Pain, Pleasure, and Lies: An Urban Romance Thriller

by Qiana London

  Katryna started toward the door. Before leaving, she turned around and gave me a look of disgust and despair. My heart was hurting, but I had to stand my ground. My entire body flinched when she slammed the door.

  “Dezzy, your cous–”

  “Don’t worry, Robyn. It will never happen again.”

  Although Robyn had said it was unnecessary, I continued to apologize until I left to go home. Robyn knew Katryna’s actions were a reflection of her character, not mine. Still, I felt responsible for what had happened because I had brought her into Robyn’s home. It would be a while, if ever, before Katryna and I would do anything again. I intended to forget this day ever had happened. I hoped everyone at Robyn’s house would do the same.

  *****

  I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. After the day’s events, I was exhausted. I had intended to go by Diandre’s house and rekindle the flame from the night before, but I didn’t have the energy, even a first for me. Besides, I was finding myself developing feelings for Diandre that went deeper than the surface. It was nice to have a love interest, but it was intimidating at the same time. I enjoyed his company and cherished the moments we spent together, but space was important to me too. Any successful relationship required time apart. I didn’t want Diandre to feel smothered, and I needed space as well. Truthfully, I didn’t want to get too attached to this man and develop false hopes for what could be if there wasn’t going to be anything at all. Time would unveil my destiny.

  It was two o’clock in the morning when my phone rang. I felt around in the dark before I finally lifted it to my ear. I didn’t speak. I waited for the explanation of the dire emergency. There had to be one to get a call at this hour. If not, someone was about to feel my wrath because the sleep I rarely got was too good.

  “Dezzy?”

  My anger subsided and delight took over. Diandre was thinking about me. I was on his mind heavy enough that he’d decided to call.

  “I’m going to let this slide because it’s you. But I want you to know, you were five seconds short of being cussed out, though.”

  “Well, thanks for going easy on me.”

  “What’s up?”

  “Well, since you forgot how to use the phone, I thought I’d refresh your memory.”

  “I didn’t forget. I was giving you your space.”

  “Space? I’m sorry. Tell me when we had an argument, again?”

  “We didn’t.”

  “So who told you I needed space?”

  “I assu–”

  “Stop right there. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you the saying.”

  “No, I’m aware,” I giggled.

  “Good. Well, while you were out giving space you missed my birthday.”

  “What, baby? Shit! I sure did. I’m sorry.”

  “Yeah, you were so busy giving space that you forgot all about me.”

  “Okay, Diandre,” I said, laughing. “I’m sorry I didn’t call you. I’ll be better about that next time.”

  “Yeah, you better.”

  “So how can I make it up to you?”

  “Blu’s throwing me a party at Camille’s house–”

  “Does my cousin know about this? I mean, the way she is about her furni–”

  “Yes, Dezzy she knows. As a matter of fact, it was Camille’s idea. Anyway, it’s this coming Saturday. You can make it up to me by being there.”

  “Oh, is that it? I’ll be there.”

  “Yes, that’s all I’m asking for, but I have no doubt you’ll find another way to repay me,” his tone was suggestive.

  “Oh, check you out.”

  “Get some sleep, baby. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

  “Goodnight.”

  Now I was kicking myself. How could I have been so wrapped up that I’d forgotten his birthday? Diandre hadn’t seemed too disturbed, though. It was water under the bridge now. I’d have to make it up to him. I was sure I could come up with something he wouldn’t object to and would definitely remember.

  *****

  The week had flown by. Saturday was already here. I had made arrangements with Camille earlier in the week to come early and help prepare for the festivities. I had my work cut out for me. Because Diandre and Blu were good friends, he and Camille were going all out for Diandre’s thirtieth birthday. Camille’s backyard had been converted into an outdoor nightclub, complete with a bar, and café tables topped with candles. There was a hardwood dance floor surrounding the pool and an elevated deejay’s booth. The catered food would arrive closer to the start of the party. Once we had everything in place, I was able to relax a bit until it was time to get ready. I took that opportunity to stretch out across the bed in the guest bedroom and watch television until I nodded off for a brief nap.

  I had planned ahead and brought my clothes for the party with me so I wouldn’t have to commute all the way back to Hayward to get ready. I showered in the guest bathroom and began to prepare mentally and physically for the evening ahead. I worked on my hair first. After twenty minutes of staring at myself in the mirror, I decided to pull my hair up into a high ponytail and allow my coils to fly free. Next, I got dressed. I wore a simple but sexy black, form-fitting, strapless dress. I completed the outfit with a pair of black, peep-toe Stilettos that exposed my candy apple red pedicure. I accessorized with silver jewelry and kept my makeup soft and natural, but I wore red lipstick on my full lips for a pop of color. The dress code for the night wasn’t formal, but everyone was to dress to impress.

