Pushing Up Daisies (14 page)

Gigi quickly moved between them. “Okay now, that’s enough.” She turned to Ming Li. “You were wrong, and you’re sorry. I know because you told me so. So you may as well just say it.” Gigi turned to Daisy. “A lot has happened, and you’re upset. Understandable. And I agree she shouldn’t have done it. But, and I emphasize
but,
we can’t tell her what to do in her own house.”

Just then, Marcus walked in. The women fell silent. Daisy looked behind him, hoping that Jay would follow. She swallowed hard. “You couldn’t find—”

Her phone rang.

“Hello?” she said breathlessly. “Jay?”

“Hello, I’m calling from St. Vincent’s Hospital. Are you Jay’s mother?”

Gigi, Ming Li, and Marcus sat silently in the hospital waiting room, watching Daisy pace the carpet. She’d paused every time someone had come to the door, stopped just about every doctor or nurse she’d seen. No one knew anything—or was pretending not to. Even the receptionist played dumb.
This is crazy,
she thought.

A police officer came in. “I’m looking for Mrs. Stevens.”

Daisy nodded. “It’s me you want. But my name is Ms. Parker.”

“Okay. Could you follow me?”

What the hell does he want? Why isn’t a doctor or a nurse here instead?
“I’ll be right back,” she said to the others.

As she walked down the tiled corridor, her heartbeat matched the hollow footsteps.
God, please let Jay be all right.

“In here, ma’am.” The officer pointed to a door and walked in.

Daisy stepped inside the bland office, which was decorated in dull browns and dusty pinks. Hanging on the walls were reproduction prints and a floral painting, the usual hospital decor. She looked at the oversize wooden desk, which had too many knickknacks and obligatory family photos, and her eyes froze on the nameplate on the desk. She didn’t recognize the name, but the job title scared her:
Social Services.
She held her breath.
What do they want?

“We’ll fill you in on everything in a minute,” the officer said without looking at her.

“Okay,” Daisy managed, feeling as though she were about to be punished. She sensed that he was avoiding her eyes for a reason.

A woman in a navy blue suit walked in, wearing a pleasant smile. Daisy guessed that the grin was as manufactured as her clothes, something she put on and took off at will. “Hello,” the woman said, extending her hand. “You must be Jay’s mother. I’m Mrs. Tompkins, the Social Services administrator.”

Reluctantly, Daisy shook her hand. “Nice to meet you. When am I going to see Jay? Is he alright? What happened?”

Mrs. Tompkins opened the folder that she’d had under her arm. “Well, we need to ask you a few questions. But first, let me assure you that Jay’s alright. The police found him in the street without any shoes or jacket. He was badly bruised, with a split lip—”

“No shoes? What happened to him?” Daisy asked.
Jay had on shoes when he left.

“He was robbed. Are you Jay’s biological mother?”

Shit.
“No, I’m not. I’ve raised him since before he was two—me and his biological father.”

“He’s dead now, right? What about his biological mother?”

Daisy nodded, realizing that Mrs. Tompkins must have questioned Jay thoroughly. “Yes, his father is dead. He passed recently. His biological mother is also dead. Jay is in my care.”

“By order of the court, I assume. What about any other living relatives?”

“Mrs. Tompkins, do I need an attorney? Because I have no idea what’s going on here. Jay is well taken care of.”

Mrs. Tompkins smirked. “I believe that he is. But when the police bring in a runaway, it’s my job to intervene. For the well-being of the child, you understand.”

Daisy stood with her feet firmly planted. “Yes, I understand. But you should be spending your time talking to someone else, perhaps a child that
needs
you to intervene. Jay and I got into it, and he ran out. We’ve been searching for hours. Now I just want to see him, make sure he’s alright, and take him home. Unless you have a problem with that, or a court order to stop me, that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

Mrs. Tompkins looked at the officer. “Ms. Parker, please cooperate—”

“I have cooperated. But quite frankly, I’m offended. As you said, he had a couple of minor scratches and was without shoes—all of which are not my doing—”

“We know that, Ms. Parker,” the officer intervened. “He was robbed.”

Daisy looked from the officer to Mrs. Tompkins. “Where is he? I need to see him—now.”

“And you will, in a second.”

“You mean to tell me that you’re going to make me wait to see my son?” Daisy huffed. “You know I didn’t harm him, yet you’re treating me as if I did.” Daisy reached into her pocket and got her phone. “Okay, now I call my attorney.”

“But you did threaten to hurt him. According to Jay, you told him you’d warm his ass.”

Mixed emotions flowed through Daisy as she turned off Jay’s light and slid the bedroom door closed. She was upset with him, but she was happy that he was safely back home. She walked into the living area and joined Gigi and Marcus, sorry that Ming Li wasn’t there. Daisy may have been mad at her the week before, but after their argument she’d decided to let the past remain in the past. They’d both had their say. It was time to move forward.

