Nadia barked up a storm.
“Nadia, hush. Nadia,” Mercedes said loudly toward the side of the house.
Suddenly, Rashaad slid the door open with a force and bellowed, “Mom, Grandma’s acting weird. It’s like she won’t wake up.”
Mercedes sprung to her feet and yelled, “Oh my God!” rushing inside with Sequoia and Rashaad right behind her.
11
Venus
“Claude, you’re crazy.”
The next day Venus was at work in Westwood.
She had planned to leave early and had just returned from a very important meeting with her boss when she noticed a missed call on her cell from her other sister-in-law, Sequoia.
Venus had left her a message the night before, so she took a break, closed her office door, sat down on the tan loveseat across from her desk, and dialed. She already knew what her first question would be after Sequoia greeted her. “Hey, Sequoia. What in the world happened to Mattie? Rashaad told Cameron he was scared to death.”
Sequoia replied, sounding as though she was mobile. “She’s fine, thank God. I was there when it happened. Mercedes said it’s called hypopnea. It’s almost like sleep apnea but it’s decreased breathing. I think the muscles in the airway relax, but bless Rashaad’s heart, he thought she wasn’t breathing at all. Mercedes said it happened before so she went in there and pinched the hell out of Mattie and she woke up looking mad as hell, like somebody woke her up from a wet dream.”
“No you didn’t. You need to stop.”
“I know. But I felt so sorry for Rashaad. That boy looked like he was about to have a heart attack all on his own.”
Venus said, “I bet he was. So is it similar to under-breathing?”
“Your guess is as good as mine. I’d never heard of it.”
“Wow. That’s not good. I’ll explain it to Claude when he gets home. But still, I’m glad she’s okay.”
“Me too.” Sequoia then asked, “So, you guys are moving out of Ladera?”
“We are.”
“You must’ve made that decision pretty quick.”
“We did. You know the house was broken into, right?” Venus queried.
“I did. Mercedes told me.”
“Yeah. There’s just a lot going on. But besides, Claude’s new office in Laguna Hills opens soon. We went ahead and got a great house out there and listed our house for sale.”
“How’d you close so fast?”
“Claude handled all that. He paid cash on a great deal. All I know is it was about to go into foreclosure and was listed for over nine-hundred-thousand, but we got it for it for a little over seven. And for that neighborhood in Laguna Hills, it’s called Nellie Gail, that’s unheard of.”
“You are kidding me. In Orange County? I thought those homes were way more expensive than over here.”
“They can be. I think you can find some for about the same, but the closer you get to the beach it gets pricier. And there are some estates with panoramic views in Laguna Hills for five-million and more. This house we got originally sold for a million four. You know the market.”
“I guess so. I know it’s nice. As long as you’re happy, that’s what matters.”
“All I know is we walked in and saw this amazing spiral staircase that splits off to the left and to the right, and there are wood built-ins and shiny wide planked floors. I just about fainted. Skyy’s got this pink bedroom next to ours. I’ll send you some pictures but you’ll have to come by once we get settled in.”
“I will. Sounds fancy. I’m just wondering, I thought Orange County was mainly white. There’s black folks out there?”
“Not a lot. But a few.”
“Just get ready. It won’t be anything like Ladera.”
“I’m sure. But hey, just hoping they’ll be color blind like we are.”
“Okay. So what does Cameron think about it? I mean about leaving Ladera.”
“He’s good. He’s been out there at the house for a few days, just being there for us so he can let the cable company folks in, gas company, stuff like that. Plus, he’s setting up his room. I hope he’ll be able to go to U.C. Irvine or Cal State Fullerton. I guess you heard about his academic situation at Berkeley?”
“Torino told me. I guess Claude talked to him. Claude was pretty upset about it.”
“You’re telling me. But, it’ll all work out. So, how’s TJ?”
“He’s fine. Just growing fast.”
“And how’s everything going with you and Torino?” Venus asked.
“He’s just working through this custody suit after Colette went ahead and filed after all these years.”
“Well, if that child does turn out to be Torino’s, we’d need to have a real celebration to welcome him into the family.”
“True. I just hope things get decided and die down.”
“Me too. For everyone’s sake.” Venus then said, “Well, girl, I’m about to head out of here. I’m at work. I need to go back home and meet the movers.”
“Okay. I’m about to host a function in Long Beach. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will. Talk to you later.”
~~
By that evening, the moving company had gotten through the first phase of packing everything up, getting things ready to go. They would return the next day to physically move the contents to the new house.
With the room illuminated only by the glow of the nightlight, Venus sat on Skyy’s twin princess bed and leaned over to tuck her in and kiss her on her nose. “Goodnight, sweetie. Sleep tight.”
All that was left in the room was the bed, one pink wicker chair, and one small Hello Kitty suitcase.
Skyy turned onto her side and gave a tiny yawn, and then asked, “Where’s my brother?”
“Cam is at our other house, remember Mommy told you. We’ll see him tomorrow.”
“Is he in my new room?”
“No, he’s in his room. That pretty pink room is only for you.”
“Can I sleep there tonight, too?”
