Soulmates Dissipate (12 page)

He could always tell what mood Jada was in by what she left at the door. The time she’d left fresh strawberries with chocolate, champagne, a red rose, and explicit instructions on how she wanted him to please her ranked above all.

“Hi, baby,” Wellington called out. “You ready?” Wellington sat on the plush couch in the living room.

Jada sashayed out of the bedroom wearing a black strapless crushed-velvet cat suit.” I’m ready,” she said. She pecked Wellington on the cheek.

The all-too-familiar fragrance lingered in the air.” So, is that all I get?” he asked as he ran his fingers through her hair.

“For now. Yes.” Jada walked toward the elevator.

“Melanie’s in the car. She didn’t have to help Mom after all, so she decided to ride with us.” Wellington watched Jada’s eyes cut to the corner as far as they could, and then they rolled front and center. He waited for her to say something. She didn’t.

“I know this situation has been uncomfortable for you. It’s uncomfortable for me too.” Welling
ton tilted Jada’s chin and looked into her eyes.” By this time next week, she’ll be packing her things to leave.” Jada didn’t say a word.

When they stepped off the elevator, Melanie was in the lobby talking with Edward.” Hi, Jada! It’s so good to see you.”

“Hi, Melanie. You look great!”Jada looked Melanie up and down. Then shifting her gaze toward Wellington, she tightened her eyelids and the corners of her mouth. She immediately turned back to Melanie and smiled.

Wellington’s thick eyebrows cringed together. Wrinkles developed along his forehead. He rubbed his temples and opened the door forjada and then Melanie.

“So, Jada. How was your trip?” Melanie asked.” Who was on the set?”

“Roger Turner and Terrell Morgan,” Jada responded. Wellington couldn’t see Jada’s eyes through her dark sunglasses. But if the corners of her mouth would spread any further, her face would probably crack.

“Oh! Roger
Turner.
Isn’t he the biggest flirt?” said Melanie.” I call him Chocolate Thunder. Because when lightning strikes—and he flashes that
Taye Diggs
smile—your pussy rumbles and the rain comes pouring down.” Melanie laughed and slapped her thigh. Jada laughed so hard her glasses fell in her lap.

Wellington cleared his throat.” Excuse me. Can we please change the subject, ladies?”

“So, Jada, are Terrell and Candice still an item?” Melanie chuckled.

“They most certainly are—”

“Oh, Jada, before I forget,” said Melanie.” This
is the best way to handle the guests. One, always smile and nod agreeably even if you’re not paying attention. Two, you can’t go wrong asking them questions about themselves. And three, if they ask you a question you don’t want to answer, tell them you’ll have to do tea. with them sometime soon, but right now you have spotted someone you
must
say hello to. Just follow my lead.”

Wellington drove behind the shuttle bus that transported the guests up the hill.

‘This is going to be great!” exclaimed Melanie.” There are well over a hundred people and folks are still coming.” Melanie darted out of the car before Wellington turned off the engine. She opened Jada’s door. “Jada, come with me!”

Wellington watched Melanie and Jada disappear into the crowd.

“Oh, Robert. I’m so happy you and Ruby could make it,” Wellington heard his mother say a? he walked up behind her. He placed his finger over his lip and motioned to Robert and Ruby.” Who are your guests?” asked Cynthia.

“Allow me to introduce you to Jazzmyne and her two children, Brandon and Shelly,” Ruby answered.

“Pleased to make your acquaintances,” said Cynthia.” Do enjoy your stay. If there’s anything you need, ask any of the gentlemen in tuxedos. Now do excuse me. I must greet the rest of my guests.”

Wellington grabbed his mother around the waist.

“Boy, I told you to stop that.”

Wellington kissed Cynthia on the cheek.” Hi, Mrs. Tanner. Mr. Hamilton. Jazzmyne, Brandon, and Shelly,” said Wellington.

“Where’s Melanie?” asked Cynthia.

“Oh, she’s introducingjada to the guests.”

“Very good,” commented Cynthia as she walked away.

“Well, a leopard doesn’t change its spots,” said Robert.” That woman will live the rest of her life in Cynthialand. But one of these days, you mark my words, her world is going to come tumbling down around her.”

Shelly interrupted, “So, Mr. Wellington, we finally meet. I want you to know that I’m
still
averaging a four-point-oh and I love my school. You’re the nicest man our family has ever known.”

