The Summer of Me (10 page)

D
ESTINY CHECKED HER BANK BALANCE ONLINE AT THE
kitchen table while she waited for her kids' nightly call. She couldn't help but feel some relief at the numbers. Her check from Marshalls had been deposited, of course. She'd gotten a totally unexpected deposit from Faith Community even though she hadn't yet worked a full week. That had to be Natalie's doing. She'd have to thank her friend for looking out for her. And her first deposits from the HR Solutions work had been made. Though those deposits caused a hefty increase in her balance, she felt a little guilty at the small amount of work she had done to earn them. She'd filled out ten surveys, each taking less than an hour, and gotten ten checks. Upon getting the checks, all she'd had to do was keep 10 percent of the money and forward the balance to the HR Solutions account number Phil had given her. The old adage,
If it's too good to be true, it probably is,
rang in her ears, but she pushed it away. She was giving up the negative and
focusing on the positive. This job was a gift from God and she'd continue to treat it that way.

The sound of her doorbell interrupted her thoughts. “Who could that be?” she asked herself as she got up and headed for her front door.

When she peeked through the side curtains, she saw her mother standing outside. With a sigh, she opened the door. “Hi, Mom,” she said. “What brings you by?”

Patricia Madison walked fully into the house. “It's good to see you, too, sweetheart.”

“I'm glad to see you, Mom,” Destiny said, following her mother back to the kitchen. “I'm just surprised at seeing you so late.”

“It's not that late,” her mother said. “I had choir practice tonight. Don't you remember?”

Destiny did remember, but that still didn't explain her mother's presence.

“I hope I didn't interrupt anything,” her mother said, looking at the papers spread out on the table. “What were you doing?”

Destiny quickly walked around her mother, gathered up the papers, and moved them away from the older woman's prying eyes. “I was catching up on bills.”

Her mother pulled out a chair and sat at the table. “Where are your manners, Destiny? You haven't even offered me anything to drink.”

Destiny rolled her eyes as she headed toward the kitchen. “What do you want? I have diet soda and tea.”

“Tea, please,” her mother called out.

Destiny brought her mother the tea and then sat at the table across from her. “You still haven't told me what brings you by.”

Her mother took a long swallow of tea. “That's good,” she said. “Exactly what I needed.”

“Mom!”

Her mother looked at her. “What's your problem, Destiny? Do I really need a reason to visit my only daughter? Maybe I should have called first. Are you trying to rush me off? Do you have a date or something?”

Destiny rolled her eyes. “I'm not trying to rush you off and I don't have a date.”

“Well, how am I supposed to know? I haven't seen you or talked to you since the kids left town. A lot can happen in a month.”

Destiny began shaking her head at her mother's exaggeration. “The kids have been gone only a few weeks.”

“Three weeks to be exact,” her mother said, “though it seems like much longer to me.”

“I know,” Destiny said. “Kenae and KJ can be a handful when they're around, but this place is too quiet without them. Too quiet, too big, and too empty. I've been trying to keep myself busy so I don't miss them so much. It's not working.”

“I know what you mean,” her mother said. “I miss those little rascals, too. And you becoming a stranger has not helped.”

“I'm sorry, Mom,” she said. “I'll do better. I promise.”

“I hope so,” her mother said, running her finger down the
side of her glass. “I hate hearing news about my daughter secondhand.”

Now they were getting to the real reason for her mother's visit. “What are you talking about? What news have you heard?”

Her mother shrugged. “Oh, this and that.”

Destiny fought hard to keep from rolling her eyes again. She didn't want to play games with her mother. She'd tell her what she wanted to hear and let her gloat. “You must have heard that I'm back in school.”

Her mother looked up at her, eyes full of surprise. “School? You're back in school? That's great, Destiny. You should have told me.” She reached out and covered Destiny's hand with her own. “I'm so proud of you.”

Destiny took little joy in her mother's praise for she knew all too well how fleeting it was. “There's nothing to be proud of yet,” she said. “Classes don't start until Monday.”

Her mother pulled her hand back. “That doesn't matter. The important thing is that you took the initiative and enrolled. This is a great move for you. Things are really shaping up for you on all fronts.”

“All fronts?” Destiny asked, wondering who had been talking to her mother about her and what they had been saying. “What are you talking about?”

Her mother smiled. “Your going back to school is great news. A little bird told me that something else good was happening for you. I don't know why you're being so closemouthed about it.”

Destiny saw no use holding out on her mother. Experi
ence told her the older woman would win. “You must have heard about my job at Faith Community.”

Her mother's eyes widened and again Destiny saw surprise in them. “Job?”

Destiny nodded. “It's been a little over a week now. I'm planning and administering two new church programs.”

