Trouble Loves Company

by Angie Daniels

  “You should have seen Peaches. She was on television sucking that shit up. You would have thought she was auditioning for a commercial or something. Batting them fake lashes, puckering her lips. Girl, it was a straight comedy show.”

  I twirled the phone cord around my finger and laughed. “Dang, I wish I could have seen it.”

  “Nae-Nae, now you know my mama recorded that shit. I’ma have to send you a copy.”

  “You do that.” I reached for a peppermint in my candy dish on the end of my desk. “I still can’t figure out how that tape got all over town.”

  “Easy. This is Columbia. A city this small where everybody knows everybody, it’s bound to happen. This has been the talk of the town. Everybody stoppin’ and asking, ‘Have you seen the videotape?’ and now that everyone knows Peaches is a man, not a woman, Nae-Nae girl, it’s ’bout to go bananas up in here!”

  I tossed my head back with laughter. “Oh, shit. I ain’t thought about that. Hell, nah! Girl, that is crazy.” Shit was about to hit the fan for real, for real. I sobered as a thought hit me. “Did Peaches say anything about who recorded the video?” The last thing I needed was my name in the paper.

  “Shit, no! I said she gave an Academy Award performance like she had no idea anyone was taping them, and she was so hurt and disappointed someone would be putting Leroy’s business out in the street. She pursed his lips and stared at the camera at the exact moment they zoomed in on her face, and said in that high-pitched voice of hers, ‘There’s a lil’ freak in all of us.’ Girl, I fell out!”

  “You are lyin’!” I screeched.

  “Nope. She sure did. Ask my mama.”

  I chuckled softly and leaned back in the chair. This was some funny shit and you betta believe it’s going in one of my books. “Okay. We need to come up with a plan. What are we going to say when it comes out that we made that tape?”

  “Humph! Why can’t we just tell them the truth? Nah, I guess if we do that, then they can get us for breakin’ and entering.”

  “We didn’t break shit. Remember, we had a key.”

  “Yeah, but then we’ll have to admit where the key came from.”

  I pondered that thought for a moment. “Okay, how about we let Tommy handle it? All he’s got to do is tell Leroy we have pictures with him and John-John that’s gonna leak out if he runs his mouth.”

  “What? You got pictures of him with John John?”

  John-John is a cross-dresser we know from the old neighborhood. “Nope, but he doesn’t know that. A while back, John-John and his sister Ursula were blackmailing him for money. She had taken pictures of him from the closet and milked him for some money before handing over the originals. So, I know he doesn’t want that story to get out.”

  “Damn! You never told me about that. You would think after that happened, he would have been smarter about who he’s dealing with.”

  “Or at least checked the closet first.” We both exploded with laughter. “I’m glad that everything is going okay down there. Have you talked to Kayla?”

  “Yeah, and she and Jermaine are still kicking it.”

  “All right!” I was so glad she had finally moved on. “Anyway, I got my fingers crossed that we’ve seen the last of Reverend Brown in her life.”

  “So do I.” I don’t know why, but long after we got off the phone, I kept thinking about that saying, “it ain’t over until the fat lady sings.”

  While sucking on that peppermint, I had this strange feeling that no matter how much we tried to protect Kayla, it wouldn’t be enough.

  Chapter 25

  Danielle

  Danielle woke up to light kisses along her arm. She opened her eyes and found Ron smiling down at her.

  “I didn’t think you’d ever wake up.” He brushed his lips across her forehead.

  “What do you expect when you’re trying to wear a sistah out?”

  He rolled on top of her and pushed her thighs apart. “You betta believe I’m branding this pussy so all them otha mofo will know this’s mine.” He pushed up into her again and she held on for the ride. Danielle gasped as he plunged deeper. It didn’t get any better than this. For the last three days, she had been dodging Calvin’s calls. She tried not to take Ron back but with all that he had swinging between his legs and the way he forked it, he made it almost impossible to resist. He was a damn good lover and he knew it. It was that cocky attitude that made the dick feel even better. This time he promised to treat her right.

