by Zuri Day
“Good morning to you, too.”
“Are you by a computer?”
“Yes. What’s wrong, Faye?”
“Pull up a search engine and type in the name Maya Stone.”
“Girl, I don’t have to type that in an engine to know who you’re talking about. I love her! That latest song she has out is the business!”
“No, her latest business is someone named Dexter. He went to some swanky party over the weekend and now a picture of them all hugged up is splashed all over the tabloids!”
“What?”
“You heard me. The man who told me he wanted a relationship is out having relations.”
“Okay, wait, Faye. Slow down. What did Dexter say?”
“Who cares what he has to say? That picture is worth a thousand words. No, just one—cheater.” Faye, who’d sat down in one of the chairs facing her desk, now stood and began pacing. “I shouldn’t even be mad, really. I knew what kind of man he was when I met him. I was fully aware of the consequences when I decided to have sex. Actually, I’m glad that I saw the picture. It’s the cold water I needed to shake me out of the illusion that I could have someone like him and my career.”
“Have you talked to him yet?”
“You know, Gerald is right.”
“Gerald? As in McPherson? Your doctor friend?”
“His marriage ended because his wife just didn’t understand.”
“What does he have to do with this?”
“He’s helping me out for thirty days.”
“Excuse me, but why am I just hearing of this development?” Faye remained silent. “Helping...how?”
“Not in the way you mean. At the center. He’s being considered for the director of urban modalities and outreach position. I’d remain director of clinical affairs.”
“Wait, girl. You and your thoughts are all over the place. What is going on with you and Dexter?”
“Nothing, as of right now.” Faye took a breath and told Adeline about hearing from Gerald, their conversation about possibly working together and finally about Dexter’s friend’s party and how she hadn’t been able to attend because of her obligations to the center. “He just doesn’t get it,” Faye finished, plopping down in the seat behind her desk and swiveling around to face the window. “And I doubt he ever will.”
“Looks like he’s not the only one.” Adeline’s voice was soft, without judgment.
“What do you mean?”
“Look, you just said that the man invited you to a party where his attendance would be beneficial for his business. He asked you to go, which says a lot about how he feels about you. And it sounds like to me that you didn’t understand the importance of his question and that you don’t understand how things operate in his world. Yet you expect him to meld into your world seamlessly, to want what you want and to like what you like. You’re pointing at him, Faye. But if I were you, I’d take a look in the mirror.”
A long pause and then, “This is the second time in as many weeks that you’ve blessed me out.”
“It’s the second time that you’ve deserved it.”
Faye smiled. “Just don’t make it a habit.”
“You stop acting like a brat and I’ll stop acting like your mom.” The women laughed. “How are you feeling, Faye?” There was a tinge of concern in Adeline’s voice.
“I feel fine, why?”
“It’s just that...oh, never mind. I guess I worry about you is all.”
“Well, don’t . I’m going to call Dexter just as soon as I get off with you. And thanks to our conversation, I won’t be cursing him out as soon as he answers. If our relationship makes it, it will be in no small measure because of you.”
“You can thank me by making me the matron of honor at your wedding.”
“You’re getting a little ahead of yourself.”
“Maybe, maybe not.”
“On that note, goodbye.” Faye ended the call and dialed Dexter.
“Good morning, baby!”
“Good morning, Dexter. Sorry I didn’t call you Saturday night. How was the party?”
“Crazy, but in the best of ways. My boy went all out for his thirtieth. Had Maya Stone in the house to sing him ‘Happy Birthday.’”
“Yes, I know. I saw the picture.”
“What picture?”
“You don’t know? You’re in a tabloid—front page.”
“You’re kidding.”
“No, darling. You and Maya...well, let’s just say it appeared you were having a very good time.”
Five seconds passed. Ten. Two more. “It was all in good fun, babe. Nothing happened between her and me.”
“Who says it did?”
“I have a sister and a mother and I know how women think.” She could hear him clicking computer keys. “Oh, damn.”
“Sounds like you found the picture.”
“This looks bad. But I swear that all we did was talk and dance.”
“I believe you.”
“You do?”
“Yes. I’ll admit this wasn’t my first reaction. But after having time to think, and talk to my bestie, I realize that considering what you do and the circles you travel, pictures like these are bound to come up.”
They talked for a few more minutes before Faye’s first patient arrived. She was able to put the incident out of her head for the rest of the day. But as she headed for home and Dexter’s visit, the tabloid was beside her, the picture was in her face, and she honestly didn’t know if she could handle Dexter’s lifestyle.
Her phone vibrated. She looked at the ID. And then there’s Gerald, she thought as she pushed her hands-free device. As they chatted about various patients and events of the day, Faye found herself mulling over a serious question. Did she really want to live life in the fast lane? Or one as she’d have with Gerald, with a slower, more predictable ride?
Chapter 35
Faye and Dexter sat enjoying a meal at the home of Dexter’s brother, Donovan. Or tried to anyway. “Dinner is delicious, Marissa. It really is. I just don’t have much of an appetite. I haven’t for the past few days.”
