Date With Destiny

by Mason Dixon

Destiny quickly filled her plate. “What else does she know about you?”

  “She knows where all the bodies are buried, but you’d have to OD her on truth serum if you want to drag the locations out of her.”

  “Have you always been close?”

  “Ever since I was a little girl, yeah. I’m probably closer to her than I am to my mother.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “I’m not quite sure. My mother and I have always been like oil and water. My grandmother and I like two peas in a pod. When I came out, my mother acted like it was the end of the world. My grandmother made me realize it wasn’t the end. It was the beginning.”

  “She sounds like someone I’d love to meet.”

  “Yeah, I love her to pieces.” Rashida imagined introducing Destiny to her grandmother. She wondered what reaction she would receive, the acceptance she was accustomed to or a rare sign of disapproval? But it was much too soon to worry about either. “What about you? Are you and your family close?”

  Destiny shook her head. “My coming out story doesn’t have the happy ending yours does. I’ve been on my own since I was seventeen. My father saw me on a date with my girlfriend at the time. When I got home, he had changed the locks on the doors and my clothes were scattered all over the lawn. Both he and my mother made it clear I was no longer welcome in their home or their lives. I haven’t seen either of them since.”

  Rashida paused in mid-chew. Destiny’s voice was matter-of-fact, but her eyes glittered with repressed pain. The bonds she shared with her own family were frayed, but she couldn’t imagine completely severing the connection. How lost Destiny must have felt being on her own. How lost she must still feel. “What did you do?”

  “I stayed at a friend’s house for a while. When I stopped feeling sorry for myself, I picked myself up, got my G.E.D., got a job, and never looked back.”

  In her head, Rashida heard her grandmother’s grunt of disapproval. Destiny didn’t have a high school diploma, let alone a college degree. There were few things Viola Ivey valued more than education. She had been happy when Rashida graduated from high school. When Rashida had graduated from college, she had been so proud Rashida thought she would carry her across the stage. Everyone deserved a moment like that. She wondered if Destiny had experienced anything similar.

  “Do you have friends or other family members with whom you’re in touch?”

  “I haven’t stayed in one place long enough to make many friends. As for my family, I left them in my rearview mirror long ago. It’s just me, I’m afraid.”

  The strength Rashida sensed in her was apparently not just physical but mental and emotional as well. Destiny must have endless reserves of all three in order to mature from a frightened teenager who had been left to her own devices to the confident, self-assured woman sitting across from her.

  “What’s your work experience?”

  Destiny smiled. “You name it and chances are I’ve done it at least once. I enlisted in the Army after high school and served as an MP for three years. Since I got out, I’ve been some of everything. Courier, salesperson, security guard. My last job was working guard duty for a small security company in Athens. That was my favorite. The owner was a UGA grad who managed to snag free tickets for all the big games. There’s nothing like football Saturday in a college town.”

  Rashida didn’t have to ask if Destiny missed Athens. She could tell by the wistfulness she heard in her voice. “How did you end up in Savannah?”

  “I worked for my old company for six years until they went belly up eight months ago. I’ve been scouring the want ads since then. The owner has a friend who owns a business here and he thought I could latch on. I moved here on a promise, but the promise didn’t pan out.”

  “Where are you staying?”

  In Savannah, as in most towns filled with old money and the nouveau riche, your address was as much of a sign of success as the kind of car you drove.

  “Garrett Walker, an old Army buddy of mine, has a place on Thirty-seventh Street. I’ve been bunking in his guest room for a while, though his wife keeps finding a way to work the famous Ben Franklin quote into every conversation.”

  “The one about fish and houseguests stinking after three days?”

  “Maybe I can move in with you when Traci kicks me out. What kind of couch do you have?”

  Destiny grinned to let Rashida know she wasn’t serious. At least Rashida hoped she wasn’t serious. Her gut told her she could trust Destiny, but how much did she know about her aside from her name and a few biographical details? Then again, did she need to know someone’s entire life story in order to know her heart? Destiny seemed open and honest. A woman of her word. Someone you’d want standing next to you in a firefight or holding your shaking hands after a bad dream. “You and I are practically neighbors. I live a few streets over from you.”

  “Where?”

  Rashida wasn’t ready to give her exact address to someone she was still getting to know. “Near the Starland Design District.”

  “What’s a banker doing living among starving artists and struggling musicians?”

  “I’m not a banker twenty-four seven.”

  “So who are you when you’re not at work?”

  “I’m still trying to figure that out myself.”

  Rashida’s friends and fellow employees constantly commented on how she seemed to have her shit together. If only they knew. She faced the same obstacles they did. To do her job, to live her life, and to be comfortable with who she was at the end of the day. Destiny made her want to share the uncertainties she hid from everyone else. To let down her guard and expose the vulnerable underbelly she didn’t dare display to the sharks in her field.

  “If you need help, I’m available.”

  “I’ll be sure to keep my options open.”

  Destiny leaned forward. Her eyes invited Rashida to do the same. “I hope you do.”

  The timbre of Destiny’s voice sent shivers down Rashida’s spine. She rubbed her arms to guard against the sudden chill—and the heat she felt beginning to build between them.

