Cosmopolitan Girls (15 page)

Chapter 30

Detours

Lindsay Bradley,” I answered. “Hey girl, it's me. I was wondering if we could move up the time for Girl's Night?”

“Let me see what I can do. What time were you thinking?” I asked.

“Now!”

“Something up?” I could hear trouble in Charlie's voice.

“One, I'm about to murder somebody at this job if I don't get out of here soon, and two . . .” Charlie paused and let out a deep sigh. “Lindsay, there's too much to tell over the phone.”

“Calm down, I'll be there soon. I'm wrapping up now.” I wanted to get to the Shark Bar in a hurry. This time Charlie needed me.

As I headed out of my office building, I spotted Shake's limo and tried to figure out a quick detour, but he caught me. He seemed drunk or high, just what I didn't need. I tried to be nice the other day when I called him to end our little affair. I hoped he wasn't here to make a scene. He yelled from the back window.

“A-yo, Lind-say, what's up? Why haven't you returned any of my calls?”

“Shake, what part of ‘it's not gonna work' don't you understand. I'm sorry. I'm really busy and late for a meeting—”

By now he was out of the car. He cut me off, putting his finger in my face. I took a deep breath and backed up.

“Why you frontin' on me?” he badgered. “Do you know who I am? Shakediggity!” He stumbled slightly.

“Look, Shake, no one's frontin' on you, or whatever they call it,” I tried to explain politely. “I simply discovered you aren't what I want or need in my life.”

“Oh, but I was what you needed when you wanted to make your little punk-ass boyfriend jealous, right?”

“Get over it, Shake.” I checked my watch.

“You probably back wit' his punk ass too.”

“You
have
a woman. Not to mention, you're drunk. Go sleep it off or something.”

“Fuck you, bitch!”

“Would you call your mother a bitch?”

I was mortified—we were right in front of my office. I could not be seen carrying on with this idiot. What if Robert walked out or someone else saw me?

“Could you please lower your voice, this is my office building.”

“Fuck you and your job!” Shake was irate. Out of nowhere, Shake forcefully snatched me by the collar and pulled me toward him. His breath smelled like stale champagne. What he didn't realize was that he was pushing me back to my St. Louis roots, and I could get just as crazy. Forget my job, this was self-defense!

I pulled a Foxy Brown move and kneed him in the family jewels. “Urgh!” He winced and doubled over.

The sound of an oncoming police siren stopped us dead in our tracks. The wheels of an NYPD patrol car skidded to a halt. I was scared and so was Shake. He didn't need another blemish on his record. Before the cops could do anything, the radio went off and they were summoned to a real emergency. It was a close call. Shake ran and jumped into his car, and I started to speed walk in the other direction, but not before we wished each other well. “Fuck off!”

I made it to the Shark Bar and stormed through the door, still racing with adrenaline. Charlie was sitting at the bar. I told Stevie to give me a Cosmo and to keep them coming.

“I don't believe it, I just had to get violent on a brotha in front of my office.”

“We know how the Lou gets, so that would've been real ugly,” Charlie twisted a remark under her breath.

“Whatever! All I know is the Shake plan has officially backfired.”

Stevie slid me a strong one. I painted an animated picture of the fight with Shake between sips.

“He actually tried to call me out about Troy. Like he would know about us hooking back up.”

I tried to reach for my drink, but was caught. Charlie blocked it with her hand.

“I know you didn't get back with Troy.”

“The dog!” Stevie exclaimed as his ears perked up.

“Excuse us!” we both shouted.

“Charlie, I didn't tell you because I know it was a weak move.”

“But we made a deal to stick by each other no matter what.”

“I was embarrassed.”

“I'm your friend, you never have to be embarrassed with me.”

I was stunned. No friend had ever said that to me. Just then my cell rang.

“What's up, Lindsay? It's Troy. How was your day?”

“My day was great, Troy.” I perked up, signaling to Charlie. I noticed how he went from calling me L back to Lindsay.

“I'm glad I caught you,” he said flatly.

“What's he saying to you?” Charlie mouthed.

“I'm glad you did too.” I tried to play it off.

“Hey, since we're cool again, I wanted to invite you to my fight party tomorrow night.”

“I'd love to come to
your
party, Troy,” I said, making sure Charlie heard me.

“Cool, but I need to get something straight with you first, about the other night at my house,” Troy said, clearing his throat.

My armpits started to perspire and my hands felt clammy. Maybe he found the clothes? “What about it?” I asked defensively.

“I hope because of what happened you don't think we're going to just jump back into things again.” Troy hadn't found the clothing, but he had obviously found his
cojones.

