A Heart Full of Lies

by Nique Luarks

  Erin turned the water off and sat on the edge of the tub. “You think it’s a good idea you work with him then? Sounds like you’re playing with fire.”

  She heard Sasha huff. “I don’t know what I’ma do honestly. I’m just going to see how tomorrow goes.”

  Erin smirked. “Don’t set yourself up Sash, Shawn would try to kill your ass.”

  “Shawn better be happy I still sleep in the same bed with his cheating ass.”

  Erin rolled her eyes again. “Sasha I already told you my thoughts on that.”

  Sasha mumbled. “Yea, yea. You talk to TreVell?”

  Erin grimaced. “Why would I talk to him?”

  “I was just wondering.”

  “No need to wonder, I changed my number for a reason.” The last thing Erin had thoughts about was TreVell. They hadn’t spoken since he packed all his shit, walked out the front door, and drove off.

  Sasha heard the hurt in her voice. “I didn’t mean to strike a nerve.”

  Erin’s line began clicking. “Sash, I’ll hit you up tomorrow.”

  Sasha sounded disappointed. “Ok, don’t be mad.”

  “I promise I’m not.” She clicked over, “Hello?”

  Tone’s husky voice spoke. “Sup beautiful.”

  Erin let her hair down and combed through it. “Hey.”

  “How was work?” he asked.

  She shrugged her shoulders as if he could see. “Work was work; a bunch of bullshit and paperwork, the usual work load.”

  “You sound stressed ma.”

  Erin laughed. “You sound like you care.”

  Tone grinned. “I might.”

  Erin rolled her eyes. “You don’t.” She put the phone on speaker, sat the phone on the stand, and began undressing.

  “Why are you trying to make me out to be the bad guy Erin? You should know better than anybody else, I’m innocent until proven guilty.”

  She smiled and eased into the tub. “You got jokes, I see.”

  “No, facts.”

  She dried her hands and grabbed the phone. “Santonio, what do you want?”

  “To cook you breakfast.”

  Erin laughed again. “What?”

  Tone repeated himself. “I wanna cook you breakfast.”

  Erin shook her head. “I told you I don’t eat breakfast.”

  Tone didn’t back down. “Then let me cook you dinner.”

  “Tone-“

  “Yes Erin?”

  She sighed. “Can I call you back?”

  Tone chuckled. “Yea, just hit me up later.”

  Hanging up the phone she took a deep breath and let the warm water consume her.

  Skyy glanced at the clock on the wall for what seemed like the 100th time. She’d now been waiting on Deidra for almost two hours. Skyy had called her and had sent more than a couple of texts. She’d put her three year old daughter Skylar to bed a while ago, and had waited patiently on Deidra’s company. But now irritation was starting to slowly take over.

  Skyy didn’t want to seem like a stalker and she damn sure didn’t want Deidra thinking she was on pins and needles waiting for her arrival; even though she was anxious to see her. Things between them had been getting serious, and no matter how hard Skyy tried to shake it, she couldn’t help but find herself falling in love. Just as she was about to go to bed, she heard the locks on the front door pop.

  In walked Deidra, Skyy frowned. “I’ve been calling you.”

  Deidra shut the door and locked it. “I know, I was handling some business, when I could finally call you back I was already on my way.”

  Skyy scrunched her nose up. “You were handling business for two hours?”

  Deidra ignored her and sat down on the couch. Skyy stood in front of her. “Hello, are you deaf!?”

  Deidra took off her shoes and turned the television on. “Why are you yelling, can you get out my face please.”

  Skyy damn near punched her. “Are you serious? All I did was ask a simple question. You been acting all weird lately, I’m just trying to figure out what’s going on. I don’t do that cheating shit, let me find out I’ma knock yo’ ass out.”

  Deidra looked up at her. “Get out my face!”

  Skyy wouldn’t let up. “Where you been?”

  “With Tone.”

  Skyy didn’t believe her. “All day?”

  “Yes.” Deidra sighed agitated. “Anything else?”

  “Let me see your phone.”

  Deidra laughed. “You’re playing right?”

