The Hustler's Daughter {DC Bookdiva Publications}

by Pinky Dior

  “Thank you girls,” Mercedes cracked a smile. She sensed that her friend Hazel was as overcome with grief as she was.

  “Hey Mercedes.” Hazel nervously said. She could feel Mercedes staring at her.

  “What’s up Hazel?” Mercedes asked.

  “I’m sorry about your father’s death.” Hazel hesitated to get the words out of her mouth and her voice seemed cracked. “I have to go.” Hazel left in a hurry, causing everyone to wonder about the awkwardness of her presence.

  “What’s wrong with her?” Mercedes wondered as she watched Hazel disappear from the funeral home.

  “I don’t know; she’s been like this since she got here. We asked her, but she said she didn’t want to talk about it.” Candy told her.

  “Damn, well I hope she’s alright.” Mercedes worried about her girl. Besides Candy, she loved Hazel more than any of her girls. She loved her like she was a part of her family.

  “She’ll be good.” Candy smiled. “What about you? How are you holding up?”

  “I’m good for now, we’ll have to manage. I never imagined losing my dad.” A tear crept down the side of her face.

  “Thank you girls for stopping by and showing my family some support, I really appreciate it.” They all embraced and promised to keep in touch.

  As Mercedes was about to leave, she noticed Emilio outside smoking a cigarette. She brushed past him and he tossed his cigarette and followed her.

  “Mercedes!” He called out, but she ignored him. She was headed to the limousine that sat waiting for her in front of the funeral home.

  “Please Mercedes, can I talk to you for a minute.”

  “What the hell can you possibly say to me?” Mercedes asked. “That you had something to do with my father’s death?” She was extremely suspicious of Emilio.

  “Are you going to hear me out?” Emilio asked as he genuinely looked into her greenish puppy dog eyes. Mercedes titled her head to the side and folded her arms across her breasts.

  “You have one minute.”

  “Alright, thank you.”

  “You don’t have time to thank me. Just talk.” Mercedes advised him.

  “Well, the other night at your birthday party, I wanted to apologize for saying what I did.” Mercedes turned away; she didn’t want to hear his bullshit. He grabbed her arm and made her look at him so she could see the sincerity.

  “Mercedes, please listen to me. I didn’t mean what I said. I was drinking and everything was so overwhelming for me. My family has lost people too. My parents died and my aunt is in the hospital. Having so many people close to me that are gone or hurt had me feeling like fuck the world. I’m sorry. I truthfully apologize and if you don’t accept, that’s fine.” Emilio was laying on the charm thick and even threw in a few tears to make it authentic.

  “Just because you lost your mother doesn’t mean you should wish death upon my family!” Mercedes retorted with tears in her eyes, “You got what you wished for.”

  She walked away and climbed into the limousine slamming the door. Maria saw her daughter was upset after talking to Emilio and wondered what happened. However, she kept her concern to herself. The family had endured enough and she just wanted some peace for once.

  The time had come for them to bury Don and they arrived at the cemetery. Mercedes and Maria held each other as they cried together. It was hard to believe the man they loved was being put to rest. They knew it could happen with the life he led, but didn’t know it would be so soon. Mercedes walked over and kneeled down near the burial site as tears fell down her cheeks. She kissed her teddy bear that he bought her as a child and placed it on the casket. She wiped away her tears and embraced her mother.

  “It’s okay Ma, he’s in a better place now.” Mercedes whispered. All they could do was believe that to be true and focus on carrying on the Carter name.

  New Beginnings

  It had been a week since Maria moved out and was staying with Don’s sister Brenda in Queens. Mercedes got a call from her mother asking her to meet her at the diner down on 125th. This morning she was feeling refreshed. It was the first time in weeks that she was able to sleep after losing her father. Maria told her it was urgent, so she had no choice. She threw on something casual and drove to the diner.

  “Hey Ma.” Mercedes greeted her mother with a kiss on the cheek.

  “Hey Baby.” Maria smiled as she continued to sip on her coffee.

  .

  “So, what’s up Ma? How have you been holding up?”