“But you said you loved me, and told me how much you cared and missed me.” I remembered, why didn't he?

“I don't know about all that, but a brotha might say anything when he's drunk and horny,” Troy chuckled. I was quiet, angered by his flippant behavior and my own imbecility.

“C'mon Lindsay, you were barely standing up yourself, and you know you get freaky when you're drunk.”

I couldn't believe he was turning our night together into a one-night stand.

“I just want us to be adult about this. I don't want you assuming we're gonna be a couple. Feel free to bring someone, too. I'll have a date myself. I hope I'm being clear.”

I thought he was done but he wasn't.

“And another thing, I don't want you to be out at three A.M. drunk, thinking it's okay for you to call me or to come over my house,” Troy said.

I wanted to go through the phone and slap the life out of him. “I mean quiet as it's kept. I haven't forgotten about what you did to me. I have to say that I'm not entirely sure that I can trust you. I need more time. Until then, do us both a favor and
please
don't start trippin' again.” Troy was getting a bit too cocky and it was the final straw.

“Believe me, I won't. That's the
last
thing you'll have to worry about.” I pressed end and turned to Charlie.

“Go ahead and say it.”

“Say what?”

“I told you so.”

“Nah, I won't say that, but I will say that we have to both promise never to go against the Cosmo Code of Arms again. Okay?”

“Fine! Troy has some nerve, though. Can you believe he invited me to his party and told me I could bring a date, because he was bringing one? I bet it's that girlfriend whose stuff I saw at his house.” I was furious.

“What girlfriend? What stuff?”

“I found a bunch of women's clothing in Troy's closet, but I'm glad I cut all of it up!”

“Whoa, back up. No, you didn't?”

“Yes, I did! Charlie, what burns me up is that I really loved Troy.” I was getting emotional.

“Don't you dare start crying. He's not worth it. You should shock the hell out of him and show up with Stevie.”

“No way! I'm not going at all. Seeing him with her would really drive me over the edge. I'll feel like crap, and he'll be partyin' it up. It's not fair!”

“I didn't want to get ugly, but this snake is asking for it.” Charlie yanked out her cell phone. “Stevie, let me borrow your pen. Lindsay, hand me a napkin.” Charlie ordered, quickly grabbing both from us, dialing information. “Two numbers, in Brooklyn, Con Edison and Verizon. Thanks!” Charlie jotted down the numbers, and began dialing. “Lindsay, write down Troy's info, hurry!” Charlie said, clearing her throat. “Yes, is this Con Ed? Great! I'm moving out of the country, and I need to disconnect my service immediately!” she said, folding her arms, glaring at me.

Charlie was on the warpath, and anything that had to do with Troy was getting rolled over. I guess my wicked ways have rubbed off on her. “That's why you're my girl! Show that dog St. Louis and Buffalo don't play!” I said proudly, raising my glass.

“So much for Troy's little party,” Charlie said.

Suddenly, it dawned on me that Charlie needed to talk, but my drama had distracted us.

“Wait, Charlie, I'm sorry. What's going on with you? Something about work and you couldn't say the rest.”

“It's nothing. Just a tiny thing at the office,” Charlie said nonchalantly.

“You sure? You seemed troubled about more than just a ‘tiny thing' at work.” I didn't want to press, but I felt Charlie was holding something back.

“I've turned into the ghostwriter for my boss and I'm not going to get any more money or any recognition for doing her work. Plus, this white chick who doesn't even have as much experience as I do just got a bonus,” Charlie said in a huff.

“You know from jump that as a black person and a woman we're cursed with a double whammy! In corporate America it's the white male who has all the power. Women, black and white, need to start realizing that. That's the enemy and we need to work together to bring him down, not each other.”

“But, Lindsay, I'm tired of paying dues.”

“Me too, but get used to it. We're gonna be paying dues for the rest of our lives. You just got to let it roll off your back like water off a duck, and be positive.”

“Or get to calling Johnny Cochran!”

“Forget suing. If they don't give you what you want, someone else will. Get your writing samples and portfolio together. Promote yourself. You know your craft, claim it and go in there to win! You can start by walking into your boss's office and asking for that bonus.”

“Come out with it, just like that?” Charlie asked.

“Absolutely, but be smart. Let her know you're concerned, and that it reflects poorly on company politics if you're doing all this wonderful work and not being recognized or compensated. Trust me, she'll get the hint!”

“Well, all right!”

“Charlie, I have an idea. Let's get started on putting your portfolio together. I've got a lot of experience with this kind of stuff. How's my place next girls' night?”

