by D. Camille
Pat smiled. “She still too good for you, ain't she? She got that fancy office down by the water, probably charging you an arm and a leg to see me.”
Lance frowned. “You not paying for it, so why you worried?”
“It ain't your body, so why you worried?” she countered.
He nodded. “Since you don't care...I don't either.”
Pat watched as he turned and walked out the door. Lance headed down the hall to his brother's room. The scent hit his nose as he neared the door and his eyes narrowed. He burst through the door and his brother looked up startled with the joint in his hand.
“What the fuck you doing?” Lance demanded coming further into the messy room.
Miles scrambled from the bed to his feet. “Lance!”
Lance grabbed him by his shirt collar twisting it tightly. “You supposed to be taking care of Mama and your ass in here getting lit?”
“Wait! Lance!” Miles choked out as Lance's grip tightened.
Lance's face was filled with fury. “I'm paying all the damn bills over here and you just sitting on your ass?” He threw Miles onto the dirty bed and looked around.
“Look at this shit! Clean up this got damn room with your lazy ass!” he snapped.
Miles stayed on the bed afraid of his brother's next move. “Why you tripping Lance?” he asked warily.
Lance pinned him with an angry look. “Why isn't Mama at her doctor's appointments? I asked you to take care of her. You don't have shit else to do.”
Miles shrugged. “She didn't want to go...”
“Why didn't you call and tell me that!”
He looked away from his brother's glare. “She told me not to or she was gonna tell you I was smoking.”
Lance shook his head. “Y'all think this a damn game.” He pointed at his brother. “I take care of both y'all asses and you don't want to do nothing!”
“If I come back over here and this house looks like this, I'm whipping your ass. Trust!” Lance looked at his brother with his eyes glossy and badly in need of a haircut. “This don't make no damn sense.”
He turned and walked out the door and through the house to his car. Inside he sat for a moment and closed his eyes. It seemed the more he tried to do for his mother and brother, the more ungrateful they became. He'd vowed that he would always make sure they were taken care of because they were the only family he had, but something was going to have to change.
Lance started the car and drove to check on his gas station. He usually made rounds to all of his businesses on a weekly basis. Currently Lance owned two restaurants, three barbershops, a gas station, a beauty supply store and a nail salon. He didn't have to worry about KATYDIDS because Khayla managed that to perfection. His other venues however, the saying 'good help was hard to find' was appropriate. As bad as the economy was in the city, finding good people who wanted to work consistently was a task.
He eventually pulled into the station and stepped inside heading to the counter where the attendant was standing. Lance had hired Jamal a few months ago after he'd been released from jail. Jamal had come into the station one day asking for any type of work, and Lance had given him the opportunity.
“What up doe Jamal?” Lance greeted in the Detroit vernacular.
Jamal smiled. “What up doe Lance? What's good?”
Lance shook his head. “Just checking in. How's it going?”
“It's straight,” Jamal told him.
“Where's Mike?” Lance asked inquiring of the young boy he'd hired after meeting him at Khalil's community center. Mike had a reputation of staying in trouble and Lance was trying to help him get on the right track.
Jamal smirked. “He'll be strolling in here shortly, I guess.”
Lance frowned. “Mike having some problems?”
“He's just a bad little dude, talk too much too.” Jamal began wiping the counter. Everyone knew at all of Lance's businesses, he didn't tolerate uncleanliness. “You need to watch his little ass.”
Lance digested the words as the young boy entered the station. He saw Lance and smiled. “Hey Lance!”
“What up Mike?” Lance glanced at his watch. “What time were you supposed to be here?”
Mike looked wary. “Sorry, I got caught up.”
“Don't get caught up on my time. You hear me?” Lance warned.
Mike nodded. “Yeah, sorry.”
Lance studied the boy. “Let me holla at you in the back.”
Mike followed giving Jamal a glare as he walked behind Lance. They entered the small office and Lance folded his arms.
