Wednesday came fast. I’m making my way to the office of Felicia Cook—my mother’s friend who got me this job—and when I enter, there he sits. Chocolate skin tone and dark almond-shaped eyes that compliment his jet black, curly hair. It takes about a minute to scan his long and lean body from head to toe. He sits with one leg laid across the other and a cup of coffee in hand. His pores exhale a scent that’s lingering through the office and raping my senses. I stand in the doorway admiring him before Felicia sees me and invites me in.
“Serenity, please come in. Have a seat. This here is your first client. Victor White meet Serenity; Serenity Moore, meet Victor.” I enter the room and take the seat next to Victor as he stands until I sit. All of this Melody, Serenity bullshit will confuse the hell out of me. I guess it’s just something I will have to get used to since that’s what my new ID says.
“Ah… So we meet for the third time, I see. You know what they say; third times a charm.” He extends his hand.
“You two know each other?” Felicia asks.
“Her step-father—”
“Mother’s boyfriend,” I cut him off with the correction.
“Her mother’s boyfriend and I are doing business together. We’ve crossed paths twice, but she refuses to give me the time of day.” He undresses me with his eyes and it causes me to twitch in my chair. This is uncomfortable for me. Not sure if it’s the conversation, this man, or both.
“Who, Sam? You? Doing business with Sam? You sure about that?” Felicia probes from the top of her glasses.
“Come on now, Felicia, you and I go too far back for you not to trust my decision making?”
“Yes, and we also go too far back for me to trust you doing business with Sam. I’ll leave that conversation for later.” She looks to me. “Serenity, I’ve scheduled for you and Victor to meet on Monday afternoon at one o’clock. Today, Fernando will show you your office and give you a tour of the building. Once you’re done with all of that, come back by here and I’ll give you a list of clients.” Felicia picks up the phone and calls her assistant. When she hangs up, she continues, “Once your clientele picks up, it’ll be your responsibility to find your own assistant. You will need one. In the meantime, Fernando will help you with everything you need.”
Just as she finishes, a well-dressed youthful man appears in her doorway wearing gray Armani slacks, shoes and belt, a nice crisp purple button-up shirt that leaves a little peek-a-boo at the top, and a gray vest. His skin is perfectly tanned and flawless, and his hair has not a strand out of place. He looks like he could pass for Cuban or Puerto Rican, and as soon as he speaks; his heavy accent fills the room. His English isn’t broken like Lucia’s, but it is obvious. “I’ll be ready in just a second. A girl has to go to the John and freshen up,” he says, disappearing before anyone can respond. Oh my G! Did he just refer to himself as a girl?
“Please don’t let Fernando rub off on you,” Victor tells me as he stands to leave.
I stand as well and ignore his suggestion. Instead, I reply and say, “I’ll see you on Monday, Victor.” I turn to Felicia, “Can you direct me to the restroom, please. I too need to freshen up.”
Felicia’s phone rings just as I complete my sentence. She covers the mouthpiece of the receiver and asks Victor if he could show me to the restroom on his way out. As we leave her office, I try my damnedest not to fall flat on my face. As captivating as his swag may be, I avoid conversation by ignoring him. We turn the corner and Fernando comes out of the men’s restroom.
“Looking for me, honey?” he asks as he approaches us. I don’t know if he’s talking to Victor or me.
“Ha! You wish either of us was looking for your extra flamboyant ass.” Victor answers before I have time to open my mouth and respond. Fernando rolls his eyes and smacks his lips at Victor. I chuckle on the inside at the whole “extra” comment because that’s the same thing Lucia and I say about my mother, with her extra ass. Fernando is extra, though.
“I would like to freshen up. It shouldn’t take me long. I’ll be out in just a second,” I tell him as I walk towards the restroom.
The bathroom is marvelous. It’s lavished from wall to wall with marble floors and fog glass separations for the stalls. Instead of paper towels, there are five fluffy and white hand towels stacked next to each of the four tempered-glass vessel sinks. The oval mirrors are squeaky clean with fancy light fixtures in between each one. They all provide the perfect amount of light for applying makeup. Off to the side of the four sinks and mirrors, there’s a full body mirror that flows from the ceiling to the floor. I stand in front of it, viewing myself. I look damn good today.
