Bailee slammed her phone down harder than she’d planned and immediately checked the screen for a crack. Luckily, it was intact.
But she was still irritated. It was unbelievable that she’d been trying to get in touch with Jayla for over a week and Jayla had been treating her like a pest, ignoring her texts and calls. It was unforgivable, but she couldn’t afford to hold a grudge. Not at the moment. She needed Jayla’s input for the party.
She wondered why she’d been avoiding her, and figured there was only one way to find out.
Bailee marched out of her big office with a great view and strutted up to her assistant’s desk, the latest of a succession of young college grads who only stayed in the position until they found something worthy of their degree.
“I need to borrow your phone, Macy,” she said authoritatively.
Being the managing director at First Mutual Bank, Bailee was accustomed to giving orders, but didn’t usually speak so sharply to her assistants. But there was something about Macy that bugged her. She seemed cunning and sneaky, though she’d never done anything overt.
Taken off guard by Bailee’s presence, Macy scrambled to pull up the quarterly reports she should have been working on.
Too late. She was busted. Bailee had already seen the Jobmagic employment listings but pretended not to notice. She made a mental note to begin interviewing new administrative assistants. She’d be damned if she’d be left in the lurch without adequate help.
She headed back to her office, sat down, and called Jayla from Macy’s phone.
Jayla picked up immediately. “Hello, this is Jayla Carpenter.”
“And this is Bailee Evans. Why are you ducking me?”
There was a moment of shocked silence and then Jayla emitted a groan of exasperation. “This is stalker behavior. Don’t you have any shame? Isn’t it obvious I need a break from you?”
“Why? I don’t understand. My anniversary party is in a month and this is not the time to act petty.”
“You’re the petty one. I’m sick of you and your infuriating party. You veto every idea I come up with, and it’s clear you don’t need my help. Just go ahead and plan your own party the way you want. That’s what you’ve been doing all along.”
“Can we discuss this like adults?” Bailee asked.
“No!”
“Jayla, you’re being ridiculous. Let’s have dinner. My treat. We can go to that seafood place downtown, the one across the street from the theater.”
“Marty’s?”
“Uh-huh. You love their lobster bisque,” Bailee reminded Jayla, certain that free seafood from an expensive restaurant was an offer she couldn’t refuse.
“Okay, but my mind is made up about planning your party. Our friendship will be at stake if I continue in that role.”
“Why do you feel that way?”
“You’re not easy to work with, Jayla. It’s okay to be a perfectionist, but it’s your attitude. I was donating my services as a friend, but you were treating me like hired help. I can’t deal with it. You wonder why you go through so many assistants. Well, let me enlighten you. It’s the way you talk to people when you’re in a position of authority. It’s sickening.”
“Really, Jayla? You never mentioned anything about my attitude before.”
“I was never in the position of an underling before. You have a problem with looking down on people.”
“That’s not true. Sounds like you’re describing my mother, and I’m nothing like her.”
“You may not be pretentious and shallow, but you think you’re smarter and more refined than most.”
“No, I don’t.”
“Can I finish?”
“Go ahead.”
“You’ve always had a snobby air, but that’s you. I love you anyway. You can also be extremely overbearing when you want something done. You want it your way and on your time. But we’re supposed to be friends—equals—and I don’t like being in the position where I’m being treated like an underling. I took a lot of shit off you when I was your maid of honor and I don’t intend to go through that again. That said, I think it’s best for me to attend your anniversary party as a guest. You and Trent can afford to pay a party planner.”
“It’s not the money. I want you. Would it be insulting if I offered to pay you?”
“Yes,” Jayla said unwaveringly.
After a few moments of awkward silence, Bailee half-heartedly agreed to hire a party planner.
“Good. Does the offer of a seafood dinner still stand?” Jayla inquired.
Bailee laughed uncomfortably. If she couldn’t convince Jayla to help plan her party, there really wasn’t any reason to have dinner with her. But she feared that backing out would put an additional strain on their friendship.
