Sweet Little Lies (12 page)

I
was in my office at the foundation with Christina on the speakerphone. I hadn’t seen her since the day we toured the foundation several days back. I was keeping a professional distance while getting to know her a little bit again.

It was slow going; each of us was wary of the other. She didn’t trust men in general and I did not trust her, specifically. It made for a lot of guarded conversation. On her part, Christina made it clear she was interested in getting the story and getting our freak on. I was curious to see what (if anything) else was there. It would be interesting to see which of us got what we wanted first.

“Did you find the financial reports yet?” she asked me.

I rifled through the folders on the top of my desk.“I found the public statements we released to contributors, but I haven’t found the detailed statements to back these numbers up yet. I’m just going to ask Lance to explain it to me.”

“Well, good luck with that. He kinda talked around the details when I tried to interview him. I couldn’t get past the spin.”

“Okay, well—he plays wary with the press, so don’t worry about it. Did you get the information on the Arizona plans?” We had been working to put together an overview of each state’s future rail plans and how they were being consolidated for a nationwide program.This consolidation was part of what my foundation was funded to do.

“Yes, I got them, but some of this is too much engineer-speak for me. I’ll need you to translate some of the technical terms into phrases the general public will understand.”

“I can do that.”

“Maybe you can swing by this evening and do that for me?”

I smiled.“Is that what you want me to come by and do for you? Really, Christina?”

She sighed.“I’m just saying. We have a lot of work to do; you might as well come by so we can do it together.”

I laughed. “Are you making these double entendres on purpose?” I wasn’t about to fall into the sex trap with Christina. I knew once we went there again, it would be hard to focus on anything else.

“What do you think?” Her voice was silky.

“I think you’re playing games again. Listen, I know what you want. Please believe I have every intention of giving it to you. But on my timeline, in my way, okay?”

“So I see. Might I remind you that you are the one who wanted some sort of relationship? It’s hard to relate without actually seeing each other.”

She almost spat the word “relationship” like a curse, confirming for me that slower was better. “I think we’re relating just fine. Not everything’s a sprint, Christina. Some things are cross-country endurance.”

“Sounds painful, tiring, and tedious.”

She was trying to provoke a fight. Looking up, I saw Lance approaching my office.“Also really great when you get to the
finish line. Listen, Lance is on his way in, so I’ll talk to you later.”

“Will you see me later?”

“I’ll definitely talk to you later.” I hung up on her exasperated huff and waved Lance in the door.

Lance came in, looking as always like he was ready for a Ralph Lauren photo shoot. He sat down in the chair by my desk.“Got your message.What’s up?”

“It’s these financials. I don’t see the detailed information to back up the report. Can you tell me where to find it?”

“What?! Steven Williams asking to look at spreadsheets? Who are you and what have you done with Steven?” he joked. Lance had been in the Master of Financial Management Services program at Columbia. We met picking up the same woman for a date. She had double-booked for the same time and the same day.We were both so underwhelmed by her lack of game that we went out and got a drink. He and I had been friends ever since. Not sure whatever happened to the girl.

My dislike of economics and finance was well-known. I didn’t mind doing a calculation to determine load-bearing weight or mass-to-speed ratio, but I had no desire to be a forensic accountant.That’s why I had Lance.

“I know, but Christina raised some concerns over the foundation funds and I want to take a look and reassure myself everything is on the up-and-up.”

He gave me a look I couldn’t interpret.

“What is that look?”

“Christina has concerns, huh?”

I didn’t like his tone. “In the course of her investigation, she came across a few things that are cause for concern. What point are you trying to make?”

“I’m saying, this chick hasn’t been back in your life but for a hot minute and already she’s got you doing backflips. Man, is it that good?”

“Don’t even start. It really has nothing to do with her. If I’m going to be the face and mouthpiece of this foundation, I really should pay more attention to the inner workings anyway. Don’t you think?”

“I think you’re an engineer and you should stick to the engineering and let us handle the rest.That’s what you’ve got us for.”

“What about the government funding—are we all good on that? Bases covered?”

“Look, I think your reporter friend is digging up dirt where there’s none to be found. It could cast suspicion where none needs to be cast. But at the end of the day, Chi-Wind is clean and we’re doing good things here. Give her a few soundbites, we’ll get some good publicity, and then get on with the business of building rail systems.”

I nodded. He made sense. “We’re so close to making it real.”