Standing in my white Donna Karan knee length pencil skirt, light blue ruffled button up blouse, and my taupe Gucci stilettoes, I turn from side to side, checking out my fabulous figure. I originally pinned my hair up in a loose bun, complementing my outfit, but I take the few pins out and let it fall down my back. Reapplying my Magnetic Nude MAC lipstick makes my lips look kissable, although I don’t plan on kissing anyone. I wash my hands using the luxury smelling soap. Romance by Ralph Lauren is my perfume choice for the day. I spray a little on each of my sensual spots: wrists, behind the ears, and hair. One more look-over as I exit the restroom.
“Love the hair, honey,” Fernando winks and snaps in a circle.
“I too think it looks better down,” Victor chimes in.
“Thanks, fellas. See you Monday, Victor,” I walk past him and feel his eyes following behind me. Not knowing where I’m walking to, I walk back towards Felicia’s office.
“Um, this way, Sweetie,” Fernando stands pointing in the opposite direction. I turn to follow, switching harder than it seems.
“I was trying to hurry and get away from him. Sorry,” I whisper to Fernando. I can see Victor out of my peripheral as we lock arms and walk past him. He chuckles and walks backwards toward the elevator.
“Girl, why are you running from Victor? If it were me, I’d be running to his fine ass.” Fernando giggles.
“Yes, well, let’s just say I’m really not interested.”
“Bad break-up?”
“No, I just need time to figure me out.”
“Mm hm. That’s what they all say. You must have let some girl experiment with the kitty cat.” He says as he opens a door that leads to the most beautiful space overlooking the most beautiful view I’ve ever seen in Miami. I’ve seen some beautiful views. “This is your office, Ms. Moore. I hope you like it. I’ll let you put your things down and you can buzz me when you’re ready for the tour. Just hit the assistant button on your phone and it’ll come directly to me. Make sure it’s before lunch, please.” He turns and switches off while I smile to myself and shake my head.
I sit my purse in the mahogany, executive high back, pillow top leather chair and walk to the window to take in the view overlooking the white sands of Miami Beach. What a beautiful sight. There are no walls, but glass windows that surround the corner space, giving me a view of both the beach and the busy downtown streets. The chocolate L-shaped modular desk is bright enough for me to see my reflection. There’s a chocolate ceiling-to-floor bookshelf that runs behind my desk and fills with books; some familiar, some not. A large walk-in closet with a vanity and bench takes over my vision when I enter the extra door. It’s like something I’ve never seen before. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I take a seat on the matching mahogany leather chaise lounge that sits opposite of the desk, and breath it all in. Fernando’s statement replays in my head… “You must have let some girl experiment with the kitty cat.” I wonder what that’s supposed to mean?
“Ready Serenity?” Fernando’s voice blasts through the intercom and alarms me, breaking my thoughts.
Fernando’s tour took up most of the day. As I’m wrapping up to leave for the day, a familiar voice interrupts me.
“I thought I’d come and give you a ride home.” My mother stands in the doorway looking like a million bucks in her all white Armani pants suit and crisp, white button-up blouse.
“How thoughtful of you.” I try not to sound unenthused. “I’ll be ready in just a second. There are a few things I need to finish up with Fernando.” I pick up the receiver to the telephone and hit the assistant button. We confirm my agenda for tomorrow followed by me wishing him a great evening. Instead of coming in, my mother remains at the door, watching me as if she has something to say. I wouldn’t be a surprise if she does.
“Seems like you’ve gotten the hang of it already, just as I thought you would.” A puzzled look appears across my face when she walks to the window. “Marvelous view. Do you like it?” She walks back to the door, not taking a second to look around the office.
“Yes, I love it,” I answer more energized.
“Well, that’s good. At least someone likes what they do,” I hear her mumble under her breath.
“What was that, Mother?”
