In no hurry to spend quality time with her mother, Reyna cleaned her plate at a snail’s pace. After washing the breakfast dishes, Reyna searched the medicine cabinets for cough medicine or prescription drugs, just in case her mother dropped another bombshell. Unfortunately for her, the strongest medicine Jewel stocked was Imodium A-D.
Reyna found her mother sitting Indian-style on her bed, looking through old photo albums, which she didn’t recognize.
Jewel patted the space next to her. “Come in and have a seat. I want to show you something.”
“Great, another history lesson,” she mumbled before entering the cluttered room and sitting on the bed. “What’s that?” she said, showing interest.
“These are pictures of a much younger me,” Jewel responded without looking up. “I thought I was hot stuff back in the day.” She turned the album so her daughter could see.
“Hot? You were flaming!” Reyna hollered. “I can’t believe you wore miniskirts and makeup.” Reyna grabbed the album and turned the page. She pointed to a picture of a much younger Jewel and Rosalie Jennings. “Is that a bustier?” Reyna studied her mother’s image more closely. “And a tattoo? You have a tattoo?” The idea that her holier-than-thou mother got tatted up seemed absurd. “I don’t believe it.”
Jewel unhooked the top button on her blouse. “Want to see? It hangs a lot lower than it used to, but the rose is still there.”
“That’s okay. I’ll take your word for it.” Viewing her mother’s wrinkled breast to prove a point didn’t appeal to her. She continued turning pages. “Oh my,” she gasped. “I’ve seen it all.” Reyna pointed to a picture of Jewel in lingerie, hanging from a pole. Her eyes pierced her mother, as she waited for an explanation.
“I told you, I ran buck wild after I left my daddy’s house. It was all about me, and I did everything I wanted to do,” Jewel explained. “I drank and smoked reefers too. I did anything to be accepted and loved—”
“I don’t understand,” Reyna interrupted. It didn’t make sense to her. “You came from a stable family. Why were you looking for love?”
Jewel reached for a tissue from the nightstand. “My family was stable, and both Mom and Dad loved us, but they weren’t good at expressing it. Daddy always complained about the things I did wrong, but never encouraged or validated me when I did well. My father didn’t tell me he loved me until cancer had nearly eaten him up. I grew up thinking something was wrong with me. When I left home, I went on a quest to find the love I’d missed.”
Reyna didn’t have the strength to stop the tears that rolled down her cheeks. She let them fall and gather at the base of her chin before accepting the tissue Jewel offered.
Jewel cupped her daughter’s face and held eye contact and pleaded, “Let me help you, baby. I don’t know exactly what you’re involved in, but I know you’re in over your head. I sheltered you, and you are no match for the enemy, especially with the grudge you have against God. The enemy is dragging you down, and he’s not going to stop until he completely destroys you. Please talk to me. The woman I picked up yesterday is not the beautiful woman I gave birth to. You are so much more than a drunk.”
Reyna’s steady breaths turned into gasps as sobs obstructed her air supply. Breaking down in front of the woman she’d conditioned herself to hate was the last thing she wanted to do, but Jewel had transformed into what Reyna desperately needed: a mother who knew her child. Her mouth moved, but the words lodged in her throat.
“It’s all right, baby,” Jewel coaxed. “You can tell me. I promise I won’t judge you.”
Reyna didn’t know if she could trust her mother or not, but her burdens had become unbearable. Even if Jewel wasn’t sincere, at least Reyna wouldn’t be carrying the load in silence.
She collapsed against Jewel’s shoulder and poured out the story of the past six months of her life, including the night she lost her virginity. She revealed everything: the physical and verbal abuse, chopping her car, and the seduction scene two nights ago. The details of Peyton’s courting and how his subsequent drug use led her to drinking were the most embarrassing, but how she allowed him to destroy Tyson’s property hurt the most. She put it all out there, even admitting that she actually cared about Tyson but had pushed him away.
Jewel held her and listened without interruption, wiping away her own tears and interceding in prayer for her daughter.
