CHAPTER 23

Yolanda walked outside. Her neck was stiff and tight, her shoulders ached, and she could feel the beginning of a headache behind her eyes. She was not surprised that the sun was long gone. She had stayed longer to catch up on some of her work. Mentally exhausted, she was at the point where she couldn’t make one decision, didn’t want to think. Dee Dee made it look so easy. How did she do it? Yolanda was gaining more respect for Dee Dee with each passing day. She had created something out of nothing and was running it so effortlessly. Well, not effortlessly; Dee Dee worked hard. She was the first to arrive and the last to leave. Behave was her ship, and Dee Dee was its captain.

At least I got my reserved parking spot. Right next to Jackie. She saw Jose and his wife, Maria, walking to his truck. They were such a weird couple. Him always flirting and looking at other women, her being so unaware she probably never noticed.

“Good night, Jose. Maria,” Yolanda yelled across the parking lot. Jose turned around and nodded. Maria waved, and hoisted her short, heavy frame into the truck and they drove off.

Jose flirted with anything in a skirt, any woman that breathed, except Yolanda. It never bothered her, though. All her co-workers would gather around and talk about the latest sexist joke he had told them, or some nasty compliment that he had given one of them. She hated it, and was glad he never came around her with none of his nonsense. I mean, maybe I would tolerate it if he was good-looking, but Jose? Gimme a break.

She got in her car and sped off, hoping for a good time at Ray’s, happy she was finally invited.

* * *

“You want another drink, ma’am?”

“Um…yeah, another margarita would be great. Can you bring some more chips, too?”

Natalie picked up her cellphone and pressed redial.

“Hey, Yolanda, this is Natalie. I hope you didn’t forget about me tonight. I’m sitting here like an idiot, waiting for you. Where are you?”

Natalie hung up and scanned the menu.

* * *

Ray’s was crowded. The line to get in curved down the block and there was no place to park. Not for free, anyway. Yolanda drove to the parking lot across the street. Seven dollars to park, the sign read, in bright red letters.

Yolanda dug in her purse for the money and rolled down her window to give it to the attendant approaching her car.

“Ten bucks,” he said, his long dreadlocks hitting Yolanda’s car window.

“Excuse me?”

“Ten bucks. Ten bucks to park.”

“But your sign says seven.”

“That’s the sign, I’m saying ten bucks. It goes up when they have concerts across the street,” he said, his breath heavy and sweet from the peppermint he was sucking on.

“Rip-off,” Yolanda mumbled under her breath, handing the man ten dollars. He then directed her to a parking space.

Earlier, she had gone home and changed into a bright red shirt, hoping it would bring everyone’s attention up and away from her anorexic body. Even so, Yolanda heard the whispers from the mostly black crowd as she walked toward the end of the long line.

“She is sooo skinny!”

“She need to eat.”

“Look at her legs! They look like toothpicks.”

Yolanda hated walking past lines ever since high school, when she had to walk past the lunch line in the cafeteria. She hated high school. She always wore baggy pants and big T-shirts. And she never tucked her shirt in. She had no butt, so she took pains to hide that fact: a backpack, a jacket, anything to hide her nonexistent butt. But one day, she felt different. She was a sophomore in high school; she was getting older and it was time to be herself. I don’t have to hide behind anything. I’m just gonna be me.

So she did the one thing she had never thought she would have the courage to do: She tucked her shirt in. She didn’t care who saw, or what anyone said, but she felt better that she wasn’t trying to hide behind a piece of cloth. Emboldened by this newfound confidence, Yolanda went to school. No one said anything; nobody even noticed.

So far, so good.

That is, until she got to the cafeteria.

In high school, she had a huge crush on Derrick Wright. But who didn’t have a crush on Derrick?

He was a bright, shining star in Yolanda’s dark, lonely life. He was involved in everything: football, track, the debate team, national honor society. That is why Yolanda liked him so much. He wasn’t just a dumb jock. Derrick was smart and going somewhere.

