Sixty-Nine

by Pynk

  “Then this is for you.” He handed her the box, and she scooted her chair back and came to a stance next to him, taking it into her right hand. She flipped open the top, and there was a four-carat, emerald-cut solitaire with four heart-cut diamonds along each side, set in platinum. It sparkled brilliantly.

  Magnolia brought her hand to her mouth and froze. She gave a quick blink.

  Miller removed the ring from its place inside of the satin-lined slot, and took her left hand in his. He gradually placed it on her ring finger, kissing her cheek as she still stared at her new engagement ring.

  She spoke with a weak voice. “Miller. It’s beautiful. Oh my God. I love it.”

  “Good, because you are beautiful. You are amazing. And I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  “Thanks for saying yes.”

  She panted. “Oh my. Even though I asked you to go ahead and ask again, you still got this for me?”

  “Even though. After the first time, I didn’t blame you for wanting to wait. But I got the ring anyway. Let’s do it.” Miller looked serious as a heart attack.

  Magnolia still looked in shock. “Oh my God.” She remembered her evening with Neal, when she lied to Miller, like so many men had lied to her along the way. Would it be better to let her left hand know what her right hand had done? She looked up at him. Or should she lie by omission? “Miller.”

  “Yes.” He looked down at her, fully attentive.

  “I’ve gotta call Gigi. I’ve gotta call the girls,” she said in a childlike voice and then whisked off in her stocking feet, headed from the outside deck, making a beeline into the kitchen like Santa had left her a bike under the tree on Christmas morning.

  Before she could get close to the kitchen table to pull open her purse and grab her phone, it rang. She grabbed it and placed it to her ear, with a voice straight from Happyland. “Hello.”

  “Mag. It’s me.” The voice was deep and slow.

  Her face still stayed thrilled. Her voice only shifted a bit. “I can’t talk to you. I’m busy.”

  “I just need to tell you.”

  “Tell me what?” Her question was rushed.

  Before Neal could answer, Miller could be heard right behind Magnolia, asking, “Who is that?”

  Immediately, Neal asked, too, “Who is that?”

  Magnolia turned back toward her brand-new fiancé, and said to him first, “It’s my ex-boyfriend I told you about. Neal.”

  “Why is he calling?”

  Her shoulders shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  Miller’s face was serious. “Put it on speaker.”

  Magnolia didn’t hesitate. She pressed the speaker button and handed Miller her cell, taking a step back, all eyes and all ears. She glanced down at her ring for a split second, and then looked at Miller.

  He held the phone down under his chin, and asked in a sarcastic tone, “What can I do for you?”

  “Who is this?”

  “This is Magnolia’s fiancé. But honestly, you have no right to be asking any questions. But I do. So answer mine.”

  “Look, I didn’t call you. This isn’t your phone. This is Mag’s phone.”

  Miller looked amused. “Mag, huh? Well, Mag is busy, like she told you. And not only that, Mag is no longer accepting your calls. I know for a fact that you know this already, but I’ll say it anyway. Mag is not available to you. Mag and I are telling you not to call again. Do you get that, ex-boyfriend?”

  “Let me talk to her.”

  “I’m speaking for her.”

  “Then that means you’re saying what you want her to say, not what she really feels. I’m just making sure she’s okay. Funny how she told you about me, because she sure didn’t tell me about you. From what I can see, sounds like you’re insecure and controlling.”

  “I’m a man, is what I am. And rest assured, she’s okay. She’s more than okay. And her well-being is no longer your concern, ex-boyfriend. I’ve got her. She’s fine. But you won’t be if you call her again.”

  “Oh? Sounds like a threat to me. See, that’s sad. You’ve got to speak for your ‘fiancée’ and the two of you aren’t even married yet. Wow. Controlling her already. Bad sign.”

  Miller looked as if he’d bitten his tongue hard.

  Magnolia didn’t blink. She kept focused on the conversation between her past and her future. Miller looked at her. Her eyebrows gave a nervous lift.

  He asked, “Magnolia, baby, is there anything I just said that you don’t agree with?”

  She spoke close to the phone. “No, sweetie. I agree with everything you just said. One hundred percent.”

