Ex-Terminator Life After Marriage (15 page)

S
ylvia drove in silence as she sped toward Ashley’s house. Ashley must have sensed Sylvia’s need to recede into herself because she interrupted the silence only to tell Sylvia that she was about to pass the turn onto her street.

There was a chill in the night as the light from the moon cast a sinister glow on the wet, black asphalt. When they were about to pull up to the two-story, three-car garage brick house, Ashley drew back in her seat, paralyzed. It was then that Sylvia noticed the black BMW sitting triumphantly out front.

Nervousness was written all over Ashley’s face. She did not move for several minutes. A car door opened, and a tall man stood beside the BMW. Sylvia could not make out his features in the dead of night, but she could tell that he was dark and possibly bald.

Ashley sighed.

“You all right, Ash? Is that your ex-husband?”

“Yes, it’s William. I’ll be okay.”

“Sweetie, you can come home with me, if you like. I’m not liking the vibes you are sending me.”

“Nothing to worry about, Sylvia. It’s…it’s just that I thought I wanted my husband back, but since seeing him at that clinic with that pregnant woman, I feel differently. And what kind of man leaves the woman he ran off with because she lost his baby to turn around and be with the one he said good-bye to in a court of law because he found out she’s having his baby? I don’t understand William’s psychotic reasoning at all. If my heart was bulletproof, then it would be one thing, but this man poked holes in my soul and now his all-of-a-sudden repentant heart wants to undo the wrong. I’m going to clean out my Ex-Files and label it ‘case closed.’”

“I wish it were that easy, Ashley. Now you have a tie that binds the two of you together, forever—the child growing in your womb.”

“Some miracle.”

They watched as William advanced toward Sylvia’s car.

“Call me if you need me,” Sylvia said before Ashley got out of the car. Sylvia sat and watched as Ashley walked toward her ex. The fear in Ashley’s eyes did not escape Sylvia, and for the first time, she was afraid for Ashley.

Sylvia began to back out, then turned and noticed that Ashley and William were still standing in the driveway. Ashley’s hands became animated as she tossed them in the air to demonstrate her point. William was up in Ashley’s face, territorial in his stance with no thought of backing down. Sylvia thought she saw Ashley slap her hand toward her, telling her to go. Sylvia was afraid and decided to sit in the driveway until she was sure Ashley would be all right. She circled around a couple of times to be sure.

Claudette, Tyrone, Rachel and Marvin headed for the juvenile detention center in hopes of being able to bring Kwame home. No one said much of anything. Claudette took brief glances at Tyrone, and Tyrone squeezed Claudette’s hand every thirty seconds. Rachel and Marvin sat in the backseat huddled together as if their lives depended on it, smiling at each other like lovebirds.

“I want to thank you again, Marvin,” Claudette began. “First for being a true friend and for doing the unimaginable. If I can pay you back, I will. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“We thank you,” Tyrone said.

“You are more than welcome. It’s not a loan; I want to do this. But I would like to ask something of you, Claudette.”

Claudette finished dabbing at her eyes. “What is it, Marvin?”

“You said that Kwame picked up your cigarettes and lit one.”

Claudette felt her stomach tightening. Only Tyrone had admonished her about her smoking, and she ignored him. Now the man with the generous gift was going to give her an ultimatum. She was sure of it. But there would be no words to dismiss him because he was going to rescue her baby from the pit of hell.

“Yes.”

“Do you think Kwame was trying to get attention?”

“I don’t think so,” Claudette said calmly. “I know I work hard, but I’m there for my son. I help him with his homework and take him to his sport activities…”

“And he’s learning bad habits,” Tyrone interjected.

“T, Marvin was asking the question. If Kwame had a father around, maybe you’d be in a position to say something.”

“Just remember, Claudette, it was you who left me and took our kids away from their father.”

Tyrone rocked his neck back and forth to ease the tightness, and he sealed his lips.

“Look, guys, this is not the time to get upset,” Marvin offered. “You’ve got to get it together for Kwame. I’m sorry that I said anything.”

“Marvin, I know where you’re coming from,” Claudette countered. “I want to quit smoking…God knows I do. And I will…if you will help me.”

