by Pat Tucker
She pressed a button on the phone and pulled it up to her ear. All sorts of thoughts ran through her mind as she waited for Samantha to answer.
“Hey, what’s up?” Samantha greeted.
Samantha’s voice sounded odd.
Leela brushed it off and told herself the entire world hadn’t fallen off its axis because her grandparents were calling it quits after fifty-two years of marriage. It still didn’t sound right, even when the words were just bouncing around in her head. What’s a deal breaker after more than a half-century of marriage? She couldn’t imagine.
“Sorry, Sam; what’s going on?”
“What are you sorry about?”
“Oh, my bad. Girl, nothing. I’m just. My mind is all over the place. I’m…well, you know what, enough about me. What’s up? How’s everything going?”
It nearly killed Leela not to tell Samantha the devastating news.
CHAPTER
3
One of the hardest things Samantha had to do was answer the questions that seemed to flow nonstop since the anniversary party. She’d been working the phones to the best of her ability, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to handle it much longer. Everyone expected her to be broken and near devastation. But she was the opposite. She was ready to move on.
Several days had passed since the last confrontation with Bill, and she still felt like she should’ve done more. Maybe she should’ve paid to have his car trashed, or burned his clothes.
For a long time, she had suspected something was going on, but there was still a part of her that wished she’d never found out. It wasn’t that she’d had that false sense of security; she simply knew that life would get complicated if her husband refused to get rid of his long-term mistress. The longer he banged her, the more he ran the risk of falling in love with her.
To Samantha, an occasional piece of ass on the side was different from a woman who felt she was merely waiting in the wings. Everyone grew tired of waiting, and that’s when they usually got desperate.
As she held the phone to her ear, she knew Leela was still there because she heard her breathe, but her friend was speechless.
“So what are you gonna do?” Leela finally asked after she listened to details of how Samantha’s worst fears had been confirmed.
“Well, he’s living in the guest house for now, but we’re not gonna make it,” Samantha admitted.
“Oh no,” said Leela. “I’m so sorry to hear all of this.”
“Leela, I did all of this in such a public way for a reason. There’s no way in hell I want him back after everyone knows all about his little secret. I don’t want him back and I don’t want people feeling like there’s hope for us.”
“I hear what you’re saying, but maybe you should take some time to really think this through. I’m not saying your decision isn’t the right one; actually, I think I am. I mean, it’s ten years, Samantha. Let’s talk about this some more.”
“We can talk about it all you want, but I’ve gotta be honest. You’re wasting valuable breath. There’s nothing more to discuss when it comes to Bill and me. I’m done!”
“You need to give it more time; that’s all I’m saying. You know what? I’m coming over there.” Leela didn’t wait for Samantha to respond. “I’ll be there in a few.”
• • •
When Riley came out of their walk-in closet and found his wife sitting on the bed, not dressed, and again staring off, he struggled to maintain his patience. He wasn’t in the mood for one of her emotional breakdowns.
“Leela, you don’t look so good. Maybe we need to stay here tonight.”
At the sound of his voice, Leela turned to see her handsome husband with a look of concern across his face. He wore a dark pair of designer jeans, a crisp white Oxford shirt, and a blazer. In his ensemble, Riley looked good enough to grace the cover of GQ magazine. And he smelled great.
“I—I feel so lost right now,” Leela said.
Riley moved over to her side, and took her into his arms.
“Everything is falling apart. I don’t know what’s going on around us,” Leela cried.
He didn’t like when she was reduced to a pile of emotions, but he knew he had to be supportive.
“No, babe. It’s not everything. I feel you. I can’t imagine your grandparents without each other, but that doesn’t mean everything is falling apart. I know you talked with Big Mama, but what about your grandpops? Have you talked to him yet?”
He didn’t understand why men couldn’t take control of their households. Leela’s grandfather had held it down for fifty-two years! Riley couldn’t imagine what had gone wrong and how he had lost control after such a long time. Even though he didn’t want to hurt his wife’s feelings, Riley felt like maybe there was a good reason the Bishops had decided to call it quits.
“No. My mom is with my grandmother, but when I try to ask about him, neither of them want to talk about it. But I wasn’t talking about them this time. I’m talking about Bill and Sam,” Leela said. “It’s final. They’re getting a divorce too.”
Riley pulled back slightly. That’s when it dawned on him that he hadn’t heard from Bill since Thursday. Here it was Saturday evening, and he had no idea what had happened after Bill had gone home to confront Samantha. He had assumed no collect call from jail meant Bill had held it together. Hell, all the man had to do was go home and put his foot down.
“What do you mean they’re getting a divorce? I just talked to Bill the other day, and told him what was what… I mean, he was all worked up, but…” Realizing he may have been saying too much, Riley looked at his wife and asked, “So they didn’t make up? I meant to call him, but things got crazy at work yesterday.”
“Make up? Riley, it’s over between them!” Leela was dumbstruck by the suggestion. “As a matter-of-fact, I’m gonna go over there now. Sam really needs me,” Leela said. “I was waiting to tell you.”
