Carla’s Dilemma
Chapter 16
I typically didn’t go out and splurge for lunch; I would bring in leftovers and heat them up in the microwave. I saved a lot of money on meals this way. Regardless of how people perceived me, I had great business acumen. I intended to retire by the time I was fifty-five. I was already on my way, too, with two rental properties. I had learned years ago that I loved, absolutely loved, loved, loved money.
Today, I found myself seated in a booth at the local deli, deep in thought. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why Erika popped into my head last night and at that particular moment. I was in the midst of a fuckfest; I had one of my sponsors over. He had me bent over a chair, hitting it from behind. Hitting it real slow and easy and I was all into it, throwing it right back at him, when Erika’s face, clear as day, popped into my mind. That killed my entire mood, and to my lover’s chagrin, I sent him on his way.
This was starting to happen frequently. Mostly, Erika showed up in my dreams, though; sometimes by herself and other times with my ex, Brian. I’d see her face and get chills because in the dreams she always came across as sinister and evil. I always felt threatened and I believed the dreams were trying to tell me something.
Erika and I had a history; we went way back and, yes, she did steal my boyfriend, Brian, and married him before I could say one-two-three. The worst part was that I never saw it coming. I wrongly assumed she was harmless. I’m a few years younger than Erika but, back in the day, she and my big sister, Jessica, were the best of friends. They were inseparable.
“Hey, what are you doing sitting in here all alone?” Nobia asked, walking up to my booth. I was so caught up in my thoughts that I hadn’t seen her come in. Lately she and I were cool.
I smiled. “I’m just taking a break from the salon before my clients arrive.”
“Same here. Well, I’m not waiting for clients, but I’m taking a break. You know what I meant.”
I nodded and took a sip of my sweet tea. Nobia took it upon herself to sit down, without asking, and in the process interrupted my thoughts. She and I sat in silence for a few minutes. I absently watched her bite into her ham, turkey, and salami sub sandwich. I picked at my tuna salad and chips.
“Whew, the last few days have been something else haven’t they?” I asked.
“You can say that again,” she agreed between hearty chews. “I was terrified that Destiny’s ex was going to be waiting for us one night in the parking lot. I literally had nightmares about him ambushing us.”
“I admit I was glad to hear his ass was locked up and off the streets.”
“You just never know what’s going on behind closed doors at people’s homes,” Nobia said.
I remained silent.
“I never would have thought that Destiny was being abused. In the beginning, I actually believed she was simply clumsy when she’d have one bruise or another.”
“Hmmm, huh,” I said, shaking my head.
“What?” she asked, stopping mid-bite.
“I recall telling you not too long ago to pull off your rose-colored glasses. Remember?”
“I do.”
“Nobia, people wear masks, we all do. Some are just better at hiding behind them than others.”
Nobia frowned and placed her half-eaten sandwich down and wiped her mouth with her balled-up paper napkin. “What gives? What’s the real deal between you and Erika? I’ve asked her but she hasn’t really told me much more than she married your ex-boyfriend.”
I shrugged my shoulders, not really interested in talking about it.
“There has to be more to it than that because that happened so long ago.”
Suddenly my anger rose. “Yeah, you could say it’s more than that. Much more. Did she also tell you that her mother slept with my dad when he was still married to my mother? “
“What?” she asked as her mouth dropped wide-open.
“Like mother like daughter.”
Nobia remained silent, taking it all in.
I continued. “My sister and Erika used to be best friends back in middle and high school. Their senior year, my sister came home early from school one day and found Erika’s mother screwing my dad in my mom and dad’s bed.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah, wow is right. You think. Needless to say, the friendship ended, but as we became adults my sister and I realized we couldn’t blame Erika for the sins of her mother. Erika was simply a child when this occurred, we all were, and this wasn’t the first time my dad had stepped outside his marriage.”
“True. Erika was just as innocent as you guys.”