“We’re there for you,” Rachel finally said. “All for one. We’re going to see you through this ordeal and any other ordeal you might have.”

“That’s so sweet of you, Rachel. I know you didn’t like me very much when we first met, but I must say God knew what he was doing when he had Sylvia to organize the Ex-Files.”

“Ex-Files? What’s that?” Tyrone inquired.

Everyone laughed.

“We’re all exes, man,” Marvin piped in.

“I’m an ex,” Tyrone said.

“Yeah, but I was trying to find a way to move on without my ex,” Claudette said.

Everyone laughed again.

“This isn’t funny,” Tyrone admonished.

“Lighten up, man,” Marvin said, still laughing. “You want to join our group?”

Claudette’s bunched-up face met Marvin’s. She was a funny sight. Rachel began to laugh and so did Marvin.

“What’s going on?” Tyrone asked.

“Drive the car,” Claudette said through clenched teeth.

“Man, our next meeting of the Ex-Files will be at my house…I’ll have to get back to you on the date. It is going to feel good with another man in the group.”

They all broke out in laughter. Tyrone joined them since it was the only logical thing to do.

M
ona peeped out of the window for the third time in ten minutes, hoping to see Michael drive up. The candles were lit, and the dining room table set for two. Sparkles bounced off the crystal in the chandelier that hung above the dining room table as the light from the candles gleamed on their teardrops.

China plates with stainless steel covers sat at either end of the table. Under the covers were plates of veal tenderloin that sat in a river of brown gravy dotted with scallions. Steamed asparagus draped with hollandaise sauce and rice pilaf completed the meal. A vintage red wine sat chilled in a bucket ready to be poured at the right moment.

Mona jumped at the sound of the telephone ringing. She grabbed her throat, hoping the voice at the other end would not disappoint her or make her regret all the time and effort she had gone through to make this evening perfect. She grabbed the phone on the third ring and sighed when she heard Sylvia’s voice.

“Ohh, don’t scare me like that.”

“What are you talking about, Mona?”

“Girl, I thought you were Michael calling to say you couldn’t make it. I’ve prepared this scrumptious meal for him…and I’m so nervous.”

“Girl, please. Not Mona the man-handler.”

“It’s not funny, Sylvia. I…I think I’m falling in love with this man.”

“What? Not you.”

“You don’t think I’m capable of love?”

“I know you can throw a mean meal, and if Mr. Broussard doesn’t show up I will.”

“He’ll show up. Got my stomach all in knots. No man has ever done that to me before.”

“No man?”

“Well, maybe my ex-husband did, once.” For the second time in two days, a vision of Timothy tried to penetrate her thoughts. “Guess what?”

“Tell me so that you can put me out of my misery.”

“Michael and I are going to New Orleans.”

“What?”

“Sylvia, you know I haven’t been home in…”

“A long time, my dear. You’re overdue. But why go with Michael?”

“He has family there. If things aren’t well with my family, I’ll just stay with Michael’s family.”

“Wow. How long have you known him? Two weeks, a month?”

“Poor, poor Sylvia. Can’t stand to see anybody happy. I heard what you said to Rachel tonight. If Kenny was half…”

“Now hold on a moment—”

“Hold on, Sylvia. I think I hear a car.”

Mona rushed the two feet to the window and pulled back the drapes. Wishful thinking. “It wasn’t him.”

“You are sprung.”

“Like I said, Sylvia, I’m falling in love with this man. We’re going to purchase our tickets to New Orleans tonight.”

“Whatever you do, you best be at the barbecue fund-raiser on Saturday for Claudette. We should let you cook the side dishes since it’s what you do.”

“You heard Marvin. Everyone must participate.”

“We will. Hold on, it’s Ashley. I’ll put us on three-way. William was waiting for her outside the house when I drove her home last night.”

“What!”

“Ashley, I’ve got you and Mona on three-way.”

“Hey, ladies.”

“How are you doing?” bellowed Mona.

“Sylvia told you about last night, I see. The baby and I are fine.”

“So what happened?” Sylvia asked. “I drove around the corner and came back a couple of times after you went inside.”

