by Emery, Lynn
“The other day?” Darlene tried to focus on something other than Kelvin.
“When we were downtown. You acted like I should stay far away from him,” Erikka said. She waved a hand in front of Darlene’s face. “What’s up?”
Darlene recovered. “I think we can both agree you’ve had your share of trouble.”
‘True to that,” Erikka said with a tight smile. “For the last year or so I specialized in trouble.”
“That’s all I’m saying. Folks will talk—”
“No matter what we do, folks will run their mouths,” Erikka broke in. “I’ve got nerve jumping to believe some stupid rural gossip. Lord knows what they are saying about me.”
“Well…” Darlene cleared her throat. She knew tongues were wagging. At least two friends had called dutifully to report what others were saying.
“You know what? I’m going to meet with Gabriel Cormier.” Erikka gave a sharp nod.
“I don’t know.” Darlene shook her head slowly.
“Make up your mind.” Erikka threw up both hands. “Dang, girl. I can’t keep up.”
“I was just trying to finish telling you the whole story. Now you know,” Darlene replied. “Gabriel has been back home for about six months. He seems nice enough, but you need to keep your life simple. Don’t get involved with him.” “I
“I’m going to help straighten out his business books, not ‘get involved.’ ”
“I used to read those gothic romances back in the day. There was always the tall, dark, brooding hero with a painful past,” Darlene said, and pointed at her.
“Oh please.” Erikka rolled her eyes.
“Gabriel is one good-looking brother, with those soulful eyes. He’s got that reformed-bad-boy mystique goin’ on. You, my dear, are on the rebound from Vaughn. I’m just saying.” Darlene shrugged a shoulder.
“Do I look like Boo-Boo the Fool?” Erikka snorted. She stood up. “Listen here, you don’t need to worry. This is real life. I don’t do soulful eyes and bad boys. Upwardly mobile guys dressed expensively and driving sports cars are my weakness. I think I’m safe out here.”
“If you say so.” Darlene sighed. The rebellious glint in Erikka’s light brown eyes told Darlene what would happen next.
“I say so for damn sure. And another thing, I don’t give a flip what these small-town, small-minded people have to say.” Erikka took an apple from the bowl of fruit on Darlene’s kitchen counter.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Darlene said.
“One more thing I miss about New Orleans, nobody dipping their spoons all up in your business twenty-four/seven,” Erikka retorted. She took a bite from the apple.
“Okay, I’m leaving it alone. Men of all ages can be trouble.” Darlene stared at the back door.
“What are you going to do about Brandon?” Erikka took a bite out of the apple.
“Nothing. I’m done trying to talk sense into him. Maybe his father will have more success.” Darlene rubbed her forehead with the tips of her fingers. A small circle of pain threatened to spread.
“This woman might turn out to be a good influence on him,” Erikka said. She lifted a shoulder when Darlene looked skeptical.
“Yeah, right,” Darlene said softly.
“Cheer up. He’s a big boy now. Time he had his own set of regrets like the rest of us.” Erikka patted Darlene’s shoulder as she left the kitchen.
“About Gabriel Cormier—” Darlene called out.
“Under control.” Erikka gave her a thumbs-up without looking back.
Darlene inhaled and exhaled deeply. She might have pushed the subject of Gabriel harder, but who was she to lecture on men? Kelvin Washington popped into her head again, as he did so often. Though her upbringing told Darlene she should feel guilt, none came. After all, Darlene reasoned, she had a right to find happiness. Kelvin and his wife led separate lives. They were together only because their youngest son was still home. Things would be messy for a while, but that was the price they had to pay. Then Darlene thought about Brandon’s backhanded swipe at her own choices. Darlene rubbed at the tension in her now-aching neck. That old song was right. Love sure as hell is a hurting thing.
***
Two days later on Friday Erikka’s trip into New Orleans had turned dismal. Hot and muggy, dull gray clouds blotted out any sunshine that might have helped. A steady misting rain completed the gloomy atmosphere. The entire city seemed covered by a layer of damp grime. They sat in the living room of Hope’s two-bedroom apartment. The two women watched as a rogues’ gallery was paraded before them on the local news; surveillance video of suspects in a string of robberies. Erikka picked up the remote on the cushion between them and changed the channel. She did not need to be reminded of the court system, not after the day she’d had. Hope had volunteered to drive her since Erikka was so nervous. She still had a headache.
