Zurich wanted to ask another question and avoid a long story, which he knew might not be possible with MamaCee.
“When did you know Zachary was gay?”
“Mama always knew. But one day when I came home, dog-tired from cleaning up my white folks’ house, Zack, who was ’bout thirteen then, was sitting in the kitchen looking all sad, like somebody had told him it no such thing as a Santie Claus, and my kitchen was not cleaned up. It was a mess. You member how you boys could mess up tryin’ to fix somethin’ to eat and I knew it was Zack’s week to clean up the kitchen and take out the garbage. You musta been playin’ sports or somethin’. But instead of jumpin’ on Zack for not doin’ his work, I asked him what was wrong,” MamaCee said.
“What did he say?” Zurich asked.
“Hold on, baby. Mama gonna tell you. He took my hands and said, ‘MamaCee, I got something to tell you and I hope you won’t be mad or sad about it.’ So I asked, ‘What’s the matter, baby?’ Then he said, ‘I don’t know how to tell you this,’ and so I said to him with a laugh, ‘Ain’t nuthin’ to it but to do it.’ So he looked at me straight in the eyes and said, ‘MamaCee, I think I’m gay. Do you know what that means?’ ” MamaCee paused and looked at Zurich.
“What did you say to him?” Zurich asked.
“I looked at him and I said, ‘Yeah, baby, Mama know what that means, but I got a question for you.’ So anyhow, I put my hands on my hips and asked him, ‘What does you bein’ gay have to do with my kitchen not bein’ clean?’ ”
“What did he say?” Zurich asked as he gave his grandmother a gentle smile.
“He didn’t say nuthin’, me and my grandbaby just busted out laughin’ and huggin’ each other.”
Zurich placed his hand in MamaCee’s and clasped it tightly and said, “Thanks, MamaCee, I needed to hear that.”
MamaCee tightened the grip of her grandson’s hand and smiled. MamaCee was thinking how proud she was of him and how delighted his mother and brother would be of him and his noble strength. As Zurich located a parking space, he realized how much he would miss MamaCee. How there was something comforting about her powerful presence and stories for any occasion.
CHAPTER 25
IF IT AIN’T ONE THING,
IT’S ANOTHER
It was like a dream. The Cougars were trailing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 24–0, at halftime, nothing new to the Cougars and the thirty-five thousand fans who had gathered to see them play. At the beginning of the second half, the coaches pulled Craig, who had been hurt slightly on the last play of the first half when one of the Buccaneers’ defensive linemen hit his right shoulder as he prepared to release the ball. Zurich was determined to make the most of his second chance and led the Cougars to two quick touchdowns in the third quarter.
With the score 24–14, and less then ten minutes left in the game, Tampa Bay was driving for a score when Cougar safety Roderick Smith intercepted a Tampa Bay pass and returned it seventy-eight yards untouched for a Cougar touchdown, slicing the lead to 24–21. The Cougars saw a light. But the light dimmed, and four failed drives later, the Cougars had one last chance. With less than twelve seconds remaining, and the ball on the Cougar forty-two-yard line and fourth down with nine yards needed for a first, Zurich dropped back and passed. It was a beautifully thrown ball, a perfectly run pass route and a marvelous catch by Mario, who leaped like a gymnast doing a high-bar routine and came down with the football in the end zone, landing on two Buc defensive backs.
A stunned Tampa Bay team was standing on the field and sidelines with their mouths hanging open. They had lost to an expansion team. The sparse Cougar crowd suddenly took on the sound of more than one hundred thousand plus, thoroughly enjoying Zurich’s coming off the bench in the second half and orchestrating a cinematic finish worthy of any sports highlight show.
The Cougar team went wild, lifting Zurich, Mario, Roderick, and the head coach briefly to their shoulders and showering them with Gatorade. The atmosphere in the locker room was pure bedlam, as if they had just won the Super Bowl, not just their first regular season win. The Cougars had finally tasted the nectar of winning and it was sweet. Later that evening, after several interviews and calls from his father and MamaCee, Zurich dialed Basil’s beeper and punched in his number. Moments later, like clockwork, Basil called.
