Thoughts of yesterday rushed to Angelica’s head—a day that had gone so wrong. Angelica wasn’t sure what she had done to deserve Donna’s wrath, but Angelica was sure about one thing, and that was if her “so-called” career was going to get a jump-start by posing with a bunch of lesbians, it was indeed over. She didn’t want their mouths or hands to touch her. Now she was left with the task of finding another job.
Macy’s was right in the middle of Manhattan. There were other retail shops where she could apply for a position as well. The only thing about working in a retail environment was that it would not pay the kind of salary she needed, and she needed a lot of money in order to secure the financial independence she desired.
For a fleeting moment, the woman in the subway holding onto the pole with her assorted packages flooded her memory. Angelica immediately shook the thought from her mind, but as quickly as she had erased the thought, it resurfaced and stayed, offering a vision of the freedom that she sought.
“No!” Angelica said, hoping Ari didn’t hear her. Each time she tried to suppress the vision, it would return with a quickness, filling her head with promise of a new life, a life Angelica had hoped to never see again.
The knock at the door diverted her attention. She pulled the covers up to her neck and said, “Yes?”
“Angelica, it’s Ari.”
“Who else would it be?” She laughed.
“Take your time about getting up. I’m fixing myself some breakfast. Nothing special, but I’d be glad to whip you something up, too.”
“No thanks, Ari. I don’t usually do breakfast.”
“Okay. I’m going to be leaving in an hour. If there’s anything I can get you…”
“I’m getting up,” Angelica said, cutting Ari off. “I’ll ride in with you, if you don’t mind. I think I’ll put in some applications today.”
“Wonderful. I’ll wait on you. I only go in early because I don’t have much to do since I’ve retired. I make a little extra cash, and it keeps me occupied.”
“Well, I’ll be ready in a jiffy.”
Angelica flew out of the bed at lightning speed. Today was a new day and a chance to get it right. She rushed through the shower, made her face, and put on a chic blue-and-white seersucker pantsuit. She pulled her hair into a bun and darted out the room to where Ari was waiting.
His eyes roamed, but his lips stayed sealed. Angelica was a beautiful woman, but he had lived too many years and had seen too many things to jeopardize his present station in life. He let his eyes do the talking and relished the little time they would be together. Angelica would offer female company—someone to have a pleasant conversation with and maybe share a laugh or two. “Ready?” he asked.
“I am.” Angelica offered a smile.
Angelica sat with her head thrown back in Ari’s car and listened to his chatter. He talked about his life in New York and some of the crazy exploits he and his buddies carried out as teenagers. While Angelica listened with one ear, she watched as cars, taxis and New York City landmarks whizzed by.
Silence caused Angelica to look away from the scenery and turn toward Ari. He looked straight ahead, offering no further conversation until he said, “We’re in midtown Manhattan. Where would you like to be dropped off?”
Angelica became alert and watched again as they passed building after building.
“You can drop me off at Macy’s. It might be too early, but I can walk around until it opens.”
“You may also want to go to Greenwich Village or SoHo, if Macy’s doesn’t pan out. You can get there by subway.”
Angelica thanked Ari and looked straight ahead. She glanced his way again.
“Thank you again, Ari. I know I’ve been distant this morning, but I have a lot on my mind. Getting a job has consumed a lot of my mental energy. I don’t want to inconvenience you any longer than I have to.”
“You’re not inconveniencing me,” Ari said. “In fact, it’s nice to have a warm face to talk to in the evenings.”
Angelica twitched her mouth that settled into a smile. She enjoyed Ari’s attention, and he was a good-looking man with a good-looking body. There was no room for a man in her life at this time, although she momentarily thought about Malik and the kiss she placed on his lips. Ari would always be a special friend, an angel in her time of distress, nothing more and nothing less.
“We’re here,” Ari said, taking Angelica from her thoughts. “What time would you like to be picked up?”
Angelica had not given any thought to being displaced while Ari was at work. He did not offer her a key to his house and she was not going to ask for one. That would make life simple because she had no plans to stay at Ari’s for long.
“Give me your number,” Angelica said. “I’ll call you and we can work it out.”
“All right.” Ari wrote his cell number on the back of a card and handed it to Angelica. He smiled at her and Angelica jumped out.
She breathed in the air and looked around her, trying to decide which way to go. Macy’s looked threatening, but she was going to march in there and complete an application. She was going to become a working girl and brave all the elements of a New York City life.
18
Drapes were pulled back as the restless and impatient group began to peek out the window and pace the room, waiting for the arrival of the honoree. A large “WELCOME HOME, JEFFERSON” banner hung across the fireplace. Margo assured the group that Jefferson would arrive shortly—getting into prison was easy, but getting out took a little longer.
Winter heard it first, running to the window to peek out and then catching a glimpse of the car that pulled into the driveway.
“They’re here!” Winter shouted, backing away from the window and falling in line with the other well-wishers.
Margo was a ball of nerves, her fists scrunched up as her excitement mounted.
“Sshhhh,” Margo hissed at the crowd so they would lower their voices and not spoil the surprise. It seemed so strange, hearing the knock on the door, but Margo moved posthaste, her smile almost larger than her face.
