“Ah. Olivia. I see you clean up nice. Come in, my dear. Breakfast is ready.” He removed two plates covered in foil from the oven where he kept them warm. “I’m finishing the scrambled eggs. Please have a seat and I’ll serve you.”
In a daze, Olivia stumbled to the kitchen table and plopped into a chair. She tried to connect with the emotions she experienced. Brinson is the first man she’d been with since Malcolm. Having a male presence cooking in her house stirred up a weird sensation in her gut. One she kind of liked.
“I see the cat still has your tongue. Are you hungry?” Brinson placed a glass of orange juice in front of her. He took command of her kitchen as if he were the host.
“I’m still adjusting to you being here. I see you found something in my refrigerator to cook. I happened to buy comfort food the other day to get through a rough week,” Olivia explained. “Whatever you prepared smells amazing and yes, I’m hungry.”
Brinson set a steaming hot cup on the table. The aroma of fresh ground coffee wafted to her nostrils. “You had exactly what I needed. By the way, how do you like your java?”
“Black coffee. No sugar or cream. Watching calories,”
Olivia spouted. She patted her flat tummy.
“Sweetheart. You can eat anything you want with your amazing body. Everything is perfect the way it is.” Brinson’s eyes lingered on her as if captivated.
“Um. Thank you for the compliment.” Olivia’s cheeks grew warm from knowing he’d seen her everything.
Brinson chuckled and removed the foil from the dishes. After adding scrambled eggs to the feast, he set a filled plate on her placemat. He sat in the chair next to her with his food. “What we have here is bacon, pancakes with butter and syrup, and scrambled eggs with cheese. I hope you find everything to be satisfying to your taste buds.”
“Whoa. How did you whip everything up this fast? I didn’t think I stayed in the bathroom for long. Fluffy pancakes the way I like them. This looks like a gourmet meal,” Olivia said.
“Well thank you, Madam. I aim to please. Dig in.” Brinson handed Olivia a fork and waited for her to taste the food.
“Wait, let’s bless the meal first. Would you like to do it?” Olivia bowed her head and waited for Brinson to pray.
“Um. Why don’t you go ahead and pray to your God?” Brinson responded.
Olivia peeked an eye open out of curiosity. “Pray to my God? What is that supposed to mean? We’ll come back to that in a second.” She closed her eyes and said a prayer of grace for the food.
“Okay, let me see if the food tastes as good as it looks.” Olivia picked up her fork and began eating with such enthusiasm, Brinson chortled.
“I hope you are enjoying your breakfast.” Brinson began eating from his plate.
“Um. Yes. This is delicious. Either I’m starving, or you
prepared an outstanding meal. I don’t want to stop eating,” Olivia exclaimed. She continued devouring the feast until the contents on the plate rested in her stomach. A belch slipped from her lips. Embarrassed, she covered her mouth with her hand. “Oops. Sorry. Excuse me.”
“I consider it a compliment to the cook.” Brinson laughed.
Olivia placed the fork on the plate and wiped her mouth with the napkin. The food helped to relax her mind for the moment. She recalled something Brinson said before they began to eat. “I have to ask you, why did you tell me to ‘pray to my God’ before I blessed the food?”
“Oh, that?” Brinson flipped his hand as if to dismiss his statement. “I don’t worship your God. I’m agnostic.”
Olivia raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Oh. Agnostic. Why?”
Brinson chuckled before taking a bite of bacon. He took his time chewing before answering Olivia’s question. “Here we go. Conversion time.”
“I’m curious about your choice to be an agnostic. Were you ever a believer?” Olivia slurped sips from her coffee cup, anticipating Brinson’s response.
“My parents were strict endorsers of the belief about keeping their kids in some form of worship all day on Sunday. You know the drill, Sunday School, church, lunch at someone’s house, followed by the afternoon program, which lasted until nine at night.”
“With an A and B selection by at least four choirs?”
“Make that A, B, C, D, and E selections.” Brinson laughed. “Oh, and of course, Bible Study on Wednesday and choir rehearsal on Saturday.”
