by Meisha Camm
Before dozing off to sleep, I called Thomas from Maria’s cell phone, just to see if he would pick up.
He did on the first ring. “Yeah?”
Hmm, why can’t he pick up the phone when I call?
“Hey, Musala.”
“Hi, baby. I didn’t recognize the number. How are you doing?”
“I’m doing fine. Yeah, I accidentally dropped my cell phone in the toilet. I think I may have to get another one soon,” I lied. “I’m just about ready for bed and I couldn’t stop thinking about you.” I was trying to give this relationship one last attempt before breaking it up. “Besides, I won’t have to think about you for too long because I’m coming down next week to see you.”
“Umm . . . next week on second thought isn’t good for me. I’m up to my ears in thick books that I have to study. I refuse to get behind. How are your grades?”
“I have A’s and B’s, but let me tell you, Thomas, I had to work hard for them. College certainly isn’t the same as high school academic-wise.”
“You’re right about that. Well, baby, the boys are here. We’re going to play a few games with the cards and watch SportsChannel. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Bye, Thomas. I’ll be looking forward to your call.” I was disappointed he got off the phone with me. In fact, he had never suggested that I don’t come see him . . . until now.
Chapter 23
The pouring rain had finally stopped beating against my bedroom window. I looked out, frustrated about what I was going to wear. This is not that serious. I didn’t even like Jarrad, but I sure could’ve used male company.
I marched over to my closet and picked the first thing I saw. The merry-go-round is over.
Finally, after an hour of considerable thinking, I made a pit stop. Ah, here’s a black silk Bebe shirt that hangs slightly off my shoulders with a pair of Baby Phat jeans. We were going to the carnival by Mount Trashmore, so I slid my feet in low-heel sandals. My hair extending three inches from my shoulders, I decided to part it on the side to reveal the silver hoops dangling from my ears.
The doorbell rang as I was spraying Dream on my neck, arm, behind my ears, and clothes.
“Maria, can you get the door?” I yelled, searching for my keys. Then it hit me. She’d left about an hour ago. I was so busy trying to find an outfit that I didn’t even realize that she’d stepped out.
The doorbell rang again. “Hey,” I said, opening the door.
“Good evening. Are you ready for your night of adventure?” Jarrad kissed my hand.
“I didn’t know the Ferris wheel, or seeing the infamous snake lady or sword-eating man was an adventure.”
“Don’t forget the ride that spins you around at one hundred miles per hour and the hanging swings.” Jarrad laughed.
“Let’s get it started,” I said as the phone rang.
“I’m a big fan of Bebe.”
“How so? The company doesn’t carry a men’s line.”
“I like to see a woman in their line. Therefore, it’s my line of clothing.”
“Let me get this, and I’ll be ready to go.” I grabbed the cordless phone from off the counter.
“Hello?”
“Hi, baby. Whatcha doin’?” Thomas asked, while slurping down a drink.
“I’m surprised you’re calling,” I whispered casually, easing my way into the kitchen. Jarrad wasn’t going to be all up in my mouth.
“Yeah, I figured you would say that. Listen, I’m sorry for the way I’ve been acting lately. School is taking up most of my time, especially free time to do anything. I can’t even go to the bathroom without thinking about the difference between mitosis and meiosis.”
“I’m in the same boat as you. Thomas, you still could have called. I’ve got to run. Maria and I going out for drinks.”
“Well, have a good time. Before you go, let me holla at Maria. I haven’t heard from her in a while.”
“Gosh, she just left to start the car.”
“All right, then. I’ll be home in another three weeks to visit. Don’t worry, I’m going to make up for my inconsideration. Do you accept my sincere apology?”
“You know I do. I can’t wait to see you,” I said, lying through my teeth. “Bye.” Little did he know, there may be a new sheriff in town.
Jarrad was taking a look at the pictures hanging in the living room.
“I’m ready now.”
He eyed a picture Ma and I took the day Jason was born. “You look just like your mother.”
“I get that comment a lot.” Before he looked at another picture, I put my arm around his and motioned him to the door.
* * *
“How was your date?” Maria asked, pouring soy milk into a bowl of Corn Pops.
Even though she was a health food fanatic, I have to admit, some of the foods she put in the refrigerator and pantry did taste good.
“Girl, I had so much fun. Jarrad had me cracking up the whole time. Most of all, after seven tries at the basketball stand, he won me a huge white tiger with black stripes.” I pointed to it in the living room.
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. I was getting worried about you, Alex. Your smile was starting to fade away.”
“It’s back in full effect now.”
“Do you like him?”
“Yeah, I do. I’m seeing him again on Tuesday for a nice quiet dinner. I can’t wait.”
“He was the first thought in your mind, wasn’t he? Don’t lie.”
“Him, what I’m going to make for breakfast, and what I’m going to wear too.” I grinned.
“Yeah, right.” Maria turned on the television.
“What did you do last night?” I asked, taking a bowl from the cabinet.
“Hasaan and I went to hear three poets speak at Exscape.”
“Isn’t that the same club that used to be known under another name? Exscape is wild and out there. When did the image change?”