The moment of truth. Margo pulled open the door, and there stood her man, Jefferson Myles, the one she had promised to love, cherish, and obey until death they did part. Stacy Greer stood next to him, happy for this moment, as did the twenty or so well-wishers who waited patiently to give hugs and say their welcome. Jefferson looked worn and had lost weight, but his healthy smile let everyone know that he was eager for the moment that had arrived. He was aided by a walker—a reminder of the car crash five years ago that had put him in a wheelchair—but rigorous therapy and the desire to walk again wrought the miracle Margo saw before her. Margo went to Jefferson and kissed him and then held him as he did her. Stacy closed the door behind them.
“Welcome home!” the anxious crowd shouted, then clapped for what seemed like forever.
Hugs, kisses, and even tears were passed around, each one thankful for the return of their brother. Margo was overcome as she saw Winter and Winston embrace their dad, accepting him back where he belonged, knowing that he had paid the price for his mistakes.
Jefferson held Margo around the waist as the well-wishers continued to share how they prayed for this day. Every other second, Jefferson stole glances at his soul mate, grateful for this courageous and steadfast woman who did not give up on him with all of his faults, insecurities and human frailties. He was going to do right by Margo, although he would never be able to make up the time he had stolen from her.
A frown formed on Jefferson’s face. “Where’s Malik?”
The question caught Margo off guard. She was aware that Malik wasn’t there, however, she had hoped that, with all the celebrating, Jefferson would be caught up in the moment and not give a thought to the whereabouts of his best friend. It was best that Malik stayed away, and Margo could never allow Jefferson to find out that Malik was not happy with his homecoming.
“He must be working late. He knows about the party,” Margo replied.
“I’ve got to call him. If you can get his number for me, sweetie, I would appreciate it.”
“May I get everyone’s attention,” Pastor said. Margo was thankful for the timely interruption. She would eventually have to get Malik’s number, but Pastor’s announcement would give her time to regain her composure.
“I’d like to say,” Pastor began, “that we are thankful this evening for our brother Jefferson Myles’ return home.”
“Yes!” the group yelled in unison.
“Brother Jefferson, we have prayed continuously for the day you and Sister Margo would be reconciled and resume your life together as husband and wife.”
Margo saw Winter nudge Winston.
“This is a time of rejoicing,” Pastor continued. “God saw fit to give our brother another chance, a chance to be restored…a chance to reclaim his life. We’re happy for Sister Margo and Brother Jefferson and this family, and we’re asking God to be with them, nourish them, give them peace and understanding and love for each other that will stand the test of time. We are denouncing the enemy that comes to seek, kill, and destroy, and we ask that this family continue to be covered with Your wings of protection.
“Now bless this food and let it be nourishing to our bodies. Amen. Let’s eat.”
Margo fixed Jefferson a plate and the others followed. This was the happiest moment of Margo’s life, next to the day she and Jefferson were married. She stayed close to him all night, wanting the celebration to be over so she and Jefferson could have a private celebration of their own.
He stuffed another chicken sandwich in his mouth and then turned and smiled at Margo. “Don’t forget to give me Malik’s number,” Jefferson said.
The room looked familiar. Jefferson sat on the edge of the bed and ran his hand across the smooth silk comforter. He scanned the room, reacquainting himself with his surroundings. It felt good to be home, however, the last time he had seen this room—his and Margo’s bedroom—their lives were turned upside down.
Jefferson was appreciative of all the good wishes Pastor Dixon and the others had given him tonight, but this was the moment he had looked forward to more than any other during the last five years—being alone with Margo again.
A tear rushed down Jefferson’s face. Seeing the faces of two of his children and embracing them made his uncomfortable journey back home easy. He had hurt them too, and Jefferson wasn’t sure they had forgiven him.
It was Malik’s absence that bothered him most. Malik had visited him only a few times while he was in prison. In fact, Jefferson could count the times on one hand. He understood Malik not wanting to come to the prison because it conjured up memories of his father who was serving a life sentence for armed robbery and murder, but his absence tonight was puzzling. Jefferson would try and call him once more before the night was over.
The bathroom door clicked and Jefferson looked up. Margo emerged wrapped in a purple towel from head to toe. Jefferson tensed, not sure what to do or say. Even wrapped in all that cotton, Jefferson could still see the hourglass figure which had made him fall for Margo in the first place. She was still the beautiful woman he had married years ago, and now his body ached for her.
Jefferson felt like an awkward young buck trying to get his mack on. It had been more than five years since he had touched a woman, and now this was his wife, Margo. He remained planted on the bed, following Margo with eyes that were full of longing and anticipation. Jefferson offered a smile when he saw that Margo had done so.
“Welcome home, Jefferson,” Margo said.
“It’s good to be home. So many nights I lay awake in that prison cell angry with myself for all the pain I brought upon this family and how I had hurt the most important person in my life. Margo, baby, I’m so sorry…”
“Sshhh,” Margo said, placing a finger over her lips. “Let’s not talk about it now. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Thanks for the welcome home. It was good to see everyone, but I’m glad they’re gone. I’ve been looking forward to just you and me.”
