Full Figured 16, page 2
“Okay, see you in a little while,” I told her, then remembered I hadn’t given her my order. “Isis, hold up.”
“Yeah?”
“Can you please get me a—”
“Venti white mocha, no whip, with Stevia and almond milk, and a vanilla biscotti.” Isis spit out my favorite Starbucks order before I could. “See, I told you Jazz tells everything.”
“Damn, she really does.” I laughed. As if she heard us talking about her, my best friend called at that exact moment. “And she’s psychic. This is her calling now.”
“Happy first day of work, chick!” Jazz screamed when I clicked over.
“Thank you. I was just talking to Isis. She’s stopping for coffee, thank God. She might be an even better coworker than at my last job,” I teased.
“Don’t play with me. I was the best coworker you’ve ever had, and no one will ever take my place. Now how’s the new house? You and Junior make a baby yet?” she asked. “I’ve been trying to give you some alone time and not call so much because y’all still in the honeymoon phase. Catch me up.”
“The house is great, and no, we haven’t since the last time we talked two days ago.” I sighed. “But we are practicing.”
“I bet. How’s the racing team going? Has he hired any fine drivers or mechanics yet? Are they single?” Jazz asked.
“Not that I know of. Right now it’s just him and Lo Jack. That’s about it,” I told her.
“Lo Jack? Oh God, I’m gonna need him to get some better employees. Why him of all people?” Jazz’s response was reminiscent of mine when I found out Junior had invited Lo Jack, a shade tree mechanic and part-time criminal, to be a part of his new venture in Houston.
“Because not only is he one of the best mechanics around, but according to Junior, he’s a hell of a driver,” I explained, leaving out the fact that the latter was proven by his being the getaway driver for several robberies. As crazy as it sounded, it did make a lot of sense.
“I guess,” Jazz said.
“Thanks for calling and cheering me on for my first day, bestie. I will miss working with you,” I told her.
“Me too. But Isis will be a great fill-in until you come back home.” Jazz sighed.
“What makes you think I’m coming back home? We love it here so far.” I gasped.
“You haven’t even been there a month. We’ll see. But who knows? Maybe if you continue to love it, I’ll move out there.”
“Start packing your bags. Isis and I will be waiting for you with open arms,” I bragged. “I’ll call you later.”
The call ended just as I turned into the parking lot of the clinic and pulled my car into the spot designated for me. A few of the other staff members arriving at the same time gave me pleasant smiles as I got out of the car. It was such a beautiful day that I almost regretted not allowing Junior to change my mind about coming to work. But I was looking forward to the day ahead and everything it had in store. My heart was full. Everything in my life was new: marriage, city, job, house, car, and it felt good to finally be at a place of peace. We’d survived chaos, fear, and danger, and now our lives were finally normal.
Chapter 3
Life was busy, but it was good. Because of the constant influx of patients, my days at the clinic went by extremely fast. I loved treating the women, many of whom were either expecting or new moms. It was fun seeing the excitement as they shared their ultrasound pictures or learned the sex of the baby, or when they would come in with photos of their new arrivals, and some even brought the newborns in with them. I was in heaven. The vibe in the office was positive, and most days I was surprised when it was time to leave.
“You got plans for the weekend?” Isis asked as we walked out of the office on Friday evening.
“Not anything in particular,” I said. “We’re still getting to know the city.”
“You guys should go stargazing at Brazos Bend State Park. It’s so romantic,” Isis suggested. “Or you could go to the MoonStruck Drive-In and check out a movie. Again, so romantic.”
“Have you been there?” I asked. Isis had been a great resource for whatever I needed in the city and as a lunch buddy. Much like her sister, she was a great listener and fun to talk to. She constantly had ideas and suggestions for places Junior and I could go or see, the best grocery stores, malls, restaurants, bars, everything. But she really didn’t talk about her own life. I knew she had a longtime boyfriend, Tony, and had been waiting for him to propose, but it hadn’t happened yet.
