Best Dressed Lie (Keisha Jackson)

by Batiste, Kimberly

  “My fiancé that’s who it is,” he whispered. “Look, I’ve moved on. The best thing you need to do is stay the hell away from me. Do not call my phone anymore. Better yet, you can call as much as you like because tomorrow it will be officially disconnected.” He hurried and disconnected the line with her.

  He came back inside the doctor’s office and wait until the next was appointment made. “I’m so sorry baby. Everyone is calling me with congratulations on our baby girl,” he said, rubbing my back.

  “Aww, make sure you give them my thanks.”

  “Baby, I’ve been thinking about getting rid of the old phone. It rings entirely too much. Today it pissed me off with all that ringing during the sonogram.”

  “That’s shocking,” I mumbled under my breath. “Baby, you don’t have to do that. The phone is important to you,” I said.

  “It is, but today was the final straw. I’m getting rid of it.”

  “Miss Jackson, we’ll see you in two weeks,” the receptionist interrupted.

  “Thanks.”

  We left the doctor’s office and headed towards the truck. Billy helped me get into the truck. As soon as I opened the door, I saw a white piece of paper with a list of names on it sitting in my seat.

  “What’s this? I asked, staring at the list.

  “It’s just a few more colleagues that need to be added to the guest list, that’s all.”

  Noticing the sadness on my face, he reacted. “Babe, what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing, I’m tired and ready to get into bed. This was a long day for me.”

  We just received great news on the gender of our baby. The last thing I wanted to do was spoil the moment. I didn’t say anything to Billy about the fact that I wanted some family from my side to be at the wedding.

  The anticipation of finding the only family that I had was overwhelming. I wanted to ask Billy if he would hire a private investigator. I was nervous and hesitant.

  “Baby how excited are you about our daughter?” I said, cheerfully, trying to figure out a way to lead the question.

  “More excited than you’ll ever know,” he said, rubbing my upper thigh.

  “Do you know how many people we’ve invited to the wedding?”

  “I think we’ve invited nearly eighty people, why?

  “I wish I had family to invite,” I said as my eyes teared up. “I would love to find my sister.

  “Baby, don’t cry. I will do everything in my power to try to find your sister. I promise.” he said, sincerely.

  I was extremely happy. Bill got on his phone right away to start the investigation. Just knowing that I had a sister out there meant everything to me. I wanted her at the wedding

  “Thank you baby, this means the world to me,” I said, patting my tears with a Kleenex.

  “Now that we have that squared away, could you get started on the wedding details?” he said, smiling.

  “Baby, I need some help,” I whined.

  “I’ll tell you what. Try to gather some things on your own and I’ll work on hiring a wedding planner.”

  “I’m calling Amy first thing in the morning.”

  Amy and Bill worked for the same company. I met her at one of their events and we bonded immediately. She and her husband were acquainted with Bill for years. She was like the sister I never had. She saw no wrong in people. She had a loving heart and giving spirit. Amy was been my support system outside of Bill and so far, she was there for me every step of the way.

  “Good. The two of you should talk over brunch,” he suggested.

  “Sounds like a plan,” I replied, smiling.

  THIRTEEN

  I woke up the next morning vomiting. I was out of breath leaning over the toilet. Bill rushed inside the bathroom. “Are you okay?” he said, covering his nose while handing me a towel. Bill has a weak stomach. I wondered what he was going to do during the delivery of our child.

  “Thanks babe. Morning sickness is the worst thing to deal with.”

  “I’m sorry honey. Is there anything else I can do?” he said, barley standing in the doorway.

  “Call Amy and tell her to meet me at the frozen yogurt store on North Side Drive.”

  “Sure,” He said quickly. He rushed out of bathroom away from the foul-smelling vomit.

  Within ten seconds, he came back to the bathroom door. “She said she’s on her way to drive you there. She said she doesn’t want to meet you there; you guys have tons of catching up to do.”

  “That’s fine. I’ll get cleaned up,” I said. “Did you call the investigator?”

