Cheesecake and Teardrops (26 page)

“I need to see you,” Tangie told Tony over the phone the next morning, her eyes bloodshot from a sleepless night, her hands moist with emotion.

“What's wrong?” he asked her.

“What's your schedule look like today?”

“I'm working today, Tangela. Is this an emergency?”

“Yes.”

“How about if we meet after work?”

“Your place or mine?” she asked.

“I'm working in Jamaica today. Let's meet on neutral ground. Say Montebello Park?”

“That'll work. What time?”

“Is five-thirty good for you?”

“That's fine, Tony. See you then.” Tangie hung up, silently thanking God for another chance at happiness. Though it was only 7:10 on a Sunday morning, she got up, unable to squeeze another ounce of sleep out of her now wide-awake eyes. She sat on the edge of the bed, swinging her legs back and forth.

First, she got up and cleaned the house, mopping the kitchen floor, vacuuming, and dusting the living room and dining room. Then, she did the bathroom tile, the tub, toilet, and the face bowl. Finally, she mopped the bathroom floor and took a break. It was only ten-thirty. Three hours down, seven more to go.

Next, Tangie decided to draw herself a bath and soak. She added a generous amount of bath gel to the running water, and soon the room's scent brought a smile to her face. She removed her pajamas, threw them in the hamper, and stepped into liquid perfection. She laid there for a moment, her eyes shut, just enjoying the warmth. It didn't get much better than this. She gently washed her body like the treasured possession it was. It had given her much joy and pleasure over the years, and standing in the bathroom mirror afterward, she inspected herself with pride. Tangie lotioned her body until it glistened like silk. She put on a pair of denim shorts and a white
I Love New York
T-shirt, before piling her hair up on her head and going into the kitchen. She whipped up some homemade blueberry muffins and a peanut butter banana smoothie. After Heather's breakfast yesterday, she had to watch her calories. Another hour down.

Suddenly, it occurred to her that Tony may want to come back for dinner. She checked her cupboards and fridge and made a quick list. She stuffed her wristlet with her driver's license and registration, keys, and a few bills and headed for the grocery store. She bought the fixings for pepper steak, summer squash, and that pasta dish Tony loved so much. Then, she stopped next door at the liquor store and got all the ingredients for a martini pop.

When Tangie got home, she put the groceries away, popped some CDs in the stereo, and poured herself a glass of wine. She sat up on her couch and imagined all that the evening with Tony could hold. Her mind raced with possibilities, starting with
if onlys
and ending in
buts
. Before she knew it, Tony was calling her to say he was just getting off work, and that he'd see her in half an hour.

Tangie went to her jewelry box, put on a pair of tricolor hoops, ran her fingers through her hair, and applied lip gloss. She took one final look at herself in the mirror before meeting Tony in Montebello Park.

She drove down Springfield Boulevard with the windows down, smiling to herself at the sounds of children's laughter, motorcycles, and other sounds of summer. Shortly after she parked and got out of her car, Tony pulled up behind her. He must have just gotten his ride washed because it was buffed to a high sheen, reminding Tangie of the hooptie she had ridden in last night. Tony was humming a cut from Stephanie Mills's latest CD, and as he leaned over to hug Tangie, she could detect his favorite aftershave. Just the hint of it on his collar made her weak in the knees, forcing her to practically collapse like a deck of cards. He steadied her in his arms, and for a split second it felt like old times.

They walked to the table area and sat across from one another. Her second favorite man, Mister Softee, had pulled up and a group of children and their mothers had gathered around the ice cream truck. Tangie watched them intensely, biding time and trying to decide where to begin.

Finally, she spoke. “Didn't take long to replace me, huh?”

He shook his head. “Don't do this, Tangela.” He kept looking around as if he was a security guard doing surveillance.

“No, I mean, it's been—what, a few months—and already you've moved on?”

“I could say the same for you,” he said.

“Jordan's just a friend.”