“He okay?” Gigi asked.

“He’ll be fine. He’s a big boy,” Marcus answered.

“Yes. I just gave him some children’s Advil and an antibiotic. The cuts shouldn’t get infected.”

Marcus stood and hugged Daisy. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“No, about earlier. If I hadn’t said anything, then this wouldn’t have—”

“Then I would’ve been mad at you for not telling me,” Daisy said with a smile. “Don’t you think we’ve had enough of that?”

“Yes, y’all have. Now what are we going to do? You guys can’t live here anymore. Not after tonight.”

“You’re right. I still don’t know who took Jay’s shoes. But I’ve put just about all of my money into this place. It wasn’t much, just enough to make us comfortable.” Daisy looked around. “Well, sort of.”

Marcus extended his hand. “You don’t hate me anymore, do you?”

“No.”

“Well, now you don’t have a reason not to stay with Gigi. I know you don’t want to, but do it for Jay.”

“Only until I get on my feet—again.”

D
aisy sat beside Gigi in Ming Li’s shop, Ming Li’s Nails of New York, patiently waiting for her nails to dry. She smiled as she absorbed her surroundings. Gold-framed art adorned the celery-green walls, music wafted through the air, and the televisions broadcasted videos.

Daisy blew on her nails. “Gigi, can you do me a favor? Would you look in my purse and hand me a fifty?”

Gigi looked over at her in surprise. “For what? Don’t tell me Ming Li’s gonna start charging us now.”

Daisy covered Gigi’s mouth. “Girl, stop worrying. It’s for a bet.”

“The fight? Don’t tell me you lost your money betting on—”

“Please.
I don’t have money to lose. I won. I don’t bet unless it’s a sure thing. I do have a son to take care of, remember? This is Ming Li’s change.”

“I know your nails aren’t dry yet. Don’t mess them up,” Ming Li ordered.

“Do I look like Gigi to you? You know I’m careful with my nails,” Daisy joked.

“Yeah, right. Tell me another one.”

“I know you two heifers aren’t talking about me!” Gigi yelled from across the room.

Ming Li rolled her eyes dramatically at Gigi and turned to Daisy. “So, what do you think, now that the renovation’s finished?”

“It’s nice. Real nice.” Daisy’s eyes lit up. She’d forgotten about the investment.

“I’ll write you a check later.”

“A check for what?” Gigi asked, walking up from behind.

“I paid for the renovation.”

“You paid for it? How? Why? Don’t tell me that Ming Li needed money.”

“She didn’t need the money. It was an investment. She offered Jasper the opportunity, and he hesitated, so I jumped on it. And I’m glad I did because it’ll definitely come in handy now. She used the renovation money to buy a foreclosure in Los Angeles. She’s branching out, going national.”

“And where—”

“I got the money from Jasper…sort of. Let’s just say that I wrote myself a check.”

Ming Li waved at them from across the almost empty salon. “I’m closing up, ladies. Not to be rude, but I have a date.”

Daisy and Gigi looked at each other and laughed.

“I thought you didn’t date.”

“And wouldn’t be seen with one of your toys in public.”

Ming Li smiled.

Daisy and Gigi both sat quietly on Gigi’s deck, absorbed in their thoughts, drinking cappuccinos with a splash of Frangelico. The colorful autumn leaves rustled and scattered across the small lawn. It was cold, but serene.

Daisy got up and leaned on the wooden banister, trying to get comfortable. She decided that once she had the money, she’d get Gigi’s deck restored and not leave it neglected, the way she’d left so many other things. Closing her eyes, she massaged her temples and reassured herself for the millionth time that her life would take a turn for the better. She smiled, and warmth spread through her as she recalled what her father had told her when she had been a teenager with a broken heart.
If it keeps raining, be assured that it means the sun is coming. Rain is just the opening act.
“My sun
is
coming,” Daisy mouthed, then winced. Wood splinters poked her as she twisted, turned, and scooted, trying to find the right position. She could have joined Gigi at the patio table, but she wanted to enjoy a quiet moment alone. She looked over at Gigi and wondered what her secret was. She seemed so happy and content with her life. Daisy assumed that people used to think the same about her. She knew now that she’d never been as happy as she’d once believed, and that she had no idea how to define it. Her life had consisted of men, money, and material possessions. Daisy pushed off the banister and wiped her hands, promising herself that she would find out what happiness was and experience it firsthand. She went back to join Gigi.

“Hey, nice of you to join me again,” Gigi said, pulling a chair out for her.

Daisy sat. “I had some thinking to do. Sorry if I was rude.”

“We’re family. No such thing as rude. I was doing some thinking myself,” Gigi said, then looked down.

“What’s wrong?” Daisy couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen Gigi so sullen.

“It’s Marcus…I’m not sure how I feel about him anymore.”

Daisy’s jaw dropped. She’d thought that Gigi and Marcus were the perfect loving couple. They’d seemed so meant-to-be. “What do you mean? I thought you two were made for each other.”

