Southern Comfort (9781622863747) (17 page)

“Guess not.” Teri held her position.

Teri almost found Victoria's cockiness amusing. Not only did she come in her house and completely insult her, but she actually thought she was going to get some sex after everything. Teri decided to take the initiative: she walked to the front door and held it open. Victoria held her head high as she walked out. Before Victoria could say anything else Teri slammed the door in her face.

Teri stood in her doorway holding on to the little bit of confidence she had left. Teri couldn't help but question herself. She wondered what was so wrong with being a pharmacist. She made a lot of money doing what she did and easily could have been a doctor if she wanted to be. Her status had never been questioned before. She didn't like it.

A guilty feeling overwhelmed her. She thought about all the women she dated who she did the same thing to. Teri fell against her wall; she felt horrible. There she stood pissed at Victoria when she wasn't any better. There had been millions of times she looked down on women because of their professional status. She was a snob and didn't even realize it. Out of nowhere, Porsha entered her mind.

Teri grabbed her phone. She scrolled to Porsha's number. She wanted to call but didn't know what she would say. Porsha probably hated her. What would she say to a woman she dumped for no good reason? Teri pressed the message button.

She wondered if she was going to receive a message cursing her out, or a call to tell her just where she could stick her invitation, but she got nothing. Teri knew what that meant. If a woman cursed you out that meant they still had some type of feeling. But when they didn't care to respond at all, it meant they were completely over you. Teri suddenly wanted to call every woman she had ever dated but knew she shouldn't open that can of worms. Karma came back to kick her in her ass, and she knew she was just going to have to take it.

The next three days were perfect. Willow woke up in the arms of Katrina each day. Katrina spent the mornings with her, showing her more sites of Memphis, and went to the restaurant at night to work the busy dinner rush. The restaurant was booming but Katrina found a way to make it work. They weren't sleeping together; each night Katrina came back tired. They just fell asleep in each other's arms.

“Are you sure about this?” Katrina questioned as she rubbed Willow's head.

The couple sat on a blanket overlooking the pond at Shelby Farms Park. Figuring out they wanted to be together was done; now they had to figure out the rest. The plan was for Willow to move to Memphis.

“I told you, I'm okay with it.” Willow smiled.

“I just feel real bad about making you move from your home. I mean you own your place and it's a big-ass deal to come from London to little ol' Memphis.”

“I don't care where I stay as long as I am with you.”

Katrina leaned in, planting a sweet peck on Willow's lips. It only made sense for Willow to come to Memphis since Katrina was just opening her restaurant. She was going to design her clothes and open a small boutique in Memphis. Things were coming together. Willow was going back to London to get herself together; then she was moving back to America.

“I gotta get home and figure out the visa situation and everything.”

“Why not just stay here and never go back? You can live like an illegal alien like a lot of people.”

Willow hit her giggling girlfriend. “No, I'm thinking that a visiting visa should suffice. If not I might have to enroll in a university or something.”

“Are you nervous at all?” Katrina asked Willow.

“Why would I be nervous?”

“What if you get here and realize you hate my black ass?” Katrina smiled.

Even though joking, the thought entered her head. What if they realized they really didn't want to be together? Katrina would feel horrible for uprooting Willow from her whole life.

“Hey, life is a gamble right? If this doesn't work out I can always find me another woman.”

Katrina pinched Willow for her comment. Even with the uncertainties Katrina knew Willow was the one she wanted to be with. Everything else would work itself out.

Katrina thought about Saura; she hadn't talked to her in days. She was afraid to go by her house, fearing what Saura might do or might have done to the house. Teri scolded her, saying she was setting herself up to come home to find herself cleaned out. Katrina didn't worry about it. She was floating on a cloud, and if Saura did wreck anything she would just replace it. It would give her reason to start completely new with Willow.

Katrina dropped Willow back at Devon's house. She headed to the restaurant to prepare for the dinner crowd. She pulled up to the restaurant to see Saura's car parked in her personal parking space. Katrina knew something was up.

“Hey, boss,” Misty said as she rolled silverware. “There's a woman waiting on you at the bar.”

Katrina looked up to see Saura sitting in a sexy leopard pencil dress nursing a martini.

“All right, thanks.” Katrina took a deep breath, bracing herself for the worst.

She walked up behind Saura who was laughing at a joke the bartender told her. She seemed to be in good spirits, which was a plus.

“Saura.” Katrina leaned against the bar. “What's going on?”

