Dream Girl Awakened (26 page)

“Amen to that!”

Victoria playfully jabbed Winston's arms. She enjoyed the light moment.

“You in the mood to help out in the kitchen, old man?”

“Old man, eh? I'll show you old.”

Winston followed her into the kitchen. When they dated, Winston cooked once a week. His residency kept him on the go, but the
weekly meal was his promise to Victoria that no matter how busy he was, he'd always make time for her. How the years had changed that promise.

“Guess what we're having?”

“Steak, right? You asked Shoals if the steaks were marinating.”

“That's tomorrow. Tonight we're having Aruba's by the Sea. I got the recipe from her last week.”

“Oh?”

“Oh? Is that the best you can do? You've been on me for years to get the recipe, and now you're not excited?”

“How do you know she didn't stiff you on some of the ingredients?” Winston joked. The mention of Aruba's name made his heart ache.

“She's not like that. Truth be told, she's the most genuine friend I've ever had.”

“She is very nice. What do you need me to do with this tilapia?” He hoped changing the subject would take his mind off Aruba.

Victoria scanned Aruba's email. “Sprinkle the tilapia with Old Bay and Cajun seasoning in my bag on the counter. I also put Aruba's special seasoning in the bag. She wouldn't divulge
that
secret.”

Winston removed the seasonings from the bag and worked on the meat. He wanted to change the subject of Aruba, but was interrupted by Victoria.

“I got an invite from Bria to Aruba's birthday party next month. Sounds like a unique affair.”

“I probably won't be able to attend, Victoria.”

“You most certainly won't. It's for ladies only.”

Winston exhaled.

“I'm excited because it's a dream girl party.”

“Like the movie?”

“No, silly. It's women sharing and bonding over their desires. I like that Bria made it about Aruba and all the ladies.”

“I'm sure you'll have a good time.”

“Will you help me pick out a gift for her?”

“You're the Indy shopping queen. I know you've got it covered.”

“We're supposed to be bonding. I thought it would be nice to go out and do something together.”

“I'll spring for dinner and a movie once we're home.”

Winston went back to seasoning seafood. Victoria came up behind him and delicately sucked his earlobes. That drove him crazy. He thought she'd forgotten how much that turned him on.

“What are you doing?”

“Kissing my husband. For now. If you're good, we can do something freakier after dinner.”

Winston took this as the true test. Sure, she could tease him, but she hated kissing. If he turned to her and she recoiled, he'd know this was all a sham and would continue his original plan. He faced her, then kissed her passionately. She reciprocated, locking his tongue with hers and moaning like she did when she wanted him more than anything in the world.

Clapping and girlish giggles interrupted the makeout session. “Daddy, you're kissing Mommy! You're kissing Mommy just like Jeremiah said you kiss Miss Aruba!”

T
awatha squirmed in her seat as she took in the view. “Whose party are we attending and why the hell are we driving to Geist?”

“Testy, testy! It's my boss's birthday. We're going to Bella Vita's, remember? I'm eating light though because I'm meeting Lake later tonight.”

Tawatha's stomach fluttered. Lake and Lasheera had been spending so much time together. She feigned happiness, but she wished James would spend the kind of time with her that Lake was spending with Sheer. He was so attentive, so loving. He even supported her efforts to get full custody of Zion.
That's gonna be me and James when all this is over.

“So how am I getting home?”

“Lake is coming to pick me up. You're more than welcome to drive my car home.”

“Lasheera, I'm so proud of you for getting your license back and buying a car.”

“The night my boss took us all to Onnie's art show, I knew I had to step up my game. I'm a grown-ass woman, riding the bus and asking people for rides. It also helped that Lake is good friends with a car dealer at the Plainfield Auction. I got a really good deal with the money I'd saved.”

“I almost forgot about her taking the kids. I will let her know tonight how grateful I am for the favor. I'm not too keen about
this index card, but it did make me think about my dreams and desires.”