“He’s too needy. He has to be under me twenty-four/seven. Sometimes I feel like I can’t breathe. And now that Jasper’s gone, it’s worse.”

Daisy nodded. “Yeah, I can imagine. They were so close. He doesn’t have any other friends?”

“If he does, I don’t know anything about them. I’ve never heard him mention anyone.”

Daisy picked up her cup. “But is that a bad thing, him wanting to be around you all the time? Because a long time ago, I would’ve given limbs to have Jasper want me so badly. I received the opposite.”

Gigi held her head in her hands. “I know it sounds crazy, but it’s not. When I go left, he goes left. If I go to the bathroom, he knocks on the door, wanting to come in.”

Daisy crinkled her nose. “Ill.”

“Exactly. But on top of that, he’s jealous. I mean raging with jealousy. It’s ridiculous. When I’m freshening my lipstick to go to the store, he wants to know who I’m going to meet. Wants to know who I’m trying to look good for when I buy new makeup. And truth be told, I don’t even like to wear makeup.”

“Then why do you wear it?”

“Him! When we first started dating, we went to a wedding or the theater—somewhere that required me to get dolled up. He’d never seen me in makeup before, and he loved it. He literally kissed my feet all day. So I decided if it made him feel that good, that attracted to me, I’d wear it every day.”

“Wow. I guess we’ve both made sacrifices to please men. But you know what I’ve learned? We have to make ourselves happy.”

Gigi nodded. “Yes, we do.”

Daisy got up and walked into the house.

“Can you do me a favor and bring a blanket when you come back, please?”

Daisy smiled. “I’ll do you a favor, but it won’t be the one you asked for, it’ll be one that you need.”

“What?”

“I’m going to throw your makeup away. As of today, we wear no more masks.”

Gigi ran into the house and followed Daisy. They both laughed as they took turns making jump shots, throwing away the cosmetics. Giggling like schoolgirls, they fell over each other, slipping on loose face powder. They ignored the telephone when it rang. After all of Gigi’s cosmetics were in the trash, they hugged. The phone rang again.

“It sure feels good, letting things go,” Gigi said as she went to answer it.

“Yes, it does,” Daisy said, wiping the traces of color out of the sink. “I need a broom and a mop.”

Gigi returned with the same sullen look on her face that she’d had before. “Bad news.”

“What is it this time?”

“Let’s go sit down.”

“Tell me now. Whatever it is, I can handle it.”

“That was my mom, calling to warn us that my aunt’s looking for you. Social Services tracked her down, and apparently she’s going to file for custody of Jay.”

Daisy sank to the floor and covered her face with her hands. “Oh, God, I’m going to lose both my babies.”

“Both of what babies?” Gigi asked, looking confused. “You mean one baby, right?”

Daisy shook her head. “Two. A long time ago, I did a terrible thing. A really horrible thing.” She locked eyes with Gigi. “Do you remember when I took a year off from college junior year to help out my sister Brea during her pregnancy?”

Gigi nodded. “When you went to Hawaii.”

“Yes, Hawaii. That’s where her husband, Phillip, was stationed at the time. Well, that was a lie. I didn’t want to lie to you, but I had to. The truth is…” Tears started running down Daisy’s cheeks.

Gigi patted her back. “It’s okay, Daisy.”

“The truth is, I went away because
I
was pregnant, not Brea. I went to Hawaii because I didn’t want to shame my parents.”

“What? Are you serious?”

Daisy nodded.

Gigi stood and wrapped her arms around Daisy. “I didn’t know. But what happened to the baby?”

“Brea has my baby.”

“Lani?”

“Yes, Lalani is my daughter. That’s her real name. I gave her a Hawaiian name.”

“How come you never told me, Daisy? As long as we’ve been friends…I always thought she was Brea’s. I’ve seen her a couple of times, when I went home to visit. How old is she now?”

Daisy’s face was blank. “She’s eight. I never told you because, legally, she’s not mine. Never was.”

“What do you mean, never was? You had her, right?”

Daisy nodded. “Yes, I had her, but all the paperwork was under my sister’s name. Nowhere on the doctor’s medical records, or the hospital’s, does it state that Daisy Parker had a child. Every document says that a baby girl was born to Brea Parker-Adams.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. I filled out every form and signed Brea’s name.”

“Why?”

“I believed that my parents—no,
everyone
—thought that it’d be good for me. I was too young to have a baby. I wasn’t married. I was just about to finish college. You name it. I had every excuse but no reasons.”

Gigi sighed. “Damn, Daisy.” She leaned on the windowsill. “Wow. So that’s why you wouldn’t have Jasper’s baby, hunh? Because of Lani?”

“I couldn’t. How could I give birth to his child when I didn’t have my own? I mean, his child would’ve been mine too. You know what I mean.”

Gigi cleared her throat. “I understand.”