I rolled my eyes because she was always defending her. “We’d go out occasionally for drinks and hang out when we became adults. And then, then she did the exact same thing to me.”
“What?”
“What do you think? She hooked up with my man. It started out innocent enough. Erika would ask me if Brian could drop by and fix this or that at her apartment because he was great as a handyman. I didn’t have a problem with it if he didn’t, because I thought I could trust her and him. After all, she was my friend and he was my man.”
“What happened?”
“Brian started going by her apartment without my knowledge and she’d fix him home-cooked meals, and basically seduced him. Brian and I were already having problems, which Erika knew, and that was all he needed was for someone to stroke his ego. She lavished him with compliments, food, and sex.”
Confusion was clearly etched on her face. “So why, after all that, why are you working with her? Wouldn’t she be a constant reminder every day of their betrayal?”
“Number one: I needed a job and had enough sense to realize Erika would take her salon to the next level. I needed security. Number two: I had to forgive, maybe not forget. It was eating me up, and besides it’s not like Erika and I are the best of friends. Basically, we stay out of each other’s way. Number three: I think in the back of my head I thought I would find out what really happened in Brian’s death. Maybe Erika would eventually share the details or let something slip.”
“I thought he committed suicide; killed himself with his own pistol,” Nobia said. “That’s what I was told.”
“That’s what was officially reported after the dust settled. I never for two seconds believed that Brian would take his own life. That wasn’t him. He was too strong to go out like that. Brian was vibrant and had a love for life.”
“What do you think happened then? If he didn’t shoot himself, then who did?”
I stared back at her. Silence spoke volumes.
“You can’t possibly think Erika had anything to do with his death?”
I could almost see light bulbs going off in Nobia’s head. “To be honest, I don’t know what to think anymore. Like I said, Brian wouldn’t have taken his own life; I’d bet my life on it.”
“What happened?”
“That’s a good question. One to which I am determined to get the answer.”
Chocolate Melts in Your Mouth
Chapter 17
It had been an exhausting couple of weeks with Destiny’s problems and ongoing activity at the salon. Friday night found me ecstatic about being in the comfort of my own home for the next few days. I walked in and collapsed on the sofa, flipping through channels on my flat-panel TV. I didn’t have any major plans for the weekend and I preferred it exactly that way. Other than a passion for shopping, church, and hanging out from time to time with Nobia, I really wasn’t what one would classify as a party animal. I enjoyed keeping to myself, indulging in pampering activities, and spending alone time.
I intended to drop a few household items such as plates and silverware, two lamps, and cleaning materials that I had packed a few days earlier by Destiny’s new apartment. I was pretty sure she could use them and I was ecstatic that she was in a safe, secure environment now. Other than that, I wanted to catch up on my movies. I was a movie buff and would admit I was addicted to them. I wasn’t pi
cky, I enjoyed all genres: action and adventure, comedies, drama and thrillers. I simply enjoyed a good film, yet, I didn’t go out to the movies that often. Redbox was one of the best things that happened in my opinion. New releases for one dollar, who could beat that? I had a list of about six I wanted to watch.
When I finally ascended the stairs to my bedroom, I had a pleasant surprise waiting. I must have shown all thirty-two teeth when I spotted my present positioned against two fluffy pillows.
“Hey, you. I thought you’d never arrive home. I’ve been waiting for you. Couldn’t wait to see my baby,” he said, looking just as fine and chocolate sexy as I remembered. A soft, involuntary moan escaped.
“Hey, yourself,” I cooed, walking closer to the queen-sized bed. I wanted an up-close-and-personal view of the delicious, buck-naked specimen before me.
“Why don’t you make yourself more comfortable? I wanna see that sexy birthday suit of yours. I’ve been waiting patiently all day.”
“Sounds good to me. There’s something I would like to see too,” I said, reaching between his legs and firmly stroking. I couldn’t resist. When he was around, I couldn’t keep my hands off of him. I was like a crack addict feening for some dick.