“This is a paying job?”

Destiny smiled. “Yes, Mom, it's a paying job. A paying part-time job.”

“Which is about all you can handle with school and your day job. I must say I'm impressed, Destiny. You're really making the most of your summer without the kids.”

“I'm just trying to keep busy.”

Her mother shook her head. “You're doing more than that,” she said. “You're taking charge of your life, making moves that will positively affect your future and the future of your kids. They're going to be as proud of you as I am. You just wait and see.”

“Well,” Destiny said, uncomfortable with her mother's praise, “I may not have to wait long. I'm going to treat myself to a long weekend trip to visit the kids in a few weeks. I'd love to stay longer, but my summer schedule won't allow it.”

“What a great idea! It's going to be hard going through the entire summer without seeing them. I just may join you on this trip. Would you mind?”

Destiny hadn't thought of her mom joining her but she couldn't tell the woman she couldn't come. “Of course, you're welcome to go with me, Mom. The kids will love to see you.”

“And I can help with expenses.”

“You don't have to do that,” Destiny said. “I had planned to cover the trip myself. I have it all budgeted. Your going won't add that much. I can cover you.”

Her mother began shaking her head. “I'm going to pay my own way, Destiny. If you have extra money, spend it on gifts for the kids or use it to stay in California longer. It's up to you.”

Destiny considered her mother's offer. She would be crazy to turn it down. “Thanks, Mom,” she said.

“Don't thank me,” the older woman said. “I should be thanking you. The summer was looking pretty bleak without the kids and with seeing you so little. Now I have something to look forward to.”

“Just don't mention it to the kids when you talk to them. I want the visit to be a surprise.”

Her mother nodded. “Have you told Kenneth and Mary Margaret that you plan to come? Have you agreed on a date?”

“No,” Destiny said. “I wanted to make sure my money was right first.”

“Well, let me know as soon as you decide on dates. My summer is wide open,” her mother said. “Another perk of being a teacher. It's a great field for someone with children. It's still not too late for you to think about joining the teaching ranks.”

Destiny didn't bother to respond to that statement since she'd made her feelings clear on the matter several times before. “School and my job at the church were surprises to you, so what did your little birdie tell you about me?”

Her mother smiled. “What you told me is better than the gossip I heard, so let's just forget it.”

Before Destiny could respond, her cell phone rang. Looking down at the phone, she said, “It's the kids.” Then she handed the phone to her mother. “You answer it. They'll be surprised to hear your voice.”

Smiling, her mother reached for the phone.

Destiny sat back and listened while her mom spoke first to KJ. She appreciated the easy way her mother had with her children. She wished the relationship she had with her mother was as positive as the one her children had.

W
E HAVE TO HAVE A REAL LADIES' NIGHT OUT ONE DAY
soon,” Natalie said as Destiny twisted her hair.

“Sounds like a plan to me,” Destiny said.

“I'm all for that,” Bertice said. “I'm just surprised you two sticks in the mud are up for it.”

Natalie rolled her eyes. “Just because we don't want to go clubbing every weekend does not make us sticks in the mud.”

“Well,” Bertice said, “I don't consider going to Red Lobster a real ladies' night out.”

Destiny chuckled. “I don't know, Bertice. Red Lobster sounds pretty good to me. An exciting night out for me is any night I don't have to cook.” She turned to Natalie. “Maybe we are sticks in the mud.”

As Destiny and Natalie laughed, Bertice began shaking her head. “You two are pitiful. When did you lose your interest in fun?”

“I haven't lost mine,” Natalie said.

“I lost mine soon after giving birth to the twins. Raising two kids slows you down some.”

Bertice threw her hands in the air. “I give up. You two are hopeless. But since I love you, I'll go for a group meal. But Red Lobster is out. We're going to that new place downtown, Five.”

Natalie chuckled. “Gavin took me there a couple of weeks ago. I guess I'm not such a stick in the mud after all.”

“Okay, smarty-pants,” Bertice said. “I'll have to find another place. If we're going to do a ladies' night out, we have to do something that's new for all of us. When are we having this evening of female bonding and adult fun, anyway?”

“With school and work, weekends are best for me,” Destiny said.

“Gavin has a speaking engagement in Cincinnati on Sunday so we'll be out of town this weekend,” Natalie said. “How about one day next weekend?”

“Sounds good to me,” Destiny said. She turned to Bertice.

“I'll clear my calendar,” Bertice said. “Unlike you two, I prioritize my girlfriend time.”

“Please,” Natalie said, “you just don't have a date that weekend.”

“You got me,” Bertice said. “My social life has slowed down a bit recently. Too bad I don't have a friend trying to set me up.”

“Oh no you don't,” Natalie said. “It's not like I haven't tried before.”