“Not just yet. Just one more day.”
Skyy then asked, “Where are my dolls?”
“We’re taking all of your dolls to the new house. We’ll make sure they’re just fine.”
Skyy’s eyelids looked heavy. She asked while pulling the sheet up to her chin. “Can I sleep with you, Mommy?”
“Not tonight, Skyy. Now you be a big girl and go to sleep. Tomorrow’s the big day.” Venus stood and headed to the door. “Goodnight.”
Claude suddenly stood at the door, placing his hand on Venus’s shoulder. “Goodnight, pumpkin.”
“Goodnight, Daddy.”
“Love you.”
“Love you, Daddy. Love you, Mommy.”
“Love you, too, sweetie. See you in the morning,” Venus said, closing the door as Skyy closed her eyes.
Claude and Venus walked down the hall to their bedroom. He entered his new code into the keypad on the wall and set the alarm as Venus plopped down on the bed, falling onto her back and sighing as her head hit the pillow.
“Tired?”
“Heck yes. Plus, I looked around the house today thinking I can’t believe we’ve accumulated all this stuff. We should’ve had a yard sale.”
“Anything you want to leave we can have Goodwill come and pick it up. We just need to get things packed up and out. I have some guys coming to redo the floors and work on the roof soon so this place will sell.”
Venus gave him a smile. “You know what? I’m really excited. I didn’t think I’d be, but I am. I never thought I’d be able to handle leaving this house. There are so many memories.”
“We should’ve gotten a new house when we got married, anyway. It was time.”
Venus reminded herself that it was the same house Fatima lived in before she died. Same bed. Same everything. “Honey, I wanted to tell you. I talked to my boss, Ann Howard, today at work and I gave her my notice.”
Claude looked like she had to be kidding. “You what?”
“I did. I resigned.”
“Wow. What was it that made you decide? The commute?”
“No. I mean, that would’ve been a literal trip. But, I just feel like you do so much for us, so much for me and Skyy, and Cameron. You’ve worked hard. You handle your business. I don’t think it’s too much to want your wife to be home to raise your young daughter. I know Cameron is older and he’s on his own, or will be soon, but we’re pretty well off financially, and I can go back to work once Skyy gets older.”
“Well, needless to say I’m happy.”
“I am too. We have to count our blessings.”
“I understand how much you love what you do over there. Just making sure you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.”
“Then I’m good with it. Thank you.” He stood up and leaned over her to plant a kiss.
“Thank you.” She kissed him back.
“I’m about to take a shower.”
“Oh, okay,” she said, still lying on her back.
He said from the doorway of the bathroom, “You care to join me?”
“I’d love to.”
~~
The warm bursts of water sprayed them down at the same time. Venus was facing the showerhead with her hands pressed against the limestone shower walls. Claude was right behind her.
The chamomile body wash bubbled up upon her backside and his chest. Her hair was wet, but it didn’t matter.
It was their last night of making love in their Ladera home.
And he was inside of her.
Claude had one hand on her hip, one along her back as he bent over ever so slightly, being taken away by the feeling, the sensation, and the elation.
He said in a romantic, deep voice. “So, you know the lady I told you about who works in my office. The one with the child who can’t seem to get her hours right?”
“Yeah.”
“She told me she and her husband were swingers.”
Venus stayed in position but wanted to look back at him. “Swingers?”
“Swingers.”
“Honey,” she said while grinding back at him, “why are you telling me this?”
“Because she asked if we’d ever done it. I told her no.”
“Why would she ask you that?”
“Somebody brought it up at work one night, and she said it was no big deal.”
She ceased her grind. “Oh, so then she asked you?”
“Baby, you know how we are. Just like the night we got together with Fatima. It’s no big deal.”
“Claude, wait a minute.” She began to turn around and he pressed on her shoulder as though trying to keep her in position.
“You know what? I think it’d be cool to maybe think about trying a threesome again.”
“Claude.”
“It’s not like we haven’t done it. And I know you even did it before that.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I just know it wasn’t your first time. And you and Fatima definitely weren’t mine.”
“Good for you. But it was for me.”
“Are you sure?”
“Claude, let’s just stop.”
He leaned in to kiss her back.
She began to cautiously grind back again.
“You know I’d like to see you and another woman, enjoying each other.”
“You would?”
“I would.”
“What would we do?” She sounded fake.
“You’d kiss and explore. Come on, baby, you’d know what to do. I know you’re a freak.”
“If you want me to be, I’m game.” She tried to play along but her arousal began to subside.
“Good. So, how was Owen? Was he any good?”
“Owen?” Venus turned back and moved her body away from Claude. His penetration was halted. She faced him with the water to her back. “What is your problem?”
Claude just stood there, wet, still with a hard on, angry, talking. “Maybe you can tell me all about it so I can really get to understand just how much of a freak my wife is. Just how hard she tried to get with Owen because Fatima had him first. And how soon it was that you decided to get your hooks in me before Fatima died. I really hope you didn’t have anything to do with Owen killing her. Was it to be with him, or to get her out of the way so we could be together?”
She shook her head at him. “Claude, you’re crazy.”