  “Alright I guess; I still miss your father you know.” Maria turned and looked away as her eyes began to water.

  “I never would’ve thought that he would die so soon. Mercedes your father was a very powerful and well-respected man.” Maria sniffled and grabbed the napkin off the table to wipe away her tears. “How are you taking it?”

  “I mean…I think about him every morning and when I go to sleep. I can never forget about Daddy. I cherish the times that we had and the memories we made. I still love him as if he was still here, but what can we do Ma? Just live for him, that’s what he wants us to do; the Carter family will never die. Daddy always told me that. Yeah we will die one day-but he meant that our family is so strong, our morals, beliefs, the love is so strong. No one can ever break it or take that away from us, and I’m here to stay and keep the Carter family moving.”

  “I understand completely.” Maria smiled. “You’re just like your father; I can see it in your eyes Mercedes. I’ve decided that I’m going to put the house up for sale and I wanted to talk to you about it.”

  “What?” Mercedes yelled. She forgot they were in a diner with other people. Some of the other patrons looked their way. She lowered her voice and looked around. She noticed people were staring at her, so she changed her tone of voice

  “You’re selling the house?” “Mercedes, I understand why you’re upset. You have your place and I’m going to be all alone. Besides they will be back to finish what they began.”

  “Who are they?” Mercedes asked. She really wanted to know who or what her mother was afraid of.

  “Don’t worry Mercedes; I’ll be fine as long as I don’t go back to that house.”

  “Where are you going to stay Ma?” Mercedes worried.

  “Well I’ve been searching for a small apartment, but for right now Aunt Brenda said I could stay with her.”

  “No Ma, that’s absurd you can stay with me.” Mercedes insisted. “I don’t see why not.”

  “Baby, that’s fine. I’ll be okay. Don’t worry about me.” Maria smiled. She loved the fact that her daughter was very caring and generous.

  “Alright Ma, if that’s your decision I’ll have to respect it.” Mercedes sighed. “What about your clothes, cars and jewels?”

  “Yeah, well I might have one of your daddy’s workers go back to get my things. I checked the safes and they didn’t get into them.”

  “Oh yeah, that’s good. Ma how is Uncle Roy doing?”

  “Well he’s in ICU and they said that he’s going to make it. He’s out of his coma and responsive, but he’s still critical. He’ll need lots of physical therapy.”

  “Wow, that’s crazy. At least he’s going to make it. I’m going to visit him one day this week.” Mercedes said.

  “Yeah, that would be nice. I’m going to get going and head on out to Queens. Brenda wants me to watch the kids tonight.” Maria got up and embraced Mercedes.

  “I love you Ma.” Mercedes smiled at her mother.

  “Love you too Baby.” Maria walked out of the diner and Mercedes watched as she hoped into her BMW and drove off. She jumped into her car, since she was already in the city she decided to trek to the mall and do some shopping. Mercedes shopped until her arms were tired. Shopping took her mind off of recent events; she needed it after the stress she had been going through. Retail therapy always did her good. She took her bags home to get ready for the next day, no matter what it entailed.

  xxxxxxxxxx

  Mercedes
woke up the next morning to her mother calling her on her cell phone.

  “Good morning Ma.” Mercedes answered the phone.

  “Hey… Mercedes” She could tell her mother had been crying. It was obvious that she was still mourning for the loss of her husband. Mercedes totally understood; she missed her father too.

  “What’s wrong Ma?” Mercedes sat up and wiped the sleep out of her eyes. She had been mourning Don’s loss especially hard and it broke Mercedes’ heart.

  “I’m not going to be able to work this morning.” Maria sniffled, “Can you open up the shop for me and make sure everyone is at work on time.”

  “I got you Ma; I’ll make sure everything is handled. Take it easy. I love you.”

  “Alright thanks Mercedes, I know I can count on you.” Maria smiled a little. She was happy she had her daughter to depend on.

  “I’m going to get some rest. I really miss your father.”

  “I know Ma.” Mercedes inhaled deeply, trying to hold back the tears. She was unsuccessful and shed a few tears of her own.

  “We just have to remain strong for him Ma, he’s in a better place and he still loves us. Be strong.”