She passed him in the cafeteria, giving him a huge smile that screamed: notice-me-love-me-be-my-boyfriend. He smiled back, his teeth white and perfect, glowing against his light caramel skin. He grabbed Yolanda’s hand. She stopped, not sure what to do.

“Hey, girl, what’s going on?” he said, smiling. His friends were smiling, too.

This is good, real good. He’s acknowledging you in front of his friends. Talk, say something.

“Hi.”

“Where’s it at, girl?” Derrick asked, smiling.

“Where’s what at?” Yolanda replied, confused.

“Your butt! You ain’t got no butt, girl! Where is it?” he screamed, laughing uproariously. His guffaws could be heard throughout the cafeteria.

“You the man, Derrick.”

“Boy, you crazy,” his friends said, slapping him on the back, laughing.

Yolanda ran out of the cafeteria and into the restroom, Derrick’s mocking laughter trailing her long after she could no longer actually hear it. She untucked her shirt, and from then on wore her shirts out to hide her butt.

“Hey, Yolanda! Yolanda!” Jackie said, waving wildly near the middle of the line.

“Hey, girl!” Yolanda said, relieved to see a familiar face.

“Come on, you can skip,” Jackie said, stepping back so Yolanda could get in front.

“Thanks. Everyone else inside?”

“Yeah, they’re already in there.”

“I hope we can get a table. It’s crowded.”

“Don’t worry, Maxwell always reserves a table for us near the front.”

The line moved quickly and they were soon inside.

“Hi, Jackie! You guys here for the concert?” the hostess asked. She was standing behind a whimsical stand shaped like an inverted triangle, painted in muted colors of purple and green.

“Yeah. Did Maxwell reserve us a table?”

“He sure did.” She marked something on her book, smiled to both of them and told them to follow Sandra to their table. “Most of your party is already seated. Have a great time,” she sang.

Yolanda followed Jackie through the eye-dazzling space, passing a sweeping staircase that led to the mezzanine floor. It must have given spectacular views of the entire restaurant, and Yolanda reminded herself that next time she came she would try to sit upstairs. The modern chairs were covered in an iridescent satin that would change from purple to green to blue, depending on how the light hit it. The booths were just as luxurious, with high backs and partitioned walls that ensured privacy. The walls were painted a subdued ocean blue, and seemed to twinkle in the romantic light. Long, modern light fixtures hung from the high ceilings. Yolanda had to remember not to stare, open-mouthed, at all the opulence.

Yolanda sat down at the end of the table next to Michelle, with an empty seat at the head of the table and another empty seat right next to her. Jackie sat directly across from her next to Lacy, one of the managers in the spa. Yolanda said her hellos to everyone else at the table; most of them were on staff, so she was acquainted with a few of them since her promotion. Their waiter came over with a chilled water carafé and poured water into their glasses.

“How’s it going, Jackie?” the waiter asked, not spilling a drop of water on the pristine, white tablecloth.

“Pretty good, Bailey. Bailey, this is Yolanda,” Jackie said, nodding in Yolanda’s direction. “Yolanda just got promoted to management.”

“That’s great,” he said, handing them their menus. “Hopefully I’ll be seeing more of you. Our specials tonight are penne with rock shrimp and a spicy tomato cream sauce, pan blackened Ahi tuna filets, and a slow cooked Carolina pulled pork with a maple and Tabasco sauce. What can I get for you to drink?” Bailey asked, his long arms behind his back, totally comfortable in his element.

“I’ll have white wine,” Jackie said giving Bailey her menu back. “You know I don’t need this! I’ve got these dishes memorized, I come here so often! I’ll start with—”

“A platter of chilled, steamed crawfish?”

“Yes, but make sure—”

“That it has the Remoulade dipping sauce? It wouldn’t be complete without it,” he said laughing. “And for you, ma’am?” Bailey asked, looking at Yolanda.

Yolanda glanced around the table to see the choices of the delectable appetizers everyone else was nibbling on. “I’ll have that,” she said, pointing to Michelle’s plate.

