Full Figured 10 (17 page)

“So do you think you and Will may get married?” Yvonne asked.

She and I were in the kitchen alone, while Will and his partner, Lance, were watching the game. Lance and Will were thick as thieves, and Lance ran the company with Will. The fact that Lance was Will's best friend made it impossible for me to avoid Yvonne.

Not that I hated her—no, that was too strong a word—but I truly didn't like her much. Now, I might have been a bit harsh because I wasn't accustomed to her kind—you know, the kind who lived off their looks and not their brains. I wondered what she'd do for money if she was in an accident that destroyed her perfect face. She wasn't a black blonde, far from it, but she was definitely a professional gold digger.

She was classy. I'd give her that, because everything from her fake hair to her lashes, contacts, and nails were top-notch, but I had a thing against legal prostitutes.

Stirring my homemade mac and cheese in the extra-large bowl, I replied, “I don't know, Yvonne. I mean, it's only been a year. We're good, but we have never discussed marriage.” I hated Will had invited them, but since I was a sucker for the kitchen, I had greens cooking, chicken baking, potato salad chilling and sweet potatoes on keep warm. I was not stranger to cooking, so I didn't make a big stink about having them over.

“Well, I say persuade that ass. Lance thought I'd keep waiting on this diamond, and I told his ass either he'd make this official or I'd find another sponsor, and
bam
!” she yelled, throwing her five-carat diamond in my face.

“Well, I don't believe in ultimatums anymore, Yvonne. He wants to because he wants to, not because I make him choose.”

She shook her head. “I know you're a lot older than I am,” she said with no shame. I assumed I had this young madam by ten, maybe twelve years, but this heifer had just called me old. “But you have a lot to learn. Lance is not only fine as hell, but he is also paid, and Will is going to be as rich as Lance is someday, so I suggest you get in now.”

I raised a brow. “
Someday
? Lance and Will are equal partners, Yvonne. Will makes just as much as Lance does,” I said.

The expression on her face said she had spoken too much, and she quickly replied, “Yeah, you're right.” She stood up from the island. “Now, which way is the bathroom again?” she asked.

I stopped stirring. “Down the hall, third door on the left.”

I was now curious about what was really going on. I mean, Will lived well, and I had just thought Lance was flashy rather than wealthier. I poured my mac and cheese into the glass dish I'd set out, then put it in the oven. By the time Miss Fancy came back, I was cleaning up my prep area.

“So is there anything I can help with, Lynn? I'm not much of a cook, but I can make bomb-ass Kool-Aid.”

I chuckled. “No. Dinner will be ready soon. We can go in and join the guys. I cannot mix Kool-Aid with this wine.” I gave her a fake smile.

Beauty, no brains. Can't cook. Probably don't clean. And if I have to guess, her sex is probably a three.
Shit, she had nothing on me.

“Whose winning, bae?” I asked Will when I sat down close to him on our huge sectional in the family room. That room was the most used because it was the only room we entertained ourselves and guest in.

“Chicago, baby. Up by seven, but the fourth quarter just started, so you know how it goes.”

“I know. Do you want another beer, baby?” I said.

“That would be awesome,” he replied.

I got up, and then I heard Lance say, “Um, Yvonne, I'd like another beer too.”

“Yo' legs work,” she snapped.

“Don't worry, Lance. I'll get it,” I said and reached for his empty bottle.

“Thank you, Lynn. This one right here ain't good for shit but spending my money,” Lance joked.

“Man, please. I please that dick, though,” she returned.

My eyes widened, although I was not surprised that this came out of her mouth. I just shook my head and went into the kitchen. I did a quick peek at my mac and cheese and stirred my greens. Potato salad was chilling in the fridge, and the sweet potatoes were done. All we were waiting on was the baked chicken breasts and the mac and cheese. Will had double ovens now, thanks to me, because I did all the cooking. As soon as I had said I needed another oven, he and two of his crew members had had one installed within four days.

He was sexy, talented, and loving. I honestly hoped marriage was in our future. I grabbed two beers from the refrigerator and joined the others.

“Here you go, Lance,” I said before handing him a beer.

“Thanks, Lynn.”

