The Sunday Brunch Diaries

by Norma L. Jarrett

  “Lexi, hurry up and come back, they’re going into overtime,” Angel called as she jumped up and down.

  “Okay, okay. I just wanted to grab some snacks during the commercial.” I walked in with more nachos and salsa.

  “You think Lexi’s putting on a little weight? I tried to tell her to cut back . . . just look at her stuff those nachos down her throat.”

  “I hadn’t noticed. But now that you mention it, her face does look a little full,” Jermane confirmed as she looked up from examining her nails.

  “I heard that!” I said, and rolled my eyes.

  “Anyway, so tell me what you found at Saks,” Jewel begged as she grabbed Jermane’s arms.

  “Oh yeah, the annual sale. I missed it last year. But I was all in those racks. I saw four-thousand-dollar dresses marked down to a thousand. I picked up this darling Zac Posen cocktail dress.”

  “Oh,” Jewel uttered after a swallow.

  “I don’t believe them,” I said to myself, catching the rest of Jewel and Jermane’s conversation. “They aren’t the least bit into this game. Never mind, the game’s back on. Oh please, hurry up and get those funky Meteorettes off the court! What is their purpose?”

  “You know the deal,” Angel said. “That’s for the testosterone-saturated arena.”

  “Well, I know my Boo wouldn’t even think about looking at those anorexic, plastic Barbie dolls,” Jewel asserted.

  “Shhh, they’re starting again.” I ignored Jewel, because we all knew she was fooling herself with that remark.

  Angel cupped her hands around her mouth like a megaphone. “The clock’s running down. Anthony, come on, brother!” she yelled. “Darn, he looks like he’s slowing down.”

  “Yeah, but brother’s been playing his heart out.” I watched as the players ran up and down the court. “This game has been too good. Any more time-outs left?” I dipped my nacho in cheese sauce and stuffed it in my mouth.

  “No, none. They’re gonna have to play smart,” Angel said as she watched the Meteors’ point guard dribble the ball up the court. “Oh no, he walked!”

  “I can’t believe it! I just can’t believe it. You don’t walk in the NBA!” I moved to the edge of her seat and grabbed the top of my head.

  “Take it easy, girl,” Jewel said as she patted my arm. She finally decided to focus on the television screen to see what all the commotion was about. “Look at Missy, she looks a hot mess. Normally she looks good, but she’s a ‘fashion don’t’ tonight. Where’s she going in that beret? Is that Diddy? What’s he doing in town?”

  “Two minutes. Come on, we can do this, we can do this. It’s tied. Okay, let’s keep it together!” I said as I leaned forward.

  “No foul, no foul. Omigod, Anthony stole the ball.” Angel watched the crowd going wild and everyone was on their feet. “He passed it to number thirty-two, umm, look at that chocolate Vernon Styles. Girl, he’s definitely bringing sexy back!”

  “Take the shot, take the shot!” I watched as they reached the other end of the court. Dang! He missed. “Get up, Anthony, get the rebound. Yes, he’s got it!” I raised my hands.

  “Why would someone want to put all those tattoos on their body? That has to hurt. And is all that ink sanitary?” Jermane watched curiously as Number 32 reached his long tattooed arm toward the hoop for a layup.

  I raised my hands. “It’s good!”

  “Shhh! Aw man, the Suns scored a three-point jumper!” Angel and I screamed seconds later. The Meteors ran the ball to their end of the court.

  “Anthony has it!” He fired the ball to his teammate, Troy Woodson, a rookie drafted straight out of high school. Woodson’s eyes looked wildly around for someone to pass the ball to. “Dang, he looks confused . . . a minute and ten seconds left. They’re down by one point, take it!” We watched as Troy tried to get the ball back up. He stood still and his hands started moving. “What is he doing?” Then a whistle blew.

  “Oh, nooo!!!” Angel and I both cried.

  “What—what happened?” Jewel said. Amid the excitement, I didn’t even realize Jermane had left to watch television in another room.

  “He called time out. There aren’t any freakin’ timeouts left!!!” I shouted, without looking at her. She grabbed the top of her head.