“I think it's a good idea. I'll have to share the story behind the story when we have time. Right now I want to know what's going on with you and ole boy. The one you're keeping hidden from us. Is he Secret Service? FBI?”

“Sheer, you're crazy! Funny you should mention him. You and everyone else will get to meet him soon. We're close to a public announcement of our love. He had to get some things tied up, but it's okay now.”

“Yeah, like what things?”

Tawatha grunted. “You're not dropping the subject, are you?”

“Not as long as we're friends and not as long as I love you. I've seen you hurt too many times in the past to allow another man to get the best of you. You're a good woman, Tawatha. I've seen you blossom over the last year. You're becoming the woman I always knew you were meant to be. You were meant to do great things. Heck, we're all coming into our own. Jamilah is on the dean's list, I'm drug-free and holding down a steady job, and you're darn near running Hinton and Conyers. I just want the love piece to be intact for you. Feel me?”

“I feel you, big head Sheer. I keep forgetting that I'm not in this alone. I've kept James a secret
because
of the pain I've encountered in the past.”

“James. So he
does
have a name.”

“Lasheera, he's sooo . . . I can't describe how I feel about him. I can conquer the world with him by my side. I know we'll have a good life together once . . .”

“Once what, Watha?”

Tawatha paused. “Promise not to judge?”

“Did we judge you when you took all the vowels out of Sincerity's name?”

“No.”

“Did we judge you when you went AWOL five days with Grant's father and worried us half to death?”

Tawatha took a deep breath. “He's married. James is married.”

“So is Zion's father. I have no right to judge you.”

“I just didn't want to hear all the reasons why I'm a horrible person and a homewrecker. His wife has cancer and she's near death. At least I'm waiting 'til the coast is clear.”

Lasheera chose her words carefully. She didn't want to sound self-righteous, but wouldn't wish what she'd experienced on anyone. “Remember, Watha, actions have consequences. You're right; no one has the right to judge another, but I've grown to a place of speaking the truth in love. Do you think you're the rebound woman?”

“No, it's not like that at all. We have a connection. An extremely close bond.”

“Do the kids like him?”

“I've been waiting to ease him into their lives.”

“Yet you're still anticipating a July wedding?”

Tawatha shifted in her seat. “I was.”

Lasheera pursed her lips and abandoned the conversation. This was a repeat of the discussion they'd had about S'n'c'r'ty's dad. Nathan Porter would have married Tawatha if she hadn't pressured him. When she wasn't stalking him at his job when he did work and wasn't writing poems, she was sitting outside his driveway, children in tow, waiting for him to come home. Never mind the fact he always refused to give her a spare key to his place. Lasheera thought of the time Tawatha crawled through Nathan's window
to prepare dinner because she wanted him to have a hot meal when he arrived from work. She nearly caused the man cardiac arrest when he got home. Who could forget the way she called his mother every hour on the hour to assure her she'd be the best daughter-in-law in the world? Or the way she applied for a credit card in Roberta's name and redecorated Nathan's house, so they'd all be one big happy family. Tawatha had heard through the grapevine how appreciative Nathan's wife was to come into her husband's home so immaculately designed. No, Lasheera would seal her lips this time and pray her friend would finally see the light.

“I have a confession to make,” Tawatha said.

“Are you pregnant?”

“
Hello
, my tubes are tied.”

“Whew. Girl, I would have smacked you . . . in love.”

“I'm a little jealous of your relationship with Lake.”

“You lie.”

“I am. He goes places with you, he's supportive, he treats you with respect. I wish I had that in a man.”

“Tawatha, look at what I had to go through to get to this relationship. I've learned so much from the choices I made in the past. Perhaps . . .”

“I know. I keep making the same mistakes over and over again.”

“That's not what I was going to say. Perhaps you should pray about the situation.” Lasheera sensed Tawatha tensing up. “I've been a tad reluctant to share my faith with you and Jamilah because I didn't want to come off as preachy. But the peace and comfort I experience is too good to keep to myself. There are days that I want a hit of crack so badly that I break out in a cold sweat. I call my prayer partner from church and we do battle with Satan until the urge passes.”