“Yes, dinner is still on,” she said, injecting false cheer into her voice. “I miss my best friend and want to spend some quality time with you. Is seven o’clock good?”
“It’s perfect.”
Bailee hung up and paced in her office before returning Macy’s phone. Jayla had given her food for thought. It was time to check herself. There had to be a reason why Macy seemed to quietly resent her. Realizing that she tended to be impatient with the young woman, Bailee decided to be friendlier toward her assistant.
Still, it bothered her that Jayla felt the need to point out her flaws. As Trent had suggested, it was possible that Jayla was envious of her. After all, she had a hot husband, a great career that didn’t depend upon commission, and a hefty trust fund that she would be entitled to in a few years.
* * *
Bailee wasn’t the least bit surprised when Jayla showed up wearing a tight pink dress that revealed way too much cleavage. In the past, she’d always viewed Jayla’s clothing choices as her way of trying to keep up with the skinny girls, but she now viewed her provocative style as straight-up slutty.
Sticking to her diet, Bailee had controlled her cravings and had ordered only a single crab cake and a small salad, which she ate as slowly as possible. She’d read that masticating food thoroughly, and putting the fork down after every bite, allowed for savoring the food and tricking the tummy into believing it was full.
Jayla, on the other hand, had not exercised any restraint. She started off the meal with lemon-butter shrimp and an oversized margarita. Then, after gorging on steak, lobster, clams, garlic crab legs, corn on the cob, and cheese biscuits, she unapologetically ordered a hefty slice of chocolate-fudge cake and asked for another mammoth margarita.
No shame in her game, Bailee acknowledged as she observed Jayla launching an attack on her cake, stabbing into it as if it might jump off the plate and run away.
Bailee had too much class to publicly flaunt her love of food. She was a closet eater. She tended to eat daintily in public, but behind closed doors, she shoveled the food in with both hands.
Trent never judged her and had never even hinted that she should lose weight. With his many compliments about her body and the passionate way he made love to her, it was clear that he loved and adored her exactly as she was. Ironically, Trent shared Bailee’s passion for food, but luckily for him—due to genetics—he could eat whatever he wanted and remained fit by playing a little racquetball with his colleagues a couple times a week.
But Bailee, with her sluggish metabolism, seemed to pack on pounds by merely looking at food.
Sipping lemon water, Bailee waited until Jayla was halfway through her dessert before dropping the bombshell. Though she told herself that she didn’t have malicious intentions and that she was only bringing up the subject so that Jayla understood that any nasty sex acts at the anniversary party would not be condoned, a part of her was well aware that the rumors about Jayla’s fetishes had angered and embarrassed her. She wanted to lash out at her friend.
“Trent heard a rumor from his cousin, Javari.” Bailee took a sip of water before continuing. “I don’t believe a word his lying cousin says, but I wanted you to know what he’s saying about you.”
“Javar
i’s dumb ass can’t say a damn thing about me.”
Bailee stared at her.
Jayla stared back at her.
“The streets are talking about you,” Bailee said calmly.
Jayla put her fork down, and the clink of metal against porcelain was loud and confrontational. “And what exactly are the streets saying?”
“According to Javari, Sadeeq Samuelson is married with two kids. Did you know this?”
Clearly distressed, Jayla dragged her fingers down her face, and then nodded.
“Why would you mess with a married man, Jayla?”
“We’re in love.”
“Oh, Jayla,” Bailee said pityingly.
“I’m serious. We’re moving in together as soon as his wife finds a job. She got fired and can’t get unemployment. Sadeeq’s a good dad, and he can’t leave his kids under those circumstances.”
“So, you’re okay with being a homewrecker?”
Jayla sucked her teeth. “It’s not like that. Their marriage is over. It was over long before he met me.”
“But he was with his wife when you met him?”
“Yes, but—”
“That’s not cool.” Bailee’s mouth turned down in distaste as she held Jayla in a long, judgmental gaze.