“Hello, love.” Saura flashed her million dollar smile. She looked amazing and she knew it.

“Um, hi, what's up?”

“I just needed to talk you real quick. Don't worry I'm not here to cause a scene.”

The two headed to Katrina's office. Saura walked in and took a seat in the chair in front of her desk. Katrina closed the door, hoping no one overheard whatever was about to happen.

“So I've decided to just go ahead and accept the situation. I left you and unfortunately in this case I snoozed and I lost.” Saura shrugged her shoulders.

“Saura, I don't want you looking at it like that.”

“Well it is what it is. Don't worry, I'll be all right. I think I am going to try my luck in Atlanta, you know they call it the black Hollywood.”

Katrina wanted to let out a sigh of relief. Saura seemed to be in a good space and that was all that mattered in the end. “Well if there is anything I can do to help you—”

“Actually there is. I know you mentioned helping me get a place. Well are you willing to help me with that but for Atlanta?”

“Sure, I can help you with moving expenses.”

“I'm going to have to stay at our—I mean your—place for a little longer while I get things together. I hope you don't mind.”

Katrina shook her head. “Not at all, it's cool.”

The two looked at each other for a minute before Saura stood up. Katrina walked her to the door. Katrina tried not to notice how good Saura looked in the dress.

“Oh tell Teri I said happy birthday. What strip club is she making you go to?”

Saura and Katrina laughed.

“Actually we are doing something different. Celebrating right here.”

“Oh, that should be nice. Well I have things do to. I'll talk to you later.”

Katrina couldn't help but watch Saura as her butt switched out of the kitchen. Katrina noticed all the men in her kitchen staff staring as well. She was excited things were finally coming together. Saura was okay and she had Willow. Things were working out better than she could ever imagine.

The restaurant was live. Devon was able to book Teri's favorite band to play. They prepared a special VIP area for Teri and their associates and coworkers. Katrina prepared a menu of all of various renditions of Teri's favorite foods, everything from Buffalo chicken skewers to fried macaroni and cheese.

A custom two-tier cake sat as a centerpiece surrounded by fancy pastries and various fruits along with a chocolate fountain. A specialty drink was created in honor of Teri including a mix of vodka and rum.

Teri arrived with two women walking her to her private area as the band played one of her favorite songs. She was already liquored up as she high-fived people who came out to celebrate her birthday.

Willow stood to the side with Ming and Carlos. Carlos looked amazing in a simple suit that fit him perfectly while Ming sported a black suit, white shirt, with a red and white bowtie and ruby red sparking shoes.

“This is amazing,” Willow said to Ming who was on his third Teri cocktail.

“Oh, honey, this is normal for these bitches. For Devon's thirtieth birthday she threw herself a party in the zoo and arrived on the back of a camel. It was fabulous.”

“Just wait until your birthday. I bet Katrina pulls out all the stops,” Carlos added causing Willow to blush.

The three watched as the friends hugged each other. Willow loved the friendship they had. It made her miss her crazy friend Piper.

“Happy birthday, buddy,” Katrina said rubbing Teri on the top of her head.

“Thanks thanks, and fuck this party is amazing. I fucking love you guys.” Teri's words were already slurring.

“Teri, you might want to take it easy; you have the whole night ahead of you.” Devon tried to hand Teri a bottle of water, which she frowned at.

“Just you don't go getting drunk and throwing up again.” Teri threw her arm around Devon.

“Or kissing other people's women.” Katrina shot an evil glare at Devon who looked off, still slightly embarrassed for kissing Willow.

“Hey the night is early. I might go slip Willow the tongue too.” Teri rubbed her hands together.

“Ain't no fun if the homies can't have none!” Devon and Teri high-fived.

Katrina was not amused.

The band took a break and the DJ started spinning. The dance floor filled quickly as Nicki Minaj's latest hit blasted through the restaurant. Willow danced with Katrina, who couldn't keep her hands from under Willow's short melon skater dress. Willow showed off a few London moves when a song she loved came on. Devon tried to pick up the moves but was not a great dancer.

A line dance played. Katrina showed Willow how to do it as the whole crowd moved in unison to the song. The next line dance was so new only a few people knew it, Ming and Carlos being two of the main ones doing every move perfectly.