  “With everything going on at work, I haven’t got around to it,” he said. “It sounds like Amy has pulled up. That was fast, she must have been around the corner.” He hurried to the door to meet Amy.

  “Bill,” she said, reaching for a hug.

  “Good to see you. How’s it going Amy?”

  “Swell, where’s my friend?”

  “She’s getting cleaned up, should be out any second. Would you care for some water? Wine?” he asked being friendly.

  “I’m good. I’ll just sit and wait.”

  I was struggling trying to get dressed; everything was too tight or too small. “Damn it, I can’t fit into anything!” I grumbled to myself. I pulled out my favorite blue dress and rolled out.

  As I stepped into the room where Amy waited, she stood up showing all thirty-two teeth. “You look absolutely amazing.”

  “Aww, thanks Amy.”

  “Baby, call me if you go into labor,” Bill giggled. “If it’s not going out of the way, stop by the fish market and pick up some fresh shrimp. I’m cooking your favorite tonight.”

  I leaned in for a kiss, “Okay babe. I wish I was going into labor, I’m overwhelmed with carrying this load.”

  Wobbling our way towards the car, the catching up began. “Where to?” she said, walking slowly beside me.

  “I’m craving frozen yogurt.”

  “Frozen yogurt it is,” she said. “How are the wedding plans coming along?”

  “Not so well. I haven’t started on the details. The only thing I have come up with is the colors.” I grinned.

  “Well, that’s what I’m here for. I will be of assistance anywhere you need me to be,” she said, politely.

  “Amy, I gotta tell ya, the real reason I’m so behind on the wedding planning is, I can’t get searching for my sister off of my mind. With the wedding approaching, I can’t imagine myself without her there standing beside me.”

  “I hate to hear that Keisha. I know you mentioned a while back that Bill was hiring an investigator. How’s that working out?”

  “He hasn’t had time to chat with them. My patience is like a ticking time bomb. Amy, I don’t know if I can wait any longer before I take matters into my own hand.”

  The concern and sincerity that Amy had in her eyes for me was priceless. She was aware of the struggle I had with the entire situation. She would bend over backwards to do all she could when it came to making me happy. A while back, she offered to help out, but Bill insisted he would take care of the entire investigation. That was 6 months ago.

  “I don’t know how Bill would feel about this, but I hired a private investigator when I suspected my ex-husband was having an affair. He does a great job. If you want, I have his card.”

  I knew Bill would have a fit about this, but I took her offer and started the investigation on my own.

  “What if I surprise him and don’t say a word until she’s found?” I said, giving Amy the side eye.

  “Your secret is safe with me,” she laughed.

  Shortly thereafter, we pulled into the parking lot of the frozen yogurt store. I was craving it so badly. I licked my lips as we got out of the car. “Even the picture on the sign looks appetizing,” I said.

  As soon as we stepped foot inside the place, I ordered as I walked towards the counter. “Let me get two strawberry bananas with sprinkles and strawberry slices. Amy, what are you having?”

  “Oh,
I thought you ordered two?” I gave her a hard stare. “That’s my cue,” she said, smiling. “Let me get a chocolate cup with pineapple slices.”

  The cashier fixed our orders and then we headed to a table in a near corner.

  I exhale noisily. “Okay, let’s get to the wedding details. First, I would love to start with the wedding party. As you already know, I have no family to attend.” I broke into tears. “Will you be my Matron of Honor?”

  Amy grabbed some tissue. “Oh honey, don’t cry. You’re going to make me cry,” she said comforting me. “Of course I’ll be your Matron of Honor.”

  “Thank you Amy, that means a lot to me,” I said, wiping my tears. “Ever since the pregnancy, I’ve been very emotional.”

  “That’s totally normal love,” she said. “What about Bill’s mother. Have either of you tried to reach out to her?”

  “Bill told me that he and his mother have not spoken in almost twenty years. He has no desire to see her. It’s a very touchy subject for him. I try to stay out of it.”