  “So?” Jewel said.

  “So, that’s an automatic technical foul. Dang!!! I don’t believe it,” I said as I folded my hands and leaned back in my chair.

  Before they knew it, the Houston hoop dream was just that . . . a dream. After the next two shots, the Suns beat the Meteors by only three points.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  A Dream Deferred

  All Capri could do was stand there in the press area and watch the reporters bombard her husband. The reporters yelled as lights flashed from all angles. She was still very proud of him, and wanted to show her support. Anthony always kept his games in perspective, but this loss hit him extra hard. He could barely get the words out as questions were fired left and right. They analyzed every play and questioned his decision to pass the ball to the team’s youngest player.

  “Well, we gave it all we had and I have all the confidence in the world in my teammates,” he said after a long pause.

  Capri watched in silence, as the strong man she knew was suddenly fighting back tears. His voice was lower than usual and soon his head dropped in between his brief responses.

  “Do you think this is the end of your quest to get to an NBA championship?” one reporter yelled.

  After a moment, Anthony looked up and said, “All I can do is my best and give God the rest.” On that note, he got up and walked out. Capri went out the back door and met him outside.

  “Anthony, wait.” She quickened her footsteps to catch up. Once he recognized his wife, he wrapped his long arms around her.

  “I fought so hard—I worked for this, baby” was all he could say as he held her tight and stroked her hair.

  “I know you did,” she whispered after a long pause. In the car, Capri reached for Anthony’s hand to hold it. They rode in silence as he did mental replays of the game. It took all she had not to ask about what she’d found in his closet earlier. Instead, she gazed out the window while they rode home in a safe but uncomfortable silence.

  Capri watched the butter bubbling under the pancake in the frying pan. She gently tucked the spatula underneath to flip it over. The ringing of the phone snapped her out of a daze. She picked up without even looking to see who was calling.

  “Hey girl, just wanted to check in. How’s Anthony doing?”

  “Hey Lex, he’s okay. He’s not saying much; I’m just giving him space. We slept in this morning—didn’t make it to church.”

  “You know we were watching and cheering for him, girl. It’s just a tough break.”

  “I know. I appreciate you calling. Anthony’s strong, he’ll be fine,” Capri said as she cradled the phone between her neck and ear.

  “Chris enjoyed the game and said the crowd’s energy was crazy.”

  “It was. I just wish they could have pulled it off. I saw The Chronicle. They didn’t beat up on Anthony too bad, but they showed little mercy for that young player. I feel so badly for him. People can be really cruel,” Capri said as she reached in the refrigerator for the juice carton. “Oh, girl, I’m gonna have to go, I think Anthony’s up. I’ll call you back later. Thanks again for checking in. If I don’t call you back, we’ll talk tomorrow.”

  “Capri, wait, I have something to tell—”

  Click.

  “Hey, are you doing alright?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine,” Anthony mumbled as he plopped in the chair at the kitchen table.

  “Are you sure?” Capri asked as she slid another pancake on the stack. She could still smell the soap from his freshly showered body.

  “Capri, I’m fine. You don’t have to tiptoe around me. It’s over. Where’s the paper?”

  “You sure you want to read about it?” she said as she slid a plate in front of h
im.

  “Capri . . . just give me the paper!” His eyes glared at her and a small vein protruded near his temple.

  She jumped a little. He’d never raised his voice to her before. “Anthony, you don’t have to yell. I just thought—”

  “Well don’t think for me. I said I was fine . . . never mind. I’m gonna put some clothes on. Maybe play a round of golf.”

  Capri didn’t speak. She was still stunned at the tone he used with her. She couldn’t move to the side fast enough before he brushed by her on his way out of the room. After a few seconds, she walked over to turn off the burner. For the first time in a long time, she fought back tears. God, I’m doing all I know to do. I need Your help on this. How do I make him feel better? She paused briefly. What would Lexi do in this situation? She was so used to just dialing up Lexi for prayer. I guess I’m gonna have to figure this one out for myself, God.

