He's Just A Friend

by Mary B. Morrison

  Mandy frowned. “My gosh. What happened to your neck?”

  Fancy softly touched the remaining scabs on her neck. “Byron assaulted me.”

  “What happened?” This time Mandy didn’t stare over her frames.

  “Well, he claimed it was because I called the police on him but I don’t think that’s the real reason.”

  “Okay, why did you call the police? And what do you believe is the real reason?”

  “I called the cops because he took my car.”

  “Your car? Are you sure it was legally your car?”

  “He gave it to me so that made it mine. You don’t just give someone a car, then take it back.”

  “Maybe part of that is true but, Fancy, can’t you see? When Harry raped you, that was a crime and the appropriate time to call the police. When Byron took his car, if you felt the car was a gift, you should have taken him to court, not called the police. But when Byron assaulted you, that’s when you really should have called the police.”

  “What difference does it make now? It’s all in the past.”

  “But don’t you see? Your past is your future. How you resolve this will determine how you handle future conflicts.” Mandy paused, looking at the clock. “I’ll make you a list of suggestions and send them to you in the mail. How’s Caroline?”

  “Fine, I guess. I don’t know. I have my own problems to deal with. Like how I’m going to pay my rent and bills without taking on additional sponsors.”

  “How’s real estate school?”

  Fancy smiled. “I’m a licensed agent. Haven’t sold any homes yet but I do have three listings and my license has only been listed with Kees Realty for ten days. Howard Kees says that’s great for a newcomer, so I’m excited.”

  Mandy smiled. “You’re headed in the right direction. You can come in for thirty minutes on Thursday. I’ll bill you and you can pay me later.”

  “Thanks.” Fancy left Mandy’s office feeling better but not much. She really wanted to get revenge on Harry and Byron.

  Fancy drove by Desmond’s house. His car was parked in the driveway so she parked on the street blocking his exit.

  Fancy rang the doorbell. When Carlita opened the door, Fancy stepped back.

  “Is Desmond here?”

  “No, he’s at work. But I’m glad you stopped by. Come on in.” Carlita opened the door wider.

  Fancy thought about it for a minute, then walked inside. Desmond’s roommates were either gone or in their rooms asleep because the house was quiet.

  Fancy headed to Desmond’s room. Carlita turned and said, “Have a seat in the living room. I’ll be in in just a minute.”

  When Carlita disappeared into the kitchen, Fancy entered Desmond’s bedroom. His entire room was redecorated. Matching comforter and pillows. The new entertainment center had an eight-by-ten photo of Desmond and Carlita on the top.

  “This room is off-limits to you. I said the living room.”

  Fancy sat on Desmond’s bed. “Desmond’s bedroom is never off-limits to me. So what did you want to talk about?”

  “You know, that’s why no one respects you.”

  “What are talking about? You don’t know me.”

  “True. But I know enough about you. My only advice to you is to grow up. Start acting like the beautiful queen you are and stop trying to use men. Honey, you shouldn’t want a man that’ll let you use him. Trust me. I know. If you’re using him, then he’s definitely using you. Look, I’m in love with Desmond and Desmond is in love with me, but he’s infatuated with you. If you’re really Desmond’s friend you won’t make him choose between us. You could have given him what he needed a long time ago but you weren’t woman enough.”

  “You—”

  “Let me finish what I’m saying and then I’ll listen to you. What I’m telling you, honey, is real women don’t play games with men’s lives or their livelihood. A man is going to be a man. You can’t change him. But you can and you do set the standards for yourself and other women based upon how you treat your men. If you open your legs every time a man gives you money, then he thinks every woman can be bought. But if you have your own money, you’re not in control of him but you’ll never compromise your womanhood in exchange for his money. Keep your legs closed and enjoy him until you’re ready to have sex. And don’t have sex with him. Make love to him. Trust me, he’ll know the difference.”

  “So is that why you have four kids by four different daddies? Because you kept your legs closed?” Fancy said as she bounced on the bed.

