Tameka's Smile (6 page)

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I do have a Doctorate in Psychology.

I’m a bit defensive about it. I spent all that time, wasted all that money, only to discover once I got into my field of practice I’d rather be doing hair. My decision to quit my job didn’t go over well with my family.” She could still hear them.
What do you
mean you’re quitting? Do you know how much money you make?

You think you can pull that kind of money being a simple
hairdresser? What’s wrong with you?

“Why? What does it matter to them? It’s your life. If you didn’t like doing it, you should have quit. Life’s too short to waste time in a career that you hate. At least you tried and now you know.”

“That’s exactly what Momma E. said.” When he looked inquiringly, she explained. “Grandma Emma.” Chad nodded his understanding, his mouth full of tea.

35

TAMEKA’S SMILE

“What about you? What college did you attend?”

“Actually, I didn’t. I joined the military as soon as I was old enough to sign and became Military Police. I re-enlisted twice.

When the third time rolled around, one of my comrades, Bull, was from this area. He told me about the spot available in the department here and put in a good word for me with the sheriff.

Rome offered me the position and I came here when I got out.”

“What about your family? You didn’t want to go home after being away for so long?”

“I don’t have any family, not that I know of. My parents died when I was young and I grew up in foster care.”

“Oh, that’s sad.” Tameka’s heart went out to him. She couldn’t imagine life with no kin.

He shrugged. “I wasn’t old enough when they died to remember them, so it doesn’t hurt. You can’t miss what you never had,” he said philosophically.

His tone was blasé, but Tameka knew better. You may not miss what you’ve never had, but it didn’t stop you from longing for it.

“Earlier you mentioned Ms. Lulu. You went by her shop?”

“I’m ready to work. I went to Refuge to check out the shops there first. I’m glad I did. I think I’m going to like working with Lulu.”

“She needs help, that’s for sure. Do you barber, too?’

“It’s not my specialty, but I’m proficient at it.” Chad smiled. “Wait until word gets out. You’ll be busy for sure. Old Bert retired three months ago and us guys have been forced to go into Colby. That’s a long ride for a five-minute cut.

When do you start?”

“I’m going in to set up my station tomorrow and meet the other workers. I’ll start taking customers Wednesday.” A lull fell in the conversation as they both directed their attention to eating. After a couple of bites, Tameka asked, “So, you’re new here, too?”

“Yep.”

“How long have you lived here?”

“About two years now, give or take. You’ll like it here. The people seem to be really nice and friendly. That whole southern hospitality thing I used to hear so much about is apparently true.” 36

ZENA WYNN

Seemed? Apparently? Didn’t he know?
The temptation to put on her counselor’s persona was very strong. “Where are you from originally?”

“Ohio. Reynoldsburg, to be exact.”

“You’re a long way from home.”

“It was never home, just the place I grew up.” With his background, Tameka wondered if Chad even knew what home was. If any place ever felt like home to him. “Do you like being a cop?”

“Yeah. I like the structure of it, the rules, and the orderliness of it. It’s like being in the military without all of the bouncing around.”

“I wouldn’t think an area like this would have a lot of crime. Don’t you get bored?’

“The quiet is one of the reasons I like it. I saw enough action in the military, and I don’t like big cities. Give me plenty of rural countryside and neighbors that know each other. We have the occasional drug bust and homicide. No place is exempt from crime, but overall, things are pretty peaceful here.”

“That’s good to know.” She stood and began clearing her things off of the table. Chad rose to join her and she waved for him to sit back down. “No, finish eating.”

“I’m done.” He placed the last forkful of rice in his mouth and picked up his plate.

Once the table was cleared, they settled on the couch. “So you’ve been here two years and you’re not involved with anyone?”

He reached out and played with a strand of her hair. “Until now? No. Never met anyone who stirred my interest.” He stared at her intently.

Not willing to travel down that road, she asked, “You want to watch another movie?”

“You don’t mind?’