“My life is a mess, and I’m about to lose my job. I can’t make things right with Tyson if I don’t have a job.”
The tears continued to fall, but Reyna’s spirit felt lighter now that she had admitted the truth.
“Where is Peyton now? Is he still living with you?”
Reyna’s head bobbed against her chest. “He’s moving out today.”
“Well, that’s one less thing to worry about.”
With her emotions empty, for the first time ever that she could recall, Reyna fell asleep in her mother’s arms.
Chapter 28
Reyna stopped dead in her tracks, turned, ran to her old bedroom, and closed the door. She’d heard the voice, his voice. Tyson was there, in her mother’s living room, discussing the Bible. Her mother had said he was coming by, and although she wanted to see him, she wasn’t ready to see him. She needed time to come up with a plan to put her life in order.
She leaned against the closed door and caught her reflection in the dresser mirror. She gasped; Tyson couldn’t see her like this. Not with her hair sticking up every which way. He’d seen her plenty of times without makeup. In fact, he preferred her not to wear it. Never had he seen her in tattered leggings and a bleach-stained T-shirt.
She rummaged through the drawers and closet in search of something, anything, she’d left behind to piece together an outfit. She found a long blue jean skirt, a remnant from her “holy” days, and a brown sweater top that tied on the side. The outfit was bland, but it would have to work with the black sandaled heels she’d been wearing when her mother picked her up at the real estate office. After changing, she took a scarf from her mother’s room and wrapped it around her head like an African head wrap. Just before slipping into the heels, she applied baby powder to prevent her feet from sweating.
She closed Jewel’s bedroom door without checking the mirror. She knew the look didn’t make a fashion statement, but this was the best she could do with limited resources.
When Reyna entered the living room, Tyson stopped mid-sentence in the conversation he was having with Jewel. “Hey, beautiful,” he said, standing to his feet.
Reyna snickered, and said, “You’re either blind or have cataracts if you think I’m beautiful in this getup.”
Jewel quietly watched Tyson walk over to her daughter and rest his hands on her shoulders.
“This is a vast improvement from the drool and snot you had last night. Did you know you sleep with your mouth open?” Tyson said.
Reyna hadn’t expected the merriment coming from her anal friend. The jeans and loafers were totally out of character. Mylan must be good for you, she thought, but replied, “How does Malee feel about you spending all your time with a crazed tenant?”
“Jealous, are we?” He chuckled and then pulled her in for an embrace. “Are you all right? I was worried sick about you after Paige called.”
Reyna didn’t want to be embraced, but at that moment she needed his comfort. Besides, he smelled good. She had expected his arms to warm her on the outside, but she hadn’t anticipated the throbbing in her heart when his muscular arms enclosed her.
“I’m so sorry for not being there for you,” he said after releasing her too soon. “When you showed up at the office, I knew something wasn’t right. I should have made time for you. I should have followed you at the restaurant.”
Tyson’s sincerity, reflected in those hazel eyes, drew her in like a magnet. She wondered how apologetic he’d be once he saw the condition of the town house.
“And ruin Mah-jong’s surprise picnic and dinner? I don’t think that would have worked
out well for you. That girl looks like she knows karate,” Reyna said to lighten the mood. She didn’t want him taking responsibility for the mess she’d created. “Seriously, she’s beautiful,” she added when he smiled. “You look good together.”
Tyson opened his mouth as if to say something but didn’t, and her heart sank. Not that she actually expected him to tell her the relationship was over, but it would have been nice.
“Reyna, you’ve been cooped up in this house all day. Tyson, why don’t you take her out for some fresh air?” Jewel suggested from the couch. “Since she’s all dressed up and everything.”
Reyna felt like kissing her mother for butting into her business. A second longer and Reyna would have been in tears for what could have been.
“That’s a good idea,” Reyna answered, clearing her throat. “Let me get my purse.” She turned to retreat to her old room, but Tyson stopped her.
“Sweetheart, are you sure you’re up to it?”
