Torino looked half irritated and stood up. He headed to their room and picked up the phone. Sequoia stood near him. “Hey Kyle. What in the hell is going on?. . . She what? . . . Did you believe her? . . . She’d been following you? . . . Yeah. Did you tell her it wasn’t you? . . . And then she what? . . . Taking her clothes off? . . . Oh my God. So they called you? . . . Where are you? . . . In Torrance? . . . I thought you were headed to Hawaii for your brother’s wedding tomorrow . . . Is she okay? . . . We tried to call her so Kyle Jr. could talk to her but there was no answer. I didn’t think anything of it . . . Well, sure. We’ve got him . . . Yeah, call me back and keep me posted. Actually, I can come over there . . . Are you sure? . . . Okay, we’ll keep an eye on him. Sorry, man. Bye.”
Sequoia looked stumped. “What in the world is going on?”
“It’s Colette. She was calling Kyle, threatening to kill herself because she thought he was getting married this weekend, and then she called him from a railroad track, threatening to drive in front of some train. She got out of her car and ran around, taking all her damn clothes off. Basically, he said she had a nervous breakdown.”
“Oh, hell.”
Torino took his phone and plugged it into the charger. “She’s in some hospital in Torrance on a seventy-two hour hold. Some mental hospital.”
“Why am I not surprised? And he’s gonna miss the wedding?”
“He actually said he doesn’t care about that. Said he’s not going anywhere until Colette can go home.”
Sequoia titled her head in confusion. “Oh my God. He cannot be serious. You think that man is still in love with her? After all this?”
“I do.”
“Damn. He’s sprung if you ask me.”
“More than he’s admitting.”
“You just never know.”
“Nope.” Torino said, “And he’s missing his own brother’s wedding. I know I wouldn’t do it.” He began walking back down the hall to Kyle Jr.’s room.
Sequoia walked with him. “I know that’s right.”
“Plus, the thing is, I just realized he’s violating his own restraining order by being around her.”
“I forgot about that.”
They stood before Kyle Jr.’s door.
Sequoia’s arms were folded. “Well, anyway, looks like we might be taking Kyle Jr. to and from school for a minute.”
Torino said, “At least for seventy-two hours, I guess.”
She gave a soft grin. “You think Colette should get him back even after all this?”
“I don’t.”
She said, “I think she might lose her fifty-percent custody now. She can’t take care of that little boy, let alone herself.”
“Well, she got Kyle’s attention.” Torino spoke lower. “This reminds me of the crap she pulled in Mason’s backyard that day she tried to stab herself in the stomach.”
She whispered. “You know what they say. Crazy leaves clues. And if that’s the case, Kyle is fucking clueless and crazy right along with her. I’m going back to bed. You coming?”
Torino looked back at Kyle Jr. who was still knocked out. “No. I made a promise that I’d be in there when he woke up.”
She looked at Kyle Jr., too, still speaking softly. “Poor boy. To have a mom like that.”
Torino put his hand on her back. “Good night.” He gave her a peck on the lips. “Sorry about all this.”
She grinned, eyeing down the definition of his chest. “What’s yours is mine.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” He checked her out as she turned. He watched her walk away in her oversized tee shirt with nothing underneath as usual, not even a string. He said, “Wait a minute.”
She turned back.
“I say we stay up for another half hour.” His look was playful.
She blushed, saying, “Couldn’t hurt,” and she led the way.
Sequoia got into bed, the scent of her angel-food body oil permeated the sheets.
Torino noticed. “You deserve this.”
He stayed at the foot of the bed and took his masterful giver position under the covers and pleased his wife with an oral thank you until her body said, You’re welcome.
Both were back to sleep, as promised, thirty minutes later.
26
Mercedes
“. . . is Cameron really tripping like that?”
The next day Mercedes was at home in her kitchen munching on honey barbeque chips even though she had just come back from working out. She had not noticed any weight falling off because the more she worked out to keep busy, the more she ate her favorite food simply for comfort, to take up the slack of her empty life.