Hope put her feet on the coffee table. Her red-checked socks matched the oversized sleep shirt she wore.
“Chill, okay? Wasn’t so bad really,” Hope said as though reading her mind.
“Oh, no, Hope. I had a faboo time sitting around half the day with a collection of the city’s most undesirable element,” Erikka snapped.
“I said I was sorry.” Hope glanced at her with a look of chagrin.
“We got to court late because you couldn’t get your butt out of bed. Thanks to you I got a lecture from the judge. This close.” Erikka squeezed her thumb and forefinger together under Hope’s nose. “I came this close to having more community service time added.”
“Okay, okay. I screwed up. Name my penance.” Hope winced, as though bracing for the worst.
“You know what, just forget it. By the way, you drank too much last night at Lisa’s party and made a fool of yourself. Just in case you were about to ask.” Erikka punched the remote buttons, looking for anything that might lift her spirits.
“I wasn’t,” Hope shot back. “And, by the way, you jacked any chance of our friends having a good time with your attitude. Besides, you could have driven to that hearing alone. I told you I wasn’t feeling good.”
“Euphemism for hung-over,” Erikka replied.
“Whatever. Look, don’t get up in my face cause you got into trouble. I party responsibly.” Hope stood up and stomped into the kitchen.
“Sure. Rubbing your pelvis against Damon Bascomb’s crotch was real responsible.” Erikka followed her and sat at the serving counter on a barstool. On the other side Hope froze in the act of opening the refrigerator.
“Please tell me you just made that up to punish me for making you late,” Hope pleaded, her eyes wide.
Erikka shook her head slowly. “No. Watching me self-destruct should have been a warning to you, girl.” “Dr. Damon Bascomb, noted African-American neurologist who is often quoted on CNN.” Hope slumped against the counter. She gripped the edge as though fighting to keep from falling.
“The most delectable single straight guy left in New Orleans who isn’t on America’s Most Wanted. That Dr. Damon.”
“No, no, no.” Hope covered her face with both hands.
“I tried to stop you.”
Then Hope looked up with an optimistic expression. “Maybe he was too drunk to notice or even care?”
Erikka felt a jab of aching empathy for her friend. “Sorry.”
“Oh, Lord, help me. I remember talking to him, and I maybe stood a little close, but—” Hope bit her lower lip. “What did he do?”
“Damon was very gracious. He allowed me to peel you off of him and laughed it off,” Erikka added quickly. “I’m sure he understood.”
“That I’m a nutcase slut? Oh, I’m sure he understands.” Hope yanked open the freezer and took out a gallon tub of ice cream.
Erikka hopped off the barstool and went into the kitchen. “Give me that.”
“Pecan praline swirl is the only thing that will help. I’m swearing off alcohol.” Hope found a bowl in the sink.
“You’ll be sober and three
hundred pounds in two months at this rate.” Erikka put the ice cream in the freezer.
“You came into town to torture me,” Hope wailed, as Erikka dragged her back into the living room.
“Right, sure I did. Sit,” Erikka ordered and shoved her down on the sofa.
“Don’t tell me you like living out in the swamps of Nowhereville.” Hope folded her legs beneath her. “Actually, getting out of town sounds good.” She covered her face again with both hands.
“I know you’re not worried about them. Your pal Tisa got drunk and slept with her gynecologist. His wife whipped her butt in the middle of Lakeside Mall. Our friend Clarice resigned to avoid being fired for embezzling from her uncle’s business. Need I go on?” Erikka crossed her arms.
Hope put her hands on both hips. “You’re so right. Hell, we’re too good to party with those hoochies.” Erikka threw back her head and laughed until her stomach hurt. “That’s why I hang with you.”
“I know.” Hope laughed with her until they both gasped for breath.