  “I do have some good news,” Destiny said brightly.

  “Oh?” Rashida reached for a slice of prosciutto as she tried to regain her bearings. What was it about Destiny that kept her off balance? Her eyes? Her voice? Or the increasing likelihood that their chance meeting two days ago wasn’t an accident but fate?

  “When I went to the French Roast to buy a cup of coffee yesterday, Charles offered to give me some shifts until I find a permanent gig.”

  “He’s one of the sweetest men I’ve ever met. That sounds like something he would do.” Rashida felt something click into place. “Wait. You said you worked as a security guard for six years. Do you still have your license?”

  “I always keep it up-to-date because I never know when I might need it. I can’t carry a weapon because I’m not currently registered with a security company, but I could work as an unarmed guard if anyone was hiring. Why do you ask?”

  “Because I have an opening you might be able to fill.” Destiny’s devilish grin made Rashida’s temperature rise. “A job opening, that is. We need a guard in our downtown office, and we need someone who can start immediately. We offer the standard benefits. Two weeks’ paid vacation, the option to participate in a 401K retirement plan, and medical, dental, and vision insurance. Are you interested?”

  Destiny sat up straight. “Damn right I’m interested. Where do I sign up?”

  Rashida smiled at her enthusiasm. “There should be a link in the online ad on our website. If not, you can mail a cover letter and a copy of your résumé to our HR department.”

  “I’ll do that as soon as I leave here. Thanks for the heads-up.”

  Rashida was glad she had removed herself from the hiring process. Even without knowing all of Destiny’s qualifications, she doubted she’d be able to offer an unbiased opinion on Destiny’s suitability for the job. There was also the matter of the no fraternization agreemen
t. One of the many documents Low Country Savings Bank employees were required to sign once they came on board was one that decreed they weren’t allowed to date other bank employees. Dating was considered not only a potential conflict of interest but also a security risk. If Destiny was offered the job and decided to take it, she and Rashida could never be anything more than co-workers. Rashida started to tell her about the agreement but kept quiet. If Destiny wasn’t offered the job, the agreement wouldn’t be an issue. If she was offered the job, she would have to weigh a sure thing against a possibility.

  Either way, the decision would be out of her hands.

  The waitress came to clear the table and ask if they needed anything else.

  “Would you like another drink?” Rashida asked.

  Destiny put on her sweater as the setting sun brought on the evening chill. Temperatures in the lower seventies had given way to those in the upper fifties. “I’d love one, but I think I’ve monopolized enough of your time.”

  “You haven’t heard me complain, have you?”

  “In that case, bring it on.”

  “Be careful what you’re asking for,” Rashida said. “You just might get it.”

  Destiny’s lips curled into a teasing smile. “Isn’t that the point?” She turned to the waitress. “Another round, please.”

  “For here or to go?”

  “To go.”

  “I’ll be right out with your drinks and your bill.”

  Rashida gave the waitress her debit card to expedite matters. “Are you done with me so soon?” she asked after the waitress left.

  “I haven’t even started with you yet,” Destiny said in a sexy whisper that would have made Rashida’s knees buckle if she hadn’t been sitting down. “If you’re up for an adventure, I’d like to show you something.”

  Rashida played it coy. “I don’t know if I should go with you. My last adventure didn’t turn out as well as I’d hoped. Can you assure me there won’t be any water involved?”

  “There’s water nearby but no high-velocity jets. Is that good enough?”

  “I guess it will have to do.” Rashida signed the bill and slipped the receipt into the back pocket of her jeans.

  “I’ll keep you safe. I promise.” Destiny pushed her chair away from the high-top table and offered Rashida her hand. “Shall we?”

  Rashida grabbed her plastic to-go cup and accepted Destiny’s offer of help. Or was she agreeing to something more?

  They took the elevator downstairs and walked along the red brick walkway parallel to tourist laden River Street. Restaurants, souvenir shops, and art galleries were on their right, the riverfront to their left. The cool air coming off the water made Rashida grateful she had chosen to wear a sweatshirt today.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Almost there,” Destiny said with a sly smile.

  Rashida had no idea what kind of “adventure” Destiny had in mind. She had lived in Savannah all her life, been to River Street hundreds if not thousands of times. She knew the area like the back of her hand. What could Destiny possibly show her that she hadn’t already seen?

  “You don’t like surprises, do you?” Destiny asked.

  “If I know what they are.”

  “That goes against the concept of a surprise, doesn’t it?”

  “I’m like a Boy Scout. I like to be prepared.”

  “No, I think you like to be in control. But when you’re with me, you need to let me be in charge every once in a while.”

  Destiny tossed their empty cups in a trash bin and stopped in front of a spot across from a T-shirt shop. The spot was shaped like a circle. The brick tiles inside the circle formed an X.

  “You don’t always have to lead, Rashida. Sometimes it’s better if you follow.”

  As Destiny nudged her toward the center of the circle, Rashida forced herself to stop anticipating what Destiny had in mind and allowed her to take control.

  “Stand in the middle. Place your feet on the X.”

