right words. “It’s all right, Brenda.” Mimi frowned, not sure what trap she’d allowed herself to fall into.
“I was in an accident outside of the restaurant. I didn’t think about calling you until after I was in the ambulance and on my way to the hospital, but I was in no condition to do so.”
“Oh my God, Brenda! Are you all right? What hospital are you in?”
“I’m at home now. I sustained only a few minor bumps and bruises; however, my car is a total wreck. I’m going to pick up a rental car today or tomorrow.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re all right.”
“I still want us to get together, Mimi. How about Friday?”
“Are you sure you’ll be well enough to go out on Friday?”
“What is it, Mimi? Why don’t you want to see me? We’re only going to have a harmless lunch. I’m not going to press you about what happened nineteen years ago. Let’s live in the present. That’s what counts. I’ve missed you.”
Mimi sighed. Victor’s words kept echoing in her head. She was sure he was capable of doing something terrible to her, but it was Afrika she was worried about, and she wasn’t about to let stupidity or emotions harm her child.
“Nothing is wrong, Brenda. Let’s plan for Friday; same place.”
“Okay, I’m fine with that. But please don’t back out. I really want to see you.”
“Are you all right, Brenda?”
“Yeah, yeah. Other than the small jolt the accident gave me, most times I’m so wrapped up in my work that I don’t get to do a lot of me things.”
Mimi pondered what Brenda had said. “I’ll be there.”
“Okay, then it’s set. I can’t wait to see you.”
“Me twice,” Mimi said, noting the anxiety in Brenda’s voice. “I’m looking forward to it. See you then.”
“Great.”
BRENDA STARED AT THE PHONE. SHE NEEDED TO TALK WITH HER best friend. She needed to confide in Mimi—to tell her all that had transpired in her life and how miserable she was. It was almost as if it was ordained…Mimi’s reentry into her life. Mimi’s timing was perfect, even if she was unaware.
Brenda cleared her afternoon schedule as well as for the rest of the week to give herself some time to relax and heal from her ordeal. Maybe she’d go to the spa and pamper herself since it certainly would aid in the healing process. Victor may have thought he had won a small victory by her setback. True, she didn’t get to see Mimi, but she was going to keep her new luncheon date a secret. The more Brenda had time to think, the more she wondered if Victor had anything to do with her accident.
Victor was always trying to control her, keep her in line, tell her how to spend her money while he traipsed up and down the Eastern Seaboard and across North Carolina on state money, pretending he was recruiting students when all the while he was sniffing behind other women and bringing his leftovers to her after all was said and done, even though she didn’t want any part of him. But they kept up a commanding performance, making appearances here and there like a dutiful couple with ties to the community. But things were going to change.
Brenda picked up her cell phone and called a cab.
15
“Wait up, Nikki!” Keith shouted as he sprinted across the campus lawn to catch up with her.
Clutching her books, Afrika stopped and almost fell when Keith descended upon her.
“Nikki, Nikki. You sure do look hot today, baby,” Keith said out of breath, taking a quick peek over his shoulder at Afrika’s sculptured buttocks draped in a pair of tight-fitting Dereon jeans and a purple fitted T-shirt with the words Live, Love, Laugh embossed on it. He slung his long slender arm around Afrika’s neck, pulled her close, and squeezed her tight.
Afrika was loving all the attention that this 5’ll”, streamlined, chocolate fudge, could’ve-been-a-basketball-playing hunk was throwing on her. His soft brown eyes danced in his perfect round head and made her melt. But her heart went ka-thump as the warm body dressed in a gold linen, buttoned-down blazer along with a pair of black slacks and an artsy gold, black, and eggshell colored tie snuggled next to her. He was fine and set the rest of her body on fire.
Afrika threw her body around and stared him up and down as if it was the first time she’d laid eyes on him. Her mock smile transformed into an all-out grin, finally parting