“Well, that’s not healthy. That’s what friends and family are here for.”
“Yeah, but I just can’t ever remember being this broke, it’s really depressing. Not even when I was young and married to Doug, and we were poor. And speaking of Doug, he has been so good, sending me extra money for the kids. If I didn’t know better, I would think Phil put roots or something on me. He is the devil.”
“You believe in that stuff?” Stacey asked.
“No, I believe in God, but how and why does all this stuff keep happening to me? I don’t know that devilish man.”
“Phil’s not the devil, but he’s damn sure one of his agents and works for him. It will get better,” said Geneva.
“It will. You know what you need in the meantime?” Stacey asked.
“What do I need?” I asked sarcastically looking over at her.
“To get some.”
“Please. That’s not going to work. It’s something about not having money that kills my libido. I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel sexy when my bills are not paid. Hector kept pressuring me, and I met him at a hotel and did not enjoy myself. After that he gave up, just stopped calling me, and I’m glad. I’m just really trying to get me back together again. And secondly, since I gained this weight, I’ve noticed fewer men have tried to talk to me.”
“Whatever, but you did put on some weight. How much did you gain in total?” Stacey inquired.
“I don’t know . . . like twenty pounds.”
“Damn, what are you doing sitting home eating your troubles away? That’s a lot,” Stacey said. “I was going to say, ‘Take those marbles out the side of your mouth.’ Damn, so Phil just ruining your life all the way around. If I was you I would just sell some pussy, to get some money,” she laughed.
“Huh, what the hell are you talking about, Stacey, who is a trick selling pussy? First, I’m never selling anything, and second it’s so many chicks giving it out for free, I don’t think it would work. You know, like when they go on vacation.”
“Yeah, but you got to do something to get some money. I’m not saying trick, just meet a guy with money and tell him you need your bills paid.”
“Right, I’m not doing that, but you try it and let me know how you make out. Anyway,” I said as I popped my eyes out at Geneva so she could check her girl. Stacey was getting on my nerves and I was getting ready to tell her off. I decided to change the topic. “So how are the children, Geneva?”
“Home with Eric. I’m surprised he hasn’t called yet, asking me how to use the microwave. You know he is domestically challenged.”
“Yeah, he is.”
We talked a little more, then the waiter came over and asked if we wanted another round of drinks. I had already had one. I wasn’t exactly buzzed, but a second drink would seal the deal. I took three big swallows of my drink and said, “I’ll take another.”
“She doesn’t need another drink. One is enough. She don’t have any money,” Stacey said loudly.
My eyes went directly to hers. I couldn’t believe that she had said I couldn’t have another drink because I didn’t have money.
“Wow, really, Stacey? Are you serious?” Geneva said.
“What I’m joking, give us all another round,” Stacey said to the waiter. At this point I didn’t care if Stacey was serious or not—I was totally offended. I wanted to reach over and slap her.
Geneva tried to intervene. “That was uncalled for, Stacey.”
“No, don’t say anything, Geneva. Stacey, you have a lot of damn nerve. When I had it, it was never a problem. Drinks were always on me. I hope you’re never in my situation. But thanks for letting me know who my real friends are.”
“I swear I was only joking,” Stacey replied. “We joke all the time. You’re being so damn sensitive.”
“Yeah, well, watch what you say. I’ve never been a broke bitch.” I left the table. I’ve paid my way my whole life. I’m not going to let some no-name, corny bitch disrespect me. I always have paid my way and always will, I thought as I walked out of the restaurant.
Geneva came up behind me. “She didn’t mean it, Vette. I know she didn’t. Don’t leave.”
I stopped momentarily and said, “It is better that I leave before I beat the shit out of her. I came out to get away from everything and she is sitting here making jokes. This shit ain’t funny.” I said as tears began to flush out of my eyes. Geneva consoled me and started patting my back and more tears poured out.
“I’m getting tired, Geneva. This is hard. Like, I can’t pay my bills. I’m fighting not to break down. Trying to stay strong for my kids. Every day I wake up thinking, this is the day my life is going to be normal again. Thinking positive and nothing is changing. I don’t know when it is going to end. When will I be me again?”
“I know it’s been hard, but you have to pray. You have to just keep staying strong.”
“I’ve been praying. I don’t know if God has a waiting list or what, because he hasn’t answered me yet. I really can’t take any more and that’s why I’m leaving. I have enough problems. I don’t need a fake friend kicking me when I’m down.”
“I know. No one knows how it feels. But don’t give up on your faith. I promise you, when you least expect it, He is going to bless you.”
CHAPTER 35
Crystal
The last time I had a conversation with Kenneth, he was cussing me out, telling me not to call him anymore and to let my husband be Kori’s father. We tried to be civil with him when he brought Kori back that night, but ignorance was all he knew. He said, “Forget you, your husband, and our daughter.” Actually, he said something a lot harsher but, anyway, I told Rell not to worry about him. I didn’t want them getting into anything. And that was easier said than done, because Rell had taken it personally that Kenneth had disrespected him, his wife, and his stepdaughter. I knew Kenneth and Syreeta were crazy, but Rell was not having the disrespect at all. That was why I wasn’t sure if I should allow Kori to go anywhere with her dad for Thanksgiving.