“Not at all. It’s what I usually do at night instead of watching TV.”

He stood and walked over to the bookcase. “I noticed last night you have the latest
Die Hard
, still in the wrapper.”

“I belong to one of those movie clubs. I buy movies and shelve them until I’m in the mood to watch it.” 37

TAMEKA’S SMILE

“You want to watch this or is there something else you prefer?” He already had the movie in his hand, undoing the wrapper.

“That one’s fine.”

He started the movie and came back to the couch. After making himself comfortable, he tugged Tameka into his arms.

By the time the movie finished, they were both stretched out on the couch, Tameka on top with his chest pillowing her head.

As the credits rolled, she commented, “That was okay. Not as good as the second one, but still enjoyable.” She braced her forearms on his chest and tried to lift into a sitting position. Chad halted her by placing his hand on her hips.

At the look of stark desire on his face, she rushed into speech. “Would you look at the time? We both have to be to work in the morning. Can’t be late. Don’t want to be tired. Make sure get plenty of rest tonight and I’ll do the same.” The whole time she was rambling, she applied subtle but steady pressure to his chest, trying to get up.

He narrowed his eyes and tilted his head to the side, studying her expression. “You’re right.” He released her.

“
I am
? I mean, yes, of course I am.” She scrambled to her knees and off of the couch. Beside her, Chad rose slowly to his feet.

“Tomorrow is a work day. Your first and you want to make a good impression. You can’t do that if you show up tired from a lack of sleep.”

“
I can’t
? I mean, you’re absolutely right. First impressions count.”

Chad headed for the door as Tameka, fighting back a crushing sense of disappointment, trailed behind. He opened the door and stepped out onto the porch. That’s it? He’s leaving?

Isn’t that what you wanted?

“Thanks for dinner and the movie. I enjoyed the evening.”

“Yeah, it was nice,” she said awkwardly, still unable to believe he was just going to leave.

“Well…”

“Yes?” she asked hopefully.

“Goodnight. I’ll call tomorrow and see how your day went.”

“Uh, okay. Goodnight.”

38

ZENA WYNN

He turned and walked away. He was leaving. Just like that.

No argument. No persuasion. No nothing. Just gone. He was almost to his truck when something in her snapped.

“Chad! Wait!”

He stopped and turned around.

She raced down the steps, into the driveway and threw herself against him. He rocked back a step from the impact and his arms came up to wrap around her. She pulled his head down and kissed him with all of the desire she had inside of her.

It was like lighting a match and throwing it on kerosene.

Passion exploded. Clothes flew everywhere. Tameka found herself flat on her back, on the ground, with Chad on top, driving into her.

It was fast. It was furious, and over in minutes.

She lay there feeling like a survivor at ground zero, dazedly staring up at the night sky. “I don’t understand this effect you have on me. This isn’t like me. How do you keep doing this to me?” Tameka muttered, not really expecting an answer.

Chad lifted his head from her shoulder where he’d collapsed. “Is this a bad thing?”

“I’m still trying to decide.”

“Well, let me give you a little more to consider.” He stood, bent down and picked her up, then strode with her towards the house.

“What about our clothes? Your keys? Your
wallet
?”

“I’ll get them later.”

He walked into the house and kicked the door shut.

39

TAMEKA’S SMILE

Chapter Three

Tameka groaned and rolled over, burying her head beneath the pillow. She’d done it again. This time, she couldn’t blame anyone but herself. He was leaving until she all but tackled the man to the ground.

Chad was insatiable. He’d woken her repeatedly during the night, the final time just a little before he left. If she could keep her thighs closed long enough to walk, it would be a miracle.

After last night, she was sure that they were bent into a permanently open position. She’d never been bow-legged, but that may have just changed.

She really wanted to go back to sleep, but she had things to do. Darn it! She gingerly rolled out of bed and hobbled to the bathroom. First order of business was a hot shower. Hopefully it would loosen her muscles. She’d used muscles last night in places she didn’t know had muscles.