I flopped down next to Will, and before I could hand off his beer, he was up on his feet, cheering, because Chicago had scored. The Bears were up by two touchdowns against Green Bay, our rival team, and Will was happy. He finally calmed down, and I handed him his beer.

An hour after the game was over—it ended with a Chicago victory—we were at the table, eating. I always shook my head at some of the things Yvonne said, but I normally ignored her remarks, because she wasn't too swift. I was overjoyed when we walked them to the door and said good night.

Before long Will and I headed upstairs. I went into the bathroom, and when I came out, Will was in bed, surfing the channels.

“Baby,” I said, and he turned to me. I knew I should stay out of it, but I had to ask.

“Yeah?” he replied.

“How well . . . or let me say . . . How much control does Lance have in your company?”

“What do you mean?”

I went over and sat near him on the bed. “I just mean, what does he do differently from you?”

“Other than he can't swing a hammer?” He laughed.

“Yes, I guess. I mean, how often do you look at the numbers?”

“Well, babe, to be honest, Lance handles that side of it. I have too much construction and actual manual labor going on to even look at that stuff.”

“Maybe you should,” I suggested.

His brow arched. “Come on, babe. Lance has been my boy since fifth grade. He is on the up-and-up.”

“I know, but it's strange how his house is three times as big as yours. He has, like, four vehicles.”

“He likes to floss.”

“Okay.” I paused and breathed deeply. “I know you're not as flashy as he is, and, baby, please, I'm not trying to stir up any trouble, but your company is worth millions. The work I see you do, baby . . . come on. No way he's living ten times better when you two are equal partners. I mean, just look into it.”

“Where is this coming from, Lynn? I mean, are you jealous of the bullshit he laces Yvonne with? I mean, if you want me to buy you some bling, I can. I have lots of money to buy you or give you anything, love. Even a larger house, a fancier car. I just don't splurge like Lance. Remember, I chose this home. This was my parents' home.”

I could tell I was rubbing him the wrong way. “Will, baby, you know that's not who I am. Yvonne just said something to me in the kitchen that raised a red flag, and I love you too much not to mention it.”

“What did she say?”

“She made a comment about you becoming as wealthy as Lance one day, as if Lance made so much more than you. So all I'm saying is, check it out, baby. See what's going on in that office. You are so smart, Will, and talented, and you can turn a ghetto into paradise if you touch it. You work too hard, baby, and if there is something going on in that office that you're unaware of, you need to check it out. I mean, being flashy is one thing, but I just want you to double-check that it's flashiness and not thievery.”

He nodded and then put his head down. I touched his face.

“I'm sorry, Will. If I'm overstepping, please forgive me.”

“You're not, and I hear where you are coming from. The truth is . . . ,” he whispered.

“What? What is it, baby? Talk to me. You can tell me anything.” I was concerned because his shoulders were slumped low.

“First, I want you to know that I trust Lance with my life, and I know he's on the up-and-up, and given where we came from, I know in my heart he'd never do me in. And . . . ,” he said, trailing off. He turned his gaze to the muted television.

“Baby, talk to me. If you trust him and you're okay, I'll leave it alone. I'm sorry I said anything.”

“It's not that, babe.” He dropped his head even lower.

“Will?”

“Lance does the finance end of it all because I . . . I . . . I can't read,” He mumbled.

“Will, baby, what did you say?”

“I can't read, Lynn. I know numbers—yes. I can measure, most time eye it, and know how much I'll need. I can do anything hands on, but I can't comprehend paperwork, contracts, or the legal stuff. Lance and I grew up together, but when I went to prison, he went to college. So that's my secret.”

I touched his face again. “Baby, it's okay. There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, because you're brilliant. What you do, not just for me, but for the millions of clients, is noteworthy. You are a master at construction. Lance may not be doing anything underhanded, and I'm sorry for even bringing it up.”

I went on. “But I got you, baby. I will help you. I am not here to ruin your friendship or cause any trouble. I just know what you're worth, and if he is taking advantage because he knows you can't understand, he needs to be stopped. I just have your best interests at heart, my love.” My eyes welled up. I knew it was hard for him to share that with me, but I was his ride or die chick, if that was the accurate way of saying it. Just like that gold-digging ass Yvonne was Team Lance, I was Team Will.

“So what do I do?” Will asked.

