A Heart to Heal

by Synithia Williams

  He barely brushed his lips against hers, embracing the cockiness that came when she pressed against him for more. He stepped back and let his arm leave her waist.

  “Call my office tomorrow at lunch and I’ll answer your questions about the health screening. Or work it out with Anna. Otherwise, I’ll see you at the next meeting.”

  Confusion clouded her beautiful eyes as he led her to the door. “But … ”

  “No buts, Shayla. We’re friends, nothing more.” He said gently pushing her out the door.

  “Devin, I wish I could, but … ”

  “I know. It’s easier this way.” He couldn’t keep the resentment out of his tone. When the pain flashed in her eyes it was almost his undoing, so he quickly closed the door. Damn her and her exotic brown eyes that always tore at his heart. He couldn’t keep protecting Shayla from hurt. If he did, who would protect him?

  Chapter 18

  Shayla lay staring at the ceiling in her bedroom. Two weeks had passed since Devin hadn’t kissed her in his office and sexual frustration chewed at her insides constantly. Two weeks of seeing him at the festival planning meetings. Talking and laughing with him when they discussed the health screening. His friendship was pleasurable and painful. While it was good to have her friend back, it wasn’t easing the constant yearning between her legs.

  Her thoughts went to the way he’d gently rubbed her back while saying goodbye after the festival planning meeting the night before. The simple act heated her arousal, and it wasn’t cooled when he leaned in to whisper in her ear that he was “still waiting”. She closed her eyes, succumbing to memory of his large warm palm against her lower back, the humid kiss of his breath against her sensitive ear, the drugging scent of his cologne and the comfort that came from the closeness of his large body. Her hand moved from its resting spot above her head on a slow trail down her body. As her mind’s eye filled with Devin’s image, wetness spread heavily between her thighs. Her breathing hitched as her fingers grazed across her breasts. Her hands were too small. Still, she imagined the sound of his voice, deep and husky with desire after he’d kissed her. She parted her legs, pretending he was there urging her to do it. The tips of her fingers just breached the barrier of her underwear when a pounding on the door startled her.

  She’d ignore it. She drummed her fingers on her abdomen and clenched her eyes closed. Hoping whoever it was would go away and she could get back to her fantasy.

  “Shayla, wake up,” her mom’s called from the other side.

  With a groan, she took a deep breath and snatched her hand away from their destination. Her mom effectively ruined her fantasy.

  She got out of bed and grabbed a t-shirt out of the drawer to cover her camisole and panties before hurrying to the door. She had to take a deep breath to regain a semblance of composure before opening the door. Marcella greeted her with a smile. Shayla was momentarily taken aback. Ever since she’d taken such an interest in the church festival, and Reverend Jenkins boasted to everyone in town about the new additions, her mom’s icy treatment had warmed significantly. Proof that fantasizing about Devin was smarter than actually sleeping with him.

  “Oh, good, you’re up,” she said. “Get dressed and come to the farmers market with me and your aunt Linda.”

  Shayla grinned and stopped herself from reaching out to hug her mom. No need to push things too far. “Sure, I’ll be ready in twenty minutes.”

  Marcella nodded. “I already made breakfast. Hurry up before Kenny eats it all.” She gave Shayla one last smile before turning to walk off the porch.

  Shayla shut the door and rushed into her bedroom. She pulled out a pair of jeans and an orange top. Instead of waiting to fill the tub and take a bath, she stuffed her bathroom toiletries into a bag, put on some yoga pants, and hurried to her mom’s house for a shower.

  Her Aunt Linda arrived just as she finished showering and the three left shortly thereafter for the farmer’s market. Five hours later they were sitting on her mom’s front porch snapping beans and watching people in the neighborhood go about their weekend business. Kids played, women sat on porches talking, and men huddled in corners laughing and joking.

  Life in Helena had the potential to be kinda nice. Reverend Jenkins’ approval of her festival ideas not only softened her mother’s attitude toward her, it also softened some of the people in town. A few people smiled and nodded at her in the grocery store. Devin was right, after one of Tony’s friends was caught sneaking around with a married woman, most of the gossip in town went to that instead of her. Plus, she enjoyed eating dinner with her mom and brother every night.