She had a fashion show that Thursday night and though she had been leaving a lot of the bookings and shows to her staff, this was one show she planned to organize because it was for the wife of a top NBA player who was debuting her new clothing line.
Dressed in sweatpants and a crossover sports top, she grabbed more chips and basked in the salty-sweet sensation upon her tongue, preparing to chase it down with strawberry soda when her phone rang from the kitchen table.
She approached it and pressed the screen, smiling as she said, “Hello there.”
“Hi, Mom.”
“Star, it’s good hearing from you. How are things going in Atlanta?”
“Fine. I wanted you to know I have a concert this week, on Thursday night, and Rashaad is coming. He said you might wanna come. I mean both you and Dad.”
She darted her eyes upward and said to herself. Of all the dates. “Well, he’s right. I would like to come.”
“Okay.”
“Not sure about your dad, though. You’ll have to ask him.”
Star was very matter-of-fact. “I know. I will. So, do you have a pen?”
“Yeah, I do. Hold on.” Mercedes grabbed a notepad and pen from the iron kitchen rack. “Okay.”
“It’s at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, 1280 Peachtree Street Northeast, and the zip is 30309. Right now, flights from Los Angeles to Atlanta are right at three-hundred dollars, so book it soon. But knowing you, you’ll want first-class.”
“No. That’s fine.”
Star said, “I guess that’s it. Oh, it’s at seven in the evening.”
“Good. I’m proud of you. I miss talking to you. There’s a lot going on, and you know . . .”
“Mom, that’s Dad on the other line. I’ll see you on Thursday, okay?”
Mercedes paused. “Okay.”
“Bye.”
Before Mercedes could say goodbye back, Star clicked over.
Mercedes put the phone down and walked out of the kitchen. She went into her office with the slip of paper and logged on to her laptop looking for a flight and hotel. She talked to herself, saying, “I’ve got to go to this concert. Can’t believe both are on the same day. If I don’t go, Star would never understand.”
When she opened Internet Explorer, a screen popped up and the phone rang from the computer. She looked closer and saw that it was Skype, and the caller was Rashaad Wilson.
She said out loud, “Oh my God. Rashaad. Oh, no, how do I do this?” And then she clicked a box and his video image appeared. He was seated on a sofa, looking like he admired his mom for even trying. She said, “Rashaad?”
“Hi, Mom. You did it.” He sounded happy.
Her face lit up and her eyes widened. “I did. How in the world?”
“Mom, I loaded it on your computer when I was home that day we talked about it.”
“You are so sneaky. Wow. And I didn’t even notice it until now. This is crazy.”
“You have to click where it says that you can allow me to see you.”
Mercedes asked, “I do? Lord have mercy. Wait. Okay.” She clicked an icon and saw a small box with her video pop up. “There. You see me?” she asked.
“Uh, yep. I do. There you are. You look good.”
She fluffed up her bangs. “Rashaad. I know I look a mess. I just came back from the gym. I had no idea I
’d be talking on a video. But you look great. Where are you?”
“I’m home.”
“Oh my. This is such a nice surprise.” She kept staring at the screen, smiling big.
Rashaad said, “Mom, what I was gonna tell you was, you can stay with me in Atlanta. I’ll be at the Twelve in Atlantic Station. Don’t worry about booking a hotel.”
“Oh, okay. I was just about to search for a hotel and flight. That’ll be fun. Thanks.”
“No problem.”
She asked, “So, Star said you told her to invite me?”
“No, I suggested she invite both of you. I made sure I could make this when she told me a few weeks back.”
“Okay. When’s your next tournament?”
“It’s in China on Thanksgiving Day. You can always go on my website, Mom. My tournament dates are there.”
“I know. Okay. I’m not sure if your Uncle Claude’s birthday falls on Thanksgiving this year. But we’ll be watching.”
“Speaking of Uncle Claude, is Cameron really tripping like that? Dad told me he’s dating some older woman and isn’t even trying to get back in school.”
