Authors: Wanda B. Campbell

Silver Lining (12 page)

BOOK: Silver Lining

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“You have nothing to worry about, Mother,” Marlissa answered quickly before Mother Scott went off on a tangent. “The good doctor won't step into the ring unless he's committed.” She grabbed Starla by the arm. “Come on, let's check on the boys.” They trotted off before Mother Scott could form her next sentence.

“Thanks, girl,” Starla said once they were out of earshot.

“I missed you.” Kevin approached Marlissa from behind and wrapped his arms around her waist. Marlissa spun around before he could kiss her cheek. Her eyes were laced with fear.

“I'm sorry, didn't mean to scare you.” Reading the fear in her eyes, Kevin took two steps back.

“I didn't hear you come up.” Marlissa relaxed, but Kevin was still apprehensive. He waited for her to approach him before shaking the memories from the past that instantly flashed before his eyes.

“Where's Tyson?” she asked, looking over his shoulder.

“He's fishing with Leon and some other guys.” Lake Chabot was known for its trout and catfish, as well as its panoramic views of the Bay Area. Kevin slowly came back to the present. “Want to go for a walk with me?” Marlissa's answer was to interlock her arm with his, and they slowly began walking.

They didn't talk; it wasn't necessary. The trees rustling in the soft breeze and the birds chirping on the branches above their heads spoke for them. Nature expressed their sentiments. A quarter mile into the trail, Kevin held her hand, but not before kissing it. Marlissa, now more assertive than she ever imagined possible, took Kevin's hand and led him to a rock big enough for the two of them. Once he was seated, Marlissa proceeded to kiss him senseless.

“Where did that come from?” Kevin looked as though he was dazed.

“Here,” Marlissa answered, placing his hand over her heart. “I love you, Kevin.”

Kevin pressed her as close to him as humanly possible. He moved his mouth to say the words, but Marlissa jumped backward. Kevin's cell phone was vibrating.

“I'm sorry.” He checked the number. Without answering the call, Kevin replaced the phone on his clip and reached for Marlissa. “Where were we?”

Instead of receiving his affections, she asked, “Was that Reyna?”

Kevin had never lied to Marlissa and he wasn't going to start now. “Yes.”

Marlissa exhaled deeply, then chose her words carefully. “Kevin, earlier you accused me of being jealous of Reyna. Should I be?”

“No.”

“Really? Then why does she call you and visit you? Are you in a relationship with her?”

“No.”

“Were you?” she persisted. “She's not chasing you without cause.”

Kevin closed his eyes; it was his turn to exhale. Marlissa took that as his answer, and turned her back to him. “Did you sleep with her or anyone else?”

“No.” Kevin turned her to face him and took her hands in his, but Marlissa refused eye contact, opting to watch two squirrels chase each other around a nearby tree stump. “Honestly, I did entertain the idea of a relationship with Reyna, even marriage. But that was only because I was trying to fill the void you left in my life.”

The statement caught Marlissa off guard. “Are you trying to say it's
my
fault Reyna thinks she's going to be the next Mrs. Jennings?”

“What I am saying is I was hurting and missing you. Yes, I did lead her on, but I have since made it clear to her that I am not interested in her, period. Unfortunately, neither she nor my mother believes me. I hope you do.”

Marlissa repositioned herself between his legs and placed her arms around his neck. “I believe you.” She sealed her answer with a kiss so intoxicating that Kevin could have sworn he was drunk. “Do you believe I am a different person now?”

“Oh yeah.” He attempted another kiss, but his phone vibrated again, and he assumed it was Reyna. “What!” he answered without checking the caller ID.

“Y'all have been gone a long time.” It was Mother Scott. “Come on back here before y'all start a wrestling match.”

Kevin stared into the phone. “Huh?”

“You heard what I said. Get back here now.” The line went dead.

“I don't know who is worse, Mother Scott or my mother,” Kevin declared after relaying Mother Scott's message to Marlissa.

