Soulmates Dissipate (17 page)

She walked past the dairy section. Paused. Walked backward and noticed eggs were on sale. Buy one dozen and get the second free. A light went off in her head. She purchased a bottle of zinfandel and the eggs. She drove to Wellington’s house. Twenty-four eggs later Wellington could have named his place the House of Egg Fu Yung. Jada threw eggs on the door, the lawn, the Jaguar, and Melanie’s
car. She wished he had a dog so she could crack one over its head.

Jada went home. She ignored the little voice inside her.” What in the fuck have you done? That was really dumb. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.” It sounded like Candice’s voice. Jada thought she had outgrown her temper tantrums. Maybe this time she should seek professional help. Wellington was going to be pissed when he woke up in the morning and saw dried eggs splattered everywhere. Maybe she would lie and say it wasn’t her.

As soon as Jada got home, her phone rang.

“Hello.”

“Girl, where in the world have you been? I told you to call me when you woke up,” Candice said.

“I know, but I decided to visit Wellington instead. I wished I would have picked up the phone and called you,” Jada cried.

“What happened this time?” asked Candice.

Jada told Candice everything.

“Jada, I warned you this would happen. Now do you believe me?”

“I don’t know what to believe anymore,” Jada responded.” I’m going to bed. Maybe it’ll be better in the morning. At least I can go to work early and get a head start.” Jada sighed.” I need to prepare for my photo shoot of Justice Price. I’ll speak with you tomorrow.” Jada really didn’t feel like hearing
I told you so
again.

“Good night, egg woman,” Candice laughed.” Get some rest. I’ll call
you
tomorrow.”

Melanie was ecstatic. Jada’s ongoing outrage had become a thorn in Wellington’s side. Cynthia had almost convinced Wellington to honor his obligation to the family’s name by making Melanie a decent and respectable woman. Susan was wrong. Melanie had landed on her feet, once more.

“Well, how do I look for my first day at work?” asked Melanie. Her hair was pulled back into a bun like a flight attendant. Melanie’s neutral-colored lips were lined in a light shade of brown to match her nail color. Her fashionably conservative suit was tailored to a tee. The skirt hem stopped six inches above her knees.

“You look great,” said Wellington.” I still can’t believe my mother got you a job working at Sensations Communications. Jada’s going to have another outburst when she sees you.”

“Wish me well.” Melanie blew Wellington a kiss. She didn’t want to smear her lipstick.

“They are going to love you,” Wellington responded.

“I’ll call and let you know how it’s going,” Melanie said. She drove Wellington’sjaguar. She loved it so much she’d stopped driving her own car.

Melanie thought about Jada. The permanent scar on her forehead wouldn’t let her forget. She vowed to get even if it was the last thing she’d do.

The Bay area’s rush-hour traffic was more than she’d bargained for. She crept bumper-to-bumper almost the entire trip. She refused to cease driving the Jag so she’d either find an alternate route or time. Mr. Murphy had mailed her electronic keycard-parking pass in advance. The buildings in downtown D.C. were midgets in comparison to San Francisco’s skyscrapers.

Melanie strolled into the office as if she owned it.” Good morning.”

“Good morning. You must be Ms. Thompson.”

“Yes. Melanie Marie Thompson. I can see by your nameplate, you are Karen Livingston.”

“Let me show you to your office. It’s the best office we have; second only to Mr. Murphy’s. It has a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, and because it’s a corner office, it has more square footage. Mr. Murphy said someone by the name of Cynthia
insisted
you have it. In case you haven’t heard, you’ve already been bumped up to senior vice president in charge of international marketing. That means you’ll supervise all employees in the national and international divisions,” explained Karen.” Let me introduce you to the best
photographer we have on staff in our national marketing division.”

“Had,”
said Melanie, with a sarcastic look plastered on her face.

“Please, be kind. She had to move out of the office that’s now yours,” Karen whispered. Then she turned and smiled.” Jada, this is Melanie Marie Thompson, our newest staff member in charge of international operations,” said Karen. Karen stared back and forth from Jada to Melanie.” Melanie, this is Jada Diamond Tanner. Sensations finest. You won’t find a better—”

“This is starting to turn into a nightmare from hell. How in the world did
she
get
this
job?” Jada questioned.

