Good Woman Blues

by Emery, Lynn

“Or my ex’s favorite, ‘Look, who you gonna believe anyway, them or me?’ ” Karin chimed in with a sour expression.

  “Haven’t we all swallowed some guy’s lame explanation at one time or another?” Erikka retorted.

  “Yeah.” Karin sat back against Erikka’s sofa with a pensive frown.

  “Hmmph, I said those lines a few times. Okay, more than a few,” Hope added, when Erikka and Karin looked at her.

  “Then I got more good news. My stepfather moved out again. Roz says she doesn’t care, and she’s moving on.” Erikka shook her head.

  Terri bounced out of her chair. She danced from foot to foot like a female boxer. “Listen, I’m with Roz. Don’t let any grass grow under your feet. Keep moving.”

  “Girl, you in serious shit-ass trouble if she shows up in court like that,” Hope burst out when the door banged shut.

  “She’s just busy. You know how it is.” Erikka stared at the door. It swung open again, as though Terri had heard them.

  “Listen, y’all don’t worry. I’m telling you there is nothing to worry about, okay? Keys, keys, keys. Ha, got ’em. On my way. I’ll have it together, walk in cool as can be in the morning. Really, don’t give me that look.” Terri pointed a finger at Erikka. Then she blew more kisses and left again.

  Karin came in, holding a huge mug with steam rising from it. “I made chill-out brew. Where is she?”

  “Deposition, had to run, nothing for us to worry about. She’s all over it,” Hope said in a rapid-fire singsong mimicking Terri.

  “Goodness. At least she’s not nasty or violent when she gets all manic,” Karin said, with a shrug. She put the mug down on the cocktail table.

  “You should have brought her that stuff in a supersized soup bowl.” Hope pointed to it.

  “I’m going to get screwed, skewered, fired, and tossed in jail.” Erikka squeezed her eyes shut.

  ***

  The next morning Gabriel sat next to Erikka in court. The Layton employees had filed suit against the company, Erikka, and her employer. Terri had told Erikka she didn’t need to come, but Erikka said waiting to hear the outcome would have been worse. Her bosses had chosen not to show. He placed a hand on Erikka’s knee until it stopped bouncing.

  “Your attorney is optimistic, a good sign,” Gabriel said.

  “Yeah, but you haven’t met my attorney,” she muttered. She nodded discreetly to the counsel tables.

  He followed her gaze. Two white men, both tall and rangy, sat to their left. “They look okay to me.”

  Erikka rubbed her forehead as she gazed at the tips of her shoes. “Please, Lord, get me through this,” she whispered.

  Gabriel kneaded her hands apart and held on to one firmly. “Just breathe in and let it out a few times. I went through the same thing once, you know.”

  “Thanks,” Erikka said, just as the judge entered and sat down. Without looking at Gabriel, she squeezed his hand.

  For twenty minutes the judge and lawyers went through their paces, taking care of legal housekeeping. Twice the judge cut Terri off as she spoke. Gabriel frowned. The woman seemed wired on something. He glanced sideways at Erikka after tugging on her hand. Erikka looked at him and shrugged.

  “Your Honor, here is our motion to exclude my client from this action.” Terri strode up to the court clerk and handed her legal-sized papers as she spoke. Still walking back to the counsel table, Terri ran through her arguments.

  “She was assigned the work by the defendants. Further, Ms. Rochon’s work was supervised and approved by a partner.” Terri cited several statutes.

  “No need to go at the speed of light, Ms. Collins,” the judge broke in. “We want a quick trial, but not that fast.”

  “Sorry, Your Honor.”

  Terri managed to slow down her speech, though not by much. By the time she sat down, everyone in the courtroom looked exhausted. The judge stared at Terri with a pensive frown, and then glanced over the motion.

  “I’ll take it under advisement, Ms. Collins. Anything else?”

  Ten minutes later, Erikka and Gabriel followed Terri out. Erikka gripped his hand.

  “We’ve got a good chance,” Terri said, and gave Erikka a thumbs-up.

  “Why do you think so?” Erikka desperately wanted good news.

  “Frankly, the other side probably knows you don’t have much money. More than likely checked your credit history. Lewis, Calder and Brinkhaus, however, is known to have deep pockets. With three offices in the United States and one abroad? Better believe they’re the real target.”

  Terri spun around when a tall Black man walked by. “Hey, Steve. Got a minute?”