“So is Olivia.”

“How do I know that?” she asked. “Tell me anything. I'm black.” They both burst out laughing, easing the tension.

“Tell me about her,” she said.

“What's to tell?” he began. “We've been seeing each other for about a month, nothing serious. We're just taking things one day at a time.”

“So how'd you meet her?”

“We met at the supermarket.”

“Which one?” she asked.

“Why? Does it matter? She's a nice lady and—”

“You used to think I was nice too, once upon a time.”

“I still think you're nice,” he admitted, eyeing a black car suspiciously.

“Then why?”

“Tell me about Jordan.” He changed the subject.

“I met Jordan through Charisma. He's a CPA. He's very attentive and kind.”

“How long have you been seeing him?”

“We've only dated a few times. He's divorced.”

“Any kids?”

“No, from what Charisma says, he's really interested in me.”

“That's exactly what you need. So what's the problem?”

“You still don't get it.” She rolled her eyes.

Tony looked down at her hand. “I see you're still wearing the engagement ring.”

“Sometimes,” she admitted. “It's so beautiful. How can I just put it away in a box? Jewelry's to be worn and enjoyed.”

“But on your left ring finger?” he asked.

“It fits that finger best.”

“Whatever makes you happy, Tangela. But don't you know that the man of your dreams may see that ring on your finger and be afraid to step to you?”

“No, the man of my dreams wouldn't let a ring stop him from making his interest known. Would it have stopped you?”

“No, but every man's not like me.”

“Well, thank God for that,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“I'm sorry, Tangela,” he said, looking deeply into her eyes.

“And what exactly are you sorry for?”

“For hurting you so deeply. For not being able to deliver. For reneging on our future together. For having to let you go. Not a day goes by that I don't feel your pain.” Tony reached across the table for her hand and squeezed it gently. Right there in the park, amid the sounds of Mister Softee and laughing children, Tangie wept.

 

Tangie needed some time off from work, but she was determined not to make the same mistake twice. The first thing she did was call her boss to request time off. Her boss made a deal with her. If she came in that day and tomorrow, she could have the rest of the week off. Deal. Tangie miraculously made it through Monday and Tuesday and had the rest of the week free.

She was back to square one concerning Tony. He had seeped back into her system like water spilled on a silk blouse. She found herself daydreaming about him, night dreaming about him, and everything in between. Tangie had smuggled one of his pillowcases off his bed and right out of his house one night. Whenever she needed a hit, she'd take it out of her bottom drawer, bring it up to her nose, and inhale deeply like an addict in need of a fix. She was smiling in no time at all. Like most addicts, she now had a heightened sense of confidence. She picked up the phone and dialed his number. There was no answer, but it was early yet. She hung up the phone, went into the kitchen, and poured herself a glass of wine. It may have been early in the day, but it wasn't that early.

By 3:00
P.M.
she decided that she had waited long enough and called him on his cell phone. He picked up on the fifth ring.

“Hey,” she said simply.

“How are you feeling?” he asked gently.

“Lonely.”

“With all the friends you have?”

“I'm not that kind of lonely.”

“I see. So what do you plan on doing about it?”

“You tell me,” she said.

“Why don't I come by tonight?”

“I'll make dinner.”

He thought for what seemed like a mini-eternity. “I'd like that. I miss your meals,” he admitted.

“I miss your other things.” She laughed.

“Tangela, what am I going to do with you?”

“We'll think of something.” Tangie hung up the phone. She could hardly wait. Smiling, she jumped up and headed for the stereo, filling her home with its songs, a mix of old and new school. Next, she took some pepper steak out of the freezer to thaw on her kitchen counter. Tangie changed the linen on her bed, humming as she plumped up the pillows in midair, and put the dirty sheets and pillowcases in the hamper.

