“Venus, oh no. Gloria, come here quick,” Cameron yelled, while holding Venus’s hand.
“Go get her, Cameron. Leave me right here. Just go get her.” Venus buried her head toward her knees.
Cameron stared at Venus without taking a step.
“Go, Cameron,” she hissed under her breath. Her mind raced. This has got to be all about karma.
He ran into the house yelling, “Gloria, come quick. My mom is sick. Help us please. She’s outside.”
The next evening, Claude and Venus arrived back from the hospital. Venus got out of the car on her own, realizing that the walk-way had been washed down. No sign of the blood from her miscarriage.
Cameron hurried outside to greet them just as they made their way to the front door. “You look good, Venus. Are you feeling better?” he asked.
“Much better, physically, Cameron. I’m sorry you had to see that.”
“No, I’m just sorry you had to go through that. I was scared for you. I’m glad you’re home.”
Claude questioned him, “Cameron, did you do what I asked you to do?”
“Yes, Dad. I changed the sheets and cleaned up your room.”
“I didn’t want you to do it. I told you to ask Gloria.”
“But, today is Sunday and she’s gone. It only took a minute.”
“Thanks, Cameron,” Venus said.
“And where’s your grandma?” Claude asked as they all walked inside the house.
“She’s sleeping.”
“So, she doesn’t know what happened?” Venus inquired.
Cameron replied, “No, she didn’t ask me anything about where you were anyway.”
“Good. I’m going to go lie down. Thanks for your help.”
“No problem. Do you need something to drink or anything else?” Cameron offered.
“No, I’ll be fine.”
“I can help you upstairs,” Claude said, while heading for the kitchen.
“Really I feel good as new. You two just order a pizza or something. No family dinner tonight, okay?”
“Of course not, baby. Get yourself some rest,” Claude said, passing through the kitchen door.
Venus took each step slowly, but made her way up the double flight of stairs and into the master bedroom. She closed the door.
Cameron joined his dad for a drink of Sunny Delight. “Dad, was it a girl?” he asked with a hush.
Claude looked surprised. “Cameron. She was not far along enough to be able to tell something like that. She couldn’t have been more than a couple months.”
“How come you guys didn’t tell me she was pregnant?”
“I didn’t know, son. I’m not even sure she knew.”
Cameron was full of questions. “Has this ever happened to her before? Because I read some women have trouble like that all the time.”
“Apparently not. If you must know she’s been on the pill forever, so she tells me. You read up on it already?”
“Yeah. Wow, that was a trip. I really felt scared for her,” Cameron admitted.
“She told me you did, son. And I appreciate your help and concern.” Claude looked at Cameron for a second, trying to see any resemblance to the man who killed his mother. He saw absolutely none. “Thank God,” Claude said out loud before he knew he’d released the words.
“Thank God is right,” Cameron said in agreement. “We need to keep an eye on Grandma and Venus, huh Dad?”
“You’ve got that right, son. At least for now.”
Mason and Mercedes decided to take a nice, leisurely drive in his Porsche, down the coast from Ladera toward Malibu and Santa Barbara, just like they used to years ago. The top was down and Mercedes had her face to the breeze as they conversed like two teenagers along the way.
“Got that hair blowing in the wind like you did back in college, huh?” Mason commented.
Mercedes leaned her head back, brushing her bangs to the side. “Oh, it feels so wonderful, so exhilarating, Mason. We need to do this more often.”
“Where do you want to end up?”
“How about the beach like we used to do, honey. Remember how we’d drive out to the Palisades and fool around on the sand. Let’s go to that spot. Please?” she asked, feeling energized.
“Okay, baby. Don’t start to beg. I’m not sure we can even park near there now. Things have changed so much what with all of the floods and mud slides along the coast.”
“Let’s just go check.”
Mason put the pedal to the metal as they drove along Pacific Coast Highway toward Chitagua Boulevard. It looked different, yet it was still the same stretch of beach. They could see it from the highway.
