Baby, You're the Best

by Mary B. Morrison

  I popped the cork, took a sip straight from the bottle. I was hurting. I didn’t think Chanel was ever coming back to me. I’d played one time too many with her heart.

  A call came in from my mom. Guess I’d thought her up. I let it go to voice mail. She called again.

  I answered, “Hi, Mom.”

  “I found him. Be at my house tomorrow at noon.”

  Wasn’t expecting her to say that but it was what I’d asked my mom to do. I sipped from the bottle.

  “Tomorrow at noon, Alexis.”

  I wanted to say something but I couldn’t.

  “Bye.” My mom ended the call. Sounded as though she was angry with me. I called Chanel. I wanted her to go with me. She didn’t answer. Fine.

  I sent her a text, So we’re done?

  Chanel didn’t text back.

  Unblocking Spencer’s contact, I texted him, I need to talk.

  Can’t. Ole gurl got me on lock. She’s right here in my face. I was trying to see you tonight.

  You still can.

  Can’t. She made dinner reservations. I’ll see you tomorrow when you get here.

  So, he knew too. I blocked his ass again.

  I continued to drink. Didn’t want to call LB. Wasn’t sure why but I did.

  He answered immediately. “Hey, Alexis. You got my money?”

  I’d forgotten all about his thousand dollars. He wasn’t getting it back. I told him, “No.” He ended the call. I was glad I’d used a condom every time with him.

  I was certain my mom had either told my sisters or she was going to tell them about my dad. I dialed Mercedes.

  “Hey, I was getting ready to call you,” she said. “Are you doing okay?”

  “No.” I started crying.

  “Where are you?” she asked.

  “Downtown. Close to Legal Sea Foods.”

  “Meet me there. I’m on my way.”

  CHAPTER 57

  Alexis

  I got off the Ferris wheel. Left the bottle of champagne on the floor. Walked a few blocks to Legal Sea Foods. Sat at a table in the bar area. Ordered a shot of chilled tequila. Probably shouldn’t have mixed that with champagne and pregnancy but in the moment I wanted to drown my sorrows.

  Mercedes, Devereaux, and Sandara rushed through the turnabout. Lately I’d distanced myself from them but I was glad each of them was here for me. They all hugged me. I started crying uncontrollably.

  “You’re brave,” Sandara said. “I will never ask to see my father. Obviously, he doesn’t care about me and he doesn’t know his grandkids. I bet when his ass gets old and his dick stops working and he’s on his deathbed he’ll try to find me but it’ll be too late.” She started crying.

  “Let’s sit in that booth at the end,” Devereaux suggested. “We don’t want to be the center of attention.”

  Honestly, I didn’t care. I sat on the maroon vinyl bench. Mercedes sat next to me. Sandara and Devereaux sat on barstools on the opposite side of the table.

  Mercedes said, “You are not going to meet him alone. We’ll all be there with and for you tomorrow. Of course by default Spencer will be there too.”

  I’d just sucked him off and swallowed his seeds a month ago and he was living with my mother. That was fucked up. I hated both of them!

  Mercedes said, “Since we’re all together, I want to let you guys know that I think Benjamin is having an affair.”

  I wasn’t expecting that. Nor was I going to be the one to admit I knew anything. I questioned, “How can you be sure?”

  “‘I think’ means I’m not sure,” she retorted. Mercedes snapped her fingers. “Bartender, we need a round of drinks over here.”

  Wow! “You know I am not one for being embarrassed in public either.” I had to tell Mercedes, “Popping your finger at the server was rude. That’s not like you. Don’t give Benjamin the upper hand.” I wondered how she’d feel toward me if she knew I saw brother-in-law on a date and didn’t tell her.

  Mercedes stared at me. She didn’t respond.

  “I wonder what my dad looks like. What if he doesn’t accept me, you guys?”

  Mercedes sarcastically said, “Don’t give him the upper hand.”

  “Okay, I feel you.” I decided this was definitely not the right time to tell them about the baby. I might have to rethink having it.

