“What’s that face?”
I looked up to see him watching me, even as he stuffed himself inside his pants.
I gave him an alluring smile. “Just willing the driver to make it to your place in the next sixty seconds.”
“We’re already here.”
I looked around the back of the car, dumbfounded, realizing that the car had stopped.
“I told the driver to wait until I signaled for him to open the door.” His eyes gleamed with mischievousness. He’d discarded the used condom in a trash can that was thankfully on the floor of the backseat before tapping in the window. A second later the door opened, and Xavier quickly exited, pausing by the door with his hand out for me. I couldn’t even look the driver in the eye as I adjusted my dress and patted my hair once outside the car. A few mumbled exchanges were made before I heard the trunk close and the driver told us to have a good night.
“Home sweet home.”
Another round of tingles shot through my belly as I looked over at Xavier and realized he was staring at me and not his house. He took my hand in his and ushered us up the steps to his front door.
The rest of night he showed me exactly how glad he was to be back home.
Chapter Ten
Xavier
“You know, this thing is going to be all day. You don’t have to stay the entire time if you don’t want to.”
I glanced over at Chanel, who was sitting in the passenger seat while I drove.
“It’s cool, since you agreed to the double date with my mom and Todd later this week.” In speaking to my mother the day prior, I’d agreed to finally meet the new man in her life. When I asked Chanel earlier that morning, she’d hesitantly agreed to the double date. It would be an awkward situation, given the past between my mother and Chanel’s father, but one we needed to move past, since deep down I knew Chanel and I were in this for the long haul.
“Besides, I just got back after being gone for two weeks. You trying to get rid of me already?”
She gave me a sheepish grin. “Of course not. I just didn’t know if you had any other plans. You have been gone a while. I thought you’d maybe wanna check up on your other businesses now that you’re back in town.”
I cleared my throat, keeping my eyes on the road ahead, but took her hand in mine, pressing my lips to her soft skin. “I’m good. I kept in contact with all the managers of my restaurants while I was gone. They know I won’t be available this weekend, but also know how to contact me if anything they can’t handle comes up. A’ight?”
She nodded. “A’ight,” she mocked, doing a fake deep voice to imitate me.
“Now that that’s out of the way, tell me about this event.”
“Well, it’s a day where volunteers, employees and those who’ve used the services at the women’s shelters come out and enjoy themselves a little. They have one every year, so I’m told. This is obviously my first time attending. They’ve gotten donations from local businesses to hire estheticians and massage therapists, donated professional clothing, and enrollment counselors for women who want to return to school. There are toys and events for children, and food of course.”
“You should’ve told me beforehand. I could’ve had one of my spots cater for free.”
“You’re more than welcome to do that next year.”
“Bet. I’ll put it on my calendar.”
“You don’t have to do it. I was just teasing.”
“Why wouldn’t I? It’s a worthy cause. Anyway, you said Gabby’s going to be there?”
She nodded. “Yeah, she’s one of the estheticians that normally volunteers at the shelter. What’s that look?” she questioned when I gave her a confused frown as we came to a red light.
“What does she do at the shelter?” Not to be shady or anything, but it didn’t immediately make sense to me how an esthetician or massage therapist was of use at a domestic violence shelter.
The sigh that Chanel let out told me I was about to get yet another lesson in domestic violence.
“She helps the women there to learn how to pamper themselves. Many of the women have endured years of physical abuse, and been beaten down not just physically, but mentally. Teaching them self-care through massage, facials, and even meditation helps to build their confidence again. It can be restorative for someone who hasn’t experienced a friendly or loving touch in a long time. Some of these women have to relearn what it’s like to be touched in a loving way again. Gabby helps with that.”
It was on the tip of my tongue to ask if she’d needed the same thing after her ex.
“And yes. After my breakup with he who shall remain nameless, I had to relearn the same thing. Gabby was new as an esthetician and would use me to practice on, but I knew she was really helping me cope with everything.”
I clenched my jaw.
“And she started volunteering at the shelter because of you?” I asked.
She pursed her lips and gave me a look out of the corner of her eye. “Gabby had volunteered at women’s shelters for years, even before she and I met.”
I nodded, noting the deeper meaning behind her words. Gabby had a history, but it wasn’t my place to ask. I thought over her words. Then something I hadn’t anticipated occurred. An image of my Aunt Lisa flashed in front of me. She was a woman I’d loved, and who’d been dead for many years now. A lump formed in the pit of my stomach and the sense of dread whenever I thought about her began to bubble up.
“We’re here,” Chanel announced, dragging my attention back to her. “You okay?”
I hated the concern I heard in her voice, as she grabbed my hand.
“Fine.”
“You just got this look on your face.”
“Yeah, I’m cool. Was just thinking about what you said. Let’s go. It looks like they’ve been waiting for you.” I nodded toward an older woman who was waving in our direction.
“Oh, that’s Donna. You remember her, right?”
I squinted, looking at the woman with graying hair at her temples. I remembered her from the night I’d dropped Chanel and Anne Marie off at the shelter.
