Soulmates Dissipate (16 page)

“Well, look,” said Candice, “I want you to get some rest and don’t do anything irrational. Go to bed. I’ll clean the kitchen and let myself out. Call me when you wake up.”

Jada hugged her and said, “Thanks. I really don’t know what I’d do without my best friend.”

“One last thing,” Candice said.” Don’t have any contact with Wellington until tomorrow. That’ll give you time to compose yourself mentally and spiritually.”

Jada removed her clothes and slid under the covers. She thought about what Candice had said about Melanie. Now that she could see the big picture, she concluded that Melanie had staged the sequence of events that led to last night’s rendezvous.

M
elanie’s investment had finally paid off. After ten home pregnancy tests, she cheered when she saw the pink plus sign. This time she wouldn’t hide the results. She tucked it in her purse for safekeeping. Melanie stood sideways in front of the bedroom mirror. She placed her hand over her belly. It was flat as a pancake but not for long. She stared at the photo she and Wellington had taken at Geoffrey’s. Then she envisioned how beautiful their children would look. She’d never told a soul about the fertility drugs she’d taken for the past three months. She ran downstairs and kissed Wellington.

“What was that for?” he asked.

“Would you like to go with us to the airport?” asked Melanie.

“No, thanks. I think I’ll stay here, but thanks for
offering. Tell your mother it was a pleasure seeing her.”

“I’m sure she’ll like hearing that,” beamed Melanie.” She’s very fond of you. Don’t forget, I already prepared dinner, so if I’m not back in time to eat with you, you can warm a plate in the microwave.”

“Thanks,” said Wellington.” You should use my Jaguar to take your mother to the airport. I’ll take your car to my repairman tomorrow so he can tune it up for you before you hit the highway.”

“Sure. Thanks.” Melanie picked up the keys to Wellington’s brand new baby blue Jaguar. As Melanie cruised to pick up her mother, she thought about how naïve Jada was to have allowed anyone to become intimate with her fiancé. But there was no way Jada could have prevented the inevitable. Melanie Marie Thompson had finally found her soulmate. The thought of being pregnant crossed her mind. Her cherry-red lips spread east and west. Now that was truly divine intervention. She parked Wellington’s car and ran into Mrs. Jones’s house.

“Hi, Mother. Hi, Godmommy,” Melanie said.

“Hi, baby. Slow down before you hurt yourself. My flight doesn’t leave for another two hours,” said Susan.

“Hello, darling,” Cynthia responded. She hugged and kissed Melanie.

“Where’s Daddy Chris?” Melanie asked.

“Oh, he went to the Raiders game with
Robert
today,” Cynthia replied.

“They seem to be hitting it off pretty well,” Melanie said.

“Yeah, too well if you ask me,” said Cynthia. She walked out the door. Melanie and Susan followed behind her.

Melanie put her mother’s bags in the trunk of Wellington’s car. Cynthia rode in the front. Her mother sat in the back.

“Susan, you know we’re excited. Our Melanie starts working at Sensations Communications in three weeks,” Cynthia boasted.

“I am excited,” Melanie said.

“So am I,” said Susan.” I’m proud of you, Melanie. You’re just like a cat, sweetheart. You always land on your feet. Now we just have to find you a husband like your sister Stephanie.”

Melanie looked at Cynthia. Her eyes drooped low. She hated when her mother compared them.

“Melanie didn’t tell you the good news, Susan. She and Wellington are going to get married.”

“Did I miss something in the translation?” asked Susan.” Melanie, when did all of this happen?”

“Well, Wellington doesn’t know it yet but—”

Cynthia interrupted.” Let’s face it, Susan, Jada is not Jones material. I don’t want my grandbabies growing up going to public school or thinking it is all right if they don’t want to carry on the family tradition.”

“I think the two of you are going too far,” said Susan. “Jada is a wonderful young lady. What gives you the right, Cynthia, to dictate who Wellington marries?”

“I’ll comment on both,” replied Cynthia. “Yes, Jada is wonderful. She’s just not good enough for my Wellington. Now mind you, if I hadn’t taken Wellington in, he’d probably be dead. I don’t ask
Wellington for much. This is the
very least
he can do for me.”

“Melanie, how do you feel about all of this?” Susan asked.

“Mother, I just want to start work at my new job and let whatever happens between Wellington and Jada happen,” Melanie said with a quick wink to Cynthia.

