~~
By midnight, Claude and Skyy had left. Claude had arranged to have her with him for the next two nights.
Torino, Sequoia, and TJ left.
Star was sleeping in Mattie’s room with Nadia keeping watch.
Terrence slept in the guestroom downstairs instead of going home to his parents’ house. He wanted to go play golf with Mason early in the morning.
Mercedes was tucked into bed watching Rashaad’s golf tournament on the DVR in the darkness of her bedroom, paying close attention to her son’s every move, even though she knew he and his teammate were in second placing going into the next day’s round.
She focused on the TV screen when the bedroom door opened. Mason appeared wearing his usual shorts and a tee. “Good night.”
“Good night,” she replied, as usual.
Instead of walking away, he walked to the bed and stood at the foot of it.
He asked casually, “What’s up?”
She looked at him and replied. “Nothing.”
“Star’s got Mom’s room.”
“I know.”
“Great day, today.” Mason sounded like a robot.
Mercedes looked confused. “Yes. It really was.”
She kept her eyes on him.
He kept his eyes on her.
She looked at him as if to say, and.
He said, “Cedes, remember the letter you put in my briefcase while I was in Ireland after we had our marriage counseling sessions? It was the letter that read you won’t tolerate it and that if I did it again you were gone for good. And that you forgave me.”
“Yes.”
His face looked like he was swallowing his pride but his eyes looked sincere. “Ditto.”
Mercedes felt an immediate lump in her throat. Her thoughts did flip flops. She said what she felt from deep within. “Thank you.”
She pulled back the covers from his side of the bed and gave him a look.
Mason came along to his side and got in, adjusting his body to lay as close to his wife as possible, pulling the covers over them both.
She wore a long, red, silk nightgown and a red thong.
He smelled of cedar and orange.
He kissed his wife as she made the move to maneuver herself on top of him, still kissing, placing her hand on his chest, and then down to his stomach, and then down into his shorts to her husband’s big ego.
She said while stroking it, “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too.”
“Make love to me.” Her words were soft. Intense.
“My pleasure.” He switched positions with her. Ready.
Mason and Mercedes sealed their reunion with a slow, lasting, passionate lovemaking session that ended with her on her stomach and him laying upon her back.
He told her in her ear as he was about to release all that he had been saving, “I’m home.”
Turns out their last time together before wasn’t their last time together after all.
She began to release all that she had been saving as well, contracting and focusing on nothing but him.
Mercedes moaned a loud moan, and cried.
This time, nothing popped into her head, but real, unadulterated love.
33
The Wilsons
“The volume of the music ceased . . .”
May 20th of 2011, a Friday, was a long-awaited, very special date at Wilson’s, Torino’s nightclub in El Segundo.
It was early evening. Still happy hour.
It was the night of Mason’s second-ever book launch party. His book, Grip It and Rip It, hit the shelves that day.
Rashaad was there with his girl, Sasha, who Mercedes and Mason got to meet for the first time just before the evening started.
Star was there, but not with Terrence, who it turns out told his best friend that he was only with Star because he idolized Mason Wilson. So, she dumped him, having vowed when she was young to never put up with any man who was not into her only, knowing some would come around for the fame of the family name. Tonight, she was with her friend, Trinity Todd Germany, Ryan Germany’s daughter.
Lucinda, Mattie’s former nurse, was at Mason and Mercedes’s house babysitting Kyle Jr., TJ, and Skyy. Their dog Nadia now had a new companion, an all-white German shepherd named Sugar. Nadia seemed happier, no longer sleeping in Mattie’s room.
Venus was out of town at a conference for Make-A-Wish. The foundation rehired her as a virtual marketing director. She mainly worked from home but traveled often.
Sitting upstairs at a large, private V.I.P. table was Mercedes, Sequoia, Kyle, and yes, Colette Berry.