Mason pointed. “See, we can’t even park over there anymore. We used to be able to drive right onto the beach. It looks like we’re not getting any farther than this guard gate these days.”
“It’s okay, Mason. Let’s just get out and walk.”
“Baby, that would be nice, but how about if we just sit here and enjoy the view from the car.” He parked the car facing the ocean.
“Eighteen years ago you would have been game.”
“Eighteen years ago, I would have pulled the car right up to the sand and we would have laid out in front of the headlights, getting freaky.”
“I remember. Nowadays you can’t even sit out there without someone coming up to rob your butt.”
Mason pulled Mercedes closer, cupping his hand over her right shoulder as she scooted over. He leaned his seat back to extend his body.
“This is nice,” Mercedes said.
Mason brought up a subject that had been on his mind. “Mercedes, you know I came from a household where my dad was always gone. Mom held down the fort so to speak.”
“But I’ll bet you guys had a choice to be out there with Daddy if you wanted to be.”
“Sometimes we did.”
“See, Star and Rashaad can’t just tag behind you on trips out of town. Your line of work is much more demanding and high profile.”
“Why can’t they go with me? Especially now that Mom is with Claude. You can all go.”
“You’re right.” Mercedes said, looking animated. “Whatever happened to us doing that anyway? I remember going from hole to hole, walking along the ropes, cheering you on.”
“Things changed when the kids came along. But we need to plan to go together again. You know what? I think I’m going to sell my interest in the club. I’d like to sell it to Torino.”
“How can he afford it?”
“I don’t mind helping him get a loan now that I can see he’s maturing and trying to do right. He seems different since he met Sequoia.”
“I’ve noticed. But don’t base your decision on the fact that he and Sequoia are together. That has nothing to do with his future. Base your decision on him and his ability to pay you off.”
“Sounds like you don’t have much faith in Torino?”
“I do, really I do. And I must admit it would be nice to not have to worry about Foreplay anymore.”
“I just love the name of that club,” Mason said, placing his hand on his own crotch area.
“Very funny. Mason, do you know how much it means to me to be able to say that you are my first and only love?”
“I feel the same way.”
“Oh, so I’m your first love?”
“Yes, Mercedes, and my only love. I’ve never been in love with anyone else, ever,” he proclaimed.
“But you had others before we met. I didn’t.”
“Let’s not go there, Cedes.”
“Anyway,” Mercedes said, looking out along the shore, “years ago, we’d have been down there on the sand, deep into round two by now.” Mercedes kissed his cheek. “We can start with round one right here.”
“Are you crazy?” Mason asked, checking out the surroundings. “The top is down and these attendants seem a bit too busy for my taste.”
“Oh hell, honey. Make it fast like you used to,” Mercedes said, looking eager.
&nb
sp; “I can’t believe you’re asking me to make it fast for once.”
“It was fast that night we came home from the strip club. Did you see me complain?” she asked with a gleam in her eye.
“No.”
“Okay then, come on.”
Mason still looked uncomfortable. “Damn, but what’s my motivation?”
Mercedes’s tone became seductive. “Knowing that the woman whose mouth is pleasing you is your lady, your wife, and the woman who loves you. Is that something you want?”
“Say no more,” he said as she felt his bulge start to grow. He leaned the seat back all the way and unzipped his dress pants, pulling his penis out. She licked the tip with her stiff tongue and took him deep into her mouth.
“Oh, yeah. That’s it, let it hit the back of your throat.”
Mercedes positioned herself so that she could use her left hand as well, stroking the bottom and bracing it upright, easing it into her mouth with rapidity, adding her warm saliva for lubrication.
“Do you love me?” she asked, breaking away for a verbal tease.
“Yes.”
“You don’t want me to leave you, do you? Not the pussy that has only had you inside for eighteen years. The pussy that is virgin to anyone but you. You wouldn’t want me out there giving your stuff to someone else would you?”
