Naughty No More

by Brenda Hampton

  “Yeah, baby,” he said.

  I wasted no time asking him what was up. “What was on the card?”

  “What card?”

  “The card in your pocket.”

  He paused. “A, uh, a travel agent gave it to me. She said if I needed a travel agent in the future, to contact her and she could get me some decent rates.”

  “Oh. I didn’t mean to sweat you, but I just happened to see the interaction.”

  “Well, that’s all it was. Right before you called, I tossed the card in the trash.”

  I felt unsure about his response. “Okay, well, uh, I’ll call you when I get to St. Louis. Be careful. I’ll see you soon.”

  Jaylin hung up. When I looked up, heading my way was the woman who’d given the card to Jaylin. For whatever reason, God surely had a way of confirming things that I wanted to know. The woman sat directly across from me. Once the plane took off, I drummed up a conversation with her.

  “So, are you on your way to St. Louis too or do you have another plane to catch?” I asked.

  “No, this is it. I’m on my way to St. Louis to visit my brother and his wife. I’ll be there for two weeks. I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Do you live in Florida?”

  “I’ve lived here all my life. What about you?”

  “I’m from St. Louis, but I moved to Florida several years ago. I love it too and it couldn’t have been a better move for my family. Do you have a family? I saw that handsome man you were talking to at the airport. Was he your husband?”

  She chuckled. “Oh, I wish. He just popped up out of nowhere. When I saw that he’d dropped his parking ticket, I saw an opportunity to confront him. A man that gorgeous doesn’t come around too often. Since I’ve been single for quite some time, I gave him my phone number. He said he’d call and I hope he does.”

  That was not what Jaylin said. My insides were boiling because he’d lied. “I . . . I checked him out too, but I noticed a ring on his finger. That said he was taken, so I backed off.”

  “Honestly, I didn’t get a chance to look at his fingers. I was so wrapped up into his eyes. It was like . . . like I was in a trance or something. If he’s married, though, all I can say is, I hope not happily,” she laughed.

  I swallowed. “I’m sorry, we’ve been chatting and I didn’t get your name. My name is Nokea.”

  “Mine is Mariah. Everyone calls me Mia for short.”

  “Mia, I work for a major marketing firm in Florida,” I lied. “What do you do?”

  “I’m a school counselor. I’m also a part-time waitress at a restaurant. With this economy, everyone needs two jobs in order to make ends meet.”

  At that moment, I was speechless. Why did Jaylin lie to me? I thought. All he had to do was be honest. I guess that was asking for too much. I couldn’t wait to get settled in at Pat’s house so I could call him.

  Pat was so happy to see me. She knew that I was coming, but had no idea that her mother and I had planned a surprise baby shower. I told her I was in town to visit my parents and that’s all she knew. For hours, we sat around and talked about her marriage, her baby, and how much we’d missed each other. The time had flown by. Since I wasn’t making my way to my parents’ house until tomorrow, I told Pat I was going to take a shower and call it a night.

  “Are you sure?” she said, waddling around the kitchen with her big belly.

  “Yes, I’m tired. Last night, I didn’t get much sleep and I hoped to rest on the plane. That didn’t happen either so I’m turning in early.”

  Pat walked me to the guestroom and offered to bring me some extra pillows.

  “No, two is enough. I already know where your towels are and your relaxing Jacuzzi tub is calling me. I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”

  Pat gave me a hug and left me in peace. I closed the door and looked at the phone on the nightstand. I hadn’t called Jaylin, like I told him I would, so I sat on the bed and dialed out on the cordless phone. On the first ring, Nanny B answered.

  “Hello,” I said.

  “Hi, Nokea. Have you already made it to St. Louis?”

  “Yes and I had a smooth flight too. Is Jaylin around?”

  “He’s out back with the kids. Hold on, I’ll get him for you.”

  “Nanny B,” I said. “Would you do me a huge favor?”

  “Sure.”