“What's up with you?” Lance asked.
Mike shrugged. “Nothing.”
Lance put a hand to his chin. “You getting lit?” he inquired.
“Nah, you know I don't get down like that. I don't do drugs,” Mike answered.
“You stealing cars again?” Lance asked.
Mike shook his head vehemently. “No! I'm doing like you told me. I'm going to school every day and I'm focused.”
“Why you coming in late then?” Lance asked lifted a brow.
Mike looked away. “I was chilling with the homies.”
“The homies you stole cars with?”
“Yeah...”
“Mike, do you know the definition of insanity?” Lance asked.
Mike shook his head and looked at Lance.
“It's doing the same damn thing over and over then expecting different results,” he told him. “You keep hanging with the same dudes, your ass is going to be back in trouble.”
“I know. I don't want that,” Mike looked somberly at Lance. “You've helped me out so much and I don't want to disappoint you.”
“Don't disappoint yourself young king,” Lance said.
Mike nodded and smiled. “Okay.”
“If you late again, your ass is fired. Learn to be responsible.”
“Sorry. It won't happen again,” Mike promised.
Lance nodded. “Cool, go do your job.”
Lance watched the boy leave and took a seat at the small desk. Some things looked as if they had been moved around and he wondered who had been going through them. He looked around some more and saw nothing else astray. Slowly he walked back out to the lobby.
“Jamal, who's been in the office?” Lance asked.
Jamal shrugged. “Me, Mike and Karen.” Karen was the evening manager of the station. She needed to work nights, as the station was her second job.
Lance nodded. “Something wrong?” Jamal asked.
“Nah, just make sure nobody else is in there.”
Jamal nodded. “Okay, I got you.”
Lance walked to his car and got inside. He looked back at the station and Mike gave a wave as he was stacking antifreeze outside the station. Lance gave a quick nod and started the car.
*********
Khayla drove to the well maintained home in the nicer part of the city. She grabbed her bag and exited the car approaching the home. On the porch, she rang the doorbell. When Lance's younger brother answered, she smiled.
“Hi Miles. I came to see your mother.”
Miles looked surprised. “Lance got you making house calls?”
“No, I'm concerned about your mother and I'd like to see her,” Khayla informed him.
He opened the door and let her inside. She took in a strong whiff of Pine Sol that almost made her eyes water. Miles saw her reaction and laughed.
“I'm cleaning. I know it's kinda strong, but I had a lot to clean,” he told her. “Mama's room is down there.” He pointed toward the door.
Khayla nodded and walked in that direction. Miles watched her go and understood why his brother had been sprung for so long. Khayla was that business all day and all night. He didn't understand why Lance didn't snap that up, 'cause if it was him, she'd be in his crib having his babies.
Khayla knocked softly on the door and heard, “Come on in here! Why the hell you knocking on the damn door!”
She took a deep breath and put on her professio
nal face. To say that Pat Johnson was a difficult patient was the understatement of the year. Khayla smiled and opened the door.
“Hello Ms. Johnson. I came to check on you.” She entered the room and walked over to where the woman was lying on the bed underneath crumpled bed covers.
Pat looked at Khayla. “What you doing here? Lance sent you?” she demanded. “Well damn, the least he could do is let somebody know. I'm laying here in my damn pajamas...don't even got my damn wig on.”
“It's okay Ms. Johnson and Lance didn’t send me. I wanted to see how you were doing.”
Pat huffed. “I'm fine.”
“You missed your appointment again, so I just wanted to see if you needed anything,” Khayla offered.
Pat looked at Khayla. “You charging Lance extra for this little house visit?”
“How are you feeling Ms. Johnson?” Khayla asked. “Are you in pain?”
Pat turned away. “I been in pain for years.”
Khayla sat her bag on the end of the bed. “If you work with me, we can take the pain away. I know you've been to many doctors and you've been misdiagnosed for awhile, but now we've confirmed that you have Lupus and there are things we can do to help you manage it.”