“Well, mother to daughter, I have to warn you, Melanie. This time you may not land on your feet. You might fall flat on your ass. When you play with fire, you will get burned. And speaking of fire, Cynthia, I hope you burn in hell. Wellington doesn’t owe you a damn thing,” said Susan.

“Well, here we are, San Francisco International Airport,” Cynthia said.

“I’ll just check in curbside,” Susan said.” Melanie, remember what I said. Now, open the trunk so I can get my bags.” Susan didn’t wait for Melanie to respond.

Melanie’s eyes welled with tears.” Don’t worry about me, Mama. I’ll be fine.” Melanie waved good-bye but Susan never turned around.

Cynthia let down her window.” Bye, Susan. Have a safe flight. Call me when you get home,
darling,
to let me know you arrived safely.” Susan kept walking.

“Godmommy? Why do you think she hates me so much?”

“Susan loves you, darling. She’s just conservative. She’ll come around. Give her some time.”

“It’s almost six o’clock, so I hope you don’t mind if I drop you off and head back to the house,” Melanie said.

“That’s fine, darling. I’m tired from all the weekend activities and need to get my rest,” said Cynthia.

“Wellington thinks I’m leaving tomorrow,” said Melanie.” Should I tell him about my new job?”

“No. It’s best if I tell him,” Cynthia replied.

“Do you think I should tell him I’m pregnant?”

“Pregnant! Already! Melanie, you were supposed to wait until
after
the wedding. Oh, my dear. What will my friends think?”

“Well you were the one who said
do it,
” cried Melanie.

“I didn’t mean have sex. I meant get him to notice you. Oh, my! Look, you’re going to have to tell Wellington tonight because he’s going to have to marry you before the news gets out that you’re expecting. I’ll be the laughingstock of the world. I can’t believe this is happening,” Cynthia said disapprovingly.

“Drive carefully darling. I’ll call you tomorrow.” Cynthia slammed the car door so hard, Melanie jumped.

Melanie felt abandoned and desperate. She listened to the radio and pondered her dilemma. Booga Bear was advertising his new soulmate rings. A light went off in Melanie’s head and she detoured to the jewelry store.

She frantically banged on the door.” I need to buy a ring!”

“Sorry, miss, we’re closed. You’ll have to come back tomorrow.”

Melanie pulled out cash and waved it at the salesman. He opened the door. “You’ll have to make it quick. What do you want?” He was cold and callous.

“I need a wedding band for a man. Let me see the one with the diamonds.”

“That ring costs twelve thousand dollars, miss.”

“I didn’t ask how much it cost. I asked to see the ring.” Melanie closely examined the ring. It appeared flawless.” I’ll take it.”

She handed him her American Express card. He completed the transaction and handed it back. He started to wrap the ring.” Oh, that won’t be necessary,” Melanie said. She snatched the ring box, put it in her purse, and hopped in the Jag.

“Hey, you made it back fast,” said Wellington.” What did you do? Fly your mother to the airport?”

“I did not.” Melanie laughed.” I drove her to the airport. Thank you very much.”

“I was just about to eat dinner. Why don’t you join me?” asked Wellington.

“I’d be delighted to,” said Melanie. She kept her purse next to her on the seat.

“So, are you excited about returning to D.C. tomorrow?” asked Wellington.

“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that. I don’t think I’m leaving tomorrow,” said Melanie. She tried to feel her way through this awkward predicament.

“Why?” Wellington placed his fork on his plate and waited for a response.

“Wellington. You and I have been friends for a long time. Over the past two weeks, I’ve fallen in love with you.” Melanie paused.

Wellington stood and rubbed his bald head.” Look, Melanie. I’m very fond of you. I care for you—as a friend. But Diamond is my woman and I’m in love with
her,
not you.”

“Wellington. Please, sit down.” Melanie picked
up her purse and removed the box. She kneeled at Wellington’s feet and opened it.” Wellington Jones. Will you marry me?” Melanie’s eyes swelled with tears.

Wellington pushed his chair back.” This is way too serious for me. Melanie, I
will not
accept a ring from you. No pussy can come between me and Diamond. She’s my soulmate. Melanie. Read my lips. I love Jada,
not you.”

Melanie felt the lacerations of Wellington’s words. She stood and threw the ring on the table. It bounced off and hit the floor, but she couldn’t tell where it had landed. She didn’t bother to look for it. She had more important concerns.” Well, maybe no pussy can come between you two, but how about a baby! Wellington Jones. I’m pregnant with your child!” Melanie yelled.