  “Earlier, Jaylin had on some dark gray pants. Most likely, they’re hanging in his closet. At the airport, we met a travel agent and I wanted to call her about some rates for a future trip. Would you get the card out of his pocket for me?”

  “No problem,” Nanny B said. We talked about the kids, until she stated that she was in the closet and didn’t see a card in Jaylin’s pockets.

  “Are you looking into the pockets of his dark gray pants? I know he has several pair of gray pants. I think there is only one pair with cuffs at the bottom.”

  “I’m still looking, but I don’t see . . . wait a minute, here it is.”

  “Is it the card?”

  “Yes, but the card is not from a travel agent. A counselor’s name—”

  “Is her name Mia . . . I mean, Mariah?”

  “Yes. It’s Mariah Davis.”

  “Thank you, Nanny B. That’s the card I’m looking for. Would you put it in my drawer for me and please ask Jaylin to come to the phone.”

  “Okay, sweetie, hold on. Have a good time and I’ll see you soon.”

  I heard Nanny B call for Jaylin, and soon after, he got on the phone.

  “What took you so long to call?” he immediately griped. “I’ve been worried sick about you. You promised me that you would call as soon as you got there.”

  I ignored his comment and was so ready to tear into him. “Are you happy?”

  “What?”

  “I asked if you were happy.”

  “Very.”

  “Then, why did you lie to me earlier?”

  “Lie to you about what?” He snapped.

  “About the travel agent, Jaylin. Before you get caught up, again, I must warn you that Mariah and I shared good conversation during our flight to St. Louis.”

  “So, she gave me her damn number. What’s the big deal?”

  “And you threw it away, right?”

  “I told you I did, didn’t I?”

  “I don’t know what has gotten into you, but lying to me is unacceptable.”

  “Nokea!” he yelled. “Have you listened to anything I’ve said? The card is in the trashcan at the airport. Now, if you want—”

  “Don’t yell at me, Jaylin! The f-ing card was in your pocket, where you left it! I already asked Nanny B to check your pocket. How in the heck can the card be in the trashcan at the airport, if it’s still in your pocket! Besides that, Mariah is not a travel agent. She’s a counselor and her card, that you clearly looked at, specified that. Now, I’m asking you again . . . why did you lie to me?” He didn’t say a word. “If you don’t talk to me, I’m hanging up. You will not get another phone call from me. I’ll see you when I get back.”

  “I lied because . . . I don’t know. I guess I just didn’t want to tell you the truth about another woman approaching me. I see how uncomfortable it makes you and I was trying to spare your feelings.”

  “Well, lying to me does not spare my feelings in any way. I don’t know what to say about you. If your concern was all about me, then her card would have gone into the trash like you told me it did.”

  “Look, you’re right Nokea. I’m not going to argue with you, baby, but I had no intentions to call her.”

  “That’s what your mouth says. Your true actions tell me something different. Either way, I’m safely here. I’ll call you tomorrow. I’m going to give you Pat’s new phone number, but please do not call here constantly checking up on me. If you just happen to experience a funny feeling inside, remember, you brought those feelings upon yourself.”

  “If you gon’ put it like that, don’t bother with giving me Pat’s number. You know what you go
t at home waiting for you. If you feel as if another man can give you something better, then go for it.”

  “This has nothing to do with another man. Take responsibility for your own mess and don’t go blaming—”

  “Damn, Nokea! I said I was sorry. Now, I got a banging-ass headache. You act as if I fucked the bitch right there in the airport or something!”

  “I’m sure if you hadn’t screwed me, she might have been on your agenda. In the meantime, you need to watch your tone. Maybe you’ve forgotten who you’re speaking to.”

  “I know damn well who I’m talking to. If you wouldn’t be acting so stu—”

  I hung up on Jaylin. Obviously, he just wasn’t getting it. As always, he acted as if I had no right to question him. He was sadly mistaken if he thought I wasn’t going to trip off his lying. I knew the thoughts of him would ruin my vacation, and so far, that’s just what they were doing.