I was sprinkling layers of cheese and bread crumbs over the top of my macaroni and cheese when Kenneth and Syreeta called, asking to have Kori for a few hours. I asked him if he was going to be in or out of her life. Kenneth promised he was in it now for good, so I would allow him one last chance to be her father. He came over to get Kori, and it was too cold to have him stand outside, so I invited him in while I got her dressed. I didn’t think nothing of it, really, until Rell came home and saw Kenneth. With a shocked look on his face, he demanded that I come upstairs with him.
“Rell what’s wrong? I’m getting Kori ready.”
“What the hell is he doing here in my living room?”
“He was waiting for Kori; it was cold so I told him to come in. He is her father.”
“I know who he is. You told me everything he’s done and said to you. He’s not allowed in here—let him wait outside. Let him turn his heat on.”
“But it was only for a few minutes.”
“I don’t care. You heard what I said he’s not allowed in this house anymore. What, you still like him or something? Why are you taking up for someone who don’t give you any money for his daughter, and disrespects you anytime he gets ready.”
“No, I don’t. I just thought . . . He asked for Kori for Thanksgiving. I was giving him one last chance to do right by her.”
“I don’t care. He can’t just decide when he wants to be a father. Matter of fact, I don’t want to see this dude anywhere near her, you, or this house. She is not going with him. Go tell him to leave, or I will.” Rell was angry and I didn’t want him to say anything to Kenneth and then they would start arguing.
I went back downstairs and scratched my head. “So, Kenneth, uh, she can’t go with you. I’ve decided I want her to stay here with me and my family for the holiday.”
“What? This is my daughter too. Ain’t nobody going to tell me I can’t take mine. Now, Crystal, finish getting her clothes. Let me take her, and
I’ll bring her back, like, at eight.”
Rell came down the steps.
I was scared for a moment, like it was about to be a problem, but Kenneth just got up and left. Within a few moments Syreeta began calling my phone. I didn’t want to answer, but she kept calling back.
“Answer your phone, Crystal; stop acting scared of him.”
“It’s not him; it’s his sister again.”
“I’m really getting tired of them,” Rell said as he grabbed my cell phone.
“Rell, stop—I’ll answer it.” I answered and all I heard was yelling and screaming.
“Uhm, Crystal, didn’t Kenneth just talk to you a few hours ago and you said he can come get that baby.”
“I did but some things came up and I changed my mind.”
“Well, you can’t just tell people one thing and do another. You let my brother come all the way the hell over there. What the fuck kind of shit is that? I don’t mean no harm, but your little husband needs to mind his business when it comes to my niece and what’s going on between you and my brother. We just want to come and get Kori for a few hours. We ain’t got no family. It’s me and him and my kids, and he wanna come and grab his daughter. I don’t see what the problem is.”
“Syreeta, he can’t. He just can’t do things when he wants to. My husband doesn’t have anything to do with this. She can’t go, and that’s it.”
“Crystal, my brother is on his way back over there, and you are going to send the baby out, or else.”
“Or else what?”
“Bitch, you don’t even want to find out.”
Rell snatched the phone from me. “Listen, this shit is over today. You and your brother don’t run shit and you not going to keep disrespecting my wife. If you want to see Kori so bad, tell your brother to go see a judge and get a visitation order. Until then stop calling my wife and tell your brother to stay away from my family.” After he ended the call with Syreeta, he fussed at me some more for still tolerating them.
Thanksgiving was being held at my house, and I was happy. I had to pretend like Kenneth and Syreeta didn’t almost ruin everything. I would deal with them later. I pulled all the food out of the oven as our guests started to arrive. I hadn’t seen Dana in a while. I wasn’t mad at her anymore. She brought pies, and when she came in, I just gave her a hug. All was forgiven.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“I know. I’m sorry, too,” I said as I hugged my sister. I knew she meant well but didn’t know exactly how to express herself.
“This is my boyfriend, Adam. Adam, this is one of my big sisters, Crystal,” Dana said.
“Hello. Nice to meet you. That’s my husband, Terell,” I replied. Her boyfriend, Adam . . . Wow, so much had changed. I was married, and Dana was dating a white man.
I told them to have a seat and waited for everyone else to join us.
Dana picked up Kori and remarked, “I missed y’all. Look how big she got!”
My parents arrived next, and Daddy said hello to Adam. I think Daddy was a little surprised, but he played it off. He instantly bonded over the game with him.
I never thought the day would come that my husband and my father and Dana and her white boyfriend, Adam, would all sit happily in front of my sixty-inch television, watching the game in my house.
My father was so accepting of Rell now, and for the first time I thought he approved of my life.
Just as I had that thought, my mom said, “I’m so proud of you, Crystal. I was just telling your daddy how you got your husband, a new car, and how your life is really coming together. And I love that big television downstairs.”
“Thank you, Mom. Is Vette coming?”
“Yeah. Where are Vette and the kids? Let me call her. She was supposed to bring that other salad.”
