Daisy waited until she heard the front door close. “What—”
Ming Li placed a finger to her pouted lips, shushing Daisy, and smiled. “It’s really very simple…what I do. It’s all about P’s and Q’s. First you gotta put the P down.” Ming Li cupped her mouth and whispered, “P-U-S-S-Y. Whip that on them and they’ll bow to your power. Q’s are what they bring to the table because no one can come to mine with only a knife and fork and expect to be served.”
“Q’s?”
“Qualifications. Quantity. Quality.” Ming Li counted on her fingers as she spoke. “They have to be competent and worthy of my time. Give me only the best. And give me a helluva lot of it.”
“Okay, so it helps to have a man around. But it doesn’t mean that I need one.”
“Yes, it does. You’re unhappy; I’m not. I please him; he pleases me. He’s happy as hell right now because I just gave him some. Why do you think he’s walking around here humming and shit? As long as I can make him sing, I can make him dance to my tune.”
Daisy stood. “Girl, you’re crazy. I’m going to help Ricky—”
Ming Li wagged her index finger. “No, don’t do that. I have him just like I want him. Give me a few weeks, just twenty-one days, and I’ll teach you how to make a man do anything.”
6
Daisy sat on her bed staring at the newspaper. She’d been searching for a job for over a week. She’d posted her résumé on monster.com and careerbuilder.com, contacted the New York State Nursery/Landscape Association of Nurserymen, the American Horticultural Society, and the American Horticultural Therapy Association. She’d applied for several nursery, buyer, and landscape-design positions, but hadn’t received a call yet. Education without experience wasn’t good enough. Tomorrow, I’ll try the flower shops. Somebody has to need someone with “growing” hands.
Ming Li barged into Daisy’s room, opened the closet, and slid hangers side to side, obviously searching through Daisy’s clothes. “Where have you been? I’ve been calling you all day.”
“I was out looking for a job. Why? Where else would you expect me to be?” Daisy tilted her head and watched Ming Li intently as she rifled through Daisy’s clothes. She’d gotten a strong vibe that Ming Li was up to something, because there was no way Ming Li needed to borrow from Daisy’s wardrobe; Ming Li had clothing that designers would envy. “Why are you in my stuff? I know you don’t need anything to wear.”
“No, you do. Listen, you’ve been here almost two weeks and we haven’t had a bit of fun. You’ve been killing yourself looking for a job. Up at six in the morning, and back in at seven P.M. I’m proud of you; you’re doing what you have to do. But, damn, can we grab a bite to eat or something? Maybe go to the movies?” Ming Li retrieved an outfit. She shook her head and mumbled, “Not sexy enough. Now this is nice.” She pulled out a dress.
“I wish I could, Ming Li, but I can’t afford it.”
Ming Li shifted her weight to one side and put her hands on her hips. “No, you can’t afford not to. Besides, the treat’s on me. Don’t blow it.”
“Okay, you win. Sounds good to me. I need a break. I’m tired, broke, and desperate.” Daisy looked at what Ming Li was holding. “What’s wrong with what I have on? If we’re only going to dinner and a movie, why are you looking for something sexy?”
Ming Li winked. “Who said it’d just be us? You may meet a man, who knows,” Ming Li purred like a cat. “Just because you’re tired and broke doesn’t mean you have to look like it.”
Daisy shut the closet firmly and crossed her arms over her chest. “Jasper was the dresser, not me. He bought most of those clothes. I don’t know the difference between Payless and Prada. If I like it, I’ll wear it, and I’m not wearing that. The hem’s too short.”
“You do know the difference, and it’s not too short. Show your legs—they’re nice. Besides, you never know who’ll be looking.”
Daisy eyed Ming Li. “Okay, fess up. Who’s the mystery man that you keep alluding to?”
“If I gave you a wrapped gift, would you ask what’s in it? No, you’d open it. Have some patience.”
Deciding to go along with Ming Li’s game, Daisy shook her head and took a plain yellow dress from the closet. “Okay, but I’ll wear this, not that. Sexy doesn’t have to be skimpy.”