Colette, wearing all white, sat next to Mercedes, who wore all red. Colette spoke loudly over the soulful sounds of the R&B music. “I wanted to tell you, I’m really going to try to get back in shape so I can return to the runway. I’m on the right track, I think. I hope you’d consider assigning me some gigs. If so, I’d really appreciate it.” Her voice was now back to high-pitched.
“I’ll do that. It’s good to see you’re well.”
Colette put her hand on Mercedes’s. “We were so cool. We had good times, you and me.”
“Yes. Yes, we did.” Mercedes noticed a large black and blue bruise on the back of Colette’s hand.
“I’m working on me. I’ll be back.”
And Colette’s eye looked inflamed. Mercedes coyly pulled her hand away and took hold of her glass of champagne, wondering. She said, “I’m sure you will.”
Sequoia watched Colette out of the corner of her eye, particularly each time Colette looked over at Torino, who was running around, making sure everything ran smoothly.
Colette’s son, Kyle Jr., was formally still a Wilson, even though Torino took a legal paternity test and the support order was canceled. Kyle voluntarily signed an affidavit of parentage but never took a test. He was awarded full custody and claimed he didn’t need to know who the real father was. Colette still claimed it was Torino.
At the end of the table was Claude who was joined by Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Wilson, Cameron and Penny. Both wore gold wedding bands.
Rashaad and Cameron had gone to a strip club the night before, hanging out like old times.
“You look happy,” Claude said to Cameron.
“I am. We both are.”
“Yes. We are indeed,” Penny added, as her pink glossy lips shimmered. She looked her age, yet sexy like she must have been a fox back when she was Cameron’s age. Her blouse was unbuttoned just so.
Claude told them, “Glad you could make it out.”
“Thanks for inviting us,” Penny said.
And then Penny looked over at her new uncle-in-law, Mason, as she played with her bronze dangle earrings. She gave a girlie smile.
Mason saw her as he walked up to Torino. He adjusted his red tie and smiled manly back.
Torino’s voice blasted over the speaker. “May I have your attention please?” He held the microphone. The music lowered. The buzz of the crowd subsided as he said, “Tonight is a very special night. My brother, Mason Wilson, who’s now an author as you all know, has written his second book. And that title, Grip It and Rip It made its debut today. I’m happy to be able to throw this little shindig for him, and I just know you all are going to buy a copy, or two, or three. So, without further adieu, I introduce to you, Mason Wilson. The man.”
They hugged and Torino did the microphone handoff through the applause.
Mason spoke. He was suited up like he was going to church. “No, you’re the man. Look at this place. Look what you’ve done. I’m the one who’s proud of you.” He scanned the crowd. “Hello, everyone.”
The crowd replied back, “Hello.”
“Tonight is special for a few reasons. And I’ll keep it brief. First of all, my son, Rashaad Wilson, who’s breaking records and taking names out there in the world of golf, is engaged. His fiancé is right there with him. Congratulations, happy couple.”
He pointed to where Rashaad and Sasha were standing.
Sasha hugged Rashaad close and Rashaad nodded to everyone who clapped. They looked just alike. Rashaad held up her hand, exposing her platinum marquis diamond rock. She beamed and then tried to hide her face into his embrace. They laughed alike.
“And, my daughter Star, who’s over there,” Mason said, looking right at her, “is a concert pianist with the Atlanta Symphony. She got her degree in music education at Howard, in D.C. But now, she’s moving back to Los Angeles to be part of the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra.”
Everyone cheered her while Mason said, “She’s a shining star, all right.”
Star laughed, being poked in the stomach by Trinity.
“And I have accepted a full-time announcer job with ESPN starting next month.”
Claude looked over at Mercedes and gave her a look like he had no idea. Mercedes mouthed, “Yep.” They clapped along with everyone else when suddenly a woman with skin like cola, dressed in orange, walked over and sat at Claude’s table next to him. Claude, the same man who had talked Mason into the importance of going home, was now separated. Mary kissed his cheek and he hugged her tightly while she waved a quick hello to Cameron and Penny, flashing her slight dimple.