  “Wow that has to be tough for her; considering all that she has been through.”

  “What are you saying? Is there something Bill didn’t tell me and you know about it?”

  “He didn’t tell you what happen with his mother? For goodness sake Keisha, the entire town knows about it. People have been saying for years that Bill killed a couple years ago in a hit and run accident. Everyone around town blamed his mother. They say she allowed him to drink and drive that night. It got so bad Bill decided to run away from home. He never came back until a couple of years ago.”

  “Are you serious? He never mentioned this to me. I feel so bad for him,” I said, sympathetically.

  “I can’t believe he never spoken about this. I say, only he knows the truth to what really happened. Some say, his mother and father had a fight that night. After he disappeared, she came looking for him, but never succeeded. He...”

  “Oh my goodness, I have an idea!” I said, interrupting Amy.

  “What is it?” she said eagerly, pressing her chest.

  “What if I hire the investigator to not only search for my sister, but search for his mother as well?”

  “Are you sure you want to go there?” she asked, cautiously. Her brows were shifting as if she did not agree with my idea. I was confident with my decision. This would be a happy moment for both of us.

  “I’ve never been so sure,” I said. “All I need is his mother’s information. I need her first and last name, date of birth and lastly a picture.”

  “I’m sorry Keisha, but I don’t want to be involved with this. If you go there, it will demolish a whole lot of people, including yourself.”

  “How would it affect me?”

  “Trust me and let it be. Okay?”

  I didn’t understand why she suggested not going through with this. After all that I went through, what could possibly be worse than that?

  “Exactly how long have you known Bill? I’m asking because it seems as if you know more than you’re telling me.” I had a blank stare on my face. I was confused and wanted answers.

  “To be honest with you, Bill and I grew up in the same town. He left a couple of years ago and got himself caught up in a little drama. Last year he moved back around the time you met him. I helped him get the job with the company. I know how sensitive he is about his mother, so I have never bothered to ask about her, no one has. Sometimes the truth is best left alone.”

  I was surprised that Bill never shared this with me. It looked like he had a tainted past just as I did. Why did he keep this from me? We were about to be committee to one another, now was not the time for secrets. I was going to hold out asking him any of this. Instead, I was going to improvise and get the investigation started, despite the ugly truth Amy’s implied.

  “Ouch,” I screeched, holding the side of my stomach.

  “What’s wrong?” Amy said frantically.

  “I’m having mild cramps. I don’t think the baby cared too much for the yogurt.” “You scared me,” she said, rubbing my belly. “Let’s wrap this day up. I need to get you home.”

  “Sounds like a plan to me. I’m surprised Bill hasn’t called.”

  “I’m sure he’s at home waiting for you.”

  “Wait a minute. Do you mind stopping by the fresh market? Bill asked me to pick up some fresh shrimp.”

  “Not a problem Keisha. We’re only five minutes away .”

  FOURTEEN

  When we arrived at the fresh market, I received a call from Bill. “Baby, I’m not going to make it home in time to make dinner, I have a mandatory meeting.”

  “That’s okay. Amy and I are at the fresh market. I’ll get the shrimp anyway….”

  “Do I have to be there?” Amy interrupted.

  “Babe, Amy wants to know if she needs to attend the meeting?” “No, she doesn’t.” That gut wrenching feeling of insecurity started to weigh down on me again. “Okay, we’ll talk later honey. Be safe.” I could not wait to disconnect the line with him. “Amy, did you know about this mandatory meeting?”

  “Every now and then, the company has these select meetings. I’m the secretary, so I’m hardly ever invited,” she explained. “Why?”

  “No, I’m okay. Let’s go ahead and pick up the shrimp,” I said, unpersuasively. I didn’t want Amy to know about the insecurities I built in my heart due Randy. I kept a no-worry face on until I got home.

  We entered the market. The word ‘Fresh’ definitely stood out. The store was so clean and well organized. They had beautiful flowers everywhere. “I love this place!” I said, amused. I inhaled the scent of fresh baked bread. “Oh my goodness gracious,” I said, rubbing my stomach.

