Raging Blue, page 7
“Girl, what are you doing in Atlanta, and why didn’t you call me? We could have had dinner together,” Peyton said, one hand on her hip. “Looking sharp as always on the outside. Not so hot on the inside, huh, baby girl? Your eyes are looking kind of worn,” Peyton surmised. “Want to talk about it?”
Blue turned from Peyton’s concerned countenance.
“There’s a lot going on. How’s Ken doing?” Blue asked, diverting the attention from her telling eyes.
“Oh, he’s doing just fine. He’s sending me to New York for a quick weekend getaway to do some shopping and get a little R and R. I can’t stand shopping with him, so I’m going first and he’s going to meet me out there in the morning so we can spend the rest of the weekend together. Things have been so crazy,” she said, stretching out the word “crazy” as she flipped her hand in the air. “Couldn’t wait to get out of Atlanta, even if it is just for a minute. I’m happy to say that life has gotten much better for Ken and me.”
“Wow, Peyton. I’m so happy to hear that. Too bad I can’t say the same for me and Jay,” Blue said and paused. She caught the look of concern in Peyton’s eyes. “Let me pay for these magazines, and we can get out of this store. How long before your flight? Maybe we can get a drink,” Blue offered.
“Honey, I got more than an hour before my flight takes off. Check your ticket,” Peyton said, examining her own ticket and then looking at Blue’s. “Well, looka here. We’re on the same flight. Maybe the agent can seat us together. I can ask.” Peyton paused for a moment before continuing. “That’s if you want me to.”
“Works for me,” Blue replied, even though she preferred to sit alone.
The more she thought about it, she reasoned the company would do her some good. She would manage to avoid the vengeful thoughts that clouded her brain if she chatted with Peyton during the flight. Maybe the tears would stay at bay in the face of company.
Together they browsed a few more shops before sitting down for a bite to eat.
“So what’s up with Jay now, Blue? That look in your eyes tells it all,” Peyton asked as she pushed a French fry into her mouth and sipped on a Diet Coke.
“I don’t even know where to begin,” Blue responded, not sure if she wanted to tell anything at all. She looked down at her tray of uneaten food and pushed her fries around.
“I know. Ken has put me through some crazy ordeals since we’ve been together. But, one day, things just changed.” An amazed expression appeared across Peyton’s face. “He stopped hanging out as much as he used to. I don’t hear any more crazy stories about him out there running around with all these different women. And can you believe that after all these years, he finally decides he wants to have some babies.” Peyton’s southern lilt laid heavily on her last sentence.
“Wow! What’s gotten into him?”
“I don’t know, but I hope this time its permanent. The funny thing is I’m not sure how to take it. I’ve lived with so much mess for so many years. I never really knew what it was like to have a real relationship with a man who was solely focused on me. Seeing all the other wives dealing with this same mess, I simply assumed it came with the territory. Now don’t get me wrong,” Peyton waved her hand, “we fought like cats and dogs. I may have accepted all his behavior, but I never really wanted to. It’s sad, but spending money was my solace. But now, I can finally say I am truly happy.”
Peyton’s smile made Blue happy and envious at the same time. Now that she and Jay were done for good, she’d never know the feeling Peyton just described. A lump grew in her throat as she sipped her drink.
“That’s good to hear. I wonder what triggered the change,” Blue said, her voice and thoughts trailing off.
“Oh!” Peyton said, like she just remembered something. “What’s up with your little heifer-friend?”
Blue busted out laughing. She knew Peyton was referring to Mia, whom she'd never liked.
“Is her conniving ass still living in your place here in Atlanta?” Peyton asked, taking another sip of her Diet Coke.
“Not anymore.”
“Good! Are you still friends?”
“Not anymore.”
“Whew! As my preacher-daddy would say, ‘There is a God!’ I knew it would only be a matter of time,” Peyton said, shaking her head and raising her hand in the air. “Let’s get our behinds to the gate,” she suggested, looking at her watch. “They should begin boarding our flight soon.”