“This is all for you,” he said as his large hand slid seductively from the tip of his thick and swollen shaft to the bottom of his balls. I thought the big red bow he had tied around it was a nice touch. He was all wrapped up and throbbing.
“You sure I can handle all that?” I asked coyly, with my pinkie finger in my mouth.
“Why don’t you climb on board, take a ride, and we’ll find out? Won’t we?”
“Why, Mr. Chestnut, are you propositioning me?” I asked in my best Southern drawl.
Morris grinned seductively and slowly stroked himself without breaking eye contact with those big brown seductive bedroom eyes. I was in heaven. There was a God.
“I’ve told you time and time again that Denzel and Idris are cool, but don’t compare to this.”
I smiled because he was always jealous that I saw my other two men on a regular basis. I couldn’t choose. I couldn’t give any of them up.
“I know, baby. You’re right,” I said, slipping out of my clothes as fast as I could, dropping them to the floor where I stood. I couldn’t wait to feel him inside of me, expanding.
“Damn right. Come here,” he said, reaching for me.
Morris helped me onto the bed and I squatted above him as he lay flat on his back with his tool reaching for the ceiling.
“Ready to slip on and take that ride?”
I nodded as I licked my dry lips in anticipation. I slowly eased myself down and enjoyed every delicious inch as it gradually entered and filled me up to the brim.
“Ahhh,” he moaned as he lightly smacked my ass to get me moving. Morris tightly gripped the back of my buttocks as I lifted myself up and down, rotating my hips in the process. I had a delicious rhythm going that was already taking me to bliss.
“Your pussy molds to my dick. Damn.”
“You are my best man, baby,” I said, simply melting into what he was giving me.
Breakups, Construction, and New Neighbors
Chapter 18
“Somebody has leased the space next door,” Nobia reported as soon as I walked in Tuesday morning wearing a pinstriped navy blue pantsuit.
“Really? It’s about time. It’s been vacant forever.” I had thought about expanding Last Chance and leasing the space next door, too. Perhaps adding a spa with manicures/pedicures, massages, and eyelash extensions.
“I wonder what type of business it’s going to be. I hope it’s not another salon that becomes competition like before.”
“I guess we will find out soon enough,” I said, checking the mail and preparing to take it back to my office. Plus, I had to call Reverend Hill to discuss a church matter. He was on my calendar to stop by later that evening to brainstorm after hours.
“It will be good to have some new neighbors. Hope they are friendly.” She smiled, but I noticed it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
My instincts told me something was wrong as I shoved the pieces of mail into my oversized leather tote. It could wait for later. “You okay, Nobia?” I asked. “You seem a little down.”
“I guess.” We were the first to arrive at the salon, which was rare nowadays, but this meant we could talk in private.
“It’s me, Nobia. I can tell something is bothering you. What’s wrong? Spill it.”
She blurted it out without further prompting. “Me and Billy broke up.”
I didn’t comment at first because I realized my mouth would get me into trouble if I said the first thing that came to mind.
“Erika, I know you never liked him, but I did. I may have even loved him. It’s not like I get asked out all the time. I don’t have men breaking down my door asking me out. I’m not you.”
“It’s hard dating in Atlanta,” I said. “The women-to-men ratio is high, so the men in this city have lost their damn minds. They are spoiled.”
“Yeah, whatever. I don’t see you having any problems. You are always being hit on when we are out together. I become the invisible woman.”
“I’m not looking, so they probably see me as a challenge. Men love a challenge. You know men love the thrill of the chase. I’m just fine with Denzel, Idris, and Morris. They never take me for granted.”
Nobia giggled. I had told her about my celebrity fantasies that were getting out of control. Sometimes I thought the shit was real, and when I would see Denzel on TV with his wife, Pauletta, I would get jealous and feel like he was cheating on me.
“Last night, Morris Chestnut, aka Lance from The Best Man, rocked my world, a few times.” I shivered at the mere thought.