The DJ started playing old school hip hop. Katrina couldn't believe how hype Willow got when “Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa played. After the old school set the DJ slowed it up a bit, playing a sexy song by Miguel. Willow moved her hips against Katrina. She turned around pressing her butt against Katrina. Willow slow wound her body down and back up Katrina. Katrina bent her over as her butt gyrated to the beat.

Saura stood by the bar, her eyes fixated on the steamy dance in progress on the dance floor. She felt her blood starting to boil. She was supposed to be out on the floor, not some British bitch. She could hear Beyonce's “Ring the Alarm” playing in her head. She had listened to the song a million times in the last few days. She had enough; she wasn't going out like that. She slammed her martini glass on the bar breaking the stem.

Devon sat back in a booth talking to a cute stud she'd seen around a few times before. The girl was not only attractive, but a history professor at the University of Memphis. Her hair was short, as she had just started locking her hair. The woman asked Devon a question, but as she was about to answer she saw Saura slam her glass on the bar.

“Oh shit.” Devon jumped up. She looked at the stud who was confused by her actions. “I'm sorry just give me one moment. Don't move, please, don't leave.”

Devon proceeded to try to make her way through the crowd.

Teri held a shot in her hand. She stood with Ming and Carlos about to toast to her birthday. Ming's face dropped.

“Teri, um, isn't that sexy blackanese chick Katrina's ex?” Ming pointed causing Carlos and Teri to look at Saura who was rushing toward the unsuspecting couple.

“Oh shit.” Teri rushed fighting her way through the crowd.

“Well come on, honey, we might get something for World Star,” Ming said following Teri toward the dance floor.

Katrina felt a hard tap on her back. She turned around to see Saura standing there fuming.

“Saura, what are you doing here?”

“So you just gon' embarrass me like this. How dare you bring this bitch around everyone we know!” Saura pushed Willow's shoulder.

Katrina quickly jumped in between them. “You need to go!” Katrina yelled.

“Fuck does she have that I don't have? She's not half the woman I am!”

“Excuse me?” Willow finally had enough of Saura.

Katrina snapped her head around toward Willow.

“Let me handle this,” Katrina barked at Willow. “Saura, you got to go.” Katrina tried to grab Saura's hand but she jerked away.

“Fuck you, Katrina. You are a fool. Do you know that? What do you fucking know about this girl? Nothing, Absolutely nothing. And you want to leave me for her?” Saura yelled.

The crowd was now watching the spectacle as Saura turned her attention to Willow.

“What do you know about my woman? Do you know any of her family? No, because they all love me! I bet you feel all happy because she's with you. Well she was just between my legs a few days ago and I bet you she will be back!”

Willow was speechless. She turned her head to Katrina who looked at her with guilt written all over her face. Saura continued to bark questions at her.

“You will never be me! You are just something fun for now. A little foreign science project. Katrina is mine. She will be back.”

The room was spinning. Willow wanted it all end. Katrina continued trying to contain Saura but she wasn't moving.

“Saura, girl, what are you doing? This is not the time or place for this,” Devon said as she tried to grab Saura's arm.

“Let go of me. I thought you two were cool with me and on my side. You got this whore living in your house. Fuck both of you!” Saura pushed Devon.

“Okay where is security before I lose my cool?” Devon motioned for the staff to get security.

“So what you trying to get me, put out? That's great. Have me put out the place I helped you achieve. I found this building. I rooted you on. I supported your dream, and you leave me for this bitch! You know what fuck you and all of this. I don't need this shit!”

Katrina watched as Saura pushed people out of her way. Katrina turned around to Willow who was physically startled.

“Are you okay?” Katrina rubbed Willow's arms.

“I'm fine.”

“Fuck you, bitch!”

All of a sudden Saura appeared behind Willow. Instead of leaving she turned and came around the side. She pulled Willow's hair pulling her to the ground. Willow grabbed Saura's dress, pulling her down on the ground with her.

Katrina and Teri tried to break the girls up who were stuck in a hair-tugging battle. Carlos ran over, picking Saura up off the ground. Katrina forced her hands open letting go of Willow's hair. Saura fought to get out of Carlos's strong grip. Security grabbed her, putting her over his shoulder as he carried her out of the restaurant kicking and screaming.

“Baby.” Katrina rushed to the aid of Willow. She helped her up.

“Fuck, this is some fucking bullshit!” Willow pushed Katrina away from her.

Willow was pissed. Never did she expect to be in a fight in the middle of a restaurant. She had gone her whole life without ever fighting, and the moment she fell for a woman she got in a brawl.

