by Desiree Day
“Yeah, and have your grandmother kill us? No way,” Stacie said, beaming at him.
Jackson shook his head. “She likes you. She hardly let me use the kitchen. I can’t wait to taste your food,” Jackson said, peering into the pot.
Stacie gently tapped his shoulder. “Stop looking. It’s a surprise.” When Jackson had told her that he liked a woman who could cook, Stacie and Tameeka scoured recipes until they found an easy one. “Can you set the table for me, please?”
Jackson patted her behind. “Man, you know how to make a brother work,” he teased, but went about putting the dinnerware on the table.
“This smells delicious, Stacie,” Ettie Mae said, eyeing the pot of chili. “I haven’t had chili in such a long time, spoon it in.” Stacie eagerly began filling the bowls with the food and Jackson blessed it. Ettie Mae took a spoonful of the chili and her eyes immediately watered. She grabbed a glass of water and gulped it down.
Jackson and Jameel looked at each other. “I’m not touching that,” Jameel said, pushing his bowl away.
“Oh, no!” Stacie cried, and raced to the kitchen for the recipe, returning with it in her hand. “I put in two Scotch bonnet peppers and it only called for one. I’m so sorry.”
Jackson got up and wrapped his arms around her. “That’s okay, baby,” he said, comforting her. “Let’s order a pizza.” Jameel gave a shout of delight.
“It’s okay, honey,” Ettie Mae said, patting Stacie’s back. “Nobody’s perfect.”
When Stacie was out of the dining room, Ettie Mae laughed. “That’s a good girl you have there, but I’ll need to give her some cooking lessons.”
Jackson chuckled. “That’s a plan.” I’ll need a wife who can cook, he thought. Oh crap, where did that come from?
It wasn’t until after the last piece of pizza was gone and Ettie Mae and Jameel went to bed that Jackson and Stacie had some time to themselves. They were snuggled on the couch, talking.
“It’s getting pretty close to that time, isn’t it,” Stacie quietly asked.
Jackson grimaced and nodded. “In about three weeks. I still can’t believe the courts would authorize unsupervised visits to someone who hasn’t seen their kid in years. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the court system is shitty.”
“Amen. I don’t see how a judge can make such a bad decision. You’re the perfect father. And you did a banging job raising Jam,” Stacie said.
“Thanks, baby.” Jackson grinned. “How’s the job hunting?”
“Crappy!”
“I can always help you out. All you have to do is ask,” Jackson quietly offered.
Tameeka’s words sounded in her head: You’re just like your sister. She refused him. “You’re so sweet, but the princess has to say no. Speaking of jobs, let me check my voicemail to see if any agency called me back.”
She flashed him an apologetic smile as she fished her phone from her purse and quickly checked her messages. “Yippee! An agency called. They have an executive assistant position that might go permanent. I can’t wait to see where it is,” Stacie said, beaming.
37
To Know Oneself Is to Know Your Best Friend
Tameeka walked listlessly around the store. Bea had suggested that she go home, but Tameeka waved her off. A big order was due and she wanted to be there to unpack and shelve it.
“Why don’t I do that,” Bea offered, standing in front of the boxes when they’d finally arrived. “You go get something to eat.”
“Thanks, but no thanks. I’m not hungry,” Tameeka said, managing a weak smile.
Concerned, Bea scrutinized her boss. Tameeka looked like she hadn’t slept in days. She had bags bigger than Oprah’s bank account under her eyes. Bea couldn’t help but notice that ever since Tameeka and Tyrell had broken up, she had stopped eating. “You need to eat,” Bea insisted, and Tameeka sadly shook her head.
“I don’t want to sound melodramatic, but I’m full on sadness,” Tameeka said as she bent over the boxes to hide her swelling eyes.
Bea patted Tameeka’s back. “Let me know if I can do anything,” she offered, then walked off.
Tameeka opened up a box and began pulling out items. Two hours later she reached into the last box and pulled out a book. She read the title: To Know Oneself Is to Know Your Best Friend: How to Live a Fulfilling Life. “I don’t remember ordering this,” Tameeka muttered, then glanced up at the ceiling. “God, I know that I haven’t been one of Your most consistent followers, but You know what’s in my heart. Thank you very much for the gift.”
