by Kenya Wright
She laughed. “You’re still crazy.”
I winked. “But I’m glad you like the Panelle and Croquette special. It’s my favorite too.”
“And Amber’s favorite?” She picked up her glass of water and took a sip.
I went back to my sandwich.
She set the glass down. “Yes? No?”
“No. She liked it, but it wasn’t her thing. More mine.”
“What does she like to eat?”
I put my sandwich down and grabbed my beer. “Why are we talking about her?”
“I’m wondering what happened between you two.”
“And you thought the best way to explore that topic is by involving an innocent sandwich?”
She gave me a sad smile. “Maybe.”
“Since we’re being nosy, what about Jason?”
She blinked. “What?”
“What happened between Jason and you? You didn’t bring him to the wedding. My mother told me last Thanksgiving that he was going to propose.”
“How did she know that?”
“Jason secretly asked your parents for your hand in marriage. Your mother was so excited she told mine.”
“Oh.” Jade went back to her sandwich.
“Oh, really? Not so excited about sharing intimate details of your breakup.”
“My breakup has nothing to do with me being in your sister’s apartment in the middle of the coronapocalypse, whereas yours—”
“So, you do admit that you broke up with Jason?”
She took a bite.
“Ignoring me now?”
“I’m enjoying my sandwich.”
“Too late for that, Mrs. Nosey.” I leaned in. “What happened?”
She swallowed and turned back to me. “You don’t care. You just want to avoid answering my question.”
“I do care and yes, I also want to avoid your question.” I raised my finger. “However, if you tell me, then I’ll tell you.”
“Jason and I grew apart.”
“Bullshit.”
“It wasn’t a big thing that made me break up with him.”
“More bullshit.” I finished my sandwich, rose, and took the plate away. “I guess some topics are private for people.”
She groaned.
Smirking, I entered the kitchen, rinsed off my plate, and put it in the dishwasher. Once I was done, Jade followed me into the kitchen and washed her plate. I got a good look at that tiny top and those little shorts.
She has a nice ass but keep your distance.
Every inch of Jade was spotless, smooth, and tempting. I tried to keep my eyes off her, but I couldn’t help stealing glances her way.
You’re just depressed and want to get your cock wet. This is not the woman you fuck away the sadness with. It’s Jade. Not some one-night stand chick.
She turned to me and widened her eyes. “Is everything okay?”
Get back to work. There’s tons of shit that I can focus on.
Frowning, I checked my watch. “I need some advice.”
Her face brightened. “You need some advice on love?”
“On bothering my employees.”
She frowned.
“It’s been three hours since I had all my employees head home with their files and laptops. Do you think it’s a good time to gather the top officials into a video conferencing call?”
“Hmmm.” She grabbed the wine bottle and poured. “I’m not exactly an exec.”
“Yeah, but you’re human. And you surely have been stressed with this news like everyone else. Do you think I should give them a break?”
She nodded. “This is a hectic day for everyone. I mean. . .some of them have probably realized they have to grocery shop or get supplies—”
“Shit.” I looked down at my clothes.
“What?”
“I didn’t pack any clothes for this week. I only have my suit.”
“So, you ran out of your condo in a hurry?”
“Instead of art, you should have been a detective.” I put my back to her and considered the dilemma. “I’ll have to buy some necessities.”
“Or you can go back to your place and pack some clothes.”
“Out of the question.” I left the kitchen and went to my laptop. “But on addressing my employees, you’re right. Plus, it’s Friday. They deserve some time to breathe in fresh air. I’ll just send them an email that we’ll meet on Monday.”
“Cool.” She put the bottle of wine down and strolled out of the kitchen with her glass. It was hard not to notice the way her hips moved in those cute little Hello Kitty pajama shorts. The top didn’t help either. It stopped barely under her navel. She clearly wore no bra either. Her breasts jiggled when she walked.
She stopped in front of the couch and quirked her brows. “What? Is something wrong?”
“Are all your quarantine outfits going to be like this?”
“Like what?”
I cleared my throat. “So. . .pink.”
“You have a problem with pink?”
No. I have a problem with you walking around like a ripe sex goddess, fresh for the taking.
“I’m not a fan of Hello Kitty.” I returned to my laptop.
“You should probably worry about not stinking up the place with the same designer suit on every day.”
I smirked, typed out a short email to all of my employees, and then hit send.
A woman’s voice filled the apartment. “U.S. stocks record their worst day since 1987.”
I glanced at my inbox and discovered ten emails from Amber. I stifled a growl. Had I been alone I might’ve cursed. For a second, I reached for the mouse to press on the email and then stopped. There was nothing that she could say that would end my newfound hatred for her.
“In other news, New York City declares a state of emergency. Governor Ellis has called for a lockdown to decrease the—”
Jade must’ve switched the channel because a male’s voice came next.
“Supermarkets will be adding $2 to each hour of their employees’ wages. Many are calling it ‘hero pay.’ Schools are closing not only in America but all around the globe. Countries included in nationwide school closures are France, Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal.”