“That’s what I hear. He’ll get it together. He’s been through a lot. Maybe you should reach out to him,” she told him.
“I did. I called him and he sent me a text saying he’d call, but he didn’t.”
“Try again maybe.”
“I will. I haven’t seen him since Grandma’s funeral.”
Mercedes asked, “Yeah, I’m sure that added to what’s going on with him. I know it’s hard still. So, how’s everything with you? The girls treating you okay?” She kept running her fingers through her bangs.
“I’m sticking with Sasha. I’ll bring her by soon. Her middle name is, believe it or not, Mercedes.”
“No way. Oh my. The family wouldn’t need two women with that name, first or middle.”
“She’s cool, but it’s not like I’m gonna marry her or anything.”
“I see. Are you bringing her with you to Atlanta for Star’s concert?”
“Oh, no. That’s just for the family.” Rashaad sounded certain.
“I get it. You talk to your dad lately?”
“Not since he left La Jolla after the Torrey Pines tournament. I saw him on Facebook. That’s about it.”
Mercedes’s voice lit up even more. “Facebook. Your dad has a Facebook account?”
“Yep. You didn’t know that?”
“No. How long has he had it?”
“Oh, no, you’re gonna have to ask him. I’m surprised you don’t have one.”
She assured him by saying, “I don’t want one. I’ve got enough to do. That to me is a waste of precious time. You know me.”
“I do. But I know a lot of people who said they’d never do it, and then they got hooked. It’s a new day. Dad needs to add it to his website so people can go there and find his link to his Facebook page.”
She couldn’t help but wonder. “So, your dad has a Facebook page, huh?”
He scooted back and shook his head. “Oh Lord, listen. I’ve said enough. I’ve gotta go. You’re making me nervous.”
“And what’s there to be nervous about?”
“Okay, so, I’ll see you in a couple of days.”
“Deal. You and Sasha Mercedes be good.”
“And on that note, bye.”
“How do I hang up?”
“Just click hang up.”
“Haha. Bye, Son.”
“Bye.”
~~
That Thursday evening in midtown Atlanta at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Mercedes sat in section three, the second row, right in-between Mason and Rashaad. Everyone in the concert hall was dressed in their best after-five attire.
Mercedes was in heaven. She kept her eyes on her daughter. Star was one of four pianists who made up the chamber orchestra of fifty musicians. They were led by a female conductor who used masterful arms movements, keeping everyone together in cadence.
They played a series of songs, including one by Beethoven and one by Tchaikovsky, both which were led by a male violinist who was about Star’s age.
Mason had been pretty much silent, focusing on the sights and sounds from the stage. He leaned in a bit closer to Mercedes and whispered, “That’s the Terrence that Star mentioned before. Terrence Willis. Star’s boyfriend.”
Mercedes asked softly, “Really?” She tried not to look as surprised as she really was. She kept an eye on Terrence, sizing him up. He was white, tall, and slender. She then focused again upon her daughter who was taking care of business on a Steinway piano, working the keys as she played. Mercedes leaned in toward Mason. “They’re both good. I’m so proud.”
He nodded without looking over and continued to watch the orchestra.
Mercedes glanced over at Rashaad who kept his eyes only on his sister, smiling bigger than usual.
When the final song wound down, Mason stood first and then the rest of the crowd as the musical conductor took a bow and the musicians stood and bowed, too. The standing ovation was energetic and boisterous.
~~
After a while, Star had gone backstage and then came back out with her guy at her side.
She said, “Terrence, this is my dad. You talked to him already.”
“Hello, Sir. I’m honored to meet you.”
Mason told him, “It’s my pleasure. Great job. You know how to work that violin.”
“Thanks. I try.”
“Oh my God, your hands are shaking,” Star told Terrence.
“They’re not.” He tried to play it off.
“Dad, you’re his idol.”
“Oh, no. I’m just Dad.”
Terrence grinned.
Star said, “And this is my brother, Rashaad.”