“Trust me, your mother is on a whole different level,” Marlissa replied without bothering to explain the message to Kevin. He didn't understand until they returned to the picnic area and Mother Scott walked up to him and inspected the lower part of his pants. Tyson and Leon came just in time to hear Kevin ask, “Mother, what are you checking for?” He was truly puzzled by her peculiar behavior.

“Grass stains,” Mother answered, then went on to inspect Marlissa's hair.

Kevin couldn't help but laugh along with everyone else, but now he also had a new revelation. Mother Scott may have been in the early stages of glaucoma, but her spiritual vision was 20/20.

“Can I see you tonight?” Kevin asked Marlissa while they walked back to his SUV. “We need to talk.”

“Okay.” Marlissa was excited. Kevin had spent the day with her and still wanted more. “Do you want to come by the apartment or meet at Starbucks?”

Kevin electronically unlocked the door for Tyson. Before climbing inside, Tyson hugged Marlissa. “I enjoyed myself today; thanks for inviting me. You're right. I do need to lighten up, but just a little.” Just that quick, Tyson was serious again. “Take care of my boy.”

Marlissa returned her attention to Kevin. “Where do you want to meet?”

“At the house. We can watch the fireworks from the A's game out on the deck.”

Marlissa swallowed hard. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. You still know where it is, don't you?”

“Of course,” she whispered. Marlissa didn't know what to make of Kevin inviting her into the home they once shared. Her apprehension nearly made him want to withdraw the invitation.

“I'll see you in an hour.” Kevin lightly kissed her cheek, then joined Tyson inside the SUV.

Chapter 16

“T
he boys are sound asleep,” Leon announced upon returning to the living area of Starla's townhouse. Knowing that the boys would be asleep before reaching the freeway, Leon came home with Starla to assist her with carrying the boys into the house. He offered to bathe them and tuck them in while she rested. Starla readily accepted and remained on the couch in deep thought. It was time to stop straddling the fence and make a decision.

“I'm leaving now.” Leon kissed her cheek, then started for the door.

Starla reached for him and urged him to sit down next to her.

Leon assumed something was on her mind; she'd been acting strange ever since leaving the park. The second he sat down, Starla cuddled next to him. Whatever was on her mind was major, of that Leon was certain. Leon kissed her forehead and waited for his wife to speak.

“I liked the way we were today,” she began. “You, me, the boys; we were a family again. I miss that.”

“Me too.” Leon brushed her braids off her face.

“I've enjoyed attending church as a family these past weeks. Actually, I think I like your church better than mine. I just love watching you dance in the Spirit.”

“I like watching you dance, too.” Leon smiled.

“I've been thinking about what's most important to me and I have made some decisions about my life. There are some loose ends I need to tie up in order to move forward with our marriage.”

Leon closed his eyes and held his breath, then waited for her next statement.

“It's time you gave Marlissa your thirty-day notice to vacate. It's time for you to come home.”

Leon exhaled and gripped Starla tightly. “Are you sure?”

Starla raised her head to his. “Yes. I love you and I want our family back. The boys need their father and I need my husband. I need my friend.”

“Why thirty days? I can move in tomorrow.”

Starla laughed, then kissed him. “I figured you would say that, but I have some things I need to take care of, and so do you. When you do return home, I don't want any obstacles in our way.”

“I can take care of everything I need to right here with you and the boys,” Leon insisted.

“You have your licensing exam next week and you need a quiet place to study. You won't get that here with two boys running around and with me jumping your bones. I don't want anything to interfere with you reviving Star Construction. You're well on your way with that new truck you purchased.”

What she said made sense, but Leon needed more assurance. He'd waited and prayed too long for this moment. “And what are you going to be doing in the meantime?”

Starla paused before answering, as if she were trying to conjure up the nerve. “I am going to visit my father's widow. I am hoping to find some answers to why my father deserted me. I may even try to get some answers from my mother again.”

Leon held her and kissed her face. “Star, I am so proud of you for having the courage to move past your pain. I love you more for giving me another chance.” Starla rested once again against his chest. “Do you want me to go with you?” he offered.

“Thank you, but I have to do this on my own, and if I don't do it now, I will never move on.”