Blue and Peyton grabbed their belongings, threw their trash in the bin, and headed to the gate. Peyton worked on the attendant and was able to get her and Blue’s first-class seats changed so they could sit next to each other.
“Let’s get back to heifer-girl,” Peyton said. “I hear she’s pregnant now. I just wonder whose husband that baby belongs to.”
Blue looked surprised. Did everyone know about Mia’s trysts but her?
“What makes you say that?” Blue asked.
“That woman has been through just about every man in every sport throughout Atlanta, including the sportscasters. When she’s done with that mattress, it needs to be burned!” Peyton said. “She went after Ken for a while. That’s when we fell out. I told her that she better sniff after someone else’s man. The wives can’t stand that girl. And the worse part about it, she would pretend to be your friend while sleeping with your husband. She’s so conniving.”
“Believe me,” Blue said, “I know what she’s capable of.”
Peyton’s eyes grew big. “No, Blue. Don’t tell me…”
“Yes, Peyton.”
“That bitch!” Peyton said, sitting taller in her seat and looking around to see if anyone heard her outburst. “I can’t believe that.” Peyton paused and shook her head. “And you…were truly her friend. I guess it’s true what they’re saying.”
“What are they saying?” Blue asked.
“Another one of her former friends––or rather one of her latest victims––said she thinks Mia got pregnant so she could collect a guaranteed check. You know all these men give her money. It’s because of them that she lives so well. That’s just crazy to me.”
It didn’t sound so crazy to Blue. Mia must have been in jeopardy of losing her lifestyle, so she decided to pull out all the stops. The baby could belong to Jay. Then again, it could be any one of the men she’d been sleeping with. Blue figured it out. If Mia’s baby belonged to Jay, then Mia could gain access to her and Jay’s money—actually her money. She'd just never expected to be a part of this wily scenario.
The flight attendants asked for their attention to communicate the flight’s safety precautions as Peyton continued to witness about Mia’s scandalous ways. Blue couldn’t focus on either. Her thoughts were consumed with the idea of being a target in Mia’s get-rich-for-eighteen-years scheme.
All of Atlanta had come to know what Mia was up to, but Blue didn’t live in Atlanta. How could she have ever known the truth all the way in New York?
Blue knew the truth now, though.
Chapter 14
Gavin
Gavin took a deep breath before dialing Lisa’s number. Ever since Blue’s call the night before, Lisa had been giving Gavin the cold shoulder. He'd taken his conversation with Blue into the living room, but realized that didn’t look good. He didn’t want Lisa to think he was playing games with her just as their union was heating up.
“Hi,” Lisa answered casually, devoid of her usual enthusiasm.
“Hey. How are you?” Gavin asked cautiously.
He’d called her several times throughout the day, but after the first call, she'd ignored the rest. He recognized the clipped rings when his calls were being forced to voicemail. The fact that she answered this time surprised him a little.
“Fine.” The edge in her voice was ragged. She sucked her teeth in the receiver.
“What are you doing…later? I want to take you out to dinner. I know a nice sushi place. They have good food and a cool atmosphere. I can meet you at your job after work, and we can head over there together.”
“I don’t know,” Lisa said.
“Lisa, come on.” Gavin wasn’t interested in playing the game.
“What?” she asked.
“How long do you plan to keep this up?” he asked, getting bored with her act.
“Until you tell me what’s really going on with you and your damsel in distress,” she said with a drizzle of emotion and a typhoon of attitude.
“Finally! I got a rise out of you. Now what do you mean by my damsel in distress?”
“That was not the first time we’ve been together when she’s called and you forget that I was there. After what we did last night, I don’t want to… I don’t feel like discussing this right now.”
Good! Gavin thought. “Listen! It’s not what you think. Blue is my friend’s wife. They are going through something right now, and I’m just being a friend like I’ve always been.” Gavin drew himself in and huffed. “Are we going to dinner or what?” Gavin asked with a smile in his voice, hoping to lighten her mood. He didn’t feel like discussing Blue anymore. “What are you wearing?” he inquired, trying to change the subject.