  “Whose pussy is it?” He pulled all the way out.

  “Your pussy.”

  “And don’t you forget it.” He slid in hard and fast.

  The rhythm increased and she spread her legs wider apart. Danielle wanted to make sure she felt everything he had to offer. It wasn’t long before she was screaming.

  “Ron!”

  “I’m right here, gurl. Givin’ you all this D.” He draped her legs over his shoulders and plunged. Within seconds, she came, then he started moaning hard and came shortly after. Ron collapsed on top of her. She lay there for the longest time, running her hand along the muscles of his back. She loved this man. She didn’t want to, but she did. Even after all the shit he had put her through. She must have lain there for the longest time, because the next thing she knew, Ron was snoring.

  She pushed him off of her. “Ron, get up!”

  “What?” he answered in a sleepy voice.

  “Get up. I got errands to run.”

  “Handle yo’ business.” He rolled over onto his stomach.

  “You got to go.”

  “What?” He sat up in the bed so quickly, she jumped.

  “You heard me. I got to run to the store and do a few other things before I go back to work tomorrow, and you’ve got to go.”

  “I can’t believe this shit. I thought we were getting back together.”

  Her brow rose. “Who told you that lie?”

  “You mean to tell me I’ve been fucking like a champ for nothing?” He huffed and looked clearly insulted. “I can’t believe this shit! I thought since you let me lay all up in that pussy, we were tryin’ to work shit out.”

  “That doesn’t mean you can stay here.” He was getting on her nerves. “I’m not gonna lie. I would love to work things out if that’s possible. But we can do that with you stayin’ at yo’ mama’s house.”

  “I don’t want to be with Mama. I want to be here wit’ my boo.”

  He climbed out of bed and her eyes strayed down to his dick. She licked her lips. Ron was hard again. He noticed her looking, then started moving toward her with that sexy-ass smirk on his face.

  “Come on, boo. We’ll be here waiting when you get home.” He had his dick in his hand, waving it at her so she’d know who we were.

  Her pussy pulsed and she felt herself weakening. Just as he reached her, she stepped out of his reach and into the adjoining bathroom. “Don’t even try it. This time, things are gonna be my way or not at all.” She met his eyes and didn’t dare look down, because if she did there was no way she could stay strong and resist some more good loving.

  “I love you, boo. I ain’t tryin’ to run no game. All I’m tryin’ to do is show you things are gonna be different. It took seein’ you wit’ another mofo for me to get my head right. From now on, I’m gonna treat my girl the way she ’posed to be treated.”

  She would be lying if she said that what he said wasn’t music to her ears. Not to mention, it turned her on. Ron stood there looking sexy as hell. He had a body that put Tyrese to shame and a dick long and hard enough to slay a dragon.

  “Let’s talk about this tonight.”

  With a smile, he rushed forward and scooped her into his arms. “Whateva it takes, boo. Now give yo’ man some.” He carried her back over to the bed and she got up on all fours. He positioned himself but before sliding in, she heard him ask, “Can I keep the Impala so I can come over later?” He then slid in just the head and waited for her response.

  She was dying to feel him again and
would have agreed to just about anything. “Yeah,” she replied as he slid all the way in and out, and in. They found their rhythm and she was seconds away from coming when she heard a car pull into the driveway. She peered out the window, not knowing who it was until the car opened and her sister climbed out. Her daughter hopped out on the other side.

  “What in the world?” she mumbled with her brow drawn. Portia was supposed to fly back tomorrow. Why in the world did Constance have to come back with her?

  “Ron, stop. Portia and my sister are here.” And she looks mad as hell.

  “Baby, how you gon’ ask me to stop?”

  “Easily.” She pushed him away, then rolled over and quickly slipped on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. She slid her feet into a pair of flip-flops and finger-combed her hair. Portia opened the door just as she was coming down the stairs.

  “Hey Portia, how was your trip?”

  She shrugged. “It was okay.”

  “Okay?” Danielle began as she lowered onto the couch. “You usually have a ball. Hey, sis. I didn’t know you were coming up.”