It was seven o’clock when she finally tucked the book in her purse and headed home. As soon as she stepped into the apartment, she heard Barry White coming from Stacie’s bedroom and she couldn’t stop the grin that spread over her face. Barry White usually meant that Jackson had stopped by for a quickie. Sure enough, thirty minutes later a glowing Stacie bounced out of her bedroom and into the kitchen.
Tameeka was sitting at the kitchen table with a bowl of soup in front of her. Stacie spied an empty can on the counter top.
“Meek, girl. Canned soup?” Stacie said, arching an eyebrow.
“I’m not in the mood to cook,” Tameeka muttered, then lowered her head over her bowl. Stacie sat down at the table and Tameeka shooed her away. “Go on back to Jackson. I’ll be okay.”
“Jackson will wait. And you’re not okay. Ever since you and Tyrell broke up, you’ve been working your ass off and you’ve been eating like a mixed-up rabbit.”
Tameeka set down her spoon. “I don’t know what else to do. It’s as simple as that. I’m numb, girl. I’m so hurt, I can’t feel anything,” Tameeka confided. “Then you’re moving out, and I’ll truly be alone,” she said sadly.
“No you won’t. We’ll still see each other. Besides we still have three whole weeks together; and I plan on bothering you so much that you’d wish I’d leave.”
Jackson called from the bedroom.
“I guess he’s ready for round three,” Stacie said with a smile, then just as suddenly she frowned. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say that. That was mean of me.”
Tameeka managed a genuine smile, then said, “It wasn’t. Go on and take care of your man.”
Stacie hopped out of her seat, hugged Tameeka and raced toward the bedroom. Tameeka finished off her soup before going into the living room to meditate. She was just finishing when Stacie and Jackson emerged from Stacie’s bedroom, holding hands and shimmering with sex.
“We’re going to get something to eat, wanna come?” Stacie asked.
Tameeka shook her head and averted her eyes. Seeing Jackson reminded her of Tyrell. “I’m fine,” she mumbled.
“We can bring you something back,” Stacie offered. “Can’t we?” she asked, staring up at Jackson.
“Whatevah,” he snapped. His boy had told him what had gone down; he had no respect for cheaters. Stacie eyed him sharply and he glared at her, daring her to say something. Stacie rolled her eyes, but squeezed his hand. She didn’t like his attitude, but she understood it.
Stacie and Jackson walked to the door. “Well, hit me on the cell if you change your mind.”
As soon as the door closed, Tameeka dragged herself into the kitchen to make some herbal tea. She brought the steaming cup into the living room and settled on the couch, then picked up the book. With each turned page, tears ran down her face.
“This is me!” she cried. “I intentionally do and say things that make people mad at me. This is me to a T. I do this all the time. But how can I stop?” she wondered.
38
Single Father’s Guide to Dating Tip #60
Remember that a lady is like fire, when stoked just right, she can burn all night long.
Jackson and Stacie walked hand-in-hand along Moreland Avenue in Little Five Points. The weather was gorgeous and half of Atlanta was out enjoying the warm sun.
Jackson absentmindedly watched the people. So far they had passed a girl with bright purple fluorescent hair,
a man with dreadlocks that skimmed the ground and a teenager with so many body piercings that he’d probably spring a leak if he drank too much water. Suddenly Jackson’s cell phone rang. He unsnapped it off his belt and glanced at the number; it was Amy, the waitress from Houston’s. He let it go to voicemail, where he’d delete it later.
“Tell your friends that you have a girlfriend,” Stacie said.
Jackson laughed. “It could’ve been Jam,” he joked.
“If it was, you would’ve answered it. Like I said, tell your friends that you have a lady.”
“What if I don’t?” Jackson asked.
“Then I’m gonna spank that ass,” Stacie threatened.
“Promises, promises,” Jackson teased. “Tell me again about the dead people.”
Stacie groaned, then punched him lightly in the arm. “Don’t remind me. I don’t want to think about that place again.” Her exciting new work assignment turned out to be at a mortuary. Being so close to dead people gave her the heebie-jeebies and she’d quit after only two hours.
