Lies Lovers Tell (20 page)

It had been a long time since Trish had the flu, but obviously some type of bug had bitten her. Either that or something was wrong with the food she’d eaten. She got sick last night and had thrown up again this morning. If it weren’t for the fact that the audition she had was for another national ad, this time a major car company, she never would have ventured out of her house. But she had, and she felt the audition had gone well. It better had; judging from the way she felt right now, she’d almost killed herself to make it. Even now she was up in her bedroom, in full pajama mode, at barely six in the evening. Maya had insisted on coming over. She told her when she did to use her key.

“Lord, child, you look like death warmed over,” Maya said by way of greeting as she entered Trish’s bedroom.

“Fine, and you?” Trish replied sarcastically.

Maya sat down on the side of the bed and placed her hand on Trish’s forehead. “Doesn’t feel like you have a fever.”

“I think it’s food poisoning. I think I ate some bad fish.”

“Sounds like you better go back to eating chicken.”

“Trust me, the meat I eat from now on will walk, not swim.”

“Well, I see the illness hasn’t dulled your sense of humor. That’s good. I brought some chicken noodle soup. Are you hungry?”

“I still don’t think I can eat anything.”

“What about something carbonated on your stomach. I brought 7up and Perrier.”

“Seven-up sounds good.”

“Ice?”

“Uh-uh, room temperature.”

“Hey, where’s Tony?” Maya asked when she returned to the room. She handed Trish the 7up and put a plate of cheese and crackers on the nightstand next to the bed. “Y’all have been practically inseparable these past weeks. So much so, I almost thought you’d forgotten my number.”

“No, you didn’t go there. Not the sister who went to Palm Springs and I didn’t even know about it until you’d already been gone two days. So don’t even start.”

“Am I ever going to live down not telling you I was going out of town?”

“I don’t think so. What if something would have happened to you? Nobody would have known where you were.”

“Zeke knew. I stayed at his condo, remember?”

“Oh, right, your
boss
was good enough to know, but your best
friend
…”

“Here, you want some crackers? And you know it’s bad manners to talk with your mouth full.”

“Don’t try and shut me up now that I’m speaking truth. I think I will try a cracker, though.” Trish took a tentative bite, swallowed, and then another. “I might be able to keep this down.”

“It seems like you and Tony are doing good, Trish. I’m happy for you.”

“Yeah, I kinda like the roughneck. And lately he’s been talking about changing his life, you know, getting out of the game and our moving to the suburbs. I think he means it, Maya. I think he really wants to do something different with his life.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I think he’s got it in him to do whatever he wants. What do you think that might be?”

“Real estate.”

“Really?”

“Yes, he says he’s working on a project and afterward will have enough money to buy some houses. He saw a show about turning them fast to make a profit.”

“Flipping,” Maya interjected.

“Yes, that’s it. Anyway, some guy named Money is supposed to be helping him. He’s all hush-hush about it.”

“Money? Girl, no, that’s who Sean and I are having dinner with tomorrow night.”

“You and Sean are meeting with someone who knows Tony? Now, I personally consider my man high class but I don’t see someone like your Sean and my Tony having the same set of friends.”

Maya agreed. She made a mental note to tell Sean about how small the world was first chance she got. And then something else occurred to her.

“When did Tony mention this guy, Money, to you?”

“Earlier today.”

“Has he ever mentioned him before?”

“I don’t think so. Why?”

“Like you said, Sean and Tony live in different worlds. And if I remember correctly, Sean said he met Money at the Ritz Hotel. So how would somebody who aspires to own primetime office space downtown and dine at the Ritz know Tony, who deals drugs and eats at Taco Bell? That’s strange enough and then there’s the timing.”

Maya frowned, as she pieced together a mental puzzle. She didn’t like the picture that was forming.

“What is it, Maya?”

Maya turned to Trish. “Is Tony still active in the gang?”

“You know the answer to that question. Once in, always in. But he knows how important this break is for me, how long I’ve waited and how hard I’ve worked. He promised he wouldn’t bring anything illegal into my house.” Trish paused, remembering that conversation.

“I did get a funny feeling though. We were talking about my favorite movie—”

“
Set It Off
,” they said in unison.

“And afterwards I started wondering if his hush-hush plan to get him out of the streets and into the housing market was a bank robbery. Sounds like we’re both trippin’.”

“I’ve learned not to ignore those funny feelings so keep your eyes and ears open. You know he and Stretch are joined at the hip these days so you’ll be doing us both a favor to pay attention, know what I mean?”

“I hear ya’, girl. I’ll be looking out.”

