A Heart to Heal (28 page)

Instead of going back to sleep, she got out of bed and took a bath. She hoped to find an apartment soon. Living without a shower had definitely run its course. Afterwards, she finished packing the small amount of stuff she'd unpacked when she moved in. She called Tasha to ask for recommendations for apartments to consider. Her friend offered something better. Tasha had moved in with Jared after they were married and had never sold her own home. She offered to rent it to Shayla who readily accepted. That was one less thing off her back.

She didn't leave the house until eight, when she was sure that her mom would be long gone. When she entered her mom's home, the sound of a morning news show blared from the kitchen. Her heart sped up. She looked out the window to be sure her mom's car wasn't parked on the side of the house. Slowly, she walked into the kitchen. Kenny sat at the table watching television, and she heaved a sigh of relief.

“You're watching the news?” she said walking in and sitting at the table with him. She grabbed a piece of bacon off the plate in front of him. He looked from the plate to her with a frown. She smirked.

“I can watch the news if I want.”

“Turn it down, the neighbors can hear it.”

He picked up the remote and lowered the volume. “I had it up to drown out ma's fussing this morning.”

She cringed. “Me and Devin.”

“You know it. Damn, Shayla, you couldn't go to his place? Two people called last night to tell her and she spent half the night debating on ignoring it or going to your house demanding he leave.”

“I don't understand why she's so against it. I'm not hurting anybody. If it's because of Kia, then I she shouldn't worry because Kia already knows.”

Kenny scoffed. “Kia don't care. She hooked up with Bobby's cousin who just got out of jail. I don't know why mom's always on your back like she is. He's my daddy too. She don't ever get on me.”

It was the first time Kenny had ever admitted that their mom was harder on her than him. She'd never said anything to him about it, preferring to keep the good relationship she had with her brother versus trying to get him on her side against mom.

“I didn't think you noticed,” she said in a soft voice.

“Come on, Shayla, give me some credit. I stay out of y'alls fights, but I know when she's giving you a hard time.”

“I appreciate that.”

Kenny shrugged and stuffed the last piece of bacon in his mouth. “I always look out for you. That's why I beat the shit out of Tony a few years ago.”

Her hand fell to the table with a slap. “What?”

“Yeah, his homeboy Stan was talking to me one day about what Tony did to you back in high school. I ain't ever understand that situation. I know you never felt Tony like that, so what Stan said made sense. I handled it. And let Tony know not to bother you again. I thought I'd have to handle him again after the way he got you all messed up at his club, but Devin did instead. I knew then you two were back together.”

Tears filled her eyes as she stared at her little brother. She'd always assumed Kenny was oblivious to the things going on around him. He kept his business to himself, never offered advice to her or her mom, and usually bailed whenever things got rough in the house. To know that he'd been her silent champion, even when she hadn't been home in years, touched her more than anything.

She got out of the chair and wrapped her arms around her brother's neck. “Thank you.”

He gently pushed her away. “Stop all that. You're my sister, what else am I supposed to do.”

She smiled and sat down. “You didn't have to do anything.”

He shrugged again. “Then I wouldn't be a man.”

• • •

Strengthened by her brother's support, Shayla had lunch at the diner. The owner, Mr. Wilson, greeted her warmly and even talked with her for a few minutes while she waited on her food. Jennie took her order with no attitude. She assumed it was due to Mr. Wilson's friendly greeting. The few patrons nodded in greeting, one even offered an actual hello.

She was starting to feel silly about hiding her relationship with Devin for so long, when Martha from the church came in with a few of her cronies. They gave her the evil eye and whispered behind their menus. It wasn't long before they started to loudly discuss how loose women tended to lead good men astray. The looks they threw in her direction with every head nod and ‘mmmhmmm' were a testament that she was the loose woman they referred to. She hurriedly ate her food and left, instead of confronting them and causing a scene.