“Star, I will always be here for you. You know you'reâ”

Starla helped him finish the sentence. “The star that lights my path.”

“I don't know why I still fall for that corny line.” Starla laughed.

“Because you know it's the truth.” Leon kissed her again.

“Honey.” Starla was serious again. “I need you tonight. Can you stay here with me? All of this has left me vulnerable and I am scared.”

Leon stood, and then lifted her from the couch. After carrying her upstairs to the bedroom, Leon ran Starla a hot bubble bath. Afterward, he gave her a massage, then held her until she fell asleep.

Marlissa slowly climbed the stairs leading to the front door of the 6,000 square-foot home on Moraga Avenue. If she were still a resident of the flat, Marlissa would have used the garage door opener and parked inside the three-car garage, then entered through the gourmet kitchen. She would then grab a piece of fruit from the wire basket stationed on the mauve granite countertop. From there she would travel through a maze of polished hardwood floors, past a brass chandelier centered perfectly above a mahogany table that seated eight, earth-toned walls lined with original art crowned by vaulted ceilings, and a home office, which doubled as a library. Finally, passing through the double oak doors, she would end her journey on the king-sized cherry wood four poster bed centered perfectly in the master bedroom suite. Before indulging in the comfort of the down comforter, she would stop in her walk-in closet and return her shoes to the appropriate shelf. If she was in the mood, a hot spa treatment was at her disposal in the sunken Jacuzzi tub. Or, if in a hurry, the oversized shower worked just fine.

That was then. Today, she was a guest, and like any guest would do, Marlissa pressed the doorbell and waited to be invited in.

“Hold on, I'll let you in the garage,” were the first words out of Kevin's mouth when he saw her standing on his porch.

“Okay.” Marlissa walked back to her car, suddenly nervous about being back at the place she once called home. Once she parked securely inside the garage, Kevin opened her door and assisted her.

Marlissa gestured toward the black Mercedes S500. “When did you buy another car?”

“About a year ago,” he answered nonchalantly. “I only drive it on special occasions.”

“It's nice.” Marlissa half smiled.

Kevin sensed her uneasiness and invited her inside.

Much to her delight, not much inside had changed. There were the obvious signs of the lack of a woman's presence, like mail and magazines strewn around the kitchen countertop. In place of fruit, the wire bowl was loaded with packaged cookies and peanuts. However, the rest of the house was immaculate, at least the part she could see. But then Kevin was always neat.

Kevin observed her mannerisms carefully. Marlissa was nervous about being in their home. She kept her arms folded and avoided eye contact. His defenses immediately shot up.

“Are you afraid of being here with me?” Kevin's tone was firmer than he meant for it to be.

Marlissa discounted his hostility. “No, it's just that it's been so long since the last time I was here . . . I, well, I didn't think . . . I really love . . .” Marlissa couldn't form a complete thought or sentence. She gave up trying and surrendered to her emotions.

Pleased that he wasn't the cause of her anxiety, Kevin set aside his self-preservation shield and embraced her.

“What I was trying to convey was that I miss our home,” Marlissa voiced once she settled down.

“Look around, nothing has changed. A part of you is in every room of this house. If the walls could talk, they'd say âWelcome home.'” He smiled.

“What about the owner? What would he say?”

Her voice was so soft, Kevin barely heard her. He wished he hadn't. Marlissa was moving too fast for him. Kevin couldn't answer that before they had a chance to talk. “He'd say, âhave a seat on the deck, the fireworks will start soon.'” He stepped away from her. “I'll bring out some cider.”

Marlissa forced a smile and obeyed. Midway through the living room her joy returned. Their wedding picture was still in its place, right above the fireplace. “He still cares,” she mumbled.

Marlissa was audibly counting the lights outlining the Bay Bridge when Kevin joined her on the wooden bench, carrying a bottle of peach cider, one glass, and a blanket. A major selling point for them both had been the view from the backyard. The hill location offered unobstructed views of every major bridge in the Bay Area, Oakland and San Francisco skylines, plus the great Pacific Ocean. The couple had planned to make many memories out there underneath the star-studded sky, but never did.