Ming Li smiled. “Turning a head works wonders, trust me. You’ll thank me later,” she said, then left the room.
Minutes later, Daisy walked into the living room and turned around slowly. “Sexy enough?”
Ming Li laughed. “Yes. It looks better on you than the hanger.”
“So, are you ready to go? I can’t wait to see what you’ve been plotting behind my back.”
Ming Li sighed. “Give me a second, I’m recovering.” She fanned her hand dramatically and wiped pretend sweat from her cleavage. “You have to excuse me. I just got a call from Lucian, my Trojan horse I was telling you about. He’s taking me for a ride in the morning and I can’t wait to see what tricks he can do.”
“Uh, too much information.”
“No, really. He’s taking me horseback riding and he can do tricks while mounted.”
“Okay, if you say so.”
Ming Li smiled suspiciously. “Guess what? Adonis is in town. He just called. Here, this is his number and the address where he’s staying.”
Daisy grinned. Yes. Yes. Yes. She’d dressed sexy, pushed thoughts of being unemployed and a minute from homeless to the back of her mind, and mentally prepared for whatever surprise Ming Li had for her, but now she didn’t want to go—not with Ming Li. “Ming Li, where’s Lucian?”
“Midtown. Why?”
“You should go see him. We can go out another time.”
“He’ll wait for me. Always does. Besides, you need to have some fun.”
“I will, don’t worry. I hope you don’t mind, but I think I’ll put this paper to use.” Daisy waved the slip of paper in the air. “We’re old friends. I can visit him, right?”
“Of course, why shouldn’t you? I’m sure he’ll be much more fun than me. So I’ll meet you back here—tonight, tomorrow, who knows.” Ming Li kissed Daisy on the cheek. “Have fun, sweetie, and remember…control. Well, I guess I’ll go see a man about a horse.”
Daisy’s pulse quickened as she approached Adonis’ building. Maybe I shouldn’t have come. Looking at the paper in her hand, which had dampened from nervous excitement, she regretted not calling first. Wiping her sweaty palms on her hips, she straightened her back and held up her head. We’re friends. It’s okay. She forced one foot in front of the other and entered the apartment building.
“Hello. I’m here for Adonis Mitchell, apartment 1901,” she greeted the doorman.
“And whom shall I say is calling for Mr. Mitchell?”
“Uh…Parker. Ms. Parker,” Daisy stammered.
As the doorman picked up the receiver and dialed, Daisy closed her eyes and prayed that Adonis wasn’t home. If he refuses my visit, I wouldn’t blame him. Who drops by someone’s house without calling first? Besides, it’s too soon.
“Ms. Parker, Mr. Mitchell said for you to go on up. The express elevator is the second on the right.”
Daisy held her breath and rang Adonis’s bell. She didn’t know what to say, what her excuse would be for popping up. “Here we go,” she hummed under her breath, hoping to God that Adonis wasn’t still breathtaking.
“Come in, Daisy. It’s open.”
The apartment’s cool atmosphere was welcoming as Daisy stepped into the room. The sensual, sweet scent of myrrh wafted from the vents. Daisy walked into the living room and sat down on one of the fluffy, butter-yellow sofas that sat opposite each other. Not wanting to give Adonis the wrong impression, she hugged one of the accent pillows, covering her breasts. She knew what the coldness of the room would do to her, and she didn’t want her girls standing at attention.
As her eyes scanned the room, she regretted that she’d come. Sexy jazz was playing, and several candles were li
t. Damn, he must be having company. Daisy cursed the thought of Adonis welcoming another woman.
“Hey, you.” Adonis took her hand, pulled her from her seat, and embraced her. He squeezed her against his hard body before she’d had a chance to look at his face.
“Hey, Adonis.” Daisy pulled back and took in every inch of him. She froze in his gaze. Her heart backflipped, and her womanhood throbbed. She couldn’t believe her eyes. His Hershey’s-brown frame towered over her. His goatee, trimmed to perfection, emphasized his full, luscious lips, and his eyes, as deep as a midnight sky, engulfed her. He was still the finest man she had ever seen.
