Just Talk to Me (AriQui #1)

by Arica Quinn

  “Myra, it's not like that, baby. Look at me.”

  “What, Max? Look, I'm here now just like you planned, and I will be a support for you

  because of your dad. But when we get home,” she says, pulling her hands from his, “we got some talking to do.”

  ***

  “Hello, can I speak to Keith Bryant? It’s very urgent.”

  “Yes, let me get him on the line. May I ask who is speaking?”

  “Yes. This is Tristan, I am Monique’s sister.”

  “Please hold.”

  “Hello, Tristan, this is Keith. My secretary said that it was urgent that you speak with me. Is everything all right?”

  “Keith, it’s Monique. She is not doing well.”

  “What do you mean? What happened?”

  “It’s too much to explain over the phone, can you get here? I really think you should be here.”

  “I’m coming to Philadelphia, right?”

  “Yes, that’s right. The address here is 609 Gravers Lane.”

  “Okay, I will call you when I land in Philly.”

  “Okay. And Keith, hurry.”

  Keith grabs his keys and jacket and heads to his house to get his things together to head to Philly. Dialing Max, he leaves a message explaining what is going on and how to reach him if he needs to.

  God, please don’t take her from me. Let me get there, let me see her. I love her so much.

  Pulling up at his house, he jumps out the car, runs into the house and up the stairs then packs a small bag, goes out the door to the car and heads off to the airport. Reaching the airport, he calls Tristan to let her know he will be in Philly in a few hours.

  “So what happened? I don’t understand.”

  “Keith, I’d rather not tell you over the phone.”

  “Tristan please, what is it?”

  “Keith, my sister has…has…”

  “What? Tell me.”

  “She has Hepatitis C.”

  “What? My God. How? When?”

  “She has been battling it for about a year.”

  One year, Keith thought. That’s about the time our relationship ended.

  “Tristan, is that why, is it … that’s why she broke it off with me, why she got so angry and what she wanted to talk to me about when she got back, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, Keith, it is.”

  “My poor baby.”

  “Keith, are you okay?”

  “Yes, I am. I will call you when I land.”

  Keith hangs up the phone. As he sits on the plane, he keeps reliving the night they ended over and over again in his head. Why didn’t I see it, why didn’t I stay? The flight to Philly seems to take hours. Getting to his rental car, he calls Tristan.

  “Hey, Keith, glad you made it. When you get to the house, there will be a gate, the code is 7779311.”

  “Really, Tristan? 7779311?”

  “Sorry, what can I say? I’m a big Prince and The Time fan.”

  Okay, see you in a few.”

  Following the directions on the GPS, he arrives at the gate, enters the code and drives up the driveway to the house.

  As Keith pulls up to the door, Tristan is waiting for him. Keith gets out the car and walks towards the front door in a hurried pace. “Tristan? Hi, I am Keith.”

  “Hello, Keith. Please come in.”

  “You have a beautiful home.”

  “Thank you. It was left to us when our parents passed away.”

  “Oh, your parents are deceased?”

  “Yes, they were killed by a drunk driver three years ago.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Thanks. Well, let me show you to your room so you can put down your things and then we can head straight to the hospital.”

  “Okay, thank you.” Keith goes to the room, freshens up and then comes back down stairs to find Tristan talking to the cook. Wow, he thought, I never knew Monique lived like this. She never really talked about it and I wonder why.

  “Keith, this is Giovanni, our cook and he will make you whatever you like.”

  “Nice to meet you.” They shake hands.

  “Well, would you like something to eat before we go or are you ready to go now? Giovanni, can we have Mexican tonight?”

  “Sure, I’ll get started on it right away. I'll make your favorites.”

  “Thanks, G. See you later.” Keith follows Tristan to her car, a black and teal Mustang 5.0. “So, Keith, how did you and Monique meet?”

  “Straight to the point, aren't we? Well, I was at a fundraiser for one of the hospitals to raise money for children with…”

  “Children with what, Keith?”