“The Cajun Seafood Risotto? Excellent choice. And to drink?”

“White wine will be fine.”

He nodded and left.

“This place is spectacular! I can’t believe I’ve never been here.”

“Yeah, it is pretty remarkable. Where’s Maxwell?” Jackie asked, nudging Lacy.

“In the back talking with his father. I think the entertainment is running late.”

“And Theresa?” Jackie asked.

“She’s not here yet,” Michelle interjected. “I’m sure she’ll be here soon, though.”

Yolanda assumed the two empty seats were for them, considering everyone else was already here. There’s no way I’m gonna make it all night sitting next to Theresa. I should have gotten here earlier.

The waiter arrived with their drinks and Yolanda wanted to chug it down, but took a lady-like sip and scanned the menu.

“So, Jackie, are you going to venture out and try something different?” Bailey asked, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. “Or are we having the usual?”

“Don’t play, Bailey. The usual.”

“What’s the usual?” Yolanda asked.

“Thick-cut pork chops with a roasted garlic and bourbon barbecue sauce,” Bailey said.

“That sounds yummy,” Yolanda said, looking down at her menu. “But I think I’ll have the pecan coated catfish with Creole mustard sauce and lemon? And the herbed dirty rice for a side.”

“Very good ma’am,” he said, taking her menu. “Your appetizers will be here shortly.

Yolanda caught Theresa walking in, catching glances from all the men in the restaurant, married or single. She wore a short, tight black dress with a simple V-neckline that hinted at her cleavage. Her long hair was in soft, loose waves and danced behind her back as she walked her way to their table. Yolanda looked down at her red shirt and felt tacky and overdone. Theresa slid in next to Yolanda and reached into her black clutch bag for a bottle of prescription pills. Her hands were trembling as she reached for Yolanda’s water and took a long sip.

“You all right?” Jackie asked.

“Just fine,” Theresa answered. “Just feel a migraine coming on. Thought I better catch it before it got too bad.” She took another sip of Yolanda’s water and then handed it back to Yolanda without saying a word.

Excuse you, Yolanda thought. She put her glass back on the table.

Bailey came and took Theresa’s order and then she began a lively conversation with everyone on the new product line.

That is, with everyone except Yolanda. Every time she tried to add anything to the conversation, Theresa would ignore her comment as if she didn’t exist. Soon she quit talking and dug into her creamy risotto with the zeal of a homeless person.

“Sorry everybody,” Maxwell said, walking up. “Musiq’s limo is running late, but he will be here shortly. Everybody, you guys remember my father?” he said, gesturing to the man standing next to him. “Pop, I want you to meet Yolanda. She’s new to management.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Ray said, extending his hand to Yolanda. They shook hands.

“How do you like the place?”

“It’s great!” Yolanda said, her voice full of girlish enthusiasm.

Theresa rolled her eyes. “It’s great!” she mimicked, in a low voice.

Yolanda dropped her voice a few octaves. “The place really is beautiful though—”

Ray put his hand up to answer his cell phone. “Outside? Okay I’ll be there.” He put his phone back inside his jacket, smoothing his Versace tie. “That’s the entertainment. I have to go. Nice meeting you, Yolanda. Especially nice seeing you again, Theresa.” He leaned over and whispered something in her ear and she put her head back and laughed.

“I’m trying,” she said, looking at Maxwell.

“Try harder,” Ray said, walking away.

An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of Yolanda’s stomach. Their entrées arrived, and silence filled the table as everyone dug into their food. Yolanda closed her eyes, savoring the succulent catfish. She opened them and saw Maxwell sitting at the head of the table, watching her.

“Looking at you makes me want to eat all over again,” he said, his eyes searching her face.

Theresa groaned. “Looking at her would make anybody want to eat.”

Yolanda saw Jackie fight back a laugh.

Yolanda slid her water glass next to Theresa. “Obviously your Lithium hasn’t taken effect. Perhaps you need two more pills?”

Jackie burst out laughing, followed by additional laughter down the table.