“Good. You want me to heat up some soup?”

“No, I’m not going to tempt fate. The crackers and soda did settle my stomach though. I think I’ll just try and go to sleep. Tony is coming over later.”

“You tell Tony to take the couch tonight. You need your sleep.”

“Girl, a little ‘d’ always makes a sista feel better. I thought you knew.”

Maya couldn’t argue with that. Memories of the recent love matches between she and Sean brought warmth to her cheeks. She looked over and winked at Trish. “I do, my friend…I do.”

“Hey, baby, you up?” Tony whispered to an obviously sleeping Trish as he came into the room hours later.

“I am now,” Trish groggily replied.

“You feeling better, baby?”

“Yeah.”

“Good, ’cause I’ve been thinking about you all day.” Tony had already taken his clothes off and slid in naked beside her. He reached for her hand and put it on his rapidly hardening shaft. “Want to know what I’ve been thinking?”

Trish threw her leg over his and rubbed against his penis with her stomach. “I think you’re getting ready to tell me.”

“You’ve got that right.”

He had it so right that Trish forgot about everything but the feel of his body inside hers. She forgot she was sick, forgot she was tired, and forgot that she wanted to tell Tony that Maya knew Money.

Sean was prompt. At seven o’clock sharp there was a knock at the door. The sight once she opened it almost took her breath away. Sean looked as good as she’d ever seen him; the designer suit wasn’t bad either.

Maya had taken special pains with her appearance, knowing that she’d be judged on it. Her freshly cut hair was flipped to perfection, makeup light and perfectly done, and the Armani suit she wore fit so good that she’d gladly pay the eight hundred dollars it had cost all over again. Women weren’t stupid; they wouldn’t spend a lot of money on an item just because somebody’s name was sewn into the collar. No, these clothes fit different, felt different, which in turn made the wearer fit and feel different as well: the fit, good; the feel, like they belonged anywhere they were. At this moment, Maya felt as if she were born for where she was now…on Sean’s arm.

“Maya, my heart can’t take much more of you looking this good,” he whispered as they walked to the town car.

She responded with a smile as the driver opened the door and closed it gently behind her once she was seated inside. “You look quite debonair yourself,” she said, once Sean had settled in. “You’re going all out, driver and everything.”

“Oh, absolutely, darling. We’ve got to play the roll of big money.”

“
I
have to play the roll.
You’ve
got big money.”

“Touché.” He grabbed her hand and kissed it softly.

“Sean,” she whispered.

“Listen, I told Money I was crazy about you,” Sean teased. “He’s going to expect me to be all over you tonight.” He gently nibbled on one of her fingers. “Think you can handle it?”

“Absolutely,” Maya answered. She knew what Sean was up to: hoping to get her so hot for him that she’d change her mind about them cooling it sexually for a minute. She was determined to maintain her short-term abstinence, but figured that since Sean planned to be all over her later on, as he’d put it, she’d better test her resolve now.

She slid over next to him and placed a hand on his thigh. “I think you’ve got a little lint, right there,” she said as she picked an imaginary speck off his thin mustache, letting her finger glide slightly over his lips before she smoothed an unruffled collar. “There, that’s better.”

“Thank you, baby,” Sean crooned in a voice that would melt steel. “I think you’ve got something on your mouth too. Here, let me get it off.”

Before Maya could react, Sean dipped his head and covered her mouth with his, gently slaving her lips with his tongue until they opened of their own volition. The kiss deepened then, his tongue teasing, probing, while his thumb massaged sensual circles on the top of her hand, which was still on his thigh.

Maya wanted the kiss to end; she wanted it to go on forever. She felt faint and exhilarated at the same time, the way a person taking a first sky dive might. She reached up and put her arm around Sean’s neck and turned her body for better access. She tried to hang on to her faculties, to remember that she was in control of the situation, that it was she toying with Sean and not the other way around. It was a lie that, once again, her va-jay-jay refused to believe.

Sean broke the kiss. “There, I think I got it,” he whispered, his thumb still massaging her hand.

Maya simply nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Lord knew she’d need all the time it took to get to their destination just to stop her lips from vibrating…both sets.

The rest of the trip was, thankfully, uneventful. Sean conversed as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened between them, and by the time the town car pulled into the gated circular drive, Maya could walk.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Maya said to Money’s wife, Lucia, as he introduced them.

“No, it’s mine, really,” Lucia said. “I love your Armani. He’s got a new, double-breasted one, you know? Have you seen it? Ohmigod, it’s to die for.”

“Looks like these two are going to hit it off,” Money said proudly. “C’mon, Sean, let’s get a drink. Wine for you ladies?”

