Soulmates Dissipate (10 page)

“That was beautiful,” Jada said.

“Excuse me, son,” Cynthia said.” Did I hear you say fiancée?”

“That’s correct.” Wellington looked at his mother, then around the table at everyone else.” Today is the day that I’ll take Diamond’s soulmate ring off her right ring finger and place it on her left ring finger, where it belongs.” Wellington gazed into Jada’s eyes. “Jada is my soulmate and we’ve decided we’re ready to make a commitment of marriage. The wedding date is set for Saturday, February fourteenth.”

“Wellington, son, you have our blessings,” said Chris. “Jada, you’re a wonderful woman. I know the two of you were meant to be together.” Chris walked over and hugged and kissed Jada.

“Now, let’s eat,” Robert said.” All this love in the air is making me horny. Oops, I mean hungry.”

Everyone laughed, except Cynthia.

Wellington’s mother ate in complete silence. Then halfway through the meal she said, “Well, dinner was lovely,
my son.
I hate to eat and run but I’m not feeling well so I’m going to go home and rest.” Over half of Cynthia’s food remained on her plate. Jada looked Cynthia in the eyes. Cynthia immediately looked down, pushed back her seat, and tossed the napkin on the table.” Don’t forget about the annual barbecue next month.”

“Barbecue?” Robert asked.

“Yes, it’s our family annual barbecue and social,” said Cynthia. “You probably wouldn’t be interested in attending. There’ll be lots of folk like
me
there.”

“Oh, human folk. Those are my favorite kind,” Robert replied.

“Everyone is welcome at our home for the barbecue,” said Chris.

“Hey, Chris, maybe we can catch a Raiders’ game or two this season,” said Robert.

“What do you know—I happen to have season tickets for the Raiders
and
the Forty-niners. Call me, whenever you’re ready.” Cynthia cleared her throat and nodded toward the door.

Chris stood and pushed his chair under the table.” It’s been nice meeting all of you.” Wellington had gone upstairs for a moment. Cynthia insisted on leaving immediately so Jada happily escorted the Joneses to the door.

As soon as Cynthia was out of the door, she turned to Chris. Jada closed the door, placed her eye against the peephole, and listened. She heard Cynthia say, “Wellington will marry her over my dead body. She is not going to ruin everything I worked so hard to build. Her entire family is a misfit!”

“Yep, that’s right, dear, you did it all by yourself,” said Chris.

“You know what I mean, Christopher Jones, so don’t get cute with me.”

“Cynthia, do not interfere with Wellington’s life. He’s happy with Jada. Leave them alone.”

“My Wellington will marry that woman over my dead body, Christopher Jones.”

“I’m telling you, Cynthia, you’re making the biggest mistake of your life. When Wellington finds out what you’re doing, you might lose a future daughter-in-law
and
your son.”

“If the truth must be told,” responded Cynthia, “that’s one daughter-in-law I can live without.”

Jada’s heart pounded so hard she thought it would leap out of her chest. In a way she felt relieved. She never had to wonder about Cynthia again.

M
elanie cruised along the Golden Gate Bridge in Wellington’s silver Jaguar. She reflected on Jada’s Monday morning house visit. The sounds Wellington made when he and Jada were making love had turned Melanie on. While they were upstairs getting it on, she was downstairs releasing her pent-up energy. Her orgasms were back to back with the actresses in the video and again with Wellington. The thought of Wellington’s hard-on sent chills through her body. She licked her cherry-red lips. She imagined how sweet he tasted.

Melanie crept up the crooked hill five miles per hour and parked behind Cynthia’s car. The automobiles were identical, except Cynthia’s Jaguar was shimmering silver.

“Hi, Melanie, it’s so good to see you. Come in,
darling.”
Cynthia extended her arms and squeezed Melanie as tight as she could.

“I’m really happy you invited me, Godmommy.” Melanie returned the same affection.” I needed the break. That’s why I insisted on driving. But I will say—the few days I’ve been here—Wellington has treated me like a queen.”

Cynthia stepped back. Her eyes rested upon Melanie’s face. Then traveled down to Melanie’s feet and back up to her eyes.” You look splendid, darling. I see you’re the same size. You’re a little fuller, but in the right places. That’s great.”

“Well, you must tell me your secret because you haven’t aged
at all,”
Melanie said.” Even the furniture looks the same.”