“Honestly, babe, I don't have a clue where we should start, but I will help you, Will. I love you, baby, and it's not about greed. It's about honesty and doing what's right. You are so good at what you do, and you don't deserve to be cheated, especially by someone you love and trust.”

He didn't say anything for a few moments. I then got scared. I didn't want him to think I was trying to control his business.

“Marry me,” he finally said.

I blinked rapidly. With those words, my body was launched into orbit, or so it seemed. I pulled myself back into that moment, still blinking like I had some kind of allergy. “I'm sorry?” I said.

“You heard me, Lynn. Marry me.”

I swallowed hard. “Yes,” I whispered.

My world begin to flash in front of my eyes. I could not process one thought; my mind was all over the place. He grabbed my face and kissed me deeply. Quickly, the room began to heat up, and it felt like a match or flame was on my face, because my face got so hot. There were no more words, only the sounds of our moans as we pleasured each other all through the night.

I made it to the bakery the next morning, exhausted as hell, and couldn't wait until closing. I had accepted the marriage proposal of the century, and when he came home, he laced my finger properly with eight carats of white and purple diamonds.

It had been two quiet weeks since I'd approached Will about investigating Lance, and he hadn't said a word to me about going forward, so I decided to leave it alone. It bothered me and pressed on my nerves like an unruly child, but I let it go.

“Bae, do you want fish or chicken?” I yelled up the stairs.

“Why are you cooking?” he asked from the top of the stairs. “You know tonight is Yvonne's birthday party. You're supposed to be getting dressed.”

“Oh, shit, baby. I completely forgot. My dress is at my house, so I have to go home to get dressed.”

He looked at his watch. “Seriously, Lynn. I mean, you knew about this.”

“I know, and I have no idea how it slipped my mind. Look, I'll race home, and you can pick me up. I promise I'll be ready in no time.”

“Hurry up,” he scolded as I went for my keys and purse.

I rushed out, rushed home, and took a birdbath. I had gotten my weekly beauty treatments the day before, so all I had to do was make up my face. By the time Will made it over to get me, I was dressed and ready.

“Baby, you look breathtaking.”

“Thank you, handsome.” I put my arm in his, and we headed out to the party.

When we made it to our destination, my eyes bulged. The party was at a resort on the outskirts of Chicago, and it had a casino theme. It was a serious party at a party venue of the century. You'd think it was their wedding.

“Baby, this cannot be her party,” I told Will as we sat in the car.

“It is.”

“Oh, my God, Will. I mean, this is like a . . .” I said, trailing off. The valet opened my door and helped me out of the car. Will grabbed my hand. “This had to cost a fortune,” I said, hoping I'd get him to take up investigating Lance.

“You're right. This is more of a . . . Shit, I don't know. Definitely not the average party.”

We walked in. Champagne flutes were readily available, and servers were offering up delectables. I held on tight to my man because there were tons of gorgeous gals everywhere and none that looked like me.

“Lynn, Will, you made it.” I knew that voice.

“Yvonne, this is certainly a party.” I said.

“Yes. What Yvonne wants is what Yvonne gets,” she returned, then placed a couple of kisses on our cheeks. “Come, come, come. Lance and I have been waiting for you two.”

We followed her through the crowded room to a grand table, where two seats near her and Lance had been saved for Will and me. We enjoyed the music, the champagne and the birthday wishes that were given by several of Yvonne's family members. After a couple of drinks, I was ready to eat. The appetizers were so delicious, but I wanted some real food. I was happy when the servers came around. They offered, chicken, fish or steak and I chose the steak.

“Baby, this is sooo good,” I said. Finally the main course, and I was in food heaven.

“It is.” Will said and put his fork down. He leaned in closer to me. “And so I tried to avoid the conversation we had a couple of weeks ago, and I hate to admit it, Lynn, but it's time. This here”—he waved a hand in the air—“this had to be a couple hundred grand. I mean, they refill my glass before it is empty.”

I knew it was killing him. “I'm sorry, Will.” I rubbed his thigh.

“Don't be, baby. It just has to be done. Whether the outcome is positive or negative, I have to face the truth.”

“I'm with you all the way, Will. You won't have to do this alone, my love.”