“Girl, you are sick. Only you would be satisfied daydreaming about men you have never met and probably never will.”
“You never know what the universe has planned for me or you.” I winked at her. “You’ll find someone when you least expect it. Someone who treats you right, like the Nubian queen you are. Mark my word.”
“Remind me not to hold my breath. I wouldn’t want to pass out, dead.” She sighed. “I understand I’m a big girl and not every man is into my size.”
“Not every man is into a twig either. Believe me when I say men want something to hold on to. Believe that. Don’t buy into all that hype you see on TV and read in magazines. The only thing that wants a stick is a dog, and the dog is just playing with it.”
“I realize you thought I was blind to what was happening right under my nose. I wasn’t. I guess I was willing to share Billy as long as he was discreet and came home each night.”
“You shouldn’t have to share, Nobia. You can do better than that and you should have someone who is all yours. Yours and yours alone.”
“Now I have no one. Last night Billy confided in me that we needed to spend some time away from each other for a while. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to be in a serious relationship anymore.”
I shook my head as I leaned against the counter and witnessed her distress.
“I have cooked, fed, washed, sexed, took out loans, opened credit card accounts, and the list goes on, for this ninja and now he isn’t sure if he wants a relationship. What the fuck?”
“Good riddance. Walk away because he did you a huge favor. You may not see it now but you will. Like I said, when you least expect it, you’ll find someone wonderful, your Mr. Right.”
“Yeah, right.”
“Seriously. It’s the law of the universe.”
“Again, I won’t hold my breath.”
“I see you are determined to be in a shitty mood all day until Prince Charming walks into your life and sweeps you off your feet,” I said, kidding her.
“No, just give me a day to sulk and I’ll move on,” she said, bumping my shoulder with hers. “You know how I am. I don’t have a pity party for too long. I’m like Scarlett O’Hara: ‘tomorrow is another day.’”
“Deal. On
e day,” I said, holding up one finger. “You get one day to sulk because I’m not used to seeing my friend without a smile on that pretty face. I’ll even take you out to lunch if it will help.”
“To my favorite restaurant?”
“Of course.”
“Deal.”
As I made my way to my office, I heard the beginnings of knocking, banging, and drilling sounds coming from next door. So, it began. I admit I was curious as to who our new neighbors were as well.
Surprise, Surprise, Surprise
Chapter 19
Thursday afternoon the salon was packed. Every chair was full and twice as many customers were waiting, some patiently, some not. Erika was running special walk-in deals, so we had more than our usual share of clientele, and there was a lot of activity in and around the shop since construction work was continuous next door. It had been for two days now. Even when I arrived home, I still heard the drilling and banging in my ears.
“Loretta, I saw that Mahogany, starring Diana Ross with Billy Dee Williams, comes on this weekend,” Nobia shared, walking over near my station.
“You know where I’ll be then. Front and center. That Denzel Washington, he’s cute, but he doesn’t have anything on my Billy.”
“Your Billy, huh, Loretta?” Carla laughed.
“You damn right. I’d hit that,” I said.
As they clutched their stomachs, they almost rolled on the floor in laughter. I realized they thought I was old and could be a stick in the mud, but I could have fun with the best of them.
Destiny was back and she looked healthy and content. No one mentioned what had taken place and we all went out of our way to make sure she felt comfortable. That child was good people, but just had had some bad breaks. No matter what people said about Erika, she was all right in my book, too, and she did right by Destiny.
Erika was sitting out front, installing a new software program on the PC that Nobia used every day. Today she had on a sharp red dress with matching shoes. Her hair was swept up with cascading soft curls, which framed her face, which, at the present moment, contained a pair of silver wire-rimmed glasses. She looked every bit a sexy yet sophisticated business woman. I was never one of those women who couldn’t or wouldn’t compliment another woman. Erika looked like a million dollars.
Carl Weber Presents Full Figured 6: Plus Size Divas Page 7