“Chanel, thank you for coming early to help set up,” Donna greeted as Chanel got out of the car. We were at a park where the event was held. There were stations set up, picnic tables and some people bustling about as they continued to set up. It was just after ten o’clock in the morning, and it didn’t start until eleven.
“You’re welcome, Donna. You remember, my friend, Xavier, right?”
I frowned down at her. I didn’t like being introduced as her friend, and made a mental note to check her on that later.
“Yes, Chanel told me you would be joining us today. Thank you for coming, Xavier.”
“The pleasure is all mine. Thank you for having me,” I told Donna, taking her hand in mine for a handshake.
“What do you need us to do?” Chanel asked.
“Well, a couple of tables still need to be set up. They were too heavy for the staff we had,” Donna answered, looking over at me.
“Say no more. Just point me in the direction.” I removed my sunglasses from the top of my head and placed them in the front pocket of my polo shirt. Although it was late September, the sun was out, and the weather was still warm enough out that an outdoor event would draw a crowd.
“Thank you, Xavier. If you just go right over there where the crew is still setting up,” she pointed to where a group of women was unfolding chairs. “They’ll show you how to help.”
I nodded, pulled Chanel into me and gave her a kiss on the cheek before turning and walking in the opposite direction.
Over the next hour, I assisted the shelter employees in setting up one long table where most of the participants would sit. As more of the guests began arriving, they were given a pink ribbon that granted them access to free chair massages and facials that Gabby and a few more women were giving out. There was an area set up for children where they could play games and run around, a small petting zoo, popcorn, and a cotton
candy station.
Across from where the children were playing was another setup for the food, which people could take as they pleased. The assortment of grilled meats, fresh fruit, and various salads had the entire section of this park smelling like a cookout.
A smile made its way to my lips as I watched Chanel helping a few of the children at the petting zoo. The way she lovingly held out her hand to show them how to feed the goats or give them bottles made something open up in my chest. I also felt a punch to my gut as I thought back to what she’d told me about her experience right after leaving her ex and moving to Los Angeles. I hadn’t realized how intently I’d been studying her until I heard a feminine voice behind me.
“She looks good surrounded by kids, huh?”
I turned to see Gabby’s five-foot-six-inch frame standing just behind me. She wore a floral romper with a pair of strappy sandals. Her hair hung in a short, silky bob that moved easily whenever her head did.
“She looks good all the time,” I responded. I could see my honesty shocked Gabby a little as her eyes widened, but then a small smile crept up on her purple stained lips.
“You talk a good game, Xavier. But so did her ex.” She frowned, her soft demeanor from just a few seconds ago changing.
I frowned deeply at that. The idea of my name even being uttered in the same sentence as that bastard had my hands curling into fists. I stuffed them into my pockets not to alarm Gabby, but I needed to make it crystal clear that neither she nor anyone else was to ever compare me to him.
“Do me a favor. If you’ve got something to ask or tell me, just say it. But don’t compare me to him. Ever.” My voice was tight, and I had to fight to keep from clenching my jaw. I knew Gabby was just trying to look out for her friend. According to everything Chanel had told me about her, she was loyal and protective. I understood that.
“Okay,” she began, folding her arms over her chest. “What are your intentions with my girl over there?”
I raised my eyebrows. “My intentions?”
“Yes, what is your end goal here? Are you just looking for a good time? A fling? Or, are you in this for the long haul?”
“Damn,” I chuckled, but Gabby’s face remained neutral. “You’re asking me that?”
She nodded.
I shook my head before glancing back over at Chanel. “I’d give her the world if she asked me for it.” Damn. I sure as hell hadn’t meant to say that, but it came out naturally. Just thinking about her had a way of doing that to me. I wasn’t typically in the business of explaining myself to others. Actions spoke louder than words, and my actions should’ve been enough to answer Gabby’s questions. When I looked back at Gabby, there was a glint in her eyes, although the rest of her face remained neutral.
“Okay, Mr. Grant. Okay,” was all she had said before she headed over to where Chanel was still playing with the children.
I began to head over there too when Donna pulled me to the side.
“We’re about to start the speeches. Everyone’s sitting at the table you helped set up earlier,” she informed me before hurrying off to round up the rest of the people.
“Hey, you having a good time?” Chanel asked, appearing at my side a few minutes later.
“Yeah. You?”
She grinned as she looked out over the crowd. “It’s been a good day. I like that they’re going to dedicate a room in the shelter to Anne Marie and Noah. I think that’s what the upcoming speech is about.” She motioned with her chin to Donna, who was walking towards the head of the long table. She had a microphone in hand.
“Wanna sit here?” Chanel pointed to a space at the table that was big enough to fit us both.
I shrugged. “Sure.”
As we sat, Donna began her introductions, introducing herself as the shelter’s director, along with a few of the counselors who worked there fulltime. She spoke of the work being done at the shelter to protect women and their children, along with the work of the volunteers who spent hours aiding women and preparing them for life after leaving an abuser. I even felt my chest expand a little when Donna spoke of her hope for the future and the direction she wanted to take the shelter in.