They strolled past several fashionable boutiques, occasionally stopping to look in the windows. When they came to a shoe store, Jackson watched Stacie stare longingly at the shoes that filled the case. “I wish I could afford those,” she murmured, pointing out a pair of Franco Sarto mules.
“May I ask you something?” Jackson asked. He had said it so softly and with such concern that Stacie immediately knew what he was about to ask. She stumbled slightly, but quickly righted herself. Even though it was warm, her face and hands suddenly became clammy.
“Ask me anything you want, cutie, but be prepared for the answer. My grandmother always told me, never ask for a gift that you aren’t ready to unwrap. So…” she shrugged. “Ask away!”
“When did you, um…how long have you…” he stammered. Asking was much harder than he thought it would be. Jackson cleared his throat and started again. “What I meant was, why do you do it?”
Shame flitted across Stacie’s face. “It started when I was little,” Stacie whispered, and the memories came rushing back. “I don’t remember how old I was. But my father used to get shit-faced drunk. It seemed like every night he was yelling and bitching about something.” She smiled sadly as she remembered. “Then when he got tired of yelling, he tried to destroy everything and anything in his path. After a few times of getting my butt whooped just for being in his visual, I learned to hide. And the only safe place in the apartment was the closet. It was junky as all get out.” She gave a watery laugh.
“Everything was in there. I guess it was our junk closet. Since I was small, I was able to squeeze in between bags full of clothes and roll myself up into a little ball. Then to keep him from hearing me cry, I’d stick my face in a shoe to muffle the sound. And ever since then I knew that as soon as I got to the shoes, I’d be okay,” she finished, and looked down at her hands; they were shaking uncontrollably. Tears were streaming down her face and spilling down onto the front of her blouse.
Jackson pulled her into his arms and murmured softly in her ear. There was a restaurant a few feet away that had tables and chairs out front. Wrapping his arms around her, he nudged Stacie in that direction. Jackson sat down and pulled her into his lap. He grabbed a napkin off the already set table and dabbed at her eyes.
“I’m sorry.” She smiled weakly, then wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest. “I’ve never talked about it before. I feel a whole lot better.” She pulled back and smiled up at him. Her eyes were radiant, and he leaned down and kissed her gently.
“So, um, do you do it often? Does it have a name? Do you think you’ll be doing this your whole life?” As he fired his questions off, Stacie wanted to bury her face in Jackson’s chest because she didn’t know the answers to his questions and he was beginning to make her sound like a freak. She resisted the urge and answered the one that she knew for sure.
“I’ve tapered off some. I used to sniff about thirty times a day, but now I only do it around fifteen. And I don’t believe it has a name and I hope that I won’t be doing it all my life. Any more questions?” she asked shyly, and he shook his head. She stayed nestled in his lap and they people watched for a little while longer.
As they made their way back to his truck, Stacie got the courage to ask some questions of her own. “So what do you think? You gonna get rid of me now that you know your girlfriend is a freak?” Stacie asked teasingly, but her eyes were serious.
Jackson stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and turned toward Stacie so that they were face-to-face. “I don’t plan on leaving you, baby. You’re mine, freakiness included.”
“Thank you,” Stacie whispered as she reached up and stroked Jackson’s face. Her hand was trembling, but this time for a different reason. I love him, she realized. Jackson caught her hand and lightly kissed her palm. Stacie stared hungrily at him. “You can’t be doing that to a sistah, getting me all hot,” she groaned. “Heaven on Earth is right down the street, maybe we can sneak into Tameeka’s office.”
“Bet!” Jackson agreed as he all but dragged her down the street. They fell into Heaven on Earth and immediately bumped into Bea.
“Hey! Is Meek working today?” a breathless Stacie asked.
Bea took in Stacie’s flushed face and Jackson’s unsuccessful attempt at hiding the bulge in his pants and smiled to herself. Young people. “She’s in her office,” she answered.
Jackson and Stacie exchanged a disappointed glance, but walked back to Tameeka’s office anyway.
“Hey, Meek, you’ve got guests,” Stacie called as she pushed open the office door. “Hey, girl!” she called when she didn’t get a response.