  “Wow, children with hepatitis and your sister was there. I watched her interact with these kids for hours. She was so gentle with them. I mean, just watching her kind of pricked my heart.”

  “Yeah, that sounds like sissy.”

  “Anyway, eventually I got up the nerve to approach her. I introduced myself. We pretty much stuck to each other that night, talking about how to help the children. By the end of the night, we had planned our first date. We instantly clicked.”

  “Wow, Keith, sounds like love at first sight.”

  “Well, for me it was. Our relationship was growing fast and strong. We shared so many great moments together.”

  “So tell me, Keith, is my sister a tiger in the bedroom?”

  “Tristan!”

  “I'm sorry.”

  “Well, to be honest, we have not… I mean, we didn’t have sex. She was very firm on where she stood with that and I respected that value in her. Uh! Yes,and then all of a sudden everything fell apart. I guess I know why now, but then it hurt like hell.” Pulling up to the hospital, Keith lets out a big sigh.

  “Are you nervous?”

  “Yeah, a little. I just don't know how I'm going to feel, seeing her like this.” As they enter the hospital and turn the corner to her room, they see Tori standing in the hallway, sobbing.

  “Tori, what’s wrong?”

  Just then the doctor comes out of Monique's room. “Okay, she is settled now.”

  “Settled now? What do you mean,” asks Tristan.

  “I had to put your sister in a medically - induced comma due to the severity of the pain she was experiencing, and to avoid an increase in her medication. We are diligently searching for a matching donor. Her liver is failing and if we don't find a match soon, she is not going to make it.”

  “Do you think it is possible for me to go in and see her?”

  “Sure, but you must put on a gown, mask and gloves before going in. Let me show you where the items are.” Keith follows the doctor to a room just around the corner.

  “Doc, can I ask you a question? I know without your liver you will die but how long can a person last without one”

  “Keith, not very long. Why do you ask?”

  “Well, I love this woman so much that if I were a match, I would give up my liver so she could live. Her sisters need her. She is all they have. Please don't tell the twins about this conversation, but I do want to see if I am a match.”

  The doctor leaves, pondering the conversation they just had. Keith walks into the room to see Monique. He takes a deep breath.

  ***

  As the plan touches down in Atlanta, the hot, 98 degree, humidity filled air can't even steam the cold chill between them. As the plan taxies to the gate, Maxwell tries to muster up something to say.

  “Myra,” he says, “welcome to my home.”

  She just glances at him from the corner of her eye. The captain turns off the Fasten your Seatbelt sign. Several passengers grab their belongings from the overhead bins and exits the plane. Myra and Max stay seated until the plane is almost empty.

  On exiting the plane, Max goes to the car rental counter and takes care of the reservation. They head out to the car. Maxwell opens the passenger door for Myra and closes it. He stands and stares at her through the window for a few moments then proceeds to put the luggage in the trunk.
>
  Getting in on the driver’s side, he says, “Myra, baby, please say something. This silence is killing me.”

  “What do you want me to say, Max? Obviously you have said enough for the both of us. So does your family even know I am coming?”

  “Yes, babe, they know you are with me.”

  “And just what do they know, Max?”

  “They know that you are special to me.”

  “Is that right? How special can I be if you couldn’t even tell me what was going on? You make me feel like I’m some kind of friend with benefits, some kind of trophy on display. Or am I just your cover for your feelings concerning Jasmine? Do you still have feelings for this woman, Max? Is that it?”

  “No, Myra, I don't have feelings for her.” Staring straight ahead, Max thinks to himself, But maybe I do.

  Pulling up to the house, Myra takes out her little makeup kit to freshen up and hide the tear stains on her face. Max gets out and opens the door for her.

  Stepping out the car, she says, “Wow, what a beautiful home.”

  Grabbing the bags from the trunk, Max reaches for Myra’s hand. She pulls it away as they walk to the door.