She went to Piggly Wiggly for fruit, instead of going home. A few people who she'd worked with to make the changes to the festival were there and were cordial. But there were others who whispered and pointed as she walked through the store. She overheard her name, Devin, and Tyrell in one loudly whispered conversation. By the time she made it home her good mood was deflated.

It was foolish to think things would magically become easy because Devin said he loved her and her brother admitted she received the short end of the stick. If one afternoon of dirty looks and whispered conversations had her miserable, how long would Devin put up with it? Sure it would be easier when she lived in Columbia and no one would really care what they did. But he lived here, and if this week were any example, his job prevented him from staying in Columbia during the week. By the time two thirty hit, she was once again wondering if a relationship with Devin would cause more harm than good.

But she had a selfish side. And that side packed a few clothes to meet him at three. She was leaving her house when Kia pulled in the driveway. Even though both Devin and her brother assured her that Kia was seeing someone else, Shayla's heart rate accelerated. Kia was one of the few people in her family who had looked up to her; she'd hate to ruin any chance of a future relationship with her.

Kia got out of the car and walked over, a tentative smile on her lips. “You should have heard them at work today, giving Devin a hard time about you.”

Shayla slumped against her car. “Did they really?”

Kia nodded. “Not Anna. Mainly Lisa, but she gives everyone a hard time. It's not you personally, they all treat Devin like the brother they never had. No one wants to see him hurt.”

Shayla had to stop herself from snorting her disbelief. If anyone would end up hurt after this it would be her. When he realized he could do better.

“I'm not going to hurt him. I love him.”

Kia scrutinized her for a second before nodding. “I believe you don't want to hurt him, but you did. I know it was almost twenty years ago and you were in high school, but you've come home with a lot of baggage. I realize that me and Devin won't work, but he's a good guy. Are you sure you know what you're doing?”

“There's a lot more to the story about what happened in high school than I care to go into right now. But I will tell you that I care about Devin more than anyone I know. I'm more afraid he'll wake up and realize he could do better.”

Kia raised an eyebrow. “Devin hasn't shown interest in a woman in town in years. You show up and he's falling over you in less than twenty-four hours. I don't think he'll move on quickly.”

“I hope you're right, because I don't want him to.” Shayla straightened and looked her cousin in the eye. “Are we good? My intention was to stay away from him. I didn't want to come between you two.”

“He told me. And I know you tried. Despite everything, you've always been real. I know you wouldn't deliberately try to hurt me.”

Shayla hugged Kia. “Thank you.”

“Are you going to see him now?” Kia asked pulling away.

Shayla grinned. “What do you think? I'm escaping before my mom gets home.”

“I don't blame you. I'll wait around and talk to Aunt Marcella when she gets home. If she's gonna be mad about you and Devin, it won't be because she thinks you stabbed me in the back.”

Shayla sighed with relief as some of her earlier optimism came back. It wouldn't be easy, but there may be hope for her and Devin.

Shayla's lips lifted in a tight smile when Devin squeezed her shoulder. She looked out the windshield of his truck at the church parking lot where the committee was preparing for the Fall Festival. It would be the first time she and Devin were out in public as a couple. After the see-saw day she had last week, she'd insisted on spending time with him at his home. She said it was fitting since they'd joked as teens about living together on Johnston Street. And it wasn't too hard to convince him to spend his nights after work in bed. Truthfully, it kept them out of sight of prying eyes. She wanted to enjoy a few days of it being just the two of them.

She hadn't gone back to her rented house since leaving after her conversation with Kia. Everything was too good when she was with Devin. Seeing her mom, and facing her accusing looks, would only make it seem wrong.

“We can't sit in the truck all night.” Devin said.

She took a deep breath. “I'm good. Let's do this.”

He gave her shoulder another squeeze then got out of the truck. She waited on him to come and open her door, and took his hand as she hoped down from the cab. The steady, comforting strength of his grip eased some of her nerves as they approached the others. After booking Tyrell she'd avoided committee meetings and handled her end of things through phone conversations with Reverend Jenkins. While everyone on the committee probably knew she spent the past few nights at Devin's home, it didn't mean they would look favorably on the two of them being together.