“This has been a long time coming,” he said when he stood beside her.

Marlissa relieved him of the glass and cider, then waited for him to sit next to her. “You know what they say, better late than never.” He didn't respond. “I guess you're drinking from the bottle,” she said after he wrapped the blanket around them.

“No, I'm drinking from here.” This time it was Marlissa who was rendered helpless by his kiss. “I owed you that one from the rock earlier.”

“I like the way you pay up.” Marlissa used her hand to fan herself.

Kevin leaned away from her. Now he was the one moving too fast. He handed her the glass then poured the cider. Marlissa had just offered him a sip when the kaleidoscope of color and what sounded like thunder began. She rested her head against his shoulder, and Kevin pulled the blanket tighter, bringing Marlissa even closer.

The intimate venue almost proved to be too much for Kevin's defenses. Not even halfway through the pyrotechnic show, he was totally consumed by her. The fragrance of her hair, the warmth of her body so close to his, and the kiss they shared earlier: it was perfect. Too perfect; he almost forgot the reason he wanted to talk to her in the first place. Reality came crashing down when Marlissa began massaging his partial limb.

“It's been a long day and your muscles must be tired.” Kevin knew her intentions were good, but right now he couldn't receive her affections. He gently removed her hand and held it for the duration of the show.

Long after the finale of the fireworks, they sat there drinking in the serenity along with the sounds of night, neither knowing what to say. Marlissa made the first move.

“That was nice.” She stood and stretched. “Thanks for inviting me home.”

Kevin wasn't ready for her to leave, and he wasn't ready to have the talk, either. He quickly searched his mind for any excuse to keep her around. “Want to watch a little of
A Walk to Remember?
”

Marlissa looked at her watch. It was after ten o'clock and well past Kevin's bedtime, considering he had to perform surgery in the morning. “Sure, you know that's my favorite.”

“Come on, we still have to talk.”

Once again they cuddled underneath the blanket, this time in the sunken den, but they didn't talk. Within minutes, they fell asleep.

Marlissa awakened to find herself alone on the couch. Once her vision focused, she scanned the den for Kevin and called out his name. Next, she checked the kitchen and living room: nothing. Looking down at her watch, she realized it was after midnight.
Kevin must have gone to bed.
Marlissa grabbed her purse then headed to the door to let herself out, but couldn't remember the code to deactivate and reset the alarm. “Shoot,” she pouted. “Now I have to wake him up.”

Marlissa started down the hall and around the corner. She slowly stepped inside her old bedroom just as Kevin hopped from the bathroom, wearing nothing but the steam from the shower and his crutch.

“Oops.” Marlissa made sure she got an eyeful before covering her eyes.
Lord, thank you for that vision!
“I'm sorry. I . . . I assumed you were sleeping.” She peeked through her parted fingers and was treated to the sight of him walking away.
Thank ya! I'm going to sleep good tonight.
“I don't know the code to the alarm. I wasn't trying to . . . you know.”

“It's the same,” Kevin said upon returning, wearing black pajama shorts.

“I didn't know that.” Marlissa never considered that he'd still kept the day he proposed as the code. She still had her eyes covered, and this time Kevin didn't disguise his agitation.

“Marlissa, I didn't plan for you to find me like this, but since you did, we can finally get everything out in the open like two adults.”

Marlissa removed her hands and attempted to hold his gaze, but his enormous and well-developed upper body kept getting in the way.
Lord, please let this blessing have my name on it.
“What's on your mind?”

“Marlissa, since you've been back, you've been all over me. You say the right things and you do the right things. You constantly convey how much you love me, and that's good, but you're forgetting one important thing.” Kevin's voice carried more stability than she thought he felt.

Marlissa was puzzled. “What?”

Kevin struggled to articulate the feelings he'd held in for way too long. “You're disgusted by my body.”

Marlissa giggled out loud. “Where did you get a stupid idea like that from?”

“From you,” he answered dryly.

Marlissa continued laughing. “If only you could read my mind right now. Whew!”

“I don't need to read your mind because the memories are still fresh.”

BOOK: Silver Lining

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