The sound changed to a jazz song.
I glanced over my shoulder. A commercial played on the screen. A lovely couple walked along a beach. The next scene showed them dancing in a beautiful ballroom. Finally, the headed to their suite which was apparently on a cruise ship. At the bottom, the words read, “Come cruise with us.”
A dark chuckle left Jade’s mouth.
I joined her.
Shocked, she turned my way. “That’s the last place anybody would want to be right now.”
“Correct. Cruises ships now represent a floating petri dish of germs and sickness.”
“It’s going to be hell getting the cruise industry back after this.”
“The economy will fall, but then it will pick itself back up again.”
“You think so?”
“Of course. Money is always there. People lose it. Then, they gain it back. Some go poor. Next year they’re comfortable or even rich. Nobody’s pockets remain the same forever.”
“Some do.”
“But that some isn’t us.” I returned to my laptop screen and spied some of the subjects of Amber’s emails. They all read please in all caps.
Is that what you said to him when he fucked you in our bed?
I shut off the laptop, closed it, and rose. “Okay, little one. It’s time for a field trip.”
“Little one?”
“You’re younger.”
“By three years.”
“Still.”
“I’m a big girl now.” She rose, showing me just how grown up she really was. Those damn nipples dotted the front of her top.
You sure are.
I turned away and buttoned up my jacket. “Do you have a mask?”
“Yes. Why?”
“You’re coming to
the store with me.”
“For what?”
“I need clothes. You need clothes.”
“I don’t need any clothes and I’m on a tight budget.”
I waved her response away. “My treat. Get dressed. I just don’t want to go shopping alone right now.”
She blinked. “Your treat?”
I curved my lips into a smile. “Yes. And I have a nice budget I’m working with.”
She twisted her lips to the side and considered it.
“Get dressed, Jade.”
Sighing, she headed for the bedroom. “Okay, but I don’t want to be out for too long.”
“Me either.”
She disappeared into the room and yelled out, “I definitely don’t want to be around crowds.”
“That won’t be a problem.” I pulled out my phone. “We’ll be at T& T. It’s a boutique in SoHo. I went to college with the owner. I’m going to rent out the shop for an hour.”
She ducked her head out. “You’re going to rent a shop?”
“Just for an hour.”
“How much is that?”
“Too much for you to worry about.”
“Okay, but. . .” She checked her watch. “We have to get back by 6pm.”
“Why?”
“Ganesha has a date with his best buddies—Spence, Madonna, and Elisabeth.”
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely.”
“Fine. We’ll be back by then.” I frowned. “Please, put your clothes on so we can go.”
“Oh yeah.” She shut the bedroom door.
What type of person names their dog Madonna? Clearly, Cher or Sting has more flair.
I walked over to the glass doors past the couch, slid it open, and stepped out on the balcony. The unique appeal of Brooklyn greeted my eyes. This borough had thirty neighborhoods. Each boasted its own personality. The days of Brooklyn taking a back seat to Manhattan had disappeared. The borough had become a hot place to live, with the pricey rents to prove it.
Zora had found a perfect spot in Brooklyn—an authentic brownstone built around the turn of the century and in pristine condition. She’d gone Dutch on the building with three other young professionals in the area. I’d looked over the mortgage contract and approved. They’d split up the four-level brownstone into four different apartment units, equally paid the mortgage, and took turns taking care of the tiny yard in the back.
This neighborhood in Brooklyn was called Park Slope. It was a hot section for young, upwardly mobile professionals. A true yuppie community full of fast trackers, artists, musicians, and filmmakers. Zora’s place was close to 7th Avenue to feed her shopping addiction. Monthly, new restaurants opened on parallel streets 5th and 6th Avenues. We met often on the weekends for lunch at some new eating spot she’d discovered.
I took in the balcony. It had been a while since I’d been over here.
You’ve done well for yourself, sis. Have I told you that enough?
These coronavirus days brought lots of regret and ponderings on life. With the idea of death around every corner, I wondered if I’d been the best brother or son I could have been.
And what about a good boyfriend?
I grimaced.
Fuck Amber.
I pushed her out of my head and went back to the balcony.
Private outdoor space symbolized a dream for most people in any part of this city. Even though it was tiny compared to mine, Zora had definitely made the most of it. She had a small table in the middle of two comfortable chairs, reminding me more of a café spot. She’d packed the space with lots of greenery. Lush plants and flowers filled beige ceramic pots giving the balcony a backyard feel. I inhaled one of the smaller plants.
Hmmm. Is that mint? She must’ve put herbs out here. I like it.
I looked up. A string of red lanterns hung along the space. It would provide a romantic mood for the evening.
Well. . .no romance for me, but Zora must like this.
Sighing, I dialed my friend, put the phone to my ear, and hoped he would answer.
Ross picked up after two rings. “Navi baby! What are you doing?”
“Calling you for a favor.”
