Leaving Barringer

by Tina Martin

  “What is it, Barry?”

  “You tried to make me feel bad for what I did to you, but you’re no better than me. No better.”

  “What are you talking about?” she asked, frowning. His back was to her. She’d just closed the front door.

  Barringer turned around to face her. “I’m talking about the fact that you and Garrison had a thing, and I didn’t know anything about it. No wonder you’re so close. Rekindling old times, huh?”

  “You have the wrong idea.”

  “No, I have it right.”

  “Barry—”

  He held up his hand. “Did you or did you not have a relationship with my brother?”

  Calista sighed heavily. Garrison must’ve told him.

  “Silence. Yeah, that’s what I thought,” Barringer said. “You—” he shook his head. “You were in a relationship with my brother and you kept it from me, just like I knew I couldn’t have children and I kept that from you.”

  “It’s not the same, Barry.”

  “It is the same!” he roared, walking up to her crowding her personal space. “But it’s all good, Calista. You and Garrison can run off into the sunset for all I care and live happily ever after.”

  “Barry—”

  “You wanted a baby. You got one. You wanted a better man. You got one. Have a nice, happy life, Calista.”

  “Barry, will you—”

  “Don’t say another word to me, girl, because I don’t even know what I’m capable of at the moment,” he said through gritted teeth.

  Calista’s eyes filled with tears as she watched him snatch the front door open.

  Before walking through it, Barringer turned to her again. “I saw you with him at the bar last night. Saw how happy you were. How happy he made you. How your face glowed when you two laughed and joked…I don’t know what you were talking about, but you were happy. And I sat there and watched my wife enjoy the company of another man, my brother, while all kinds of sinister thoughts ran through my mind. Thoughts a man should never have about his wife or his brother.”

  He stared at her for a moment, finding it difficult to breathe with the pounding in his ears and the adrenaline rushing throughout his body. “You left me,” he finally said. “Left us in limbo. Well, I’ll do us both a favor. We’re not in limbo anymore because I’m telling you it’s over.”

  Tears fell from her eyes. “Barry—”

  “Don’t talk to me.”

  “Barry, please just—”

  “I said, don’t talk to me!” he yelled, veins swelling in his neck. Temples throbbing so wildly, he felt lightheaded. “I’ll pack up all your stuff and leave it in the foyer, or on the curb…whichever’s more convenient for you. Goodbye, Calista.” He slammed the door when he exited, so hard that Calista jumped.

  She walked over to the couch, sat there and cried because it was official. Their marriage was over, confirmed by a slamming door.

  Chapter 32

  Two Weeks Later

  Barringer woke up on the brown leather couch in the family room. His clothes reeked of beer. So did the room. Empty beer bottles littered the table, along with old takeout containers. He hadn’t been to work in two weeks. He told Candice he was taking a short vacation. Only thing was, he didn’t tell her when he’d be coming back. How could he tell her when he didn’t know himself? There was no use in going to work when he couldn’t work. Besides, staying at home and drinking one’s self to oblivion was a lot easier than trying to save a multi-million dollar company. Doing nothing required no effort. So he stayed home and drank, laid around and did nothing. Crazy how when Calista was there, he was gone all the time. Now she was gone and he was there.

  The house was a mess. Calista was the one who cleaned and spruced up the place. And sometimes, she’d arrange for the cleaning agency to come by for deep cleanings. Barringer had no idea what service she used. He could probably find out if he made an effort.

  He sighed, stared up at the ceiling and thought about Calista. He told her, two weeks ago he’d pack her things and leave them in the foyer, but he hadn’t touched anything she owned. He shut himself off from the outside world and only answered the door for food deliveries. No one else.

  He didn’t answer when Bryson stopped by with Everson. He didn’t answer the door for his father, nor did he answer his phone for his mother, Candice or Kalina. He wanted to be left alone. The family eventually got the hint.