  Thankfully, she’d only run into Tony once since the party. In the grocery store when she was shopping with her mother. She didn’t have to ignore him; her mother’s evil stare was enough to keep him at bay. It didn’t prevent him from leering at her, but she’d rather have his leer than be forced to talk with him. Roxanne had proved to be a real friend after volunteering to help with the festival after she’d learned Shayla was on the committee. Roxanne made another ally against Martha Taylor and Mr. Porter on the planning committee.

  If she could be with Devin things would be perfect.

  Her hands slowed in their efficient movements snapping the ends of the beans. She wished it were as simple as he thought it was for them to be together, but agreeing to a relationship with him, would also mean giving up the small amount of peace she’d found in Helena.

  Her mom and aunt cackled beside her. She missed the joke, but still turned and smiled before picking up the pace and snapping beans. Her brother came out the door, followed closely by his friend Bobby.

  Kenny squeezed between their mom and Aunt Linda’s chairs which blocked the front door and rested his large shoulders on the railing at the top of the porch. Bobby leaned against the porch rail right in front of Shayla. She glared at him and he just grinned back.

  “Damn, Ma, you think you got enough beans,” Kenny said grinning and nudging the tub of beans with his toe.

  “The way you eat, I probably need to go back for more.”

  Kenny laughed. “Yeah, you probably right.”

  Aunt Linda pointed from Kenny to Bobby, “What are y’all about to get into?”

  Kenny rubbed his hands together. “Gonna hit up Club Voracious tonight. Check out the ladies.”

  Aunt Linda’s lips twisted with a frown. “Nothing good goes on in that place.”

  “Save that for Kia. She’s up in there every weekend,” Kenny said.

  Marcella waved a bean at Linda. “That’s what I said.”

  Linda shrugged. “I told that girl she’ll never catch Devin hanging out there every weekend. She don’t wanna listen.”

  Shayla’s hands slowed only momentarily. Her family acted as if it was inevitable for Devin and Kia to hook up. She snatched the ends off the bean in her hand and threw it into the bucket.

  Bobby shifted and cleared his throat. “I thought Devin’s interest was elsewhere.” He stared pointedly at Shayla.

  Everyone else on the porch turned toward her. Her face prickled with heat. She quickly picked up another bean to break apart. “I hope you don’t mean me. I have my sights set on bigger fish than Devin Jones.”

  Her mom and aunt both fell back in their chairs. The relief in their eyes caused a pain in her chest.

  “Who you got your eye on, sis? Ain’t too many big fish round here besides Devin.” Kenny asked.

  She didn’t have her eye on anyone, but it was better to make up a pretend love interest than have her family suspect she was going after Devin.

  “A guy in Columbia. Don’t ask who, you’ll find out when you need to,” she said.

  Her mom stopped snapping beans and faced her. “When you get time to meet a guy in Columbia?”

  “It’s nothing serious. Just something I’m thinking about. Can we leave it
alone, please?”

  Kia’s car pulled up in the driveway, ending the interrogation. Kia got out and walked toward the stairs, a bounce to her step. “What’s up, everyone. Hey, Momma,” she said leaning on the railing opposite of Kenny.

  Aunt Linda eyed Kia from head to toe. “What got you all happy?”

  Kia grinned, brightening her entire face with youthful exuberance. “I just ran into Devin and his daddy at Piggly Wiggly.”

  “Really?” Marcella asked.

  Linda planted a hand on her hip. “Did you get the vinegar like I asked you to?”

  Kia nodded. “Yeah, it’s in the car. Kenny, go get it.”

  Kenny rolled his eyes, but left the porch for her car. Aunt Linda nodded and Kia continued.

  “I went over to say hi. And then we got to talking about weekend plans. They’re eating dinner at the diner downtown tonight. I said I didn’t have plans, but loved the pot roast down there … ”

  “You hate that pot roast.” Kenny said coming back up the stairs. He handed the bag with the vinegar to Linda.

