“Yeah,” she said slowly.
“You OK?”
“Yeah.” She closed her eyes and felt the warmth from his skin.
He rubbed her shoulders, deciding not to press her. He squeezed her a little tighter.
For Angel, his touch was subtle reassurance. Octavio understood she just wanted to be held, touched. She rolled over and lay her head on his chest. As she dozed off, a peace and security she'd never felt lulled her to sleep. For the moment, they were both satisfied.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
saw Jermane's car pull up, so I grabbed my tote bag and got out the car. She was wearing blue jeans, rare for her, with a starched white shirt and a silk Chanel scarf tied around her neck.
Just like Jermane. She even dresses up jeans.
I threw up my hand to get Jermane's attention as she stepped out of her car. She waved back and walked toward the entrance. Jermane was obviously very comfortable walking into the lavish salon. I tried to look like I was a regular.
Quite frankly, for all this money, I could probably make my own treatments at home. That Essence article had great tips on how to make all natural scrubs. I could get some brown sugar, honey … but I guess I'd miss out on the ambiance.
The salon was actually a huge, renovated Victorian house. I scanned the lobby with its chic decor. Golden pillars framed black-and-white tilework. Small ivory statues were perched on pedestals and huge mahogany doors surrounded the front hallway.
The who's who of Black Houston made it their business to come to Ladies and Gents on their lunch-breaks to get their shoes shined, beards trimmed, manicures, pedicures, and massages. There was a hair salon, massage parlor, health bar/café, and even a barbershop and cigar shop. It was becoming a trend for men to get facials and massages now, and I couldn't help but notice all the fine brothers who had stopped in for grooming. Women serviced the men and men serviced the women, unless otherwise requested.
The host came out to greet us.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Richmond. How are you today?”
“Just fine, Julian,” Jermane said.
“And you Madame?”
“Oh, I'm fine,” I said.
“What will we be having today, Mrs. Richmond?”
“A purifying body mask, facial, and full body massage.”
“And you Madame?”
I hesitantly looked at Jermane and remembered this was her treat.
“I'll have a manicure, facial, and half-body massage,” I said.
I still wasn't used to the idea of a full body massage. Since I'd been holding out on the sex thing, I was extremely sensitive. It could really be très embarrassing.
After we signed in, the host came down with white terry cloth robes and towels. We headed for the parlor and dressing room. The men's salon was to the left. It was packed, with a hint of cigar smoke in the air.
A short distance away, I could see people in the health bar/café sipping flavored coffee, shakes, and smoothies. I made a mental note that I would indulge in a health shake before I left.
After my facial, I felt like a ton had been lifted off my face. I ran my fingers over my skin.
Didn't think all this junk would make a difference. My skin does feel kinda soft and clean. Guess I have to reconsider the home remedy stuff …
“What's next?” I asked with the enthusiasm of a child at an amusement park.
“Steam room,” Jermane said.
“I thought the massage was next?”
“I figured we can relax and talk first,” Jermane said.
“Alright,” I said, recalling this venture had a purpose.
I sat in the steam room and felt like I was in the opening scene from this old television show Sisters, where four sisters would sit, sweat, and philosophize about life.
“Lex, I've been feeling weak,” Jermane said, looking at the ceiling.
“Are you sick?”
“No. I mean I feel like I'm losing self-control,” she said.
“Jermane, you're probably just going through a phase.”
“Call it what you want, but someone had better take me seriously, and soon.”
“OK, OK. I see this is a cry for help. What's really going on? I know you're not talking about the stripper.”
“Naegel.”
“Who?”
“His name is Naegel. Naegel Foster.”
“Jermane, be for real. All these years you've seen millions of attractive, successful men, and now all of a sudden you're turned on by some fool in a Zorro costume. Do you not realize how ridiculous that sounds?”
“I'm serious, Lexi. I don't know what it is,” she said, lowering her voice, seemingly forgetting that we were the only two in the room.
“Did you go out with him?”
“No.”
“Phew, thank God. There's hope for you after all. What do you even know about him? What has he said to make you think you should risk your marriage over gyrating hips?” I asked.
“I can't explain it. It's not even about that. We have this unexplainable chemistry. I felt this heat when he stood near me, this intense rush in my body. And his eyes, they are so deep … Rex has never made me feel that way.”
“Never? Come on, Jermane, you're in love with Rex. Ya'll used to be inseparable.”
“Please, Lexi. Yes, Rex used to make me feel like that … but this is different. Besides Zorro, I mean Naegel, seems so attentive. I can't describe it. I can't put it into words …”
“Let me help you. It's called LUST, Jermane! You know, sin! The big scarlet letter …”
“Come on, Lexi, seriously. It's not exactly that. I'm just telling you how I feel. I don't plan on acting on my feelings.”
“I'm serious. There's no way you can justify having a sexual relationship with this man.”
“I just said I haven't done anything.”