“About two weeks ago. There was a shooting on the news. The owner closed the club under the old name, Fire, and reopened under a new name. It’s as simple as that.”
“I must be in the wrong line of business.”
“Me too. I get tired of working for damn near pennies at Daxby’s and smelling like fish when I get home.”
“Your dream will come true about opening up Sacor’s, with the finest seafood cuisine on the East Coast.”
“Thanks for the encouragement. I need a favor from you.”
“What do you need?”
“Well, you know I’m no good with money. I’ve been spending like a crazy woman and overdrew my account considerably. Can I have an extension on the bills till the end of the month?”
“All right. Answer me this one question—Have you been letting Hasaan dig into your pockets?”
“Well, a little. You know he doesn’t want to work for anybody. He has goals and aspirations,” Maria said, avoiding eye contact with me.
“That’s bullshit. We all do, but you have to work in the meantime before the gravy train comes in. I don’t want him using you. If you need a charity case, go on down to the Norfolk orphanage and stop supporting a grown-ass man. He’s jealous and broke too. Hasaan better realize you’re the cream of the crop and any man would be lucky to have you.”
“Save the speech. I’m giving him two months to get his shit together. He can blow in another’s girl ear about his million-dollar plan,” she said, giggling.
“That’s my girl.” I gave her a high-five.
Chapter 24
” How was your day?” Jarrad asked, while we were waiting to be seated.
“Exciting, to say the least. I got to see a gunshot wound being repaired. A guy who looked to be fourteen or fifteen got hit in the arm.”
“Do the cops know what happened?”
“The buzz around the hospital is it was over his ex-girlfriend.”
“I’ve had a few brawls over a woman, but I used my fists, not a gun.”
“I can seat you now,” the h
ostess said, menus in her hand.
We were at the exclusive Bistro restaurant, where it could take up to three weeks to reserve a table, unless you knew someone or had money. If a guy took a lady here, he was guaranteed to get a piece of action that night. I was willing to give Jarrad a kiss. What the hell, I was even willing to throw in an extra hug.
I was eager for Jarrad to elaborate on his television occupation. Maybe he was just living off his credit cards for the time being. One thing was for sure, I needed to find out where his head and pockets were at.
“Is this a suitable table?” the hostess asked.
Jarrad took a look at the menu. “Yes, can you tell the waiter to please bring us a bottle of Chablis.”
“This is a lovely restaurant.”
“Have you been here before?” Jarrad asked.
He seemed to be putting his phone on vibrate. I couldn’t help noticing on our first date that his phone was ringing off the hook, but I chose not to say anything. Besides, I didn’t like him then, but I did now.
“Here’s your bottle of wine. I also brought two glasses of water. Your waiter will be right with you,” the hostess reassured us, smiling.
“Thank you,” Jarrad said.
“Yes, my father and mother love it here. So tell me . . . how’s the television business?”
“My goal is to be an executive producer of a show. If I’m lucky, I’ll be getting the experience of doing plenty of shows. Plus, I write screenplays. For many years, I’ve had this show in mind called The Carter Family that deals with modern issues. I want people of color to see a one-hour show where it’s not stigmatized by violence or women portrayed as mere puppets. As we speak, the owners of the BNC and DYB television companies are looking at my pitch. I’m so grateful I’ve found my niche in life early. So many people my age and older still have no clue on what they want to do.” Jarrad opened the bottle of wine and poured some for himself and some for me.
“I’ve always wanted to be an OB.”
“Keep pursuing your dream and never give up.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Come on now. I don’t look that old, do I?”
“No, I still can’t believe you’re thirty-five. A guy with such charm, I’m surprised you’re not married with at least two point two children.”
“Married? Not yet,” Jarrad said, choking on a sip of wine.
“Here, drink this water.” I handed him the glass and almost knocked over the flower vase.
“The wine went down the wrong pipe,” he said, taking a deep breath.
My steak and broiled shrimp with a double baked potato was every bit of delicious. On the way back to my house, I was trying to decide whether or not I should let Jarrad in for a nightcap. Nah, his ass can wait.
Jarrad put his Mercedes Benz in park.
“Would you like for me to walk you to your door?”
“No, that’s all right. I’m sure you’ll watch me get to my door safely. I had a great time. This is all new for me. I’ve never dated anyone your age.”
“Age doesn’t matter to me. As long as I make you happy is my biggest concern,” he said, rubbing my hand.
I gazed into his eyes. “Good night.”
“Good night,” he said, gazing into mine.
“I’ll call you in a little while, so I know that you got home safe.”
“I look forward to your call.” Jarrad edged his lips toward my face and kissed me, and I gladly kissed him back, enjoying his ever-so-soft tongue.
“I want to see you again,” he said. “Just let me know the time and the place.”
“Okay.” I smiled and forced myself out of the car. When I turned the key and the door opened, Jarrad pulled off.
“I see you’ve been enjoying your summer so far. Who was that?” Thomas came from the shadows with a box of chocolates and a dozen white gardenias in his hand. I was frozen.
“Hi, baby. I didn’t know you were in town.”
“I wanted to surprise you,” he said, shaking his head. “That was a friend.”
