Temptation

by Victoria Christopher Murray

  She paused for a moment. “Who is this?”

  “You know who it is.”

  “Well, it certainly isn’t a friend. Not the way you spoke to me last night.”

  “I was calling to apologize,” Michael said softly. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t talk. My wife was sitting right here watching my lips move.”

  “You still didn’t have to be so nasty.”

  “You were the one who threatened me.”

  “Only after you made me feel bad.”

  “I didn’t mean to make you feel bad, baby. But, that’s why I’m calling. To say I’m sorry.” He paused, waiting for her to say something. When she remained silent, he continued. “I can make it up to you.”

  She slumped down in the bed. “How?” she whined.

  He chuckled. “What are you wearing?” His voice was soft.

  She fingered the hem of her nightgown. “Nothing.”

  “Umm. My favorite outfit. Want some company?”

  “What about your wife?”

  “She’s at church. I can be there in fifteen minutes.”

  “You’re pretty sure of yourself, huh? Thinking that I’d be sitting here just waiting for your call.”

  “No. I just want to make up for last night.”

  She waited a beat. “I’ll give you ten minutes to get here.”

  When she hung up the phone, she shimmied out of her nightgown and looked at herself in the mirror. After the call last night, she hadn’t been sure whether she’d ever see Michael again. “I should’ve known!” she exclaimed to her reflection. “Who can stay away from this?” she said as she ran her hands along her wide hips. She turned sideways and admired her toned legs, but a second later, she ran into the bathroom. Today was going to be a good day.

  Six

  * * *

  “I hate when you do that.”

  “Do what?” Kyla panted through the speakerphone and slowed her pace on her stationary bike.

  “I hate to hear you panting and sweating while I’m slaving here at work,” Alexis laughed. “I could easily be talked into becoming a lady of leisure. Just one sign from anyone . . .”

  Kyla grabbed a towel from the shelf and wiped her face. “I’d rather be in your shoes.”

  “Excuse me? I think your heart is pumping too fast. Did you just say you’d rather be slaving away over someone’s desk?”

  Kyla got off the bike and sat on the padded workbench against the mirrored wall. She took a sip from her water bottle. “You should try living this life.”

  “I’d like to, but unfortunately I don’t have a husband who lives to take care of me.”

  “Now, don’t get me wrong, I appreciate my husband. It’s just that recently . . . I’ve felt like . . . I need something else. I think I want to pursue my career.”

  “Whoa! Are you talking about going back to investment banking?”

  “No! That was too demanding, and with Nicole and Jefferson, there’s no way. But, there are still a lot of things I can do.”

  “Yeah, but why? You’re already so busy with the clinic and all of Nicole’s stuff. When would you have time to do anything else?”

  “That’s what I’m talking about. Everything you just mentioned is for someone else.”

  “But what about The Compassion House? Do you know how many battered women will be taken care of because of that project? You should feel good about that.”

  “I do. The Compassion House is my heart. I’ve already met some of the women and their kids and I tell you, Alexis, I know it’s going to change my life. But not even The Compassion House does it for me. I don’t feel like I’m growing in all parts of my life and I think I could get part of me back if I went back to work.”

  “Girlfriend, I don’t understand it, but if that’s what you want to do, just do it.”

  Kyla sighed. “If it were that simple. But Jefferson won’t even hear of it. When I try to talk to him, he tries to find another project to keep me busy. And if he really thinks it’s bothering me, he’ll buy me something—diamond earrings, a new car, anything. The bigger he thinks my concern is, the bigger the gift.”

  “Hey. Next time maybe you’ll get a Rolls-Royce instead of a Lexus!” Alexis laughed.

  “Alexis . . .”

  “I’m sorry. It’s just that this is hard for me to take seriously. Chile, you have a wonderful life,” she drawled.

  “I’m just tired of my life being only about Nicole or Jefferson. I feel like I’m living in my husband’s shadow. I need more than that.”

  “Do you think you feel this way because you’re so involved with the clinic?”