  Devereaux asked Mercedes, “What will you do if you find out he’s seeing someone?”

  “I’m not certain. But I’m making sure everything we own is on financial lockdown. Any advice?” she asked, then added, “Not from you, Sandara.”

  “If you can give me some, I can do the same,” Devereaux added. “I think Phoenix is cheating too. With a man.”

  My jaw dropped on that one. “Not with a man,” I said. “I’d know if he were gay.”

  Each of them looked at me. I said, “Don’t act surprised. Y’all know a whole lot of these ATL men have side chicks. But Phoenix is not doing a dude.”

  “Then why won’t he walk me down the aisle?” Devereaux asked.

  “For the same reason none of Sandara’s baby daddies take care of their kids,” Mercedes said. “Because you don’t make him.”

  Sandara rolled her eyes at Mercedes. “Well, we see how marriage is working out for you and your husband.” Sandara dragged out the word husband.

  Suddenly, my issues about meeting my dad faded into the background. I took Chanel’s ring out of my purse and put it on my finger. No one noticed. There were several conversations happening at the same time. I’d become more concerned about how badly I’d treated Chanel.

  I texted her, You okay. I’m going to come see you tonight.

  Sandara stared at Mercedes. “Next time you invite someone to Mama’s party, check with me first to make sure he’s not one of my children’s father.”

  No fucking way! “Say, what?” I damn near dropped my cell on that one.

  The madness made me stop to think when was the last time we’d all gathered for girl talk. Mercedes and Devereaux, their confessions didn’t surprise me. Sandara. I couldn’t believe any of what I’d heard. I was ready to leave for James to take me to the Dominican tonight.

  Devereaux told Sandara, “Just so there’s no confusion, are you saying that Billy Blackstone is one of your children’s father.”

  Sandara hunched her shoulders.

  Mercedes shook her head. “I’m sure more now than ever, the wrong woman took me home from the hospital. I can’t be the daughter of a woman that gave birth to y’all. You know Mama had sex with Billy that night and that morning. I heard them trying to be quiet. Sandara, that’s the lowest of lows to sex a man that’s been with your mother.”

  I wasn’t sure I wanted more details on that one. Mercedes cut her eyes toward me.

  I told her, “Don’t go in on me ’cause I’ll do more than hurt your feelings.”

  Sandara cried, “Don’t judge me. How was I supposed to know?”

  I asked, “Which one is lil Billy?”

  “Tyson.”

  Damn! That was my favorite nephew. I had to know. “How did the two of you hook up?”

  Sandara said, “Mercedes, how did you find him?”

  Mercedes snapped back. “On Facebook.”

  “Uh-huh. And since you’re so thorough, did you check out his friends?”

  Damn, Baby Sis was on a roll.

  Sandara added, “I had no idea that was Mama’s Billy.”

  I felt it coming when Mercedes asked, “So you slept with him, and you didn’t use protection. God gave you beauty but He didn’t give you an ounce of sense.”

  “He doesn’t know,” Sandara said.

  I asked, “If Billy doesn’t know, how do you know for sure he’s the father?”

  Shaking her head, Sandara said, “I don’t know for sure.”

  “Child, don’t you ever go on Maury. I think you’re over the limit on how many guys they can test,” Mercedes said. “I’m glad we didn’t ruin Billy’s surprise for Mama with all this foolishness.” />
  “What surprise?” I had to know.

  Mercedes looked at Sandara. “Don’t tell Mother you slept with him.”

  “I just wanted to piss you off. I never had sex with that man. He’s just my Facebook friend,” Sandara said.

  I was so ready to leave the restaurant. I rolled my eyes at Sandara, Mercedes, and Devereaux. “What’s the surprise if there is one.”

  Mercedes said, “Billy bought Mama a dog for her birthday.”

  “A what?” Devereaux said.

  “That’s not a bad idea,” I said. “Maybe I’ll get a dog.”

  “Child, you don’t need anything dependent on you,” Mercedes said.

