Lip Smacker

by Bailey, Alison G.

  He smirked, huffed, and shook his head in dismay. When I didn’t react, his expression morphed into disbelief.

  “Lip, you know that whatever she said isn’t true.”

  “Why haven’t I been to your apartment or met your family and friends?”

  “You really want to go to a bachelor’s apartment? Because it’s pretty depressing. And as for my family, you’ve met my mom and sister. It never crossed my mind to set up a meeting, not while Wav—your grandmother—needed us.”

  “My grandmother needs me, not you. Did you fuck me in order to fuck me over, Logan?”

  “How can you say that? I love you.”

  “You’ve said a lot of things that contradict one another. One minute you’re insulting my business, trying to buy it in order to please your client. The next minute you’re professing your love for me.”

  “There was a lot that took place between those two things, Lip. Are you really going to take the word of a jealous immature kid over mine? I can’t believe that deep down you would believe a business deal is more important to me than you. I know you’re scared, but don’t push me away until we’ve had a chance to talk and clear things up.”

  “Take the bakery, Logan. I don’t care anymore. Draw up the contract and I’ll sign it. I don’t want to be the one to stand in the way of your perfect record.”

  I turned and walked back into Wavy’s room. Leaning my back against the closed door, I opened the flood gates, sobbing quietly as I said goodbye to my past and my future.

  THE DOCTOR KEPT WAVY in the hospital for a few more days in order to keep an eye on her. I was trying to get her to eat a little of her breakfast when Doctor Durrence stepped into the room, making his morning rounds.

  “I’m not going to eat that, Elipheleta.” Wavy turned her face away in protest.

  “But it’s grits, your favorite.”

  “That stuff clinging to the spoon is not grits. Paste is more like it.”

  “Mrs. Smacker, I take it you’re not a morning person,” Doctor Durrence said.

  “Oh, Doctor, I didn’t see you standing over there.” Wavy’s tone was a bit flirty.

  She loved Doctor Durrence. He had been with her through her first bout of cancer until now.

  The doctor came over and stood by the hospital bed. “So, other than the terrible grits, how’s your morning going so far?”

  “I’m ready to get out of here, I’ll tell you that.”

  “Well, that’s what I’m here to talk to you and your lovely granddaughter about.”

  Doctor Durrence shifted his gaze to me with a sad look in his eyes. He wasn’t here to tell us good news. My heart dropped to my stomach. I had a feeling about what he’d come here to say. I had to be strong for Wavy.

  “Mrs. Smacker—”

  Wavy patted the doctor on the back of his hand. “Doctor Durrence, we’ve known each other for a very long time. I think you can call me Elipheleta. Especially if you’re about to give me some bad news.”

  She knew exactly what he was about to say.

  “Elipheleta, I’ve been a doctor for twenty-five years and this part is never easy. But it’s even harder when the patient and I have a special bond.”

  “It’s time for me to go into hospice,” Wavy said beating him to the punch.

  I bit down on my bottom lip to keep the tears at bay. The doctor pulled up a chair and sat next to the bed, taking Wavy’s hand in his.

  “That’s my recommendation. I want you to be comfortable and as pain free as possible. I also want you to have peace in your heart.”

  Blinking back the tears, I glanced at Wavy, trying to gauge her reaction. She lay there, looking at the doctor with the hint of a smile on her face. I’m sure this was to put him at ease.

  “And I will be all those things,” she assured him. “You will still be my doctor, won’t you?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  She patted his hand and smiled. “Good.”

  By the time Doctor Durrence looked back at me, my cheeks were stained with tears. He didn’t draw attention to them, thank God. And Wavy was so laser focused on him that she didn’t notice.

  “Did you see the Clemson game the other day?” Wavy asked.

  “You bet. The Tigers blew them out of the water. It’s going to be a great season,” he said.