“I know, and I love you for looking out for me, baby. And with you, I feel so free. There are no more secrets. But I'm all exposed, and I feel like a fool.”

“Why?”

“Because if things are not in order, it's my own fault.”

“Baby, stop, okay? It's not Team
You
anymore. It's Team Us, and we are going to get to the bottom of whatever it is. And for your sake, bae, I hope I'm wrong.”

He looked around. “There are fifteen fucking ice sculptures in the image of Yvonne, babe. I doubt that you're wrong,” he said. He wrapped his arm around me, and I moved in closed to him and kissed his neck.

“No matter what, I got your back,” I assured him.

“No matter what?”

“Yep. No matter what,” I said, and just then Lance tapped his glass.

The soft music that was playing stopped, and Lance gave his undying love speech for Yvonne and wished her a happy birthday. A few of her size-zero friends spoke, extending their birthday wishes, and then the DJ got it going.

Will and I drank so much at the party, we got a room at the resort instead of going home. That night we passed out without lovemaking because the overflow of champagne had done us in.

I thanked God that I didn't open the bakery on Sundays, because Will and I could not move the next day. After devouring a room service breakfast, we called down to the front desk and extended our stay for another night because we were still too exhausted to leave. I made sure my bakery staff could open for me that Monday morning, and then Will and I enjoyed the rest of our day and evening naked, with room service, a jetted tub, and lovemaking.

Eyes shut, enjoying our intimate bath, Will kissed my head and then said, “Once we're married, can we have a baby?”

Surprised, I paused and thought for a second before answering. “We're not young anymore, Will.”

“I know, but we're not old, either.”

“You're right, my love, but I just thought now, at this age, I'd find my soul mate, and I did, and we'd just enjoy each other,” I said and then blew at the bubbles under my chin. We were in the tub again, relaxing and sipping more champagne.

“I thought that too, but I look at you, Lynn, and I want so much from you and from us, and I would love for us to make a baby, at least one. A little person we can just love and spoil and cherish together. I keep thinking of this little girl with your face, my personality, mixed with her own little finesse.” He paused. “I don't know, Lynn. It's just that I love you so much, and I want to share everything humanly possible with you, so I just had to ask.”

“Ask what?”

“I want you to stop taking the pill.”

“Wait a minute. How can you ask me something like that, Will? I mean, after we are married, I'd consider it, but before marriage, I don't know.”

“So let's get married now.”

My ears had to be playing tricks on me. “Let's do what now?”

“Get married. I mean, we practically live together, and there is no reason to wait. We can live in my house or yours—your choice, baby—and sell one. All I know is I want to be with you, Lynn. I'd never thought I'd be blessed with someone like you. You're gorgeous for one, smart, ambitious, sexy, and on top of that, you can cook and bake your ass off. I mean, your red velvet is the best in this world,” he joked.

I laughed. “Stop it, Will. I mean, I adore you too, but I don't want this to be a hasty thing.”

“It's not.” His tone was serious. “I want to marry you, Lynn. Let's just do it. Time is moving, and I want to spend the rest of my days with you, and I want to be a dad. Can you give me a baby?”

“Yes.” It just came out. Although I had some hang-ups and uncertainties, I was caught up in his web. I was at his command. I loved him, and I wanted whatever he wanted. I'd give him ten babies if I could.

“Then it's settled. Can you take off a few days from work?”

“Well, I guess I can.”

“I want to take you to Vegas. Let's do it Vegas style. We can leave from here, Lynn. No packing required. Whatever you need, we can buy.”

I looked over my shoulder at him. “You're serious?”

“Yes. Dead serious.”

I contemplated this idea for a moment and then yelled, “Vegas, here we come!” Glowing and basking in a sense of adventure, spontaneity, and chance, I planted a wet kiss on the back of his hand. This man had done the unthinkable to me, and I swore, I had no control when I was with Will. He was so good to me, and he loved me hard and strong, and I couldn't ask him for more, because my heart was happy with him.

“Now, I hope you got your debit card,” he joked.

I hit him playfully. “For you, baby, I do.”

“Don't worry. I got us. And when we come home, we will get to the bottom of what is really going on here in Chicago with my company and my business partner.”

I agreed. “Yes, baby, we will.”