  Just then the door opens and there stands Anthony. “Hey, Max, thank you for coming.”

  “Yeah, bro, you're welcome. Anthony this is...”

  “You must be Myra, welcome to our home.” They walk inside the house and into the living room to have a seat.

  “So, how is Dad doing?”

  “Well, right now he is still unresponsive and the machines are helping him breathe.”

  “So, what happened?”

  “We are still not sure, whether he lost his balance and fell down the stairs, or he may have had a heart attack...we should know more today.”

  “Hello, where is everyone?”

  “We are in the living room, baby.”

  In walks Jasmine. “Hello, Max and...”

  “This is Myra,” says Max.

  Extending her hand, she says,“Hello, Myra, I am Jasmine.”

  As they shake hands Myra mumbles to herself, “She's beautiful.” Glancing at Max, she

  notices a slight change in the expression on his face.

  “Well, let me show you to your room.” Jasmine leads them upstairs to the south end of the hall. The French doors open to reveal a room that looks like it came from one of those fancy living magazines.

  “I'll leave you two to get settled and to go check on lunch.”

  Myra takes her bag from Max and starts to unpack it. “Myra, sweetheart, can we please talk about this?”

  “Maxwell, I know that we have not been together long but correct me if I'm wrong. Weren’t you the one who said you wanted an exclusive relationship with me? Maybe I need to clarify what ‘exclusive’ means to me. See, sugar, ‘exclusive’ means that I am not your buddy, your friend with benefits, your around-the-way girl. I means I am your woman and you are my man. That we support each other, respect each other, keep lines of communication clear and open and that we protect each other. Right now, you have not communicated with me and you have left me uncovered and unprotected. We are supposed to be devoted to one another, without questions. Right now, I am questioning.

  “Look, Maxwell Thaddeus Anderson, it was clear to me by the expression on your face when she walked into the room that there are still some unresolved emotions tied up in you. I refuse to be dangled in limbo. When we get back home, I think it will best that you and I take a reprieve. I think you need time to work through this obvious unresolved issue before this right here, you and I, can go any further.”

  Myra picks up her bag and opens the door to the adjacent bedroom. “I'm going to take a shower and get cleaned up.” She closes the door with tears in her eyes as Maxwell just stares.

  Anthony knocks at the door. “Hey, bro, lunch is ready.”

  “Okay, thanks.” Tapping on Myra’s door, he says, “Baby, lunch is ready. Are you coming?”

  “No, I'm not hungry. I'm going to lie down and rest.”

  “Okay, I'll be back after I eat.”

  “Uh hmm. Whatever.”

  Maxwell heads downstairs, feeling very uncomfortable in the room with just Anthony and Jasmine. “So, when are we going over to hospital to see Dad.”

  “At about 4pm, that's usually when they have completed monitoring for a while. So how did you and Myra meet? She seems like a nice person.”

  “We met through some mutual friends.”

  “She is quite different from the women you usually date.”

  “Yes, she is, Jasmine, in more ways than one. She is not stuck up, self-centered or high maintenance. And it’s beautiful to be in the company of a woman who is just down to earth. Anyway, I think I’m going to take a stroll in the garden and then head upstairs to shower and relax. I'll be ready at four.”

  “Okay, and Max? Thanks again for being here. I really do appreciate it.”

  Maxwell nods his head and goes out back to the garden. Catching Jasmine gazing in his direction, Anthony says, “Something outside got your attention, Jasmine?”

  “Uh, oh, no, not really.”

  ***

  Checking to make sure that everything is set for the game, Angelina is thinking, I got the beer, the snacks and the surround sound on blast…when the doorbell rings.

  “Just a minute. Hey, Kiki, it's about time you got here. The game is about to start.”

  “I know. Sorry for being late. I got caught up with…”

  “I already know, girl. I wish you would leave him alone and give… never mind.”

  “Who, Angelina? Thomas. Is that who you were going to say? Girl, I have left Rich. That's why I am late; I was breaking it off with him. I know I had a good person in Thomas but I am too out of control to be with someone like him. Come on, girl, let’s go in the family room and get set for game time.”