“So you showed them what you could do,” Basil said.
“Yeah, Gee, I guess so. I still can’t believe it,” Zurich said.
“Man, I saw that final pass on the ‘NFL Today’. I would have given anything to catch a pass like that,” Basil said. He was trying to forget the Warriors’ loss earlier in the day and the fact that he didn’t catch a single pass.
“I haven’t seen it yet, but when I threw it … man, it was like I was in a dream and Mario, what can I say, my man made a helluva catch,” Zurich said as he lay on his bed, moving his throwing arm in a passing motion as he replayed the final play in his mind. He didn’t know that Basil’s team had lost or about his lackluster performance. Zurich was too excited at his own accomplishment, one he hoped might make the cover of some national sports magazine.
“So are you and this Mario guy tight?” Basil asked. There was a sound of envy in his voice.
“Yeah, we’re tight. We don’t hang out a lot. I mean Mario is into chasing the women,” Zurich said.
“I heard that,” Basil said.
“What did you mean when you said tight?”
“I mean does he fuck around?”
“I don’t think so. I told you I don’t think of my teammates in that way. And none of them have ever come onto me that way,” Zurich said.
“Zurich, that’s the way you should keep it. Like I said before, it wouldn’t hurt you to be seen with some women. Sooner or later your coaches and other teammates are going to start to wonder,” Basil said.
“Start to wonder? They know I’m pretty quiet. I don’t think any of them would ever think I’m gay,” Zurich said. He didn’t know what difference it made what he did in private.
“Don’t say that!” Basil said sharply. Zurich is really new at this, he thought, and this naïveté both excited and annoyed Basil.
“Don’t say what?”
“Man, don’t ever say you’re gay. If you start to say it then you’ll believe it and start to act that way,” Basil said.
“Man, I’m just talking to you. What’s wrong with me saying it to you?”
“Like I said, when you say that about yourself or even think it, you might start to act that way. Trust me, Zurich, it’s not a good thing,” Basil said. He knew of two former NFL players who were cut after rumors regarding their sexuality surfaced. The owners blamed the cuts on the salary cap, but Basil knew better. He felt his sexuality never came into question because he always had more than his share of women. All types of women, black, white, and Asian.
Zurich wanted to know why Basil was reacting this way, but he wanted more to enjoy his victory.
“Well, man, I’m going to talk to you later. I need to call another friend of mine,” Zurich said.
“You didn’t say anything to that sportswriter about me, did you?”
“Man, you need to chill. I’m trying to enjoy my moment, and I wanted to share it with you. But you’re tripping,” Zurich said.
“Look, man, I ain’t tripping. I’m just trying to make sure rumors don’t keep me out of the Hall of Fame. I was open with you ’cause I thought you were cool. I don’t need any nosy-assed sportswriter in my business,” Basil said.
“Sean’s not like that. Anyway, I don’t know anything about your private life, Basil. I’m just trying to get to know you. Like I said, I just thought I’d call and share the day.”
“I know, man … I’m sorry. You’re right, I need to chill,” Basil said.
“When is your new place going to be ready so I can call you at home?” Zurich asked.
“In a couple months. When you need to talk just beep me,” Basil said.
“No problem. Look, I’ll bee
p you tomorrow,” Zurich said.
“Keep it hanging.”
“I will,” Zurich said.
Zurich’s mood had changed drastically since he began his conversation with Basil. He realized Basil was trying to keep his private life private and so was he. But these interrogations were getting a bit tiresome, Zurich thought.
Zurich picked up the phone to give Sean a call. He was surprised he hadn’t seen him in the locker room after the game and that he hadn’t at least received a phone call of congratulations. When the operator at the Lenox Hotel answered, Zurich asked for Sean’s room.
“Can I have the guest’s name?” the operator asked.
“Sean Elliott,” Zurich said, wondering why the operator was asking since Sean had been in the same room for over a week.