  “Got it, ex? One hundred percent,” Miller said, as though he felt a hint of pleasure from her acquiescent reply.

  “Oh wow. Okay. Got it. I’ll talk to her later. Or at work. This is cool for now.”

  “And things will be cool later. Tomorrow, her cell number will change. And if you harass her at work, we will file a formal complaint with your employment department.”

  “I’ll see her. I have something to tell her but also, I need to give her something. She knows what it is.”

  “What?”

  Neal dismissed his question, only asking one himself. “Hey anyway, how long have you two been together? Because…”

  Magnolia held her breath. “Good-bye, Neal. And don’t contact me again,” she said, further solidifying her future husband’s efforts.

  “Good-bye. I feel sorry for you.” And with that, Neal hung up.

  Miller handed Magnolia her cell, and she made sure it was disconnected, looking down at the screen.

  Miller asked, “What does he want to give you?”

  She took a moment and then said, “Oh. I’m sure it’s my car keys. I’ll send him a text, telling him to mail them.”

  “No more contact.” He took the phone back and scrolled, pressing the call button, and then speaker. He told her, “Except this one call.”

  The phone picked up but Neal said nothing.

  “Hey, ex-boyfriend.” It almost sounded as if he was calling Neal a punk, but it was semi-vanilla. “We’re re-keying her car immediately. So keep the other one as a memento.”

  “Oh wow.”

  “Wow is right.”

  “Mag. Sounds to me like you’ve got yourself a case of jungle fever. That’s really funny. I thought you liked chocolate.” Neal chuckled.

  “Bye, Ex,” Miller said, not amused.

  “Hey. Can’t say that I blame you, Billy Bob. She is a good fuck, man.” Neal emphasized is. His words were antagonistic and cynical. And then he said, “Mag, Keyonna and I eloped.”

  While Magnolia gasped at both sentences, looking like someone had punched her in the back, Miller hung up.

  He shook his head and gave half a “Ha,” placing the phone on the table next to her purse, folding his arms along his stomach. He spoke with calm, looking unfazed. “What matters is, you’re a great woman. Let’s wish them well. Now weren’t you going to tell Gigi and the girls?”

  Magnolia watched him, as though expecting some evidence that maybe his button had been pushed. Nothing. Though she was sure her face told that her button was being pushed, she aimed her glance downward toward her ring again, and sighed. “I will. Thank you. I love you.”

  Miller took her by her left hand as she looked into his eyes, standing face to face. “You’re my last love. No mess. No drama. No rough times. My job is to protect you. If you’re happy, I’m happy.”

  Magnolia said, “I’m happy,” and her face seemed to agree. She didn’t want to ruin it. Not at this point in her life. Not at the age of forty. Happiness was too hard earned.

  Too difficult to come by.

  Too very necessary.

  “Good. Then that, your happiness, is all that matters.”

  INT.—GIGI’S HOUSE—THE NEXT EVENING

  Magnolia spoke close to her grandmother’s ear. “Gigi, I heard the birds singing this morning. I mean they really sang. And I really listened. It
was beautiful. And I remembered what you told me on my birthday. To stay positive and get ready. That God would bring me the right man when the time is right. You were right. Again.”

  Gigi’s eyes looked pleased. “See, not saying I told you so, but it’s that ordained mate I was telling you about.” Gigi spoke close to Magnolia’s ear as well, sitting next to her after Magnolia and Miller arrived at Gigi’s home that Tuesday after work.

  “Yes. That and more.”

  “More singing. More love. Well deserved.”

  Today, Magnolia had driven Miller’s gunmetal metallic Jaguar to work, and he took her SUV. He had the locks and the alarm system changed himself. They’d driven her car to Gigi’s house. And Magnolia had a new iPhone, with a new phone number.

  Miller returned from Gigi’s bathroom and sat on the other side of the sofa, next to his new fiancée, his hand on her leg. Her hand on his.

  Gigi stared and said, “You two look good together. Very good.”

  “Well, thanks, Mrs. Grace.”

  “Oh no, please call me Gigi. I’m Magnolia’s Gigi. And as happy as she looks, glowing like she’s been plugged back in, I’m your Gigi, too.”