“Oh, I’m the crazy one, huh? Or is the crazy one in prison whose had both you and Fatima turned out?”
“I’m not listening to this.” She pushed the shower door open and rushed out, grabbing her towel. She looked down at his still full attention.
“It’s cool though. I’m not mad.” He closed the door and continued to wash down his body alone. “Believe me, it’s all good.”
Venus stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her, heart racing, wondering to herself. Where in the hell do we go from here?
12
Sequoia
“So why’s he trying to be your best friend again?”
The tangerine sun was generous but not brutal. The sky was powder blue.
Summer still hung on by its fingertips, knowing Fall was soon to make its debut.
It was a beautiful day, the Friday before Labor Day.
Sequoia and Torino spent the afternoon having lunch near his club Foreplay in Hollywood. The restaurant was called Cravings on Sunset, an Italian Mediterranean restaurant, chic and popular with lush décor. Sequoia and Torino loved the ambiance of the sidewalk seating. Patrons dined outside while sitting on mahogany chairs under large, bright yellow umbrellas. Whenever the weather was nice and Sequoia and Torino had time, they made sure to stop by and enjoy the superb dishes.
Torino was casually dressed in jeans.
Sequoia wore a coral and teal striped dress.
The aroma that wafted outside from inside the restaurant was of garlic and basil. Torino and Sequoia were quick to devour their shared order of calamari, and next were their lunch entrees of almond crusted trout and chicken tarragon.
Taking a big sip of her lemon drop cocktail, Sequoia brought up the subject she had been wanting to talk about. “Okay, so I know you kept postponing meeting with Kyle. Did you get to do it today?”
“We did. We talked,” Torino replied.
“And?” Sequoia asked, then taking a small bite of her mashed potatoes.
“You and I were right. Colette is struggling and trying to make money. He made it clear to her that she’s got to carry her own weight. Well, I guess that’s an understatement.”
“You’re referring to her having gained weight.”
“Yeah. Don’t act like you didn’t notice.”
“Well, she is tall.”
“Sequoia, please. Colette is fat.” Torino drank from his water glass, making playful eyes.
“She’s big. So, go on.”
Torino poked a piece of chicken with his fork and left it there. “Kyle’s coming up on twenty-three years with the fire department.”
“Okay, I know that’s how you two met, right, when you tried out?”
“Yeah, and I didn’t make it, thanks for reminding me.”
She smiled. “And so . . .”
Torino jumped in to explain. “He’s about to retire and I guess he’s tired of financing Colette. Seems she’s not booking any modeling jobs anymore and she doesn’t have any other skills. She’s complaining no one will hire her. I guess she made up some bogus resume but no bites.”
“I know. She called Mercedes about working in one of her shows.” She dabbed her mouth with the linen napkin.
“So, that’s what’s up. Pointing the finger at me, saying I’m Kyle Jr.’s father is more beneficial to her right now if she can get child support.”
“So why’d he tell you that? Why would he share that with you now?” Sequoia asked before she resumed eating her fish.
“I think first of all he wanted to say he messed up. You know, him getting c
aught selling VIP passes and pocketing the money. He did say he was sorry. He said he played me because he was mad. And Colette played him because she was mad at me. And so I guess they both got played. He fell into that, being weak, and thinking with his dick. All these years later, after he played house for so long, it sounds like he’s a little bit more humble now. Especially since, get this . . . Colette is kicking his ass.” He took a small bite.
“No way. Colette is swinging on Kyle?”
He paused while chewing and then swallowed. He then took another sip of water. “Let’s just say she’s trying. He keeps defending himself but he said the last time it happened, he was ready to knock her ass out. So, he told me he’s ready to pack up his things and leave. He’s going to file a restraining order on her this afternoon. He said they fight every night. He, himself, said she’s crazy.”
“Damn. Took him long enough to realize that.”
Torino ate more of his lunch, talking with his mouth half-full. “He knew all along. He’s just bonded to his son. He raised him for so long. And now I’m quite sure that Colette has figured out that Kyle is about sick of her, so now she gets desperate, can’t control him, and so she starts swinging. Shoot, she swung at me once and only once. I threw her on the ground and pressed my knee to her chest until she begged me to let her up. It never happened again. I told him he needed to deck her ass one time and show her he’s not the one.”
“Please, if he hit Collette’s crazy ass, she’d call 911 so fast.”
The waiter walked up and asked, “Is everything okay? Can I get you something else to drink?”
“No, I’m fine,” said Sequoia. She then looked across at Torino. “You okay?”
“I’m good. Thanks.”
“Sure. Enjoy,” he said, heading off to another table.
Torino continued looking at Sequoia and then casually at the people and cars that passed by along Sunset Boulevard. He leaned back and folded his arms, saying, “Yeah, from what Kyle says, she’s the one who calls 911, even when she’s the one tagging him. But I guess the cops always look at the guy. So, when they kept giving him the third degree like they’d take him in, Kyle said he decided to forget it. He told me he thinks it’s best for him to leave her altogether.”
Hot Girlz: Hot Boyz Sequel Page 8