Cameron said loudly, “Good to see you again, Mary.”
“You too,” she said, just as the applause died down.
“You’re looking hot,” said Penny.
“Thanks. We’ve got to hang out again.”
Claude was all smiles.
Mercedes and Sequoia gave Mary the once over. Twice. Both frowning.
Mason continued. “Thanks everyone for sharing this special night with me and my family, the Wilsons. I’ll hand it back over to Tito. I mean Torino.” Mason laughed and people laughed with him.
Torino did not. He took the microphone back. “Ha-ha. Very funny. See the thanks I get? Anyway, you can all stay and party with us, but only after my hilarious brother autographs your hundreds of books. Thanks for coming.”
As he and Mason walked to the signing table, the song “Hot Boyz” by Missy played. “Where you live, is it by yourself? Can I move with you, do you need some help? I cook boy, I'll give you more, I'm a fly girl, and I like those Hot Boyz.”
Mercedes and Sequoia bounced in their seats, singing along.
Mason sat down as the long line formed, along with a publicity representative from his publishing company. Star and Trinity were Mason’s unofficial assistants. Trinity had two books of her own to be signed, one for her and one for her father.
In an instant, the volume of the music ceased and the room was only filled with the club-goers’ voices.
Mason asked, “What’s going on? That was my song,” when three men walked in dressed in L.A. Police department uniforms. They approached Mason saying, “Mason Wilson. You’re under arrest. A warrant was issued for DUI charges last year after a failure to appear.”
Mercedes stood so fast that she stumbled and fought to balance herself. “No. It can’t be. There must be some mistake.” She literally hollered, “No!”
Mason, expressionless, put down the Sharpie and arose from his chair, not saying a word.
Mercedes rushed up to him. “Honey?” Her face begged him to say it was a mistake. He didn’t. He took his cell from his pocket and handed it to her. She took it and said in a crying voice, “Mason. They have the wrong person.” She looked at one of the cops. “Officer, you have the wrong man. This is Mason Wilson, the golfer. He’s done nothing wrong.”
Star placed her hand over her mouth, in shock.
Mason came from around the table as the officers put him into handcuffs.
Sequoia stood behind Mercedes, placing her hand on her terrified sister-in-law’s shoulder.
Mason was led away down the stairs. Star, Mercedes, and Rashaad were behind the officers.
“Dad, no!” Star shouted.
Rashaad asked the policeman, “Where are you taking him?”
“Downtown.”
Rashaad stayed next to the last officer, turning to his mom who was one step behind him. “Let’s go.” And then he said to his sister, “Star, come on.”
All of the patrons simply stared.
Mason called out to his brother, “Claude,” without even looking back at him.
“I’m right behind you, bro,” Claude replied as if he were yelling across the street. Mary was right by his side.
The music came back on, still the same song, and Torino said to his manager, “Hold things down. And call me with the name of a bail bondsman right away. I’m out.”
As much as it seemed unreal, Mason Wilson was on his way to jail.
It turned out he had been arrested in L.A. on his way back from Rashaad’s tournament in San Diego for driving under the influence, but he did not show up to court. He had been coming back home to check the mail so Mercedes would not find out. He decided not to pursue a life in politics for no other reason than because of his own resurfaced addiction. And returning to church praying to God for His goodness, and mercy was more for Mason’s salvation alone, than theirs together.
Headed downtown, Mercedes sat in the passenger seat of Rashaad’s car. Star and Trinity were in the back when Mason’s cell vibrated. Mercedes’s eyes were tender and she fought to view the screen while talking to Rashaad, fearful of her husband’s fate. It was an email: The council unanimously voted you in today. You’re our next L.A. City Council member for the 8th District. Congratulations. Ryan Germany.
Pop!
The L.A. Husbands and Wives were not done yet.