“You’re dressed so exquisite for your friend?”
“Don’t look at me like that.”
“Don’t look at you like what? I just caught you in the act.”
“This is your fault. You’ve been ignoring me for months. I can’t even have a decent conversation with you for no more than five minutes. I’m tired of hearing that bullshit about school. You haven’t changed that much from high school. You let loose every now and then.”
“All right, all right, I’m not even going to lie to you. I will admit I’ve been dipping and dabbling, but those girls don’t mean nothing to me. I have to bust in something.”
“You should have tried your hand.”
“You’re one to talk. I saw you tongue him down. What? Have you replaced the dick you suck?”
“No, I replaced the tongue that eats my pussy.”
“I’m outta here.”
“Thomas!”
“What? You got five seconds to state your claim.”
“I faked it the whole time.” I slammed the door, only catching a glimpse of the despair on his face.
Chapter 25
Maria put the Essence magazine down on the table. “You said what?”
“You heard me. I didn’t mean it. He pissed me off, so I had to crush his feelings. Now, we will probably never speak again in life. Unfortunately for Thomas, he will always be wondering if I was faking or not. It’s going to mess with his manhood for a lifetime. Oh, well . . . he shouldn’t have disrespected me. I tried my best to hold on to our relationship. What we had was special. Now it’s over. Even if I wanted to get back with him, it wouldn’t be the same, because I don’t feel the same way.” I poured myself a cup of green tea and added two scoops of sugar.
“Drama, drama, and more drama,” Charlotte said, eating a slice of wheat toast.
“There’s no drama in my circle. Now I can concentrate all my efforts into Jarrad. Besides, I’m horny and backed up.”
“Don’t utter a word about sex. Last night Hasaan and I did a six-hour marathon. My vagina is worn out and sore.”
I laughed. “You’re probably getting more than Charlotte and I combined.” I looked down at my watch. “Shit. I’ve got to run so I won’t be late getting to the hospital.”
* * *
Today, Ms. Green, the intern director stuck me in the emergency room. I was feeling more like a waitress than a help to the cause, because people kept asking me, “Where is the third floor?”
“Where is the bathroom?”
“May I have a cup of water or coffee?”
It wasn’t in my nature to be nasty, but at times those waiting patients did push me over the edge.
“Alex?” Ms. Green called me with a smirk on her face. “Yes, Ms. Green?”
“This came for you about forty-five minutes ago. Daisies are my favorite flower,” she said, handing them to me with a gift bag.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. Thank whoever gave them to you. Honey, I don’t mean to be all up in your business, but this one should be a keeper.”
Helena, an intern, walked past me. “Nice flowers.”
“Thanks,” I said and walked to the lounge. Enclosed in the bag was a custom-made stethoscope in my favorite color, gray. I didn’t plan on seeing Jarrad till the weekend, but under the circumstances, I was going to have to bump up our engagement. Maybe, I did like him a little more than I thought.
Chapter 26
I told Maria to beat it for the night. When I arrived home, I called Jarrad to thank him for his thoughtfulness. He informed me that he’d landed a pilot for the Carter show. Little did Jarrad know, I was going to show him how grateful I was.
I had to move fast because, from the eagerness in his voice, I figured he’d be here in thirty minutes, if not sooner. I crossed out all the items on my list for my final check. I lit a candle but blew it out because I didn’t want this to be too obvious. I peeked through the blinds to see hi
s car pulling up in the driveway. One thing about me, I always closed the blinds to prevent my business of extra curricular activities broadcasted in the neighborhood.
“Congratulations.” I greeted him at the door in my green cotton robe.
“Thanks, I feel great. Hell, more than great. My show is going to take off,” he declared walking through the front door.
“I know it will. Sorry about the attire. You’re a little early. Have a seat in the dining room. Dinner will be served momentarily for you,” I said, taking the lemon chess pie out of his hand.
“Since you made dinner, I wanted to bring your favorite.”
“Thank you, but, I’ve all ready made dessert, something real sweet.” I guided him into the dining room.
Jarrad looked at the table. “What’s all this?”
“Sit down, relax and listen carefully to my instructions.” I took off my robe, revealing only fuchsia bowtied panties.
“Wow,” he said untying my panties making them fall to the floor.
“Welcome to my exotic eatery. These items are what you will taste, tonight. Now, Mr. Simmons can I start you off with an appetizer or with a glass of champagne?”
Jarrad still had his mouth open from surprise. He didn’t know what he just walked into.
“Let me suggest an entrée for you. Chocolate fingers with coconut are excellent.” I dipped my fingers in the bowl of semi-sweet sauce.
“I’ll try that. You know best,” he said, slowly licking my fingers.
“You like that, baby?”
“I love it. What’s next?” He lay back in the chair and loosened his tie.
“The next thing on the menu is second to the best in the house. Would you like a breast with or without whipped cream? Each one is very tender and succulent.” I sprayed one of them.
“I’ll have an order of two with whipped cream on both.”
“Oh, Mr. Simmons, I forgot to mention the cherries.” I straddled him and rubbed my nipples up against them.