  “No, and that’s exactly why I’m talking to you. The same way I talk to other women. If someone had talked to me maybe I wouldn’t have four kids. I love my kids. I used to be a lot like you. Dating rich men for money. I get paid very well by each of my children’s fathers. Some are better fathers than others. But if I had to do it all over again, I’d trade all four of those rich men for a man like Desmond. One who cares about me. If you really want to learn how to make money, call me.” Carlita reached into her purse and handed Fancy a card.

  “I can handle my business. I’ve got three real estate listings right now.”

  “I have a client who’s looking to buy her first home. Call me tomorrow, and I’ll give you her number.”

  “You know, you’re pretty and pretty cool,” Fancy said, looking at Carlita’s card. “I’ll do that. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  Carlita must have subscribed to Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Otherwise, why would she have offered to help Fancy?

  “Remember, if you can’t accept the man, don’t accept his money.” Carlita opened the front door. She yelled as Fancy unlocked her car door, “Do your own damn thing!”

  Fancy repeated, “Do your own damn thing. Yeah.” That was good advice, but Fancy was Desmond’s friend whether Carlita liked it or not.

  CHAPTER 35

  SaVoy sat in her car outside Tyronne’s apartment. What was so urgent that he requested she come over right away? “Lord, I know you won’t give me more than I can handle so I’m going in. Cover me. And thanks again for blessing Papa with the deed to the store.”

  The lights were on. SaVoy placed her hand over her eyebrows.

  “Woman, get in here. I have someone I want you to meet.”

  SaVoy sat on the sofa. “Where is she?”

  Tyronne went into the bedroom and walked into the living room carrying Tyronne, Jr. on his shoulders. “This here is the man. Say hi, TJ.”

  “Hey, baby.”

  “Man, that’s my woman. I told you to say hi.”

  “Hey, baby.”

  SaVoy laughed, holding her side. “What are you teaching him?”

  “Life.” Tyronne stood TJ up and said, “Go get in the bed. Nap time.”

  “Tyronne, he’s adorable. He’s two now, right?”

  “Yeah, just made two. Now I have three adorable people in my life,” Tyronne said, looking at his mother’s picture.

  SaVoy watched Tyronne bend on one knee. She smiled. “You are so silly. Get up.”

  Tyronne reached inside his pocket, and said, “No, this time I’m serious. SaVoy Edmonds, will you marry me?” Tyronne partially opened the blue velvet box, then snapped it closed. “You don’t get to see the ring until I get an answer, woman.”

  SaVoy wrapped her arms around Tyronne’s neck. “I love you, Tyronne. And I’d be honored to be your wife.”

  “See, that’s why I love you. You always have my back.” Tyronne opened the box and placed a square-shaped three-carat solitaire on SaVoy’s ring finger.

  “You lucked out. My old man told me a man should spend one month’s salary on an engagement ring. And since I bought this ring after my promotion”—Tyronne held SaVoy’s hand—“you got an extra grand.”

  “It’s beautiful, Tyronne.”

  Tyronne checked on TJ and returned. “That boy snores worse than me.”

  SaVoy raised her eyebrows.

  “Chill out. You know I don’t snore. But seriously, woman, you
don’t know how relieved I was to finally find somebody who cares enough to make me take an HIV test. Who cares enough to wait to have sex. Who cares enough to help me pursue my dreams. Who cares enough to call me her king.”

  “That’s because you are a king. Is TJ spending the night with us?”

  “Naw, Lisa will be here in about an hour to get him. But you can spend the night with me.”

  SaVoy eyed the Play Station remote control.

  “Aw, see. Now I’mma havta spank that ass. You will not beat me again.” Tyronne stood and folded his arms high across his chest, and he was her superhero.

  CHAPTER 36

  For the first time in a very long time—years—Desmond put his relationship with Fancy in perspective. Fancy Taylor was just a friend. At the same time he realized Carlita was much more than a friend. Carlita was a woman. His woman. But moving in with Carlita wasn’t what he wanted. If they were going to live together, Carlita would become more than his woman, she’d become his wife.

  Desmond drove to Fancy’s apartment. There was no place to park so he called her on the phone. “Hey, come downstairs.”

  “I’m on my way,” Fancy said excitedly.

  That meant she’d be another fifteen minutes. Women were never ready on time anyway, including Carlita.