Wellington grabbed his head and paced back and forth.” Tell me you’re kidding. This is not happening. Aren’t you using some form of contraceptive?”

“No. I’m not.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“You didn’t ask. Look, all I’m asking is that you think about the proposal. You don’t have to decide right away.” Melanie walked over to Wellington and tried to hold his hand. He pulled away.

The doorbell rang.” Are you expecting someone?” asked Wellington.

“No.”

Wellington opened the door.” Hi, baby.” Jada kissed him on the lips and walked in.” Hi, Melanie. I see you’re still here.” Jada’s eyes shifted from Wellington to Melanie and back to Wellington. Her voice trembled.” What’s going on?”

Melanie turned toward the stairs.” Don’t you dare take your ass up those stairs until I know what the hell is going on!” Jada screamed with authority.

“Let’s go in the family room,” suggested Wellington.

Melanie sat in the reclining chair near the fireplace. Wellington sat on the couch. Jada braced herself on the edge of the sofa next to him.

“I have some not-so-good news,” said Wellington.” But it’s not something we can’t work out.”

Jada looked at Wellington. Melanie smiled mischievously.” What are you saying?” Jada’s voice was faint.

Wellington rubbed his goatee.” Melanie is pregnant.”

“Well, obviously it’s not yours. Hell, this shit just happened last night!”

Melanie remained silent. Wellington took a deep breath. His hands covered his face. He reached for Jada’s hand. She moved it.” I have to be totally honest with you, ba. Last night wasn’t the first time.”

Jada’s eyes rolled to the back of her head. Before she realized what she’d done, her backhand landed on the side of Wellington’s face. She jumped up from the couch and headed for Melanie. Melanie scrambled but she couldn’t get up fast enough. Neither could Wellington. Jada reached back to 2000 B.c. Melanie saw it coming but couldn’t escape. Melanie saw stars as she slid across the Billie Holiday rug like she was sliding into home plate—head first. Well, at least Melanie found the ring. Jada didn’t wait for any further explanations. She walked out and slammed the door.

Candice had warned her not to go over to Wellington’s house. But again, Jada hadn’t listened. Now, she was flaming mad. She needed a drink. Jada got in her car. Her tires screeched, smoked, and left black tracks in Wellington’s driveway.

She pulled into the first dive she saw on the peninsula. Before she could make it to the bar, Jada heard, “Hi, may I buy you a drink? You look like you need one,” said the stranger at the table nearest the door.

“Sure. Why not.” Jada sat across from him like he had been waiting on her.

“Let me guess, your husband is having an affair.”

Jada sighed.” I’m not married.”

“Well, you could have fooled me with that rock on your finger.”

“It’s my engagement ring.”

“Well, I don’t know what ails you, but you sure look too pretty to have men problems.” He chuckled like an old man. It contradicted his youthful exterior. Jada assumed he was about twenty-four.

“I’m not sure it’s the man I’m having the problem with.”

He leaned back in his chair. His blue-black complexion was stunningly gorgeous.” Well, I’m a great listener if you want a shoulder to cry on.” His lips easily separated when he spoke. His teeth were white as snow.” Go right ahead.”

Jada rambled on with bits and pieces of her story. She liked the fact that he wasn’t judging her. He simply listened. She tiptoed around the ménage
à trois. It wasn’t her fault, and it wasn’t his business.

Three drinks and two hours later, Jada confessed, “Well, I’ve cried on your shoulder enough. I think I’ll just leave now.”

“Don’t leave without my phone number.” He handed Jada a business card and smiled.” If you ever need another shoulder to cry on, I still have a dry one left.” He wiped the tears from Jada’s eyes and kissed her on the forehead.” Don’t worry about the bill. It’s on me.”

“Thanks.” Jada stood and smoothed out her dress. Her hand had started to swell. It felt numb. On her way out, she noticed Wellington’s friend Walter was sitting in the sports section watching a game.

Jada didn’t want to go home and she definitely wasn’t going to call Candice. She drove around aimlessly. She tried to unweave the web of deception. But the sticky threads were too tightly woven. Her emotions vacillated. Anger. Disgust. Hurt. Betrayal. Denial. She grew tired of haphazardly driving up and down Interstate 580. If she never popped the cork on another bottle of champagne, it wouldn’t bother her.

Jada stopped at a Safeway and went inside.