“Oh nothing, dear. Are you ready to go? The driver is waiting.” I knew she wouldn’t repeat her statement.
“Yes, all ready.” I pick up my purse from the desk and follow behind her as she goes to Felicia’s office instead of the elevators. They chat for a minute or two and we say our goodnights and head to the elevator. Mother seems different today. Maybe she’s gotten her blood work back from Dr. Ivanovsky? Maybe she knows Lucia and I know she was recently with child? Maybe she’s not happy about Sam moving in? So much goes through my mind while we ride the elevator from the 35th floor to the lobby. She waves at the lady at the receptionist’s desk on our way through the corridor. When we reach the door, she says goodnight to the doorman and calls him by his name. She knows everyone here.
We climb in the back seat and there’s silence for the first twenty minutes of traffic. Mother is in deep thought as she gazes out the window without blinking. Instead of sparking a conversation that I know will be awkward, I pull out my cell phone to discover a missed call from Raven. Maybe she got her test results back, I wonder as she looks at me from her peripheral.
“Have you talked to your dyke girlfriend?” I ignore her statement, but think to myself, with all the bullshit that’s been going on, I’ve barely had enough time to talk to me, let alone her. As if I didn’t hear her the first time, she repeats herself. I ignore her again and turn my head towards the window. She continues with disrespectful comments saying, “She was no good for you, anyway. You knew nothing about her. All she wanted was your money to begin with, but licking on your little vagina made you too gullible and naïve to see how she was only selling you a dream. She caused you to lose focus and now look at you. You have flunked out of school and you have failed your father and I both. Lucky for you, I know influential people in prominent positions and could get you this job. Let’s just hope you don’t fuck this up like you’ve fucked up everything else. If I hadn’t sent Malik to follow you, who knows what type of mess you would’ve gotten yourself into.” She goes on for another twenty minutes before my eyes meet hers and stand their ground.
After a minute long stare down, I speak, “Is this why you wanted to give me a ride home from work? To hear you not only disrespect me, but belittle me? I’d rather walk home than deal with this. And to answer your question, no, I haven’t spoken with Carmen, and if it makes you happy, I was just about over her until you brought her up. Now can you please decide? You either want me to get over her or you don’t. I’m trying to move on. Either you will allow me to do that or you’re not.” That must have put her in her place because she says nothing else. Instead, she returns to her blank stare out the window.
As we pass the exit to our house, I don’t bother asking where we’re going. We take the fourth exit after to her attorney’s office. “Why are we here?” I ask.
“Just come,” she says in a much calmer voice than I’m used to.
We get out the car, walk in the building, and take the elevator to the 19th floor. My mother seems nervous as she fidgets with her purse strap. Her strides are slow and steady as we exit the elevator and walk to her attorney’s office. When we finally enter, there sits Lucia and Bella. I shoot her a “what’s going on” look and she shrugs. My mother’s attorney, Michael, escorts us all to a compact conference room. In there is when we find out that my mother is creating an updated will, leaving everything to Lucia, Bella, and me. She allowed Sam to convince her to make him her beneficiary and Power of Attorney over her estates about two years ago, and now she’s having second thoughts and wants to change it. As confused as Lucia and I both are, we sit and listen to the attorney as he run down a list of who will inherit what. Lucia will receive one hundred fifty thousand dollars and the pool house, and can live in it for as long as she likes. Bella will receive one hundred thousand dollars, which won’t be available to her until she graduates college, and her tuition is paid in full. I’ll receive her home and the six acres around it, her boutique in downtown Miami Beach on Sunset Harbor Drive, all of her jewelry, the safe and anything in it.
Looking at her makes me shiver. Maybe she got her test results back, and its terrible news? Maybe she doesn’t have that long to live? I need to know what’s going on. I can’t just go walking around not knowing. Maybe that’ll be a conversation we can have on the way home. Carmen… yes… I wonder how she’s been. Has she found someone else? I sure hope she has. No need of waiting for me because I’ve thought about it… and realized I’m confused. My mother was right. It was the sex that had me caught in a trance. It was wonderful sex… but now that I know what to do I can please myself in the same way and have the same reaction. When I don’t think about her, I focus better. Maybe she was no good for me, anyway?