Rashaad said, “Hey dude. Good job.”
Terrence smiled. “Hey, you’ve been working it out there on the golf course. Congratulations.”
Rashaad looked humble. “Thanks.”
Star looked at Mercedes. “And this is my mom.”
“Hello, Mrs. Wilson. Pleased to meet you.”
“Thank you. Pleased as well. You two are both very talented. I’m so impressed. It was very enjoyable.”
He said, “We’re glad you liked it.”
Mercedes said directly to Star, “Great job. You looked right at home.”
Star said to everyone, “So, I know it’s late, but dinner is at the Woodruff Arts Center, not far away.”
“Okay,” Mason said.
Rashaad look at his father. “You are coming, Dad, right?”
“Yes.”
Rashaad asked, “Can Mom and I ride with you?”
“Sure. Star, we’ll follow the two of you.”
“Cool,” Star said, walking toward the exit door while Terrence stayed close to Mason asking questions about golf.
Mercedes tied the belt to her sheer wrap coat, holding up the rear.
~~
Dinner at the banquet room in the arts center was buffet style with every combination of seafood, chicken, beef, and pork imaginable.
“Are you okay, Mom?” asked Rashaad, noticing she was a little reserved.
She sat right next to Mason. “Just a little jet lag. I’m fine.”
“Good. Glad you are,” Mason said. He was the only one who had gone back for seconds and had a few bites left.
Looking surprised, even by his few words to her, she asked, “How was your flight?”
“Good,” was all she got from him while he picked up his phone and scrolled through.
Terrence told Rashaad, “I saw you win that celebrity tournament in La Jolla. That was crazy.”
“Yeah, it was fun.” Rashaad nodded to a nearby table full of people who waved to him.
Mercedes looked over and saw them. To her, it was par for the course when she was with her guys. She asked Terrence, “So, how’d the two of you meet?”
Terrence sat close to Star. “We met in Music School in D.C. Been knowing each othe
r for about four years.”
“Really?” asked Mercedes.
As Star reached for the sugar, her colorful bracelets jingled. “Yeah, it took him about three-and-a-half years to ask me out.” She added the packets to her tea and stirred.
“Hey. A guy’s gotta build up the nerve to ask out the most beautiful girl in school.”
Rashaad pointed to Terrence and gave him a watchful eye. “Smooth.” He looked at Star. “Watch out, Sis.”
Star grinned.
“If I may ask, how’d you two meet?” Terrence asked Mercedes.
She looked proud. “We met at Southern Cal. So we’re college sweethearts, too.”
“Yep. A long time ago.” Mason cut into what was left of his steak and took a bite.
Rashaad said to Star, “So, you gonna beat me to the altar, huh?”
“Not even. You’re about ten minutes away from what I saw.”
Mercedes asked, “Saw what?”
Star spoke while looking at Mason. “When he had that tournament out here at Johns Creek, he and Sasha were attached at the hip. Wait till you see her with him. They look alike, act alike, laugh alike. It’s crazy.”
But it was Mercedes who said, “We’ve got to meet her.”
Rashaad grabbed a hold of his dinner roll. “You will. Next subject.” He bit into it once, and then twice, and it was gone.
Star asked, “How long are you guys gonna be here?”
Both Mercedes and Mason said at the same time, “Till tomorrow.”
“Well, glad you could come out,” Star said.
Terrence said to them, “Me, too.”
Mercedes raised her glass. “So, cheers to your professional music careers, and to your friendship, and to tonight. Here’s to family,” she proposed, then paused to look at Terrence, “and friends.”
Everyone raised their glasses as well, and said, “Cheers.”
~~
Later, Mercedes was in Rashaad’s two bedroom suite getting ready for bed when he came in. He asked, “Dad’s not here?”
“No. Why would he be?”
“He’s staying at the Twelve, too. He said he’d stop by.”
“Does he know I’m staying with you?”
Hot Girlz: Hot Boyz Sequel Page 17
