Never Too Soon

by Tamika Christy

  FIFTEEN

  Sophie didn’t typically have dinner so late in the evening, but her dad had come to town just to see her, so she gladly obliged. She was studying the menu when he arrived. She had wanted her mother to join them, but Carmen had declined.

  “Baby girl!” Terry said, excitedly grabbing her in a bear hug.

  “Hey, Daddy. Look at you.” He was wearing jeans and a t-shirt with a graphic on it and looked ten years younger than he did the last time she saw him. She wasn’t one hundred percent sure about his new girl, but she definitely had an effect on his wardrobe. “You cut your hair!”

  “Aw, baby girl, just trying to keep up.” He rubbed his palm across the top of his head and slid into the booth. He ordered lemonade—one with extra ice for him, and one with no ice for Sophie. He always ordered for Carmen and Sophie when they went out. Carmen hated it, but Sophie didn’t.

  “Well, you’re doing a good job.” She poked out her lip. “I guess what’s-her-face took you shopping.”

  “I took myself shopping,” he said, poking her nose with his fingertip. “Thank you very much. And her name is Tiffany.”

  “I know her name.” Sophie didn’t have any real issues with Tiffany. She just liked to give her dad a hard time. “I think everybody knows her name.”

  “I guess that’s true.” He smiled.

  Before Tiffany, Sophie could have never imagined her dad dating a reality TV star. Sophie had met Tiffany a few times, and Sophie had been surprised that although Tiffany lacked common sense, she wasn’t pretentious, seemed thoughtful, and, according to Terry, was smart and had graduated from USC with a BS in biology.

  Despite Sophie’s reservations, her dad was happier than she had seen him in a long time and for that, she was pleased. She wished he’d file for divorce already. It wasn’t fair to keep leading her mom on.

  “So, is she the one?”

  “She’s the one for right now.” He rubbed his goatee pensively.

  “I mean, is she legit?” Sophie hadn’t been able to tell if Tiffany was yet another opportunist.

  “You want to know if she’s using me,” Terry said matter-of-factly. They had been here before. Whenever Terry dated someone, they always seemed to want something. Her dad deserved true love.

  “I wasn’t going to say that, but the idea did cross my mind.”

  “So you don’t think your old man is capable of pulling a hot young thing like Tiffany? I still got moves, don’t get it twisted. And have you seen these abs?” He pretended he was going to pull up his shirt.

  Don’t get it twisted? Sophie frowned. “Daddy, don’t talk like that.”

  Terry laughed. “I’ve been in this game for a long time, baby girl, and I won’t let anybody play me,” he said soberly. “Tiffany is fun and beautiful, and one of the things I like about her most is that she’s got her own thing going on. Never asks me for anything. Never asks to use my connections. I think she really likes me.”

  “You think so?”

  “I do. And if she doesn’t, there will be no love lost. I’m not looking to get remarried, I’m just looking for companionship.”

  “Um, you can’t get remarried,” Sophie pointed out. “That would be illegal.”

  He hung his head at the familiar criticism. “You and your mama won’t let me forget that.”

  “Daddy, if you don’t want to be with her, then get a divorce. She is holding on to the false hope that if you don’t divorce her, you guys are getting back together.”

  “It’s not that simple, baby girl.” He rubbed his goatee again.

  “And why isn’t it?”

  “This is California. The laws don’t favor me.” He spun his glass on its coaster.

  “Daddy, are you seriously making this about money? You have plenty of money. You and Mom need closure to move on. Dating someone doesn’t give you closure.”

  “I know.”

  “I won’t go deep on you today,” she said, cutting him some slack. “I just want to put it out there.”

  “Good. I can’t deal with deep today.” He smiled and she noticed how happy he looked. He was a handsome man with slightly graying hair on the sides.

  They ordered food and she talked about her classes and the renovations to her townhouse. Sophie had always gotten along much better with her dad than with her mom. Terry took a call near the restaurant lobby and Sophie wondered how the evening would have gone if Carmen had decided to join them. She’d surely be picking apart what Sophie was eating and wearing. Sophie had never been able to be enough for her mom, even as a little girl.