“So basically, you had TMC?”
“TMC? What’s that?”
“Too much church.”
“Way too much church. We should’ve set up beds in the sanctuary.” Brinson took another bite of food. “After high school, I studied theology in Dallas. My folks groomed me to go into ministry.”
Olivia raised her left brow in confusion. “Did you go to seminary school before or after attending The University of West Oklahoma?”
“Uh. Before.” Brinson shrugged.
Olivia did a mental calculation of the years he may have been referring to. Savvy’s words made her begin to doubt his time in college. She’d have to ask more questions about it later. “So, how did you decide not to believe in God anymore?”
Brinson wiped his mouth with his napkin. He leaned against the back of the chair. His expression changed to one of pain. “Life used to be great. I had the best parents one could ever ask for. But…” Brinson stopped talking and stared at his plate. He appeared to have transported his mind away from the present time.
“Brinson. Are you okay?” Olivia tapped his arm with her fingers.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Brinson shook his head and focused his attention on Olivia. He played with the food on his plate with the fork. “I still can’t find acceptance for what God took away from me.” Brinson placed his hands in a teepee position and pressed his fingers together. “My mother died four years ago from a terminal illness called Multiple Systems Atrophy.”
“Oh, Brinson. I’m sorry you lost your mother to MSA. I’ve heard about the disease and I know how devastating it is. I’m sorry for prying. Let’s discuss something else.”
Brinson continued as if he didn’t hear Olivia. “When Mom passed away, my belief in God closed in the casket with her. I can’t understand what kind of God lets a person suffer and die the way my mother did. How do people talk about a God of love when He didn’t seem to care anything about her?” Brinson stared at Olivia as if he dared her to try to change his mind.
“Brinson. I can’t imagine all you and your family experienced in losing your mom. I hope you find peace in knowing she is with the Lord now,” Olivia encouraged.
“Humph. Spoken like many Christians I know.” Brinson’s eyes flashed with anger. “How do you know that? Huh? Did your God tell you where my mother is?”
Olivia realized she needed to tread lightly with Brinson’s question. She didn’t believe he’d be open to receive the same information from her which he had from others. “Brinson. I’m not going to preach to you right now. I hope you will one day realize that sometimes our healing happens through death. Seeing a loved one suffer may make you question God.”
Brinson stared at Olivia and twisted his lips in disgust. “Yup. Spoken like the many people who are good ole’ Christians. You haven’t lost anyone in your life yet, have you?”
Olivia hesitated before speaking. “You are correct. I haven’t lost anyone to illness or death. I’ve lost people in life due to circumstances. I can’t relate to your pain of losing a parent.”
“As I thought. Sometimes the main people telling me to get over it, are the ones who have no idea what it’s like.”
Olivia shifted in her chair. She cleared her throat and searched her mind for ways to change the subject. “Look, Brinson. I’m sorry about all you’ve been through. I didn’t mean to take you down a road of bad memories.”
Brinson’s face softened. “I apologize for taking it out on you. I get worked up when people question what I believe. They have no idea what
my story is.”
“You are correct. I don’t know your story. You made a strong statement about me praying to my God. I had to find out what you mean by that,” Olivia said. “Thank you for explaining.”
“No problem. I like the fact you didn’t let it slide. Women often don’t ask the questions they have in their heads. Most guys will answer them if we hear what they are.”
“Life is too short to waste time on wondering,” Olivia stated.
“Well, alright.” Brinson laughed.
“Once again, thank you for a wonderful breakfast. I’m amazed at your culinary skills.”
“It’s my pleasure to serve you.” Brinson reached out for one of her hands. He surprised her by nibbling on the tips of each of her fingers with his lips. His eyes never left her face.
“Um. Ahem,” Olivia cleared her throat and dropped her eyes. She squirmed in her chair from the sensation of his touch.
Brinson began fluttering wet kisses with his thin lips from the palm of her hand to her wrist and forearm. “You are beautiful. I can’t get enough of you, Olivia,” Brinson mumbled in between kisses.