  Chapter 3

  Shane

  On Sunday, I was hard at work in my home office, sketching some new designs for The Mayor’s Group. Since Scorpio seemed so devastated from losing the baby, I started to spend a lot of time with her and her family. I was wounded by our loss too, but there was a small part of me that believed there never was a baby. For me, some things didn’t add up. When she came to me crying, and broke the news, I kind of expected it.

  Either way, we were still a couple. Over the weekend we’d been ice skating, to the movies, and last night, Scorpio and I went to the Jazz Corner. I was so, so tired, but I didn’t want to get too far behind on my work. Scorpio was still asleep, but she told me to wake her at noon. I didn’t, but around 2:00 P.M. that day, she woke up. She came into my office, rushing to put on her clothes.

  “Baby, why didn’t you wake me?” she asked. “I was supposed to open up Jay’s for one of my stylists, Bernie.”

  “I did wake you, but you wouldn’t get up. Besides, have you looked outside? There’s no way you’re going to make it to Jay’s with all that snow and ice out there.”

  She pulled the curtains aside to look out the bay window. “When did all of this happen?”

  “It started early this morning. According to the weather channel, it’s going to get worse.”

  “Shane, I have to get home. If Bernie hasn’t called my cell, then I know she’s cancelled her appointments. Still, I need to get home.”

  “Go call Bernie to make sure everything is cool. If so, I’ll take you home because I’m not about to let you drive in that mess all by yourself.”

  Scorpio pulled out her cell phone and left the room. As soon as she left, my phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and didn’t recognize the number. Not wanting to be bothered, I let the call go to voicemail. A few minutes later, the phone rang again. This time, Jaylin’s phone number came up. I hesitated, but then answered.

  “Hello,” I said.

  “Shane, its Jay. What’s up?”

  “Nothing much,” I said, keeping my response short. I hadn’t heard from him in a while. The last time we spoke, he seemed kind of bitter because I decided not to make a move to Florida.

  “I’m, uh, sorry to bother you, but I need a huge favor. I was wondering if you could help me.”

  “It depends on what it is.”

  “Nokea attended her friend’s baby shower this weekend, and now, she’s stranded at the airport. Because of the weather, they have no idea when her plane will depart. Nokea said it could be a couple of days and she’s ready to come home. Would you mind picking her up for me and bringing her home? I would really appreciate it.”

  St. Louis to Florida was a nineteen hour drive. With the weather being so bad, I knew it would be longer than that. Damn. “That’s a long drive, Jay. Are you sure she won’t get home faster by waiting on a plane?”

  “The way things are looking, I don’t think so. I know the streets are pretty bad, but if you take your time things should be cool. Besides, being at the airport all day is driving her butt crazy. I know she’s ready to get the hell out of there.”

  I thought about when Jaylin and Nokea drove to St. Louis to see me in the hospital. I had to be there for him, just like he was there for me. “I’m sure getting her safely to you is of key importance and it sounds like you might be missing your wife.”

  “Possibly,” he said. “Not only that, but it’ll give us a chance to talk face to face. I know I haven’t called you that much, but I’ve been trying to work out some things.”

  “If you remember, I suggested that you take all the time you needed. Wha . . . what entrance is Nokea at?”

  “Take down her cell phone number and call her. She’ll tell you exactly where she’s at. Your generosity will be well rewarded.”

  “You don’t have to pay me, Jaylin. I’ll call Nokea and I guess we’ll see you soon.”

  Jaylin gave me Nokea’s number and I wrote it down. After we hung up, I called Nokea. She was happy to hear my voice.

  “Shane, I’m so, so sorry to bother you. All of the hotels are booked and I’m ready to go home. Another day or two here would drive me crazy.”

  “Well, meet me by the baggage claim area. I have to take Scorpio home, and depending on how bad the streets are, it might be longer than that. Just be patient. I’ll get there as soon as I can.”