He got up and clapped me on the shoulder. “Don’t sweat the small stuff, Steven. Stay brilliant and we’ve got your back. But seriously, tread lightly with the woman. I don’t know if at the end of the day she has your best interests at heart.”

He wasn’t the first and probably wouldn’t be the last person to tell me that. So I answered him in all honesty.“I’m a big boy now—I’m watching my back. This is just a thing with us; we both know what it is.”

“You know,” Lance said on his way to the door,“I would feel a whole lot better if that wasn’t exactly what you said five years ago in New York. We both know how that turned out.”

He had me there. “Different time, different mind-set, but thanks for the concern. I got this.”

“I hope so.”

I did, too.

“Y
ou’re just being nice because you want to get in my pants,” I whispered into my cell phone. I was over at Carey’s house for girls’ night. Carey’s condo was bohemian chic with African influences. It was very Berkeley-wild-child-meets-New-York-sophisticate. Overstuffed natural fiber chairs meshed with traditional pieces. Ebony played well with Brazilian cherry and bright jewel tones layered on her base color of chocolate. It should have been jarring, but it worked.

We had been huddled around the long tumbled-marble bar, refreshing our cocktails, when Steven called. True to his word, he called. He texted, he tweeted, he stayed in touch, but I hadn’t laid eyes (or anything else) on him since he strolled away several days ago. I found myself in the strange position of eagerly awaiting his calls. Steven gave good conversation. I was curled up on the chaise lounge in Carey’s guest room with my BlackBerry pressed to my ear.

“I’m being nice because I’m generally a nice guy. I’ve already been in your pants, if you recall?”

“You
used
to be a nice guy. Now you’re edgy with a mean streak.”

“Baby, ain’t I been good to you?”

“Oh, now you wanna go South Side Chicago on me. Okay, I see you. The point is—I was terrible today. That was the worst I have been on camera in a while.”

“And I’m telling you…you’re way too critical of yourself. It was a two-minute interview and you came across as classy as you could… given the circumstances.”

Earlier in the day, I was put in the unenviable position of getting interviewed by my own news channel. That stupid YouTube video of me splashing Dante had gone viral. And Dante, never one to shun the spotlight, had been milking it for all it was worth, calling me the one true love of his life and the only thing he ever wanted that he couldn’t have. The story had taken on a life of its own thanks in no good part to Lisa, who was lapping up the opportunity to embarrass me. The entertainment hour had led with a Dante vs. Christina story twice in the past week. I would have squelched it if only the ratings weren’t so high. But thankfully the Js stepped in and said enough is enough. As long as I agreed to do an on-air interview, they would make sure that everyone at VNN agreed to let the story die a natural death afterward. And after the bland, generic answers I gave, I expected that to be just the case.

“Well, thanks, I guess.”

“I did notice your stumble over the relationship question.”

“Yeah, well.You know.”When asked if I was in a relationship with someone else, I froze before giving my answer:“Sort of …I’m in the process of figuring that out right now.”

“For future reference, the easy and correct answer is:Yes, I am and he makes me very happy.”

“I don’t see all the happy-making, Professor.”

“My phone calls don’t make you happy? My e-mails don’t make you happy? Or are you the kind of girl who’s only happy when she’s getting the good-n-plenty on the regular?”

I barked out a laugh and the door swung open. Before I could answer Steven I was confronted by Carey, Lynne, and a very pregnant Jackie glaring me down. “Is it girls’ night or giggle-with-your-freak-of-the-week night?” Lynne said… loudly.

“There’s no freaking involved. Not this week, last week. He is
so
not my freak of the week,” I answered.

His voice, full of laughter, came through the speaker.“Now is the time to give your easy answer. Go ahead. I’ll wait.”

I rolled my eyes before reciting the words. “I’m in a relationship and he makes me very happy.”

“The
hell?
” Carey shrieked.

“With
who?
” Jackie yelled.

“When did
this
happen?” Lynne asked.

“I’m gonna let you handle that. Good luck.Talk to you tomorrow.” He hung up.

Why was it I was never getting the last word with this man? Damn, that was irritating. “Ladies, calm down. Let me top off the drink and I’ll explain all.” My phone buzzed as we walked down the hallway. It was a text from Steven.
Don’t think you’re getting out of answering that good-n-plenty question. To be continued.

I texted back.
Unless you want to continue the discussion naked, hold on to it for a minute.
When I looked up, all three ladies were staring me down. Wearing various expressions of interested irritation, they made quite a sight.