The pepper steak was still frozen solid so she nuked it in the microwave. Once it was defrosted, she washed, seasoned, and put the meat on to cook along with peppers and onions. It wasn't long before the spicy, pungent aroma filled the air. Tangie took a relaxing bath and resumed kitchen duties. She made the shrimp and pasta dish Tony loved and steamed some broccoli. She quickly set the table, deciding against candlelight. He would be there any minute.

The familiar chime of Tangie's doorbell brought a smile to her lips. She counted to ten before walking through the living room and opening the front door. She could tell by the way his head shone that he had just come from the barber's.

She clinched her fists behind her back to avoid caressing his dome as she ushered him inside. Tony took a seat on the sofa.

“Can I get you a drink? A martini pop, maybe?” Tangie asked him.

“Wow, I haven't had one of those in a while. Sounds good.”

“Coming right up.” She went into the kitchen and returned with two glasses and a martini-filled shaker on a tray. She placed the tray on the coffee table opposite the sofa and sat down next to him.

Tony poured Tangie a drink and then one for himself.

“What shall we drink to?” she asked.

“To old friends.”

“To old friends,” she agreed. Tangie sipped the drink slowly, enjoying the moment.

“This is nice,” Tony said simply.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, the music, the drinks, the delicious meal I can't help but smell from the kitchen, not to mention you.”

“Did you bring your appetite?”

He nodded.

“Good, let's eat.” They left their drinks in the living room and headed for the kitchen.

“Can I help with anything?” he asked.

“No, everything's under control.” Tangie had set a beautiful table with white and gold china and gold lace placemats. A bouquet of assorted colored roses graced the table's center.

“You are going to make some lucky man one helluva wife.”

Tangie said nothing as he sat down opposite her.

“You've been busy,” he said.

“Uh-huh.”

Tony and Tangie bowed their heads as he said grace. She opened her eyes and looked up a second before he finished. He was still a beautiful man, and the fact that he was a God-fearing one only made him more attractive.

Tangie waited as Tony dug in and fixed his plate before she fixed her own.

“This steak is so tender,” he said between bites.

She wasn't that hungry after having cooked all afternoon, but it pleased her to see him enjoy his meal. In fact, he had seconds of everything before he was finished.

“You haven't lost your touch, Tangela.” He wiped his mouth with the napkin.

“That's good to know.” She laughed.

“No, I mean it.”

“Thank you.” She stood and began clearing the table.

“Let me help you with the dishes.”

“That's okay.”

“No, I mean it,” he said. “You relax, and I'll clean up the kitchen. Go enjoy Luther.”

“All right.” She left him alone.

As Tony took care of the dishes, Tangie headed for the bedroom to slip into something more comfortable. She opened the top drawer and chose a short, purple satin nightie. She quickly removed her clothes and slid into the garment. Tangie turned back the bedspread and slipped between the sheets, loving the coolness on her skin.

She lay there for a moment, straining her ears to hear if Tony was still washing dishes. He was. She hopped out of bed and lit several jasmine candles before turning off the lights and returning to bed. If she played her cards right, he'd be making breakfast for her tomorrow morning.

Tony walked in and sat down on the bed. “Tired?” he asked.

“A little.”

He leaned over and began rubbing her neck and shoulders, where she carried most of her stress. She rolled over on her stomach, and he massaged her body from head to toe, concentrating on her nape and back.

Then, he pulled his T-shirt over his head, unbuckled his pants, and removed his socks. Wearing only his boxers, he climbed up on the bed and nestled his body next to Tangie's.

“Baby?” she said softly.

“Sshh,” he whispered in her ear, holding her even closer.

She smiled, imagining the night's pleasures. Unfortunately, she couldn't weaken Tony's resolve.

When Charisma got back from lunch Wednesday afternoon, she found that Nate had left two messages on her voice mail. She immediately returned his calls.

“Hey, Mr. Arquette,” she said, smiling.

“Hey, baby. All packed for Paradise Island?”

“You know it. Do you want me to meet you at JFK tomorrow morning?”