  Desmond wondered why Carlita never got mad or jealous or questioned him when he left late nights or early mornings. She didn’t flip out when she saw him with Fancy at breakfast. Carlita never mentioned Fancy. Well, once, and when she did, Desmond realized Carlita was fully aware of his relationship with Fancy.

  “Hey, Dez. So where are we going?”

  “You’ll see. You look nice,” Desmond said.

  Fancy always looked nice. Even on her worst days she looked good. The black hoodie sweatsuit with white stripes down the side was sexy. Desmond parked on Grande Avenue near Fairyland. The Orchid Festival Show and Sale was this weekend at the Garden House.

  “Orchids? You brought me to see orchids?” Fancy questioned.

  “You’ll love them. Trust me. Besides, we won’t be here long.”

  This was one of the few free events he’d taken Fancy to. Carlita loved the word free. She would’ve really enjoyed the festival. Desmond wanted to take Carlita but needed to take Fancy.

  After viewing hundreds of orchids, Desmond picked out one for Fancy. “What do you see when you look at this flower?”

  “My favorite color. Dez, can we go?”

  Fancy probably had a date with someone she’d recently met. As a friend, Desmond refused to ask. He suppressed his feelings for Fancy.

  “In a minute. Look closer,” Desmond said, guiding Fancy’s hips in front of the flower. “Oh, my bad. I shouldn’t have touched you like that.” Desmond moved his hands to his side.

  “This ain’t working. I’m ready to leave,” Fancy insisted.

  “It’s you. It’s the most sacred part of your womanhood. The orchid is like a,” Desmond lowered his voice, then said, “vagina.”

  The autumn red orchid with red velvet lips resembled the beauty he saw in Fancy. The silkiness he remembered when he buried his face between Fancy’s beautiful thighs. And the way she made him feel inside. Beautiful.

  “Oh, okay. I can see that. The lips,” Fancy said, pointing. “Hey! There’s my clit.” Fancy gently touched the flower. “So you want me to remember you every time I see my clit.” Fancy laughed.

  “No. I want you to remember how delicate and beautiful and sacred your womanhood is and I hope you find someone special to share your true self with, not just your vagina.”

  Fancy started to speak but Desmond motioned for her to be silent.

  “Wait a minute. I’m not calling you no ho, Fancy. You’re one of my friends but you have to stop selling yourself short in exchange for material things.”

  “Let’s go.” Fancy turned to walk away.

  “One more thing. Then we can leave.” Desmond picked up the potted orchid and escorted Fancy outside. They crossed the pedestrian bridge and stood facing the miniature waterfall. The flowing water calmed Desmond.

  “Fancy, you’re special to me. You know that. You also know how much I love you.”

  Fancy smiled and nodded.

  “That’s why I wanted to be the first to tell you.”

  Fancy glanced over her shoulder at Desmond in silence.

  “I’m going to ask Carlita to marry me. If she says yes, then my relationship with you will have to change. I won’t be able to come and get you every time you need me. I can still fix your car but not for free.” Desmond turned Fancy around to face him, looked her in the eyes, and said, “I can’t repair your broken heart.”

  “Now you trippin’,” Fancy snapped, pulling away from his embrace. “My heart is just fine.”

  “If you say so. Come here. Don’t pull away. Let me hold you.” Desmond laid his cheek on Fancy’s forehead. “I love you, Fancy.

  “If you only knew

  That I would die for you

  How many nights I’ve cried for you

  Looked my woman in the eyes

  And lied for you

  If you only knew

  I’d never hurt you

  I’d give my first to you

  My last to you

  I’d do without

  Just to provide for you

  If you only knew

  I would share with you

  Take care of you

  Be there for you

  Go anywhere with you

  If you only knew

  If you only knew”

  “You sure you wanna marry a woman with four kids?” Fancy asked, wrapping her arms around his waist.

  “You a trip. If she says yes. Yes. That means you’ll have to find someone else to take you out this New Year’s Eve.” Desmond pulled a small square white box from his pocket. He opened it slowly. Then he turned it upside down, shaking it until a plush black velvet box fell into his palm. He flipped it over and gently opened it. “This is the ring I bought for Carlita. You think she’ll like it?”