  Devereaux chimed in. “Changing the subject. Don’t tell Mother any of our problems. Let’s agree to support one another and get through our crises together.”

  We all agreed to that.

  Marrying James seemed like my best option.

  CHAPTER 58

  Blake

  The meeting with Alexis and her father should’ve been at a different location. Not at my, I meant our, new home. The energy in our space was peaceful.

  Watching the Falcons game, Spencer asked, “You sure you want me here when he comes?” He picked up the pillow beside him. Stuffed it behind his back. His naked body was sexy against our white satin sheets. He loved the way they felt next to his skin. I loved the way he felt next to mine each night.

  “For the tenth time, yes I do.” I stood in the mirror styling and restyling my hair trying to decide which one made me look younger and hotter.

  Secretly, I wanted Conner to see how well I was doing. Despite his disowning our child, I’d made it. I was the branch president of an international financial institution. Plus, I wanted him to see I wasn’t alone. I had a ring on my finger and a young, handsome man in my bed every night.

  “I’ll think about it. This game is getting good.”

  I believed the real reason Spencer didn’t want to join us was Alexis. They hadn’t seen each other since he’d moved in. That was fine with me. But it wasn’t okay that I’d seen Spencer every day and hadn’t made time for my child.

  “I didn’t want us to meet at a public place in case things got out of control.”

  “Blake, it’s not a problem. I’m right here.”

  Spencer was kind of like my security. I had no reason to fear Conner. Alexis? If this didn’t go well, she might try to attack me. She already blamed me for everything. Surely Conner wouldn’t raise a hand to our daughter, although lately there were a few times that I wanted to slap her in the mouth. Calling me by my first name.

  “It’s not your prom or our wedding. Stop messing with your hair and get dressed before I put you on your stomach.”

  My eyes softened. Oh, my! Anal sex with him was the best. I tossed my hair over my shoulder.

  In a way, this meeting was more about me than my daughter but I’d never admit that. I walked into my closet to put on my control-top panties and push-up bra. I chose a sexy red dress that hugged my curves. My open-toe sling-back heels were cotton candy pink.

  Sitting at my vanity, I took extra care doing my hair and makeup. I had on my Front Row Lash Love dramatic eyelashes. I even dabbed the sweetest perfume behind my ears. I didn’t want Conner back. I wanted him to regret not leaving his wife for me.

  “Dang, Fabulous. You on one,” Spencer said, staring at me.

  “What do you mean?” I put my hand on my hip. “You think it’s too much?”

  He scanned my body up and down. “Whateva. I’m definitely staying up here out of your way,” he said, lying across the bed.

  His naked body was delicious. I wanted him to bend me over, push up my dress, pull down my control top, then put his dick in my ass. He could do all of that after this meeting was over.

  Spencer came to me, placed his hands on my hips, then gestured for a kiss. I turned my head offering him my cheek. He shook his head. Got back in bed.

  “You want him that bad?”

  “I don’t want him at all,” I said.

  “You want something. Hope you get it.”

  Was Spencer jealous? If so, that was good. Maybe Conner would make an attempt to offer taking me out on a date. If Conner didn’t raise a brow, that would defeat my primping-with-the-intent-to-rub get-back in his face.

  “Alexis and I need you to be in the room with us when he walks in,” I said. “Can you please get dressed?”

  “Sorry, I don’t have a tux,” he said, rewinding the last play.

  Exhaling, I told him, “Fine.”

  “Cool. Holla if you need me. What’s my name?” He switched to Pandora. Played our favorite song through the surround sound from his app.

  Spencer stood behind me. Wrapped his arms around me. He didn’t have to say, “I love you.” I felt it.

  The doorbell rang. “That should be Alexis. Can you turn down the music so you can hear me when I call you?”

  “When you call me. You’re not slick. You want to showcase a brotha. Text me when you’re done impressing him,” he replied. “I might surprise you.” Spencer clamped his fingers behind his head, crossed his feet at the ankles, switched back to the game.

  Spencer hadn’t officially moved in with me. Some of his clothes, all of his furniture was still in his apartment. That was okay. He was here.