He laughed. “Hell to the no. I'm not letting you stand me up twice.”

“I wouldn't do that to you twice. Once maybe, but not twice.”

“Oh, you got jokes. I will stay at your place tonight, and we'll leave together in the morning.”

“See you tonight. Don't forget I'm hanging out with Tangie and Heather after work so I'll be home late.”

“Enjoy yourself,” he said before hanging up.

Tangie, Heather, and Charisma met for dinner at Applebee's. Surprisingly, Heather was the first to arrive, followed by Tangie and then Charisma.

“Girl, you are looking tight,” Charisma told Heather.

“How much weight have you dropped?”

“Can you believe ten pounds and counting? But you're the one glowing like a June bride. Look at her, Tangie,” Heather said. “Something's up.”

Tangie gave Charisma a long look over before speaking. “I think she's getting some good juice.”

“Well, there is a little something I forgot to tell you guys,” Charisma admitted. “I'm leaving for Paradise Island in the morning.”

“With whom?” Heather asked.

“A friend of mine,” Charisma said. “You may have heard me mention him once or twice.”

“His name, Charisma. What's his name?” Tangie asked.

“Nate Arquette.”

“Get outta here!” Tangie exclaimed.

“When did all this happen?” Heather asked.

“After my dad's funeral things just started falling into place. It's the strangest thing. I can't explain it,” Charisma told them.

“Well, honey, don't even try. Just accept it and enjoy it,” Tangie said.

“Exactly. Please don't sabotage your happiness this time, Charisma,” Heather begged her.

“Hey, we almost forgot,” Tangie said, raising her glass.

“Behind every successful woman is herself.”

“I know that's right,” Charisma agreed.

 

Twelve hours later Nate and Charisma's plane landed at Nassau International Airport. They gathered their luggage and were greeted by a tropical breeze as they boarded a shuttle bus for the hotel. From the moment they left New York, they were like a couple of honeymooners—snuggling, cuddling, holding hands.

They arrived at the hotel and settled into their suite. Unpacking was the first thing on the agenda. Charisma grabbed her Lysol wipes and disinfected every surface imaginable. She was truly her mother's daughter. Then, they each showered and donned the lush complimentary white bathrobes.

Charisma and Nate decided to order in and dine on the terrace underneath the stars. It was a beautiful night. They shared a champagne toast and savored a delicious lobster salad.

After dinner they returned to the bedroom, setting the mood with candles and baby-making music. Charisma headed into the bathroom where she changed into a sheer black teddy. When she reentered the room, Nate took her into his arms and they danced.

Charisma was in heaven, praying that the moment would never end. It amazed her how a short time ago she was grieving her father's passing, and today she was frolicking with the man of her dreams. Maybe Tangie was right. Maybe her father was on the other side working things out for her. She smiled to herself at the thought.

“What's so funny?” he whispered in her ear.

“Just enjoying the moment.” She held him closer, loving his scent. That night they enjoyed many moments.

 

After sleeping like babies, Nate and Charisma woke up the next morning, showered, and had a nice, big breakfast in one of the restaurants. They were both famished. After breakfast they changed into swimming suits and found two empty lounge chairs by the huge, kidney-shaped pool. They lounged for hours, dozing for a while and then taking dips in the water to cool off. They swam to the swim-up bar and ordered drinks. There were vacationers from New York, Florida, Maryland, and Rhode Island. One New Yorker said that he had just lost at the casino, but he admitted that a bad day on vacation beat a good day at work. They all laughed in agreement. Charisma and Nate remained poolside through the early evening hours. Then they napped on the room's king-sized bed for a couple of hours, enjoying the freedom that comes with not being on the clock.

That night they dressed for dinner and dined at an Italian hot spot before hitting the casino. She marveled at how the greedy slot machine ravished her coins on the DL and yet spit out every puny reward with bells and whistles for all to hear. It was a strategy designed to bring 'em all in with false hope. And it worked. Nate was pretty lucky that night, winning several hundred dollars at the blackjack table.