As her friends bantered, Destiny realized she had the per
fect opening to tell Bertice about Phil's feelings for her. She passed on it though because she preferred to speak with Bertice when they were alone, after Natalie had gone. She didn't want to give her friend any more matchmaking ideas and she didn't want to discuss the connection between her, Bertice, Daniel, and Phil. Keeping the secret about her work at HR Solutions from her friend was making her feel more uncomfortable each day. She really didn't like hiding things from Natalie. Shaking off her discomfort, she handed Natalie a mirror and said, “I'm done.”

Taking the mirror, Natalie said, “I don't have to look. I know you did a good job. You always do.” She looked anyway. “You hooked me up, girlfriend. Just like always.”

“I'm glad you like it,” Destiny said.

“Like it? I love it. You're so good at this, Destiny. It's a gift.”

“According to Mrs. Robinson, doing hair is my passion.”

“Who's Mrs. Robinson?” Natalie asked.

“The career counselor she talked to at the college,” Bertice offered.

“We need that ladies' night out more than I realized,” Natalie said. “We have a lot of catching up to do. So school is going well?”

Destiny nodded. “Let's just say the meeting with Mrs. Robinson got things off on the right foot.”

“She and Destiny are kindred spirits,” Bertice said.

“How's that?” Natalie asked.

Destiny glared at Bertice, who just shrugged her shoulders. “She owns a salon,” Destiny explained.

“I think Destiny wants to be her when she grows up,” Bertice said.

Destiny shot another glance at her friend. Bertice was right though. The thought of owning her own shop like Mrs. Robinson had crossed her mind. That was way down the line though.

“Good for you,” Natalie said. “You're really good at what you do, Destiny. There's nothing wrong with turning it into a real business. Who knows? You could be the next Madame C. J. Walker.”

Destiny chuckled. Her friends didn't know it but Madame C. J. Walker, the orphaned daughter of slaves who became the first black millionaire, was one of her idols. Marshalls had given away copies of
On Her Own Ground,
her biography done by her great-great-granddaughter, as part of a cosmetics promotion during Black History Month a few years ago. Destiny had read the book several times, developing a strong affinity for the woman who shared her belief in the importance of pride in appearance. Madame Walker had turned her passion into one of the largest black-owned manufacturing companies in the world. While Destiny admired her, it never occurred to her that she could be her.

“Now you're talking,” Bertice was saying. “Just don't forget your friends when you become rich and famous. We'll put you in charge of all ladies' nights out. For our first trip, you can fly us to France, first class of course, for real French food.”

Natalie gave Bertice that “Not now” look before turning to Destiny. “I'm serious, Destiny,” she said. “You should talk
to Daniel about opening a salon. He has a lot of experience with small business start-ups. Heck, you should even consider applying to the church's small business development program.” She winked. “I'm sure you'd get in since you have the inside track.”

“Slow down, Natalie,” Destiny said. “I'm not ready to open a salon.”

“Not today,” Natalie said. “But it's never too early to start learning and preparing. You know, I thought you and Daniel could be a love match but maybe God had a different idea. Maybe he and Mrs. Robinson were brought into your life to serve as mentors.”

“Now you're reaching,” Destiny said, though the idea of Mrs. Robinson as her mentor did appeal to her. She wanted more than mentorship from Daniel.

“Don't do that, Destiny,” Natalie said. “I'm not reaching. Look, you go back to school and your counselor tells you to follow your passion. Then you learn she shares that passion and owns a salon. Then you end up working part-time at the church with a man who not only built his own successful business but who is also starting a small business development program to help others start businesses. All of that is more than coincidence.”

“She may be right,” Bertice said. “A lot of things are lining up for you this summer.”

Destiny wondered if her friends were right. Were all the things happening to her this summer—the kids going away, Kenneth stopping the child-support payments, going back
to school, and the job at the church—God at work in her life? And where did HR Solutions fit? Was that also part of God's plan? “Well, first things first,” she said, pushing the questions aside. “Let me make it through these summer classes before I become a business mogul.”

Natalie chuckled. “Okay, I hear you,” she said. “But I'm going to nag you about it. I don't want you to miss out on your blessing.”

“I won't nag you,” Bertice added. “I'll just keep reminding you of how much I'd like to have a rich and famous friend. I really do want to go to France.”

“France will be first on my list,” Destiny deadpanned. She really didn't know how else to respond. She looked at her friends and realized again how blessed she was to have them in her life. She felt the flutter of excitement bubbling in her stomach at the thought of someday owning her own salon. Was it possible? Could she really do it? The smiling faces of her two friends told her that they believed she could.