  “Thanks again, Shane,” she said.

  Scorpio came inside of my office with her arms folded.

  “What was that all about?” she asked.

  “Nokea is stranded at the airport. She needs a ride home.”

  “And you’re going to drive her all the way there? Shane, the streets are a mess.”

  “I’ll drive very, very slowly,” I said.

  “How long do you intend to stay in Florida?”

  “Maybe, for one day and, that’s only so I can get some rest before hitting the road again.”

  “You know how I feel about this. Why do you and Jaylin always feel the need to cater to Nokea?”

  I gave Scorpio a simple look. Obviously, there had always been bad blood between Scorpio and Nokea, but hadn’t we all moved on? I knew Scorpio hadn’t known about Nokea’s and my tiny kiss that day. It was odd that Scorpio felt as if I were catering to Nokea.

  “Now, where did that come from?” I asked. This has nothing to do with catering to Nokea. I’m just trying to help, and by seeing Jaylin face to face, this will be a perfect opportunity for me to get some things off my chest.”

  She threw her hands back. “Look, forget about what I said. Adding my two cents ain’t going to do me no good. Let’s just go.”

  I changed into my crisp button down oversized tan shirt and starched Sean Jean jeans. After I put on my clothes, I reached for my brown leather jacket and lay it across my arm. I slid into my Timberlands, and made sure my day old twisties still had a shine. Scorpio and I left, but she gave me the silent treatment. Thick ice was on the ground, so we slowly made our way to my car. Scorpio got inside, turning on the car to warm it. I scraped the snow and ice from the windows. Afterward we left.

  By the time we reached Scorpio’s place in Lake St. Louis, it was nearly an hour and a half later. The roads were slick. I couldn’t believe that I’d offered to drive Nokea all the way home. I wanted to change my mind, but I knew Nokea and Jaylin were counting on me.

  Scorpio placed her hand on the doorknob, then leaned over to kiss me.

  “Thanks for the safe ride home. Please be careful, okay?”

  “You know I will. I’ll call you, and if you need me,” I lifted my shirt to show her my phone clipped to my jeans. “I’m just a phone call away.”

  She leaned in again, giving me another kiss. “I love you,” she said.

  “I love you too.”

  Scorpio slowly made her way to the door. Before I pulled off, I waited until she was inside. I then left, making my way to the airport.

  Nokea was nowhere in sight. With so many people standing around, it was hard to find her. When I called her cell phone, she said she was in the restroom and was on her way to the bagg
age claim area. A few minutes later, she came from behind, placing her hand on my back.

  “Hi, Shane,” she said, opening her arms for a hug. I gave her a tight squeeze and kissed her cheek.

  “What’s up, Lady? I bet you can’t wait to get out of here.”

  “Oh, you just don’t know. This place is packed with irate people and I can’t blame them. This is ridiculous. Do you know how many people are lying on the floors around here?”

  “Yeah, I saw several of them over there. After I go take a leak, and get me a quick bite to eat at an eatery around here, we can go, all right?”

  Nokea nodded.

  “Have you eaten anything?” I asked.

  “Yes. I already had a salad and I’m not hungry.”

  Nokea waited by the restroom for me, then we found an eatery where I ordered a sandwich. The lady behind the counter handed me my bag. “There you go, handsome. Is there anything else I can get for you?”

  I looked up at her and she smiled.

  “That’ll be it. Thanks, though.”

  Nokea shook her head. “I don’t know if it’s worse being with Jaylin or with you.”

  “Damn, what’s that supposed to mean?”

  “The stares, Shane. Don’t you notice all the stares and pay attention to the advances?”

  “Yes, I noticed the two security guards nudge each other when you walked past, and those tight jeans you have on got those three men behind us checking out your rump shaker.”

  Nokea turned her head and one of the men waved at her. She waved back and turned around. “I wasn’t talking about me. I was talking about you.”