  Constance turned to her with dark, piercing eyes. “I wasn’t, but when Portia told me she was pregnant, I wanted to talk to you in person.”

  She curled her feet beneath her. Oh boy, here we go. “Yeah, whassup?” She followed the direction of her eyes to Portia, who was fidgeting nervously in the corner.

  “Portia, have a seat and tell your mama,” Constance said as she lowered onto the couch.

  Danielle looked from one to the other. “What?”

  Before her daughter could answer, Ron came down the stairs. “Hey, Portia. Whassup?”

  Constance looked from Portia to Ron. “Don’t tell me this is Ron?”

  Danielle rolled her eyes. Her sister never understood her insatiable taste for younger men. “Yeah, and he was just leaving.”

  Constance jumped from the couch and blocked Ron’s path. “Oh hell, naw! He’s not going anywhere.”

  “Yo, Danielle, you betta get this bitch out my face.”

  “Bitch?” Constance swung at him, but Ron managed to duck just in time. “I got yo’ bitch!” She balled her fist and was ready to throw down, but Danielle jumped in between the two of them. “Portia, tell your mama what you told me.”

  Portia played with her hands.

  "Tell her!” Constance demanded.

  “Tell me what?”

  Constance looked at Ron, shooting him evil dart eyes. “That she’s pregnant by this young mothafucka standing in your living room!”

  What? Stunned, Danielle looked from Ron to Portia, who refused to look at her. This couldn’t be happening. “Ron is this true?” she asked in a panicked voice.

  Ron started laughing. “Yo, I don’t know what she told you, but that girl is lyin’.”

  “You’re the liar!” Constance screamed. She was still struggling to break free of Danielle’s grasp, swinging and kicking, but she wouldn’t let her go. “Sweetie tell ya mama the truth!” she demanded.

  Portia just sat there, crying and squirming on her seat.

  Ron was frantic. “Boo, please ... I ain’t touched that girl.”

  Danielle looked from one to the other. “Portia, is what Constance said true?”

  There was a long pause before she finally choked out, “Yes.”

  Ron punched the air. “Why you lyin’!” He looked at Danielle and pleaded for her to believe him. “Baby, why would I touch some little girl when I got you?”

  Portia sprung from the chair and propped a hand at her waist. “You did touch me. You told me you loved me and that we were going to be together.” Tears were trailing down her face.

  “Man, quit lying!”

  Danielle couldn’t believe this was happening. Not Portia and Ron. Constance broke free and swung her fist at Ron’s head, hitting him on the side of the face. They started shouting obscenities at each other and as soon as her sister lunged at Ron a second time, she jumped in. “Stop it!” Danielle screamed.

  Portia rolled her eyes. “Mama, I know you’re not gonna believe that thug over me!”

  Danielle closed the gap between them and when she was close enough, reared her hand back and slapped the shit out of her. Portia fell to her knees, holding her face. “I’m tired of the lies. Get your hot ass out of my house!” Tears welled the bottoms of her daughter’s eyes.

  “I know that’s right!” Ron shouted triumphantly. He then moved beside Danielle and put his arm around her waist. She jumped away.

  “Don’t touch me because I don’t have anything to say to you, either.” Backing up, her eyes traveled from one stunned face to the next “By the time I get home, all three of you had better be out of my house.” Danielle retrieved her purse from the table and rushed out the door.

  Chapter 26

  Kayla

  This has to be heaven.

  Kayla couldn’t believe how much her life had changed. Jermaine had to be a gift from God. On Sunday she went with him to his church in Jefferson City. She couldn’t begin to explain how proud she felt walking in on his arm. She saw the looks of surprise and the whispering, and she knew they were wondering how someone who looked like her could be with someone like him. Well, believe it. She walked with her head up and her man on her arm as she and her girls took a seat near the front of the church. In a few short weeks, she had realized she didn’t need a minister to be happy. She could be content with having a spiritual man in her life who simply loved her and her daughters.