  Skyy sucked her teeth. “Do it look like I’m playing?” When Deidra didn’t give her the phone she inched closer to her. “You hiding something in your phone?”

  Deidra turned the television off. “No, but I’m not giving you my phone. Deal with it. You don’t put fear in nobody’s heart, so all this tough shit you doing I suggest you chill the fuck out.”

  “Yea, you’re hiding something. If you gone be sneaky we don’t have to be together, don’t waste my time.” Skyy made her way to her room.

  Deidra yelled after her. “You let me know what you want to do!”

  Skyy eased her way back into the living room. “I know you better quit yelling while my daughter is sleep. I want to be with you. I’m stepping out of my element. I’ve never been in a relationship with a woman. This is new for me, and I’m bending over backwards for your ungrateful ass.”

  Deidra scoffed. “You bending over backwards for who? Who, besides your friends, who else knows about us? Your family? Shit, does your mom know?” Skyy didn’t reply so Deidra continued. “You can’t even admit you’re a lesbian Skyy come on. How you try to call me out on bullshit, and that’s what you on? You don’t want to hold hands, kiss, nor hug in public. So save the antics.”

  Skyy put her hands on her hips. “I need to be comfortable before I-“

  Deidra stood up. “Comfortable? Yea ok. You’re comfortable when I’m face deep in the pussy though. Comfortable when I’m buying you and Skylar shit, and helping you furnish this bitch.” She waved her hands around. “You want your cake and to eat it too, but then got the nerve to be whining because I didn’t jump when you called me.” She picked her jacket up.

  Skyy wiped tears from her eyes. “You’re making it seem like I’m ashamed of you, and I’m not.”

  Deidra yelled in her face. “Are you!”

  She shook her head. “Baby no. It’s just complicated.”

  Deidra began putting her jacket on. “Well call me when you figure it out.”

  Skyy followed her to the front door. “Really, so it’s like that?”

  Deidra opened the door and took a step outside. “I’ll talk to you later on.”

  Sasha had been working at Gladstone Publishing for nearly three weeks now. She enjoyed the freedom from being at home. Sasha hated how she let herself become a housewife to a man that wasn’t even her husband. Now that same man had a baby with somebody else. She chose to take him back because of the history they shared. Shawn was her everything, he’d never cheated, nor lied. He was an excellent provider and a gentle lover. They’d prayed and cried together, and they were both sure they could weather this massive storm.

  Michael interrupted her thoughts. “You ok?”

  She began messing with the papers on her desk. “Um, yes. Just straightening up, your father called and he said to be expecting him at 4:30.”

  Michael fixed his suit. “Did he say why?”

  Sasha shook her head no. “He didn’t say. You need me to call him back?”

  Michael waved her off. “No.” He looked at his watch, “Sasha I’m going to take my lunch. You want anything?”

  She smiled. “No thank you.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yes, I already ate, and I’m stuffed, thanks though.”

  Michael looked disappointed. “Maybe next time?”

  She smiled nervously. “Definitely next time.”

  “Alright, if they get back before me go ahead and let them in my office.”

  Sa
sha came back from the bathroom to see two men sitting in the waiting area. “Excuse me, did you have an appointment?”

  The older gentleman smiled at her. “Yes I did, I’m a little early.”

  “Mr. Gladstone?”

  He reached out for a handshake. “Sasha, if I’m correct.”

  She shook his hand smiling. “Nice to finally meet you. Michael- I mean Mr. Gladstone stepped out for a late lunch. I told him not to expect you until 4:30, I’m sorry.”

  Mr. Gladstone waved her off. “It’s fine, a prior engagement was canceled. I’ve already called him.”

  “Ok great.”

  He motioned for the man next to him to stand up. “This is my other son Malcolm, he’s Michael’s younger brother.”

  Sasha offered a handshake and he looked at her. “You always abandon your work space for long periods of time?”

  Sasha pulled her arm back slowly. “Um, no. I took a restroom break actually.”

  “We’ve been out here for almost twenty minutes.”

  Sasha frowned.

  Mr. Gladstone stepped in. “Malcolm not today.” Mr. Gladstone laughed, “You’ll have to excuse Malcolm.”