After she was dressed, she stripped the linens off of the bed and stuffed them into the washer. Then she lit some vanilla scented candles. Her room smelled like Chad and sex. Even after she placed clean sheets on the bed, she could still smell him. She snatched them off, sprayed the mattress and pillows with Lysol, and remade the bed. While she was at it, she walked through the rest of the house, spraying as she went.

She’d figured out part of the problem last night. The man smelled good, too good. His scent was like the deepest, darkest, richest chocolate, the kind you looked at and just knew you were going to gain ten pounds because it was so good, and you wouldn’t be able to stop until every morsel was gone. The kind that melted on your tongue while its flavor exploded in your mouth, instantly addictive and “slap-yo-momma” good. He should come with warning labels, and the shame of it was, he didn’t even wear cologne. It was all him.

40

ZENA WYNN

There. No more Chad. Just the clean, linen scent of Lysol.

Last night she’d been weak, but she was determined not to do this again. It would help strengthen her resolve if she didn’t smell Chad every time she rolled over. That problem taken care of, she went into the kitchen. After a quick breakfast of yogurt washed down with a glass of juice, she loaded her supplies into the car and headed to town.

Lulu met her at the door when she arrived. “Everyone, this is Tameka, Emma’s granddaughter. She’s going to be working in the shop.”

Everyone waved or nodded their greeting.

“Tameka, that’s Mona behind the register. She answers the phones, sets appointments, and handles the cash.” Tameka smiled. “Nice to meet you, Mona.” Mona was Hispanic, with long, curly dark brown hair, and big, brown doe eyes. She was also a hot Latina, so sultry and sexy looking that Tameka immediately felt inadequate.

“Over there, that’s Betty. She’s one of the stylists.” Another smile coupled with a nod. “Betty.” Betty was a black female in her early fifties. Her complexion was so light that you could tell that quite a few someones in her family tree were white. Her long black hair was liberally streaked with gray and she was bird thin. A good, brisk wind would probably blow her over.

“Go ahead and set up,” Lulu continued. “Either one of these stations are fine.”

“Thanks, Lulu.” Tameka gave her a peck on the cheek. She chose the first station on the left and commenced to setting up her equipment.

“Hey, Tameka. Glad you’re here. We need some fresh, young blood,” Betty informed her.

From what Lulu had told her, she and Mona were the youngest ones in the shop, and Mona wasn’t a stylist. “I’m glad to find a shop so close to home. I didn’t feel like driving into Colbyville each day, not with the way gas prices are going up.” They groaned at the reminder. Someone, she wasn’t sure which one, said, “Please, don’t remind me.”

“Tameka, you do extensions?” The question came from Mona.

41

TAMEKA’S SMILE

“Depends on what you want done. I can glue and sew them in, but I don’t have the patience or experience to do fusions. I also do quick weaves.”

“What about updos? You do those,” the lone customer in the shop asked.

Tameka laughed at the excitement in the woman’s voice.

“Yes. Show me a picture of any style you want and I can do a pretty good rendition of it.”

“Oh, man,” Mona said reverently. “Wait until word gets out.

This place is going to be packed. I may need to work more hours.”

“As long as you don’t start missing school. That’s more important.”

“I know, Ms. Lulu. I’m not going miss now, not when I’m so close to graduation.” She rolled her eyes at Tameka, who bit back the smile trying to break free at her antics.

“What are you studying?”

“I want to be a Nail Artist. You know, one of those people who do all of those fancy designs on women’s nails?”

“Yes, I know what you’re talking about. If you can stand the fumes, you can make some really good money as a Nail Tech.”

“I plan to be the best. One day, I’ll work for the stars.” Mona’s voice was dreamy and her eyes had a faraway look in them.

“If that’s what you want, go for it,” Tameka encouraged.

“Lulu, I brought some hair style magazines, posters, and a few of my personal photo albums that show the work I’ve done. Is it alright if I lay them out in the waiting area?”