“I want to go, now!” Willow snapped as she stormed off the dance floor.

“Take her home. I'll take care of things here,” Devon said to Katrina who was standing in the middle of the floor with her hands on her forehead in complete disbelief over what just happened.

The couple drove in complete silence all the way back to Devon's house. Willow slammed the car door as she stormed to the back of the house. Katrina sat in the car, not sure how to deal with the situation at hand. Things had gotten out of control. She knew Willow had a reason to be upset.

Katrina gave Willow a few minutes by herself to calm down. She finally opened the door to the guest house to find Willow sitting on the side of the bed still fuming from the events. Katrina sat in the armchair. She didn't know what to say.

“I can't believe this happened,” Willow finally spoke.

“I don't know what to say. I am so sorry, Willow.”

“Why was she even there?”

“I don't know. No one invited her.”

Suddenly it hit Katrina. She had mentioned the party to Saura when she came to her office. She wanted to slap herself for the slip up. She had no idea Saura would show up.

“Was it true?”

“Huh?” Katrina questioned.

Willow looked directly at Katrina. She wanted to see her face when she answered the question. “Was it true? Did you sleep with her?”

Katrina felt the walls closing in on her. She knew she couldn't lie. She lowered her head. That was all Willow needed. She jumped up and grabbed her suitcase. Katrina watched as Willow started throwing her clothes in the bag. Katrina rushed over and grabbed Willow's arm.

“Wait let me explain.” Katrina tried to hold Willow who pushed her off.

“There's nothing to say. You weren't supposed to be doing anything with either of us and you slept with her.”

“I didn't mean to. I was drunk. That's not an excuse but please wait!” Katrina begged. Katrina grabbed Willow's arm, pulling her close to her. Willow fought to get away but couldn't break free of Katrina's strong hold.

“Let me go!”

“No, Willow, you have to believe me.”

“No!” Willow mustered up all her strength to break free. “I trusted you and you lied to me. You let her make a fool of me tonight!”

“I am so sorry. It was a mistake,” Katrina begged. “I promise it won't happen again.”

“Get out!”

“Willow.” Katrina felt like someone hit her with a car.

Katrina stood helpless as she watched the tears rolling down Willow's angry face. She didn't want to leave, but knew staying could only make things worse.

“Willow, I want you. I don't want her. I made a mistake and I regret it so much. But that doesn't change how I feel about you.”

“I don't want to talk about this anymore. Please just leave me alone.”

The trembling in Willow's voice broke Katrina's heart. Defeated she left the guest house. She stood outside the door as she watched Willow disappear into the bathroom. Katrina didn't know what to do. She wanted to travel back in time and erase everything but she knew she couldn't.

 

 

Willow sat on the edge of the bed. She didn't know if she wanted to scream or cry. When things were finally shaping up in one fell swoop everything changed. She wanted to get out of the city. She had gone her whole life without a physical altercation and now she had two within a few days.

Willow all of a sudden felt completely alone. She picked up her tablet, happy to see the green light next to Piper's name was on. She pressed talk and in moments her friend's face appeared on the screen.

“Willz, it's been like forever, chick. What's upper?”

Willow noticed that Piper was wearing one of her outfits. She was too exhausted to question her about it. Willow explained all that happened that night. Piper for once didn't interrupt; she let her friend pour her heart out about the entire situation. They sat for a moment in silence after Willow finished explaining.

“Willz, I really don't know what to say besides it's kind of what you signed up for.”

“I didn't sign up to be fighting bitches and shit.” Willow rolled her eyes.

“But you said you were willing to go to war for her. Well, you did. At least you don't have any physical battle scars.”

Willow fell back on the plush pillows on the large bed. She held the tablet up over her head. “Why does it have to be like that? Why should I have to fight for something I want?”

“Because if it's not worth having if it's not worth fighting for,” Piper replied. “I loved Corrie and no matter all our issues I was willing to put up with them because I felt she was worth it.”

“Was it really worth it though? Considering all the things and the way it ended?”

Piper thought about the question for a moment. A smile formed on her face. “Yeah, it was.” Piper nodded. “We had some fucked-up shit, but we had some amazing shit, too. I like remembering the good stuff. I mean, Will, whatever you decide in the end, you can't say that it hasn't been one amazing ride.”

Willow and Piper said their good-byes. Willow turned over, pulling the comforter over her head. She had to admit it was a roller coaster; she just didn't know if she wanted to continue to ride.