“Not recently. I mean, Tony and I go out, but nothing too adventurous.” She sighed. “But you guys should really get out and enjoy the city.”
“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with some Netflix and chill. That’s our favorite pastime. We do a lot of that.”
“Okay, Netflix and chill is why you’re gonna end up being our newest patient.” Isis grinned. “I see that baby fever on your face every time someone brings a baby into the office.”
“A little,” I stated. “Junior has it way more than I do. If he had his way, I’d get pregnant today.”
“Really? I thought you were ready to be a mom.”
“I am, when the time is right. I think I just want to enjoy it being just the two of us and get a little more settled first.”
Being a mother was something I was looking forward to. I knew Junior was going to be an amazing father, and he’d proven to be a great provider and protector. I just felt like we needed to wait a little while longer. I hadn’t told him yet, but I figured as long as we were practicing making the baby, it wasn’t a problem.
Isis and I said our goodbyes, and I headed home. My plan was to shower and change, then start the perfect romantic dinner. I’d taken some steaks out to be thawed by the time we got home for him to grill along with a couple of lobster tails and shrimp. They would be perfectly paired with my twice-baked potatoes, corn on the cob, and grilled asparagus. For dessert, I planned on making his favorite banana pudding. Dinner would be followed up with a candlelit bubble bath we’d share in our Jacuzzi tub and then whatever happened next. We both deserved a relaxing evening, and now that the security system had finally been fixed, we could enjoy some much-needed uninterrupted quality time.
“‘Baby, you give good love.’” I sang my favorite Whitney Houston song at the top of my lungs as I stood in the shower. The hot water rejuvenated my body as it cascaded down my body, freshly scrubbed with jasmine and lavender soap. I was relaxed, happy, horny, and so engrossed in the moment that I didn’t even realize I wasn’t alone.
“Yes, you do.”
The deep tone of Junior’s whisper and his hand on my hip startled me, and I screamed.
“My bad, baby. I ain’t mean to scare you,” he said after I turned around and smacked his bare chest so hard that the water splashed on his face. I expected his eyes to meet mine, but they were focused lower.
Before I could scold him, his mouth covered mine and all was forgiven, and the shower lovemaking session commenced. By the time we finished, there were no thoughts of dinner, dessert, or anything else. We were too tired to do anything other than fall asleep in each other’s arms.
I thought I was dreaming when I heard Junior’s cell phone ringing in the middle of the night. When he didn’t move at first, I thought he was still asleep and probably couldn’t hear the phone over his snoring. But when it rang a second time, he reached over and grabbed it off the nightstand, stared at it for a second, then put it back down before snuggling against me under the covers.
“Who was that?”
It was his turn to be startled. His eyes opened, and he looked surprised that I was awake and staring at him. “Nobody important.”
This wasn’t the first late-night call he’d gotten. Usually, he was in the habit of turning his phone completely off before going to bed. But it seemed that he’d forgotten. I wasn’t insecure at all and wasn’t worried about whoever it was calling, but I was curious, so I pressed the issue.
“Obviously they are, because they called twice, and you turned your phone off. Don’t lie to me, Junior,” I said matter-of-factly.
He paused for a second before speaking. “I promise it wasn’t anyone important. It was just business, that’s all.”
I leaned up from my pillow. “Business? At this time of night, Junior? What speed-racing track is open at three in the morning?”
“Not that kind of business.” He shook his head.
“Junior . . .”
“I know, Sonya, but it’s not my fault. I put the word out that I’m no longer working for the family, but not everyone knows, so they call,” he explained. “That’s not my life anymore, I promise.”
“I know. I guess it’s gonna take some time for everyone to get used to, so I’ll extend you some grace. But you need to let folks know that’s not what you do anymore and you don’t handle that side of things. And your family is gonna need to start giving them another point of contact.” I knew I sounded ridiculous. The drug game was an entity that had its own set of rules. It wasn’t as if Junior could send a mass email or text telling his contacts that he quit. It was going to have to happen the same way everything else did—through word on the street.