  Kia sucked her teeth. “Shut up. He don’t know that. Anyway, I kinda hinted around that I wouldn’t mind eating there tonight.” She paused and grinned at everyone on the porch.

  Linda leaned forward in the chair. “And come on girl, spill it.”

  Shayla held her breath. But the answer was obvious. Her cousin wouldn’t be so happy if she wasn’t eating with them. Still she hoped for another answer.

  “And,” Kia said drawing out the syllables for effect. “Roscoe said ‘why don’t you two go there tonight and I stay at home’. I could have jumped for joy.”

  Linda squealed. Raising her hands in the air and shaking them. Shayla lowered her head and fought back tears. Roscoe pushed them together? She would have expected Devin to do it as a way to get back at her, but for Roscoe to do it hurt more.

  “Damn, y’all women be plotting,” Bobby said rubbing his neck. “I feel for old doc.”

  Marcella flicked her wrist. “Boy, please. We ain’t no worse than men. Always plotting and scheming to get a woman in bed.”

  Kenny shook his head and shuddered. “Momma, hush. I don’t want to think of you like that. Come on, Bobby; let’s hang at your place.”

  Bobby straightened away from the railing and followed Kenny. “Looks like things are working out. Kia’s bout to snag Dr. Jones and Shayla has a new man in Columbia.” His snicker made Shayla’s skin crawl.

  Kia’s face brightened even more. “You got a man, Shayla?”

  Shayla tossed the last of her beans in her bowl and stood. “Something like that.” She dumped her bowl into the bucket between her mom and Linda. “I’m going home to chill for awhile. I’ll be back later.”

  “Okay, baby,” her mom said.

  Shayla froze. Her mom hadn’t used an endearment with her … ever. She smiled tentatively at her mom, who returned the gesture before looking at Kia with satisfaction.

  Shayla turned to go down the stairs and Kia stopped her. “Hey, can I borrow that red blouse up you wore the other day?”

  No, was on the tip of her tongue. Kia didn’t need more ammunition in her hunt for Devin Jones. That shirt was cut to accentuate curves and the buttons didn’t start until right above the breast. The last thing she needed was for Devin to notice the curves on the, as he said, young and gorgeous Kia.

  “Of course you can borrow her shirt,” Marcella said.

  Kia smiled turned triumphant and Shayla fought the urge to slap it off her cousin’s face. “Come on,” Shayla said.

  Kia followed her off the porch. Kenny blew his car horn as he and Bobby pulled out of the yard and down the street. They both waved and then walked the short distance to Shayla’s rented house. A few minutes later they were inside and Shayla was grudgingly pulling her shirt out of the closet and handing it over to Kia.

  Instead of leaving, Kia plunked down on Shayla’s bed. “So, you really don’t care about me going out with Devin?”

  Shayla crossed her arms and leaned against the dresser. “Why should I care? I told him you two would make a cute couple.”

  Kia’s eyes widened. “Really? What did he say?”

  Shayla picked an imaginary piece of lint off her shirt in an effort to pretend this conversation wasn’t excruciating. “Something about you being gorgeous.”

  Kia clapped her hands and fell back on the bed. “I can’t believe it. Oh, Shayla, I was so worried that you really planned to go for him.” She sat up and sighed. “I’m sorry I didn’t believe you, because I really like him.”

  Kia’s apology and happiness was like a knife to the gut. She turned away and fiddled with the mountain of perfume, makeup, and jewelry on her dresser. “It’s okay.”

  “So, who’s the new man you’re into?”

  Shayla shook her head. “Just an idea I got, that’s all.”

  “Don’t hold back, what type of idea?”

  Shayla pulled a folded sheet of paper from the mess on her dresser. It was the flyer for the art show held by the artist who painted the picture she’d admired in the library. She’d forgotten the show was tonight. It was something she’d hoped to do when she’d first gotten to town. A way to get a taste of some of the culture she’d enjoyed in Atlanta, but over the past week she hadn’t missed art shows or fancy conversation any more. Suddenly, the idea of doing that versus waiting around for Kia to come back from her date seemed promising.