  That’s why the knocks at the front door irritated him. Feeling like his head was about to explode from the loud bangs, he rushed to the door to see which one of his brothers he was going to have to punch in the face. When he snatched the door open, his expression softened when he saw his sister standing there instead. He looked at her hand. When did she grow an iron fist?

  “Goodness, Barry. You look like crap,” Candice said.

  Dismissing her critique, he asked, “Do you realize how loud you were knocking?”

  “Actually, that was me,” Bryson said, standing to the right of Candice, initially out of sight of Barringer, but came into view now, presenting himself.

  Barringer scrubbed a hand down his unshaven face. “You should’ve taken my not answering the phone as a hint that I wanted to be left alone.”

  “Nah, caveman. We’ve had enough of leaving you alone,” Bryson said, inviting himself in.

  Candice followed.

  Barringer dispelled a breath. “Whatever you two have up your sleeves, I’m not in the mood.”

  “We just want to talk,” Candice said. “Wanted to see how you were doing.”

  “I’m fine, now can you—?”

  “How long are you going to do this, Barry?” Bryson asked.

  Barringer raised a brow. “Do what?”

  “This,” Bryson said gesturing with his palms out. “You’re sulking, preferring misery over the life you could have.”

  “Sound familiar?” Barringer shot back.

  “How many times are you going to bring up my situation with Felicia?”

  “I’m bringing it up because you were somewhat of a recluse after it all went down. Now you’re judging me.”

  “I’m not judging you, Barry. I’m trying to help you. Felicia cheated on me and decided to leave. Calista wouldn’t do that to you.”

  Barringer sneered. “She and Garrison have gotten pretty comfortable. And two weeks ago, Garrison told me he used to date Calista in college…guess since his wife died, he wants to take mine.”

  Bryson shook his head at Barringer’s heartless comment.

  Candice frowned. “Gary wouldn’t do that. So what, they dated in college. That was college. This isn’t about them dating in college, is it? It’s about seeing Calista with Junior.”

  Barringer narrowed his eyes at his sister. “Why aren’t you at work?”

  “Because it’s Saturday. You’ve lost track of your days, too?”

  Barringer walked near the breakfast nook, staring out into the sunny backyard.

  “Listen, Barry. I know how it is to lose someone you love. When I lost Felicia, I swore up and down that I would never get married again. I was depressed…wanted to be alone. I couldn’t sleep in my own bedroom because I used to share it with her. Everywhere I turned, something in my house reminded me of her. Remember when I wanted to sell the house because I didn’t want those memories?”

  Barringer nodded.

  “It threw my life off course, which is what Calista has done to you. Your life is off course, and you’re not sure if you can get it back on track. You’re worried that if you try and things don’t work out, you’re a failure, so doing nothing seems like the right thing at the moment. But you can’t afford to sit around and do nothing. You have a company in limbo while you decide what to do with your personal life. People are depending on you and let’s face it. You’re not going to find another woman to put up with your crap like Calista. I’m going to keep it real with you for a minute, man. You’re kind of a jerk, Barry.”

  “Yeah. Colton to the tenth power
,” Candice said, then giggled.

  “Well, not that bad,” Bryson said.

  Turning to look at his brother and sister with his arms crossed, Barringer said, “You make a good point, Bryce, but I don’t know how our marriage will ever be the same again given the fact that I can’t give Calista what she wants.”

  “You can. There’s always adoption. You and Calista will be ideal parents to some beautiful children who need a home. She’s already good with Junior. You saw the way she handled him at dinner.”

  Barringer nodded. “Yeah. She would’ve been a good mother.”

  “And still will be,” Candice said.

  “Talk to her,” Bryson said. “Do it today. Not tomorrow. You see how weeks have quickly turned into four months. Four months, Calista has been gone. Now, in the words of Theodore Blackstone, I’m putting my foot down.”

  Barringer grinned.

  Candice smiled. “You know when daddy puts his foot down, he means business.”

  “As do I,” Bryson said.