  “Uh, not really. Due in court.” He kept walking as he tapped his wristwatch.

  “We really need to talk about that Wilkins insurance case. You don’t want to hear it first in front of the judge.” Terri gave him a cocky grin.

  The man doubled back. “What?”

  Terri turned to Erikka again. “I’ve got this, babe. You just relax with your man. This is Gabriel, right? Oops, hope it is.”

  Erikka gave her a look that bordered on being murderous. “Of course. There is no one else.”

  “Of course. My bad. Me, you, later,” Terri said to Erikka, using her hand to mimic a telephone. Before Erikka could reply, she was headed off with the Black attorney.

  “Honey, please,” Gabriel said. He rubbed Erikka’s hand. Her fingernails bit into his flesh.

  “What? Oh, sorry.” Erikka let go but still stared after Terri.

  Gabriel led her through the crowds waiting in the hallways and out of the courthouse. They retrieved her car from a nearby parking garage. By the time they got to Erikka’s apartment he’d caught her anxiety. Erikka took off her jacket. Next, off came her dress pumps. She collapsed on the sofa as though she couldn’t have stood another second.

  “That hearing went well,” she retorted with a deep scowl.

  “Actually it’s a good sign that your lawyer is so confident,” Gabriel said. He sat next to her and put an arm around her. Erikka rested her head on his shoulder.

  “Yeah, confident is one description.” Erikka rubbed her eyes.

  Gabriel forced her hands down. “You’ll just make your eyes even more irritated. Stay here.”

  “Where are you going?” Erikka seemed reluctant to let him go for even a moment.

  “Be right back.” Gabriel went to her bathroom and wet a cloth with cool water. He took it back to her. “Put your feet up.”

  Erikka lay with her head in his lap. She sighed when he put the folded washcloth on her eyes. “You’re worth more than your weight in gold.”

  He kneaded her shoulders for several minutes, and then moved to her upper arms. His massage did as much to calm his nerves as it did to help her relax.

  “I’m sorry, Gabriel. I shouldn’t have pulled you into this madness. But it made such a difference, having you next to me.”

  “Don’t apologize. I want to help you face down bad times. I agree with your lawyer. You shouldn’t worry about this lawsuit.” Gabriel used the tips of his fingers to gently massage her temples.

  “I hope you’re both right. Of course, Terri didn’t let me in on one part of her strategy.” Erikka sighed again. She relaxed a bit more from his attentions.

  “Which part?” Gabriel switched to her scalp. He felt her shoulders go slack. Her head tilted back as more tension eased from her body.

  “She sorta shifted all the blame onto my bosses. I might not have a job after today. Bye-bye apartment, hello Loreauville. Again.”

  Gabriel heard the catch in her voice. “As if that would be such a tragedy.”

  “Right. I’m sure Darlene would just love putting up with me again. She was a real sweetheart, but my grandfather had an old saying; fish and houseguests stink after three days.” Erikka sighed, but not with contentment. “Besides, I want my own space.”

  “I know, baby.”

  He stroked her thick soft hair. Erikka’s smooth brown skin shone like burnish
ed copper. She tugged the hem of her silk tank top out from the top of her skirt. Gabriel bent down and kissed her forehead. His hands moved down her arms, again working out the tension. For the first time she did not flinch when he touched the raised scar down her left cheek. What he wanted most was to share each sunrise and sunset with her. When he felt Erikka let go once more, Gabriel kissed her lips. Gabriel had never felt so certain about a decision. Choosing the right wood, deciding on designs, those things came easy. Relationships were harder. Until now. He wanted to take care of her. Not that she’d let him most of the time, but trying would be a pleasure. She’d give in enough to make the tug-of-war worth the effort.

  “You can stay with me. Not as guest. That way we wouldn’t have to worry about that fishy smell.”

  Erikka took the cloth from her eyes. She stared up at him. “What did you just say?”

  “Be my wife.” When she glanced away, Gabriel felt the tension ease back into her body. Erikka’s chest rose and fell faster as though she were breathless. He caught one of her hands and pressed it to his lips to reassure her. She sat up.

  “This isn’t the right time, Gabriel.” Erikka dropped the washcloth without noticing it.

  “Oh. I see.” Gabriel pulled back into himself emotionally as he moved away from her.

  Erikka wrapped her arms around his waist. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too, baby.” Gabriel rested his chin on a cushion of her silken hair. He breathed in the flowery scent of her.