  She picked up the flyer and gave it to Kia. “I’m going to that show tonight. Maybe something good will pop off.”

  Kia read the flyer, and her brow furled. “You’re not going there to hook up with Tyrell Crawford. He’s married!”

  Shayla rolled her eyes. “Oh, Kia, please.”

  Kia held up her hands. “Never mind, it’s none of my business.” She jumped up from the bed and put the flyer on the dresser.

  “Kia — ”

  “You be careful and have fun, because I know I will.” Kia said. The last part effectively ended Shayla’s attempt to clarify her assumption.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Kia smirked. “Whatever Devin Jones wants it to mean.” She grabbed the shirt off the bed and gave Shayla a quick hug. “See you tomorrow.” Then breezed out the door.

  Chapter 19

  Devin glanced at Kia over the top of the menu. She caught his gaze and smiled. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly before he looked back at the plastic covered sheet. He was stalling. He knew what he wanted, what he always ordered when he and his dad came to the Main Street diner for dinner. Grilled pork chop, collard greens with rice and gravy. Right about now he’d be arguing with his dad about ordering the apple pie a la mode to eat before dinner. Instead, he was on an unwanted date with a member of his staff. He could strangle his dad for forcing this on him, but why bother. Roscoe Jones would come back as a ghost and try to influence his life.

  “I think I’ll get the baked chicken,” Kia said putting the menu down. “I’m in the mood for something different.”

  Devin set his menu aside and cocked a brow. “Not feeling your favorite dish here tonight?”

  She grinned prettily and leaned forward. “No, but I am in the mood for a good dessert.”

  He cleared his throat and sat back. Thankfully, Jennie came up. She pulled a pen from behind her ear and braced it against the pad in her hand.

  “Good evening, Dr. Jones.” She glanced at Kia. “Decided for prettier company than your dad, I see.”

  Kia beamed and Devin shifted in his seat. “Kia works with me.”

  Jennie shrugged. “Don’t mean she ain’t pretty.”

  Devin slid the menu to the side of the table and changed the subject. “I’ll have my usual, thank you.”

  Jennie wrote down his order and looked at Kia. After Kia ordered,
she stuck the pen back in her hair and sauntered away. Kia looked at him with thinly veiled stars in her eyes. He shifted in his seat and looked everywhere but at her. That didn’t help. All eyes were on their table. Many of his patients had to pick that night to have dinner there. He hadn’t brought a date out in Helena in years. The last few women he’d dated he’d met in Columbia. He knew that if he was seen with a woman around town the gossips would have him engaged before the end of the week. His dad knew the same thing, yet he’d insisted Devin come. He wasn’t sure what Roscoe’s game was, but forcing Kia on him wasn’t cool. It would only make it harder to convince Shayla to get over what the gossips thought and agree to date him.

  He gave another weak nod and half smile to one of his patients from across the room. Shayla’s idea of keeping a relationship between them a secret had merits. He hadn’t gotten through dinner with Kia yet, but already he could see the tongues wagging and speculating.

  He turned back to Kia who was twisting the napkin into pieces in front of her. He could try harder to be a better dinner companion. It wasn’t her fault they were here.

  “So, what is … ” he stopped mid sentence. Asking what Shayla was up to tonight wasn’t going to redeem his lack of enthusiasm. “What’s your mom up to?”

  Kia sighed and relief filled her eyes. “She’s probably at home trying to dig herself out of a mountain of beans. I don’t understand why she buys so much stuff, but every time she goes to the farmers market, she comes back with enough food to feed the entire neighborhood. Her deep freezer is overflowing.”

  Devin smiled. “She does this often?”

  “Yes. But she’s not alone. Shayla’s mom is right there with her.”

  “And Shayla?” It was out before he could stop it.

  The light in Kia’s eyes dimmed. He would bet money that she was waiting for him to bring up her cousin’s name. “She was snapping beans, too.”

  Kia twisted the last bit of napkin and tossed the remains on the table. Devin drummed his fingers on the plastic surface. Okay, talk of family led to talk of Shayla, so he searched for another topic.