They left the casino around four in the morning, stopped to eat a light breakfast, and crashed. That afternoon they hit the beach. Nate swam in the ocean while Charisma listened to tunes on her iPod and read Tyne Travis' latest
New York Times
bestseller. Later, they had a couple's massage, complete with manicures and pedicures. Relaxed, they left the spa feeling like new money and took a nice, long nap.

After dinner Charisma and Nate took a midnight walk along the beach. She paused for a moment while Nate spread a blanket on the sand. They were alone with the ocean. He sat down first and beckoned for her to sit in his lap. She wore only a white tank top and a full tropical print skirt with nothing underneath. Obligingly, she sat in his lap and he covered them both with the second blanket.

With one swift motion, he slid his hand underneath her skirt. Smiling, he unzipped his fly. She repositioned herself in his lap until they were both satisfied. Kissing, they rocked gently to the sounds of the ocean. Yet at the same time they were oblivious to them. A chill went through Charisma as she suddenly realized what was happening. It was her dream.

Nate held her close and buried himself in her neck, loving the scent of her skin. He slid his arms underneath her top, massaging first her strong back and then her breasts, one at a time. He bent down and slid one breast into his mouth, loving its fullness and taste. Before long, she was panting and they were both rocking underneath the blanket. He stiffened as he came while her cries of pleasure rolled out to sea with the waves.

On their last night they hung out at a club, ordering drinks freely. By karaoke time, Charisma and Nate had a serious buzz. They watched the courageous sing their hearts out amid the cheering crowd. Maybe it was the drinks or maybe it was the thrill of their first vacation together, but Charisma decided to get up there and have some fun.

“I'm going up there next,” she told Nate. “Yep.” She drained her glass.

“Do your thang, baby.”

Before Charisma lost her nerve she jumped up and headed for the stage. She chose Aretha Franklin's “Natural Woman.” She practically knew the song by heart, relying on the prompter only occasionally. With the spotlight on her she could not see out into the audience. She was engulfed in darkness. She drew on the crowd's energy, having a ball.

Just as she was about to wrap up the song, a shadow crossed her field of vision. It was Nate, singing how she made him feel like a natural man. Melting into each other's arms, they kissed and began to laugh.

Then Nate did the unthinkable. He dropped down on one knee, took Charisma's hand in his, looked her straight in the eye, and proposed. Feeling like she dreaming, Charisma could not have imagined a more perfect proposal.

The audience went absolutely wild.

“Yes. Yes,” she whispered in his ear as he rose to his feet. Nate scooped her up in his arms and carried his fiancée back to their suite.

 

Once home, Charisma had the unpleasant task of breaking the news to Dex. Nate offered to be by her side when she told him, but she wouldn't hear of it. She was a big girl. As much as she appreciated the offer, it was something she needed to do alone.

They agreed to meet for drinks after work at Peaches. In spite of her car's air-conditioning, Charisma had a rough time gripping the steering wheel. Sweat was practically hemorrhaging from her palms. Was it guilt? As she stopped at the red light on Francis Lewis Boulevard, she reached inside her purse for a tissue to wipe her hands. A few minutes later she was sitting in the parking lot, and he pulled up right next to her.

They went inside and took a booth away from the bigscreen TV. The sports bar was practically empty. Dex ordered a beer and she had a Sprite. They sat silently for a moment. Finally, she began, choosing her words carefully.

“I guess you're wondering what I wanted to talk to you about,” she said.

“I have a feeling I already know.” He took a sip of his beer and looked up at the TV, ignoring her gaze.

“I don't know an easy way to say this, so I'll just say it. I'm engaged.” She rubbed the back of her neck.

“So that's why you dumped me. You were boning your boss all along.”

“It wasn't like that, Dex.” She lowered her voice.

“Then how was it, Charisma?”