“So this is it then?”
“Yeah, babe. She just told me. I called her while you were getting dressed. She sounds really bad. You don’t mind, do you?”
“Nah, not at all. It’s all good. I would’ve thought Bill would’ve called me or said something.”
“Ry, who knows what’s going on over there? Actually, you should probably come with me. Samantha said he moved into the guest house.”
A surprised expression made its way to Riley’s face.
Leela got up and moved across the room to the dresser. Now it was her turn to console her husband. Riley had taken her seat at the edge of the bed.
“I thought it was just her acting out again. Why did she put all their business out there like that? All over social media?” Riley said. “I know that’s what she does, but damn, that was foul.”
“What are you saying over there?” Leela asked.
Riley told her the story about the Facebook posts and how he had called to bring it to Bill’s attention. As he described what he had seen to his wife, he also told her that he thought Bill would be within his legal rights if he would’ve slapped her up a bit.
That admission left Leela at a loss for words.
“So you knew about Bill’s affair all this time? Is that what you’re telling me?”
Riley didn’t answer right away. A few seconds later, Leela looked him in the eyes and repeated the question.
“What’s that gotta do with anything?”
Before Leela could say anything else, Riley rose and walked out of their bedroom.
That answered her question, even though he wouldn’t.
• • •
Thirty minutes later, Leela called out to her husband. Finally showered, changed, and ready to go, she didn’t feel better emotionally, but at least the shower had left her refreshed.
“Ry?!” she yelled.
Their home was a large, multilevel structure, with Riley’s man-cave on the lower level. When he didn’t respond, Leela knew he must’ve been inside his oasis. She left the master suite, walked down the stairs, and p
assed through the family room.
“Hey, Riley, you ready?” she asked, as she approached the door to his area and eased it open.
Riley rose from one of the theater-style seats and straightened his jeans. He had replaced the button-down and blazer with a V-neck T-shirt.
“Yeah. I tried to call Bill, but all I got was voicemail,” Riley said. His eyes settled on Leela and confusion colored his face.
“That’s what you’re wearing?”
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” Leela looked down at the outfit she had on. It was fine to her. She looked back up at her husband.
Riley gave her a stern look. “You’re answering my question with a question, and you know how I feel about that. Now please, go put on something else. A pair of jeans and a T-shirt is more appropriate for this situation.”
Leela looked down at the maxi dress again. She didn’t see a problem with it, but just to avoid an argument, she decided to change. It would be easier than to listen to him go on about what was and wasn’t appropriate attire to sit up at her friend’s house.
“Okay, but I still think you should come with me,” Leela said, as she turned to go back to their bedroom. What difference did it make whether she wore a dress or jeans? Sometimes, Riley could be so irrational, but she brushed it off and kept it moving.
“Better?” She met him in the family room and twirled to get his approval.
“Yeah, and I’ll drive. If he’s not there, I’ll just drop you off,” he offered.
“Thanks,” Leela said, and they headed to the garage.
CHAPTER
4
Cross Creek Ranch, Fort Bend County’s master-planned community, was a status symbol for anyone fortunate enough to call it home. Bill and Samantha Thomas’s pristine, lakefront neighborhood looked like it should grace the pages of Design Digest. Their four-bedroom, two-story, stucco-and-brick house, near the back of Liberty Heights, was adjacent to one of the many neighborhood pocket parks. The area was serene and tranquil.
As their car slowly rolled along the winding cobblestone circular driveway, Leela couldn’t help but wonder whether this would be one of their last trips to the picturesque gated-community.
“I’m gonna drop you here and pull around to the back,” Riley said.
“Yeah. That’s probably a good idea. I told you she didn’t sound too good on the phone, so I don’t want her to see you, especially since you might not stay anyway,” Leela explained.
Riley pulled up beyond the front door and brought the car to a slow stop so his wife could get out.
“You want me to call when I’m ready?” she asked.
“Yes, but take your time. If he’s not here, I’ll find something to do. Don’t worry about me; stay as long as you want.”
She reached over and touched his hand. “Thanks for understanding. I hope you don’t feel too bad about missing the party.” Leela leaned over and kissed her husband’s cheek. She hopped out of the car and stood for a second to watch him make his way down to the end of the driveway. Once he had turned toward the back of the property, she began the short trek up to the front door.
The view of the lake from the front of the house was nice, but the memory of parties on the covered patio, and the view of the glistening water as the sun was going down in the backyard was even better. They’d had some good times with the Thomas family. She wondered what their new status would mean for the friendship they’d formed over the years.
Leela walked up to the oversized double doors and pressed the doorbell.
• • •
Riley was encouraged when he pulled around to the back and saw Bill’s Hummer parked near the entrance of the guest house. There was a good chance his buddy was in there and could use some company.
Pulling up behind the massive truck, he parked Leela’s car and jumped out. He had tried to call Bill again and got voicemail.
Once he walked up to the door, he heard the TV blaring, so he figured Bill was there.
Riley knocked on the door and waited.
“Who’s there?”