  Sophie looked down at her sparkly red dress and remembered another time she had worn red . . .

  Sophie ran into the styling room with her long pig tails flailing behind her. It was December 1997 and she was wearing a red pleated jumper and a crisp white button-down shirt. She knew Mommy would be with Sara getting her hair and makeup done, because that’s where Mommy always was after the driver dropped her off after school. Sophie loved watching her mom “put her face on” and talk about her roles in movies, but today, Sophie had exciting news of her own. Her mommy would be so proud.

  “Mama! I got the lead in the play,” Sophie shouted, holding a pink Tamagotchi in her hand.

  Her mother slipped a yellow pill between her full lips before smiling. “Oh my goodness, Sophia, mi corazon. That’s amazing! But I thought you were going to be a tree.”

  “I was, but Tammy Decker got the stomach flu, and I was the only one who practiced, and I know all of her lines, so I’m playing the lead! And guess what? I get to wear the new dress you bought me in Hawaii last year. And guess what else? They want me to straighten my hair. Can I get my hair straightened, Mama, please?”

  “Whoa, slow down, mija.” She closed her eyes as Sara applied some kohl. “Of course you can get your hair straightened. Anything for you.” Carmen opened her eyes and batted them at herself in the mirror. She was undeniably the most beautiful person Sophie had ever seen, with flawless almond skin and silky black hair.

  “Yay!”

  “Look at you.” Carmen shooed Sara away and opened her arms to Sophie, who jumped into her lap. “So much ambition like your father.”

  “My play is on Friday.” Sophie wiggled around in her mom’s lap, excitement bursting out of her.

  Her mother held her firmly by the shoulders. “Un momento, mija. Don’t mess up my makeup.”

  “Can you and Papa come to my play, please, Mama?”

  “Ah, mija! Friday is the American Music Awards, and your dad’s new artist has been nominated for an award. We are leaving tomorrow night.”

  Sophie already knew about the American Music Awards, but she had hoped that becoming the lead instead of just being a tree would make her mommy change her mind. Her parents had missed her last play and her dance recital because of other events.

  “But, Mama, I’m the lead in the play.” Sophie’s face fell. How could they miss her debut as the star of the show? She’d finally be a star like Carmen and everyone’s parents were going to be there. The teacher had even reserved front row seats for the parents of students with lead roles.

  “Don’t worry. I can make sure Irma makes it.”

  “I don’t want Irma to come,” Sophie pouted, her face turning from sad to dark. “I’ll be the only kid with her nanny there instead of her parents.” She jumped out of her mother’s lap and turned to face her with arms crossed.

  Carmen bopped Sophie’s nose with a French-manicured finger. “I will also talk to Miss Anita and see if she and Mr. Roscoe will bring Anaya and Ava to see you.”

  Sophie’s face brightened some. She loved the Goodes. They were like family . . . but she wanted her parents there for a change. The Goodes were always there for her. She kicked Carmen’s chair.

  Carmen rolled her eyes. “Mija, please. You know your papa’s artists are important. We have to support them. That’s how we take you on all the nice trips and pay for that school you love so much, huh?” She pulled Sophie’s chin
up and tried to kiss her, but Sophie jerked away.

  “And when we get back, we are taking you to Disneyworld, and we are going to see Jurassic Park!” Carmen called as Sophie slowly walked out of the room with her shoulders and head down. Just before the door swung shut, she heard her mother say, “Not too much cat-eye. I don’t want to look overdone.”

  Sophie ran to her room and picked up her American Girl doll.

  “Beatrice,” she said, holding the doll close. “When I grow up, I’m going to have my own family and I am never going to be alone. Never.”

  SIXTEEN

  The morning after Ava had accused her of not living right, Anaya came downstairs early to clean up before brunch with Catie and Sophie. It was her turn to host this month, and she hadn’t realized the house would become so uninhabitable once Ava and her family moved in. No matter how many flowers she put in the vases or how many candles she burned, the house looked and smelled a mess. Although Ava and Joe were broke, their kids had a lot of crap.

  When Anaya heard the doorbell, she kicked a toy beneath the staircase and rushed to the door.