“No you didn’t, you little—”

“Hey, hey. Let’s settle down, Musiq is taking the stage,” Maxwell chimed in. “Good one,” he whispered to Yolanda, before taking a sip of his drink.

The lights dimmed slightly, giving the restaurant a more romantic feel, and Ray introduced Musiq Soulchild to the small stage.

His smooth voice filled the restaurant and Yolanda rocked to the beat. She was so close to the stage she could see the frayed hem of his designer jeans as he crooned out his R&B tunes. The dance floor began to fill with couples dancing to his melodic songs. People were standing up and shouting, hands waving in the air, Soulchild’s music moving them. When they played “B U D DY,” Maxwell jumped up.

“That’s my jam! I gotta dance to this one.”

Maybe it was the wine, or being inspired by the live music, but Yolanda did something she never did. She took a chance.

“You wanna dance?” Yolanda asked, not breathing.

“Yeah,” Maxwell said, pulling Yolanda’s chair back. He reached for Yolanda’s hand and she grabbed his tightly. They reached the dance floor and all of Yolanda’s inhibitions melted away. If there was one gift that God gave her, this was it. Yolanda could dance her butt off. In fact, they both loved to dance and they moved easily together.

…Girl, I can’t lie, it’ll be fly

If you were my B U D D Y

Don’t be shy, give it a try

I could be yours if you could be mine…

The song switched to Musiq’s hit “Love.” The song was slow and purposeful and they both paused, looking at each other. Yolanda started walking off the dance floor, but Maxwell took her hand.

“Can I cut in?”

“Sure, Theresa,” Maxwell said, looking down at Yolanda. “You don’t mind, do you?”

Of course, I mind.

“C’mon, girl, I’ll give him right back,” Theresa said, squeezing between Yolanda and Maxwell.

Yolanda watched Theresa, her arms linked around Maxwell’s neck, looking up into his eyes. She then looked at Maxwell, searching for some indication of who he thought danced better, she or Theresa. Yolanda could see all over his face that he liked Theresa’s dancing more. She watched, tormented, as Maxwell whispered something in Theresa’s ear and she threw back her head and laughed, her long wavy hair swishing like a horse’s mane at full gallop. They looked like they could be on a postcard. Yolanda walked back to the table, disgusted.

“You were looking real good out there!” Jackie said, smiling.

“Yeah, I know…until somebody had to spoil it,” Yolanda said, sitting down.

“Who, Theresa?” Jackie asked, watching them dance. “Same ole Theresa. That girl will never change. She’ll never let Maxwell go.”

“What do you mean ‘let him go’? They used to go out?”

“Yeah,” Jackie said talking, over the music. “A long time ago. They broke up, and she’s been trying to get back with him ever since.”

“Why did they break up?”

“Can’t remember. But it was bad. Real bad. Took Maxwell a long time to get over her. I’m surprised they’re friendly.”

“Why?”

“They were engaged. Broke up a month before the wedding. Theresa was the love of his life. Never knew why it was over, just one day, the wedding was off.”

When the song ended, Theresa and Maxwell walked off the dance floor laughing. They walked arm in arm to the bar and ordered drinks. Yolanda felt sick.

“I’m leaving,” she said, grabbing her purse.

“What! Why? Musiq’s not even finished yet!” Jackie said, surprised.

“Suddenly I don’t feel so good. I’ll call you later.”

“All right, girl. Be careful.”

Yolanda didn’t hear her. As she walked through the crowd all she could think of was Maxwell. Maxwell and Theresa.

* * *

Yolanda thinks she’s slick. Jackie chugged her wine down and waved at Bailey for a refill. Something a little stronger than wine.

It was so obvious that Yolanda wanted Maxwell. Everything she did revolved around him.

It won’t hurt to keep her around. She could come in handy during my next step. Besides, I like Yolanda. She’s a little weird, but I still need her.

Jackie watched Maxwell and Theresa laughing at the bar.

Having somebody hook up at work would give her the distraction she needed right now.

I’m gonna help you, Yolanda. I’m gonna help you get Maxwell.