CHAPTER 36
Yvette
I didn’t want to go to Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was for giving thanks. I knew I had a lot to be happy about—my life, my health, my children—but I didn’t feel like celebrating anything. Payment arrangements, extensions, speaking to a supervisor . . . I didn’t want to do any of the above anymore. I needed money. I needed a job. These past few months had been pure hell, and, well, I didn’t want to be around anyone. That man I interviewed with, Mr. Creighton, had guaranteed me a second interview, and all I got was a form letter saying that they went with another candidate.
My mom had been calling me all morning, making sure I made my red potato salad for Thanksgiving dinner. I’d made the salad, but I still wasn’t going to dinner. I didn’t really want to disappoint everyone, but I didn’t want to make everyone miserable, either. I’d rather keep my drama to myself. She started calling my phone nonstop. I finally answered.
“Mom, I’m not coming to Thanksgiving, but you can pick up the potato salad,” I told her when she called again.
“Why not?”
“I don’t feel too good. I think I’m coming down with something.”
“Yvette, you can keep staying in the house, isolating yourself from the rest of the world, acting like a hermit, but it doesn’t help. I think you might be depressed.”
“I’m not depressed, Mom, really. I don’t want anyone else to catch what I have.”
“Well, at least let me pick up the kids, because Crystal made all of this food, and they can bring you a plate home. Okay?”
“Sure, Mom. I’m sure they want to come.” When I got off the phone, I called out to Brandon and Mercedes and told them to get dressed.
Fifteen minutes later my mom called back. “Yvette, I’m outside.”
Damn, I didn’t want to see her. I was hoping she’d beep the horn and keep it moving. I sat up and squinted my eyes so I could look sick. Then I went to the door and let my mom in.
“Mom, your hair looks nice.” Her curls were tight, like she had just taken her rollers out, and the gold hoops matched the brown pantsuit she had on.
“I went and had it done yesterday.” She studied my face. I knew she was trying to determine if I was really sick or not.
“You must be sick, because you look a mess.” She patted my wild hair down for me.
I began to cough and sniffle, and she backed away from me and I said, “Yeah, I am. I don’t know what I came down with.”
“Well, if you change your mind, just call and someone will come back and get you.”
“Okay.” I coughed once more.
They all left, and I was free to do nothing. I made sure the door was locked and turned off all the lights. I went into my bedroom, flicked the television on, and put the covers over my head and closed my eyes. I rested for two hours and then had a change of heart and decided to go to Crystal’s and surprise everyone.
Daddy had two men to watch the game with him, and Terell seemed to be fitting in just fine with my father. I was happy I’d come, but I did feel out of place. At least I showed up. Now I could leave. I felt like my sisters’ lives were on track and mine was still a wreck. My mom was kind enough to make me a plate, but I only picked off of it. I wasn’t hungry; I was miserable.
“So are you going shopping with us in the morning?” Dana asked.
I shook my head. “No.”
My mom said, “Why not? We go Black Friday shopping every year. I have to get some things. Your dad is taking me to the Florida Keys for our anniversary.”
“Oh, that’s nice,” I said. “I forgot you guys’ anniversary was in a few days. Yeah, but I’m not for all that pushing and rushing around the store. This year.”
“I saw on the news that the stores are opening up at midnight tonight. So it might not be as crowded,” Crystal said.
“Go with us, Yvette,” my mom insisted.
“Well, I don’t feel like getting up early, I don’t feel well, and I have things I have to do. Actually, I’m about to leave now.” I didn’t get why they kept asking me to go when they knew I didn’t have any money.
My niece Jewel tapped me on my leg. “Aunt Yvette, can I come over and spend the night?�
��
“No, sorry. Not tonight.”
“Then, Mom, can I spend the night over here and go shopping with them in the morning?” Mercedes asked.
“No, Mercedes.”
“Mom, why not? There is no school tomorrow. And we always go shopping.”
“I’m getting tired. I’m about to get out of here,” I said.
“Well, if you want them to stay, they can, Yvette,” Crystal said.
“Okay. Just drop them off tomorrow.” I put on my coat, told everyone good night.
“If you want to go shopping, I have money for you to go,” my mom whispered to me as she caught up with me at the door.
“I can’t go shopping. I have bills, Mom.”
“Well, still take this. Take care of your bills. And I was talking to your father.... Listen, we have space at the house. I’m tired of seeing you struggle. You have family. Why don’t you just come back home? Brandon can take your old bedroom, and you and Mercedes can go in the back room.”
“Mom, I don’t want to move back home. I’ll be okay, but thanks for the offer. When I get everything together, I promise I will pay you back all the money you and Daddy have been loaning me.”
“We know you will.”
CHAPTER 37
Yvette
My parents were on their way to Key West, Florida, I’d just dropped them off at the airport. And now I was off to take care of all my business with the money my mother loaned me. I was en route to the storage facility to pay my storage bill in person, and from there I planned to go to the market, and then it would be time for the kids to get home from school.
I walked into the U-Haul storage center. It was a big multilevel warehouse. There were people loading boxes, and the phones kept ringing. The woman at the counter asked how she could help me.
Another Man Will Page 20