  “What died in here, Ny?” Catie frowned as she entered the house.

  “Hi to you too,” Anaya said closing the door behind Catie and Sophie.

  “I’m sorry. Hi,” said Catie. “I know I have a sensitive pregnant palette, but something stinks in here. I hope that’s not what we are eating.”

  “Hey girl” Sophie scrunched up her nose and kissed Anaya on the cheek. She was carrying a fruit salad in an ornate blue glass bowl as she maneuvered down the toy-strewn hallway.

  “I’m so sorry.” Anaya led them to the kitchen. If these weren’t her childhood best friends, Anaya would be embarrassed out of her mind. “Ava cooked dinner last night and the smell just seems to linger. By the way, I invited Ava to brunch too.”

  “Cool,” Sophie said.

  Catie sighed and paused to inspect the grimy fish tank—a recent addition to the toy-infested living room. “Are you sure it’s not that nasty-looking thing that smells?”

  Anaya sighed. “That’s possible.”

  “What did Ava cook last night?” Catie’s face seemed stuck in a perpetual frown.

  Anaya just shook her head. “You will have to ask her about that.”

  “How long are they staying again?” Sophie asked.

  “Just a few months,” Anaya said.

  “Yeah right,” Catie said, rolling her eyes. “More like a few years.”

  “Don’t say that!” Anaya pleaded. “Give the candles a few more minutes. That might help with the smell.”

  Anaya had set up the dining table with white orchids, various teas, pastries, and omelets.

  “Nice spread, Anaya. This looks beautiful,” Catie said, plopping down in the nearest seat.

  “Yeah, chica. Impressive,” Sophie said, setting her bowl down next to the orchids.

  Anaya sat down next to Catie.

  “Good morning, ladies.” Ava floated into the kitchen wearing a flowery caftan with matching head garb.

  “Hey Ava.” Sophie hugged her. Catie waved.

  “This looks lovely, ladies. Thank you for letting me join you.”

  “I have a question for you, Ava. What is that awful smell?” Catie ignored Anaya’s elbow. “Anaya said it was something you cooked.”

  Ava beamed at the insult. “Ah. It’s kale, tofu, and natto quiche, silly girl. It’s delicious too. I made it last night. Natto does have a pungent smell, but it’s very high in protein. You should try it.” Ava stepped toward the fridge as if to take out leftovers, but Catie held up a hand.

  “I’ll pass. I’m pregnant. I can’t have all that crazy smelling food in my system. It upsets the baby.”

  “I’m pregnant too, and it doesn’t bother me,” Ava said innocuously.

  Sophie gasped and looked at Anaya with an open mouth. Anaya just nodded. She hadn’t told the girls because it was Ava’s business.

  Catie stood up and walked over to Ava. “Did you say you love eggplant too? Because that’s what I hope you said.”

  Ava filled a glass with water.

  “Don’t try and ignore me.” Catie insisted.

  “I said, the smell doesn’t bother me,” Ava repeated.

  “What else did you say?” Catie leaned in towards Ava.

  “I’m pregnant.” Ava turned and faced her.

  Catie stared at Ava and then looked over at Anaya and Sophie and then back at Ava. Eventually, she waddled back to her seat at the table. Ava glided in behind her and sat next to Sophie, who gave her a quick hug and a quiet “Congratulations.”

  Anaya breathed out a sigh of relief. That could’ve gone a lot worse.

  “How far along are you?” Catie asked with her chin in her hands. She was like a kid asking her teacher questions.

  “Twenty weeks.” Ava looked at her hands. “I’m due in December. I think I’m right behind you, right?”

  “Yeah. I’m due in November.” Catie paused, then snapped her fingers. “That’s why you guys moved in. It all makes sense now.” She reached for a pastry but was interrupted by Ava hastily saying grace.

  “Now you can eat.” Ava took a plate. “I suppose you are going to judge me about being pregnant too?”

  “Nope. I’m going to keep it real and admit that I’m not in a position to judge anybody at any time.” Catie scarfed down a bite of pastry. “Lord knows I’ve done my bit of damage in this world. No room for judgment here. No, ma’am.” Catie helped herself to an omelet and slid another pastry onto the plate.