  On Monday, they both took the day off from work and went to Six Flags with the girls. Kayla had never been big on riding anything other than the Ferris wheel; just being there was more than enough excitement for her. They dropped by Applebee’s on the way home and had a wonderful dinner. Jermaine laughed and joked with Kenya and Asia and she could tell they really liked him.

  That evening after the girls were too tired to do anything but hang out in their rooms and watch television, she and Jermaine sat on the couch holding hands and kissing.

  “Thank you for a wonderful day.”

  “The pleasure was all mine.” He brushed his lips against hers again and she felt her toes curl. They kissed and kissed some more. He tasted so good and made her feel even better. There was no question about it; this was the happiest time of her life.

  “What are we going to do when we get to work tomorrow?”

  He squeezed her hand. “Act as natural as possible. I’m not ashamed to be with you nor do I feel like I have to hide how I feel. At the same time, we don’t need to broadcast our business out in the street.”

  Kayla smiled and tears itched at her eyes. She’d never had an open relationship with a man before. They’d always slipped in the back and left the same way, pretending not to know her until they wanted some more. It had been the same with Leroy. Lies and more lies about a life together that was never going to happen, when all she had ever hoped and prayed for was a good man who loved her back. She believed she had finally met that man.

  They watched a movie together with him lightly caressing her arm. Around midnight, she checked to see if her girls were asleep. They were. She returned to the living room and took Jermaine’s hand.

  “Follow me.” She led him upstairs to her bedroom. After weeks of putting him off, she was finally ready to take their relationship to the next level.

  Chapter 27

  Danielle

  At the end of her shift, Danielle clocked out, then moved through the hospital toward the parking lot at the far west of the building.

  She hadn’t spoken to Portia or Ron in days. Portia was staying with her mother, and Ron? She didn’t care where he was. She didn’t know who was telling the truth, and right now she was too hurt to care about either of them. The only thing she did know for sure was that Portia had a tendency to cry wolf, which made the situation that much more difficult. As she walked across the parking lot, she remembered the look on Portia’s face after she’d slapped her. She didn’t mean to hit her, but after everything he
r daughter had been putting her through for the last several weeks, Danielle felt the slap was well deserved.

  Moving toward her Durango, she noticed Calvin was leaning against it, waiting for her. Oh, no. She had been avoiding his calls for days. He obviously wants an explanation, she thought with a heavy breath. Her life definitely couldn’t get any more complicated. As she neared, Danielle observed his attire and couldn’t help comparing Calvin to Ron. He was dressed in simple blue jean shorts that showed off massive thighs and calves and a red button-down shirt that was neatly tucked in and secured with a black belt. On his feet were sneakers, a brand she didn’t recognize. The two men were so different. Ron wouldn’t be caught dead in anything but white Ts, a new pair of Air Force Ones, and a pair of sagging jeans. He always managed to look sexy as hell.

  “Hey,” Calvin said as she came within several feet of him.

  “Hey yourself.” Danielle removed the heavy purse from her shoulder and rested her hips against the car. She then looked up into his piercing brown eyes and for the longest time, neither of them said anything.

  “What’ve you been up to?” he finally asked.

  She shrugged. “Nothing.”

  “Nothing?” Calvin chuckled with disbelief. “Nah, it must be something, because I haven’t heard from you.”

  Danielle reached for her keys and opened the driver’s side door, then stuck her key in the ignition and lowered her windows to allow some of the heat to escape. “I’ve been busy.”

  “Busy with the janky-ass nigga who stole your car.” It wasn’t a question.

  Looking over at him, she shrugged and replied, “So what if I have?”

  “Is it like that?”

  “Listen,” Danielle began, then paused and took a deep breath. The last thing she wanted was to get into it with him. “I’m tired and I really don’t have time for this right now. I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Hey, wait a minute,” Calvin said and caught her by the arm before she climbed onto the seat. Reluctantly, she turned around and looked up at him while he spoke. “I think I deserve at least an explanation. Come on, Danny. I thought we were trying to do something here.”