“I'm too messed up to pray. Besides, these holy rollers would
have you believe they're so sanctified and they do more dirt than I ever have.”

“Everyone isn't in church for the Lord. That's why you pray for discernment. You also study to show thyself approved.”

“You don't mind sharing your business with the prayer partner?”

“Sharing always involves risk. I asked the Lord to send someone to help me through this time and I know Marcia was sent by God.”

“You've got to know the Bible from Genesis to maps to be a Christian. I don't have time for all that.”

“You're farther along than you think. Most folks stop at Revelations.”

They both chuckled over the memory of tracing maps in the back of Roberta's massive Bible as kids.

“All I'm saying is try it. The peace you'll come to know is powerful.”

“I guess.”

Lasheera pulled a prayer card from the sun visor and handed it to Tawatha. “I read this when I'm down or hopeless.”

Tawatha read the caption,
God's Peace
, aloud and scanned the scripture beneath a beautiful orange and white hollyhock featured on the card.
You'll experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds. Philippians 4:7.
“I'll try this prayer thing, but only for you, Sheer.”

“Don't do it for me. Do it for God and yourself.”

L
asheera parked next to Bria's car. The original party schedule was six o'clock until nine; however, Bria explained Aruba's husband also had a surprise for her. Bria shortened the party to eight, so Aruba could join her husband. Lasheera still shook her head at the lie Bria had concocted to get Aruba to Bella Vita's. Poor Aruba thought she was coming to discuss Bria's exit from the company. Lasheera knew the night would be an unforgettable one for Aruba with all the people who were invited.

“I came here once with Mr. Hinton,” said Tawatha. “There's nothing like the marina in the springtime.”

Lasheera and Tawatha headed toward the entrance. They took in the sweet-salty scent of the air that wafted off the reservoir. The ambience of the restaurant was always vibrant and welcoming. They both enjoyed the sight of boats skidding on the water, a definite precursor to barbecues, road trips, and Indiana Black Expo. Twenty minutes remained before Aruba's anticipated arrival. They entered Bella Vita's and spotted Bria seated on a bench near the hostess station. She rose to greet them.

“Hey, ladies. I'm so glad you made it.” Bria hugged Lasheera.

“Bria, this is my friend, Tawatha. Tawatha, this is Bria. She's one of our office managers.”

“It's so nice to finally meet you. Lasheera talks about you and Jamilah so much we've named you the Three Musketeers.”

“I hope the talk was all good.”

“Absolutely.”

“Is everyone here?” asked Lasheera. She set her gift bag on the floor. “Do you need help with anything?”

“I've taken care of everything. Dinner is on Sidney tonight, so order what you want. The gang's all here except Aruba's diva grandmother, Maxine. Maxi always has to make a grand entrance.”

“I've wanted to meet her since Aruba told me she has the gift of foresight. Does she really?”

“I'll put it this way. Don't sit near her if you don't want the table to know your business. She can do a reading a mile away. The gift table is next to the table where we'll all be dining. You can join everyone else. Our table is situated so Aruba won't see you when she comes in. Go mix and mingle, ladies.”

The sound of smooth jazz, clinking silverware, and light banter surrounded them. Tawatha eyed the women seated at party central, then quickened her pace.

“Is that who I think it is?” asked Tawatha.

“Who are you talking about?” whispered Lasheera.

“Dayton Abernathy. Is that her? The relationship guru on
Oprah
who's always giving relationship advice?”

“Yep . . . that's her. As a matter of fact . . . Watha, just wait 'til we sit down. I'll fill you in.”

Lasheera placed her gift on the table. She marveled at the intricate designs on the Chanel purse birthday cake. She greeted the ladies. Some stood to greet her while a few others ended calls or texts they were in the middle of typing.