Jackie was petite and olive-toned, her normally slim body rounded and in some places bloated from eight long months of pregnancy. Her dark auburn hair was cut into a short, natural curly fro that suited her face. She had stepped away from an executive-level sales job to prepare for motherhood.She was still as outrageous and opinionated as ever.

Lynne was a glamazon of generous proportions. She was over 5′9″, had a gleaming caramel complexion and a true
hourglass shape. Her store (aptly named Glamazonia) was an upscale boutique for plus-size women. She had riotous chestnut curls pulled back into a ponytail. Currently, her left hand was resting on her shapely size 20 hips. No doubt she had her foot tapping to match. Where Jackie was outrageous, Lynne was emotional. Lynne tended to get defensive when challenged and was a bit of an instigator.

Carey’s hair was piled up on her head tonight. She, like the others, was dressed casually in sweats.“What is going on with you?” Carey remained solid, the friend who stood in your corner no matter what. She had a wicked sense of humor, and in this group she was often cast in the role of peacemaker.

“Sorry, I’m done. Muting the ringer now. See?” I set the BlackBerry down on the bar and reached for my wineglass. Circling the counter, I started opening drawers looking for the corkscrew. In the third drawer, something shiny caught my eye. It was an onyx cuff link with the monogram
CTB
etched in swirling platinum. Interesting. My family was full of
CTB
s. Collin Theodore Brinsley and Clarke Thomas Brinsley. I was Christina Violet Tempest Brinsley. I had a good idea which
CTB
this cuff link belonged to. I extracted it and the corkscrew. Uncorking a new bottle of Chardonnay, I topped off my glass.

“I think the real question here, Ms. Jaymes, is what is going on with you and Clarke Thomas Brinsley?” I held up the cuff link with a smirk. Carey shot me the evil eye. I stuck my tongue out. Two could play this game.

“Hold up, let me sit my pregnant ass down.” Jackie maneuvered over to a side chair and plunked down.“When do you heffas have time to get all this freaky-sneaky in? Carey has been here less than ten days and has got her entire house unpacked and a Brinsley man in her bed. Christina been all up and through YouTube and television, but somehow landed a new man. I ain’t been nothing but fat, bored, pregnant, and hungry. Lynne, what you got going on?”

Lynne’s face twisted into a grimace.“None of the fun stuff. Eric and I just started marriage counseling.”

Now it was my turn to steal Carey’s phase.“The
hell?
You and Eric have always been the most stable couple I know!” Eric and Lynne met just after college and had been together ever since. They complimented each other. Where Lynne was flamboyant and outgoing, Eric was quiet and steady. Lynne was all bright colors, bold opinions, and big picture. Eric was neutrals, no comment, and the-devil-is-in-the-details. In my outside-looking-in opinion, they were a couple to be emulated and envied.

“Yeah, well—that’s the problem. Do you realize that this year will mark fifteen years that Eric and I have been together?
Fifteen years
. And the last five have been exactly the same. Day in, day out—same song.”

Carey asked the question that I was thinking.“Did you expect it to be all rainbows and fairy tales fifteen years in?”

“We’ll get to you in a second, Carey Cufflinks.” Jackie put a pillow behind her back and shifted. “I know what Lynne is talking about. Sometimes the everyday grind blurs the good stuff and it’s just getting from one day to the next.”

I thought that was what marriage was: getting from one day to the next but with somebody who was down in the trenches with you. Then again, what did I know? I had three failed engagements on my relationship record.

Lynne added some chips and salsa to her plate.“Well, neither of us remembers the good stuff.We have nothing to say to each other. The sparks are missing in action; we haven’t had sex in months.”

“Months?” I squeaked out. First Celia and Collin, now Lynne and Eric. What was with folks going for months without acknowledging the problem? Here I was wondering how I was going to wait another three weeks for Steven.

“We don’t all have hot-n-cold running dick on delivery, Christina.” Lynne’s voice was waspish.

“You know what? I’m not going to be too many more slut references up in here. Let’s just all be clear about that. Okay?” Girls or not, some lines just didn’t need to be crossed. A short silence fell over the group. With a nod to indicate that I was positive I had been understood, I turned to Carey.“What is the story with you and Middle Brother Brinsley?”

She shrugged.“We’re just hanging out.”

“What kind of hanging out involves the taking off of cuff links, sister girl?” If anything, Jackie’s pregnancy had made her less subtle … as if the world needed a less subtle Jackie.