“My hope is that one day this place will no longer be needed. Strange as it may sound, my ultimate goal is to be out of a job. I want to live in a world where my services are no longer needed. I want to live in a world where women, children, and even men don’t have to fear the people they love. But until that day comes, I will be right here, helping those who need me and remembering those whose voices we can no longer hear. Such as Anne Marie Gibson.”
Chanel’s hand tightened into a fist in mine at the mention of Anne Marie. I placed my hand on the small of her back, rubbing little circles as Donna continued talking about the events of Anne Marie’s murder. She discussed how Anne Marie was one of many women who sought refuge at the shelter, only to return to her abuser out of fear.
“Unfortunately, Anne Marie’s death is a reminder to us all that we still have plenty of work to do, and to those of you who made it out, that your life today is a gift…”
The pit that had formed in my stomach earlier began to grow the more I listened to her words. I felt my hand begin to clench as anger rose in my belly. I’d put what happened to Anne Marie and her child out of my mind and solely focused on making sure Chanel was okay when it all happened. But as she sat next to me, safe and sound, the anger that I’d felt that horrible night and the day I found out what a piece of shit her ex-fiancé was threatened to take over. I was glad when there was a pause, as Donna passed the microphone to another woman who appeared to be in her early forties. I had zoned out, so I didn’t even hear the introduction, missing the woman’s name.
“Thank you, everyone, for being here today,” she began. Her skin, the color of cedarwood, shone brightly as she smiled. “Like Donna, I, too, dream of a world where these types of events are no longer needed, and stories like mine are no longer commonplace. You see this right here?” She paused, pointing to what I could make out as a scar that ran down from her temple area into her eyebrow. It wasn’t obvious until she pointed it out. “This was done to me by my ex-boyfriend. Five weeks after I finally left him, he was in my apartment, waiting for me after work. He shot me three times, once in the stomach, once in the arm, and the third bullet grazed my forehead, leaving me with these scars.”
A few gasps sounded around the table. Chanel’s back straightened, and she went completely still as she listened. My hand paused on her back, then fell away as a ringing in my ears began. It was as if the edges of vision darkened and I could feel my heart rate quicken along with my breathing pattern.
“He’d stalked me for weeks…” the woman continued.
At that point, I only caught bits and pieces of her story, as I had been thrown back to a time in my life I’d spent years trying to forget. The helplessness I’d felt as a teenager came rushing back, and I needed to stand and get as far away from this spot as possible.
I quickly stood and turned my back on those gathered at the table, walking off toward my car. I vaguely heard Chanel whisper my name, but I failed to answer or even acknowledge her. The farther I got from the speaking woman, the more I felt like I could breathe a little easier, but the pain and torment I’d begun to feel hadn’t subsided. In the back of my mind I knew I’d need to explain what my departure was all about, but at that moment, I needed space.
****
Chanel
As soon as Jackie stopped speaking and the others began to circle her, thanking her for sharing her story and commending her on her courage, I signaled to Gabby that I was heading over to check on Xavier. I knew something was off with him since we’d arrived. His demeanor had become quiet and withdrawn. When Jackie began speaking, I felt his body go rigid alongside mine. I, too, had a similar reaction when she first revealed what’d happened to her, but as she continued, I could feel Xavier tighten up more and more.
I wondered what brought about his reaction as I approached hi
s car. He was leaning against the driver side door, his arms crossed as he stared at the ground in front of him. I took a moment to admire him in his stillness. His smooth, chestnut skin shined under the sun. He looked delicious, dressed casually in a pair of dark blue jeans and red polo shirt. However, it was the way his jaw was clenched and the tension in his body that told me he had something heavy on his mind. I knew what we’d just heard from Jackie was difficult to hear, but I believed his reaction was a result of more than her story.
“Hey,” I called, going over to stand in front of him. It took a few moments, but when those coffee eyes rose to meet mine, a chill ran through my body. I could feel the anguish he was dealing with inside. I reached out, stroking his braced arm until he finally loosened his grip a little, allowing me to clasp his hand. The tightly coiled tension within him spilled out, now engulfing us both.
“You want to talk about it?” I posed it as a question, but honestly, I wasn’t going to give him a choice. He needed to open up about what was bothering him, and I needed to hear it.
I squeezed his hand. He continued to stare at me, his jaw working as his teeth clenched. For a long while, there was silence between us, but the air was palpable. I’m sure my eyes were begging for him to say what was on his heart.
He inhaled, and his fingers tightened around mine as he exhaled. “My aunt.” He glanced back toward the table where a few people were still gathered speaking with Jackie and Donna. “Her boyfriend killed her. Stabbed her in their home a few months after she reconciled with him.”
My hand shot up to my mouth, covering it. My eyes watered at the pain I heard in his voice. He looked out, watching the scene in the distance, and I could tell his mind was a million miles away. A hundred questions ran through my mind. I wanted to know what happened, but remained silent, knowing this was not the time to push, but to be patient.
He looked down at our joined hands. “She was my father’s sister. He never had much time for me, but ever since I was young, my aunt made it clear to my mother she’d be there to help us. She babysat me as a kid, took me to family functions on my father’s side. She even helped birth my love of cooking. She always told me she knew I’d be a success one day.
Safe Space II: The Finale Page 13