  He’d purchased the three-carat solitaire on credit. With the nice down payment, the pear-cut stone set in platinum would be paid in full before the end of next year. Desmond wanted to make Fancy jealous. A lasso made of burning steel slithered down his throat and captured his beating heart. Was he trying to hurt Fancy because she’d hurt him? Would a friend treat another friend so cruel?

  “Whatever, I already have a date. Take me home.” Fancy left the red velvet orchid by the waterfall so Desmond left it there, too.

  “One more thing,” Desmond said before Fancy closed the door when they reached her apartment. “I was accepted to Hastings, Harvard, and Emory.”

  “Congratulations,” Fancy said without looking back at him.

  Desmond was hurting. He hoped someday Fancy would find happiness. Forgive her mother. Stop sleeping with men for money. Start worshiping her insides as much as she took care of her appearance. What woman wouldn’t want a man who worshiped her mere existence? Flaws and all. A tear or two fell before he stopped the flow. He parked in front Carlita’s house. He clasped his fingers and placed them behind his head. Why were relationships so challenging? The one he wanted he couldn’t have. The woman he did have, he wasn’t one hundred percent sure he wanted. Maybe he bought the ring out of emotional spending. The holiday spirit. Maybe he’d hold off on proposing to Carlita until after the New Year.

  CHAPTER 37

  Two days before Christmas, Fancy sat in her car waiting for the sunrise so she could roller-blade around Lake Merritt. Tanya had been on her mind for several days but Fancy was so busy, each time she remembered to phone, she also remembered there was something else she needed to do. The time displayed on her cellular phone, six forty-five. Fifteen more minutes before her peak minutes started. Fancy dialed Tanya number.

  “Hello.”

  Oh, great. William had answered, again.

  Fancy adjusted her ear bud and said, “Hello, may I speak with Tanya, please?�
�

  “Tanya’s busy. Who’s this?” he questioned with authority.

  Fancy heard Tanya’s voice in the background. “William, who’s that?”

  “This is Fancy. Who’s this?” Fancy questioned William back with the same attitude.

  “Why you callin’ on a Friday morning? Tanya’s gotta go to work. I told you to stop calling here.”

  “May I speak with my friend, please? It’ll only take a minute.” Fancy smiled so she’d sound pleasant.

  The next voice Fancy heard was Tanya’s. “Hi, who is this?”

  “Girl, it’s me, Fancy. Are you okay? We were starting to think you’re caught up like that author in the movie Misery.”

  Tanya’s voice was barely above a whisper. “I’m okay, I guess.”

  “Your minute is up Tanya! Get off the phone so I can take you to work. I told you I need the car today.”

  “Look, Tanya. Listen to me. When William drops you off at work, don’t clock in. I’ll park in the lot across the street by Toys ‘R’ Us and wait for you.”

  “Okay,” Tanya whispered.

  “Tanya! Don’t make me have to tell you again. Get off the damn phone. Now!” Tanya hung up without saying good-bye.

  The sunlight was bright enough for Fancy to strap on her elbow and kneepads. Swish. Swish. Swish. Fancy took long strides around the lake, determined to complete three laps. Sweat poured from her forehead by the end of the first five-mile lap. Mandy’s letter flashed in Fancy’s mind. “Do something nice for three people in your life this holiday season.” Fancy had selected Tanya, Desmond, and Caroline. By the end of the third lap, Fancy was just warming up so she spread her blanket on the grass and did five hundred sit-ups. Tempted to do five sets, running up and down the one hundred seventy-five steps across the street on Lakeshore, Fancy thought about Tanya and drove to Emeryville.

  Byron entered her thoughts. Fancy wondered what he was doing and if she should call him and apologize for calling the cops. He hadn’t called her to apologize for nearly killing her. Fancy decided if she honestly wanted closure, Mandy was right, she should never have contact with Byron again. Fancy searched her cellular phone book and reluctantly deleted Byron’s home, work, and cellular numbers. Although Byron’s assault wasn’t her fault, she blamed herself for ruining a relationship with the man she could have happily married.