Crossroads

by Skyy

  Sahara put her index finger on Cooley’s lips. “Shhh. I’m not trying to put pressure on you, Cooley. I’m just trying to make what should have happened a long time ago happen. Cooley, there’s a reason we keep ending up together. We are connected, and you know it. We can’t keep fighting fate.”

  Cooley smiled. She opened her lips, allowing her tongue to lick Sahara’s finger. “Sahara, I don’t want you to think I’m not interested, ’cause that’s not it. But, baby girl, I’m in a different place right now. You see how this shit is already affecting my work. I gotta be focused, and too many times in the past I let women fuck that up.”

  Sahara frowned. “I’m not trying to mess anything up, Cooley, I’m trying to enhance.”

  “Well, right now the best way you can enhance is to just give me the time I need to figure my shit out. If it’s meant to be, it will be.” Cooley held Sahara’s face. Sahara nodded her head like an innocent little girl. Cooley kissed her forehead.

  Sahara slowly pulled herself away from Cooley and turned to walk away.

  Cooley shook her head as Sahara’s ass bounced. “Ummm-mmmmm.”

  Sahara laughed. “You so silly. It’s yours. You just have to claim it.” She winked and walked out the door.

  Cooley looked up at the ceiling. Damn, that girl gon’ make me wife her.

  17

  “Sooooo, what did you think?”

  Mariah and Denise walked out of the crowded theatre.

  Denise’s face lit up. She turned around and looked up at the Marquee lit up with lights.

  “Man, I have an all new respect for my hometown. I never in a million years thought a musical would be named after Memphis.”

  Mariah’s red hair glowed under the bright lights. She held on to Denise’s arm. “I don’t know why you come down so hard on Memphis anyway. I loved visiting there. I can’t wait to go back so I can go to Graceland.”

  Denise’s mouth curled. “I guess.”

  “What? Tell me about it. How is the house inside? I bet it’s magical.”

  “I wouldn’t know. I’ve never been.” Denise smiled as they walked down the street.

  “Are you kidding me?” Mariah’s hazel eyes lit up. “How could you grow up in Memphis and never visit the home of Elvis. He’s the king!”

  Denise frowned. “No, he’s y’all’s king. Now let’s talk about going to the Neverland Ranch and then we are in business.”

  They both laughed.

  Denise and Mariah continued to walk. Denise noticed all the marquees. “Man, this is amazing. I don’t see how you live in New York and you haven’t seen every play on this strip.”

  “I’ve seen most of them actually.” Mariah smiled “I love Wicked, The Lion King and The Color Purple.”

  “Man, I’m so mad The Color Purple isn’t playing anymore. I really wanted to see that.”

  “I’m just waiting on them to bring back Dreamgirls.” Mariah smiled.

  Denise found herself staring at Mariah. “M, you have a really amazing smile,” Denise said as they walked into her hotel lobby.

  Mariah blushed. “Why, thank you. How about we get a drink at the bar?”

  “Sounds good.”

  The two sat down at a small round table in the bar.

  The bartender walked over to them. She looked at Denise then looked at Mariah. The older black woman looked confused by Denise’s appearance. “What can I get for you two?”

  “I’ll take a Manhattan. Denise?” Mariah looked at Denise.

  “Umm, a Coke please.”

  Mariah started to laugh. “On this big day you’re only gonna have a Coke?”

  Denise shook her head. “I’ve had my share of drinking this week. I don’t drink.”

  “Well, drinking cheap vodka is always a bad idea. You know what”—Mariah opened her purse—“cancel my drink order and can we have a bottle of Dom?”

  The waitress nodded and smiled as she took Mariah’s card and walked away.

  “You are having a drink with me, and something good.” Denise couldn’t help but smile at Mariah’s excited face.

  Mariah noticed Denise’s look. “What’s wrong?”

  “Oh, nothing. I’m just ... The other day I thought my life was over, and now it seems like my life is beginning all over again.”

  “I told you, Dee, to stick with me. I wasn’t going to see you suffer at all.”

  Denise’s smile turned more serious. “Mariah, why me? I mean, you have a lot of clients, and I’m sure the same thing that happened to me has happened to others before me. Do you do this all the time, or did you do it just for me?”