“Is she here?” Jackson asked.
“Bea said she was. Maybe she’s in the bathroom. We can wait for her on the couch,” she said, and Jackson grinned seductively. “Nu-uh, none of that,” Stacie said, but grabbed his hand as they stepped into the office. They both saw the heap on the floor at the same time; Stacie’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, no!” she screamed, and rushed to Tameeka.
39
What I Want to Do When I Grow Up
Crap! I’m not sure.
Tameeka, are you all right?” Stacie asked.
Tameeka blinked, then quickly focused. “I’m fine. I was so worn-out that I fell asleep. Ever since Tyrell and I broke up I haven’t been sleeping well. I guess it finally caught up with me,” Tameeka said. Stacie and Jackson each grabbed an arm and pulled her up. “Thanks, guys. Let me go clean up,” she said, yawning. She returned a few minutes later, wearing fresh clothes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to worry y’all. I don’t know what to do since Tyrell and I aren’t seeing each other anymore. But Heaven on Earth has been a lifesaver. If it wasn’t for the store, I don’t know what I’d do,” Tameeka said, and hopelessly shrugged her shoulders.
“Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry,” Stacie murmured while rubbing Tameeka’s back.
“Hey, what are you guys doing here?” Tameeka asked.
Jackson and Stacie exchanged guilty looks. “We were coming to visit you,” Stacie answered, averting her eyes.
“Yeah, right. Knowing you, you were coming to use my couch,” she said, and Stacie flushed. “Ha! I was right. Well, my office is not a motel. So go on,” she said, shooing them out.
“You go ahead,” Stacie said to Jackson. “Meet me out front. I need to talk to my girl.” Jackson nodded, then kissed Stacie on the lips before he strolled out of the office.
“How are you, girl…how are you for real?”
“Hurting. I hurt all over. My heart, my head…whoever said that you get a broken heart is wrong. It seems like every part of my body is broken.”
Stacie wrapped her arms around her friend. “I’m sorry, girl.”
“I’ll be okay,” Tameeka answered, her voice trembling. “Go on and enjoy Jackson.”
Stacie looked her in her eyes. “You sure? I can stay with you.”
Tameeka clutched her chest, faking a he
art attack. “What? Stacie Long passing up dick to stay with me? Lordy, things have changed. I’ll be fine,” Tameeka said, chuckling softly.
“Okay,” Stacie said. “I’ll be home later tonight, just in case you want to talk.”
Stacie and Jackson went back to his house to find they had it all to themselves. Ettie Mae and Jameel were at the mall.
“What’s going on with Michelle?” Stacie asked, then began stroking Jackson’s chest when she felt him stiffen. “Sorry, I don’t mean to make you mad.”
“Naw, it’s not your fault. Just hearing her name pisses me the hell off. She’s coming over in a couple weeks to take Jam out on an unsupervised visit,” he said.
“Oh, that’s right. Is there anything I can do?”
“Naw, baby, but I appreciate the fact that you got my back.”
“I’m serious,” Stacie continued. “I’m here for you.”
“I know. Hey, let’s squash this convo. We’ll deal with it when it happens.”
Stacie beamed. “Yes, we will. So what do you want to talk about?” she asked, and felt his body relax a little.
“Well, if you had a chance to be anything in the world, what would you be? And be honest,” Jackson instructed as he nuzzled his mouth against her neck; he couldn’t suppress the grin that spread across his face. Who would’ve thought that the spoiled lady who drove him crazy would turn out to be the one who broke his three-date rule and made him fall for her? Not him.
She was like a glass of champagne, bubbly, classy and definitely didn’t like to be shaken, he mused. It took him only two weeks to learn this and even less time to remember it.
“I don’t know,” Stacie answered slowly, then smiled shyly as an image began forming behind her eyes. When she was a little girl, she had fun playing school with the neighborhood children during the summer. She loved making up the “lesson plan” and teaching the younger kids how to read. “I know what I want,” she said happily as she suddenly saw her life come together and form a beautiful picture. “I think that I would like to be a teacher. Let me rephrase that…I want to be a teacher. I want to make sure that little kids get off on the right foot,” she said.