  Malcolm spoke. “No need to excuse me father. I asked a simple question.”

  Sasha slowly took a deep breath. What was his issue? “Mr. Gladstone wanted me to let you into his office.” She led them to Michael’s office door and opened it. Mr. Gladstone entered with Malcolm trailing behind him. “Would you gentleman like anything, water, coffee?”

  Mr. Gladstone shook his head. “No thank you Sasha.”

  Malcolm spoke next. “Bring me a fresh cup of coffee.”

  Sasha smiled. “One cup of coffee coming right up.” Sasha exited the office, and made her way to the breakroom. She cursed quietly to herself. “Asshole.”

  Michael startled her. “You ok?”

  “Oh! Michael, I didn’t know you were there.” She nearly dropped the cup she was holding. Michael always seemed to appear out of nowhere.

  He laughed. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  “No, I’m just jumpy, you’re fine”

  He flashed a sly grin. “Thank you.”

  Sasha laughed. “I was just getting some coffee for your brother.”

  Michael nodded. “Ok.”

  They stood there in silence for what seemed like an eternity. Sasha broke it. “Um, ok, well let me get to getting.”

  Michael agreed. “Yes, let me see what the old man has up his sleeve.”

  Sasha watched as he walked away. She shook her head in disbelief. “Get to getting … really Sasha?”

  Jeanette took the second shot of the four she had lined across the inn table, just as Kory walked into the room. He turned on the light. “You drinking again?”

  She sighed and wiped the tears from her eyes, “I just needed something to calm my nerves. I had a really bad day.”

  Kory snatched up the bottle and held it in the air. “You need to slow down Nette. Every time I turn around you got a bottle in your hand.”

  Jeanette sucked her teeth, and took the third shot. “All I’m doing is having a couple shots, damn Kory. Can I chill?” He glared at her and she continued, “I been at work all day, all I want is a drink and some alone time. I mean is that ok with you?”

  Kory snatched her up by her collar nearly snapping her neck. “Who the fuck you think you talking to?”

  Jeanette looked up at him frightened. “Let go of me Kory!”

  He held her tighter. “Bitch I will break your fuckin’ neck. Keep playing with me Jeanette.” He shoved her back into the chair.

  Jeanette began bawling like a baby. “What did I ever do to you Kory? Why don’t you love me?” she continued crying.

  Kory took the last shot on the table and ran his hands over his face. “I do love you Nette. I swear I do. You and Jr. mean everything to me.”

  Jeanette hung her head. “I’m so tired of doing everything on my own. I’m working two full time jobs, paying rent, lights, gas, trash, and daycare expenses by myself. I’m so tired Kory, I need help, I need sleep.”

  Kory folded his hands over his head, “You think I like watching you work all these long hours? I been looking for a job, I have.” He was becoming frustrated.

  Jeanette wiped the tears from her face. “Kory, when is the last time you went looking for a job? Honestly?”

  Kory became infuriated. “Ain’t nothing good enough for you! Ever! All you fuckin’ do is complain, I’m getting tired of you. I might as well leave, I’m not appreciated here.” He rushed upstairs with Jeanette following close behind. He continued cursing. “Fuck all this, fuck you, I can’t deal with this no more.” He started packing a bag.

  Jeanette snatched the bag up. “Baby, I don’t want you to go.”

  Kory stared at her. “It’s too late for all that. You don’t really appreciate me.” He switched the argument completely around.

  Jeanette cried. “I do appreciate you baby. It’s you who don’t appreciate me. I’m trying to be understanding, but you’re not even acknowledging that.”

  Kory sighed. “I am, I mean I do. I got a lot on my plate too you’re not the only one. Everything’s going to be alright, you just can’t let your family and your “know it all” ass friends give you negative advice. They really don’t care, they’re just judging us.”

  Jeanette shook her head. “They’re just-“

  Kory cut her off. “If we are going to be together and make it, you need to stop letting them get in your head. The only thing that should matter is me and Jr. All that other shit is irrelevant. your jealous ass friends are irrelevant. Don’t let them feed you negative bullshit.”