“No. You’re my woman, baby. This dick belongs to my wife,” he said, raising his pubic area closer to her mouth for continuation.
Mercedes barely got two licks in when she felt his veins pulsating and his penis thicken. She closed her eyes and moaned him through it as he expelled his secretions into her mouth.
Mercedes took every drop, licking his tip and then kissing it.
Mason jumped. “Okay, now that’s not fair.”
“That’s what I like to do, please my man.”
“I can see that, baby.” He pulled the flap of his underwear back over his penis and secured his pants, glancing around the car for spectators. There were none.
Mason’s phone rang. He could feel Mercedes give him a glance that spoke volumes. “Don’t get that,” she said, taking a mint out of her purse.
Mason looked at the display of the phone number that flashed from his dashboard. “It’s Claude.” He let the call go.
Mercedes leaned over against his shoulder and continued looking out at the water. She enjoyed the peace and quiet and serenity. The phone rang again.
“It’s Claude again with a 9-1-1 page. I’ve got to call him back.”
Mercedes scooted over and handed him the phone as he pushed automatic callback.
“What’s up, man? Is everything still on for dinner?” Mason asked.
“Mason, Venus left us. She left me. She left a note. That’s all. Just a fucking note.” Claude sounded dejected.
“Venus left you? When did this happen?” Mercedes sat up in her seat.
“She just came back from the hospital and I thought she was taking a nap.”
“The hospital?” Mason asked, sounding extra concerned.
“Man, she had a fucking miscarriage yesterday.”
Mason looked at Mercedes who looked alarmed. “A miscarriage. Oh, I’m sorry, man.”
Mercedes eyes bugged.
“Cameron was in his room and I went over to the office for a minute. When I came back her car was gone. All she left was a note on the refrigerator.”
“What prompted that?” Mason asked.
“I don’t know, man, I was just about to take her away for a while so we could be alone and now she’s gone.”
“Bro, calm down. Mercedes and I are on our way.”
“Let’s get going, Mercedes,” said Mason, starting the car, not saying another word as he hung up.
Mercedes called Venus from her cell phone as she and Mason drove to Claude’s house. Mason was quiet as a mouse.
“Sister, girl. What happened over at that house? You left Claude and Cameron?” Mercedes asked.
Venus was driving. “I knew he’d call you guys. I had to, Mercedes. I had no choice. It was just too hard.”
“Why didn’t you talk to me first? I had no idea you were that fed up.”
“I didn’t either. It was an impulsive move at first, but I really think I made the right choice. That’s Fatima’s house. Her everything. Not mine.”
“Venus, you seemed to fit in just fine. I just never saw it as that bad for you. Even when we talked.”
“Mercedes, I lost my baby yesterday. I’ve always wanted a baby. I thought maybe that would have made a difference, but it just wasn’t meant to be either.”
“How far along were you?” Mercedes asked as Mason pressed the button to lower the ragtop.
“Not long. I didn’t even know it myself. I don’t even remember being late,” Venus said gloomily.
“I’m sorry you went through that. But that must have been hard on everyone, even Claude.”
“He just up and went to work after I came home.”
“You know how Claude is, Venus. He isn’t as direct about expressing his feelings like his brothers are. Even so, I’m sure he just doesn’t know what to say to you.”
Venus was not sounding very understanding. “He’s just fine at saying what he needs to say when he wants to. But, it’s not like he could have even said the right thing to make it all okay. It was a mistake from the beginning.”
“But Venus, didn’t you even try to talk it out before you left? You told me you never wanted to divorce.”
“I know I said that. But Claude knows as well as I do that this is best.”
“I don’t think so. He seemed pretty shook up. I think Claude is crazy about you, girl.” Mercedes looked to Mason who nodded his head in agreement.
“Believe me, he’s not.”
“Have you ever thought that maybe all of this is just in your head? That your guilt is one of the reasons why you’re internalizing this so much? You’re beating yourself up way too much.”