“If it’ll make you feel better, how about I get a new number? Will that work?” Junior offered.
“That’s not necessary. I’m not worried. But you need to let them know that not only are you not working but you’re also married.”
Junior’s eyes widened. “Okay, got it.”
“And you need to tell them that your beautiful wife, whom you adore, doesn’t play, and you would hate to answer when they call you at a disrespectful hour with some bullshit that you don’t even handle anymore.” I smiled innocently.
“Oh, I’ll definitely let them know.” Junior nodded.
“Good,” I said as I laid my head on his chest.
* * *
The following day, while Junior was out running errands, I called Jazz while prepping the meal that didn’t get cooked the night before. She was filling me in on all the gossip regarding my former coworkers, and I was taking it all in when Junior called.
“Hold on, this is Junior. He’s at the store and probably about to buy something we don’t need,” I said.
“Let that man splurge and spend. You know what they say—it ain’t tricking if you got it,” Jazz yelled. “You’re a Duncan now, boo. You can have whatever you like.”
I ignored her and clicked over. “Hey, babe. Everything’s almost ready for you to put on the grill. You on your way home?”
“Hey, you,” he said. “Not at this moment. I’m actually running a little later than anticipated. Lo Jack and I got some things to take care of here at the garage.”
“Oh, okay, that’s fine. I’ll just put it away in the fridge until you get here. It’s no big deal.”
“Thanks, baby. I shouldn’t be too late. And I promise I’m gonna grill those steaks you’re marinating to perfection as soon as I get home.”
“Love you, Junior. See you when you get here.”
“Love you too, Sonya. I’ll set the alarm from my phone.” He added, “Oh, and make sure you keep that sexy sundress on but don’t have anything on underneath.”
“Wait, how . . .” I glanced over my shoulder at the tiny camera hanging in one of the corners of the ceiling. “I told you about spying on me, Junior Duncan.”
“I wasn’t spying. I was making sure my wife was safe and watching her sexy ass cook in the process.” He laughed before hanging up.
I turned to face the camera and seductively pulled the yellow maxi dress I was wearing down on one shoulder until it almost exposed my breast but didn’t. My phone immediately rang again.
“You play too damn much,” Junior said before I could even say hello.
“Bye, Junior. See you when you get home.” I waved.
“Hello?”
I looked down and realized Jazz was still on the line. “Oh, my bad. I’m back.”
“I was about to hang up. You know how you and Junior like to be all lovey-dovey on the phone, and I wasn’t trying to be on hold,” Jazz said.
“It wasn’t even one of those conversations. He was just letting me know he’ll be later than expected, that’s all. Now where were we?” I said.
Jazz and I stayed on the phone another hour as I finished the dinner preparations. After our call, I poured myself a glass of wine, went into the den, tucked myself under a blanket, and watched the Hallmark channel. Before I knew it, I’d fallen asleep, and when I woke up, it was almost ten o’clock and Junior still hadn’t made it home.
I called him twice, but he didn’t answer. My emotions were a mixture of anger and concern. Not only did I not have any idea where he was or what he was doing, but I also had no one to call. Other than Lo Jack, Junior didn’t know anyone in the area. There was no point calling his family back in New York. First, I didn’t want to alert them, especially if it turned out that nothing serious was wrong. And then, they were hundreds of miles away, and really there was nothing they could do. Instead, I sent him a text telling him to call me ASAP, then went upstairs to our bedroom.
After pacing the floor for another hour, I decided to go to bed. That was also pointless because there was no way I could sleep. I tossed and turned for hours in between looking at my phone every fifteen minutes. Finally, I heard the security sensor alert.
I quickly pulled the app up and watched as Junior eased his truck into the garage and parked beside my car. He looked exhausted as he slowly walked to the door and entered the house. I closed the surveillance camera off my phone, then patiently waited for him to finally come into our room. It seemed to take him forever.