  “Right now quitting my job and leaving New Orleans would be easy. But I’ve got unfinished business here. I don’t want to use your proposal as an escape route.” “What’s wrong with escape when you’re on your way to happy? Nice destination, if you ask me,” he said gently. Yet he understood even before she went on.

  “Great vacation spot, but nobody lives there all year-round.” Erikka tightened her embrace. “Listen, somehow I’ve got to find a new way of handling trouble. I can’t just ride off into the sunset. Not that I haven’t tried before. Just never worked.”

  “I really do see,” Gabriel replied. He hugged her tight, loving her more at that moment and amazed that it was possible.

  “I need to face how much of what happened to that woman and her child is on me.”

  “Honey—”

  Erikka placed three fingers against his lips to hush him. “Don’t worry. I’m not trying to punish myself.”

  Gabriel gazed into her eyes for reassurance. Then realized he had to trust her. “Okay, but I’m going to ask again,” he said.

  “You better. Hey, I might beat you to it.” Erikka winked at him.

  The way she smiled at him smashed any lingering doubt. Gabriel pulled her back into his arms. “We’re gonna be just fine. You know what?”

  “What?” Erikka said softly. She snuggled against him as though seeking his warmth.

  “We’ll get to our happily ever after. I don’t care what that practical accountant inside you says.” Gabriel rocked her to a rhythm inside his soul.

  Chapter 23

  “Let me get this straight. A rich man’s son proposed, and you said no?” Roz put both hands on her hips and struck a classic “sista-girl” pose.

  Erikka sighed. “Look, I’m not feeling up to one of your scenes.”

  “What does that mean?” Roz snapped.

  “I’m not going after men like they’re some prize or a way out.”

  Erikka bit down on the apple in her hand to keep from saying too much. Roz followed her from the kitchen into Erikka’s living room, which Roz had just finished critiquing. As usual, she found room for improvement in Erikka’s choices.

  “I don’t create scenes, and I don’t know why you’re always telling me that. Another thing, why you insist on staying in New Orleans is a mystery to me. This city is a mess. Crime is out of control and those people you work for don’t appreciate you. And what do you mean going after men like they’re prizes? I caught that backhanded slap at me.” Roz ranted on, proving that she definitely was up for a scene.

  “Stop,” Erikka said loudly, with both hands up.

  Roz had taken a deep breath to go on. She stopped, and they stared at each other for a few moments. “Craig and I are getting a divorce.” She exhaled and sat down on Erikka’s sofa, as though releasing a burden with her words.

  Erikka forgot her irritation. She put an arm around her mother’s shoulders. “But I thought you two would work things out eventually. I hoped you would.”

  “So did I.” Roz closed her eyes. A tear slipped down one cheek. She wiped it away, but more came.

  “Oh, Mommy. I’m so sorry.” Erikka rubbed Roz’s back and let her have a good cry. For all her drama, Roz had rarely cried in front of Erikka.

  “Guess my plan backfired. I’m too old to compete with his young thang.” Roz shuddered with a sob.

  “What about being independent? Not letting him call the shots in your relationship?” Erikka reminded Roz of her own declaration.

  Roz let out a sharp, painful laugh. “Yeah, big talk when I thought he’d come crawling back. I’m a middle-aged woman making a fool of herself with a boy-toy.”

  “Mama.” Erikka drew back and stared at her in shock.

  ‘Tell it like it is, sugar.” Roz sniffed. “Get me a tissue, sweetie.”

  Dazed, Erikka went to her bathroom and came back with the entire box. “So, you’re telling me that you used Hakeem?”

  “No more than he used me. Craig is a prominent man with power. Hakeem likes the idea of taking his woman and moving in on his business.”

  “I’m missing out on the best episodes of this drama.” Erikka shook her head.

  “Little does he know, he didn’t do either. Look, I enjoyed his attention. But Craig is—” Roz bit off the rest of her sentence. She seemed to realize present tense for her and Craig no longer applied.

  “Maybe if you and Craig talked,” Erikka offered. She hated seeing her mother in such pain.

  “There comes a time when more talk won’t help. That’s my sensible side. In the midnight hour, I can never dredge up that logic. I have to fight not to call Craig at two o’clock in the morning and beg him to come home.”

  “I can’t believe leaving you is so easy for him.” Erikka decided she would have her own talk with her stepfather.