Erikka wiped her eyes with a napkin. “Thanks for breaking me out of that funk I was in. Anyway, it wasn’t your fault I was late for court. I could have gone on without you.”
“No, you were right. I promised to be there for you, and then tried to punk out. Next time you’re in court I’m there.” Hope burst into laughter again when Erikka sputtered.
“Girl, don’t put the evil eye on me. I’m never going to court again. I’m going to be so sweet somebody will nominate me for sainthood.”
“Yeah, sure you will.” Hope gave a loud snort.
“I mean it,” Erikka insisted. “Hey, why did we party with the likes of Tisa and Clarice last night?”
“Because they have money, can get us invited to the best places, got us a ride on that Mardi Gras parade float two years in a row, know all the right people—”
“And they’re superficial, snooty, gossip about everyone, and keep all kinds of drama going,” Erikka broke in.
“Right, a fun group to kick it with,” Hope said. She went to the kitchen and got a glass of iced tea.
“I’m serious, Hope,” Erikka called out.
“So am I,” Hope replied, then came back and sat down.
“I’m saying we should choose people with better character.” Erikka sighed.
“Look, you make them sound like the worst mob on the earth. Except for Clarice borrowing from her uncle—”
“She stole from him. Don’t try to dress it up,” Erikka cut her off.
“Give me a break. She took a few hundred out of his petty cash and went shopping. Lord & Taylor had a sale. Perfectly understandable,” Hope explained with a shrug.
“If you really see it that way, then I’m through.” Erikka waved a hand at her.
“Okay, okay.” Hope let out a slow breath. “Listen, maybe our party friends could use a little cleaning up. But we’re not that different from them.”
“I am now,” Erikka said quietly. She could no longer afford to judge everyone by appearances.
“Those few little scratches are barely visible. You look the same. I mean it.” Hope’s face softened with affection.
“No, I don’t. But thanks for trying.” Erikka brushed off the blues about her looks. “Anyway, we need to straighten up our acts.”
“Whoa, speak for yourself. I’m just fine,” Hope protested. “By the way, I don’t think it’s a good idea to keep in touch with that girl from the crazy house. What’s her name?”
‘Terri. Remember, you hang around with me, and I was in the ‘crazy house,’ ” Erikka pointed out.
“You’re different. I know you. She could be an ax murderer,” Hope reasoned, not caring about her logic.
“Like we have such pristine associates. Girl, please.” Erikka said.
“Hey, I’m practically a saint these days,” Hope said, and pointed at her.
“Honey, you got drunk and groped a doctor. I think we all use too much alcohol.” Erikka gazed at her.
Hope shrugged. “I agree, but I have done better. I’ve only gotten drunk and groped a guy once in the past two months. Progress.”
Erikka lost her attempt to remain serious when she burst into laughter again. “I can’t argue with that one.” Hope grinned at her, and then her expression became serious again. She put the glass of tea down on the cocktail table. “Really though, I hear what you’re saying. Karin has been preaching to me, too. I had one too many glasses of wine on an empty stomach. I really have stopped drinking as much.” “Good.” Erikka gazed at her with affection. “I don’t want you to go through what I did.”
“I won’t, sis. Promise.” Hope held up one palm. The cordless phone on the end table next to her rang, and she picked it up. After saying hello she beamed at Erikka. “Who is it?” Erikka whispered.
“Yes, Damon, dinner on Wednesday sounds wonderful,” Hope said, and winked at her.
“Amazing,” Erikka said, then clamped a hand over her mouth.
Hope tilted her head back and let out a tinkle of laughter. “Oh, Damon, you’re too funny. Okay, see you then. Bye-bye.”
“He didn’t.” Erikka leaned forward.
“Apparently you were right. The good doctor didn’t think any worse of me for being a little tipsy last night.” Hope picked up the glass and saluted Erikka with it before she drank.
“I didn’t really believe it though, girl. I was just trying to make you feel better.” Erikka’s jaw dropped.
“A true friend, but I don’t need consolation anymore. We’re having dinner at Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro. How’s that?” Hope wore a smug expression.