  People began to arrive, but I continued to take my time. I wanted to make sure my appearance was flawless. After all, I would be on the arm of the man of honor. I had to be the shit. I didn’t know he’d arrived until he knocked on the bedroom door. I checked myself over once more before I answered. He stood before me rocking a black Kangol hat, black vest, and a red button-down shirt. The sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. He wore dark blue denim jeans and black Stacey Adams. Seeing Diandre made my heart flutter. We’d both been busy the past week, relying solely on the telephone to communicate with one another. I was certain that Diandre approved of my appearance because I had to close his mouth after I stepped into the hallway. I gave him a kiss and made sure I wiped the color from his lips afterward. I closed the bedroom door and put my arm through his. We walked out and joined the party, together.

  Out of all the people at the party, I knew only a handful personally. I wasn’t worried. I could adapt to any situation or surrounding. I strolled around with Diandre, and he introduced me to some of his guests before we split up and mingled solo. He was having a good time, and I was glad. I spotted Lee batting her eyes at the bartender and decided to join her.

  “Kevin, this is Dezzy, my god-sister. She’s the one I mentioned earlier. She’s a cosmetologist by day and novelist by night.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Dezzy. I was telling Lee that my uncle owns a publishing company. Have you ever thought about publishing your work?”

  “Honestly, it’s a hobby. I’m not sure how people would receive it.”

  “You can’t live for other people. Besides, Lee tells me your work is compelling. I’ll tell you what. I can give you my uncle’s information. Give the idea some more thought, and if you change your mind, mention my name and he’ll hook you up.”

  He handed me a napkin with the number scribbled down. I wasn’t carrying my purse, so I turned my back to them and secured the number deep in my cleavage.

  “Thanks a lot, Kevin. We’ll see what happens. May I trouble you for a White Russian?”

  “You’ve got it.”

  I chatted with Lee while Kevin fixed my drink. Once it was ready, I took it and left them alone, so I could socialize with other guests at the party. I was chatting with a radio executive when the deejay beckoned Diandre to the booth over the microphone. After Diandre made it through the crowd to the booth, the deejay encouraged everyone to join in and sing the Stevie Wonder version of “Happy Birthday” while Blu and the caterers wheeled out th
e two-tier birthday cake. Diandre blushed while he made his wish and cut the cake. Once cake was served to the majority of the guests, he snatched the microphone and announced he needed to get his birthday groove on and that I was to join him. I was a bit embarrassed, but I complied without hesitance. Diandre took my hand in his as “Luv U Better” began. It was one of my personal favorites. I got my groove on while making sure I remained a lady. I was putting all my moves on Diandre, and he kept up with little effort. We danced the night away, stopping only when guests interrupted to announce their departure. Before long, Camille’s house and backyard were back in order. Diandre and I said our goodbyes then headed to our cars. I hopped in my car and followed him in his to Fremont. Now it was time for the after-party.

  *****

  We had been talking and dancing in front of the fireplace to “The Closer I Get to You” when Diandre kissed me. I was putty in his hands. It took no time before he began unzipping the back of my dress. As he did, the napkin Kevin had given me earlier fell from my chest. I thought nothing of it. Diandre didn’t take it so lightly.

  “What’s this?”

  “A number I was given at the party. Why?”

  “You were flirting with other dudes?”

  I was surprised at how he was getting all bent out of shape.

  “Baby, it’s not even like that.”

  “Well, explain it to me,” his voice was firm.

  “Diandre, you need to chill out. The number was given to me for business purposes.”

  “Business my ass.”

  I began zipping my dress back up. The mood was ruined. I couldn’t believe we were arguing behind petty shit.

  “Wait a minute. You think I’m lying to you?”

  “Are you?”

  “Look, I already told you before, but if you must know, it’s a contact number for a book publisher.”

  Diandre didn’t respond. Instead, he walked in front of the fireplace and tossed the number into the flames. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t having a nightmare.

  “What the hell is wrong with you?”

  “I have all of the connections you need. All you had to do was tell me you wanted to publish your book. There was no need to go behind my back.”

  He was seriously taking this way too far.

  “You know what Diandre, I’m going to leave because if I stay here a minute longer, I’m going to go off. You’ve gone and lost your damn mind. You must be drunk. You need to sleep the shit off and don’t call me until you do.”

  I grabbed my keys and walked out the door, slamming it shut behind me. I was steaming by the time I was inside my car. I couldn’t believe the way Diandre had acted and much less how he’d degraded me. My father, a stranger, didn’t even have control over me. It would be a cold day in hell before I let my man try to make me his puppet.

  *****

  I hadn’t been on the Nimitz Freeway five minutes before Diandre began blowing up my cell phone. In the heat of the moment, I didn’t want to hear anything he had to say. After multiple attempts, he finally figured it out. The ringing ceased, and I rode in silence. My mind was racing with solutions to solve this problem before it could get any worse. Moments later, my cell phone began ringing again.

  “What?”

  I hadn’t bothered to look at the caller ID. I assumed it was Diandre. Surprisingly, it was Robyn on the opposite end speaking in a panic. I was barely able to make out what she was saying through the heavy breathing. What I could decipher left me uneasy. She asked for my help. My gut suggested I keep my distance. Being a loyal friend, though, I decided to take my chances and help my friend in need.

  “Robyn, you did what?”

  “Dezzy, before I realized what I was doing I was in her face. I couldn’t let her continue to disrespect Keisha. When I approached her, she was alone. How was I supposed to know she wasn’t by herself?”