  While the two went on discussing their mutual love of the Tigers, I snuck into the bathroom to wash my face. Looking in the mirror was the wrong thing to do. I was a sight. My hair was brushed and that was the only decent thing going on with my head. My face was swollen and blotchy. My red eyes looked dead. My emotions were in turmoil. I thought I’d be able to handle losing Wavy, but now that the time was getting closer, I couldn’t. I couldn’t handle saying goodbye.

  There was a soft knock on the door, preventing me from having a panic attack.

  “Coming,” I said.

  I walked out to find a middle-aged lady sitting in the chair vacated by Doctor Durrence. She was professionally dressed in pants and a chiffon blouse well accessorized with jewelry.

  Looking up, she extended her hand and said, “Hi, you must be Mrs. Smacker’s granddaughter. I’m Molly.”

  I shook her hand and sat on the opposite side of the bed from her.

  “She’s from hospice, Elipheleta.” Wavy took my hand in hers.

  I thought I was all cried out in that moment, but once again I was wrong. I blinked several times, praying to get in control of myself.

  “I’m sorry,” I said wiping tears away.

  Molly’s gaze was sympathetic and understanding. “No need to apologize. This is a difficult time in a person’s life. We want to make things as easy as possible for both of you.”

  Sensing that I was in no state of mind to help Wavy make decisions, Molly basically ran down the options of either having in-home hospice care or sending Wavy to the hospice house. She said she’d give us time alone to look over the information and make a decision. Once Molly was gone, the room fell silent as Wavy and I tried to process what was happening.

  She turned her head in my direction and gave me the hint of a smile. “I’m not afraid, Elipheleta. I’ve lived a good long life.”

  All I could do was nod. If I opened my mouth sobs would pour out.

  “When Leon told me that your parents were killed in that car accident, the first thing that popped into my head was that he was talking about your mother. I didn’t think he meant your father. Leon had to keep telling me over and over again that Daniel had also died. I never told anyone, but up until the funeral, I didn’t believe my boy was dead. A mother is not supposed to bury her child.

  “I felt so lost and alone after your daddy died. Even though Leon was going through his own pain, he stayed strong for me and comforted me. I’ve been a lucky woman. I’ve had three great loves in my life. Your grandfather, your father, and you, Elipheleta. You were a big part of my healing when my two fellas left me. I cherished you from the second your momma and daddy told us you were coming. You have been the bright light in my life and I want to thank you for that.”

  I wasn’t able to contain my emotions. Tears covered my face.

  “You have been the bright light in my life, Wavy. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you.”

  “Sweet girl, you are going to survive just fine. Logan will watch out for you.”

  I almost told her that Logan turned out to be a slime and would no longer be in my life. But if it made her feel good to think I wouldn’t be alone then I could pretend for her.

  Taking my hand in hers, she said, “I saw it from the very first day he walked into the bakery. He was fascinated by you. And every time since, when I see y’all together I’m comforted knowing that you now have your soul mate. That young man looks at you like your grandfather looked at me for all those years. You’ll have your ups and downs, all couples do. But in the end Logan will be there for you and make you happy, Elipheleta.”

  Wanting desperately to dri
ft away from the subject of Logan, I said, “Is there anything you want or need?”

  She waved her hand for me to lean in closer as if she was going to bestow more words of wisdom. “I’d really like a Big Mac.”

  “The hamburger?”

  “Yes, and a large chocolate shake and fries. Every time Leon and I would go to the burger joint we’d get a hamburger, fries, and a large chocolate shake.”

  I looked at my phone for the first time. It was still a little early for lunch service at a fast food place. “If that’s what you want then that’s what you will have.”

  I kissed Wavy on the forehead before heading out to get her food. One of the ladies who worked in the hospital cafeteria, Millie, delivered dinner to Wavy’s room every evening. When Wavy kicked up a fuss about not wanting the no-salt, no-flavor meal, Millie was kind enough to mention that if Wavy ever wanted something different from the official offering, she should tell her. So I headed to the cafeteria in search of Millie.

  It was between breakfast and lunch, so the cafeteria was pretty empty except for a few medical students drinking coffee and reading textbooks. I walked up to the counter and stretched my neck to see if I could spot Millie in the back. I saw her at the griddle surrounded by wisps of smoke. A big smile appeared on her face when she saw me.