  I went downstairs. Checked the setup I’d put on the coffee table in case anyone needed to join me in having a drink. Posing in the standing mirror by the door, I fingered my hair, took a deep breath. “After twenty-six years.”

  I opened the door, and it was all four of my daughters. “I wasn’t quite expecting all of you,” I said, stepping aside.

  Alexis scanned me from head to toe. “You’re overdressed. He’s not coming to see you. He’s here for me.”

  “And I’m here for you too,” I said, opening my arms for a hug.

  I’d let the rolling of her eyes slide this time. Giving my daughters a hug, something about each of them seemed different.

  I frowned. Scanned their faces. Tight eyes, lips. “What’s wrong with y’all? Oh, so now each of you want me to find your fathers too?”

  Shaking my head, I should’ve anticipated this. “Fine.” I picked up my cell, dialed my attorney. “You were right. We need to find the rest. Let’s get this over with,” I said, ending the call. “Everybody satisfied now. If it doesn’t turn out the way anyone expects, all I ask is that you don’t blame me.”

  They sat on the same sofa. Alexis shared the middle with Sandara. The adjacent couch was empty.

  I looked at them. “Okay, what is it? Somebody say something, dammit. Is my outfit that outrageous?”

  “Fabulous! You okay down there?” Spencer asked.

  Alexis’s stare sent chills through me.

  I called out, “I’m good. Thanks for asking, babe.”

  The sound of the doorbell brought relief. I wanted to get through this meeting, get Conner out of my house, and have a heart-to-heart with my girls. “Alexis, would you like to get the door?”

  “You got it. I’ma sit here with my sisters.”

  I’d done enough. They came to my house with an attitude. I could show them attitude. I sat on the sofa, crossed my legs.

  The doorbell rang again. We all sat there.

  Spencer came down the stairs. “What’s going on? Is someone going to get that?” He waited. I got up and stood by him. I stared at Alexis. She stared at me.

  The doorbell sounded again.

  “Guess it’s going to be me.” Spencer placed his hand on the doorknob. He looked at Alexis.

  She hunched her shoulders.

  Spencer opened the door. Conner was dressed in black slacks. A black button-down shirt. His broad shoulders were wide. His waist, slim. His eyes locked with Spencer’s.

  Spencer stared at me. His eyes narrowed. “Blake, is this some type of joke?” He looked at my girls then back at Conner.

  “No, Spencer. It’s not a joke. This is Alexis’s father.”

  “No
, Blake. That’s my father.”

  A READING GROUP GUIDE

  BABY, YOU’RE THE BEST

  Mary B. Morrison

  ABOUT THIS GUIDE

  The suggested questions that follow are included to enhance your group’s reading of this book.

  Discussion Questions

  1. Children who have never met their mother or father, how do you think this impacts their values and character?

  2. How do you believe your childhood shaped your present state of mind as it relates to your relationship(s)?

  3. What’s your comfort level with sex? What is your favorite sex scene in this book and why?

  4. Which characters have got game, who’s playing games, and why?

  5. The original title of this book was Single Moms. Do you know that seventy percent of African-American women are single moms? Are you aware that more than fifty percent of African-American marriages end in divorce? And fifty percent of African-American women never marry? Based on statistics, what do you think is the main factor contributing to the breakdown in communication in the African-American community?

  6. Which characters are in search of love? Someone to love and love them back? Give examples based on the characters’ actions.

  7. Should Alexis have bothered finding out who her father was? Was she prepared?

  8. We may all agree that Alexis is not the caretaker of anyone’s heart. In fact, she derives satisfaction in dominating others but accepts no responsibility for her actions. Can you give examples of people who do the same or similar?

  9. Is sex a weapon? Can sexual ties bond individuals to the point they feel like they want to die if it ends? Have you ever suffered depression as a result of a breakup or divorce? How did you find the strength to overcome?

  10. Is love an in-the-moment connection? How can a person sex one person today, then a different person the same or next day and waver between the two?