“Okay. Um, Brinson.” Olivia tugged her arm away and rubbed it on her pants to wipe the saliva from her skin. “Aren’t you and Nell going to the casino today?”
“Whenever I’m ready. Right now, it’s all about you.” Brinson focused on Olivia with intensity. “Are you okay with us spending the day together?”
“Excuse me? You and me? Spend the day together?” Olivia wasn’t expecting to be around Brinson for even fifteen minutes more. She needed time, alone, to collect her thoughts and figure out what happened last night.
“Yes. We’ll get a movie, order some take-out, and chill with each other,” Brinson suggested with a dimpled smile.
“No. I mean. Not today. I have a list of things I need to do. I’m sure you’ll have a great time in Lake Charles.” Olivia stood and began clearing the dishes.
“Here. Let me help you.” Brinson took the plates from her hand to place them in the sink. He began running water to wash the dishes. “Let someone handle things for a change.”
His words hit her like a wall. A man had not catered to her needs since the early years of marriage to Malcolm. She didn’t even know how to receive acts of chivalry anymore. Numbness swept her body from this simple gesture. “Oh. Okay. Thank you.” Olivia sunk onto the chair.
Brinson washed the dishes and cleaned the kitchen. Olivia enjoyed the opportunity to sit back and relax, intrigued by him dancing his way through the task with a dishtowel on his shoulder. Each time he passed her to put something in the cabinets, he planted a light kiss on her lips.
“There you go. Your kitchen is clean and ready for the next meal.” Brinson removed the apron and folded it to place on the countertop. He led Olivia from her chair. “Dance with me before I go.”
He grabbed his phone to find Before I Let Go by Frankie Beverly. Brinson led her with expertise Chicago-Style Steppin’ across the tiled floor to the music.
“I see you know a few moves,” he exclaimed and held Olivia’s hand with his fingertips twirling her to the beat.
“You ain’t the only one who knows how to dance up in here.” Olivia laughed with each turn. Her feet shuffled along with his fancy footwork. “I’m a steppin’ queen.”
“Ah. You go, girl,” Brinson said with admiration as they turned the kitchen into a dance floor. They continued dancing until the song changed to a slower pace. Brinson wrapped Olivia with his arms.
Olivia couldn’t remember the last time she slow danced with anyone. It had to be when she and Malcolm dated. Olivia allowed her body to relax with her head on his chest which smelled of a hint of Old Spice cologne from the day before. He maneuvered her around the room and rocked her to the beat with each step. “This is nice, Brinson. You’re a great dancer,” Olivia said.
“Thank you. Hey,” Brinson leaned back gazing at her eye to eye, “I know you have things to do today. I want to respect your time. Will you let me come back tonight?”
Olivia’s breath caught in her throat and she stopped dancing. “I don’t know,” spilled from her tongue.
Brinson took her response as a cue to plant a kiss on her lips and hugged her to seal the deal. “Think about it and I’ll call you when we get back from the casino.” He ended the embrace and, in a flash, left her house.
Olivia stood at the door and waited for Brinson to back out of the driveway. He lowered the window of his car and yelled, “Bye, beautiful.”
THIRTY-FIVE
Savvy
“Girl. You aren’t going to believe what I found out,” Savvy screamed through the phone.
Olivia greeted her with a raspy voice. “Oh, hey. Whassup, girl? What did you find out?”
“Why do you sound like death warmed over? It’s three o’clock in the afternoon and you sound as if you are still in the bed,” Savvy exclaimed.
“I’m snuggled in my covers,” Olivia confessed. “I had to get a nap in before I do anything else.”
“Um-hum. That’s what you get for drinking those shots last night,” Savvy scolded. “Let me guess, you have a hangover.”
“Nah. Believe it or not, I feel good. Sleepy though.” Olivia yawned. “So, what’s this news you found out?”
Savvy lowered herself onto the couch. “Oh yeah. About Brinson. I called my cousin who pledged Alpha at TUWO. Girl, he said he didn’t have a line brother named Brinson.”
“Well, could he have had his years mixed up?”