  “Alright I’ll try. Thanks Cedes, love you.”

  “Love you too Ma.” Mercedes hung up the phone and got dressed. She was prepared to go open the shop and take charge as her mother asked.

  Everyone arrived on time as Mercedes sat in the shop and waited. She told the workers that her mother wouldn’t be in today. Condolences poured in and they all understood what she was dealing with. As Mercedes answered calls, a delivery man entered with a package. Mercedes had been receiving things for her mother all day, but this time it was for her. She ended the phone call to accept the gifts.

  “Are you Mercedes Carter?” The delivery man asked as he looked down at the white note attached to a bouquet of roses.

  “Yes, I am?”

  “These are for you.” He handed Mercedes a vase of long stemmed roses and a gift from Edible Arrangements. She had no idea who it was from. These gifts were a bit more personal than one expressing condolences. Everyone wanted to know who it was from. Mercedes told them to get to work and mind their business. She was blushing profusely and they were happy this put a genuine smile on her face. She finally opened the card and read to herself. I’m sorry for the loss of your father, he was a good man. I want you to know that I didn’t have anything to do with your father’s death. I’m not going to keep apologizing, but my heart goes out to you and your mother. I know you’ve been working at the salon, but I set up a day for you and your mother at the spa and a weekend at the most expensive hotel in Manhattan. Enjoy- Emilio

  Mercedes smiled and put the card away. She spotted his number on the card and was thinking about calling him. She opened the fruit basket and began munching. She pondered if Emilio was indeed innocent and had nothing to do with her father’s murder. She wanted answers and decided to close the salon in time to relax for the rest of the day. Everyone understood and bid her farewell. It was seven-thirty and Mercedes decided to take her mother some dinner. She picked up some Chinese food and made her way to Queens. What she felt would be a pleasant visit, turned sour quickly. When Maria opened the door her eyes were red and puffy and her hair was disheveled. Mercedes was greeted by a strong hug from her mother and she could only accept the love and reciprocate. She knew her father was on Maria’s mind and she was having difficulty dealing with his death. They entered the apartment and tried to eat something to take their mind off of things.

  “Thanks Mercedes.” Brenda smiled while eating a piece of chicken. “I was going to cook some spaghetti and meatballs, but the damn kids were running around and spilled it everywhere.”

  “No problem Auntie.” Mercedes smiled, grabbed her plate and motioned for her mother to walk with her. They grabbed their dinner and headed in the den to talk privately.

  “Mercedes…I- I don’t know what to do.” Maria held back the tears.

  “What do you mean Ma?”

  “I mean, I’m strong, I’m not this person. It’s gone from bad to worse. I never use to be like this. I’m drinking; I’m too emotional and vulnerable. This isn’t me.”

  Mercedes didn’t know what to say, but she did know her mother was a wreck. She never saw her mother take a drink outside of a special occasion.

  “Ma, don’t say that. You’re a strong person and you have to remain strong for Daddy and for me. You are all that I have left and I’m all you have left.”

  “Yeah, that’s true.” She managed to say between sniffles and drying her tears with a napkin.

  “You and I are going to spend the weekend in a hotel and indulge in their spa. It would help us get our mind off of things. We haven’t had a day for us in a while.” Mercedes smiled.

  “Sounds like a plan.” Maria finished drying her eyes and smiled.

  xxxxxxxxxx

  The next day Mercedes and Maria went to the salon to get their hair done. They decided to also get manicures. After that, they went to the spa that Emilio helped reserve. They felt extremely relaxed as two men massaged their shoulders with scented oil. Mercedes pleasantly smiled at this experience. After they were done, they headed to the hotel room. It was filled with desserts and shopping bags. Mercedes found a designer dress on her bed.

  “Wow, who did all this?” Maria asked looking at Mercedes’ gifts.

  “Emilio.” Mercedes smiled and exposed her dimples.

  “Why are you smiling so much?” Maria asked with a smirk. Mercedes opened her eyes to find her mother staring at her.

  “I don’t know Ma.” Mercedes shrugged her shoulders.