  “That’s part of it. I can’t find myself away from Jefferson. Everyone says that I have it all, but when it comes right down to it what do I have?”

  “Girlfriend, I am truly trying to understand where you’re coming from as I sit here grinding away. Just give glory to God that you have a black man that is not in prison or gay or just sitting at home waiting for you to bring home all of the bucks.”

  Kyla laughed. “Don’t be such a cynic. I keep telling you there is someone out there for you.”

  “Well for once, I might agree with you,” Alexis paused. “I’ve been out with Brian.”

  “Get out of here! You actually saw Brian?” Kyla giggled. “Girlfriend, you’ve been holding out on me! I want all the details!”

  “We’ve been out a few times . . .”

  “You’ve been out with him more than once?”

  “Why are you saying it like that?”

  “Because you’re the queen of the ‘Get Rid of Them After the First Date’ club.”

  “Those days just might be over.” Alexis glanced at her clock. “Hey, I’ve got to go. I’ll call you tonight.”

  “Oh no, you don’t . . . you’re not getting off that easy.”

  “Kyla. I have to go! Remember I’m still one of the working stiffs and since I own this place, I really do have to work.”

  “Okay . . . but let’s meet later. I’m going to noon prayer and then I don’t have to pick Nicole up until after five. So, can you get together for a late lunch?”

  Looking down at her calendar, packed with meetings the entire day, Alexis frowned. There was no way she could afford the time, but she really did want to talk.

  “Oh, come on!” Kyla’s tone turned mischievous. “If you don’t . . . I’ll go to the clinic and just ask Brian about everything.”

  “No!” Alexis yelled, then lowered her voice when her secretary looked through the glass wall. “Okay, I surrender. Just promise me that you’ll keep your nose out of my business.”

  “All you have to do is tell me what I want to know. So, what about meeting at Memphis at around three?”

  “That’s good, but I’m really casual today, so don’t come marching in there making me look bad,” Alexis kidded.

  “Girl, please. There is no woman on earth that can do that to you! See you later.”

  “Wait, there is something else,” Alexis paused. “I wanted to ask you something about Jasmine.”

  Kyla frowned. She hadn’t seen or spoken to Jasmine since Saturday even though she had left a few messages about Jefferson wanting to look at her garage door. “What?”

  “Have you noticed anything different about her recently?”

  “Not really, except that she’s still pretty upset about her divorce.”

  “No . . . beyond that.” Alexis knew she’d have to tread carefully. “Kyla, just watch your back. I don’t want Jasmine to . . . use you.”

  “Use me? She’s my friend. She would never do that!”

  “Kyla, I’m your friend too and I don’t trust Jasmine. I think she’s playing some kind of dangerous game with you and Jefferson.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. She would never do anything to hurt me.”

  “Well, I don’t know if you’ve heard, but there’s talk about her and Patricia Newman’s husband. You know her, she’s in our Women’s Prayer Group . . .”

&n
bsp; “Alexis, I can’t believe that you of all people are in the middle of this gossip. I’ve known Jasmine for over thirty years and she has never given me any reason not to trust her. I think all you’re seeing is the difficult time she’s having being alone.”

  “But there are other things . . . people are saying that Patricia’s husband is not the only one . . .”

  “Alexis, I think you’re accusing the wrong person. I know the Newmans and Michael Newman is the cheat! He’s tried to hit on me! I think it’s just this little thing you and Jasmine have against each other. But nothing you can say is going to turn me against her. I have to stick by her while she’s going through all of this.”

  Alexis sighed, knowing she’d have to find some other way to convince Kyla. Maybe face-to-face this afternoon would be better. “Look, just watch your back. I’ve gotta go. They’re calling me for a meeting. I’ll see you later.”

  Kyla clicked off the speakerphone and shook her head. She hated this childish rivalry that Alexis and Jasmine seemed to have going. It was obvious they would never become friends, but she didn’t want to be in the middle of it anymore. The next time either one of them said anything, she would just stop her cold.