  “Kiki, trust me, things are gonna work out for you, I just know it. And, hum, you are rooting for the Broncos right?”

  “You know it, girl! Orange and blue baby, orange and blue.”

  “Oh, Kiki girl, I invited someone else over to watch the game with us.”

  “Okay, cool, who is it?”

  Just then the doorbell rings.

  “Can you grab the door while I get the wings?”

  “Okay, girl, I’ll get it.”

  Kiki walks over and opens the door. There, to her surprise, stands Thomas.

  “Hello, Kiki.”

  “Hi, Thomas,” she says as she turns quickly and goes to take a seat on the couch, leaving him at the door.

  “Hey, Thomas,” Angelina yells from the kitchen, “come on in and make yourself comfortable.”

  Turning in Angelina’s direction, Kiki gives her an evil look.

  “So Kiki, how have you been?”

  “I've been all right, Thomas, and you?

  “Okay, I guess.”

  “Just okay?”

  “Yeah, for now anyway. So, what have you been up to? And you look great by the way.”

  Kiki smirks. What is he up to? I am not doing this. Keep it together, girl. You are not ready to explore any further possibilities with this man.

  “Well, thank you. I've not been doing much.”

  “So the game tonight should be good, you think?”

  “I 'm sure it will be, Thomas.”

  “Look, I can't do this, Kiki,” he says, moving closer to her. “I need to let you know, honey, I miss you. I miss your smile, your touch, the way you communicate with words, our talks. Baby, I miss you. Listen, I know you went through a hard relationship and I know you don't trust like you used to but I just want to be the one who supports you through this. To be there for you.”

  “Really, Thomas?”

  “Yes, love. I’m not asking you to do anything except giving me the opportunity to show you what a good man is.”

  “I don't know, Thomas. I’m so messed up in the head and my emotions right now.”

  “Okay, and why do you have to go through this al
one? Baby, let me be there for you. Do I want a relationship with you still? Yes, I do, but like I told you before, just let me start by being your friend. Baby, we still have a dream to finish, remember?” Kiki smiles. Thomas gets up and moves closer to her.

  “Now that's what I'm talking about,” Angelina says, looking at the two of them. Thomas grabs a plate, fills it with snacks and hands it to Kiki.

  “Okay,” says Angelina, “here we go. It’s kick off time.”

  ***

  Please pick up, please pick up.

  “Hello, this is Ange.”

  “Baby, it’s Jonathan.”

  “Who?”

  “Jonathan.”

  “Wow, really? What do you want?”

  “Can I talk to you? It’s important.”

  “Hold on. Hey, I need to take this call. I’ll be back.”

  “Is it Jonathan?” Kiki mouths.

  Nodding her head yes, she goes into the other room.

  “Jonathan, whatever you need to say, hurry up and say it. I'm in the middle of watching the game.”

  “Angelina, I want to explain to you what's been going on.”

  “Explain what, Jonathan? That you are in another relationship with another woman? Yeah, I know, I saw you last week, all hugged up with her, with matching wedding bands on, I might add. So there is nothing for you to explain. What I saw was pretty self-explanatory.”

  “No, baby, wait. I do need to explain because what you saw is not what it is.”

  Really? That bullshit line? Is that in the “How to Get Over on Your Woman Handbook” given to every man at the age 18?

  “Oh really? So why are you calling me from a private number all of a sudden?”

  “Baby, look, I really need to talk to you but over the phone just doesn't seem right. Can we meet somewhere?”

  “Look, Jonathan, I told you I am in the middle of my game and I have company so if you want to meet, it will have to be later.”

  “Okay, I’ll come over after the game.”

  “Uh no, we can meet at the cafe down the street. Every time I get around him, I get weak. No chance of anything happening at the cafe.

  “Okay, call me when the game is over and I’ll meet you there.”