  Magnolia gave a snicker and watched him as he and Gigi smiled.

  “Thanks, Gigi.” He confirmed her name with a respectful nod.

  “Speaking of glowing, so, I’m going to be a great-grandmother, huh?” Gigi put her hand on Magnolia’s tummy.

  “You are. And less than two weeks before my birthday.”

  Miller said, “You see we didn’t waste any time.”

  “God didn’t waste any time. It’s all God. He knows what He does, and why.” She slowly leaned forward, picking up the pitcher of lemonade, pouring more into Miller’s empty glass. Magnolia’s was nearly full.

  “Thanks,” Miller said.

  “Sure. So, how’d you two meet?” Gigi set it back down and seemed anxious to hear.

  Magnolia looked at Miller and then told her, “We met out. We were at a club and sat at the bar for hours. Just talking. I mean, it was just like we were old friends who hadn’t seen each other in years. Gigi, the things he said were so similar to the things I thought. It was crazy. And since then, I don’t think there’s been a day we haven’t seen each other, right, sweetie?” She looked at her fiancé.

  “Right.” He squeezed her leg.

  Gigi grinned. “See, that’s how it’s supposed to be. I miss that. I remember when me and your grandfather Norm met, it was just like that. It was just comfortable, not forced. When it’s time, it’s time.”

  “I agree,” said Miller.

  Magnolia gave a major smile. “Gigi, it was kind of funny, but yesterday, Neal called, and Miller answered my phone.”

  Gigi looked surprised. “What? No.”

  “Yes.” Magnolia bumped Miller with her arm. “I’m sorry, Miller.”

  “No. Not at all. I took the phone because I wanted to. He wasn’t respecting you. Maybe he’ll respect me.”

  Magnolia added, “Let’s just say, I doubt he’ll be calling back. He tried to get ugly, but Miller didn’t give him any room for that. Besides, Gigi, he said he and Keyonna eloped.”

  “Good. Very good.” Gigi said smiling. “Glad to hear it.”

  “Me, too,” Magnolia said, giving her grandmother a matching look.

  Miller noticed their bond. “It’s good to see Magnolia so close to you. My parents passed away, and I sure miss them. It’s just nice to have a family connection like this. I’m glad to be part of it.”

  “We’re glad to have you. I’m sure Magnolia told you, I’m like her mom. And I’m so excited about this baby coming. What a way to end the year.”

  “Yes, it is,” Magnolia said, and then she frowned and gave an exhale, hand on her stomach.

  “Magnolia, what’s wrong?” Miller asked.

  “I just feel a little dizzy. A little nauseous.” She scooted back and bounced her leg.

  Gigi asked, “Do you need anything? Maybe all the sugar from that lemonade doesn’t agree with you.”

  “That’s probably what it is.” Miller asked, “Do you want some water, baby?”

  “Yes, please. I’ll just go to the bathroom real fast. My stomach is acting up. I didn’t eat much today.” Magnolia prepared to stand.

  “She barely finished her food. Here, I’ll help you.” Miller stood and reached down to take Magnolia by the hand.

  She stood at a snail’s pace, bent over, and then squinted. “Ouch. Awww, ouch. Oh, it hurts, Miller.”

  “Your stomach?”

  “Yes.” Her face was pained.

  “We need to get you to the hospital.” Miller eased Magnolia along, prompting her to take careful steps toward the front door.

  “I’ll go with you. I’ll just grab my pocketbook.”

  Miller said as Gigi stood, “Hurry, Gigi. Get her purse. I’ll get Magnolia to the car.”

  Gigi looked in shock. “Okay. I’m right there, two seconds.”

  Magnolia walked slow, assisted by Miller, thinking in her head what Gigi had said moments earlier, He knows what He does. And why.

  Magnolia said to herself, heart skipping a beat, I just pray God’s will agrees with mine. Would that be too much to ask?

  Twenty-Seven

  “Try It on My Own”

  Darla

  INT.—BROWN SUGAR—EARLY EVENING

  July 12, 2009

  It was a Thursday, the day of the grand opening of Darla’s baby, Brown Sugar.

