a few moments of pleasure with some dude. I’d be so sad if I didn’t have you, Tracy,” she said.

  “Baby, I believe you. It’s just when I saw you coming out of his place, and he had that sly-ass look on his face, I immediately thought—”

  “I know, Tracy. I know what you thought, and I’m sorry. I mean, you have to know that we have something special. And you know me, Tracy. I am happy.”

  “I don’t want to be insecure, but for me, please stay away from that cat. I know he is checking you and I don’t wanna have to fuck him up, Novey.”

  “I gotcha, baby. Just hi and bye, that’s it.”

  “Not even that,” he said with a frown.

  “Come on, Trey. I can’t be rude if the man speaks to me.”

  “Okay, I can live with that.”

  “Baby, you have to stop overreacting and trust me.”

  “I do, Novey, but that punk-ass dude across the hall is the one I don’t trust.”

  “I know, Tracy, but you have to trust me and know that I won’t do that.”

  “I know,” he said, pulling her close. “And I love you, Novey.” He kissed her on the forehead.

  “I love you too, baby. And you are the only man I have eyes for,” she told him with a smile. She wondered if he realized he just said he loved her for the first time.

  “You sure you ain’t checking old Tyrese across the hall?”

  “Man, please. Jerome ain’t got shit on you.”

  “I can live with that,” he said, and they laughed.

  Chapter Ten

  For November and Tracy’s birthday, Trent had planned a birthday party. November spent the day preparing for it, and when she was finally ready to go, there was no Tracy. She paced, keeping an eye on the clock, and wondered what was keeping him. When she heard him at the door, she made a mad dash to open it and found him holding a huge bouquet of roses.

  “Hey, baby,” she said. She stepped aside to let him in.

  “Hey. These are for you, birthday girl.” He handed her the flowers.

  “Thank you. These are lovely.” She kissed him before heading to the kitchen to put the flowers in water.

  “Are you ready to go?”

  “Yes, I am, Mr. Late.”

  “Hey, traffic was crazy. And we can be fashionably late. It’s our party.”

  “That is the main reason why we should be on time,” she said. She went to the c
loset and grabbed her heavy coat.

  “Baby, we are the guests of honor. We need to make an entrance.”

  “Yeah, we do, I just didn’t want it to be a late entrance.” She pouted.

  He walked over and grabbed her by the waist. “Listen, we are good, and you don’t have to worry about a thing, okay?”

  “Okay,” she said and gave him a warm smile. His gentle touch made her feel more at ease.

  “You look fantastic, Ms. Lady.”

  “You looking good yourself, Mr. Stone,” she said.

  He moved into a pose. “Well, you know. I try.”

  “Stop it, silly.” She slapped him on the arm.

  He laughed. “Come on, let me help you into your coat so we can get outta here.”

  * * *

  By the time they made it there, the party was already jumping. They walked in hand in hand and November felt like a star. She was displeased to see a lot of the females from Tracy’s homeboy’s party, but she didn’t let it get to her. She just made sure to try to stay close to Tracy all evening. They danced and drank and had a good time.

  “Hey, birthday girl,” Jonathan shouted. He leaned in and kissed November on the cheek.

  “Hey, Jonathan. I’m glad you finally made it.”

  “Yes, me too. This is for you.” He handed her a gift bag.

  “Thanks. But you didn’t have to get me anything.” November was surprised that he had gotten her a gift, but she was grateful that he did. Jonathan was a cool guy. They got together from time to time—she, Tracy, Jonathan, and whoever he’d be dating at the time—so she thought it was sweet of him to bring her a gift.

  “Why not? That would have been messed up for me not to bring a pretty lady a gift on her birthday.” He smiled at her.

  “Only if he got her man one too,” Tracy said, walking up on their conversation.

  “Man, come on. You know that would have been a bitch-ass move to get your ass a gift. But happy birthday, man. Your drinks are on me.” He gave Tracy a brotherly hug.

  “Yeah, dawg, you’re right, but next time, don’t buy my woman one neither. You feel me?” Tracy’s face had no trace of a smile.

  “Aww, Trey, man, come on. You know ladies live for gifts and shit. Don’t trip, man, it was just me being a gentleman.”