Brandon stood next to Shelly and held his hand out for Wellington to give him five. Wellington slapped Brandon’s little hand. Then he held his open for Brandon.

“So you’re Mr. Wellington Jones,” said Jazzmyne.” Let me give you a great big hug. How can I ever repay you?”

Wellington’s forehead wrinkled when he looked into Jazzmyne’s eyes. There was a weird familiarity about them.” If Shelly keeps that 4.0 average and Brandon does the same, that’s all the return I need on my investment.” Wellington scanned the crowd, searching for Jada and Melanie.” I don’t mean to be rude but would you please excuse me? I need to find my fiancée.”

“Oh, Mr. Wellington,” said Shelly, “before you leave. I made a birthday present for you, but I forgot it at home. Mommy said she’d make sure you got it.”

“Thanks, Shelly.” Wellington swooped Shelly up in the air and spun her around three times. Maybe he would spot Jada.

Brandon jumped up and down.” Do me too, Mr. Wellington!” Wellington whirled Brandon around three times. Brandon sat on the lawn and smiled. Wellington patted his head. There were too many people outside, so he went inside.

“Hey, Dad. How’s everything going?” Wellington walked into the living room. His dad was reclining in his favorite beige leather chair. It was out of place amid the Victorian furniture. His dad never liked to mingle for extended periods of time so it was easy for Wellington to find him.

“Where’sJada?” asked Dad.

“Oh, Melanie is introducing her to the guests.” Wellington tossed his baseball cap on the coffee table.

“Melanie? Why not you or your mother?”

Wellington wondered why his dad refused to shave his head. It reminded him of a glass of water that was half empty or half full. The salt-and-pepper-colored hair receded so far back you could see the bald spot through the hole in the back of a baseball cap.” Mom’s too busy. Besides, Melanie volunteered.”

“Sit down for a moment, son. Let me have a talk with you.” Wellington sat on the edge of the couch closest to his father.

“Sure, Pops. Is everything okay?”

His dad released the reclining lever. “Your mother likes Melanie because she fits into her circle. Jada doesn’t.”

“Just be direct,” said Wellington.

Wellington’s dad glanced toward the door. He lowered his voice.” Son, I want you to be happy. Draw your own circle. And when
you
do, don’t let
anyone
erase it. Remember what I’m saying. Soon
there will come a time when you will have to decide what is best for
you.”

“Pops.” Wellington stood and placed his hand on his father’s shoulder.” I’ve always been my own man.”

Cynthia stepped into the room.” What are you two doing in here?” She stared at Chris and then looked at Wellington. “You’re supposed to be outside greeting guests. Let’s reunite.” Cynthia clapped her hands twice.” Shall we?” She smiled. At fifty-eight, Cynthia didn’t look a day over fifty. With the exception of her shiny gray hair and thin lips, Cynthia looked a lot like Lena Home.

‘Tour wish is our command,” said Chris as he stood and bowed. His reversed one-pack rolled over his belt and back. Wellington’s dad reminded him of James Avery.

Wellington laughed and headed toward the backyard. At a distance, he zoomed in on Jada and Melanie. It appeared they were getting along very well. The thought of Melanie seducing him flashed into his mind. As Wellington watched Jada and Melanie interact, he undressed them. His imagination ran wild. He pictured Melanie’s 38D’s pressed nipples-to-nipples against Jada’s 36D’s. Two nicely curved waistlines. Two firm, well-rounded butts cheek to cheek. He bent them over. Jada’s beautiful dark chocolate lips and Melanie’s tasty tan lips were in full view. Wellington swiftly shook his head several times.

“Wellington, I missed you,” said Jada as she planted a wet one square on his lips. He rubbed his hand over his face.

“Yeah, we missed you,” Melanie seconded.

“Hey, I missed you guys too. Thanks, Melanie,
for introducing Jada, but I’ll take my bride-to-be off your hands for the rest of the evening.”

“Thank you! “Jada kissed Wellington and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“It’s been my pleasure,” Melanie said. “Jada, don’t forget we have
plans
for Saturday.”

“I won’t.”

Wellington watched Melanie walk over to her mother.” What was that all about?”

“Nothing much. I agreed to take Melanie shopping in the city and out to a club before she heads back to D.C. That way I don’t have to worry about my fiancé not inviting me. You know what I mean,” Jada remarked.

“Count me out.” Wellington licked his lips and softly kissed Jada.” I love you, woman.
Mrs.
Wellington Jones.”

“I love you too, baby.”