Pat frowned. “Lupus? I still don't know what the hell that is.”
“Lupus is an autoimmune disease. It can take years for a diagnosis to be confirmed and is often misdiagnosed, like in your case. It affects a disproportionate amount of African-American women who often suffer the worse symptoms that can lead to seizures and strokes.”
She took Pat's hand gently. “Many of our women simply think they're tired from working, family and life in general, but the debilitating fatigue and pain are symptoms of the disease.”
Pat looked at her. “How did I get this? I don't understand.”
“The cause is still unknown, they think it's connected to genetics and hormones. I believe it's also connected to diet and lifestyle.” Khayla told her.
“How do I know you know what you talking about? These doctors done told me so many things,” Pam said hotly.
“I know Ms. Johnson, but your regimen was working remember? You were feeling better,” Khayla reminded her.
“Yeah, but I couldn't eat or drink nothing!” Pam complained.
Khayla looked at her. “Ms. Johnson, those foods are unhealthy for a person who doesn't have Lupus. You need to keep your system as clean as possible so that your body can work with you and not against you.”
“I ate them all my life. My mama ate 'em and my grandmama before that.”
“And you've been in pain most of your life,” Khayla pointed out. “It's up to you Ms. Johnson if you want to live a better quality of life. I know how much it means to Lance for you to get better.”
“Eating healthier, being able to exercise and taking care of your body by following the regimen will make a difference,” Khayla advised.
Pat looked out the window.
“Well if you want my help Ms. Johnson, you know where to find me.” Khayla released her hand and picked up her bag before looking back at the woman in the bed.
“Lance has sacrificed so much for you. I wish you would do the same for him.”
Khayla walked out the room and passed Miles on her way out.
“Bye Miles.”
Miles gave a sexy smile that matched his brother's. “Bye Khayla.”
Khayla went to her car and headed to the restaurant. Her heart broke for Lance, and she hoped that Pat would realize that she could get better and actually would try to do it.
*********
Lance finished checking in on his businesses and got back in his car. Pulling out his phone he saw a text from Corvus.
Momma cooked up a storm. Told me to tell you to come through.
Lance smiled at the phone. If Momma Shaw cooked, he was eating. He started the car and began driving to the Shaw home. He remembered eating many meals at their house. Corvus' mother had taken him in like her own son and Mr. Shaw had given him his first job at the bookstore when his mother had first fallen ill.
Mrs. Shaw would feed him and then give him food to take home to his mother and brother. Rion and Corvus had always looked out for him more as a brother than a friend, and he would do anything for either of them.
He and Corvus had become instant best friends at the age of ten and that bond had never been broken. They did everything together, good and bad. People hated to see them coming together because they knew trouble had arrived. He and Corvus liked to joke around, but when it was time to handle business, they were the two who didn't hesitate to get down, along with Khalil.
He entered the house all smiles and was greeted by Corvus with a plate in his hand. Lance looked at his friend and shook his head.
“Did you leave some for me?” he asked.
Corvus frowned. “Yeah. You better hurry up though.”
Lance walked to the large kitchen where Pam Shaw was standing at the counter.
“Hey Momma,” he said walking over and kissing her cheek.
Pam smiled at him. “There you are. I was wondering if you were going to get here in time.”
He laughed. “I was checking on the businesses.”
She motioned for him to sit on one of the stools. “How is everything?”
“Straight. Business is good right now.”
Pam watched him. “How is the restaurant with Khayla?” she inquired.
He shook his head. “It's great. I was skeptical about a healthy food restaurant, but it's a success. Khayla knows her stuff.”
“Yes, she does. Beautiful and smart.”
Lance agreed. “How's your mother doing?” Pam asked.
He lowered his head. “I saw her earlier. She's missing doctor's appointments and just not doing what she's supposed to do. Complaining that she can't eat chittlins.”
Pam frowned. “Hmmmm...I don't understand why people want to in the first place.”