“Plenty of rest and lots of water certainly help. Now the furniture, I simply replace it every three to five years with the same.” Cynthia sat on the white Victorian couch and patted the empty space beside her. Melanie sat next to her.” So tell me. How have you been? When I was in D.C., your mother told me she’s concerned about you,” Cynthia said.

Melanie heaved. She avoided eye contact with Cynthia.” Can we talk openly?” asked Melanie as she stared at the crystal whatnots on the étagère.

“Of course we can, darling,” responded Cynthia.

“Well, Godmommy, I’ve been perturbed lately. I don’t think I can take much more. Mother has always compared me to Stephanie. But lately she’s been relentless. Stephanie has a house. Stephanie has a husband. Stephanie has three kids. Stephanie started her own business. Stephanie. Stephanie. Stephanie. Stephanie. Stephanie. I’m tired of hearing it. She acts like I’m thirty-two going on fifty-two.” The tears rolled down Melanie’s cheeks.
Cynthia laid Melanie’s head on her shoulder.” I want to get married and have kids more than she can imagine. But she keeps acting like every man I meet is my last opportunity.”

“Well, darling, since we’re talking, let me tell you something—not to be repeated, mind you.”

“Of course not.” Melanie lifted Cynthia’s hand and held it in her lap. She admired Cynthia’s huge diamond ring.

“It’s time I let you know.
You
are the
only
child I have ever loved. I’ve always wanted a daughter just like you. But I couldn’t bear any children. My grandfather molested me when I was twelve. I became pregnant. I couldn’t afford an abortion, so I did it myself. I thought I was hurting him. But in the end I was the one hurt. My mother took me to the hospital but it was too late. The doctor said because of the improper procedure, I was fortunate to be alive. But I would never bring a life into this world.” Cynthia lay back on the couch and rocked Melanie in her arms. The room was quiet.

“When I was twenty-three, I met this woman who was pregnant. She said she couldn’t keep the child. We didn’t know at the time if it was a girl or a boy, but I agreed to adopt the baby at birth. She said she had gotten pregnant by someone other than her husband, who’d been overseas and his one-year tour of duty would end soon. She said she would have to leave her infant in the trash or somewhere because she was afraid.”

Melanie listened. She wondered how this story fitted into hers. The baby photos of Wellington still lined the wall. Melanie scanned them all, one at a time. Wellington was fine from the day he was born.

Cynthia continued, “I promised to take the child. I didn’t want a son. I never wanted a male child. I never forgave my grandfather. But I didn’t want to see that woman abandon him, so Christopher and I took him. We named him Wellington. I chose the name because it sounded regal,
darling.
She gave us a framed picture of herself. But said she would never tell the real father—”

“I don’t mean to interrupt, but how could you live with the pain for so many years. You can’t heal if you can’t forgive.” Melanie decided her personal concerns weren’t that great after all. She laid her head back on Cynthia’s shoulder.

“Hush, my child, and listen. When Susan gave birth to twins, you and Stephanie, I instantly asked to be
your
godmother. There was something that drew me to you. I practically spoiled you.” Cynthia laughed.” So, your mother, spoiled Stephanie. My point, dear child, is don’t be upset with Susan. You are a beautiful woman, Melanie. You have no need to be jealous of Stephanie.”

Melanie sank deeper into Cynthia’s arms. It had been a long time since she’d felt truly loved.” But being beautiful is a curse at times. People only see me on the outside. They think I’ve got it all together. If I could wear my emotional scars, I’d probably look like Medusa. Anyway, I’m glad you invited me.” Melanie rubbed her hand along Cynthia’s arm.

“What do you think about Wellington?” asked Cynthia.

“Other than the fact that he’s handsome, rich, and lots of fun …”

“Don’t forget
single,
darling.”

How could Melanie forget? How could she tell
Cynthia she had already set her eyes on her god-brother? “Godmommy, Wellington is engaged to Jada.”

“Yeah, but not for long. You’re the perfect woman for my Wellington. That’s why I invited you.”

Melanie sat up and looked Cynthia in the eyes. Deep down inside she jumped for joy, but she looked at Cynthia with a straight face.” I don’t know about that. I may be many things, but I’m no home wrecker.” Melanie glimpsed at the color of the couch and wondered if it would be the one she’d wear when she and Wellington married.

“You still have a lot to learn about life, darling. If you truly want happiness, just let me handle this. Men are very basic. Remember that. Plus, Wellington has always had a thing for you. He’s too reserved to show it. So you have to make the first move.”

