Capri tried not to get caught up, but for a moment she felt pretty good. After a toast was made and a few pieces of cake eaten, Capri felt like it was time to make her getaway.
“Uh, Mr. Levinson, I need to get back and finish up some projects.”
“Always thinking about business, Capri. You need to take a break sometime. We can't use any burned-out attorneys. Besides, you have enough billable hours to lend to a few of these other associates.”
Capri slightly tilted her head back and gave one of her “firm laughs,” then smiled.
“No, truly, sir, I have to get back to tie up some things before I go.”
“Alright, I guess we can let you go. Oh, by the way,” he said as Capri walked toward the door, “we're having a small cocktail party at Fredrico's in about three weeks with several attorneys and other Fast-Trak people. I'd like to see you there. You'll get an e-mail soon,” he said, peeking out over his glasses.
In other words, another mandatory meeting.
“Sure, I'll look for the invite. Thanks again,” she said as she made her exit from the chamber.
“Congratulations, Ms. Sterling,” the receptionist said with slight enthusiasm.
“Oh, yeah, thanks,” Capri said, focused on the elevator button. “Thanks a lot.”
Capri stepped into the elevator and wondered what had just happened. She felt so relieved to be in the elevator, alone. Her heart resumed its normal pace. She looked in the mirror and realized she was starting to get caught up in the firm life. She was starting not to despise the partners so much. She liked her desk and the view in her office. And then, on top of all this, she had the nerve to actually bring in a top client, or start “rainmaking,” as the partners called it.
She felt like she was losing her principles.
Something has to change. I'm winning at this game and I don't like it … or do I?
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
ngel opened the door to her condo and rushed to turn the air conditioner on. No matter what time of the year it was in Houston, it felt like summer. The first thing she did was remove her stockings. Even though she always wore stockings and garters instead of pantyhose, she always felt a great relief when they came off. She sorted through her mail and noticed a letter from the doctor's office.
Probably a statement of my bill. I'd hate to be poor and sick in this country.
She decided to go to the refrigerator and pour herself a glass of wine before she read the letter.
“We have been trying to contact you to schedule another appointment …”
Once she read the letter, she placed it on her coffee table. She assured herself that it was nothing too serious. She grabbed the bottle of chilled Chardonnay and stretched out on the sofa.
She removed her damp red lace bra. The phone rang, as if on cue. She looked at the caller box to see if she wanted to be bothered with whomever was calling.
“What's up?”
“Hey, girl. What you doin'?” Lexi said.
“Just got in. Like I said, I've been working pretty late hours lately.”
“Well, I know that feeling. At least you get a regular check.”
“Getting a regular check is cool, but I have to answer to several people. Right now, they are all on me,” Angel said, feeling the pressure even as she spoke. “I think they know I could care less about all this political crap. I just want to do my job and go home,” she said as she positioned her feet up on the couch and grabbed the remote.
“Yeah, I hear you.”
“Lex, remember when I told you I went to the doctor's the other day?”
“Yeah. You are alright, aren't you?”
“Well, I suppose so. They've been calling me but I've been too busy and tired to get back to them. Then they sent me a letter that said Dr. Parish wanted to discuss my Pap smear results. I'm supposed to call them to set up an appointment for further testing.”
“Hmmm, well everything will be alright. Don't panic. I'll be praying for you.”
“Is that your answer for everything?” Angel asked, sounding somewhat irritated.
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I guess that is my answer for everything,” Lexi said with conviction.
“Well, whatever. You and your faith thing,” Angel said. “Have you ever called one of those psychics?”
“Psychics? Girl, no! That's not from God!”
“Here we go again. It's not a big deal. It's all in fun. Some sound legitimate, like they know what they're talking about.”
“Yeah, the enemy knows us well, too, and he uses people,” Lexi said.
“The enemy? Really, Lexi, you're really starting to get weird,” Angel said.
“Well, just promise me that before you call a psychic, you'll call me first and we'll talk about it or pray.”
“Alright, if you insist. I promise,” Angel said. “Anyway, I would love to enlighten you with more stimulating conversation, but I need to get some rest.”
“Before you go, what are you doing Wednesday?” Lexi asked.
“I don't know. What's up?”
“Jermane and I are going to Ladies and Gents Salon around 1:30 p.m.”
“Well, first of all, some of us work all day,” Angel said sarcastically.
“Angel, please. You know you find time to get those toes done and eyebrows arched when you want to,” I said.
“Yes, but I told you my supervisor has been checking on me lately. I don't know what the deal is, but they've really been in my business. Besides, Lex, even if I had the time, I wouldn't want to spend it at any bourgeois establishment that Jermane or Jewel hangs out at.”
“Angel, I know you of all people are not talking. Anyway, if you change your mind …”
“I won't. But I will let you know what happens with the doctor.”
“OK. I'll see you at brunch if we don't hook up before then,” I said.
Angel continued to rest on the couch, switching channels with her remote even though the television was on mute. She'd brought files home with her but refused to go near her briefcase. She refused to worry about work or her body. She switched to a channel that had a tall, good-looking Black man in a tailored suit moving quickly back and forth across the stage.