“Sparkling water for me,” Maya responded. She didn’t need anything making her feel fuzzier than she did already.

“And for me, honey,” Lucia added. “Would you like to come with me while I check on the food?” she said to Maya.

Within minutes, Maya felt like she was talking to old friends. She didn’t know what she’d expected, but it wasn’t this warm, friendly, normal couple. Because he was involved with Tony, Maya had assumed Money was a gangster; that his place would look like a
Cribs
gone bad episode and his woman like Lisa-Raye’s Diamond character in
The Players’ Club
. But Money looked the quintessential businessman and Lucia could model on any runway. California beauties could play the “b” role in a minute, so her down-to-earth personality was refreshing and her accent charming. Maya was glad once again for the armor of her Armnai, and that she and Sean were playing the role of lovers.

“Baby, look at this picture of Robert Johnson,” Sean said as the two ladies joined the men in the living room. “Money just told me it once belonged to B.B. King and that Eric Clapton’s got the only other original out there.”

Maya had no idea who Robert Johnson was, but the way Money’s eyes shone she knew he must be the Jesse Jackson quip, he must be somebody. She walked over to Sean, who placed his arm possessively around her and kissed her on the forehead. “Needless to say it’s a collector’s item,” Sean continued. “Any blues lover would be honored to have that piece.”

“It’s nice,” was all Maya could say. She couldn’t stand the blues and the only thing she liked in velvet was clothes. But it would have been rude to say all that, so she let nice suffice.

“Excuse me, Mr. Henderson. You have a call, sir. He said it was urgent.”

“Thank you,” Money said to the housekeeper, and then to Sean and Maya, “Excuse me.”

Maya watched the nicely dressed housekeeper scurry back to whatever part of the house she’d come from. Maya thought of the oversized Goodwill clothes she’d worn to work for Sam Walters and almost laughed out loud. She had looked pit-ti-ful.

“Did I tell you how gorgeous you look tonight,” Sean said as he gently led Maya toward an open door that led to the patio and sweeping view of Los Angeles. “More beautiful than this view,” he continued as they stepped outside onto the polished tile.

Sean stood behind Maya and wrapped his arms around her. He was almost delirious with happiness; being able to touch Maya freely gave him the greatest pleasure. He intended to take full advantage of tonight’s charade. To prove the point, he reached up and lightly tweaked her nipple.

“All right, Sean,” Maya hissed. “Don’t get beside yourself.”

“What?” Sean whispered in mock ignorance. “Can’t I love on my baby if I want to?”

Lucia interrupted what would have been Maya’s heated response. “Come on, lovebirds,” she called out. “Dinner is served.”

Their hostess had set an exquisite table and piled the nearby buffet high with dishes native to her homeland:
tostones, ensalada, arroz con gandules, pollo en fricase
, and
besitos de coco
for dessert. When Sean laughingly asked Lucia to “say it in American,” she translated the menu: fried plantains, salad, a rice dish made with tomatoes, capers, olives, and peas and a main course of chicken and vegetables. The dessert resembled macaroon cookies, or coconut kisses as Lucia corrected in her smoky accent. The banter was light and the wine flowed as they ate their meal, so much so that by the time the Kahlua was added to their decaf coffee, Maya had almost lost the uncomfortable feeling that arose earlier when she caught Money watching her talk to his wife.

They left the dining room for the large game room, which in addition to lush mahogany wood and pool and poker tables housed the ’80s video games
Pac-Man
and
Space Invaders
, an Xbox console, and a deluxe Wii Nintendo set.

Maya turned to Lucia. “I didn’t realize you had children.”

“We have a daughter, Izabella. But she’s just sixteen months old. The biggest kid is the one over there.” She cocked her head toward Money, who was showing Sean an extensive, mounted collection of knives and swords. “And I have several nieces and nephews who practically live in this room when they come over.”

The two men walked over to join the ladies as they sat at the poker table. “So, I understand you’re executive assistant to the Donald Trump of the West Coast,” Money said. “What’s it like to be in Zeke Brennan’s world on the regular?”

“Probably as you imagine, never dull,” Maya replied.

“I’m surprised you’re not getting in the game yourself. You’ve got access to insider information, helping out a mogul make his millions. He should be mentoring you.”

“Actually, you’re right, and I am doing that. I just scored my first sell this year, a building in Santa Monica.”

“Is that right?” he said, rubbing his chin slowly.