  “You haven’t seen his girlfriend,” Roz retorted. “She’s all legs and surgically enhanced breasts.”

  Erikka rubbed her back again. “Men lose their minds at his age. He’ll come around.”

  “No, I don’t think so. I’ve got to face it, Erikka. My marriage is over.” Roz heaved a dramatic sigh.

  “You’ll make it, Mama. Beneath that fab hairstyle, the stylish clothes, and pretty face is one tough lady.” Erikka patted her back again.

  “Thanks, baby. You’re right. I might indulge myself with brief bouts of self-pity, but I’ll go on somehow. With Hakeem and half of Craig’s assets,” Roz added, with a predatory gleam in her light brown eyes.

  “You had me up until that point.” Erikka yanked her hand away. She got up and sat in the easy chair.

  “Don’t tell me you’re on his side,” Roz clipped. “I’d like to remind you that Craig was the one who walked out.” “Revenge isn’t always sweet, Roz. What have you pulled lately?” Erikka knew that Roz was not the type to suffer in silence.

  “You shouldn’t be questioning me,” Roz protested angrily. “You and Jaci act as though he walks with the angels. Well let me tell you, my dear, Craig has made plenty of mistakes.”

  “I’m sure there is enough blame to go around,” Erikka said, with much restraint.

  “Hmmph. What about what I’ve had to put up with all these years? His snotty family, and don’t even get me started on his mother.” Roz waved a hand.

  “You’re right.” Erikka had to concede Roz had faced her share of challenges. Craig tended to be judgmental, and he’d gotten it honestly. His family seemed to have a permanent condition of keeping their noses in the air.
>
  “Damn straight I’m right,” Roz replied firmly.

  “Still, I’d like to talk to Craig. I’m going to miss him so much,” Erikka said quietly.

  Roz glanced at Erikka. Her hard expression softened. “Oh, honey. Anybody would think this is all about me. I know how upset you and Jaci are about the whole situation. I worry about you the most, though.”

  Erikka looked at her in surprise. “Me?”

  “Jaci feels secure that her daddy will always be hers. But I know what a void Craig filled in your life. Every little girl deserves to be spoiled by her daddy. I didn’t do such a good job in choosing your biological father. But Craig has been good to you from day one.”

  “Yeah.” Erikka tried not to feel like a frightened child.

  “Craig might walk out on me, but he loves you the way he loves Jaci,” Roz said with conviction. “I know he does.”

  “Thanks, Mama.” Erikka wiped a stray tear from the comer of her eye.

  “Hey, I’m just telling the truth. Believe me, saying something nice about Craig right now is hard for me. But I wanted you to know it.” Roz stood up. “Now I’m off to get my hair and nails done. On Craig.”

  “What do you mean?” Erikka walked her to the front door.

  Roz reached in her purse and pulled out a platinum Visa card. “Craig must have forgotten I have this baby. He hasn’t closed the account. Sophisticated Lady Spa, here I come.”

  “Don’t do anything you’ll regret,” Erikka said, knowing already that her warning would be brushed aside.

  “What’s he gonna do, divorce me?” Roz let out a wicked laugh as she waved goodbye.

  Erikka watched her leave with a mixture of amusement and sadness. Roz had put up a good front. She worried what would happen when Roz realized getting even wasn’t enough. The ringing phone interrupted her thoughts. In reflex she picked it up. A reporter identified himself and fired off questions in the same breath. Erikka dropped the phone as though it burned her hand. She began to think of ways to escape when it started to ring again.

  ***

  Erikka sat at her desk feeling tired, edgy and aggravated. She drummed her fingernails on the dark green blotter. A pile of papers at her elbow sat in the same position as they had one hour ago. Unable to concentrate, Erikka had spent time thinking about life. She wondered why she was being so stubborn. Everyone else walked around the office like it was a funeral parlor. Grim expressions and pessimistic grunts did nothing to lift her spirits. Nadine seemed to be the only one able to smile. Still, hairline cracks in her chirpy veneer were evident in staff meetings. Nadine never mentioned Layton, Inc. without bringing up Erikka’s name. The other two partners wore impassive expressions during exchanges with her. Nadine had no doubt convinced Calder and Brinkhaus that Erikka was to blame for the Layton disaster. Erikka felt as though she were waiting for the hammer to fall. She swung around to her desktop.