Because I lived through chapter 16, having watched my mother take her last breath, I’ll say, R.I.P.
Mom—8/17/99. Writing that scene was the most difficult chapter I’ve penned in all my years!
Mamma you’re the queen of my heart!
Love,
Marissa
IN HONOR OF MATTIE BELAFONTE WILSON
Soliloquies
Mama used to say:
1. Take your time young man
2. Don’t you rush to get old
3. Take it in your stride
4. I brought you in this world and I can take you out
5. I ain’t raising no sorry ass man
6. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
7. Do it right or don’t do it at all
8. This is gonna hurt me more than it hurts you
9. The pot calling the kettle black
10. And don’t darken my door again
11. Don’t half-ass anything
12. What people say about you is none of your business
13. I'll kill you first before somebody else will
14. Two heads are better than one, even if one is a goat head
15. Once you open your mouth you remove all doubt
16. Black don't crack
17. Why you outside so soon after having that baby with your pores open?
18. I pay the cost to be the boss
29. Don't wait for a man to give you what you can get on your on
20. When you do something for someone be sure to do it because you want to
21. Be the best you can be
22. Won't nobody treat you like your momma will
23. Always wear clean underwear. You never know when you’ll be in an accident
24. There are two sides to every story
25. Two wrongs don't make a right
26. It's a bad wind that never changes
27. Do right and blessings will come
28. Tell the truth and shame the devil
29. A woman cannot do what a man does, and still be a lady
30. Always have your own money in case your man puts you out
31. Every goodbye ain't gone, and every shut eye ain't sleep
32. What’s done in the dark comes to light
33. Never let your left hand know what your right hand is doing
34. The early bird gets the worm
35. There ain’t nothing but legs open after 2:00 a.m.
36. Use your head for something more than
a hat rack
37. It’s better to fart and be ashamed than not to fart and bust a vein
38. Why fart and waste it when you can burp and taste it?
39. All that you’re talking, say it while you’re walking
40. You can cry until the cows come home
41. That boy ain’t got the good sense God gave him
42. It’s not what you do, it’s the way you do it
43. We don't borrow, therefore we don't loan
44. Put some money away for a rainy day
45. Cry, cry, the more you cry, the less you piss
46. Stop pissing on my leg and telling me it's raining
47. Stop crying those crocodile tears
48. Don't let anyone walk all over you
49. You can only be a doormat if you lay down
50. One monkey don’t stop no show
51. God don't like ugly and he sure don't like pretty
52. Don’t let your mouth write a check that your body can’t cash
53. A hard head makes a soft ass
54. Not even a dog wants a bone
55. Don’t let him ride you all night and break your body down
56. A lady always knows when to leave
(Thank you Facebook friends for your amazing and hilarious contributions)
AUTHOR’S NOTE
(Spoiler below – you have been warned!)
I hope you’ve enjoyed the second installment of the Wilson family’s drama. I wanted to show three couples with great challenges that end up in one of three different ways: one stays together against all odds, one separates and then finds their way back, and the other splits up altogether.
Family is so important. I enjoy writing about love and relationships, as well as generational curses and soul ties. Real life stuff with real life broken people.
I do admit that in this sequel I was planning that Mason would cheat on Mercedes with Mattie’s nurse, Lucinda. The final paragraph would have been Mason receiving a text with a nude photo of her while he’s on his way to jail, and Mercedes reading the text. However, being that his brother Claude does what he does in this book; one out of the three brothers cheating was enough. Not all men are cheaters. This novel was more about what the women did, and so, even though I tried, Mason wouldn’t do that this time around. When he was away living in Leimert Park he was basically depressed, dealing with the loss of his career, the passing of his mother, his reduced income, and his disappointment in his wife’s choice to let Ryan come to her hotel room in Vegas, which all contributed to him falling off the wagon. Mason simply wouldn’t creep again, and my fingers couldn’t force him to. J
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