Jayla tried to match the stare, but she gave up, her eyes guiltily shifting downward.
“You can’t blame me for Sadeeq’s marital problems,” Jayla said, trying to keep the frustration out of her tone.
“Didn’t it strike you as a bad idea to get involved with a married man?”
“The heart wants what it wants,” Jayla replied with a defiant flip of her hair.
“I realize Sadeeq’s a fine male specimen, but he’s clearly rough around the edges. If he hangs with Javari, it’s highly possible that Sadeeq has shady ways. I don’t think he’s the kind of man that you should be involved with.”
“Just because he knows Javari doesn’t mean they’re friends and it certainly doesn’t mean Sadeeq has shady ways. Seems like you’re judging him based on the neighborhood he comes from.”
Bailee shrugged.
“Well, I’m from the ’hood, too. Does that make me an uncivilized person?”
“No, you rose above your circumstances, but Sadeeq hasn’t. Also, do you realize how rare it is for a ’hood dude to be a family man? Sadeeq is as rare as a unicorn. So, why would you want to be responsible for breaking up a family that has managed to stay intact, despite the fact that statistics are not in their favor?”
“Sadeeq is not happy.”
“Oh, God, you sound like the stereotypical homewrecker.”
“Stop calling me that. He’s going to remain in his kids’ lives, and I’m going to make sure of it.”
“Aren’t you the noble one?” Bailee quipped.
“Look, he’s moving in with me in six months and there’s nothing else to discuss.”
“And you’re good with leaving two children fatherless? Do you feel that it’s okay to take another woman’s husband?”
Jayla didn’t say anything.
Bailee shook her head. “I had no idea you were so selfish and heartless.”
“Yeah, well, if his wife was throwing the pussy back the right way, he wouldn’t be leaving her for me.”
“Wow, so his wife is to blame—due to her limited bedroom skills? Is that really your defense?”
“Partly.”
“I guess I don’t really know you, after all. Trent told me some unpleasant things about you that I refused to believe.”
“Trent needs to keep my name out of his mouth and mind his own damn business,” Jayla barked. She shoved her partially eaten dessert away and stood. “I’m ready to go. Thanks for dinner.”
“Sit down, Jayla. We need to have a discussion.”
“About what?”
“About your behavior at my wedding reception.”
Jayla scowled. “What behavior? You want me to go back ten years and try to recall everything I did at your reception? What’s this about, Bailee?” Jayla pulled her chair back, sat down heavily, and impatiently drummed her fingers on the table.
“You have no memory of getting in a compromising position with two of the groomsmen—Chance and Tone—in the bathroom at the reception venue?”
Jayla gasped. “Are you crazy? Who told you that lie?”
“So, you don’t recall? Maybe you can remember your more recent depraved activity,” Bailee said stonily.
Jayla lifted her brows in bewilderment. “Recent depraved activity? I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.”
“You don’t have any recollection of going behind the bar and giving the bartender a blow job in the middle of the ballroom during my birthday party?”
The color drained from Jayla’s face. “Oh, Jesus! Who told you that bullshit? I’m insulted that you’d think that I’m capable of going that low. I’ve always known that Trent disliked me, but I had no idea that his hatred was so intense that he’d make up some vile shit in order to break up our friendship.”
“Trent got the information from reliable sources.”
Jayla folded her arms and glared at Bailee. “His sources are lying on me and I can’t believe you’re feeding into malicious gossip. How the hell do I look giving top in the middle of a fuckin’ ballroom? A bitch ain’t never been that pressed to suck a dick.” Jayla’s voice rose, attracting attention from the other diners and prompting Bailee to look around in embarrassment.
“But his sources weren’t lying about Sadeeq’s marital status, right?” Bailee spoke in a whisper that urged Jayla to lower her tone.
“That’s comparing apples and oranges,” Jayla replied wearily. “Falling in love with a married man is totally unrelated to happily fucking two men in a public restroom and openly sucking a random bartender’s dick. Damn, Bailee, how could you come at me with this kind of bullshit?”