Carey reached for the guacamole before answering. “Not that I need to explain myself to you nosy heffas…but it was raining the other night when he brought me home. I put his shirt in the dryer.”

Reaching over to dip a chip, I wondered how much of this story I really wanted to hear. Not a whole lot. “Upon further thought, I don’t believe we need to hear any more of this story.”

“There were no naked aerobics.We’re taking our time.”

I threw my hands up. “Again, that’s plenty. I haven’t thought about Clarke naked since he was twelve. I prefer to keep it that way. Please and thank you.” Before they started in on me next, I looked over at Jackie. “How’s Sam Jr. doing in there?”

Jackie rubbed her belly.“Don’t even put it out there. Sam wants to go with Samuel Alvin Hubbert II in the worst way. I see no need to pass all of that along. But to answer your question, Baby Boy Hubbert is restless. He never sleeps, so neither do I. He has taken to showing his displeasure by turning and kicking whatever vital organ he feels like abusing. This child is a bruiser. Future athlete, I’m positive.”

Lynne piped in,“And speaking of athletes, Ms. Brinsley… have you heard from Dante?” She sent back the smirk I’d sent her way earlier.

“He left a message, but I’m trying to get sleeping dogs to lie.”

“So if you’re not seeing him, who
are
you seeing?” Carey asked.

Internally, I debated the merits of telling the whole story, part of the story, or as little as possible. I opted for as little as possible. Hell, I didn’t really understand exactly what Steven or I were up to. There was no way I could explain it to them. I answered simply,“Steven.”

“Steven who?” From Lynne.

“Young delivery Steven from back in the day?” From Jackie.

“Professor Williams?” Carey shrieked. “Seems as though you left a little sumthin’ sumthin’ out of your interview notes.” She turned to the other ladies.“Steven was the delivery dude who was there the day of the Jay /David implosion. He and Christina had a week-long fling in New York City. Christina walked away. Young Steven went on to get a master’s and a PhD. He now runs a big deal foundation and is a professor on the tenure track at Bayside. Christina went to interview him for her story on high-speed rail and apparently…the old vibe was still there.”

Pursing my lips, I set the wineglass down on a coaster to reach for the bottled water. “And now that we have the post-game color commentary all caught up…yes, that Steven.”

Jackie could be counted on to ask the basic questions. “How old is he?”

“Thirty-two.”

Carey would always ask the trivial questions. “Is he still fine?”

“Only improved with time.” That might have been the understatement of the night. Steven looked damn good.

And Lynne always brought it back to her. “When can I meet him?”

“There’s a reception in a few weeks. Let me see about the
tickets.”The minute I said it, I wondered if it was a good idea. Steven and his twin sister, Carey and my older brother, Lynne with her feuding husband. Did I just invite drama where none was needed?

Jackie sighed.“Hopefully in a few weeks I will be spitting out this bambino. I would tell you to take pictures but knowing Christina, there will be a film crew or mobile video at the ready. It’ll be high-def on someone’s blog before she even gets home.You’re such a celebrity chick now.”

Carey grinned.“She’s big-time.”

“Oh, I see you got jokes.” I walked over to the media center to pick out a movie.

Lynne piped up, “But it does beg the question—did you throw that man out of bed naked? In the rain? I mean, Dante Esteban is a man I couldn’t imagine tossing out of bed for any reason.”

“Lynne, you only say that ’cause you’re not getting any right now.Without getting too deep into the details, the man was all steak, no salad. All pump, no polish.And every time he hit the track, it was a marathon. Never a sprint.All finish line, no prelim. It was exhausting and somewhat painful. Are you getting my drift?”

Jackie wrinkled her nose. “Eww. What happened to the legend of the Latin lover?”

“Maybe he missed those lessons because his bed game was
no bueno
.” Not good. I held up
Die Hard
and
Lethal Weapon
. “But to answer your question, Lynne:Yeah, I did. One night, a rainy night it just so happened, I was tired and he was not finishing fast enough, and I couldn’t do it anymore. I asked him in the nicest way to speed it along. I even attempted to help speed things along. He wasn’t hearing me, so I hit the EJECT button. End of story.”

Lynne asked,“You literally ejected him?”

I nodded.“Yep, out of me and out of the house.”

“You couldn’t let Mr. Dante get dressed first?” Jackie asked.

“To put it delicately, he was getting persistent about wanting to stay, so I chucked his clothes and keys into the street. He was forced to follow them. I gave him a towel.Which he never returned, by the way.”