“Why?”
“I just want to know.”
“Work clothes. What do you think? I’m at work, aren’t I?”
“Well, what are you wearing under those work clothes?” Gavin asked in a lower octave. He could almost hear her smile.
Lisa sucked her teeth but didn’t respond right away. Gavin could tell her tenacity was waning.
“Underwear. What do you think?” She said.
“Damn. Why!”
“Oh my goodness, I’m at work! What’s wrong with you? “She said through her titter.
Gavin was sure she was smiling.
“Well, I can’t take you out like that? You need to go home and get rid of those things. Don’t you know they’re bad for dates?”
Lisa shrieked. Gavin had successfully fused the icy distance between them with sexy banter. His load was heavy enough. There was no need to add the weight of Lisa’s reproach.
“I’ll pick you up at seven. Be ready. And remember, no underwear. They’re bad for your health!” Gavin said with mock concern. “Get sexy for your man. I’ll see you later.”
“Oh, my man, huh! Now you’re my man?”
Gavin wished he could take back those words. She’d read too far into his statement. Women always did.
“Just be ready at seven. I've got to run, so I’ll talk to you later,” he said, rushing off the phone, hoping that part of the conversation didn’t resurface.
“Well, don’t be late. Your woman will be waiting,” she replied.
He hung up without saying goodbye and then pinched the bridge of his nose. He'd listened to himself say the words “my woman.” It had sounded innocent enough to him, but he knew the words carried more weight when Lisa heard them. Gavin liked Lisa and hoped his ‘claim’ wouldn’t turn into an obstacle, along with the other thing that stood in his way. Gavin tried to force the second complication out of his thoughts. At least he tried to by attempting to refute the idea of being there for Blue.
Gavin didn’t want to abandon Blue in her time of need. He knew how much of a jerk Jay could be. She didn’t have many friends, and the one woman that she was closest to had betrayed her. She couldn’t reveal this mess to her family because of the possible repercussions. Her brother would surely end up in jail for retaliating on behalf of his sister. He was the only person in Blue’s corner. Either he would have to get Lisa to understand that or simply keep her in the dark about his interaction with Blue.
Chapter15
Mia
Mia hoped her funky new pixie-styled haircut hadn’t become too undone by the sharp winds as she marched through the thick foot traffic along Seventh Avenue. Evening had graced the city, and the temperature had dipped significantly for late summer. Mia’s faceoff with Blue the previous week had helped to put her future in focus. She'd come to New York to meet with Jay about her plans over dinner. As she pulled open the door to the restaurant, the wind snatched it from her grip and swung it back. She reached for the door and yanked it closed.
Mia had only walked a few blocks, but it felt like she had trudged across the Mohave desert in a sandstorm. Between dodging the tourists, the fast-stepping New Yorkers down Fashion Avenue, and pressing against the forceful winds, Mia felt like she had been whipped.
The popular restaurant bar was filled to the brim with professionals and urbanites, just as she'd expected. Mia excused herself through the tapestry of colorful city folk and headed toward the hostess.
“Reynolds, party of two, please. How long is the wait?” she asked the hostess.
“About twenty minutes,” she said with a smile. Her Botox-filled lips appeared to get in the way as she tried to speak. She dismissed Mia with a shift of attention to the next guest, which appeared to be professional but bordered on rudeness.
“Thanks,” Mia tossed back and headed for the restroom.
From the moment she stepped into the small bathroom, women checked her out. She knew she looked good. She had to. No way would she meet with Jay and not look her absolute best. Mia adjusted the collar of her black leather jacket and pulled up her leggings, snapping them at the waist. Then she turned slightly in order to catch a glimpse of her round bottom. She brushed the back of her leggings, smoothed her shirt around her small baby pooch, and pulled at the top of her patent leather boots. After teasing her hair and adding gloss to her full lips, she tossed her oversized Gucci bag over her arm and headed for the door.