Melanie thought this over. No one knew Wellington better than Cynthia. And Cynthia knew her better than her own mother. Melanie’s prayers had finally been answered.

“Well, Wellington has promised to take me to Geoffrey’s tonight,” said Melanie.

“That sounds wonderful. Is Jada joining the two of you?” asked Cynthia.

“No. She’s out of town on business. We’re going with Walter and Wendy. But she’ll be back tomorrow for the barbecue.”

“Then it’s all set. This is your chance to get Wellington to notice you. You’ll have to do it tonight. And speaking of business, I’ve asked my friend, Terranee Murphy, to hire you at Sensations Communications. You start work Monday, November
fourth. Now I’ve got to get ready. I’m taking your mother on my special tour of the city. You can stay here as long as you like.”

Melanie hugged and kissed Cynthia.” I think I’ll just head back over to Wellington’s. Bye, Godmommy.”

Melanie drove down the hill at the same pace as on her way up. Her conscience kicked in. She questioned if she was doing the right thing. Wellington was perfect, but he was engaged. Melanie was becoming confused about what she wanted and what was right. One thought discounted the other. She drove thirty miles per hour along the peninsula. She parked outside Wellington’s home. She imagined it could all be hers. If he were deeply in love with Jada, no woman could come between them. If she convinced Wellington to marry her, then his love for Jada wasn’t pure. Melanie believed everything happened for a reason. Maybe Wellington was
her
soulmate. She turned the key and entered.

Melanie walked into the kitchen. Wellington was pouring himself a cup of coffee.” Would you like a cup?” he asked.

“Oh, no thanks. What time are we leaving tonight?” asked Melanie.

“We should leave around eight o’clock. That way we can get a table near the dance floor,” responded Wellington.

“I’ll be ready,” said Melanie.” What do you think I should wear?” Melanie put two scoops of sugar and a dash of cream in Wellington’s coffee. The little things he liked resurfaced in her mind. She had studied his every move.

“It’s definitely not a casual atmosphere. But
don’t overdress either. Wear something dressy but comfortable.” Wellington sipped his coffee.” Ah, perfect. Well, it’s my weekend to help Walter groom his lawn, and since the barbecue is tomorrow, we’ve decided to do it today. Otherwise it would throw off our schedule of alternating weekends.” Wellington licked his cocoa-caramel lips and sat the cup on the counter.

“So that’s your secret to keeping your lawn so beautiful,” said Melanie.” I thought you paid a professional.”

“I enjoy manicuring the lawn. It gives me an opportunity to work with my hands.” Wellington wiggled his fingers as if he were playing the piano.” Gardening is another form of art. You shape, mold, trim, cut, and reshape until it’s exactly the way
you
want it.”

Melanie reached for Wellington’s left hand. She turned it over and stroked it softly. It felt so good. “Your hands are soft. Well manicured. And masculine. I would have never guessed you enjoyed gardening.” She felt his pulse beat quicken.

“I’d better get going. I’ll be back around seven. If my Nubian Queen calls while I’m out, ask her to call me around seven-thirty. I’ll see you later,” said Wellington.

“Tell Walter and Wendy I said hello,” said Melanie as she stood in the doorway and watched Wellington’s sexy ass. He had a walk like Denzel Washington.

Melanie sucked her bottom lip and rubbed her temple. She had about six hours before Wellington returned. She took a nap in Wellington’s bed. When she awakened, she browsed through Jada’s things in Wellington’s bedroom.

Melanie sat at Jada’s vanity and combed her hair, like Jada’s. She sampled Jada’s fragrances. Zahra, that was the one she remembered. She was careful to place everything back in its proper place. Then she tried on several of Jada’s dresses. She liked the leopard dress best. Melanie’s red-hot sexy irresistible dress with the back out was as close as she could get.

Melanie watched a couple of X-rated videos on the big screen. She contemplated her next move for hours. She finally concluded that sex was the common denominator. For strategies, she reached back into her college days—when she was the master, creator, and controller of the best on-and offcampus sexual escapades.

The best scene in the movie had just begun. Melanie removed her G-string. She dropped her hot pink summer dress to the carpet. She lay back on the chaise and spread her legs. She parted her lips and held her clitoris between her fingers. She moistened her index finger and glided it up and down her shaft. Then she rotated it on the head of her clit. The telephone rang.” Damn!” She picked up the cordless, turned down the volume, and continued to watch the video.