“Do you think it’s some type of stomach virus?” Marissa asked. “A woman at my job had it. She just came back today after being gone for almost a week.”
“Working with sick kids every day, it could be anything. Eventually my resistance will build back up, but right through here I guess I need to be a bit more careful. I’ll see how I’m feeling in the morning, and if I’m not any better I’ll take an antibiotic.”
Obviously neither Dexter nor Donovan had a problem with their appetites. Donovan paused just long enough to ask, “How is it going at the center?” before taking another bite.
“Really good, actually. Better than I expected.”
“She’s hired an old boyfriend to help her out,” Dexter sniped.
“Not true,” Faye replied. Marissa gave Dexter a chiding look then sent a sympathetic one to Faye. The Drake men were impressive, Faye mused, but she really liked the women in the family. “I worked with a doctor in Africa. He’s taken a thirty-day leave from his job in Baltimore to help me get started.”
“And to see if he wants to move here,” Dexter added, sarcastically.
“Yes, there is another director’s position being created, and he is being given serious consideration,” Faye calmly explained.
“Dexter Drake. Is that a little bit of the green monster I see peeking over your shoulder?” Marissa reached for her wineglass and took a small sip.
“I’m not worried,” Dexter tossed back. “Faye is in love with me. She isn’t going anywhere.”
“So sure of yourself?” Faye asked.
“Am I lying?” No comment. “I thought so.”
“Do
n’t mind Dexter,” Donovan replied. “He was like this from the womb.”
“Come on, Faye,” Marissa said, rising from the table. “Help me with dessert in the kitchen. The chicken cacciatore might have been a little too spicy, but I think even a virus will enjoy this strawberry cake.”
* * *
Dexter eyed Faye as she walked from the shower to the bed. “You should have had a second helping of Marissa’s strawberry concoction. I think you’re losing weight.”
“I just haven’t been hungry for a couple days.” She climbed into bed and cuddled up next to Dexter. “And I have a fast metabolism. Don’t worry. It’s nothing. My weight often fluctuates when I’m stressed.”
“Aw, is my baby stressed?” He positioned Faye in front of him and began massaging her shoulders. “Dang, baby, you are tight.” He kneaded her neck and shoulders. “The center is running smoothly. What are you worried about?”
“We’re supposed to remain objective, but sometimes I have a hard time staying detached from my patients. I treated a little boy today, four years old. He’s grown up on a diet consisting mostly of fast food and soda and is suffering from type 2 diabetes as a result. Can you imagine? Diabetes? At four years old? Plus he’s about twenty-five pounds overweight. If he keeps up his current lifestyle, he’ll also be a heart patient before long. It’s sad.”
“You can’t save the whole world, baby,” Dexter said, kissing her ear. “Do your best and trust the universe for the rest.”
She turned in his arms. “When did you become so prolific, Mr. Drake?”
“I’ve always been scholarly. I thought you knew?”
She swatted his arm. “You’re a piece of work, you know that?” she asked with a laugh.
“I know. That’s why you love me.”
“Yes, Dexter, I love you.”
His eyes widened in surprise. “Didn’t think I’d admit it, huh? I’m kinda stunned myself. But somehow you’ve blown into my life much like a tornado and spun everything around. It’s scary territory, but I can say it. I love you.”
Dexter flipped them so that he was on top. “I love you, too.”
The kiss was gentle, tender...once, twice, a third time. Leisurely, he acquainted his tongue with her soft, moist cavern; reverently he nibbled her upper and lower lip. Faye liked the pace and drew lazy circles across his bare back as she kissed him back. Their tongues lightly touched, his outlining her open lips before she pulled his bottom lip between her teeth. Their hips began a familiar grind. He moved down and eased her raisin-colored nipple into his mouth. She purred her pleasure, running her hands over his tight curls as his head went lower still.
He swirled his tongue against her navel. It tickled. She laughed and followed that with a quick intake of breath as his finger sought and found entry between her dewy folds. Farther down he continued until his lips met her nether pair. He kissed her there, slowly, deeply, flicking his tongue against her nub until it was a hardened pebble in her valley of love. After kissing a trail from her thighs to her toes and back, he entered her. The plunge was swift and powerful.
“Ah!”
“Uh-huh.”
The dance began.
“Open your eyes,” he commanded as he ground himself against her, pushed himself inside her so deeply that Faye felt she just might faint. She looked into eyes almost black with desire, not aware that Dexter was seeing the same. “I love you,” he whispered, continuing to stare as he pulled out to the tip, plunged in again—out, in, side to side, stroking, grinding, loving her hard. Faye grabbed his buttocks and wrapped her legs around him. The sparks began deep within her core. The moans intensified as she felt a rush of sensations, felt her legs start to tremble as Dexter’s stroking increased and his mouth went slack and they both went over the edge of ecstasy and crashed back down into a bed of spent love.
* * *
The next morning, Faye rushed to get ready while Dexter devoured a bowl of cereal in the dining room.
“You need to quit biting me,” she said as she passed him on the way to the kitchen.