Margo flinched. “Me, too,” she said and then looked away. “Why don’t I help you get your clothes off and get you settled into the shower?”
“I can do it.” Jefferson looked up at Margo and smiled. “You’re still beautiful, Margo.”
Margo blushed. She sat on the bed next to Jefferson with her towel still pulled around her. “We’re going to make it.”
Jefferson smiled again and placed a quick kiss on Margo’s lips, surprising her. With the aid of his walker, Jefferson got up and went into the bathroom as Margo looked on. When the door closed, Margo let her eyes fall to the floor. She clutched the towel that was still wrapped around her, and with her free arm circled her upper torso. She closed her eyes and whispered a prayer.
They lay side-by-side without touching. Their eyes were wide open, each with a different view. Margo stared at the wall, while Jefferson stared at the white cotton gown that was draped over Margo’s back. He reached out to touch Margo, but at the last minute, pulled his arm back. Her body was stark still, but his subconscious fear of rejection made him withdraw.
“Are you asleep?” Jefferson asked, a slight tremble in his voice.
“No,” came the feeble reply.
“Margo, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you. For the past five years, all I thought about was you. I love you, Margo, and if I could erase all the ugly things that brought us to this day, I would. I can’t, but I want a life with you. I understand that it may take some time for you to respond to me, but I want us to try. I need you.”
Margo did not turn to face Jefferson. She held her pillow tight and shut her eyes. What she remembered was that Malik had been there to protect her for the past five years. He had come to her rescue more times than she could count. When Margo was locked out of the house, Malik was the one who called the locksmith and came by to make sure she would be all right. Malik was her dinner companion when she desired to go out for a bite to eat, and he was her confidant when she needed a friend. While she waited patiently for Jefferson to return home from prison, Margo had unconsciously fallen in love with Malik. What was she going to do?
19
Frustrated, Angelica headed for Greenwich Village, hoping that she would have better luck. No one was hiring; the seasonal help had been selected weeks ago. She needed a job that paid benefits and would give her a comfortable cash flow so that she could do all the things that made her happy.
Her employment adventure this morning left her exhausted and, as the train passed from station to station, Angelica had a thought. At the next stop, she jumped off the train, climbed the stairs and went to the other side to catch the northbound train. Time was not on her side, and Angelica headed back to midtown.
Angelica got off the train and hailed a cab. Once inside, she pulled her hair out of the bun and instructed the cab driver where to go. Within minutes, the cab pulled to the curb and Angelica jumped out, confident that she would have a job by the end of the day.
Outside, the sign posted on the building read Club Platinum. Angelica slipped inside and met the dark. She was guided by a light that spilled from the inside of an office around a corner. The click of her heels announced her arrival long before anyone saw her, and when she entered the open door, Angelica put on her seductive smile and switched her hips with her ponytail following.
The two men looked up and photographed Angelica with their eyes. One of the men sat behind a desk, while the other stood next to him, both dressed in designer suits. It was obvious they were the owners and not some run-of-the-mill overseers handing out orders at the request of the boss.
“May I help you?” the man sitting behind the desk asked, his elbows resting on the desk while his eyes gave Angelica his full attention.
“Yes, you may. My name is Angel…Angel Barnes,” Angelica said. She even liked the sound of Angel—a name she was called while in prison. “I’d like to dance. I need a job.”
The man looked at her again
, looked back at his partner for support, and then turned back to look at Angelica.
“What is a classy chick like yourself doing in this joint? And, you appear to be much older than the girls we hire to dance here.”
“Look, I can dance. I’m willing to audition for you now, if you like. I’ve stripped before, and I was darn good.”
“How long ago was that, Angel? Ten, twenty years ago?”
The other gentleman laughed.
There was a seriousness in Angelica’s eyes that the man behind the desk recognized. “Lady, I don’t know why you’re here, but I’m going to let you audition to see if you’ve got what it takes. This work is not glamorous, and the filthy-rich men who come in here spending their money won’t have much respect for you. They’ll eat you alive and sometimes treat you like the night women who are a dime a dozen. The only difference is that you’re inside and they’re on the street.”
“I can handle myself, Mr…. I didn’t catch your name.”
“Peter Ward and my partner, Gerald Lloyd.” Peter pointed to the other man.
“I don’t care what the customer thinks of me, Mr. Ward. I’ll be using them to get what I need.”
“All right, Angel. Do you have something you can dance in?”
“No, I hadn’t…” Angelica stopped short. She thought better of sharing the reason she was there. This was the last place she wanted to be, but it was the only place that would get her out of the hole she had been dropped into. Donna hadn’t crossed her mind until then, but if things went well at Club Platinum, there would be no time for Angelica to think about what her life would have been like if she hadn’t walked off the job. In fact, it was already yesterday’s news.
“Gerald, find something for Ms. Angel to wear. And Angel, after you’ve put on the bikini, please go to the stage; it will be lit for your audition. We’ll see you in fifteen minutes.”
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