Reverend Jenkins glanced at their clasped hands as they approached. She waited in vain for him to frown or show disapproval. Instead, he smiled.

“Great, you're here. Devin, one of the doctors from the hospital is already here with his nurse. I showed him where the health screenings would be, but if you'll go and make sure you all have everything you'll need, that would be great.”

“Not a problem. I actually have some stuff in my truck, but I wanted to check with you before taking it out.”

Reverend Jenkins nodded. “Good. Shayla, will you make sure everything looks good over by the stage for the group tonight? They should arrive soon.”

As soon as the words were out of the Reverend's mouth, the van with the Christian hip hop group pulled into the parking lot. Devin gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before going to handle his task. Shayla went over to meet the group's manager. He introduced her to the four boys in the group. Each one looked like any other teenager. But when they spoke, they expressed their excitement to be there along with their eagerness to spread the word of God. Shayla sent up her own silent prayer of thanks that the group would work out.

On the way to the stage, the parking lot went from peaceful to chaotic. The vendor with the bouncy house arrived, volunteers to assist with the various booths came, and even some church members who were giving away candy out of their trunks were there early. Shayla worked alongside Mrs. Jenkins and Martha, to make sure everyone knew where they were going. She nearly tripped over her feet when Martha complimented her on setting up a detailed site plan and task list to make set up easier.

When she finally got a second to breathe and sit with Mrs. Jenkins at the designated command post, Tyrell arrived. Her feeling of accomplishment plummeted. The Reverend and Bentley had both agreed it was okay for Tyrell to draw caricatures, but that didn't mean people wouldn't assume he was there just to see her. She briefly considered leaving the table and letting Mrs. Jenkins deal directly with him, but running would only make her look guilty. He wasn't alone. A tall, cocoa skinned woman, and a little girl who looked like a miniature of the woman, came with him. Shayla sighed with relief.

“Shayla, it's good to see you.” Tyrell said. “I'd like you to meet my wife, Elaina, and my daughter Iyana.”

Iyana bounced forward and smiled. Elaina's smile wasn't as bright. Her almond eyes made a calculating sweep around the parking lot.

Shayla stood and held out her hand. “It's great to meet you, Elaina. Tyrell speaks highly of you.”

Elaina's smile froze for a second before it softened into what would appear to be sincerity to the untrained eye. She looked out of place with her silk blouse, slacks and pearl necklace. Tyrell appeared more comfortable in jeans and a black sweatshirt. His daughter was dressed exactly as him.

“Great to meet you, Shayla. As soon as Tyrell told me about this festival, it seemed like the perfect place to bring Iyana,” Elaina said.

Shayla pulled her hand out of Elaina's icy one and held back the urge to rub it along her pants. “I'll show you where to set up.”

“I'll get my stuff out of the car.” Tyrell said.

“Can I come with you, Daddy?” Iyana asked.

“You sure can, pumpkin.”

Shayla watched them walk away before looking back at Elaina. The woman's expression was a mask of happiness, too fake and frozen to fool Shayla, but probably good enough to convince anyone not used to wearing masks.

“Come with me,” Shayla said.

They walked in silence to the area reserved for Tyrell. Shayla caught Devin's eye on the way over and he raised a brow. Tyrell bringing his wife and daughter would weaken any ideas that there was anything between them, but it didn't make Shayla feel any better. She didn't want Elaina to think there was anything between her and Tyrell.

When they stopped at the roped off area for the paintings, Shayla turned toward Elaina to clear the air.

“I know there's nothing between you two.” Elaina said before Shayla could open her mouth. “Don't look so shocked. That man hasn't slept with another woman since our daughter was born. Which it hard to believe, since I can only bring myself to sleep with him when my father reminds me to.”