Maya watched her stature rise in Money’s eyes as she went from Sean’s woman to businesswoman in two seconds flat. She also caught that predatory look again, the one that made her uncomfortable earlier when she was talking to Lucia. Money seemed an affable enough gentleman, but every now and then a flash of something else, something sinister showed in his eyes.

“How would a brotha like me get to meet a man like Zeke Brennan?” he asked.

“It wouldn’t be easy. Not only is Zeke incredibly busy but he’s also quite selective when it comes to his personal space. Most of his associates have been in his life for years. His hiring Sean so quickly was an exception to the rule.”

“You didn’t tell me you worked with Zeke. Holding out on me with the details, I see.” Money laughed as he directed the comment to Sean, but his eyes told a different story.

Maya started to feel uneasy. Something just didn’t seem right here. But just as quickly, she shook off the emotion. Except for these out-of-place seconds of discomfort, the evening had been lovely and she truly thought Lucia could become a friend. She decided to focus on the positive.

“Come on, now,” Money continued. “There’s got to be a way to get on the inside. Country clubs, golf, where does he hang out?”

“Well, here’s something. His wife holds a charity event every year for her foundation, Americans for Afghanis. It’s a thousand dollars a ticket, and higher donations are encouraged. That’s coming up next weekend. I could see if there are still tickets available. I assume you’d want two?”

“Yeah, yeah, that would work. And actually…see if you can get me four tickets.”

Three sets of eyes looked in his direction. “Four?” Lucia asked.

“Yeah, I have a couple buddies who are looking to break into the real estate market with me. This would be a good way to get them some exposure.”

Maya immediately thought of Tony, and Trish’s comment about him getting involved in real estate. But something prevented her from asking Money if he was one of the buddies he had in mind. And if it was Tony, was the fourth guy someone she knew as well?

She was pleasantly buzzed, but Maya still had her wits about her. After leaving Money’s estate, she stayed well on her side of the town car as they journeyed through the streets of Los Angeles. Sean was surprisingly quiet as well, and to both her relief and disappointment, didn’t try to make any moves on her. She picked up her purse and placed it in her lap when still two blocks away from her house. She wanted to make a quick, clean getaway as soon as the tires stopped turning.

Sean had other plans. “May I come in for a moment?”

“That is not a good idea, baby. I don’t know if I could keep myself from doing to you what my body is wanting to do.”

“That’s what I’m counting on,” he said. “This is business. I want to discuss your invitation to Money and his wife to attend the charity. It’s a conversation I need to have in private.”

“Can’t we do it tomorrow?”

“We could.”

“Okay, you can come in. But only if you promise to be on your best behavior.”

“Baby, I don’t make promises I might not be able to keep.”

Maya hit him playfully as she placed her foot out the door the driver had opened. The two weeks or so until the Angel’s Way bid was announced couldn’t come soon enough. One would think it had been months instead of days since she’d had sex. Sean had turned her into a nymphomaniac and she wanted nothing more than to have wild, crazy sex with the man of her dreams.

Sean spoke briefly to the driver and followed Maya up the walk. He stayed a step behind her to admire her juicy backside. Maya could feel his eyes on her and warned him without turning around. “Behave,” she whispered.

After offering Sean a seat and asking his preference of coffee or tea (leaving out the proverbial me), Maya went into her room and changed into the oversized T-shirt she’d almost worn to dinner the other night, a matching pair of lounge pants, and fluffy house shoes. Satisfied that she’d left sexy in the bedroom, she walked into the kitchen and started water to boil. She placed a bag of peppermint spice tea into each cup, added a dollop of honey, waited for the whistle, filled each cup to the brim with hot liquid, and walked into the living room. She placed Sean’s teacup in front of his seat on the couch, then walked over and sat in the chair opposite him.

“What do you need to discuss?”

“I’m not sure how comfortable I am with your inviting Money to meet Zeke. As far as backgrounds go, his basically checks out. I’d just feel more comfortable with more time to research him before you bring him into our circle.”

Maya resisted commenting on the “our” term he was starting to use more frequently. “I think it’s perfect timing,” she said instead. “And I have my reasons for wanting to find out more about Money Henderson.” She hesitated a moment before divulging, “I think I know one of the buddies he’s planning to bring to the party.”

“You do?”

“Yes, my best friend’s boyfriend. He’s had a challenging past, including time in prison, but wants to turn his life around. I think he’s partnering with Money.”

“I know a bit of Money’s history. He was a college football star, spent two years playing pro ball, and then opened up a string of nightclubs. Don’t you find it interesting that with all the possible connections he could use to break into the world of real estate, he’d partner up with an ex-felon? I can’t put my finger on it, but something is out of sync here.”