Not another religious fanatic. He's probably made a fortune off of weak people calling in making pledges for some miracle.
Just as she was about to turn the channel, the man pointed at the screen. She released the mute button to hear what he was talking about.
“Do you need to be made whole? Do you feel like there's a void in your life that needs to be filled? Come to Jesus. Come, just as you are. God knows we're not perfect. If you just come, He'll get you right. If you knew that today would be your last day on earth, can you honestly say you would go to heaven? Don't let another moment pass by without surrendering your life to the Lord!” the excited preacher shouted.
Angel watched as people came down the aisle-some crying, some running, others in hesitation. She listened and wanted to change the channel, but she didn't press the button. The man's words pierced her body. Something wasn't right in her world.
She quickly turned the channel to BET and watched music videos until she dozed off. An hour later, the phone rang.
“Hello?” Angel said in a semi-groggy voice.
“You sound out of it. Want me to catch you tomorrow?”
“Octavio?”
“Yeah, baby, it's me.”
Baby? Oh yeah, I forgot. I am his baby now.
“Hey, what time is it?”
“8:30.”
“Wow. I didn't mean to doze off for that long,” Angel said.
“Are you OK?”
“Yeah, yeah, boy. I'm hungry,” she said as she wrinkled her forehead.
“Get that frown off your face,” Octavio said.
“How do you know I'm frowning?”
“I just know,” he said.
“You think you know me so well.”
“I do. So, do you want to get something to eat?”
> “You know if I hook up with you tonight, I'll have a hard time getting up in the morning for work,” Angel said.
“Can't come out and play because it's a school night?”
“Very funny.”
Angel felt good until she looked at the doctor's envelope on the coffee table.
“Well, if you can't come out, I'll come over,” Octavio said insistently. “How about some of Drexler's barbecue?”
“This late? I can hear my stomach crying.”
“Well, what do you have a taste for?”
“Umm, how about some salad or pasta,” Angel suggested.
“Sweetheart, I need a meal.”
“Well, barbecue is fine. Whatever you want. I just won't eat a lot,” Angel replied. “Oh, but they do have some great cheesecake. Could you get me a slice?”
“Sure thing. I'll be over in about half an hour,” he said. “And make sure you call the security people downstairs. It's like Fort Knox trying to get up in that ivory tower of yours.”
“Just get your behind over here with the food.”
“Alright, sexy. See ya.”
Sexy?
Angel jumped up and into the shower in what seemed like one movement. She lathered herself with perfumed soap gel and washed her face. She got out, applied papaya lotion all over, and rubbed petroleum jelly on her dark maple-colored shoulders and knees. She moisturized her face and put on a hint of makeup. She applied some moisturizer to her hair and brushed it slightly, giving herself a mental pat on the back for choosing to cut her hair. She got so much more attention with shorter hair. Octavio loved it.
As she was getting dressed, she remembered the stockings and garter left in the middle of the floor and reminded herself to pick them up before Octavio got there. She slid on her jeans and a black tank top with thin straps. She remained barefoot, wanting to expose her French pedicure. Finally, she brushed her teeth and freshened her breath with mouthwash. She lit a few scented candles and turned on her old-school Sade CD. She relaxed as the timeless lyrics of “Your Love Is King” oozed into the room.
She walked back to the mirror and looked herself over. She did a half-turn and noticed how her jeans hugged her hips. A twenty-two-year-old has nothing on me!
The intercom rang. She walked to the door and told the doorman to let him up. She felt a nervous excitement inside her stomach. If this had been any other man, she would have him over without any emotional attachment. Octavio was different.
A knock at the door caused her heart to jump slightly.
“Hey, baby,” Octavio said as he slid through her door.
“Hey, how are you doing?” Angel said as she grabbed one of the bags from his hands. She walked to the kitchen, placed the bag down, and grabbed some plates.
“This smells good. I'm famished,” she said.
Octavio was paying no attention to what she was saying. His eyes were focused on her waist. Then he noticed the slight cleavage that peeked from her black tank top. He was turned on by the simplicity of her outfit. Everything fit just right. He loved the way she moved. She was tough, yet tender. She had a hard edge, but would soften at the right word or touch. He knew how to handle her, but wasn't about to let her know that.
“Octavio!”
“Yeah?” he said, trying to camouflage his thoughts.
“Didn't you hear me? I said how did that deposition go today?”
“Deposition? I don't want to talk about that now.”
Angel thought that if she kept the conversation on work the atmosphere wouldn't be too uncomfortable. She was fooling herself. She looked at Octavio and noticed again how fine he was. And he always made her feel beautiful.
It was the opposite with her ex-husband. He always made her feel like she was never good enough. “WHY ARE YOU WEARING THAT OUTFIT … THAT HAIRCUT MAKES YOU LOOK OLD … YOU CAN'T COOK …” Thoughts of his loud, harsh voice still pierced her, even now.
Octavio couldn't take his eyes off Angel. She was trying to pull out a couple of trays to put the food on and he jumped up and grabbed them for her.
“Thanks,” she said, trying to ignore his body rubbing up against hers.
“This is Sade?”
“Yeah,” she said.