Savvy snapped her fingers. “No. They didn’t have any other Alphas on the yard. Their chapter had been reinstated the year my cousin pledged. They were the only Alphas there. My cousin said he knew a guy named Brinson. He dropped out during their Freshman year. He said he remembers something about Brinson getting into trouble for credit card fraud. Only four percent of the students were Black. So, you know they all knew each other.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me. Why would he lie?” Olivia asked.
“I have no idea.” Savvy snarled. “You need to stay away from him.”
“Wow. This is crazy,” Olivia moaned. “I sure know how to pick a quality man.”
“Well, at least you don’t ever have to be around him again,” Savvy said. She kicked off her shoes and curled her feet beneath her legs on the sofa. “You haven’t heard from him, have you?”
Olivia cleared her throat. “Huh?”
“I asked you if you’ve heard from Brinson,” Savvy repeated with growing suspicion.
“Oh. Um...ummm,” Olivia muttered with hesitation.
“You have, haven’t you?” Savvy exclaimed and stood in exasperation. “Olivia. What did you do?”
“What do you mean, Savvy?” Olivia stuttered.
“Girl. I know you like the back of my hand. You’re keeping something from me. What did you do?” Savvy pressed.
“You see what had happened was…” Olivia began and stopped.
Savvy let out a huff. “Go on. I’m listening.”
“Dang it, Savvy. Why do you have to act like you’re my mama or somethin’? I’m a grown woman, you know.”
Savvy paced the floor. “Okay, grown woman. What grown woman thing did you do?”
“Okay. Okay, already. Brinson stayed the night,” Olivia said in a rush.
Savvy almost dropped the phone. “And?”
Olivia hesitated. “We slept together.”
This time, Savvy dropped the phone. She stared at it in disbelief for a moment. She could hear Olivia calling her name. Savvy picked it up and pressed it to her ear. “What?”
“I said, we slept together,” Olivia repeated.
“When you say, slept together, are you telling me you had sex with this man we met yesterday?” Savvy didn’t want to believe any of what Olivia conveyed.
“Yup. Call me a ho, if you want to. I did it.”
“Oh. Uh-uh. I’m too through with you. I don’t want you to tell me anyt
hing else,” Savvy chastised. “Have you lost your mind? I knew I shouldn’t have left you alone.”
“I didn’t mean to do it,” Olivia explained.
“Stop. I think hearing that makes it worse,” Savvy moaned. “Don’t give me the details. I can’t handle it.”
“Hey. You’re the one who made me go to Austin,” Olivia said. “Staying in San Antonio, minding my own business, would’ve been fine with me. But, no. You insisted I needed to get out and meet some men. Remember?”
“I didn’t tell you to sleep with some men,” Savvy hollered. “Can I get you to act like a responsible woman for once? You are in your forties and old enough to do better.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Olivia’s voice sliced through the phone. “You think this makes me irresponsible now?”
Savvy slapped her forehead with the palm of her hand. “Excuse my choice of words. I’m frustrated about the fact you knew you weren’t interested in him. Yet, you had a one-night stand. This is serious, Olivia.”
“Do you think I don’t know that, Savvy? I’ve been beating myself up about it since he left this morning. I don’t need you to make me feel bad, too. This is why I wasn’t even going to tell you about him.”
Savvy sank back onto the sofa. “Look. I’m sorry if I’m being too harsh with you. I don’t want you to end up getting hurt. You’ve been through enough lately. I can’t help it if I’m overprotective.”
“I know. I’m sorry for getting upset with you. I think I’m mad at myself. I may as well confess everything to you. I’ve slipped into ratchet instead of righteous.”
Savvy moaned in anticipation of whatever Olivia would reveal. “What is it? I don’t know if my heart will handle anything else.”
“Mine either. Remember how I told you about me having sex with Malcolm last week?”
“Yes,” Savvy responded slowly.
“Well, we didn’t use any protection.”
“Okay. That’s nasty considering he lives with Mariah. But, go on.”
“Stop judging me,” Olivia snapped. “He’s my husband after all.”
Insatiable Revenge Page 22