  “Oh, I definitely don’t do it all the time. Let’s just say, I see something really special in you, Denise. You are so sincere. I couldn’t let you go back to Memphis. I didn’t want you to leave New York broken.”

  “Well, I really, really do appreciate everything you have done,” Denise said as the bartender popped the bottle of champagne and poured some in each flute.

  Denise picked up a glass. “And to show you just how much I appreciate you”—Denise held her flute out.

  Mariah took her flute and gently tapped it against Denise’s.

  Denise put the glass to her mouth and swallowed the expensive bubbly. “Not bad.”

  “I told you. Stick with me, Denise; you will experience things you never imagined.”

  One hour and one bottle down, Denise and Mariah walked to her hotel door with a new, half-empty bottle of champagne in hand. They abandoned the champagne flutes and opted for the ghetto-fabulous option of drinking straight from the bottle. Denise knew she was drunk, but it was a different feeling. They were like high-school kids smoking their first joint. Everything was funny.

  “Man, I feel great. How about you?” Mariah flung her shoes off and plopped down on Denise’s bed.

  Denise unbuttoned her button-down and let it hit the floor. She pulled her shoes off.

  Mariah stared at Denise’s bi-ceps; her black wife-beater clung to her flat stomach. Denise lay down on the bed next to Mariah.

  “I haven’t felt this good in a long time.” Denise turned toward Mariah. Their eyes met. Both were silent.

  Suddenly they both erupted in laughter at the same time, and a bit of Mariah’s spit landed on Denise’s lip.

  “Dang, girl.”

  “Oh, shut up. I’ll get it.” Mariah leaned in and wiped her liquid from Denise’s face.

  Suddenly things weren’t funny anymore. Denise and Mariah gazed into each other’s eyes.

  “What’s happening here?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Denise and Mariah continued to gaze. Denise didn’t know if it was the champagne causing her heart to race.

  Mariah’s hand made its way on Denise’s lap.

  “Mariah.”

  “Denise.”

  There were no more words. Denise grabbed Mariah’s head. Her fingers instantly entangled her wild red mane. Their lips locked, and Mariah climbed on top of Denise.

  With ease Denise unzipped Mariah’s dress and threw the Versace creation to the side.

  Mariah ran her fingers through Denise’s hair while Denise’s lips kissed their way over Mariah’s smooth white skin. Mariah’s wetness soaked through her black and white lace thong. She grinded her pelvis against Denise’s.

  Denise unbuttoned Mariah’s matching lace bra and threw it carelessly. Denise paused. Mariah’s small pink nipples were a change from the brown of the black women of Denise’s past. Lena entered her head.

  “What’s wrong?” Mariah said noticing the pause.

  Denise dropped her head on Mariah’s chest. “Shit!” She looked up at Mariah’s confused face. “I’m sorry, Mariah. I can’t do this.”

  “Denise, what’s wrong? Did I do something?”

  Denise couldn’t help but let out a frustrated grunt. “No, you are great. I’m just ... damn, I’m just a fucking fool.” Denise wrapped her arms around Mariah’s butt and picked her up, placing her back on the bed.

 
; Mariah was speechless.

  “I got some serious personal shit right now, and I’m just not ready to take this step.”

  “Well, it’s OK ... I guess.” Dumbfounded and horny, Mariah looked around for her bra. “I guess I should leave.”

  Denise clutched Mariah’s arm. “Wait. Mariah, I don’t want you to go.”

  “Well, I’m confused, Denise. What do you want from me?”

  Denise looked at Mariah in her eyes. “Let me hold you.” Denise climbed into the bed.

  Mariah smiled. She crawled in the bed next to Denise. They embraced.

  Denise kissed Mariah on the nape of her neck sending, shivers down Mariah’s body. Mariah turned toward Denise. They kissed the night away, falling asleep in each other’s arms.

  18

  “Mrs. Redding!” Rosario ran into the bedroom. She shook Lena. “Mrs. Redding, Mrs. Redding!” The older Hispanic woman continued to shake until Lena’s head moved.

  “Whhhaaa,” Lena murmured, shaking her head.