“Well, I hope you don’t want toilet paper because I’m going to have to say no.”
I scrunched my face up in confusion. “What?”
“I’m not giving away any of my toilet paper.”
“Whatever.” I ignored the crazy comment. “Are you at T& T?”
“Yes. I’m closing everything up. Boxes and boxes.” A groan left him. “I have no idea what I’m going to do, Navi. I was just getting ready for the fashion show this summer. Sales had been going up. I thought I would be joining you in the condo ownership. And this damn bitch Miss Rona showed up! The slut is going around fucking everybody! Now, I may be on the street and homeless by this summer—”
“You’re not going to be homeless, not with me around.”
“You’re so sweet, Navi, but I could never take from you.”
“But you will, if necessary. Promise me that.”
He groaned again. “Maybe.”
“Not maybe. And we don’t know what people will be buying after lockdown.”
“There’s no way clothes are going to be a top priority once everyone gets out of this—”
“Relax and breathe.”
He let out a long sigh on the other side.
“Everything is going to be okay.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.” I leaned on the balcony’s ledge. “By the way, I need to rent the shop for an hour.”
Silence hit the other line.
“Ross?”
“You want to rent out my store?”
“Yes. I need some clothes. I’m also bringing a good friend. She’ll need a few outfits too.” I kept my voice low. “Preferably, pajamas that will cover her body up.”
“O-kay. The state is going on lockdown and you want to go on a shopping spree in my store?”
“Is that a no?”
“That’s a hells to the yes! I’m just trying to make sure you’re not going crazy. Has Miss Rona visited you?”
“No. I’m not infected.”
“How do you know?”
“I’m not sick.”
“That doesn’t mean anything! People are not having any signs and still dying.”
“What?”
“I saw something on Twitter about it.”
“Ross, just open the shop. I’ll stay several feet away.”
The line went silent again.
I grinned.
After a few seconds, he spoke, “We can’t use cash. I don’t want to touch anybody’s money if I don’t have to.”
“I have my cards with me.”
“Even the pretty platinum one?”
“Yes. Miss Platinum will be with me.” I shook my head. “And don’t forget I’m bringing my friend too. You may remember her from my college graduation party. Zora’s bestie—”
“Jade?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, Jade is so much fun. We got drunk at the reception last weekend. I think I kissed her.”
I blinked. “What?”
“I think. I don’t completely remember, but I did tell her that if I ever fuck a woman, she’ll be high on the list.”
I frowned. “Keep your hands and lips off her this visit.”
Ross laughed.
“We’re practicing social distancing. Remember?”
“Of course, and I’m nowhere near as drunk as I was that night. Hold on. Will Amber be with you?”
“No.”
“Just. . .Jade. Your sister’s hot friend.”
“I know what you’re thinking and it’s not that.”
“Hmmm. Sounds like you’re hiking the Appalachian trail.”
“What?”
“Pulling a Bill Clinton.”
“You’re losing me, Ross.”
“Golfing a Tiger Woods. Creeping. Stepping out. Outsourcing the sexy.”
“You mean cheating?”
“Exactly, Navi.”
“I’m not cheating on Amber. We’re not together anymore.”
“Since when?”
“Three hours ago,” I grumbled.
“No way.”
“Yes.”
“I don’t believe it.”
“Just be ready. Jade and I are heading to T& T within the hour.”
“Okay, Mr. Lance Armstrong.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“He cheated by blood doping during all of his tour de France victories—”
“I’m hanging up right now.”
“See you soon, Navi.” Ross made a kissing sound and ended the call.
Chapter 3
Jade
Quarantini
Heading outside had been a big ordeal. Although the weather was nice, we both put on light jackets. The theory was that any germs would go on them instead of our shirts. We would take them off when we got home and place them directly on the balcony. We both put on our individual masks and plastic gloves.
The whole time we suited up in our hazmat-like gear, I wondered if Kamal feared this virus as much as me. Additionally, I hoped this wouldn’t be the habit of the rest of this year. Under my leather jacket, I wore a simple shirt and jeans.
Ten minutes later, Kamal drove us out of Brooklyn. He had his mask half off and hanging on the other side of his face. “Put on your seatbelt.”
“Yes, big brother.” I took my mask off, put it on my lap, grabbed the buckle’s end, and then connected it. “With the way this car looks, I figured it would buckle me in itself.”
He chuckled.
“Nice car. What type is it?”
“2020 Jaguar F-TYPE.”
“And in your favorite color—orange.” I scanned the sleek interior. “I like it.”
“I’m surprised you remember my favorite color.”
“You always wore orange in high school.”
“I like your mask. It’s as top-notch as my car.” He drove us onto the highway. “Where did you get yours?”
I touched my black and white mask, complete with filters for breathing. “I’m a huge Japanese animation fan. This is from my favorite show Shaolin Assassins. The character even wears a similar jacket.”
“I remember your love for all things Japanese in high school. You look like a superhero. I love it.”