I am so stupid. What have I done? her head screamed when she looked up at him. Whether he knew it or not, Tyson’s eyes reflected his emotions. When he was angry, charcoal flecks danced around his pupils. Happiness presented amber and light brown hues. She’d never witnessed the dark green hue now boring down on her, but her intuition told her it was love. Tyson really cared. Why couldn’t I read Peyton like that? she wondered.
Because you didn’t want to, her conscience answered back.
“I think some air will do me some good. Besides, there’s something I need to tell you,” she said, referring to the news of her real father. “I’m fine,” she assured him.
Jewel followed her down the hall to her bedroom, whispering, “Tell him the truth, the whole truth. It’ll set you free.”
Reyna sat on a bench beside Tyson at Lake Temescal in the Oakland Hills. The secluded tranquility was just what she needed to lift her spirits. Twice on the drive over depression had nearly consumed her. Ironically, both times when she felt herself going under, Tyson had said something to distract her.
“So, I guess Paige told you everything,” Reyna finally said after watching a fisherman reel in a medium-sized catfish.
Tyson extended his hand, and she accepted it. “All Paige said was that you weren’t yourself and that I should check on you as soon as possible. Your mother filled in the blanks. What I want to know from you is what’s driving you to drink.” Her hand shook uncontrollably, and he drew closer to her. “Reyna, what is it?”
It took her over twenty minutes to get it out, but she relayed the circumstances surrounding her conception without breaking down. “All this time I’ve been grieving for the wrong man. That’s the story of my life—going after men who don’t want me.”
He squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry you had to suffer that, but at least now you know the truth.”
“The truth hurts too much. At least the lie gave me hope,” she replied and snickered, although she failed to see the humor.
“It won’t always hurt. Your earthly father may not know you exist, but your Heavenly Father knows where you are. He knows everything about you, and He loves you unconditionally.”
She snatched her hand away, but not as forcefully as in the past. “Please, not now. I can’t deal with God and ’em right now.”
A bird hunting for food captured their attention in the silence that followed.
“You didn’t find out until that evening at Zachary’s. What did you come to my office to tell me?”
Leave it to a lawyer to pay attention to details. Reyna changed the subject. “Manglee must really have you twisted if she got you to come out of those tailored suits and into jeans. Don’t think I didn’t notice those khakis the other day. That woman deserves sainthood for changing you.”
“First of all,” he began with a bit of amusement, “it’s Mylan, but you already know that.”
Reyna playfully rolled her eyes and smacked her lips.
“She didn’t change me. I’m still the same person. The only difference is I’m finally comfortable in my own skin. Mylan had nothing to do with the changes you’ve mentioned. You can thank the Honorable Fredrick Stokes for that.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I almost feel guilty about sharing this now, considering what you’re going through,” he said, digressing. “I’m sorry if this upsets you, but my father and I have established a relationship. We’re actually friends.”
Reyna took note of the smile playing around his beard and feigned happiness with a smile of her own while he shared the details of their reconciliation. “That’s wonderful. I’m happy for you.”
“We talk daily and hang out often. Mylan and I even went on a double date with my parents to the symphony.”
The smile faded. She’d met his parents only once, at Kevin and Marlissa’s vow renewal. They were cordial, at the very least.
“I’m happy for you. Miss Mylan is just perfect. She’ll make you a good wife,” she lied. “What?” she asked when the charcoal flecks flashed.
“Honesty is important to me in any kind of relationship.”
Her abdominal muscles tightened involuntarily.
“You don’t mean that, but you’re right. Mylan will make the right man an excellent wife someday, but I’m not that man,” he revealed. “Don’t pretend like you’re disappointed,” he added when she gasped, “because you’re not.”
She closed her mouth and looked away and held on to the bench to keep from jumping up and doing a celebratory dance.
“I know the suspense is killing you. Go on and ask me how I can be so sure she’s not the one for me.”
Reyna’s determination to prove him wrong lasted less than thirty seconds. Her fists pounded her lap. “Ugh! I hate it when you’re right.” She faced him. “What happened?”