I hope his ass ain’t down there looking for dinner, because I damn sure didn’t cook.
When Junior finally made it upstairs, I was sitting and waiting in the darkness. As relieved as I was that he was safe and not lying in the hospital somewhere with no identification, I was livid that not only had he been out so late without letting me know but had ignored my calls and texts. This was out of character for him, and I was taken aback.
“You’re up,” he said, stopping in the doorway.
“You’re alive.” My voice was cold and emotionless and so was my face. “I wasn’t too sure since I haven’t heard from you in hours.”
“My phone died. I know that’s no excuse, but—”
“You’re right, it’s not,” I responded. “There’s a charger in your truck, and if that didn’t work, Walmart is open twenty-four hours, and you could’ve stopped and grabbed one or borrowed someone’s phone, I’m sure.”
“I really didn’t think about that, Sonya. I’m so sorry.” He walked over to the bed and tried to touch me, but I pushed him away.
“Spare me the apology, Junior. I don’t wanna hear it. You’re not sorry. You’re foul. That’s what you are. Do you know how worried I was?” I yelled.
“I know, baby, and like I said, I just didn’t think.” Junior shrugged.
“Like I said, you’re alive. I’m going to bed.” I rolled my eyes and pulled the duvet over my body as I lay back down.
“Sonya, just let me explain.”
I was too mad to say anything else. Junior tried talking to me a little while longer, and then he finally went into the bathroom. By the time he got into bed, I was fast asleep.
* * *
“Delivery for Mrs. Sonya Duncan,” a scrawny delivery guy announced as he walked up to the receptionist area carrying two vases full of roses.
“Another one?” Denise, the receptionist, groaned.
Isis looked over at me and said, “Y’all must’ve had a hell of a weekend. Did y’all go out?”
“No, actually, we stayed in,” I told her, taking the vases from Denise and carrying them into my office. It was the third delivery I’d gotten. On top of my desk was the Edible Arrangements basket and the cookie bouquet that had been delivered earlier. One thing was certain, Junior was determined to get my attention. Giving him the cold shoulder all day on Sunday had served its purpose. This morning, I’d even left for work without a kiss or an “I love you.” I picked up my desk phone and dialed his cell.
“Hey, baby,” he answered before the first ring ended.
“Hi, Junior. I just called to thank you,” I said, admiring the yellow roses, which were my favorite. “For everything.”
“You don’t have to thank me, Sonya. You deserve each and every gift and more. I fucked up the other night, and I’m sorry. I just, I don’t know . . . Me and Lo Jack went to meet this guy on the other side of town and—”
“It’s fine, Junior. I just need for you to let me know what’s going on, that’s all. I’m not saying you gotta check in every twenty minutes—”
“If that’s what you want, Sonya, then—”
“I don’t want that. But I do want to know if you’re gonna be caught up and later than you told me you were gonna be, that’s all. You’re the main one stressing how you want me to be safe and our house fully protected. I want to know that my husband is safe, too.” I sighed.
“I am safe, baby. But I get it. It won’t happen again.”
“Good. Now please tell me these flowers are the last thing that’s gonna get delivered here today. You’re making me look real spoiled in front of everyone. You know that, right?”
“I want them to know you’re spoiled. As a matter of fact, I need the world to know. I should hire someone to come in there and serenade you so they’ll really see how much I adore you.” Junior laughed.
“Oh God, you better not,” I told him.
“Well, will you at least let me take you to dinner tonight?”
“I was gonna finally cook those steaks.”
“Nah, you ain’t cooking nothing tonight. I’m taking you out on the town, woman. We’re going on a date.”
“I’d love for you to take me on a date, Junior Duncan.” I sighed, my heart filled with as much joy and excitement as the day we were married. I couldn’t stay mad at him for long. He was too good to me, and the love we shared was enough to conquer anything headed our way and any problems we faced.