  The glittery shimmer from the speckled caramel walls, pewter and glass gas fireplace, and gilded crystal chandelier were twinkling in a celebratory sparkle. The soft silver sectionals faced each other, each with oval leopard pillows, and leopard club chairs at each side. There were sheer taupe curtains with animal-print drapes with gauzy brown tiebacks. The bar area had leather stools and birch cabinetry. And hot pink, shapely mannequins were garbed in colorful corsets and thongs and stockings and spiked heels.

  The look and feel was cozy and fancy and sexy.

  Darla served banana penis cupcakes, pussy jellybeans, and lolly cocks. Virgin pink pantie cocktails flowed from the champagne fountain.

  The proud owner strutted around in a pink bustier with a tight white leather skirt and leopard stilettos. She held the rhinestone-studded microphone, smiling hard.

  Rebe, now seven months pregnant, wore a baggy T-shirt dress with white mules, and Magnolia, no longer pregnant, wore a short black dress and animal print flats. They stood in the front of the crowd of over one hundred people. Miller stood beside his woman, Magnolia, holding her hand while sipping his drink.

  Darla spoke. “Wow. This store, my store, all came together in only a short amount of time. I really can’t believe that not long ago, me and my girls, right here, Rebe and Magnolia,” she aimed her hand toward her friends, “all dared each other to try and break out of our boxes and try something new. Well, here it is, evidence of beyond my box, my store, Brown Sugar.”

  Rebe and Magnolia led the applause and everyone joined in.

  Darla looked humble. Her face was aglow. “I want to thank all of you for being here tonight. I’ve got something naughty and special for each of you in the gift bags we’ll be passing out later.”

  Darla’s father sat in a chair watching and listening. He was dressed up as though going to church, in his Sunday best black suit, white shirt, and black tie.

  Darla smiled at him, convincing herself not to go full-out-kinky.

  He smiled back, as though giving thanks.

  “This is a dream come true. You are all witnessing something happening to me that I never thought I’d do. It’s more than the thrill of opening my own retail store. It’s the thrill of coming out of a place where I was, as some of you know, after my husband died years ago. At times I thought I wasn’t going to be able to make it through. Last New Year’s Eve, my friends and I vowed to take a braver shot at life, even though in the back of my mind I still doubted myself. It was comfortable being in that box. But God
had other plans.”

  The crowd again began to clap.

  As they ceased she said, “I prayed and believed and took the steps. A couple of miracles happened along the way that pointed to the fact that maybe, just maybe, this could become a reality. And as it turns out, it is.

  “So, I won’t take up any more of your time with my words. I’ll let you look around and enjoy what Brown Sugar has to offer. Also, we have plenty of pink drinks flowing, bottles of wine, champagne, and some desserts and appetizers all around. And if any of the intimate merchandise strikes your fancy, I would appreciate your business. I want Brown Sugar to be your one-stop intimate boutique, kind of a brown Victoria’s Secret and your local adult video store all rolled into one. In my videos, it’s ladies first, though. Okay?”

  She giggled and her audience laughed, nodding in approval.

  “Again, I thank you, and ask you to remember to live your sexy dreams. Enjoy the sweetness.”

  Again her patrons and friends applauded and one by one stepped up to her to give her their individual best wishes.

  Magnolia hugged Darla close and placed one of the same sterling silver, engraved BFF key chains she’d given Rebe in Darla’s hand. Darla’s initial was first. Magnolia winked and walked on with Miller, looking over the intimate apparel with a sparkle in her eye. Miller pulled out his credit card.

  Rebe already had her keys in her hand, and after giving a congratulatory hug, walking slowly, she left.

  INT.—DARLA’S CONDO—LATE THAT EVENING

  After all the excitement and glamour of her opening, Darla wore a silk royal blue and white polka-dot baby-doll with the stringiest of matching G-string undies, lying on her back in her own bed, alone as usual, in bed early with the lights out.

  Her head was filled with the thrill of her new business, the possibility of future sales projections, and the continued restoration of her once bottomed-out bank account.

  Life was great.

  She was on a high.

  All except fulfilling her sexual bucket list of allowing a man inside her body again for the first time in years, and hopefully one who could satisfy her, taking her to the brink of satisfaction. She got up, slipped off her wedding ring, and got dressed.