  “Mrs. Redding, why are you on the floor. Is everything all right? Do I need to call the doctor?”

  Lena looked at Rosario’s frightened face. “What time is it?”

  “It’s noon, Mrs. Redding. Maybe I should call the doctor or Mr. Redding.”

  “No, I’m fine. Just help me up.” Lena held her arms up while the housekeeper helped her to her feet. Lena glanced over, catching her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were blood-shot, and her hair was tussled all over her head. “I guess I just fell asleep.”

  “You broke a glass. I cleaned it up in the hallway. Are you sure you are all right?”

  “Define all right?”

  “I ... I don’t understand.” The short Hispanic woman looked confused.

  Lena noticed how neat her hair was, pulled back in a perfect bun. “Rosario thanks for cleaning up the mess. I’ll be OK. Take the day off, with pay.”

  Rosario, didn’t budge. “I don’t know if that is a good idea Mrs. Redding.”

  “Oh, I am fine. I just had a rough night. I’ll be OK. I promise. If I have any problems, I’ll call Brandon.”

  “Are you sure?” Rosario asked, hoping for a yes so she could enjoy some free time.

  “I’m sure. I think I’ll go shopping or something.”

  “But what about baby?”

  “What!” Lena’s head jerked. “Oh shit, Brandon Junior.” Lena hit her forehead with her palm.

  “Yes, ma’am. Babysitter supposed to bring him home any minute.”

  Lena sighed. “OK, can you call and find out if they can keep him another day or two? Doesn’t matter the cost.”

  Rosario nodded her head and walked out the room.

  Lena walked over to her mirror. She pulled her brush out and began to stroke her hair. She didn’t like her image. Her face looked worn, like she’d aged in one night.

  “She said that is fine. They will bill regular,” Rosario stated, standing in the door.

  “Thank you, Rosario. You can leave now.” Lena continued to brush her hair as the housekeeper disappeared.

  Lena walked across her bathroom and ran a tub filled with hot water. She pressed a button, causing jets of bubbles to come from the tub. Lena undressed and slowly stepped into the large Jacuzzi tub and laid back, allowing the steam rising from the bath to create a mist.

  The phone began to ring. She looked over to see Carmen’s number lighting up on the LED screen. Lena pressed the intercom button on the wall.

  “Hi, C.”

  “Heeeyyyy, honey. How are you?” Carmen’s attempt at a concerned voice humored Lena.

  “I don’t really know. I feel ... I really don’t know what I feel.”

  Carmen took a sip of her water. “That’s to be expected. I wanted to see if you wanted to come see my new place. Maybe we could grab a bite to eat or something.”

  “Actually I would. I can’t stand being in this house much longer. I’m taking a bath now. I’ll call when I get out, so I can get directions.”

  “Great.” Carmen hung the phone up.

  Lena dipped her head under the water. The sound of the bubbles was soothing to her. She held her breath and wondered how long she could hold it. As her chest started to grow heavy, Lena came up from under the water. She released the breath she was holding. It felt like she released all of her pain at the same time. She looked over at her reflection in the mirror. She looked better already. She was ready to start her steps toward recovery.

  Lena pulled into the apartment complex. She smiled when she saw Carmen standing on the balcony smiling back at her. She stepped out of the car, the hot sun soothing her.

  “Hey, Le-Le.” Carmen waved frantically.

  “Hey, Carmen!” Lena smiled as she headed up the stairs.

  “Hey, Lena, baby.” Nic stood in the door watching Lena come up, Nic’s long wavy hair hung down her almost to the middle of her back.

  “Oh my God, how long are you letting your hair get?” Lena said as Nic wrapped her arms around her. Nic’s tall frame seemed massive next to Lena’s short body.

  “Girl, I’m about to cut it. It was a dare between C and me. She wanted to see how long it could grow. It’s hot, and it’s getting on my nerves. I’ma go bald like Cooley.”

  “No, the hell, you aren’t.” Carmen hit Nic as Lena walked into the house. “But I am kinda tired of all your hair being in the bed. Hey, girl.” Carmen hugged Lena.

  Lena looked around the living room. “Wow! This is nice. Good job, C.”