“Huh?”
“You heard me. Quit biting me. My nipples are sore.”
“You weren’t complaining last night.”
She reached into the refrigerator for the orange juice. “I didn’t feel it last night. I was too busy feeling...other things.” She bent down and kissed his forehead before taking a seat across from him.
He finished the cereal and looked up. “You look better this morning.”
“I feel better.”
“Girl, you know if you’re away from me too long, you get sick.”
“I know you’re about to make me sick right now.”
“Ha!” Dexter put his bowl in the kitchen sink and headed to his phone on the living room coffee table. “Mama is scheduling a big party for Deval, so call me later. I want to let you know the date as soon as possible. Not attending is not an option. Trust me, you don’t want to get on Genevieve’s bad side.”
“I wouldn’t dream of missing your nephew’s celebration.” She walked him to the door. “I’ll call you later.”
* * *
By the time she arrived at the center, the grogginess that she’d felt upon waking had returned. That’s what you get for screwing half the night, she scolded herself. Still, the lack of sleep was bringing with it a slight headache, and with the patient load she had today she needed to be at one hundred percent.
“Good morning, Buck.”
Faye stepped fully into the break room. “Hey, Fear.”
Gerald turned from the coffee machine. “You okay?”
“A little tired, but I’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure?” Gerald walked over and put a finger under Faye’s chin. Her look was one of chagrin as she stared at him. “You look a bit ashen.” He felt her neck. “A little bit of a temperature, too.”
“I might take an antibiotic later. I have to make a phone call. See you later.”
Faye reached her office and closed the door. Her mother had left a message the night before and Faye was determined to call her before the day started. Once the patients started coming in, other items on the day’s agenda were often forgotten. “Hi, Mom.”
“Well it’s about time you returned my call.” There was sarcasm in Mrs. Walker’s voice. But also love.
“I’m sorry for not calling,” Faye managed between yawns. “I’ve been so busy here. Getting little sleep and hardly no appetite. I think I’ve caught a bug.”
“Or a baby,” Mrs. Walker retorted. “You pregnant?”
Faye’s head shot up. “Of course not.”
The rest of the conversation went by in a fog. As soon as Faye got off the phone, she went and grabbed a pee cup. Ten minutes later, she got the results.
It was positive. Another Drake baby was on the way.
Chapter 36
“What is it, Faye?” Dexter sat in his west wing living room, watching Faye pace with growing concern.
“I don’t know how to say it. I don’t know how to tell you!” She’d carried on a conversation in her head during the entire drive up from San Diego. Now, all of those words seemed inadequate. This whole relationship thing wasn’t going as planned, and neither was this conversation.
Is she getting to break up with me? If this has anything to do with Gerald McPherson I’m going to drive to San Diego and kick his—
“I’m pregnant.” Faye looked at him then, her eyes wide and sad.
“You’re...what?”
“I’m pregnant, Dexter.”
“With a baby?”
“No,” she deadpanned. “With a mule.”
“I’m sorry.” Dexter crossed the room to where Faye stood. “I’m just shocked. I mean, you’re a doctor. You knew we were rolling raw. I never even thought to ask
about birth control. I mean...you’re a doctor!”
“I know my profession, Dexter!” Faye shouted. “You don’t have to remind me!”
“Well, obviously someone should have schooled you in a few things—at least remind the doctor where babies came from!”
Faye walked over to the couch, snatched her purse off it and headed for the door.
“Faye, wait.” He grabbed her arm.
“Let go of me!” she hissed.
“We need to talk about this.”
“I’m too upset to talk right now.”
“I’m not going to let you drive away.”
“I’m not going to let you keep me here.”
Dexter leaned against the front door and crossed his arms. “Well, then it looks like we have a problem.”
They gave each other the silent treatment for five whole minutes.
“My periods have been irregular for a very long time,” Faye finally began, her words cutting through the living room’s thick, weighty tension. “And I have a tilted uterus. A gynecologist told me years ago that I’d have a hard time getting pregnant.” Faye thought back to how ferociously she and Dexter made love. “Guess he’d never heard about a Drake dick.”
The slightest of smiles scampered across Dexter’s face but was gone in an instant. “Do you want a baby?”
“Not really.” Faye rubbed a weary hand across her forehead. “Don’t get me wrong. I love kids. Just never thought about being a mother. Plus, the timing is all wrong. I just started the center and there’s so much to do. How can I even think about dealing with a child right now?”
“I don’t know what to say, baby. I’m shocked.”
“Do you want a child?”
“I didn’t think so.” Dexter got up from the chair, walked over to a bar area and opened a bottle of wine. He poured the deep burgundy liquid through an aerator, watched as it ran through the sieve, listened as the device hissed and sputtered, reintroducing oxygen into the brew. “But then I met Deval, Jackson and Diamond’s son. One look at that little man staring up at me and my heart melted.” He looked over at Faye, who appeared deep in thought. “But I agree about the timing. You’ve just started the center. I’m going into business with my cousins in the north. There will be a lot on our plate over the next year.”