J
ada was glad Melanie’s visit was approaching its end. In less than forty-eight hours Melanie Marie Thompson would be on the road again. Over the past week, Jada had grown to like Melanie, but what woman wanted another in her man’s house? The intercom buzzed. Jada sat the knife on the counter.

“Ms. Tanner. Ms. Jordan is here to see you,” Edward informed.

“Thanks, Edward. Send her up, please.”

When Candice arrived, Jada greeted her with opened arms.” Come in, girl!”

“I’m not staying long,” said Candice.” I just decided to stop by on my way home from aerobics.” Candice’s hair was pulled back into a short ponytail with a red tie that matched her warm-up suit. Candice looked good even after she had worked out.

“You must be working out to lose your mind, girl, because you couldn’t possibly look any better. I was just about to make a wheat grass shake with fresh green apples and ginger root.”

“Perfect timing. Make me one, too.” Candice sat and stared out the window. The daytime view of Oakland was nice. The sky was clear and no rain was in the forecast.

Jada pressed the mix button on the blender.” What happened to you last Saturday? I thought you were coming to the barbecue.”

“I decided to take a last-minute trip to Los Angeles. Terrell and I had a heart-to-heart talk.”

“So what happened?” Jada poured the wheat grass into two tall exotic glasses.

“We decided we’re ready to take our relationship to a higher level. I really like the fact that Wellington gave you a soulmate ring to signify your spiritual connection. Terrell and I exchanged rings this weekend. See!” Candice flipped her wrist and extended her fingers. The logo was embedded inside the diamond solitaire.

Jada held Candice’s hand.” It’s beautiful. I really like the marquis cut.”

“We know it’s not going to be easy,” said Candice.” But if the first six months go well, we agreed that I would move to Los Angeles and live on his farm.”

“A farm¡” Jada’s eyebrows drew closer together.

“Gotcha. I’m
kidding.
Terrell’s house is exotic. Can you believe he has a man-made waterfall flowing into his pool?”

“Well, the two of you are sure handling your relationship responsibly. Most people just fall in and
out of love, lust, or whatever. But they never take time to discuss their expectations.”

Candice chimed in, “Some don’t even discuss the fact they’re in a relationship. After date number one, two, or three, they assume that’s a commitment. Especially after they’ve had sex.”

Jada nodded her head.” That’s especially true for women. Why is it that people can go on forever about what they don’t like? Anyway, I’m so happy for you guys.”

“Thanks, but I’m still nervous.” Candice sipped her juice.

“Not you, Ms. Thang.” Candice could have practically any man she wanted. Her skin was smooth as butter and her ass was big as a butterball. Plus, she earned well over six figures a year.

“Well, don’t laugh but I’m still tripping on our age difference.”

“Candice, look at me. Spirits are ageless and faceless. Don’t nurture the seeds of society. He’s too old, too young, too skinny, too fat, too bald, too poor, too ugly, too this, too that, too … Nurture the seeds of your spirits. Now tell me. Did you put your get-back booty in that G-string bikini and strut your stuff on Venice beach, girl?” Jada laughed.

‘You’re going to have to lay off the juice. Oxygen overdose to the brain,” Candice laughed.” But you know I tried to get arrested on Santa Monica Beach. The officer was
so
fine. I would have handcuffed myself.” Candice finished her drink, rinsed the glass, and placed it in the dishwasher.” So what are you doing today?”

“Melanie and I are going shopping in San Francisco. Then we’re going out tonight.”

“Melanie? She’s
still
here?”

“Yeah, but I’m thrilled this is her last weekend. In fact, I’m so glad she’s leaving I might just buy her a going-away present.”

“Well, buy two—one from me,” said Candice, not cracking a smile.” It’s not that I dislike her. I just don’t trust her. She seems sneaky and conniving.”

“Well, she was pretty nice to me at the barbecue. She introduced me to Mrs. Jones’s society friends.” Jada remained neutral.” It’s the least I can do in return.”

“Jada. Mrs. Jones is setting the stage for Melanie to
move in
and for you to
move out.
Please don’t continue to ignore the signs. Why did Melanie surface after
twelve
years?” Candice asked, then waited for a response. When Jada didn’t reply, she continued, “Why isn’t she staying with Mrs. Jones? Why didn’t they visit in D.C.?”

“Candice, you know I respect your opinion, but I don’t think you’re right about this. Besides, Wellington and I are soulmates. We are meant to be together.
No one
can come between
us.”