  “Thanks, girl. I mean, it’s not your house, but it will do for now.”

  They walked into the bare apartment. They sat on a small sofa covered with a red couch cover and big black and red pillows.

  “Well, this is comfortable. Where did you get it?” Lena’s body sank into the plush couch.

  Carmen smirked. “Girl, from Craigslist. I saw it on the curb notice. It was from Collierville, so I knew it couldn’t be that bad. Girl, y’all rich people are crazy. She had put so much stuff out. There wasn’t anything wrong with the couch but the awful color and a tear in the back fabric. I hit Marshalls and bought this cover, and it was all she wrote.”

  Lena smiled at her friend’s happiness. “Carmen, you are so silly.”

  “I’m serious. My mama taught me one thing, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.”

  “I know that’s right.” Nic walked by and kissed Carmen on her forehead.

  Carmen blushed. Lena loved seeing Nic and Carmen together.

  “So, Carmen, what do you want to do today?”

  “Well, maybe we can go look at furniture. See if you see anything.”

  Carmen looked at Lena. “Are you sure? ’Cause I’m down for whatever you want to do.”

  Lena smiled. “I think it’s a great idea. I need to get you a house-warming present.”

  “Well, let’s do it.” Carmen smiled. She was OK with second-hand things, but she couldn’t help but enjoy the idea of getting one really nice item from Lena.

  Nic walked out of the kitchen. “OK, can you not spend my whole paycheck please?”

  “I won’t.” Carmen and Nic kissed.

  Lena smiled. She wondered what Denise was doing at that moment. Lena’s cheery disposition was fading quickly.

  Carmen noticed Lena’s dreary face. “Well, girl, let’s get out of here and have some real fun.”

  “Carmen, you know I really admire your relationship with Nicole. It must be nice.” Lena stared out the window of her BMW while Carmen drove.

  “Girl, I can’t lie. It’s wonderful. But you know what? I went through a whole lot before I found her. So, trust me, you are going through some tough times now, but things are going to get better.”

  “I hope so. I don’t see how they could get worse.”

  “Well, you know what they say, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.”

  Lena smiled. She turned back to look out the window. Mary Mary’s rendition of “Yesterday” began to play on through her speakers. “I
’m starting to think my iPod has a mind, because it sure does know what to play at the right time.”

  Carmen laughed. “Or maybe God is trying to tell you something.”

  The two looked at each other.

  Lena put her hand on top of Carmen’s. “Maybe you are right. Well, God, I’m listening. Whatever you want to tell me I’m listening.” She closed her eyes and listened to the words. Lena took a deep breath. It was time to forget about yesterday and focus on today.

  19

  Denise jumped at the loud knock at her door. She looked down to see Mariah sleeping soundly. Damn. She got out of bed. She didn’t have a hangover, but the drinking made her forget about her bedmate. Denise looked at the clock. They had slept the day away. She knew she had to stop drinking.

  Denise walked to the door and looked through the peep-hole but couldn’t see anything. She knew someone was holding their finger it.

  “Who is it?”

  “Housekeeping,” a high-pitched voice said.

  There was a vague familiarity to the voice. Denise put the doorknocker over the door and cracked it open. “Oh, shit!” She smiled as she saw Cooley standing with a rolling luggage bag.

  “So you gon’ let me in, fool?”

  Denise looked back at the bed. “Hold on one second.”

  “What the—”

  Denise closed the door and ran over to the bed. She slightly shook Mariah.

  Mariah turned over and smiled. “Hey, you.”

  “Mariah, I hate to rush you, but my bestfriend is at the door, and you don’t have on any clothes.”

  Mariah’s eyes widened. She sat up in the bed. “Oh, OK, I’ll go the bathroom.” She got out the bed, her red hair wild and all over her head. She grabbed her dress and ran to the bathroom.

  Denise walked back to the door. She opened it to see Cooley standing with her arms crossed.

  “It’s about damn time.” Cooley pushed the door all the way open and walked in. She paused in the doorway. Cooley sniffed. She looked at the bed then looked at Denise and smiled. “Who is she?”

  “What? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Denise walked into the room.