“She broke up with me after Zachary’s.”
“She broke up with you?” Reyna thought the idea ridiculous, yet she’d been foolish enough not to give the man a chance. “Why would she do that?”
Tyson’s facial expression didn’t change, but she could tell a war raged in his head. His eye color changed twice.
“She ended the relationship once she realized my heart wasn’t in it.”
“You seemed pretty captivated to me. You kicked me to the curb, negated me down to an appointment slot. Not that I’m jealous or anything, but when she walked in, you started lip-locking like I wasn’t in the room.” She thought he’d find humor in her comment, but his anal side resurfaced.
“It was just a peck, and you don’t really want to go there. I never kicked you to the curb. You sat yourself there. All I have ever tried to do is help you, but . . .” He let the statement hang.
“Ouch!” She believed Tyson would never hit her, but he was an expert at slapping her in the face by being blunt. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed you away,” she finally admitted to him. “I made a mistake.” She expected him to confirm her assertion, but he didn’t.
“Reyna, do you trust me?”
“Of course I do.”
“Then tell me what’s going on. I know you. It’s more than the news about your father. I can see it in your eyes. You came to my office to tell me something. What is it?”
She turned away, but gentle hands touched her chin and steered her head back.
“Please tell me. I can handle anything as long as you’re truthful.”
Reyna opened her mouth and bit her lip several times as she struggled with right and wrong. Sure, telling Tyson about Peyton was the right thing to do, but if he turned on her, that would be wrong. And he would turn on her, once she revealed how she betrayed the trust he’d placed in her when he offered his home. Peyton had done the damage, but she’d allowed it to go on far too long. And just how was she supposed to tell him that she’d probably lost the job he helped her find and that she was now broke and could no longer afford the below market rent he offered. If only she’d told him that day at his office, they could have worked out a repayment agreement.
“Can we eat first?” The words trickled out more like a plea than a question.
In resignation, Tyson released her and hung his head. Reyna bowed her head also and prayed he wouldn’t give up on her. When Reyna realized what she was doing, her head snapped back up. Determined not to beg God for anything, she turned her attention to the waterfall.
“What do you have a taste for?” he asked after a prolonged silence.
“Well,” she said, scooting closer to him, “if it’s not too much trouble, I’d love one of your famous Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and homemade fries.” She paused. “Please,” she added when he continued to stare. “I’ll peel the potatoes and cut the peppers and onions.”
A smile lacking brilliance creased his beard. “If that’s what it takes to get you to talk, no problem. We’ll have to stop at the store first for groceries to take back to your mother’s house. Or, if you want to eat in the comfort of home, we can cook at your place.”
“No,” she blurted. “I mean, I’m not ready to go back to Mother’s just yet. Let’s go to your place and have dinner on the patio. The weather is perfect, and I like watching you move around that gourmet kitchen.” It sounded lame, but that was the best she could come up with to keep him away from the town house.
Tyson’s hazel eyes squinted, then relaxed. “Fine, but you should call your mother and let her know you’ll be out late.”
Reyna snickered and rolled her eyes. “As long as I’m with you, she doesn’t care if I ever come back.”
Chapter 29
“Yum, this is so good!” Reyna declared, with strings of melted provolone and Muenster cheese hanging from her chin. “This meat is so tender, I could eat this every day.” Not bothering with a napkin, Reyna used her fingers to peel the gooey delight from her chin, then savored it before devouring another bite of the sandwich.
Tyson shook his head at the irony of it all. He and Reyna had worked together on every aspect of preparing dinner, from grocery shopping to setting the patio table. Although she’d been inside his home only a handful of times, Reyna had moved around his kitchen with ease, storing food in cabinets and the pantry and prepping food. They’d worked in sync, with little conversation required. She’d questioned him only when she couldn’t locate the casual dinnerware. “I should have known,” she’d said when he informed her he didn’t own any, but if she would select a set, he’d purchase it. She’d smiled and proceeded to set the patio table with china.
Doin' Me Page 17