  Jeanette looked down at the floor. “You’re right.”

  Chapter Five: What About Your Friends

  Erin had taken a quick shower and was now putting lotion on. She’d invited the girls and her little sister over for a girls’ night/slumber party. Everybody had been so busy lately including herself, so it had been a while since they’d all been in the same room. Erin had ordered Chinese, and went to the store and picked up snacks and of course drinks to get the night sailing smoothly. Just as she pulled her oversized pajama shirt over her head, there was a knock on the front door. She grabbed the money off her night stand and rushed downstairs.

  After setting everything up nicely on her dining room table, she grabbed her phone and called Skyy.

  She answered almost immediately. “Hello.”

  “Skyy where are you?”

  “Girl my babysitter flaked, I can come but I can’t stay that long.”

  Erin frowned. “My sister’s coming, she can watch her, I know Erica won’t care.” Skyy didn’t reply right away. “Hello? Did you hear me?”

  Skyy finally replied. “Yea, I’ma just come for a second, alright?”

  Erin rolled her eyes. “Alright.” They ended their conversation and Erin called Jeanette, but didn’t get an answer. She was calling Sasha when there was another knock on the door. Before she could get to it to open it, the door swung open, and her sister waltzed in with Sasha right behind her. Erin hung up and smiled. “Good! I was about to go off.”

  Sasha closed the door behind her, “Why?”

  “I thought everybody flaked on me.” Erica gave her a side hug and continued upstairs with her bag.

  Sasha sat down on the sectional and crossed her arms, “So it’s just us three?”

  Erin pulled up Jeanette’s number and called her again. When she didn’t answer she shot her a text. “Skyy said she was coming but she’s not staying for long, because her babysitter bailed. Jeanette is just not answering, you talk to her?”

  Sasha shook her head, “She’s been acting weird lately.”

  Erin sighed. “Well I ordered Chinese and got some snacks and drinks, help yourself.” She went to the bottom of the stairs. “Erica! It’s food down here!”

  “Ok!” she yelled back.

  Sasha made her way to the table. “She’s on the phone probably. She was
on that damn thing the whole ride over here.”

  Erin laughed. “Ain’t she always? She would probably die without it.”

  Sasha grabbed a plate. “So miss thang, what’s up with you? I haven’t been seeing you as much. What’s new?”

  Erin grinned. “Oh nothing, just work ya’ know.”

  Sasha laughed. “Work got you grinning like that? Last time we talked about work you hated that shit.”

  Erin began rolling her blunt shaking her head. “Girl no, it’s this new guy I kind of been conversing with.”

  Sasha’s eyes widened. “Ooooh, a new guy, I knew it. You don’t even be at the house for real no more. Y’all kicking it like that? How new is he?”

  “Ummm, like a month now.”

  Sasha pushed her playfully. “A month? And you’re just now telling me?”

  Erin reached for the lighter. “It’s not anything serious, and we’re cool that’s all. It’s nothing like that.”

  Sasha squinted her eyes. “Umhm, don’t down play it for me.”

  Erin sparked the cigarillo up and laughed. “For real. We haven’t even hung out it’s just been phone conversation. He’s been trying to cook me dinner for the longest. I keep telling him no, but he still calls me every morning and every night. He’s so damn persistent it’s a little overwhelming I can’t even lie. But what’s up with you?”

  Sasha wiped her hands. “Well, you know I’m working now.”

  “I know!” Erin exclaimed. “I’m so happy for you, do you like it?”

  Sasha grinned. “Yea, it’s cool.”

  Erin laughed. “Mmmmhmm.” It was a knock on the door. “Come in!” Erin yelled as she took another hit.

  Skyy entered the house. “Wassup bitches!”

  Sasha smiled. “Hey! Bout time, you bring Nette with you?”

  Skyy closed the door and took her jacket off. “No, she said she doesn’t feel good.”

  Erin put her blunt out. “I mean she could’ve answered the phone and told me that. I’ve been blowing her phone up.”

  Skyy joined them at the table and poured her a drink. “She’s probably sleep. You know she works two jobs now.”