  “Well, look, man…I have to go. Kalina is waiting for me. We’re heading to Hilton Head for a few days.”

  “Great.” Candice said. “You’re going to Hilton Head and I’m doing laundry. Can’t wait until my dream guy sweeps me off my feet.”

  Barringer and Bryson both frowned at her.

  “What?” she asked. “Y’all act like I can’t date.”

  “You can’t,” the brothers responded together.

  Candice shook her head.

  Bryson threw an arm around Barringer. “If you need to talk, just call.”

  Candice walked over to him, enveloped him in a hug. “I love you, care bear.”

  “Love you too, sis,” he said. “Now get out of here. Scat.”

  Candice grinned. “You’re kicking me out now?”

  “He’s putting us both out,” Bryson said.

  * * *

  After he shaved and showered, Barringer left the house for a trip to the barber. From there, the headed to Garrison’s house. He had no idea if his brother would be home. He just knew he needed to talk to him.

  He pulled up in the driveway. Garrison’s car was there, so he walked up to the door, rang the bell and was surprised at how quickly Garrison opened it.

  “I saw you pull up, so I figured I’d meet you at the door,” Garrison said. “What’s up?”

  Barringer grimaced. “Do you have a minute?”

  “Sure. Come in.”

  Barringer slid his hands in the front pockets of his jeans and said, “I came here to talk to you about the last time I was here. I was out of mind—”

  “Barry,” Garrison said, cutting him off. “It’s water under the bridge, man.”

  “No, let me say this. I wasn’t there for you when you lost Vivienne. I had my own problems, and I was selfishly dealing with that.”

  Garrison nodded. “And you need to know I’m not, in any way, involved with Calista. She’s like a sister to me, Barry, and Vivienne had specifically requested Calista take care of Garrison, Junior. She wanted her to be his caretaker because she knew how badly Calista wanted a child, and she was certain Calista would be good with him.”

  Barringer nodded.

  “If you’re not okay with it—”

  “I’m not going to lie, Gary. It bothered me to see her with Junior. Now, I understand. I get it. I’m sorry I let jealousy and anger get in the way of getting to know my own nephew. My only nephew. Where is he, by the way?”

  Garrison grinned. “Funny you should ask. He’s with Calista. He’s usually with me on Saturdays since she keeps him through the weekdays, but today, she wanted to take him to some exhibit at the children’s museum.”

  Barringer smirked. “She would’ve been a good mother.”

  “She is a good mother. She’s Garrison, Junior’s mother. And don’t worry too much about not having a child. I hope it happens for you and Calista one day, but even if it doesn’t, my son is your son, too. We’re brothers, Barry. We have to navigate through this life together. We’re both going through trying times right now, but it’ll get better.”

  Barringer walked over to his brother and clasped his hand, throwing his other arm around his back and patting him there. “Thanks, Garrison. I owe you.”

  “Good. Then you can give me my job back.”

  Barringer smirked. “I’m surprised you want it back.”

  “I didn’t at first, but Calista told me you needed help.”

  Eyebrows raised, he asked, “Calista told you I needed help?”

  “Yep.”

  “How would she know?”

  Garrison shrugged. “She’s your wife. Who knows you better than she does?”

  Barringer grinned. “I suppose you’re right.”

  “So what’s this I hear about a possible merger with The Champion Corporation?”

  Barringer shook his head. “Pops thinks it’s a good idea. Says it’ll ensure job security. We’ll discuss it first thing Monday morning.”

  “Does that mean I have the job?”

  “Gary, you always had the job. Why do you think I never filled the position?”

  Garrison’s mouth lifted into a lopsided grin. “Thanks, Barry.”

  “You won’t be thanking me when you realize how much work you have to do.”

  “I’m sure I’ll manage,” he said. Calista was right. Work would help him take his mind off of Vivienne. Off of everything that wasn’t right in his life. He was up for the challenge.