“Yes you have. You've thought about it, and that's where it starts. Temptation begins with a thought. First there are subtle acts, then big acts, and the next thing you know-BA-BOOM! Everything just blows up in a big explosion and …”
“LEXI! I get your point. Calm down. I just don't know what to do. I'm lonely and I'm frustrated. I'm depressed. I don't feel like doing anything. My father has taken over my husband and my life … again.”
I tried to think of something to say. This was big. I'd never dealt with this type of issue.
Lord, please help me to help Jermane.
“Jermane, all I know is you have to be strong, God is on your side. You know marriage is in His will. I don't know Jermane, when you're married, does it really mean you'll feel good all the time? You took those vows, remember?”
“Just because I'm married doesn't mean I have to put up with everything Rex does. You just can't relate to what I'm going through. Just because you'd give anything to be married doesn't mean you can say a few magic words and everything will be OK. It's just not that simple.”
Well, just stab my heart with a dagger and twist it around. The nerve of her … I'm taking a whole afternoon off to listen to her self-imposed drama and all she can do is insult me. See what I mean, Lord? I don't know if I'm ready for this kingdom living. I really want to tell her she's being a little selfish, spoiled, overly pampered strumpet. How could she be so insensitive?
Jermane was silent. She bit her bottom lip and hesitated before she spoke. “Lexi, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to go off.”
“It's alright. I guess you're just frustrated. You're right, I don't completely understand what you're going through, but I can only tell you what my spirit is telling me. Jermane, you need to just work on your marriage and talk things out with a spiritual counselor, if need be. Don't give up on Rex and don't take the easy way out. Just be patient.”
“And I guess I can relate a little to what he's going through,” I continued, “since I'm trying to build a law practice. I sometimes work twenty-four seven too, and I know that could be hard for a partner to deal with. But once trust in a relationship is broken, you may nev
er get it back. You may not think what you and Rex have is worth saving, but it is.”
“I know Lexi, I know. I really don't want to lose Rex, but I need him now. We've been married less than five years and haven't had a chance to truly enjoy our marriage. It's like we immediately went into overdrive. He knows how much I used to talk about my father and how I never saw him. He was there for the big events, but it's the everyday, little things he missed. My father doesn't listen to anyone. He just talks and dominates, and Rex has fallen right into his trap. He's exhausted most of the time, talking about this case or that case. I'm really starting to hate the law.”
“Why don't you try talking to your father?”
“Yeah, right … he'll just find some way to shoo me off like a little child. He doesn't realize I'm a woman.”
“Well, Jermane, just consider the consequences of your actions. I know you love God. It's a sin to commit adultery.”
“I didn't say I was going to do anything. Besides, God forgives sin,” Jermane said as she pulled her towel tighter.
“Jermane, that's a cop-out and you know it. What's so special about this man anyway besides the attraction?” I asked.
“He's focused and gentlemanly. I feel like he knows me already. He didn't give me any indication that he wants to have sex with me.”
“None that you were aware of,” I said. “Jermane, just trust me on this. Don't do anything you'll regret. It may seem tempting, but in the end, you'll hurt just as much as Rex. I know you have better sense than that.”
“That's the problem. I'm too sensible.”
“I'm not going to say anything else about it.”
_____
was a little uneasy about having a male masseur, but I became more relaxed after I saw how handsome he was. He had a very soothing voice and I was at total peace. I found my thoughts drifting.
I hadn't thought about marriage for a while. I still couldn't understand why I wasn't married yet. I'm attractive and smart and dependable. So what was up?
I peeked out of one eye toward Jermane, who was getting a massage to my left. Everything just fell into place for her. She must be out of her mind to even think about jeopardizing her marriage. Heck, I would kill to even have a man consistently from one birthday to the next.
I felt myself getting mad and frustrated. I wondered why I always had to be there for everyone. Even my ex-boyfriends called about their problems.
That's it. I'm tired of training men for other women. Lord, until it's right, help me to hold on to my feelings and my advice. I wish I could be tough like Angel. She has men eating out of her hands all the time. It baffles me. It seems as though the nicer I am to men, the worse they treat me. All the fragments of my heart are spread out among past lovers. I promise myself that I'll wait on God. No more disappointments.
But even after my prayer, the wounds in my heart lingered.
“Lex, you almost finished over there?” Jermane asked.
“Yeah, I'll probably be done before you. I'll meet you downstairs in the café.”
“Alright.”
As I showered, I listened to the piano sounds of Alex Bugnon playing over the intercom. After rubbing peach-scented lotion on my shoulders and elbows, I slipped on my long tank dress. Jermane slid into the dressing room.
“I'm finished. It won't take me any time to get ready.”
“I'm heading downstairs,” I said as I finished packing my bag.
I sat at a table trying to look like I was waiting for someone as opposed to trying to pick someone up, though I always had an eye out for prospects. I was about to sip on my strawberry health shake when I looked up and caught the eyes of a nice-looking young man. He had on black, cuffed slacks and a crisp white shirt with golden cufflinks and a tie. His toffee-colored baby face was warm, friendly, and his hair was slightly curly. He kind of nodded his head and gave a slight smile.