“Yo, Bill! Dawg, it’s me, Ry. Open the door, Man.”
Minutes passed before Riley heard movement on the other side of the door. Not long after, the door swung open and Bill peered out with a hand over his eyes.
“Aey, Dawg; what’s up?” Bill said.
The scent of stale liquor hit Riley like a massive wrecking ball. He caught his breath and stepped into the house. Riley followed behind Bill who wore a pair of boxer briefs and a dingy, wife-beater undershirt.
Bill flopped down onto the sofa and used the palm of his hand to dry rub his face.
“Can you believe this bull, Man?” he asked.
“Dawg, what happened? I mean, she put that crap out there, but Leela said she’s talking about divorce,” Riley said.
“Damn right we’re getting divorced. I’m bound to lose a lot, but that’s better than living in hell every damn day.”
“Bill. What you saying, Man? You know it’s cheaper to keep her; y’all need to work that out.”
Bill shook his head. “It was about time. Kelly and me, Man, we couldn’t stay underground like that. It’s gonna get ugly, but I know in the end, this is the right thing.”
Riley sat on the edge of the coffee table. With his legs spread wide, he propped his elbows atop his knees and took his head into his hands.
“You know what you’re saying, Man?” he asked Bill.
“I’m straight. Me and Kelly talked about what would happen if Sam ever found out. I’ll admit it, I wasn’t ready for it to go down like it did, but we’re gonna bounce back.”
“So you referring to you and Kelly as we now? Dawg, I didn’t know it was that deep,” Riley said. He shook his head and looked at his friend with sorrowful eyes.
Bill turned and looked at him. Riley couldn’t remember a time he’d seen his friend so serious about anything.
“Man. I’m glad she found out. I hate marriage, and so does Kelly.”
“Whoa! Hold up a sec.” Riley raised his hand. “Hold up, Bruh. Ain’t she married, too?”
Bill’s face broke into a sly grin. “That was the beauty of it, Man. When both people have a lot to lose, things don’t get out of hand. Well, unless one somebody’s wife starts investigating and puts both on blast. Now, not only is my job in jeopardy, but chances are, Kelly’s shit is jacked up, too.”
“Dawg, I told you, Man, you need to handle your business better. You gotta let these chicks know who’s in charge.” It was all too much for Riley to digest.
• • •
“So you and Bill are just throwing in the towel?” Leela asked.
She knew the answer to her question, but there was something so incredibly unbelievable about the entire situation, both, with Big Mama, and her best friend, Samantha.
Leela had been holed up inside the master suite with Samantha for more than an hour.
“Why does it have to be over? Divorce is so final,” Leela said.
Samantha shrugged. “It’s time. Honestly, I’m tired. I’m tired of lying next to someone whom I know is screwing anything with a hole. I get it. I really, really get it. There’s a shortage of good black men. You give that man a seven-figure, or hell, even six-figure salary, and these women don’t know how to act. I’m tired of the rat race. They can have my man because it’s exhausting trying to stay two steps ahead of these thirsty heifers.”
“You don’t want to fight for your marriage?” Leela asked. The wonderment in her voice was difficult to mask. She was bewildered by Samantha’s nonchalant approach to ending her ten-year marriage. Sure, there were things about Riley that Leela didn’t like. His macho approach to everything worked her last nerve at times. And the fact that everything had to be his way or no way at all wasn’t ideal, but nobody was perfect. Leela felt like one mistake shouldn’t end a marriage.
Sucking her teeth and rolling her eyes, Samantha looked at Leela side-eyed, and asked, “Aren’t you tired?”
She thought she’d come over and offer a comforting ear to Samantha, maybe convince her to go to counseling with Bill. But after nearly two hours with Samantha, Leela knew her efforts would be useless.
Samantha’s mind was completely made up.
“Leela, do you really think your husband is faithful? Bill, Riley, think about their circle; they all run together. You know good and well, if thirsty females are throwing it at Bill, they’re definitely throwing it at Riley too. Girl, I’m just tired. I can’t take it anymore, so he can go be with Kelly, Susan, Keisha, and anybody else he wants. As long as I get my half, I don’t give a damn what he does.”
Leela said very little.
“The only reason I stayed in as long as I did is because of the way I knew people would react.”
Leela’s eyebrows elevated.
“Don’t tell me you’ve never shamed anyone who wanted to end a relationship,” Samantha quipped. “When you’re married, people expect you to do everything to fight for your marriage. My question is, how do you guys know I haven’t fought? Maybe I’m tired and ready to take off the gloves. Why should I stay with my husband even if I’m not happy? I’ve been unhappy for several years and even though we shared more happy years than bad years, why not cut our losses and move on. Everyone deserves to be happy. I’m not a bad person, or a loser, just because I want out of this marriage.”
Leela listened as Samantha went on about how married life was no longer for her, and how she’d finally seen the light.
But as she listened, she also thought about the fact that Samantha seemed determined to end the marriage. While Leela didn’t agree with Samantha, she told herself it was time to respect her friend’s position.