“You bagged Dr. Damon. Clarice, Tisa, and a half dozen of our dearest friends will just hate you for it.” Erikka giggled.
“Won’t they though?” Hope said, and gave a satisfied sigh. Then she looked at Erikka. “I saw Vaughn the other day.”
“Humph. Hope you’ve had all your shots.” Erikka went to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of tea.
“He did have the decency to ask about you, Erikka. I mentioned you would be in town this weekend.” Hope winced when Erikka spun around.
“How special of him,” Erikka said with a grunt.
“The man really sounded concerned,” Hope insisted.
“The truth is I haven’t really missed him. I was into what he had instead of what he was on the inside.” Erikka walked back into the living room.
“Well, yeah. The brother has a gold Jaguar S Series, a house, and a great career. Even better, he can style and still pay his child support. You say shallow, I say America’s Most Wanted.” Hope made two snaps with her fingers.
“I’m not really down on Vaughn. He’s all about success, and that’s good. But he didn’t have time for me when things got tight.” Erikka still felt a prick of disappointment.
“You know what? You’re right. Forget him and his Jaguar,” Hope blurted.
“I’ve moved on. It’s all good at this point. I could see Vaughn and chitchat with him.” Erikka sipped from her glass. “Let’s watch a movie.”
“Sure. I rented our favorite action flicks. Hey, wait a minute.” Hope stopped in the act of going to the entertainment system.
“What?” Erikka punched the big cushions to get comfortable.
“I know how you love having a man in your life. If I didn’t know better, I would say you’ve found a fine man in Loreauville. Nah, impossible.” Still, Hope eyed her closely.
“I’m not dating if that’s what you’re asking. Now put in a good movie,” Erikka said, and pointed at the stack of DVDs on her shelf.
Hope looked at her a few moments then turned around. “What about Bad Boys 3? I just love Will Smith and Martin in that. Will Smith looks edible with his shirt open, baby. Have mercy.”
“Bad Boys. Perfect.”
Erikka watched the intro to the movie and let her mind wander right back to Loreauville. Gabriel came to mind for some reason. He was a reformed bad boy according to what Darlene told her. No matte
r what her aunt said, Erikka believed he was a changed man. Something in his eyes told her so. To her surprise Erikka looked forward to going back.
“What are you grinning about?” Hope broke into her thoughts.
“Not all the men are named Leroy,” Erikka said.
Hope wore a mystified expression, shrugged, and went back to staring at Will Smith in admiration. Erikka sipped her tea and thought about a man with a gentle worldly-wise gaze and strong hands.
Chapter 7
Early Sunday morning Erikka visited her mother before leaving for Loreauville. Sunshine came through the bay window bathing Erikka’s baby sister in light. At twenty, Jaci had the velvety skin of a girl with no worries. She wore her black wavy hair pulled back in a thick braid. Large sterling silver hoop earrings brushed her cafe au lait cheeks. She eyed the box of sticky donut holes but did not touch them. Erikka smiled at her discipline and licked icing from a finger.
“What’s going on, Erikka?” Jaci leaned forward with both elbows on Roz’s breakfast table. She spoke in a whisper.
“Don’t worry about me. I’ve got a job. Well, it’s part-time contract work. My car is fixed. The best thing that came out of all this is that they didn’t suspend my driver’s license.” Erikka took a breath to go on.
“I’m talking about Mama and Daddy,” Jaci said, with a trace of irritation.
“Oh. There’s a bit of tension. I think they’re going through a phase.” Erikka looked over her shoulder. Roz had gone to her master bedroom.
“No, this marriage is in serious trouble.” Jaci frowned. She let out a slow breath in her typical dramatic fashion.
Here we go, Erikka mused. Like mother like daughter. “You’ve been away at college for nine months. Don’t come in here stirring stuff up, okay? You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Daddy packed a bag last night and left. He hasn’t come back,” Jaci whispered again. Her dark eyes widened to make her point that they should both panic.
“Mama says he went on a business trip,” Erikka replied. At least that was her story, she said to herself. Truthfully, Erikka hadn’t believed her. Roz’s eyes were suspiciously puffy.