  She walked up to greet me, wiping her hands with a towel. “Hello, how are you doing today?”

  “I’m not great. My grandmother is going into hospice care.”

  Millie’s expression turned sympathetic. “I’ll pray for peace and comfort for you both.”

  “Thank you. I’ll let Wavy know. In fact, it’s because of her that I’ve come down here. She’s craving a cheeseburger, a chocolate shake, and fries. McDonald’s doesn’t start lunch service until—”

  Millie held up her hand, stopping me from continuing. “I’m going to put the fries in the fryer right now, then get to work on that cheeseburger and milkshake. I’ll bring it to her room myself. It should be ready in fifteen minutes.”

  I wanted to jump over the counter and hug this woman. She didn’t have to do anything extra for us, but out of the kindness of her heart she was willing to stop for a few minutes to make my grandmother happy.

  “Thank you so much. I’ll wait for it. You’ve already done so much for us.”

  “It’s my pleasure.”

  Millie disappeared into the back while I filled up a large cup with coffee. I hadn’t been sleeping much at all. The only thing keeping me upright was coffee and the occasional cupcake. I finished loading my coffee with sugar and cream, then found a spot at the end of one of the long tables and sat down. I took a tentative sip of the coffee as my tired eyes scanned the room.

  Two people in white coats, hunched over with their backs to me, sat directly in the line of sight in front of me. I stared at them, letting my eyes get mesmerized by their white coats while I rested my brain, letting it go completely blank. After a few minutes the two white coats closed their books, gathered their belongings, and stood. My gaze dropped as I didn’t want them to know I’d been staring. Out the corner of my eye, I watched them leave, and when I looked up, I couldn’t have been more shocked at what I saw.

  Sitting at the table across from the two students who had just left was none other than Logan, his blue eyes glued on me. My initial feeling was that of joy. It was ridiculous, but it felt good seeing a familiar face. A face I still loved, but couldn’t trust. Wavy’s words came back to me about how Logan would be there for me and make me happy. He looked at me the way Pop looked at her. Even my sweet grandmother was fooled by him.

  Suddenly, Logan got up and made his way over to me.

  “Hey,” he said in a hesitant tone.

  “Hey.”

  “Is it okay if I sit down?”

  I was too exhausted, physically and emotionally, to fight.

  “Sure.” I took another sip of coffee.

  “How’s your grandmother?”

  “They’re putting her in hospice care.”

  It was slight, but I noticed Logan’s body jolt as the color drained from his face. He had come because he cared about Wavy. I figured even snakes have hearts.

  “I hate to hear that,” he said with a quiver in his voice.

  “We both knew it was a matter of time. It’s just hard.”

  Reaching across the table, Logan took my hand in his. I allowed myself only a few seconds to be comforted before pulling back.

  “Why are you here?” I said.

  “Because I love you. I know you don’t believe me, but it’s true. I haven’t lied to you about my feelings, Lip.”

  “Just everything else.”

  “No.”

  “I’m too exhausted to care why you did what you did, Logan.”

  “I didn’t do anything.”

  “So, you didn’t broker a deal with Harper to take over my business, which—I don’t even understand how that’s possible.”

  “We discussed options.”

  “Leave me and my grandmother alone, Logan. We’re none of your concern.”

  Seeing Millie at the counter with Wavy’s bag of food, I stood and made my way over to her. I thanked her again and walked out of the cafeteria, leaving Logan behind.

  STANDING AT THE FRONT counter I scanned the empty bakery. It mimicked the way I felt inside. Everything little thing reminded me of her. It was hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that two weeks had already gone by. Every slight noise I heard immediately made me think it was her coming into the bakery to help me for the day. But within a split second I remembered she was gone, and fell right back to square one in the grieving process. The only solace I had was knowing Wavy was no longer in pain and was reunited with Pop, Dad, and Mom.