  Several minutes later, Anthony walked past the kitchen in his golf shirt and khakis without uttering a word.

  Before she could walk out of the kitchen he’d closed the door behind him. He always hugs or kisses me on the way out, Capri thought as she started to put away the food. Although she knew Anthony would be back to normal soon, his coldness made her numb. This foul Spirit is not gonna come up in my house, she thought, vowing to pray once Anthony was gone.

  Anthony and Chris had spent all day out on the golf course and afterward they headed to Houston’s for a bite to eat. “Can you seat us in the back?” Anthony asked.

  The hostess nodded her head and led them to a seat in the back corner.

  “Man, I just don’t feel like talking to anybody right now.”

  “I know I’m not the best golfer, but it seems like you got a lot out of your system on the course today,” Chris joked, once they made it to their seats.

  “Yeah, I did sort of whip up on you. Sorry about that, son.” Anthony grabbed a menu, then placed it down. He noticed a man staring in his direction. He locked eyes with him and frowned. The man looked the other way.

  “Hey, I’m just happy to get out of the house. Lexi was about to have me hanging up some drapes and mowing the lawn or some other crazy mess. She’s been that way since—since, um, the weather broke.”

  Anthony nodded his head. It was quiet until the waitress came to take their order.

  “Man, we had it! Why did I pass that ball?” Anthony hit his fist lightly on the table.

  “Man, you got to let it go. It is what it is. There’s nothing you can do, man.”

  “I just feel like I let so many people down. I’m so tired of ‘almost’ . . . tired of failing.” He looked down at the table.

  “Okay man, don’t go to the extreme. It’s just, just . . . a test.”

  Anthony rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Chris, no disrespect, but I don’t need a sermon right now. The bottom line is I wanted this. Is that so wrong? It’s not like basketball’s everything, but it’d be nice to get a championship for once. We just blew it.” His fist hit the table with a thud.

  The waitress finally walked up, breaking the tension. They placed their orders after she returned with their beverages.

  Chris looked around the restaurant to avoid the uncomfortable silence. He was still searching for words of encouragement. “Man, you got at least five years before you have to give up,” he finally offered.

  “Man, I’m starving. I hope they hurry up with the food.” Anthony looked down, drumming his fingers on the table. “Man, I appreciate what you’re tryin’ to do. Just give me a few days, I’ll be cool.” He shook his head, “Just like that, it’s over. All the hype . . .”

  “That’s just it; you can’t get caught up in all that. People will love you one day and hate you the next, no matter how hard you try. But, if it’s any consolation, Lexi thinks you’re more than good enough,” Chris uttered slowly.

  “Huh?” Anthony snapped back from his thoughts.

  “Man, you and Capri, if you want to that is, are gonna be godparents.”

  Anthony sat up taller, then leaned forward. “Are you serious, man? As of when?”

  “She’s a little over six weeks.” Chris grinned and let his mouth spread wide into a smile.

  “Dang, man, you are cheesin’ real hard. Why haven’t y’all told anybody?”

  “It’s not me. I wanted to tell everybody right away, but Lexi didn’t. She just wanted to keep it to herself for a while. I don’t really see the point, but she’s my baby and I gotta make her happy. So you know you got to keep this under wraps. I just thought some good news would break up this basketball funk.”

  “Wow, man, you’re gonna be a father. That’s deep. It’s cool, I’ll keep it under wraps.”

  “Yeah, Lexi would kill me. I think she’s gonna tell everybody soon. She won’t have a choice in a minute.”

  “Well, it doesn’t make up for the game, but at least we got something to celebrate. Congrats, man,” Anthony said as he reached over to shake Chris’s hand.

  Capri kicked off the sheets after tossing and turning half the night. Although she was in bed by nine, she had only gotten about two hours of sleep. Several hours later, she finally heard Anthony come in. After a few minutes she heard his footsteps in the room, causing the floor to vibrate slightly. She smelled cigar smoke as he pulled off his shirt. Anthony doesn’t smoke cigars. What’s up with that? Is that alcohol I smell? He doesn’t even drink! She didn’t stir because she didn’t want him to know she was awake, but she was steaming.