“So you checked on me. Thanks, Sylvia. William said that he was going to be a father to this baby. Said he was coming home and the divorce decree was just a piece of paper—that he paid a lot of money for, mind you—and it couldn’t dictate to grown folks. That’s what we were arguing about because it was very clear to me sitting before that judge that he was happy to get that piece of paper. And since he got what he wanted there was no need for him to come home.”

“I had you pegged wrong, Ashley,” Mona said. “You’re a tough white sister. Can hold your own. How about that, Sylvia? I hear another car, hold on.”

“What’s that all about?” Ashley inquired.

“She’s got a dinner date tonight with her Caribbean king,” Sylvia said.

“I’m back on the line, heifer. Sylvia’s hating, Ashley, because she don’t have a man and I do.”

“I thought Kenny was back in your life?” Ashley asked.

“She’s better off without him.” Mona moaned.

“Forget you. What is this? Rachel’s calling. Hey Rachel, you are on a conference call. Mona and Ashley are on.”

“Ohh. We’re having a meeting and you didn’t tell me?” Rachel mimicked Marvin.

“Sounds like a re-run,” Sylvia said. “But I’m glad that you and your man have worked it out.”

“Guys, I’m in love.”

“Ohhh, I’m happy for you, Rachel,” Ashley crowed.

“Here we go again with this love thing.” Sylvia sighed.

“Who else is in love?”

“I am, Rachel. I am falling in love with Michael.”

“But Mona, didn’t you just meet him?”

“That’s what I was trying to tell her,” Sylvia put in.

“Isn’t this what Ex-Files was supposed to do, Sylvia? Help us to move past our hurt and pain? And if we find love in the meantime, I don’t think that’s a bad thing. What do you other ladies think?”

“I slept with William last night,” Ashley confessed. “And…I let him come back home. It’s just temporary—to see how things go.”

“You did what, missy? After all the worrying I did over you. Couldn’t sleep.” Sylvia snorted in disgust.

“Well, I am carrying his child.”

“Ashley got her some.” Mona laughed. “You go, girl; I ain’t mad at you ’cuz I’m going to try and get me some, too.”

“I heard that…,” Rachel cooed softly.

“I don’t believe it. Hold on, it’s Claudette. Hey…Claudette. Everyone is on the line—Ashley, Mona, and Rachel.”

“Having a meeting without me?” Claudette asked.

Everyone broke into laughter.

“Look, I just wanted to tell you all that Kwame is home thanks to Marvin. I don’t know what to say but thank you all for being there for me…and T.”

“Don’t tell me you two are getting back together, too,” Mona sang.

“And would that be a bad thing, Mona? We’re concerned about our family. I’ve got issues with Reebe. I just want to kill her. If it wasn’t for Tyrone, she would be dead.

“Had the nerve to come waltzing back home like nothing happened. Didn’t even ask about Kwame. Oooooooh, I could barely look at her. She gave me one of her flippant looks when I asked her what happened yesterday, and then shrugged her shoulders at me and said, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about
.
’ Made me so mad. I tried to jump her because she knew good and well what I was talking about. Tyrone was back in high school playing football because he tackled me before I let loose on that girl.”

“Claudette, could you hurry up?” Mona whined. “Michael is pulling up in the driveway, but I want to hear the rest of this.”

“Go tend to your man. I’m about finished.”

Mona sucked her teeth.

“Go on, Claudette,” Ashley prompted.

“Tyrone and I talked about it, and I’m going to take Reebe to a counselor. In fact, we all need to go to counseling. I’m going to have to depend on Tyrone for a minute until I get my business back on track. You know, it felt good having him worry about me and take matters into his hands.”

“Ashley slept with William,” Rachel said.

“What?” Claudette hollered.

“Claudette, he felt good next to me and our baby.”

“Shut up,” Claudette hollered again.

“Look, gotta go,” Mona interrupted. “My man is ringing my bell. Talk to you heifers later. Ashley and Claudette, put a check mark up there for me, too. Bye.”

“Sylvia, we need to talk.”

“No hello? No how are you doing, Sylvia? It’s been awhile, Sylvia? Arial, you disappoint me.”

“Honey, we need to talk…”

“About my head. I know. I’m terribly overdue.”

“Sylvia, are the rumors true? Are you and Kenny an item?”