  “Good,” Ava said. “Thank you.”

  “But I am wondering what the heck you are doing having another baby when you can’t take care of the three you already have.” Catie’s gaze was steady and piercing. It was more intense than disapproving. Like she really expected a profound reason for Ava’s predicament.

  This ought to be good, Anaya thought. She’d love to know Ava’s thought process in all of this.

  “It wasn’t planned. It was an accident,” Ava said defensively, spooning fruit onto her plate.

  “Ava, you are grown. If you get pregnant, then it’s planned,” Catie said, shaking her head. “There is birth control for this type of thing.”

  “Those hormones cause cancer. I’m not putting that stuff in my body.”

  “I will ask again,” Catie said. “How are you having another baby while you can’t take care of the three you have? Where are Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego anyway?”

  “Roscoe took them out so I could enjoy girl time with you guys.” Ava smiled, already recovering from Catie’s frankness. “And their names are Hezekiah, Jeremiah, and Joshua.”

  “Same thing.” Catie waved her hand. “Seems to me like you and Joe need a little planny-plan.”

  “The prayers of the righteous availeth much,” Ava said self-assuredly.

  “As do the struggles of the jobless. What’s your point?” Catie shot back.

  “I love this white tea, Anaya,” Sophie interjected.

  Anaya smiled at her, grateful Sophie didn’t pick fights. “I knew you would.”

  Anaya and Sophie served themselves and sat back to watch the show.

  “I just believe God’s word,” Ava was saying. “He’s a provider. Jehovah Jireh.” Ava waved her hands and closed her eyes briefly as if a sudden peace had come over her.

  “And you should. But let me share something with you, my dear sister. You have to put in the work. Faith without work is dead,” Catie said.

  Ava raised an eyebrow at Catie.

  “Oh yeah, I know you thought I was a total heathen. I’ve been to church a couple of times in my life. I know a few things.”

  “Doesn’t exactly make you an expert,” Ava retorted.

  “That’s not the point. The point is that Anaya has been holding you up long enough. It’s time for you to get out there and make something out of yourself. And not just for you—for your boys.”

  Anaya avoided eye contact with her sister. She had said alm
ost the same thing to Ava herself a few weeks ago.

  Ava straightened in her seat and lifted her chin. “This is only temporary until we can get on our feet. I definitely have a plan.”

  Anaya looked in surprise at Ava. Now this I have got to hear. But Ava didn’t divulge any more.

  Catie smiled and nodded. “Oh, then I take it Joe found another job since you two are popping out babies like Jay-Z pops champagne bottles. Jobs must be part of the plan.”

  Sophie kicked Catie beneath the table.

  “Ouch!” Catie glared at Sophie.

  Ava slid out of her chair. “I will be right back.”

  “Don’t look at me like that,” Catie said after Ava was out of earshot.

  “That was cruel,” Sophie said.

  “It’s all fun and games until it isn’t, and the fact that Ava is having another baby is a big deal. Anaya is too darn nice. Y’all know I love Ava like a sister, but the girl needs to hear some truth, and who better to tell her than a friend? It wasn’t cruel, it was necessary.”

  “You hurt her feelings,” Sophie said.

  “I didn’t say anything to Ava that wasn’t true. Ny, you have been telling your sister that her thick beefcake of a husband needs a steady job, right?”

  Anaya played with the grapes on her plate. “Not in the same way you would, but yes, I have told her that she and Joe should get some employment.”

  “She needs to understand that this is not a game. You and Uncle Roscoe can’t be taking care of her and the tribe of Canaan. You know your mom would not allow this madness in her house. For goodness sake, the girl has a turtle in Miss Nita’s living room, Ny! What the kerfuffle!”

  Anaya found herself unexpectedly defensive. “First of all, I need you to stop talking like a second grader. Say a curse word already. It won’t kill your baby. Second, it’s not so bad. She’s family and family is always welcome.” She tried not to think about how annoyed she had gotten when Ava rearranged all the photos in the living room.

  “Right. About as welcome as the German occupation.” Catie scoffed.