  Chapter 33

  After dropping off Junior, Calista went straight home and took a shower. Now, she was standing in the kitchen, making a pot of chili – a big pot like she was having company, but no one was coming over. Usually, when she made chili (when she was still living at home), she’d invite the family over for a bowl and everyone had their own special way of eating it. She remembered how Vivienne used to like hers layered in sweet onions. Bryson preferred sour cream. June and Everson used crackers, not spoons, to eat their chili. Candice would sprinkle cheese in her bowl then pour chili on top of it. And Barringer would pour chili in a bowl, mix in a handful of oyster crackers, then top it off with sour cream, cheddar cheese and green onions. She smiled. She remembered calling him odd. He said it was genius.

  She missed him.

  At the museum today with Junior, she saw many families, couples with their children, looking around and spending quality time together. That made her think of Barringer. She missed him, and not just the four months they’d been separated. She missed talking to him and interacting with him for years.

  Her ringing cell phone took her out of a reminiscent mood. She saw Candice’s name on the display.

  “Hey, Candy.”

  “Hey, Calista. What you up to?”

  “I’m making chili.”

  “Chili?”

  “Yes. Why did you say that like a question? Like I’m not supposed to be making chili?” Calista laughed.

  “I’m just wondering where my invite went.”

  Calista grinned. “I didn’t invite anyone. It’s just me.”

  “You want some company? I can call up June. Kalina’s out of town.”

  Calista chewed her lip. She could use some company, but she didn’t want the girls to think she needed them to stop whatever they were doing just to be by her side. She wasn’t bored. Okay, she was a little bored, but it wasn’t nothing TV couldn’t fix. So she responded, “That’s okay, Candy. I’m fine.”

  “Oh, come on, Cali. I can pick up June on the way. Everson’s not home, so you know she’s bored.”

  “All right.”

  “Yes!” Candice said. “I’ll call her right now.”

  “Okay. See you soon.”

  Calista smiled. It wouldn’t be a drab Saturday evening after all.

  Her phone rang again before she could stir the chili. Had Candice gotten a confirmation from June in mere seconds?

  She looked at the phone and saw Garrison’s name on the display. She answered quickly. “Everything
okay?” Then she realized something was wrong. She could hear Junior crying.

  “Not really…can’t find his pacifier.”

  “I clamped it to his onesie.”

  “Well, it has officially grown legs.”

  “Oh, no,” Calista said.

  “Can you check your back seat to make sure it didn’t fall off in the car?”

  “Okay, sure. Hold on…I need to get some shoes.”

  “Thanks, Calista. I’m sorry about this. I know this is your rest time, especially after you’ve had him for most of the day.”

  “It’s okay,” Calista said, stepping into her shoes. “I wasn’t sleeping. I’m in here cooking.”

  “Cooking?”

  Calista smiled. “Yes. Cooking.”

  “What are you making?”

  Calista opened the door, pulled it closed, then walked straight for her car. “Chili.”

  “You’re making chili?”

  She grinned. “Yes. I’m making chili.”

  “Ain’t that something? You’re making chili and a brother can’t get an invite.”

  Calista laughed while opening the car door. She saw Junior’s pacifier lying on the back seat. “Got it…just found Junior’s pacifier in my back seat. That little rebel snatched it off. He’s pretty strong to be four months old.”

  “Gets it from his daddy.”

  Calista grinned.

  “All right. So it’s settled,” Garrison said. “Now that I have an excuse to come over there, you’re going to have me some chili ready to go, right?”

  Smiling, Calista said, “Sure, Gary. It’ll be ready.”

  ‘Then I’ll see you in a few.”

  * * *

  Garrison had come and gone, retrieving a big Tupperware bowl of chili and Junior’s pacifier. Amazing how babies liked one particular pacifier and wouldn’t touch the others. She knew Garrison had a collection of pacifiers. It was a baby shower favorite. But Junior wanted that particular one. The soft, gummy green one.

  June and Candice sat in the living room watching TV while eating their chili. Every other minute or so, they exclaimed how good it was.