Lance laughed then sobered. “I'm trying Momma, but she and Miles are just draining the life out of me.”
Pam came over and touched the soft waves on his head. “You've done so much Lance. Sometimes you have to just accept that people are going to live their own lives, the way they choose.”
“I guess so. I don't know what else to do.”
She lifted his face to hers. “Why don't you focus on your happiness? You deserve it young king.”
He smiled at her. “Thank you Momma.” Lance hugged her close. “If I didn't respect Daddy Shaw so much, I'd steal you away.”
Pam looked at him. “Boy, go wash your hands and come get some of this food.”
Lance kissed her once again before heading to the bathroom. When he returned Corvus was sitting in the kitchen alone eating.
“Damn, you really not trying to save me none,” Lance pointed out.
Corvus shrugged. “Hey, I sent you a text. You know the drill.”
Lance got a plate and filled it with the all the delicious smelling dishes. When he was done, he sat next to Corvus who turned to him.
“What's up with you?” Corvus asked. “You and Momma in here having Hallmark moments.”
Lance frowned. “Shut up.” He dug into his food and Corvus did the same.
After a few minutes, Lance turned to him. “I'm taking Khayla on a date.”
Corvus began to choke on his food for a minute then turned to Lance. “Awww shit nah!”
“Don't start talking shit Corvus,” Lance warned.
“You 'bout to finally make that move?” Corvus asked. “Finally get to taste that Katydid?”
Lance stayed focused on his plate. “Don't make me whip your ass in Momma's house.”
Corvus laughed loudly as he stared at his brother. “What brought this on?” he finally asked.
Lance turned to him. “It's time.”
“Well it's been past time for a long time, but I'm glad you finally ready. Damn!”
“I can't fuck this up Corvus,” he said quietly. “I won't get another chance
.”
Corvus smiled. “Man, you not. You love that girl to death and she loves you.” He gave Lance a look. “I just hope Khalil don't kill your ass.”
Lance smiled. “Khalil's cool.”
“Khalil's cool? Khalil who?” Corvus asked staring at him.
“Trust. Khalil's cool, we talked.”
Corvus looked skeptical. “Okay, but if shit go south, I'm not fighting Khalil. I'm telling you now.”
“Nobody's fighting Khalil. He's too damn crazy.”
Corvus agreed. “So where you taking Khayla?”
Lance returned to his food. “It's a surprise.”
“For me or her?” Corvus asked confused.
“I swear you ignorant,” Lance told him.
Corvus put his fork down. “I mean why you can't tell me?”
“’Cause I don't want to hear you talking shit about it, so I'm keeping it to myself,” Lance explained.
“We tell each other everything,” Corvus complained.
Lance continued to eat. “Not everything, my man...”
Chapter 6
Lance prepared for his first date with Khayla. He dressed in a dark tailored suit with a patterned silk tie and white, broadcloth shirt. He finished it off with black Gator dress shoes. His hair was cut to perfection and his goatee perfectly groomed.
He arrived at Khayla's apartment downtown in a short time. Taking the elevator to her floor, he smiled at his reflection in the mirror as he realized he was actually nervous, which made no sense to him. He'd never been nervous about taking out a woman...ever. Now here he was, like he was nineteen all over again, hoping that Khayla felt the same way about him as he did about her.
Arriving at her door, he rang the bell and waited. Soon it was cracked to reveal the sexiest, most beautiful woman Lance had ever laid eyes on. Her dark eyes were accented with mascara and liner. Her pouty lips held a plum color and her body was covered in a wine colored wrap dress that hugged her massive hills and curves. His eyes slid over her breasts then down to her hips and thick thighs. He moved back to her face and smiled.
“Hey Katydids.”
Khayla had felt his perusal as if it were an actual touch. “Hi Lance.”
He stepped closer. “You look beautiful, Ma.”
She looked at him in his suit and fought to keep from swooning. “You look so good.”