  Looking up at the clock, she jumped from the bench. Only an hour before noon prayer and she was never late. She kicked off her sneakers and headed into the shower.

  Kyla had been kneeling, but now she rose and clasped her hands together, rocking in her seat, continuing to pray in the spirit. Today, the intercessors were praying for the health of the nation, focusing on the tribulations of the government and its leaders. Kyla closed her eyes and raised her hands to the Lord as the meeting came to an end. The group clapped their hands in a praise offering and Kyla smiled. Praying for others helped her to feel closer to God and helped her to realize all the blessings in her life.

  As Miss Imogene closed out the meeting in a congregational prayer, Kyla whispered her thanks to the Lord. When they closed, she hugged the woman who’d been sitting next to her, then turned to Miss Imogene.

  “Do you need me for anything today?” Kyla asked as she bent over to hug the older woman.

  “No, honey. Nothing’s on the schedule. But tomorrow, we’ll be going through all of the donated clothes. Can I call you if we need an extra set of hands?”

  “Of course.”

  “You are a dear.” Miss Imogene patted her arm.

  As Kyla stepped from the prayer room, she passed Pastor Ford’s office and when she couldn’t find Avery, the pastor’s assistant, she tapped lightly on the pastor’s door.

  “Hi, Pastor. I didn’t want to disturb you. Just wanted to pop in and say hello.”

  “Come on in,” Pastor Ford said as she flipped her shoulder-length bob away from her face. With regal motions, she stepped around her desk and took both of Kyla’s hands. “I’m just catching up on a few things.”

  “How was your trip?”

  “Wonderful! You know any time I can get on the road and spread the Word, I’m ready. I’m just sorry I missed Jefferson’s party. I heard you guys had a good time.”

  “It was great and Jefferson got your gift. He wanted me to thank you for the Daily Devotionals. You know we’ll use it.”

  “I knew Jefferson would want a gift that he could share with you. It was for the both of you.”

  Kyla nodded. “Well, I know you’re busy and I just wanted to pop in for a second.”

  They hugged again. “I’ll see you on Sunday.”

  Hurrying through the hallway, Kyla bounced down the stairs to her car. She snuggled against the soft leather seats and inhaled the new-car scent. Turning on the ignition, she tapped her fingers against the steering wheel. There was still a little time before she had to meet Alexis and she smiled, knowing exactly what she’d do. She maneuvered the car away from the curb, still not used to the sleek lines of the sports model, so much smaller than the Mercedes they’d just traded in. Within minutes, she crossed Slauson Boulevard and pulled into the clinic’s parking lot.

  The African-American Complete Wellness Medical Center was housed in a new two-story futuristic-looking building. Here, for just a little more than a year, the clean white interior resembled a high-class health club more than a medical facility with nine medical specialists.

  Kyla remembered when Jefferson first told her he had been asked to join a team of three other doctors to develop this clinic.

  “This is a great idea, Kyla! Can you imagine a team of specialists providing medical services right in the middle of the Black community?” he had asked enthusiastically.

  “It sounds good, honey. But, I just don’t understand how this will work. Why do we have to invest our money?”

  “Because it’s a partnership where we will be completely in charge. We’ll have to borrow some of the money, but none of us want to go too far into debt. That’s why everyone agrees you should be involved. With your financial savvy, there is no way this won’t work.”

  Kyla shook her head. “It’s going to take a lot of time and money and medical expertise and . . .”

  “It’s going to take God, baby. We have God on our side.” Kyla had paused for a moment. “You’re sure about this, aren’t you?”

  Jefferson had run his fingers lightly down her face. “Yeah, I’m sure. But the one thing we have to do is pray. Pray until we’re both sure which way to go.”

  When Jefferson had pulled Kyla into his arms, she had closed her eyes and thanked God that their marriage was built on the Lord. They had spent the next few weeks praying and talking and praying some more, then finally decided to take on the venture.

  Now, walking through the vestibule area, Kyla chatted briefly with Officer Daniels, one of the security guards who had been with them since the clinic opened. With the sky roof providing natural light, Kyla squinted slightly as she proceeded through the octagonal building to the receptionist’s desk.