Mia’s eyes caught sight of a snake-skinned Gucci bag and looked up to assess the average-looking girl carrying it. Cute, but no competition, she thought.
“Love your hair and boots,” the girl commented.
“Thanks!” Mia said and threw her a thankful but fake smile. She pranced out the door, making a mental note to look up the woman’s purse online.
Mia managed to kill about ten minutes on her trip to the bathroom, but Jay still hadn’t arrived. Her impatience made her back rigid. She took a seat at the bar and ordered a cranberry spritzer, wishing she could have a dirty martini instead. Jay was now twenty minutes late. Frustration tightened Mia’s lips. Another ten minutes and she was leaving; she had other plans for the evening. Mia ordered another spritzer. When that one was done, she would be, too.
Just as the bartender set the second glass in front of her, Mia witnessed a large, dark hand reach from behind her and placed a twenty-dollar bill on the counter. She spun around to find Jay standing so close, she could feel his breath on her face.
“You’re late!” she snapped.
Jay flashed a brilliant smile, revealing a perfect set of stark white teeth. She rolled her eyes and pushed him aside with the back of her hand.
“Let me check on the table. We need to hurry. I have other things I need to take care of,” she said.
Still smiling, Jay gracefully stepped out of her way. Mia knew he was watching her backside, so she put her stiletto boots and leggings to work, offering Jay and any other lucky patron an eyeful.
As they were being shown to their table, Jay grabbed Mia’s elbow, stopping her. When she turned, she spotted the average-looking woman with the snake-skinned Gucci bag coming toward her while holding Gavin’s arm like a trophy. Mia dropped her head and turned back towards the door, leaving the hostess behind. Jay followed her lead.
“Do you think Gavin saw us?” she asked when they got outside.
Jay looked frustrated. Without acknowledging it, they both agreed that being seen together wouldn’t be the best thing.
“I don’t know.”
“Listen, I don’t have much time. You were late, and I have other plans. We need to talk so I can get going,” Mia said, then huffed because Jay was eyeing her hips. She threw her hands up and asked, “Are you even listening to me?”
Jay licked his lips. Mia pretended like his attention annoyed her.
“I know where we can talk and get food without worrying about running into people. Come with me,” Jay said, brushing her behind as he reached for her arm. As soon as they reached the nearby W Hotel, they ordered drinks at the bar.
“So what’s your plan?” Jay finally asked.
“You need to work things out with Blue,” she said casually, while sipping her fourth juice in the past hour.
“What! What kind of plan is that? Don’t you think I’ve already tried?”
“I know, but without Blue, what do you have? If she doesn’t take you back, there’s only one other option. However, with this other option, I will have to coach you, and you will have to listen and do exactly what I say in order for it to work.”
Jay raised his brows. “What are you talking about?” Mia had piqued his interest.
“You have to divorce her and request spousal support.”
Jay shook his head. “I wouldn’t want you for a best friend.”
“Listen. If you do it right, you’ll be set up for life, but you have to follow my instructions to the letter. I can help you gain access to some of the money and keep the house in Atlanta.”
She knew what she planned was devious, but she needed money. Her funds were dwindling, and this was her only way to avoid her own financial meltdown. She needed a security blanket for the future, and the baby was it. There was no room for hard feelings. This wasn’t personal for her. This was business.
“Do you want my help or not?” she asked.
Jay sat back and gestured for her to keep talking. He listened intently as Mia disclosed the rest of her plan.
“Let’s finish this conversation upstairs where there are fewer ears,” Jay said, downing the rest of his scotch with one swallow.
“Upstairs?” she asked.
“Yes. I have a room here till tomorrow,” he said, dropping money on the bar to cover their tab.
Mia hesitated at first.
“I’m not having sex with you,” she told him flat out when they entered the empty elevator. “I’m here to handle business.”