“Mercedes, imagine yourself in my shoes. In your case, you married for the love of a man. In my case, I married a man I fell in love with because of the love of a friend. I loved her, too. It’s easy to judge but this is some crazy shit.”
“I’m not trying to judge. At least I hope I’m not sounding like I am. But I’ve never heard Claude say one bad thing about you.”
“Maybe so, but it’s not like he and Fatima just broke up. I feel her ghost every day, Mercedes. It would be better if she could show up and kick my ass or call me and threaten me. She’s dead. The silence in that house was so loud that I thought I was going to go nuts. And then the voices started, and I’d imagine her everywhere, in our bedroom and in his car. Everywhere. Even Mattie called me ‘Fatima’ the other day. And Claude and I argued about some serious stuff recently. He’ll never forgive me. It just weighs too much for me to take. I tried, but I just can’t do it, Mercedes.”
Mercedes asked, “He’ll never forgive you for what? Plus, you know Mattie was just confused. She calls me Star half the time. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. You’re putting yourself through this major guilt trip. That’s the real problem.”
Venus was quiet.
“Will you just stay still for a while and take time to think about your decision? I’m not saying go back, but don’t make any rash plans too prematurely. Let this sink in for everyone. Will you do that?”
Venus sounded tired. “Yes. I’ll be at my dad’s house until I get a place.”
“You know you don’t need to find a place, what with all of the property that Mason and Claude own. That’s the least of your worries.”
“And that’s another thing, Mercedes. You need to check out your neighbor, Heidi. For some reason, Claude and Mason have her all hooked up in a house around the corner.”
“Okay, I will,” Mercedes said, looking at Mason but not letting on.
“I just don’t want the confusion. I want to start working for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and start over. I want a new beginning.”
“Y
ou know Claude was just about to take you away on a vacation. He just told Mason that today.”
Venus’s mood did not change. “No, I didn’t know.”
“Wouldn’t that have helped?”
“I don’t know, girl. I think it’s a little bit too late. Claude’s not even sure if he can love me the way I need to be loved. This takes work. Dealing with a dead ex-girlfriend and a dead friend is more than a notion. Claude doesn’t know how to handle me and he can’t deal with my emotions. There is a way to love me. He just doesn’t want to know how. Maybe we got married too fast. I never spent time in that house and we didn’t have any premarital counseling. We just jumped at an impulse after we bonded over the loss of Fatima. I’m not Fatima. I’m not a clone. I’m Venus.”
“Wow. Girl, I really don’t know what else to say. It sounds like you’ve thought it out and I support you. But I just don’t know what this family would be like without you. You’ve been around for so long. Just promise you’ll call me and let me know what’s going on. And I really think you should consider some type of counseling. It really can make a difference.”
“I will.”
“I’ll call you to check on you. I’ll try you tomorrow night on your cell. And Venus?”
“Yes.”
“You can’t run from this. I hope you change your mind.”
Venus sounded grateful. “Thanks. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Good-bye. Keep your head up.” Mercedes gave Mason a questioning eye.
“I will.”
Venus disconnected her cell phone and then turned off the power, filing her phone in her purse. She exited the freeway at La Tijera Boulevard and drove through the business section of Ladera. She pulled her SUV up to a traffic signal, stopping at the red light. She tapped her finger along the leather-padded steering wheel, looking around at the familiar surroundings. She noticed a young, teenaged couple walking together in the crosswalk, hugging and laughing as if they did not have a care in the world. She smiled. As she watched them step onto the curb, she caught a glimpse of a bus bench on the north side of Centinela near Fat Burger. It was an advertisement for Wilson Realty, with her husband’s smiling face underlined by their slogan, “You could be home by now.” Her brief smile turned to a frown.
The song “Wasting Time” by Faith Evans came on her radio. She turned it up. “Life’s not that important if you don’t have love,” she sang. She changed the station to an all-news program. Venus drove on down toward La Brea and through the streets filled with apartments in Inglewood. She parked in the back in her dad’s space. The sofa would be her bed for now.
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