“That's the best proposal I've had all year,” Charlie said with a half-smile.

“Well, don't get too excited,” I replied, with a slightly acerbic tone.

“No, girl, I really am excited but I just thought about Michael again. He upset me at work.”

“He's always upsetting you. Don't tell me he's working overtime again.”

“Yeah, something like that. I guess I just wish he were home more often. It'll be all right. I'm also stressed from work, and getting ready for the wedding. I'll be fine.”

“You sure, Charlie?”

“Positive.”

I could tell she was done talking for now, so I didn't push her.

Chapter 31

I Am My Sister's Keeper

Look how good you look on paper!” I said, handing Charlie her revamped portfolio. “Wow, I didn't realize how valuable I was until now. Thanks, girl!”

I headed into the kitchen to get us both seconds of the heartburn feast, steak pizziola and onion rings, that Charlie had cooked. I decided to whip up a batch of my best Cosmos. Charlie checked out the rest of my apartment.

“I really like your place, Lindsay,” she said, walking into the kitchen holding a small silver frame. “Still hanging on, huh?”

“Oh yeah. I thought I threw that out with the others,” I said sheepishly. But I knew I hadn't, I was holding on to it for sentimental value.

“Lindsay, I know we had fun getting back at Troy, but how are you, truthfully? I know you really loved him,” Charlie said, sitting down at the small bistro table.

“Past tense is right!” I grabbed a chair, poured two glasses, and began to sip slowly. I hadn't given Charlie all the particulars until now. “We didn't use a condom that night,” I said solemnly.

“What! Lindsay, what were you thinking with AIDS and HIV out here? You know you've got to be extra careful.” Charlie was fearful.

“I know. I wasn't thinking. I made an appointment with my gynecologist already.” I paused. “Charlie girl, I've really gotten out of hand. This isn't me. If my family knew what Miss Big City was really doing, they'd be disgusted.” I tried to laugh it off but it really wasn't funny. Charlie cracked a smile. “But you know what! I'm done being hung up on Troy. In fact, I've got a surprise for you!” I said, rushing off to the bedroom. Within seconds I returned. “I'm back on the job!” I placed an armload of bridal magazines in front of Charlie. “That killer dress is in here somewhere.”

Charlie didn't say a word, she just stared. She began to weep and I grabbed a handful of Kleenex.

“Why are you crying? My life is the one that's in shambles, not yours, dummy.” I tried to stop her from crying.

“In the beginning it's all about you. You fall in love, put up with their tomfoolery and their shortcomings, and then, just like that, the next thing you know they're off to London ready to replace you with some old, rich broad.” Charlie patted her tears dry then took a big gulp from her Cosmo.

“Are you telling me that Michael is sleeping around on you?”

“I haven't been completely honest, Lindsay. My frustration with Michael isn't just about working so much and never being home. I've been in denial for a long time. Michael is cheating on me. Her name is Natasha, she's French and white!”

“Oh my God! Charlie, are you sure?”

“I'm sure
now.
All I had at first was a bunch of prank calls. Then, the day I met you in the Shark Bar I went to his job and he wasn't there. He blatantly lied about his whereabouts. And this trip to London is all the proof I need. He's there with her!”

“I can't believe you've been dealing with this all by yourself. I know I can be in my own world at times but did you feel like you couldn't confide in me?”

“Lindsay, I was serious when I told you I'm not used to the whole female-bonding thing. I don't think I've had a
real
girlfriend since high school. I may share little things with Kyle and my granny, but I deal with the big problems on my own.”

“Not anymore, we're going to deal with this together. I got your back, you understand?”

“Yes ma'am!”

“Good! Now I am going to ask you once more, are you sure?” I questioned.

Charlie was resigned and folded her arms across her chest. “As sure as my heart beats.”

I always thought the grass was greener on the other side, but now I was finding out that it was the same lawn.

The masquerade was over. Charlie let go like a patient on a therapist's couch. “This is the reward I get after baby-sitting all his issues, giving him my all,” Charlie said, closing her eyes and continuing. “I've been going through so much with this man. Mostly because he's not a man, he's really a boy. He had those two kids with Juanita, never married her, and lived with his mama until he moved in with me. I knew that it was a mistake, but just like you, my heart ached,” Charlie admitted.

Sista girl was in a hell of a quandary. It was obvious Charlie had let her displeasure and frustration with Michael fester. Purging herself of all this pain was long overdue.

“It's always the same story with him. Something new or just plain adult, normal things, turn Michael out. When he got his new truck, he thought he was a baller! So he had to hang out with the boys every night for two months straight.” Charlie started to laugh at herself. “While I was at home being his superwoman, running a household and taking care of
his
kids. Now the ungrateful bastard is cheating on me!”