“Look at you, Daisy.” He smiled. “You sure have it together. Come by the window so I can get a good look.”
“I’m still the same.” Pull yourself together, girl. He’s only a man.
Adonis put his hands on Daisy’s shoulders and leaned close to her face, his minty breath tickling her nostrils. “Stop that. Don’t tell me you’re shy.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her in front of the windows.
Daisy held her breath and let it out in small, unnoticeable—she hoped—spurts. “I’m…not…shy.”
She studied Adonis. She knew his every movement by heart, how his veins protruded on his forearm when he turned it a certain way. She prepared herself for his killer smile and anxiously awaited the wink that accompanied the twinkle in his eyes. She knew him because she had always wanted him.
“So how’ve you been, Daisy? Still beautiful as ever.” He winked confidently. “I swear, you haven’t changed. What’s it been…five, six years? And you haven’t aged a day, have you? Have a seat. I’ll get you something to drink. It’s hot out there.” He disappeared into the kitchen and returned with two tall glasses. “Here you go, lovely. Freshly squeezed lemonade.”
Daisy sat down, basking in the compliments. Adonis was hallelujah-praise-the-Lord fine, but he didn’t know it, and that made him more attractive. He had always been more beautiful inside than out, which was no small feat.
His features could have been chiseled out of stone. He had smooth, flawless skin, the kind that teenagers prayed for. His chocolate complexion was sweet enough to cause toothaches. Delicious. Daisy felt her heart skip.
Lord, what am I thinking? I know better than this. He and my son are practically related.
As much as Jay still haunted her thoughts, Daisy couldn’t help flirting. “Oh, Adonis, stop it. You’re the one who’s looking good. So what brought you to New York?” She sipped her drink nervously, flushing when she felt the wet coldness run down her chin. She’d been trying to play it cool and had practically drooled on herself.
Adonis grabbed a napkin from the table, reached over and dabbed her face, then her blouse. Daisy flinched.
He pulled away. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything—”
“No, no. Don’t worry about it. It’s me, not you. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Daisy could still feel his hand at the top of her cleavage. She hadn’t been this jittery in years.
Adonis took her hand. “Daisy, are you okay? You seem uneasy.”
“No, I’m fine. I guess I’m just a little nervous. I haven’t seen you in a while, you know. I guess I shouldn’t have come.” Daisy gestured toward the candles. “It seems you’re having company.”
“You’re right. It’s been too long. And I am having company—you. I knew you were coming. Ming Li and Gigi arranged everything. I took the liberty of ordering some food. I hope you don’t mind. After dinner, I was hoping we could go out or something.”
Something? Sure, something sounds good to me. I’ve wanted to do something with you forever.
“I’d love to, but maybe another time. I have to get up in the morning and look for a job. And my being here isn’t exactly a good example for Jay.”
Adonis stood up and gently pulled Daisy to her feet. “I promise not to keep you out too long. I know you’re busy…I know what happened. And your being here is the best thing for Jay, and for you. Better to be with someone who’s always cared for you than being alone. And it’d be good for Jay to have two people in his life who’ve always loved him. You haven’t forgotten that he’s always liked me. You also have my word as a man that I’ll have you home before bags form under your eyes.” He laughed as Daisy yanked her hand away and pushed him playfully.
“What else do you promise?”
Adonis smiled and winked. “Our dinner’s getting cold. Aren’t you coming?”
I’d follow this man anywhere. She smiled as she walked beside the man she’d always dreamed of having at her side.
7
The day was ruined. Daisy had been planning to celebrate her first job, but the letter she was holding had crushed her mood. Social Security had denied Jay survivor benefits. She raked her fingers through her hair. “This can’t be right. No way.”
She dialed Gigi at work. “I need you to come over right away.”
“Daisy, you know I don’t get off until—”
“Gigi, I’ve never asked you for anything. Swore that I wouldn’t. But now, for Jay’s sake, I’m asking you to come.”
“Okay, I’ll make up some excuse. I’ll be right over.”
“I’ll be waiting outside.”