Looking at her watch, Natalie got up. “I've got to run,” she said. “Gavin and I are going to a reception for one of his friends.” She leaned over and pressed a kiss against Destiny's cheek. “Thanks for doing my hair, Madame Destiny.”

“Okay, now you're going too far.”

Bertice laughed. “No, I like the sound of it. Madame Destiny.”

“Madame Destiny,” Natalie repeated, “entrepreneur extraordinaire.”

“Actually the name sounds more like a fortune-teller,”
Bertice said. “Miss Cleo. Madame Destiny. They both have a certain ring to them.”

Natalie brushed a kiss across Bertice's forehead. “You're too much, but I love you anyway.”

“Back at you,” Bertice said.

“Are you heading out, too?” Natalie asked Bertice as the three of them made their way upstairs from the basement. “I can give you a ride home.”

Bertice shook her head. “I'm going to hang out here a little while longer. Destiny, I mean Madame Destiny, will take me home later.”

“If you don't stop calling me madame, I'm not taking you anywhere.” She turned to Natalie. “Drive safely.”

Natalie nodded. “I will.”

After Destiny closed the door behind Natalie, Bertice asked, “You don't mind me hanging out with you tonight, do you?”

“You know I don't,” Destiny said, turning to follow her friend back downstairs. “I appreciate the company. I told you this place is too quiet without the kids.”

“I'm thirsty,” Bertice said, walking past the basement stairs and heading toward the kitchen.

Destiny followed her friend. When they reached the kitchen, she took a seat on one of the bar stools at the counter, while Bertice opened the fridge and grabbed herself a can of diet soda. “Well, just make yourself at home.”

“That's what I'm doing,” Bertice said, dropping down on the bar stool next to hers. “We really should go out clubbing
one night this summer while your kids are away. Don't you want to let your hair down and have some fun?”

Destiny grinned at her friend, seeing another opening to bring up Phil. “That may be a good idea.”

Bertice's eyes widened. “You're really going clubbing with me? Don't tease me.”

“A low-key club could work.”

“We're on,” Bertice said. “We're going to have a great time.”

“Somebody wants to come with us.”

“Who?” Bertice asked. “I know you don't mean Natalie. No way is she going clubbing with us or anyone else for that matter.”

Destiny shook her head. “Daniel.”

Bertice's eyes widened. “Daniel? He asked you out? Why didn't you tell Natalie? She'd be over the moon to know that her matchmaking efforts were paying off.”

“Hold on a minute. He did more than ask me out.”

“What? I don't understand.”

“He asked us out.”

Bertice scrunched up her nose. “He wants to go out with both of us? The guy is sounding kinda freaky. I knew there was a reason that pastors as dates made me uncomfortable. I can't believe you're going along with the idea.”

Destiny began shaking her head. She was making a mess of things. “Daniel doesn't want to go out with both of us. He wants to go out with me and Phil wants to go out with you. He wants us to double-date.”

“Phil? A double date? What are you talking about?”

“Daniel says that Phil has a crush on you.”

“Crush? We're not in high school, Destiny.”

“Well, let's just say Phil is very attracted to you and he wants to take you out.”

“He hasn't asked me.”

“Daniel says he's really shy.”

“He doesn't seem shy to me.”

Destiny agreed. “After all that flirting you two were doing, I didn't think he was shy either.”

Bertice waved her off. “Oh please, that meant nothing. Phil flirts like that with every woman he meets.”

“Well, maybe it's you who makes him feel shy.”

Bertice eyed her skeptically. “Are you sure this isn't just a slick way for Daniel to get you to go out with him?”

“Why would he go to such lengths?” Destiny asked, though the thought had briefly crossed her mind.

Bertice inclined her head toward the door. “Because of that woman who just left your house.”

Destiny shook her head. Subterfuge wasn't Daniel's style. “I don't think so. I really do think this is about Phil.”

Bertice smiled, showing off her pearly white teeth. Then she rubbed her palms together. “All right then. Why don't we make a little wager? If Daniel is interested in you, I'll treat you to dinner on our ladies' night out. If Phil is interested in me, then you can treat me. Deal?”

Destiny nodded. “How would we settle this wager?”

“Like grown-ups,” Bertice said with a smirk. “I'll call Phil and see if he wants to go out.”

“Just like that?”

“Just like that. I'm not much for double-dating, to be honest. If Phil wants to take me out, then he can take me out.”

“I guess that's easy enough, though Daniel was thinking of us going to lunch after attending church together.”

“I'll bet he was,” Bertice said. “No, I'll handle Phil on my own. And since he wants to impress me, he'll be open to answering any questions I have about you and Daniel.”

“There is no me and Daniel.” Yet, she added silently.

Bertice wagged her finger at Destiny. “But there could be. Let me see what I can find out from Phil.”