“It just happened.”

“It just happened,” he repeated.

“Exactly.” She took a sip of her Sprite.

“I've been trying to marry you for years, and he comes along and swoops you right up. Son of a bitch. I hope he makes you happy, Charisma. Lord knows
I
couldn't.”

“I don't know what to say. It just happened.”

“You said that already.”

“Look, I'm really sorry. I hope there are no hard feelings,” she added.

“No, Charisma,” he sighed. “There are no hard feelings. And to prove it, I want to congratulate you.” He stood and smiled. “Give me a hug.”

“Good-bye, Dex.” She stood and gave him a hug in return. He kissed her on the cheek. It never failed. The one who's moving on always lets go first.

 

No one was more excited about Nate and Charisma's engagement than Tangie and Heather— except, of course, for Jena. For the couple's engagement party, Jena reserved a room at the Shore's Inn. Nate's parents and sisters came from Los Angeles, and his son Sean came from San Diego.

Charisma was pleasantly surprised that Sean seemed to take an instant liking to her. Nate's parents and sisters made her feel like part of the family from the start. Tangie came with Jordan while Heather came alone. Charisma's coworker Lauren insisted that she knew something was brewing between them almost from the beginning. She said as much to Charisma and Nate.

“You didn't know,” Charisma said, laughing.

“Are you kidding me?” Lauren asked. “I saw all those glances you two exchanged during those staff meetings, and in passing when you thought no one was watching.”

“Can't put anything past you, huh, Lauren?” Nate grinned.

“But you know who's gone ballistic?” Lauren asked without waiting for an answer. “Chase.”

“That's a shame,” Charisma feigned concern.

“Baby, excuse me for a minute. I want to talk to my dad about something,” Nate said. “Good seeing you, Lauren.”

“Likewise, Nate.” Lauren smiled. She returned her attention to Charisma. “Yeah, girl, the Martini is flipping out. You'll see when you get back to work next week.”

“What's she saying?” Charisma asked.

“It's not what she's saying. It's what she's doing—slamming drawers and doors. Just your typical spoiled brat.”

“Money can't buy everything.”

“Nope.” Lauren laughed. “And it certainly can't buy love.”

Charisma smiled to herself. Happiness truly was the best revenge. Maybe Chase wasn't part of the privileged sect, and maybe Charisma had won after all.

 

Charisma stopped by Cinderella's after work one day to buy some skin-care products. She lucked up. The last customer had just left, and she had Cinderella all to herself. Cinderella just looked at her and smiled.

“Is there something you want to tell me?” she asked Charisma.

“Cinderella, I'm engaged.”

“That's wonderful. Mommy called and invited me to the engagement party. I wanted to surprise you, but I couldn't make it. I don't care what comes up. I will be at your wedding. That's a promise. Do you remember what I told you the day you came in before your date with your boss?”

Charisma nodded. “Cinderella, you were right.”

“When I looked at you that night, I knew. Something told me that your boss was the
one
. We may think we have all the answers, but God knows what's best for us. And don't forget your father's on the other side now.”

“I miss him so much.” She began to tear up. “When he passed, I felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest.”

“God gives us pairs for balance, my queen—two eyes, ears, arms, legs, even parents. When we lose one, our equilibrium is thrown off and we need time to regroup, to compensate, to heal. But God has a way of softening our pain. It's almost as though someone has to pass before another can come forth. Don't be surprised if your firstborn is a son. And when you look into his eyes, you'll see your father all over again.”

Charisma smiled for a moment, and then burst into tears. “I can't have children. When they removed my fibroids, they took out a good part of my ovaries too. The doctors say my chances of conceiving are practically zero.”

“The doctor? What do they know? We know who's in charge. You have to put your trust in God. Not man. Just keep the faith, Charisma. Have you told Nate?”

“Not yet.”

“Does he have any children?”

“He has a sixteen-year-old son.”

“Does he want more?”