  After a quick shower, he climbed in bed, assuming she was asleep. Her Spirit was telling her to just wait until the morning, but she couldn’t help it. “Where have you been?” Her cold voice sliced through the dark, still air.

  “Nowhere really, I played golf and got a bite to eat with Chris. You can call Lexi and ask her,” he said with his back turned away from her.

  “Oh, so now I have to call Lexi to find out where my husband’s been? What’s wrong with you? You’ve never ignored my calls.”

  “Capri, I’m tired and definitely not in the mood for this. You can ask me whatever you want in the morning, okay?” He pulled the covers tighter around him.

  “No, it’s not okay.” She leaned over and turned on the light.

  “Capri, I said I don’t want to talk right now.” He pulled the sheet over his bald head.

  “Well I do.” She wasn’t backing down. “Anthony, you’ve been so rude and disrespectful. I haven’t done a thing to you.”

  “Look, baby, this isn’t even about you, alright?” He pulled the sheet back and faced her.

  “Oh, it is about me. I’ve watched you work hard this season. I’ve been very supportive. I knew this was a sacrifice, but it’s not the end of the world. This is not like you, Anthony, what’s going on?”

  “Capri, you’re trippin’.” He rolled away from her and closed his eyes.

  “Anthony, look at me. Don’t you care that I’m upset? You leave the house; I don’t know where you’re going . . . You come home smelling like cigars and alcohol. Where have you been, Anthony? What have you been doing?” She pulled on his firm shoulder.

  He finally sat up. “Okay, Capri, I asked nicely if this could wait until the morning. I just want to get a good night’s rest. Look, it’s not always about you, okay?” He took a deep breath, rubbing his head. He finally looked in her eyes. “Maybe I don’t feel like explaining myself. And yes, you’ve been supportive, but it’s not like you had to sacrifice a whole lot to do it. Capri, I’ve always catered to you . . . since the day I met you. So your support should be a given. It’s the least you can do. But if it’s too much to ask, trust me, any woman would trade places with you in a minute.”

  “Are you serious? So what are you trying to say? I was perfectly fine with my law career. You know I don’t care about all this crap . . .” Her forehead wrinkled as she watched his face.

  “Please. Maybe in the beginning you didn’t. But once you got around Missy, you seemed to fall right in line.”

  “
Anthony, what in the world are you talking about?” She grabbed the blanket and pulled it to her chest like a shield.

  “I’m just saying, you seemed to adjust to this lifestyle pretty well. The last time I checked there was Gucci and Prada all up in your closet. Y’all live in the Galleria and have spa day every other weekend . . .”

  “You were the one begging me to meet the other wives. You know that’s where that stuff came from. I’m still the same old Capri. Anyway, we’re talking about you.”

  “Yeah, you’re right. It is about me. You are absolutely right. Capri, can you for once take care of me?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  He sat up. “You should understand what your man needs without me having to tell you. I’m the one always hugging and kissing on you. I’m always there for you, Capri. Maybe you’re not aware, but sometimes you can be a little into self.”

  “Did you just call me selfish? You gotta be kidding me. Besides, you know I’ve never been a touchy feely person.” She was wide awake now.

  “Except . . .”

  “What?”

  “Except when you want to make love.”

  “I can’t believe I’m even having this conversation.

  Okay, so if we’re being honest—and we are being honest aren’t we?—”

  He raised his eyebrows slightly but didn’t speak.

  “Well, why are you hiding that stuff in your shoe? Your back’s been fine for over a year now.”

  He rubbed his eyes, then the bridge of his nose. “What? Capri you’re trippin’. What makes you think I’m taking something now?”

  “Well, are you?” She crossed her arms.

  “Capri, I’m not gonna try to explain anything tonight. Besides, if you’d paid attention you’d know.”

  “Anthony, I’m your wife and I asked a question.” He still didn’t answer her. “You know what? Fine. I’m only asking ’cause I care. But whatever; I don’t need this.” She threw off the covers and was headed for the door.