  “Robyn, have you lost your mind? Didn’t you know who you were messing with? Those females are dangerous! They don’t play!”

  “Yeah, well now it’s too late. These hoes are after me, and I don’t know what to do.”

  “Where are you now?”

  “When the police saw the confusion, I was able to slip away. I’m in Richmond near Garrity and Blume. You’ll see my truck.”

  “Stay there. I’m on my way.”

  “Please hurry, Dezzy. The restaurant is closing in twenty minutes.”

  I was more than twenty minutes away, so I floored it in order to get to her as quickly as I could. This was one time I was hoping California Highway Patrol was occupied elsewhere. When I pulled into the parking lot, it was empty with the exception of Robyn’s truck. All four tires were flat. I looked around several times for Robyn before getting out of my car to see if she was still in the restaurant. When I opened the car door, Robyn stepped out of the shadows on the side of the building and began rushing toward my car. She was less than ten feet away when a female appeared from the opposite side of Robyn’s truck holding a .45. Seconds later, a Suburban raced in our direction as the female aimed the gun at Robyn’s stomach. Robyn stood frozen in the headlights as the gun was cocked. In a split second, I dove toward Robyn and pushed her out of the way as the shot went off. All I heard was Robyn screaming followed by the sound of screeching tires.

  Chapter Six

  I heard whispers in the distance. As my bladder became full, the voices were loud and clear. When I opened my eyes, the talking ceased altogether.

  “Dezzy, baby don’t you ever scare me like that again.”

  My room was filled with roses and balloons. The nurse came in to check my vitals and make sure all my needs were met. Even though I didn’t like hospitals, Alta Bates always made me feel at home. My mother stroked my head while my brother sat in a chair near the bed staring at me.

  “Mama, I’ve got to pee.”

  She helped me out of the bed being careful not to touch my left shoulder. That’s where I’d been shot. She attempted to come in the bathroom with me, but surrendered after my insistence that she leave me be. I pulled the I.V. pole with my right hand and closed the door behind me. I could hear my mother whimpering again. It sounded like my brother was trying his best to console her. I took my time in the bathroom. I didn’t want to face my mother and see her cry at my expense. It was eating me up inside. After I heard her tell my brother she was going to go outside and get some fresh air, I came out of the bathroom.

  “Mama’s still stressing, but I know you’re alright. I’m just ready to find the bitches that did this to you.”

  “Why? So you can be laying in the bed next to me?”

  “I’m your brother. I’m supposed to protect you.”

  “Yeah, you’re my brother, and I need you around.”

  I noticed my blood-stained dress balled up in a plastic bag along with my purse. I didn’t see any of my jewelry. I figured my mother had it or at least I hoped she did. I glanced around the room at all of my well wishes. The bouquets seemed to be in competition. Each one was gorgeous offering something the next one didn’t.

  “Where did all these flowers come from, Donte?”

  “Well, you know word travels fast. And as soon as five o’clock rolls around again tomorrow, they’ll be back.”

  “Man, I never knew how much I was appreciated until now.”

  “Who’s Diandre?”

  “What?”

  “You heard me. Camille and Blu brought that humongous bouquet and teddy bear right there from him.”

  My brother was referring to the three dozen red roses with baby’s breath and the mink teddy bear sitting at my side. An unopened card sat in the roses. The card wasn’t within my reach, so my brother handed it to me. Considering the circumstances, I’d already forgiven Diandre before I read the card.

  I felt like a complete idiot when you walked out my door last night. I overreacted and took it out on you. It wasn’t right. I guess I got jealous when there was no need to be. After all, you still came home with me. I wanted to
bring you the flowers myself, but I didn’t know if you would have me after the way you left. If you have an opportunity, please call me. I would love to see you, touch you, and make you feel better. I Love You, Diandre.

  Love? While I didn’t doubt he cared for me, Diandre and I had never gone as far as using the L-word. I was wondering if he really felt this way or if he thought it was the right thing to say after everything that happened. Though I had forgiven him, I wasn’t sure how I felt about taking it there. I would be the first to admit there was something special between us I hadn’t experienced before, but I wasn’t sure if it was love. Perhaps it was, but I wasn’t ready to lower the guard on my heart and leave myself vulnerable to pain.

  “So when can I meet him?”

  “Why, so you can run him off with your over-protective big brother tendencies?”

  “Well, somebody has to screen the dudes you deal with.”

  He smiled.

  “You’ll meet him soon enough.”

  My brother flipped through the channels, and I took the opportunity to give Diandre a call. He was in the studio, but was happy that I had called. Our conversation would be brief. He had to get back to work and the medication the nurse had given me earlier was starting to kick in.

  I was wrapping up my phone conversation with Diandre when my mother walked back into the room. Her face was very solemn, and she avoided eye contact. I handed the receiver to my brother, adjusted myself on the bed and focused my attention on my mother.

  “Mama, what’s wrong?”

  “I just came back from visiting Robyn.”

  “She’s here? I don’t understand. I was sure I pushed her out of the way.”

  “Yes, baby you did. After the sight of you being shot, she went into labor. The whole ordeal was too much to handle.”