Sylvia rolled her eyes. She came to relax and get her head massaged…not answer a battery of questions that happen to be no one’s concern but hers.

“Would you scratch my head here, Arial?” Sylvia pointed to the spot with her index finger.

Pop
went Arial’s comb. Sylvia withdrew her hand quickly and kissed her knuckles.

“There will be no tip for you today. Naughty girls are not rewarded.”

“Depends on what the naughty girl is doing. Back to the subject.”

“Arial, I don’t want to talk—”

“You can hide behind the bush if you want, but your secret is written on the side of every MARTA train, the bathroom stalls at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, on the walls of the King Center and on the menus at Gladys’ Chicken and Waffles. Everybody knows, girl.”

“You’re exaggerating, Arial.”

“I don’t know how you failed to give me this little tidbit. Such an important piece of information, and I had to hear it from the lips of gossiping clients. Sister, I was there way back when. Remember? Yeah, you remember because Kenny twisted your brain inside out, and you couldn’t eat, sleep or function.”

“Hmph. Aren’t you the pot calling the kettle black. I heard your ex, Lawrence, was in the shop last week. Come to get a
blow
job?”

Arial yanked the blow-dryer off the counter and turned it on full blast into Sylvia’s face, although she made sure it was several inches away. “Oh, you want to be a nasty little heifer, too. This conversation isn’t about me and Lawrence. It’s about you and Kenny.”

“Is there a point to this? I’ve got a function this afternoon. In fact, you need to buy a barbecue dinner—no, two—from me.”

Arial turned off the blow-dryer. “Look, you’ve proved my point. You’ve forgotten all those painful times when I had to nurse you and your hair back to health. Hair was so thin, it would break off if you looked at it.”

“Hmmm,” Sylvia muttered. “Look in your own mirror.”

“I’m not through. That man was no good—”

“Hold it, Arial. Let me be the judge. Kenny is a changed man, and I think I’m falling in love with him.”

“What, what, what did you say? My Lord, I know you didn’t utter something about falling in love with Kenny.”

“How’s that for news?” Sylvia said snugly.

“They call me the psychiatrist, the psychoanalyst, the motivator, the black Ann Landers. I’m here for whatever ails you, but I don’t have any words for you. You’re going to have to help yourself.”

“Maybe you didn’t hear me. The only help I need is from the hairdresser. So unwind that person from your list of personalities and tell her to get to work on my head. And if the psychiatrist wants to say anything, please put some tape across her mouth. Now, I’m a paying customer, and you’ve wasted twenty minutes of my valuable time.”

“Oooooookay,” said the muffled voice.

Sylvia laughed until she almost fell out of the chair.

Arial led Sylvia to the sink and washed her hair without one of her super-duper massages. She wrapped a towel around Sylvia’s head and marched her over to her chair. She picked up the blow-dryer and began to dry Sylvia’s head. She didn’t say another word about Kenny.

“I need ten dollars for two dinners,” Sylvia said to a now quiet Arial. “Claudette Beasley’s shop burned down last weekend. We’re having a barbecue fund-raiser to help her with expenses.”

“I heard about that. I’ll give you the ten dollars only if you can give me a guarantee that you won’t make her salon your home.”

“Arial, how long have I been coming to you?”

“Sylvia, I’ve sculptured your mop into what it looks like today. Took a long time to cultivate, and I still have skills.”

“Need I say more?”

Brrng, brrng, brrng.
“That’s my cell,” Sylvia said.

Arial turned off the dryer. Fighting with Sylvia had exhausted her.

“Excuse me,” Sylvia said. “Hi, Kenny. I’ll be ready in…” Sylvia looked into Arial’s pouting face…“about twenty minutes. See you then, sweetie.”

Arial twirled the irons and curled Sylvia’s hair without another word.

Sylvia slipped on her sunglasses and pulled her BMW away from the curb in front of Mane Waves. Arial had gotten on her nerves today, but her hair looked good. Yeah, Arial was good for another ten years.

It was a beautiful day for a fund-raiser. The sun scorched the sky with its brilliance. The flowers sang the sun’s praises, showing off petals in pastel colors that waved to the sky, while tall pine trees lifted their branches in honor.