“Brothas kill me! I bet she wouldn't be so quick to take him if she knew about all his baggage!” I was heating up.

“I have another confession. It's been over two months since we've had sex.” Charlie looked up at me.

“Charlie, shut up!” I was outdone.

“It's true. I've been lying in that bed just dry-rotting and I'm supposed to believe that he and Natasha only have a business relationship. She's helping him start his own construction business, and ten days alone with her in her mansion in London is only about networking!” Charlie rolled her eyes. “You know, Lindsay, I grew up in a house with a mother who was truly a man's fool. That woman acted like she couldn't do anything unless she had a man in her life,” Charlie said with disdain.

“But nothing's wrong with not wanting to be alone,” I interjected, refilling her glass.

“No, girl. She would get downright depressed when she didn't have a man, and when she did get one, look out! She would roll out the red carpet and treat him like he was a king—even if he didn't deserve it. Just as long as she had a man, that's all that mattered. I said I'd never end up like her, now look at me,” Charlie said, holding her drink.

“Awh, girl, I can't hear no more. What are you gonna do?” I said, pacing the floor.

“I just want to pack up and leave,” Charlie said.

“Why do you have to leave? It's your apartment. Kick his sorry butt out!”

“Too many years with him in that place. When I leave him, I want to leave everything connected to him. Only thing, a fresh start is expensive. I only got a few dollars saved, how am I gonna afford to move?”

“What am I, chopped liver? You've had my back more than all my so-called other girlfriends put together. Not to mention helping me with this Troy crap. And we're going to find you a place you can call home. Don't worry about money, I got you,” I stated with authority.

“You don't have to do that. Just helping me find a place while I save money is enough.”

“Will you shut up already and let me do this. Just drink, before it gets warm.”

The tables had turned. Charlie always seemed to be the pillar of strength whenever we were together but now I was fired up.

“It's time to make some amendments to our Code of Arms, Miss Charlie. Rule five is to do something daring and deliciously drastic; rule six is you've got to let go and live.” I was pacing furiously. “Now, who makes it all possible?”

“Nobody else but the Almighty himself!” Charlie shouted.

“That's right, and God gave you two feet, so you'd better stand on them. That's rule number seven. And last but certainly not least, number eight: you'd better throw that mental mess with Michael out with the rest of the garbage and start fresh! Now, hello, will the real Charlie Thornton please stand up!”

“Girlfriend, here I am and I'm back!” Charlie stood up and did her own victory dance right in my kitchen.

“So, in keeping true to our new Code, tomorrow is Three-D day! Our first new mission,” I stated.

“And just where are we going to do all this daring and deliciously drastic stuff?”

“Miss Charlie, you'd better recognize. I've got this! We're going to Bliss and we're going to get pampered for an entire day!” I said, refilling our glasses.

Just then the phone rang.

“I don't think you're ready to be a producer on a big series,” Robert's voice blared.

I stopped dead in my tracks. “I'm sorry, come again?” I was reaching for pen and paper to take notes and knocked over my glass, spilling all the contents into my plate, but I still kept a calm, professional tone. My face dropped: Robert was telling me that he had decided to bring in a producer from some network show to produce
my
show.

“Why, Robert? This is my project!”

“And I've got networks to run. We could kill in the ratings if we do this right. You don't have the experience, Lindsay.” Robert's decision was final. I didn't have any way to challenge him.

“I understand.” I was defeated.

“Lindsay, I need you to be a team player on this. See you Monday morning ten A.M. sharp.”

“No problem.” I hung up and collapsed into my chair. My anger couldn't be contained. I broke free and began pacing again.

“He's such an asshole!”

“What happened?”

“Robert took my series away from me. He said I wasn't ready. This was my big chance, Charlie.”

“Why didn't you hold your ground?” Charlie asked.

“I don't know. Maybe I was scared.”

“You know, Lindsay, you give one hundred percent to your job and one hundred percent to a man, but you never give Lindsay anything. Did you read that book I gave you?” Charlie looked around the room searching for it.

“Please, I am not listening to the preachings of some one-dollar lesson on self-assertive behavior.” I had actually perused the book's tattered pages numerous times, but I wasn't going to tell her that. “Can we forget about the book?” I begged.

“Yes, for now. But what if I say you need rule five more than me?”

“Bliss isn't going to solve my problems,” I said flatly.

“Maybe not, but it's a start,” Charlie retorted.

A smile managed to find its way into my eyes.