“I’m sorry, sir, but Mr. Elliott checked out yesterday.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Thank you,” Zurich said. That was strange, he thought. Sean hadn’t said anything about leaving Chicago so soon. And why hadn’t he told Zurich? Zurich thought back to early Saturday morning when he’d dropped Sean off after their talk. He had said very little after Zurich told him about his interest in Basil. When Zurich asked him if everything was all right, Sean had said things were okay, but mentioned some problems with his nephew. Maybe that’s why he had gone back to New York so suddenly. Now Zurich felt bad. Sean had been there for him, and when Sean needed him, Zurich felt he spent the time talking about Basil. He had forgotten that earlier that evening Sean had mentioned that he had something he needed to talk with him about. Maybe he needed to borrow some money or maybe just needed a friend.
Zurich picked up his phone book and located Sean’s New York number. He dialed the number, and after a couple of rings Sean’s answering machine picked up. After the announcement, Zurich said, “Say, Blackman. You missed my big moment. How come you left town without telling your buddy? I mean what’s up, Sean? Give me a call. I’m home. Alone.”
Sean sat on his bed with his remote control, changing channels every few minutes. So Zurich was worried about him, he thought, as he listened to his answering machine. But Sean didn’t feel like talking. He had not missed Zurich’s big day. Having taped the pass that had won the game for the Cougars, he had seen his second-half heroics several times. But Sean was in no mood to celebrate. He wanted to be alone.
Sean felt lost in a deep sadness, knowing that love, something he had always wanted, and needed, was gone before he’d even had the chance to enjoy it. Zurich had found love with someone else. Sean knew that love was a terrible gift to offer when unwanted.
Mia was unaware of the Cougars’ victory and Zurich’s heroics. She spent most of the beautiful autumn Sunday on her deck, reading a copy of Acts of Faith, an inspirational tome LaDonna had sent her days before. After reading the book cover to cover Mia went inside to call her friend and thank her for the very special gift. It was just the thing Mia felt she needed to face Monday, when she was to return to work. When LaDonna answered the phone, Mia said, “Thank you … thank you.… thank you … thank you,” without even saying hello.
“For what?”
“For Acts of Faith. Honey, it’s just what I needed. It is one of the most special gifts anyone has ever given me, LaDonna. Thank you.”
“Oh, Mia, I’m glad. I can’t tell you how many days that little paperback book has gotten me through,” LaDonna said.
“It’s just what I need to get me ready for tomorrow,” Mia said.
“So you think you’re ready, Mia?” LaDonna asked. She and Mia had not talked in great detail about her return to work.
“As ready as I’m ever going to be,” Mia said.
“Have you thought about what you’re going to say to Miss Cheryl?” LaDonna asked.
“Not really. I think I’m going to say something like I’d been under a lot of stress and I’m sorry,” Mia said.
“Do you think the general manager might have told her what happened to you? I mean you know how newsroom gossip can be.”
“Well, I’m not going to think about that. I’m going to assume that she doesn’t know. I will just say I’m sorry. She will probably accept my apology and we will go on with life like it used to be,” Mia said matter-of-factly.
“You really sound cool about this.”
“What can I do? I was attacked. I got over it! I have to go on,” Mia said.
“Hold up, miss. This is LaDonna you talking to. You don’t have to play that tough Cleopatra Jones act with me. I’ve never been through what you’ve just gone through, and I don’t know if I could handle it as well as you have. Especially since they haven’t found the creep. I just want you to know that I’m here if you need me.”
“I know, LaDonna, and I love you for that. Let’s change the subject. I’m going back to work tomorrow and I’m ready. I’m tired of sitting at home watching my hair grow,” Mia said.
“So how is that going?”
“How is what going?”
“Is your hair grown back?” LaDonna asked.
“Oh yes, girl, it’s almost longer than before,” Mia said.
“Damn, girl, then I’m going to the shop and get my hair cut off and then maybe I can let go of this weave,” LaDonna said.
“You’re a fool. I’m so happy I have you as a friend. I should never be depressed,” Mia said.
“That’s what I’m here for,” LaDonna said. “The pretty girl’s best friend, LaDonna Woods, at your service.”