A smile marked Sylvia’s face.
Secrets
, Arial had said. There were no secrets. Simply put, she and Kenny had gone out on a couple of dates. There was no intimacy, no…

Sylvia drove onto I-85. A large black-and-white cow with a milk mustache over its mouth loomed on the billboard in front of her. Images of Kenny draped in her black-and-white polka-dot robe came rushing back to her. She laughed out loud.

Kenny was going to meet her at her house before going to the barbecue. Sylvia’s contribution was four German chocolate cakes. It made her feel good that the group would work together to help Claudette get back on her feet.

Thoughts of Kenny invaded Sylvia’s mind and wouldn’t let go. Going to the fund-raiser with him validated what her heart was feeling, but she wondered whether she was with Kenny because everyone doubted their relationship and she had something to prove. Love seemed to have blanketed everyone—Rachel and Marvin, Mona and Michael—but eluded her. Sylvia dropped the thoughts from her mind and exited the freeway toward Stone Mountain.

When Sylvia pulled into her driveway, the first thing she saw was Kenny Richmond’s silver Acura parked off to one side. She adjusted her sunglasses, looked in the rearview mirror and flipped her hair with her hands. Before she could get out of the car, the door handle clicked, and Kenny—dressed in a black crocheted knit top and white shorts—held the door open. Sylvia could hardly contain herself as she cruised this man’s body from his sandaled feet, past the muscular, taught legs and the well-chiseled chest she remembered so well to the top of his curly head. And the way he wrapped his hand around her arm caused her butterfly alarm to go off.

Sylvia got out of the car. She tried to rush past the gorgeous man, but he had already read her vibes. Kenny quickly put his arm around Sylvia’s waist and drew her to him.

“Not outside in front of the neighbors,” Sylvia said with a frown.

“It’s not as if you’re cheating on your husband,” he pointed out. But he dropped his arm and followed her into the house.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m not ready to share you with the world, although Arial says that everybody in Atlanta knows that we…”

“We what? I’m anxious to know myself,” Kenny pushed.

“That we’re an item.”

“Are we an item?”

“Let’s go in the house, Mr. Richmond. You can put the cakes in the car while I change into something cool. We’ve got to hurry because Marvin said we were going to start serving right at eleven.”

“Do you need help getting into something cool?”

“Kenny Richmond, get those cakes into the car. I’m a big girl, and I don’t need any help.”
I wish you could help me with the way I feel because I’m falling in love with you.
Sylvia watched as Kenny lifted the boxes with the cakes and headed outside. He was gentle. He was kind. He was a changed man.

Everyone was there when Sylvia and Kenny arrived. Rachel turned toward Mona and whispered something in her ear, blocking the view of her lips with her hand. Mona mimicked Rachel but added an extra eye roll. Sylvia dismissed them both.

Two large barreled grills stood in the parking lot of where Claudette’s shop used to be. The sizzle of the meat made Sylvia smack her lips as she drew near, and Marvin raised his head only for a second to nod hello, before picking up a long-handled two-pronged fork to turn over a slab of ribs. Pork and beef ribs, chicken and links were being prepared. There was a large pot of collard greens, grilled corn on the cob, Mona’s fabulous baked beans, bean casserole, and Rachel’s potato salad. The aroma was already sending signals throughout the neighborhood.

Claudette prepared dinners to go for those who’d paid ahead. Tyrone was the deliveryman, Kwame his assistant. There was a line of twenty deep—women dressed in cut-offs and short-shorts; neon-colored halter tops; orange, yellow, and blue flip-flops; and leather sandals, while men were dressed in colorful T-shirts, shorts and jogging shorts from Nike to Adidas. Some were Claudette’s beauty shop patrons while others were families from the area who wanted to help restore an important landmark in their neighborhood.

As people inched up through the line, fingers pointed to where the shop once stood, recalling the night of the blaze. Others murmured about Kwame and how the police found him at the scene of the crime and arrested him. But the ultimate goal was to get some of that lip-smacking barbecue that you could smell for more than a mile. Some had already been through the line but had come back to get plates for others after sharing firsthand how tasty Marvin’s ribs were.