Confused, angry, and skeptical, Daisy paced the sidewalk waiting for her medication to slow her pulse. The house made her feel claustrophobic, as if the walls were swallowing her whole. Breathing didn’t come easily and she needed every ounce of air she inhaled, but more important, she needed answers, and someone was going to give them to her, even if that someone was Jasper’s mother. She stopped pacing when she saw Ming Li pull up with Gigi right behind her.
“You two know, don’t you?”
Gigi stopped in her tracks. “Know what?”
“You know what I’m talking about. You two know. That’s why Ming Li’s here.”
“I’m here because Gigi called me and told me something happened to Jay. What’s going on?”
Damn. “I’m sorry. I just don’t know what the hell is real anymore. I’m talking about this.” Daisy held the envelope in the air.
Gigi grabbed it and read. “Oh, God.”
Ming Li took it from Gigi, glanced at it, and covered her mouth. “Oh, shit.”
The three women sat thinking in Ming Li’s living room.
Gigi finally broke the silence. “Okay, we gotta figure this out.”
“It’s impossible,” Daisy said.
“It’s a mistake, that’s what it is. A simple mistake.”
“But what if it’s not?” Ming Li asked.
“How could it not be?” Gigi replied.
Daisy grabbed the letter from Ming Li. “I’m looking at it. It’s here.” She tapped the letter. “It’s right here, written in black and white.”
“Computers make mistakes.”
Daisy sighed. “Yeah, and people lie.”
She read a portion aloud:
Ms. Parker,
We must regretfully decline your application for Surviving Child Benefits. Although you’ve submitted required notarized documents as evidence of paternity, our records on file at U.S. Social Security Administration indicate that the deceased, Jasper Stevens, is not the father of your son. Because our records, as well as your son’s original birth certificate, which we have on file, list a different Social Security number and name for the biological father, which we are not at liberty to release, we can be of no further assistance unless ordered by a court of law or appeals committee.
“He’s Jasper’s son. There has to be some clerical error,” Gigi insisted.
Ming Li stared straight ahead.
Daisy stood. “Fuck that. Gigi, do you know where your aunt lives?”
Ming Li jumped up. “No! Don’t go over there. Please don’t.” Her eyes were teary, something Daisy and Gigi had never seen before. “I know. I know everything.”
“What in the hell?” Gigi said, dumbfounded.
Daisy approached Ming Li. “Spit it out.”
Ming Li slumped on the sofa. “I knew Desiree, Jay’s mother. Jay is Jonathan’s son, not Jasper’s.”
“Jasper’s twin?” Daisy asked. “Wait. I’m not understanding this. None of it. If Jay is Jonathan’s son, why didn’t the family know about him?”
“I’m speechless,” Gigi said.
Tears streamed down Ming Li’s face. “Jonathan and I were best friends. I knew him before I met Jasper. And I know for a fact that he and Desiree were together. They were a couple. Desiree was wild. She slept around a lot—more than I do. After Jay was born, she contracted HIV and gave it to Jonathan. She died first…and fast. Didn’t get treated soon enough.”
Daisy couldn’t take the half-truths, half-stories. “Ming Li, get to the point. Where does Jasper fit into all this?”
Ming Li swallowed. “Jasper knew Jonathan’s secret. When they were kids, their stepfather doted on Jasper, but he hated Jonathan. Jonathan was a threat, and his stepfather beat him mercilessly. Somehow Jonathan had discovered that his stepdad had a past, that he’d been accused of fondling some little boy. He confronted him about it. Jonathan later told his mother everything, about the beatings and the molestation. She never did a thing. Didn’t protect her son, or question it—”
“Oh…my…God,” Gigi said. “I had no idea. How could they? It had to be the money. Their stepfather was loaded. After they married, she started acting different, treating the family like shit. That’s why she’s an outcast.”
Ming Li nodded. “Right. And Jonathan disappeared as soon as he was old enough to make it on his own. Their mother never heard from him again, and Jasper never admitted to knowing his whereabouts. She never knew she had a grandson. Before Jonathan died, Jasper promised him he’d keep Jay away from that dysfunctional household. Jay’s safety was not to be gambled with.”
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