“I love her. She is such a beautiful and sensual woman. I wish she would make albums more often,” Octavio said.
“Yeah. I love her music, too.”
“So are you,” he said, licking his already moistened lips.
“So am I what?”
“You're beautiful and sensual, too.”
“Anyway,” she said coyly.
Angel sat down next to Octavio and admired his casual elegance. He had on a pair of khakis and a white Banana Republic T-shirt with brown leather mules. As they began to eat, Angel grabbed the remote and turned on BET's Comic View.
“This guy is hilarious,” she said as she felt barbecue sauce drip down her chin.
“Angel, look at me,” Octavio said softly.
Thinking he was going to kiss her, she froze.
“You have barbecue sauce on your chin,” he said as he grabbed a napkin.
Just as he was about to wipe her mouth, he grabbed her chin and placed his lips over hers. Then he lightly kissed around her mouth and licked the barbecue sauce. His mouth soon found his way back to hers.
Angel couldn't believe the intensity of their kiss. She wanted to fight it so hard, but felt like all she could do was surrender. Angel felt his hands move softly and gracefully along her shoulders down to her hands. Her shoulders went limp to his touch. Then his right hand glided to the very top of her tank. He started to sigh, sweetly, softly. She melted.
He slipped off the thin straps that graced her shoulders. They could hear the faint laughter of the Comic View audience. While continuing his maneuvers, he grabbed the remote and tried to turn the television off, but clicked the mute button instead.
He kissed the top of her forehead and then moved around to her ears and neck. He grabbed her jeans, she jumped slightly.
“What's wrong?” he asked as he stopped immediately.
“Nothing.”
“Well, don't interrupt me when I'm working,” he said with a smile.
“It's just that … you're freaking me out,” she said. “You just make me feel so good.”
“Isn't that the whole point?”
“I'm just scared.”
“Of what?” He rubbed his forehead.
“Of losing our friendship.”
“Angel, I can't continue to just be your friend. I have tried and tried, but I'm extremely attracted to you. No other woman turns me on like you do. You have something special, and we have the friendship on top of it. You have to admit, this kind of chemistry doesn't happen every day.”
“Octavio, I just don't want it to be like this.”
“Like what?”
“Just bump and grind and there you have it. With us, it's different.”
“Different. How?” he asked.
“Well, I think if we start having sex, things will get all deep. Then things will start to get too emotional. I just can't take all that right now.”
“Angel, do you realize most women spend their entire lives looking for a chance to fall in love with someone who will love them back?”
“I know, but the last time I truly loved someone, it hurt beyond words.”
“You're talking about your ex-husband again. He's truly making my life miserable. Let him go!”
“Look, you just don't understand. Things always start out good and …”
“Angel, I care about you. Why is that so hard to accept? It'll be impossible to run me off, unless you do something ridiculous.”
“Okay then, we won't have sex. Just eat your barbecue.”
“You've got some issues,” Octavio said as he turned up the television.
“I never said that I didn't want to,” Angel said.
He scanned the channels, found a late-night cartoon. They ate in silence for a few minutes.
&nbs
p; “Well, I guess I better let you get some rest for tomorrow,” he eventually said.
“What?” Her heart jumped at the thought of him leaving.
“Yeah, I'd better go.”
“See what I mean?” Angel said, as she grabbed her cheesecake and placed a forkful in her mouth.
“What? You were the one who said you had to get up in the morning?” he said.
“Well, you can stay. I can make you a place on the couch. Just stay,” she softly pleaded.
Octavio looked into her eyes and saw the little girl that Angel worked overtime to hide.
“Alright. I don't know about this couch stuff, but I'll try. Let me go downstairs and get my overnight bag.”
“Overnight bag? Aren't we sure of ourselves!”
“Like I haven't spent the night with you before,” he said as he walked out the door.
“Yeah, but this is different,” she said as she noticed how firm his behind was.
ngel looked at the clock. 3:15 a.m. She couldn't sleep. She just lay in bed, looking at the ceiling. She slowly eased from under the covers to go to the bathroom. She didn't want to wake Octavio up. Then she quietly walked into the kitchen to grab some juice and began to walk to her room. She stopped and looked at Octavio lying on the couch. He had one leg hanging from under the covers. His hairy calf caused her to pause. She placed her glass on the counter and moved closer. She noticed a half-smile on his face. Whatever he's dreaming about must be good.
She stood there a little longer, then leaned over and kissed him softly on his lips. He woke up, but didn't move. The only light was from the bathroom down the hall. She lifted up her white satin gown, climbed on the couch, and straddled Octavio's body. She began to sprinkle him with featherlike kisses. He wrapped his arms around her back. Soon his legs embraced her, too.
“I don't think you realize how beautiful you are,” he said as he took in the silhouette of her body with his eyes.
She got up and grabbed his arm. He stood, then lifted her from the floor, and carried her to the bedroom. He lowered her onto the bed, and she released his neck. Once under the covers, they kissed, tenderly and passionately.
Suddenly, Angel stopped and rolled over.
“Babe?” he whispered in her ear, then wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her close to him.
Sunday Brunch Page 11