“Did you get all of that, Ms. Moore?” Michael distracts my thoughts.
I look at him, then Lucia, who nods her head. My mother is in a daze herself and doesn’t realize what’s going on either. I reply, “Um, yes. I got it.” Lucia knows I wasn’t paying attention, but I’m sure she was, so I’ll leave it to her to fill me in.
After my mother signs the updated will, I too sign because she has made me the sole beneficiary and executor. She stands and shakes her attorney’s hand, and Lucia and I follow suit. Michael leaves first and my mother tells Lucia that they’ll ride back to the house with us. We make our way to the elevator. Once in, my mother puts her Versace shades on and says, “Not a word of this around the house.” Her tone is stern and demanding. There goes getting any answers out of her, are my thoughts as the elevator reaches the lobby. We get off, exit the building, and climb one by one into the back seat of the waiting car.
“We’re going to The Devise over on 41st Street,” she informs the driver. She then looks at Lucia, “You deserve a break today. You’ve been cooking for me every day for many years and never complained. It’s the least I can do.” Mother looks at me and says, “Never be stupid for a man. Never allow a man to use you, your heart, your body, and most of all, your mind. I know you both are wondering what’s going on and why. Let’s just say I don’t trust that bastard as far as I can throw him. I need to assure that the ones closest to me… are taken care of if anything happens. He suddenly wants to move in, and that just doesn’t sit well with me. If something was to happen to me, know that it wasn’t an accident and he’s being held accountable. That mother fucker thinks I’m stupid.” She looks at Lucia’s daughter, who is more focused on her Nintendo Gameboy Advance than she is anything else, and who my mother thinks barely understands English, and continues, “He thinks he can just lay up with me every other night and then run home to that no good wife of his. Had she been doing her job to begin with, it wouldn’t have been so easy for me to attract him. I have something for him, he just doesn’t know it yet.” Her eyes return to me. “Always fight fire with a fire extinguisher, never try to fight it with fire because it only makes the flames bigger and they last longer. With an extinguisher, you can put it out. Depending on how big the fire is, it may take some time, but I can guarantee you it’ll go out, completely. He thinks he’s moving into my house to run some shit. Well, he has another thing coming. I want you two to give him living hell every day he’s there. If he so much as look like he wants to do something to either of you, make sure you let me know. I will fuck his world upside down.” My mother is now looking out the window, but I can feel her rage as it radiates through her every word. I look at Lucia and I see her lower her eyes, which is a first. She must know something I don’t know.
Bella sits between Lucia and me, while my mother is across from us. She puts her game down and whispers in my ear in Spanish, “¿Cómo te jodes mundo de alguien al revés?” which in translation means, “How do you fuck someone’s world upside down?” I laugh because I know she understands, but my mother has no clue. Neither does her mother know she understands or speaks English as well as she does.
Lucia and my mother both shoot me a look as if they want me to disclose what Bella said. I roll my eyes at Lucia because she knows that’s our sign for, “I’ll tell you later because right now I’m about to lie.” I do just that and lie to my mother telling her that Bella asked if I could help her get to the next level on her game. I take the game and pretend to push buttons like I know what I’m doing. I return the device to Bella and pull out my phone and text Raven to see why she called. She only wants to hang out, so I agree to meet up with her this weekend.
Apparently, my mother has already made reservations because when we arrive at the restaurant, we’re immediately seated. The four of us follow the hostess to the round table, and the closer we get, the more I recognize Sam, already seated at the table. I nudge Lucia and nod toward the restroom. “Mother, we will take Bella to go potty.”
“It doesn’t take both of you. Sit,” she demands. I go to sit and she mumbles, “Normal,” with a daunting emphasis. I take the seat to the right of the one she’s taking, leaving two empty seats to the left of me for Lucia and Bella. Once seated, I send a text to Lucia: Part of plan, so be normal.