“I’m not so sure you’ve met
me
before,” Melanie said. Then she turned to Karen.” Ms. Livingston, when Mr. Jones calls, put him through to
my
office.” Karen stood in Jada’s office. Karen hunched her shoulders.

“I’ll explain it to you later,” said Jada.” Send Wellington’s calls directly to my office.”

“I’ll leave you two
lovebirds
alone.” Jada’s face turned burnt red. Karen returned to her desk. Melanie went to her office.

“Good morning, Ms. Thompson. I’m really impressed with your résumé,” Terrance said. “You didn’t need Mrs. Jones to get this job. I would have hired you on the spot based on your credentials.”

“I’m not the impressive one, Mr. Murphy, you are,” Melanie said.” If I can achieve half of what you’ve done by the time I’m your age, I’d
retire
at forty-nine.”

“Now, how do you know my age?” Terrance
asked with a deep and hearty laugh. He was a short man—about five feet six inches—with broad shoulders. Clean-shaven. His navy blue suit was impeccable.

“Well, you don’t look it. You look younger. But let’s say, I’ve done my research and I’m very impressed with the empire you’ve built,” Melanie said.

“Well, I hope you came ready to work,” said Terrance, “because I didn’t build this empire just sitting around looking good.”

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear that was a compliment.”

“It was, Ms. Thompson. I’ll let you get situated. Karen will give you a tour of the photo lab, the gallery, and the indoor areas where we shoot. I hope you like Spain because you’ll be traveling abroad, real soon.”

“I’m starting to like this place already,” said Melanie as she clicked open her briefcase. Melanie turned up the volume on her interoffice intercom. It was one of the perks she liked most about being
the boss.

“Hi, Wellington, I’m so glad you called. I was thinking about you,” Melanie said.

“I just wanted to wish you well on your first day. That’s all.”

“Thank you!”

“How’s Jada?” Wellington asked.”

I have to take a tour of the facility right now, but promise me you’ll call me later. Kiss. Kiss.”
Melanie disconnected Wellington’s call and heaved a huge sigh.

“It’s time for your tour, Ms. Thompson. Are you ready?” Karen asked.

“I
sure
am,” Melanie said. She locked her office door.

“Oh, that’s not necessary around here,” explained Karen.

“Oh, but it is for me, darling,” Melanie responded.” Shall we?”

“You’re the boss,” replied Karen.

“So, Ms. Livingston, I couldn’t help but notice the photo of the handsome young man on your desk,” said Melanie.” Is that your son?”

“Yes,” Karen said, beaming.” That’s the one and only Damien Jamal Livingston Jr.”

“He’s handsome. How old is he?”

“Fifteen. And in two more years he’ll be out of school and hopefully out of the house,” said Karen with a smile.

“Where’s he going to college?”

“Oh, we haven’t thought that far ahead,” replied Karen.

“Haven’t
thought
that far? When are you planning on getting started, darling?”

“I can’t afford to send Damien to college,” said Karen defensively, then pointed out more calmly, “This is the main photo lab.”

“Who said
you
have to pay for it?” Melanie asked. “There are scholarships and grants galore. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

“Well, Damien wants to join the military when he graduates,” said Karen. Karen opened and closed the door to the developing room.

“Excuse me for being so blunt, Karen, but the military is no place for a young black male.”

“Is there anyplace in this world for a black man? Young or not?” asked Karen. “This is the photo gallery.”

Melanie walked around the room slowly.” No, not for one who is afraid to pursue his dreams,” said Melanie.” But just the opposite is true if a black man is determined to pursue his greatness. The operative word is
determined.
Look at Mr. Murphy, he’s a prime example of what can be accomplished if you’re not afraid to live your dreams. Does Damien have a mentor?”

“A mentor. Why does he need a mentor?” Karen asked.” He has a father. This is the most recent wing to the gallery.”

Melanie was thoroughly impressed. The photo journalist position she had in D.C. did not compare. “You have got to open your mind. Black male children need as many positive role models as possible in their lives. Here you are working for one of the most
powerful
black men in this country, soon to be in this world when I finish helping him build his empire, and you haven’t asked him to mentor your son.”

“I can’t. He won’t,” said Karen.” Mr. Murphy is a busy man. He doesn’t have time for Damien.”