“I don’t know what to believe, but Trent is convinced.”
“Fuck Trent. Your rumor-spreading husband can kiss my ass,” Jayla said viciously.
“Trent isn’t spreading any rumors. His boys have been reporting horrible stories about you for years.”
“You waited long enough to tell me about my sordid reputation,” Jayla said, sounding hurt and betrayed.
“Trent didn’t have the heart to tell me—until recently.”
“It’s not true,” Jayla insisted. “And I shouldn’t have to keep repeating myself.” She pushed away from the table. “I can’t deal with this,” she said with tears welling in her eyes. “I just went through a horrific experience that I’ve been trying to forget.”
“What happened?”
“I was raped,” Jayla said quietly as tears rolled down her face. “I’ve been trying to keep my emotions in check, but it’s not working. I can’t help from blaming myself. I feel like shit for allowing myself to be in such a vulnerable position. And now, after hearing this shit you’re talking, it’s just too much.”
Jayla dropped her head in her hands and began to sob, attracting much more attention than Bailee was comfortable with. Credit card in hand, Bailee beckoned the waiter and hastily paid the check.
Outside the restaurant, Jayla became even more hysterical. Her shoulders heaved, and then she began to wail—a deep, mournful, animal howl that possessed such ferocity, the sheer volume of her lament attracted attention.
Some pedestrians drifted past and had the decency to keep it moving, but most stopped and gawked, the looks on their faces a mix of embarrassment and perplexity. There were a scant few who watched with open delight, as if witnessing a provocatively dressed, curvy woman, in the midst of a public meltdown, was entertaining.
Appearances were everything to Bailee, and being perceived as a participant of a spectacle went against everything she stood for. “Pull yourself together,” Bailee said through gritted teeth.
“But it wasn’t my fault,” Jayla wailed.
“Not out here. Don’t say another word until we get in the car.” Tu
gging Jayla by the arm, Bailee led her to the parking garage and guided her toward her shiny Volvo, which was conveniently parked on the lower level.
“Who raped you and when?” Bailee probed, her face contorted in confusion.
“Last Friday night. Some guy I met through a dating app.” Jayla sniffled and shuddered. “I invited him to a house I was showing and he raped me.”
“You invited a stranger to one of your listings?”
“Don’t lecture me, Bailee,” Jayla snapped. “I know it was stupid, okay?”
“I don’t understand. What about Sadeeq? I thought you and he were—”
“I wasn’t speaking to him at the time. I called myself teaching him a lesson by getting with another dude and it backfired.”
“Did you call the police? Did you go to the hospital and let them do a rape kit?”
“No. I didn’t do anything. If I involve the police, my job will find out and I’ll be fired.”
“If the guy did it once, he’s probably done it before and will strike again. You can’t let a possible serial rapist remain at large.”
“There’s nothing I can do about it,” Jayla said tearfully.
“If you don’t want to involve the police, then the least you can do is to notify the dating service and let them know that a member is using the app to victimize women.”
Jayla shook her head. “I want to forget it ever happened. Being back with Sadeeq is the best therapy for me right now.” A fresh batch of tears sprang to Jayla’s eyes and streamed down her face.
Bailee put her arm around her friend and murmured, “It’s going to be all right, Jayla. You’re strong and you’ll get through this. I’ve got your back, girl, and don’t ever forget it.”
Jayla squeezed Bailee’s hand and whispered, “Thank you.”
After Jayla calmed down, Bailee drove her to the top level of the garage and waited until she was safely in her car. She tailed her and waited patiently while Jayla fumbled for her credit card and then paid the parking attendant.
Bailee drove behind Jayla until it was time for her to hop on the expressway. She honked her horn and Jayla honked back.
Bailee was convinced that Trent’s no-good cousin and his homeboys had lied on Jayla. She’d known Jayla for far too long to start accepting silly locker room talk as fact.
Sharp Curves Ahead Page 4