Mona, Rachel, and Sylvia served dressed in picnic aprons over shorts and pastel-colored tees. Every now and then Michael would inch his way up around Mona and peck her on the cheek and rub her backside. He was way overdressed—slacks and a long-sleeved shirt—and stayed as far away from the barbecue sauce as he could.

After the last preorder had been prepared, Claudette joined the others.

“Where is Ashley?” Claudette asked. “Has anyone heard from her today? She was supposed to bring her apple dumpling cake that she’s always raving about.”

“Maybe she didn’t feel well or she was still taking care of her baby’s daddy,” Mona put in.

“Can you be serious for once, Mona?” Claudette asked.

“Oooh, aren’t we a little huffy. I’ve been slaving all night over the stove just for you and you want to get—eh—on me.”

“Come on, Mona,” Rachel said. “She’s truly concerned about Ashley and so am I.”

“I have her phone number,” Sylva said. She whipped her cell phone from her pocket and dialed Ashley’s number. It rang several times before Sylvia left a voice message. “Ashley didn’t answer. She’s probably on her way.”

“I see you’re still hanging in there with your male pal,” Mona quipped.

“At least I’m not running off with a man I hardly know.”

“Okay, ladies,” Rachel said. “We have people in line and they can hear you. And it’s not good for business.”

“You’re right,” Sylvia offered. She placed a wrapped piece of German chocolate cake into the next person’s hand.

“Don’t I know you?” Rachel asked the young lady who held out her plate for a spoon of potato salad.

“You’re…you’re the lady from the spa. Yes, I remember. I gave you a facial.”

“Yes,” Rachel said. “Anika…right? I do apologize for not getting back with you about our support group. In fact, most of our members are here today. The fund-raiser is to support the lady whose beauty shop burned down.”

“Who, Ms. Claudette?”

“You know Claudette?”

“Yes, she’s my hairdresser.”

“Well, she’s one of our members and the group is out here helping her.”

“That’s so wonderful. I really do want to join.”

“You can, little lady,” Marvin said, coming up behind Rachel. “I’m the cook, and I’ll be hosting the next meeting of the Ex-Files.” He hugged Rachel.

Anika looked puzzled.

“Anika, this is Marvin Thomas. He’s also a member of the group. He’s a testament that the support group works.”

Anika continued to look puzzled. And then she said, “Ooooooooooh, I see.”

“Look, our next meeting is the second Sunday in August. Rachel, get her number so we can contact her and give her directions. Here’s my business card in case you have any questions before then. I’ve got to get back to the grill; that line hasn’t let up.”

“Can I bring someone with me?” Anika asked.

“I’m sure it will be okay. It was good to see you, and you’ll be hearing from me.”

“Thank you, Rachel. And your complexion still looks good.”

“Thank you.”

“I think we’re doing good,” Claudette said to the ladies. “Thanks to Marvin’s genius.”

“Here, here,” Rachel said.

Tyrone whipped into the driveway and got out of the car. He adjusted his baseball cap and moved toward the ladies. Seconds later, Kwame joined him at his side. They moved to where Claudette was standing, excited about the success of the day. Tyrone moved closer and wrapped his arm around Claudette’s shoulders.

Three pairs of eyes shifted at the same time. They weren’t sure what to make of this display of affection. Claudette hadn’t even made an attempt to free herself of Tyrone’s embrace. The group smiled. If the Ex-Files were meant to draw families back together, so be it. Claudette, Tyrone and Kwame—a picture worthy of a frame.

Kenny moved behind Sylvia and whispered something in her ear.

“Fix me a plate, somebody,” Sylvia ordered. “My man is hungry.”

“Did your man pay his five dollars?” Mona twitched her lips in disgust.

“I donated fifty dollars, Mona, but I only want one plate.”

You could hear an ant scurrying on the ground and a beetle limping across the cement. Sylvia couldn’t believe that Mona was left speechless. Such satisfaction. Then Sylvia gave Mona a look that said, “You’re messing with the wrong man. You need to take a look at your own life before you try to judge another’s.”

Rachel leaned into Mona. “He told you.” And still not a word from Mona.

“I need a cigarette,” Claudette announced.

“Mommy,” Kwame said. “No, you don’t. Didn’t you learn anything?”

Another moment of silence.