“Ask him, Karen. Ask him today,” Melanie insisted.

“I’ll ask but I already know the answer.”

“Just tell me the answer after you ask the question,” Melanie said.

“Well, that completes our tour. Everett Paris is scheduled for an eight o’clock shoot in the morning.
If there’s anything I can assist you with, please let me know,” Karen said.

“Thank you, Ms. Livingston, you’re quite the professional.” Melanie shook and held Karen’s hand.” There is one more thing.”

“Yes.” Karen loosely held Melanie’s hand.

“Ask Mr. Murphy for a raise. You deserve it.” Melanie walked into her office, closed the glass door, and turned on her intercom.

“Hello. This is Karen in the photography department. I’d like to schedule an appointment to meet with Mr. Murphy today.” Melanie thumbed through the executive manual and smiled.

“He has a ten-minute opening available if you can come right now. Otherwise you’ll have to wait until Friday.”

“I’ll be right there,” Karen said.

Melanie heard an unfamiliar voice so she clicked on her viewer. There was a delivery person at Karen’s desk with three-dozen yellow roses.

“For me?” Karen said jokingly.

“If your name is Melanie Marie Thompson, they’re all yours.” He smiled. Melanie zoomed in the camera. His two front teeth were missing. She frowned, and then laughed. The flowers she had delivered to herself had finally arrived.

“Well, that’s not my name,” said Karen.” But she’s in her office. It’s the last one on your left. Wait. Do you know who sent them?” Jada walked up to Karen’s desk.

“Compliments of a Mr. Wellington Jones.” The delivery guy smiled wide and made his eyes bulge.

“Really! I knew he couldn’t stay mad at me forever.” Jada jumped up and down. Tears rolled down her chocolate cheeks.

“If your name is Melanie Marie Thompson, they’re all yours.” He nodded once.

Melanie cried out with laughter. Jada ran into her office, picked up the phone, and furiously punched in Wellington’s number.” How could you send
her
flowers to wry job?” she demanded into the receiver.

“Flowers? What flowers?” Wellington paused.” Look, I have a broker on one line and a client on the other. I’ll have to call you back.” Wellington hung up.

Melanie greeted the deliveryman at her door.” Oh, for me! My goodness. Who sent such lovely roses?
And
so many.” Melanie slipped him a fifty for his troubles and winked. He winked back and smiled.

“Thanks, but you’re evil. You know that?”

“Thanks for the compliment,” Melanie said.

“Karen, can I see you in my office for a moment?” said Jada.

“Sure, I’ll be right there.”

Melanie meticulously arranged the flowers and listened.

“Karen, I probably shouldn’t tell you this but—”

“If you probably shouldn’t tell me—”

“Melanie is a friend of the Jones family and very well liked by
Mrs.
Jones.”

“She’s a very likable person,” Karen responded.

“Anyway,
“Jada continued.” Initially, she was visiting for a couple of weeks. Then returning to D.C.”

“I love D.C.,” Karen said.” Did she graduate from Howard?”

“Look, Karen, if you don’t want to hear the story, let me know.”

“I’m sorry, you’re right,” Karen said.

“I’m not sure how she knew about this job or who helped her get it, but I want you to check her file and let me know.”

“This is better than the soap operas. But you’re asking me to risk my job
and
compromise my integrity. I can’t do that. Not even for a
friend.
Sorry. I thought you were going to tell me something.” Karen returned to her desk. Melanie was satisfied with Karen’s response so she turned off the recorder.

“Sensations Communications, this is Ms. Livingston.”

“Hello, Karen?” Melanie’s ears perked up.

“Don’t tell me. Let me guess,” Karen said.” This is
Mr.
Darryl
NBA
Williams.”

“The one and only.”

“Where have you been?” Karen asked.

“You know the season has started, so I have very little
free
time on my hands. But I always have time for jada. Is she in?”

“Yes, she is.”

“Hi, baby. How are you? I’ve missed you so much I just had to call and hear your voice,” Darryl said.

“I’ve been doing great,” Jada responded.

“How are the wedding plans?” Darryl asked. Melanie was surprised.

“Everything is going along as planned.” Well, she didn’t lie, thought Melanie. But she didn’t exactly tell the truth either.

“That’s cool. So can your number one fan take you out to dinner or is that
still
off-limits?”