  “Definitely!” Amy added. “I wonder where the restroom is?”

  “They should have one. Check with the clerk.” I strolled over to the Fish Department Everything was laid out so neatly. “Yummy,” I said, licking my bottom lip.

  “Excuse me? Keisha there is nothing yummy about raw seafood,” Amy said, tickled.

  “Ma’am can I help you?” The butcher asked. “Yes Sir, let me get five pounds of Amano Shrimp and one pound of ground turkey.”

  “Is shrimp healthy for the baby?” Amy asked, curiously. “Yep. It has little or no mercury in it.”

  “Your total is twenty dollars and ninety five cents, anything else?”

  “That’ll be all.”

  “You can pay at the front register,” he said.

  As soon as I grabbed my purchase from the friendly man behind the counter, I heard someone calling my name. “Keisha Jackson?”

  I slowly turned around. There she stood, a tall goodlooking woman who favored Nicole Murphy, Eddie Murphy’s ex-wife. “Who the hell is that?” I wondered.

  “Hi, Miss Jackson I’m Monica, Bill hired me as your wedding planner,” she said, reaching out her hand. I stood there looking like a whale. I had on white flipflops a size too small, my huge favorite blue dress and my hair pulled back in a ponytail. The first thing that came to mind was, ”Why in the hell did Bill hire this sexy wedding planner?” Something wasn’t right about this picture. Furthermore, how did the heifer know my face?

  “O….Kay,” I said, nodding my head. “Did Bill hire you by phone or…?” I said curiously, giving her an opportunity to finish my sentence.

  She smirked. “We met over lunch, but if it’s a problem then…”

  “No you’re fine,” I interrupted. “I was just interested in how you recognized me, considering we’ve never met.” “When Bill and I met over lunch, he expressed how happy he was and how beautiful you are, so I asked if…”

  “So it was a personal lunch not business,” I interrupted. “Will you at least let me finish what I’m saying Keisha,” she said, irritated.

  I was hormonal and out of control. I didn’t know what came over me. I was rude to the woman for no apparent reason.

  She hesitated. “I’m sorry Ms. Jackson for prying. I sincerely apologize and recommend that you
find a wedding service elsewhere.” She walked off with an attitude.

  “Did you see her ass?” Amy asked, frowning.

  We both giggled. “That’s exactly why I was not working with her. Out of all the wedding planners out there, he hires the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen; beside me of course.”

  “Men, they always push the wrong buttons.” Amy said, shaking her head. She was standing beside me starring at the woman’s ass until she disappeared. “I wish I had an ass like that.”

  “Let’s go home. I have a bone to pick with Bill about this.”

  FIFTEEN

  Amy drove me home. “Thanks for this much needed day of catching up. We didn’t get anything done as far as the wedding...” I chuckled. “We sure didn’t,” she laughed. “Don’t tell Bill, but then again, he knows when the two of us get together we spend more time laughing than anything else.”

  “That’s true,” I smiled. “Call me tomorrow. I’ve got some meetings to set up, if you know what I mean.” I said, winking.

  “Good luck with that and tell’ em I sent ya!” she said, driving off.

  I could not wait to get inside and call the investigator. Bill was not home, so this was perfect timing. I dropped my bags, put the meat and shrimp in the fridge and grabbed an apple.

  After plopping on the bed, I figured I’d dial the investigator.

  “This is John,” he answered, in a deep voice.

  “Hello… my name is Keisha Jackson. I got your number from a friend by the name of Amy…”

  He interrupted. How can I help you Miss Jackson?” he said arrogantly. I didn’t want to beam around the bush I got straight to the point.

  “I need your help Mr. John. I was detached from my sister at birth and I want to find her. Will you be able to help me with that?”

  “I’d gladly to assist you Miss Jackson. I’m going to need a little more than that. Do you have any information on your sister?”

  “No Sir, I can’t remember.”

  “That’s fine. Do you have your birth certificate or your parents’ names?”