“Now you know I’m kidding,” Mia said. She didn’t want LaDonna to think she didn’t appreciate her friendship. Mia knew she could be a piece of work.
“I know you’re kidding, Mia. I’m just glad that I can cheer you up,” LaDonna said.
“Are you sure? Because I don’t ever want to take you for granted. I don’t know what I would do without you,” Mia said seriously.
“I know, Mia. Now don’t keep going on or else you’re going to make me all mushy. Let’s change the subject. When’s the last time you talked with Derrick?”
“This morning. I told you how he calls every morning just to wish me a good day. I mean he really has changed.”
“Are you thinking about giving him another chance?”
“I don’t know. I know I have some things to work out. Besides, I don’t know if he wants to get back. I think he’s concerned about my well-being. He ends every conversation by telling me there’s an AA meeting going on every day in Chicago.”
“Have you given AA any more thought?”
“No, Miss Derrick. I told you I don’t need AA. I’m going back to work, I got Acts of Faith,” Mia said proudly.
“I know that, Mia, and I’m happy for you. But it’s only a job and a book. Sometimes it takes something more to heal.”
“Who said I needed to be healed?”
“We all need to be healed, Mia. And if we’re truly blessed the healing will never stop,” LaDonna said.
“Tamela, this is Caliph and this is call number twenty-five. I tried to explain why I missed the party. My baby was sick. What could I do? Will you stop acting like a baby and at least tell me to leave you the fuck alone. Just let me know you’re all right,” Caliph said into the answering machine. Tamela didn’t pick up the phone but she did answer Caliph. “I don’t care if you call twenty-five hundred times and yes you should get the message and leave me the fuck alone so I can start to answer my phone.”
Tamela didn’t want to admit it, but she was enjoying hearing Caliph squirm. Maybe now he knew how she felt on Friday night when she was worried sick about him. Tamela decided to take a shower and pay her parents a surprise visit and then maybe talk Desiree into going to a movie provided she didn’t bring up Caliph.
When she got to her parents’ house, her mother was in the kitchen, putting Sunday’s dinner in plastic containers. Blanche was surprised to see her daughter on such a beautiful autumn day, when she figured Tamela would be spending the day with her new beau.
&n
bsp; “Look what the cat done drug in,” Blanche said as she stopped her storage of leftovers and gave her daughter a hug.
“Mama, is that any way to greet your daughter and best friend?” Tamela said as she hugged her mother back. She needed a hug.
“Darling, you know I’m playing with you. I was thinking about you at church, wondering where you were,” Blanche said.
“Yeah, I didn’t make it today. I had a rough week, so I decided to sleep in,” Tamela said. Maybe church would have started her day off better, she thought.
“Oh so, it’s like that now. We find a man and all of sudden we’re sleeping in,” Blanche said, knowing how much her daughter enjoyed her weekends. Tamela always got up early on Saturdays and Sundays so that she could make the most of the day.
“Don’t go there, lady. My missing church had nothing to do with a man. Especially since I don’t have one,” Tamela said sadly. Noticing the change in her voice, Blanche turned to face her daughter with a puzzled look on her face. Tamela didn’t look directly at her mother as she grabbed a red apple from the fruit bowl sitting on the counter. After taking a bite of the apple, Tamela looked at her mother and said in an exasperated fashion, “What?”
“What nothing! What do you mean you don’t have a man? Don’t tell me you’ve let Caliph go before your daddy and I got the chance to meet him? He sounds so nice,” Blanche said.
“Yeah, he’s history. I can’t hang with liars,” Tamela said.
“What happened?” Blanche said as she put the last of her food in the refrigerator. She walked over to the kitchen table, took a seat, and then pulled out another chair, patted it, and said, “Come on over and sit here and tell Mama what happened.”
“Aw, Mama, I don’t want to talk about it,” Tamela said as she shrugged her shoulders like an annoyed teenage girl.
But Blanche was firm. “Tamela Faye Coleman, listen to your mother. Come over here and talk to me,” Blanche said as she once again patted the flower-covered vinyl chair.
And This Too Shall Pass Page 35