  Destiny held her by her shoulders as she maneuvered her into position. Rashida smelled the scent she had already come to associate with Destiny, a mix of citrus and cinnamon. She smelled like a warm fruit punch that made even the largest house feel cozy on a cold winter day. She dropped her hands and took a step back. Rashida missed her already.

  “Now say something.”

  “Something like what?” Rashida was startled by the sound of her own voice. “God, that’s weird. It sounds like I’m standing in an echo chamber.”

  “They call this spot Echo Square. Garrett showed it to me shortly after I moved down here. At first I thought I’d had one too many frozen daiquiris from Wet Willie’s, but the same thing happened each time I came back, whether I’d been drinking a Call a Cab or a glass of sweet tea.”

  “This spot isn’t in any of the city guidebooks or tourist brochures.” Rashida couldn’t get used to the sound of her voice echoing in her ears. She felt like she was standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon without the steep drop-off in front of her. “I never knew it was here.”

  “Most people don’t.” Destiny smiled triumphantly. “How do you feel about surprises now?”

  “Like I’d better get used to them if you’re around.”

  Destiny offered her arm. Rashida had never dated anyone who so clearly identified as butch. Her former lovers were high femmes, which occasionally meant high maintenance. She wasn’t used to having her car door opened for her or her chair pulled out to make it easier for her to sit down. Things she suspected would be common occurrences as long as Destiny was around. She was surprised to discover she liked the ideas of being treated like a lady and of having Destiny around to do it. She placed her hand in the crook of Destiny’s elbow as they continued their journey down River Street.

  “I guess I’d better get used to a lot of things.”

  Chapter Five

  Tuesday, March 7

  2:46 p.m.

  Richmond Hill, Georgia

  Rashida’s desk phone rang while she was in the middle of reviewing newly opened accounts. Part of her job function was to review the opening deposits, determine if the appropriate holds had been placed on the funds, and assign each customer a risk rating. Certain retail customers constituted a higher risk simply because of their line of business. She flagged an account for a check cashing company and sent an instant message to the Assistant Bank Secrecy Act Officer to remind him to conduct the necessary due diligence. She answered the phone on the third ring, fielding the call just before it would have gone to voice mail. “Rashida Ivey,” she said automatically.

  “I know you told me you didn’t want to be involved in the hiring process,” Jackie said, “but I thought you’d want to hear how Destiny’s interview went.”

  Rashida drew her attention away from the reports on her computer screen and focused on Jackie’s voice. She didn’t know whether to root for Destiny or against her. Should she be selfish or selfless? “How did she do?”

  “She knocked it out of the park. She aced the interview and passed the online skills test with flying colors. At the moment, she’s the leading contender. I’d offer her the job right now if I didn’t have an interview scheduled with an internal candidate tomorrow.”

  Jackie sounded surprised Destiny had performed so well. Rashida wasn’t surprised at all.

  “That’s great,” she said tonelessly.

  “I thought you’d be turning somersaults. You sound like I just told you your dog died. What gives?”

  “I’m glad Destiny interviewed well, and I’m sure she’d make a wonderful addition to the team, but if she joins the staff, I won’t be able to date her.”

  The complaint sounded much different when she gave voice to it than when she had kept it locked inside. In her head, it made perfect sense. Out loud, it sounded petty and small.

  “I’d forgotten about that silly rule,” Jackie said. “Other people break it all the time and nothing happens to them. Why can’t you join the crowd?”<
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  Rashida was reminded of the famous quote more often attributed to Spiderman’s uncle Ben than its rightful author. With great power comes great responsibility. She eyed the new pack of business cards she had recently received via interoffice mail. Her name, contact information, and new title were printed beneath the bank’s logo. She ran her finger over the embossed letters.

  “As a member of management, I’m supposed to lead by example, not become an example of what not to do.”

  “I knew you’d say that. Do you want me to make it easy for you and take her name off the list?”

  “No, of course not. I’m not that shallow. At least I hope I’m not. If Destiny turns out to be the best person for the job, by all means offer her the position. Don’t give me a second thought. Have you vetted her yet?”

  “Everything checks out. Her work history is as clean as a whistle and all her personal and professional references provided glowing testimonials to her character and work ethic. Like I said, the job is hers to lose. Tony will have to show me something special to beat her out. Based on what I’ve seen from him so far, that isn’t likely. His out of balance numbers are troubling. He’s close to crossing the threshold that would result in automatic termination, which is probably why he wants to move on to something else. After being a teller for so long, I’m not sure he has the proper mindset to be a guard. He’s used to treating customers as friends. I need someone who sees them as possible suspects.”

  Rashida felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Destiny’s long drought appeared to be almost over. Hers, on the other hand, seemed likely to continue. “I’ve got to go. My other line’s ringing.”

  “Not a problem. I’ll talk to you later.”

  Rashida hung up and fielded the incoming call. “Rashida Ivey.”

  “Hey, it’s Destiny. How are you doing?”

  “I’m well. You?”

  “Things are looking up. Thanks again for the tip on the job.”

  “You’re welcome,” Rashida said, wondering how Destiny had gotten the number for her direct line. Destiny had asked her for her phone number before they went their separate ways on Sunday, but she had provided the one to her cell, not her office.