  My parent’s death was devastating. Pop’s death broke my heart. But with Wavy’s passing I felt all of those things, plus loss. There was no one left on earth who knew me from the very beginning. No one to share memories of Hampton Park, the Red and White grocery store, or this little hole in the wall where two wonderful people met and fell in love.

  No words could ever describe how much I missed and loved Wavy. There were days I almost didn’t get out of bed, but then I’d hear her voice telling me not to waste time feeling sorry for myself, there were people who needed cupcakes. So, I started dragging myself into the bakery again, going through the motions for Wavy.

  Picking up an empty tray, I carried it to the kitchen when I heard the jingle of bells. I placed the tray down and walked back into the shop where I found Mr. Abram sitting in his usual spot. This was the first time he’d been here in two weeks. At the funeral he sat tucked away in a corner trying to go unnoticed, but I saw him. He was wearing the expression of a man who had said goodbye to too many friends in his lifetime.

  “Hey, Mr. Abrams.”

  “Lip,” he greeted.

  “I’ve got a can of cinnamon rolls in the fridge, I’ll go put them in the oven.”

  He raised his wrinkly hand, stopping me. “I’ll just have hot water today.”

  So my life wasn’t the only one that still wasn’t normal. I turned toward the back counter, poured the hot cup of water then took it to Mr. Abrams. Though he refused, I made my way into the kitchen to fix the cinnamon rolls. Once in the oven, I hoped that the smell would entice him. We all needed to take the first step toward feeling normal again. Maybe cinnamon rolls would help Mr. Abrams do that.

  As I set the timer, I heard the familiar jingle coming from the shop door. I grabbed a towel, wiping my hands as I nudged the swinging door open with my elbow.

  “Can I help yo—?”

  Standing at the front counter was Logan, surprising me like the last time I spoke to him in the hospital cafeteria. He had texted me twice since then. Once, later that same evening, letting me know he was going to give me space. The second time was to let me know he’d heard about Wavy and wished he could be with me. I never responded. He was at Wavy’s service, standing in the back of the crowd. I thought it was very swee
t of him to attend. He disappeared before I was able to speak with him.

  But now here he was right in front of me, wearing another impeccably tailored suit, looking as handsome as ever except for the sadness in his eyes.

  “Hi,” I said.

  “Hi. How are you doing?”

  “As well as can be expected.”

  “You know I’m here for you.”

  “Logan—”

  “Lip, I miss you so much. I know you think I played you, but I didn’t. I swear to God, I’d never do anything intentionally to hurt you. You have no idea how much I wanted to hold you when I found out about Wavy. I’m so pathetic I rode by your place twenty times that night. I didn’t stop because you were heartbroken and I didn’t want to add to your pain. But I don’t want to put us on the back burner any longer.”

  “Logan, I—”

  Suddenly, the bells jingled again. Looking past Logan, I watched as an older man with salt and pepper hair, dressed in a dark expensive suit walked in. He surveyed the place as if he were making mental notes. He spotted Logan and walked toward him.

  “Logan,” he said, extending his hand.

  The two men shook hands then turned their attention on me.

  “Lip, this is Archibald Harper. Mr. Harper, this is Miss Elipheleta Smacker.”

  Here comes the wrecking ball.

  Mr. Harper reached out his hand for mine. “Nice to meet you, Miss Smacker.”

  I shook his hand, but remained silent.

  “Logan here has been telling me an awful lot about you and your bakery.”

  My gaze shifted between the two men. I couldn’t even imagine what Logan told this dude.

  “I’m here to make you an offer,” Mr. Harper continued.

  “I’m not sure what kind of bullshit you’re trying to pull. If this is a last ditch effort to buy my bakery before some lackey from city zoning, who you paid off, comes a-callin’, I’ll have you know Lip Smacker is a legally zoned business. I did everything by the book. So, with all due respect, Mr. Harper, you can take your offer and sho—”

  “Lip! I think you might want to hear Mr. Harper out.”

  My brows furrowed as my head snapped back. “Did you just interrupt me?”