  “I was just asking. It’s just…I haven’t seen you smile like that since Chino died.” Maria shrugged her shoulders. “You’re glowing. Do you like Emilio?” Mercedes plopped down on the bed and sighed. She shrugged her shoulders; she didn’t know how to feel.

  “Honestly Ma, I don’t know.” Mercedes admitted. “I want to dislike him, but then he does things like this.”

  “Emilio’s a nice guy, why would you not like him. You don’t even know him.”

  “I have no idea. He gives me a strange vibe. I’m not sure if I can trust him. Maybe I’m just paranoid…”

  “Honey, I know it’s because of Chino. I know you’re still in love with him, but he’s gone now…you have to move on.” Mercedes was a little upset by her mother’s comment.

  “Yeah, I know Ma. I don’t know, I’ll see.”

  “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. I think he’s in love with you. He just doesn’t know how to tell you.”

  “Yeah, I guess he is. He lost his mother and his aunt is in the hospital. He’s probably scared of getting close for fear of losing.”

  Maria covered her mouth with her hand. “Wow, that’s crazy. Mercedes maybe you should be a little nicer to him, since he lost a loved one too. Give him a chance.”

  “Maybe, I’ll think about it.” Mercedes said. She remembered she had his number in her purse and retrieved it. She decided to give him a call.

  “Hey Emilio.”

  “Hey gorgeous, I thought you would never call.” Mercedes smiled and shook her head.

  “Yeah, well my mother said I should give you a chance.”

  “You should always listen to your mother.” He joked.

  “Well, thank you for the spa, the hotel, and everything.” Mercedes said. She was forgetting some of the stuff that he brought her. “You have nice taste in designer bags too.”

  “Thanks. I know that if I want to be around you, I have to keep up with the latest fashion.”

  They both laughed and Mercedes felt comfortable talking to him.

  “Well anyway, how is your aunt doing? Is she okay”

  “What are you talking about?” Emilio had already forgotten the lie he told her.

  “Didn’t you say that your aunt was in the hospital?”

  “Oh yeah…she’s still in critical condition and when I’m not busy I’ll go see her.”
>
  “Oh okay, well I hope she feels better. Sorry for the loss of your mother.”

  “It’s cool.” Emilio was eager to change the subject. “So can I take you out tomorrow night?”

  “I called you to thank you for the gifts. Who said I wanted us to go out?” Mercedes rudely said. She was joking and still playing hard to get.

  Emilio nervously chuckled. “Ok, I understand that Mercedes.”

  “I’m just kidding.” Mercedes laughed at him. “You can take me out tomorrow.”

  “Are you serious?” Emilio enthusiastically asked.

  “Yes you can. Just know that I have my eye on you Emilio.”

  xxxxxxxxxx

  The next evening, Mercedes stood in front of her mirror checking out her outfit for the night out with Emilio. She smoothed down her jet black hair and it cascaded down to her shoulders. She wore a fitted strapless black dress from Nicole Miller that accentuated her curves. She wore black Christian Louboutin red-bottom stilettos. As usual, she had the finest jewelry on from head to toe. She looked and felt amazing for the first time in a long time. Mercedes took one last look in the mirror before exiting the bathroom. She heard the doorbell ring and went to go answer it. She grabbed her clutch off her dresser and headed down her steps as her heels clicked on the steps.

  She slowly opened the door to a waiting Emilio. Neither of them said anything. They both stared at each other in amazement as the other was dressed eloquently.

  “Damn Mercedes, you look very beautiful.” Emilio was amazed.

  “Thank you.” Mercedes blushed as he complimented her beauty and attire.

  “Why thank you. You’re looking quite handsome yourself.”

  “Thanks,” Emilio smirked. Mercedes smiled and eyed him up and down. She never really noticed how handsome he was. Mercedes saw a very different side of Emilio. She smiled at the fact that he opened the door for her. She felt that it showed he knew how to treat a woman. Emilio entered the driver’s side and they both drove to their destination.

  They arrived at the restaurant and Emilio took her hand. He opened the door for her to enter. The restaurant was crowded and Mercedes was worried that they wouldn’t be able to get in.