“Why can't he just come over here and say something?” I mumbled under my breath.
By the time I looked back up again from my drink, Jermane had appeared and the young man was gone.
“Oh well, easy come, easy go,” I said as I signaled Jermane over. As she walked over to me, I saw several men staring at her. I tried not to be envious.
“Hey, you. What are you drinking?” Jermane asked.
“A strawberry shake.”
“Is it any good?”
“Yep.”
“I guess I'll stick with my vanilla-honey health shake.”
“Whatever.”
“What's wrong with you? You're not mad at me, are you?” Jermane asked as she settled in her chair.
“No, it's just that … oh never mind,” I said, not wanting to expose my disappointment.
“OK. Well, don't say I didn't ask what's bothering you.”
“Yeah, uh, I won't,” I said, scanning the room for my lost prospect.
“We'd better get ready to go. We've spent all afternoon getting beautiful,” Jermane said.
“Yeah, back to reality.”
walked through my door and felt the emptiness of my apartment. I smiled when I saw the vase that held the bouquet of flowers I picked up at the grocery store yesterday. One day, I would come home and hear noise from that special someone who would buy a bouquet especially for me.
I did my routine walk toward the caller ID, taking off a piece of clothing with each step. Soon, I just stood at the phone table in my underwear.
Capri called.
I went into the bedroom, threw on my sorority T-shirt, and plopped on the living room couch. I felt extremely relaxed. I figured after watching a couple of shows, I'd call Capri, and then finish doing some work. But the phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it's Capri.”
“Hey, what's up? I was going to holler at you later.”
“Where have you been all day? I called the office.”
“I told you that I was going to meet Jermane today at Ladies and Gents.”
“Oh, yeah. I forgot all about that little escapade. What forced you to go there?”
“Jermane paid for it.”
“I knew it. How was it?”
“It was pretty nice. I could get used to it. There were a lot of fine men!”
“You meet anybody?”
“No, girl.”
“Speaking of men, guess who I'm going out with Saturday?”
“Mr. Stanton?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, it's about time, don't you think?”
“All right, smart-A.”
“So what are you going to do? Where are you going? What are you going to wear?” I asked anxiously.
“Girl, calm down. This is not the president.”
“Well, I'm just saying, the man has it going on and …”
“… and so do I! I'm not tripping. I'll tell you about the details after the date. Besides, I told you that I don't like to date athletes,” Capri added. “They act like they're God. It's our fault. We build them up that way. They usually have two or three women and act like they can walk on water. The last time I checked, only Jesus could do that!”
“I don't know, Capri. Tony seems different, so down to earth.”
“They're all like that in the beginning. Then their big head gets the better of them.”
“Well, just give the man a fair chance.”
“Yeah, well life isn't too fair, now is it?”
“Capri, why do you have to be so cynical?”
“Trust me. I've dated athletes before and they're nothing new under the sun.”
“Well, just let me know how your date goes. I'm pulling for my man Tony.”
“Yeah, yeah, don't give him his props too soon.”
“Have you heard from Jewel?” I asked.
“Yeah, she called bugging me on my job today. I swear, that girl has some issues. She was complaining about her supervisor being on her case, and how she's just jealous because Jewel is a size five and she weighs 300 pounds. The woman has told Jewel several time
s that she needs to take responsibility for her tardiness, but Jewel, being Jewel, just doesn't seem to get it. No one is going to just take care of her.”
“Don't be so rough on her. She's spoiled and shallow, yes, but there's something underneath all of that that's true and loving. By the way, she talks about Anthony Stanton all the time. It's just killing her that you're dating a pro basketball player.”
“I am not dating him!”
“Not yet.”
“Girl, let me get ready to get off this phone. I need to finish up here and head home. I'm exhausted,” Capri said.
“Sounds like somebody is trying to make partner.”
“Please. You know what the plan is.”
“Alright. I'll talk to you soon.”
I got off the couch, went to get a cold eye mask from the refrigerator, placed it over my eyes, and laid back. The mask felt soothing to me. I blindly reached for the remote and turned on the TV. I heard Brian Mc-Knight's tenor voice fill the room and imagined he was singing to me. I reminded myself that God had someone special coming my way.
When he shows up, he'll be especially made for me. He will pamper me, remember every holiday, and my favorite color. He'll send me flowers and will meet me for espresso at midnight, just because. He will love the Lord. He will love me, despite my less-than-perfect feet. I imagine that when I look sad, he will know and care enough to cheer me up. He will pull the car up to the curb when it rains, and he will be all mine.
But I was in the here and now, by myself, so I removed the eye mask, got up, and ate the leftover pizza from the refrigerator.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
ey, rough day?” Toliver inquired, peeking out his front door.
“Toliver, do you work?” Jewel said as she
was about to unlock her door.
“Yes, I work. I'm a graphic arts designer.”
“Well, it seems like the only thing you've designed
in the last year was that house and your porch because
you're always here.”
“Check yourself before I wreck you, little girl!” “Toliver, I'm really not in the mood today.” “What's the matter, you actually had to work a full
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