  The new receptionist jumped up to greet her. “Hello, Mrs. Blake.” LaKwanda always seemed to speak a decibel above the level of everyone around her.

  “Hi, LaKwanda. How are you?”

  “Just fine,” she yelled.

  “Are you enjoying your assignment here?” Kyla asked, referring to the high school Achiever’s Program that LaKwanda had been hired through.

  “A lot! I’m having so much fun, I can’t wait to get back to school and tell everyone about this.”

  “Just let me know if I can help you with anything, okay?”

  “Should I tell Dr. Blake that you’re here?”

  People in the waiting room turned towards them and Kyla purposely lowered her own voice hoping LaKwanda would follow her example. “That’s okay. I’ll just go straight up. I’m going to see Shannon first.”

  “All right,” LaKwanda shouted and her shoulder-length braids swayed with every word she spoke.

  Kyla proceeded up the stairs that gave her a total view of the 25,000-square-foot space, complete with offices, examination and conference rooms, a pharmacy, and a small cafeteria.

  “Hi Kyla. I heard LaKwanda yelling,” Shannon giggled. “I was just on my way down to rescue you.”

  Kyla shared in the laugh. “How are you, Shannon?”

  “Just fine now that the proposal is finally finished. I still can’t believe we’re expanding the clinic again. But at least this time, we won’t have to move.”

  “I know what you mean. Is Jefferson available?”

  “He’s just finishing up with a patient. Do you want to wait in his office?”

  “No, I don’t need to disturb him. Actually, I stopped by to see Dr. Lewis. Is he here?”

  Shannon nodded. “Uh-huh. His office is right down the hall, that way,” she said pointing.

  “Okay, I’ll see you later. Just tell Jefferson I’ll see him tonight.”

  Kyla’s heels tapped against the slick tiled floors as she strolled down the hall. She stopped outside Brian’s opened door, standing boldly in the entranceway as he spoke into the phone. He looked up, smiled and m
otioned her in.

  As Brian continued his conversation, Kyla walked through the office, glancing at the pictures and awards on the wall. At a picture of Brian with two little boys, she paused.

  “Kyla. Good to see you. How are you?” Brian hung up the phone and came around the desk to hug her.

  “Fine. And you?”

  “Good. I’m finally getting settled in. I’ll be doing my first surgery within the next few days.”

  “That’s great. Jefferson didn’t tell me. So, how does it feel to be back home?” She took a seat.

  He perched himself on the desk in front of her. “I’m glad to be back where the sun does shine.”

  “I know that’s right. I remember how cold it was in Virginia and it was nothing like what you had to suffer through in Boston.”

  “Yeah, but Boston was good to me.”

  She tugged at her ear and coughed. “Uh, I understand you met my friend Alexis.”

  She watched his smile widen. “Yeah.”

  When he didn’t continue, she frowned. Was that all he was going to say? Several silent seconds passed before she added, “We’ve been friends since Hampton.”

  “I know.”

  “Well, I’m glad you two finally met.”

  “So am I. She’s nice.”

  Kyla crinkled her eyes. “I heard you guys had a chance to really talk at Jefferson’s party.”

  “Yeah. By the way, that party was great, Kyla. I told Jefferson that everyone is still talking about what a good time they had.”

  “Well, I’m glad . . .”

  “There’s my wife.” Jefferson strutted into the office.

  Irritated, Kyla twisted in her seat. “Oh, hi, darling. I was just chatting with Brian. I haven’t had a chance to talk to him much since he moved back.”

  “Oh?” Jefferson raised his eyebrows in amusement. He was glad he had warned Brian that Kyla would be sure to come around, asking about Alexis. He wondered what had taken her so long.

  Kyla stood. There was no way she’d get any information out of Brian now that Jefferson was playing policeman. Both men faced her, silent and steadfast with silly grins on their faces.

  “Well . . . uh . . . I just wanted to stop by and say hello,” she said.