Soulmates Dissipate Read online

  “Wellington, I missed you,” said Jada as she planted a wet one square on his lips. He rubbed his hand over his face.

  “Yeah, we missed you,” Melanie seconded.

  “Hey, I missed you guys too. Thanks, Melanie, for introducing Jada, but I’ll take my bride-to-be off your hands for the rest of the evening.”

  “Thank you! “Jada kissed Wellington and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “It’s been my pleasure,” Melanie said. “Jada, don’t forget we have plans for Saturday.”

  “I won’t.”

  Wellington watched Melanie walk over to her mother.” What was that all about?”

  “Nothing much. I agreed to take Melanie shopping in the city and out to a club before she heads back to D.C. That way I don’t have to worry about my fiancé not inviting me. You know what I mean,” Jada remarked.

  “Count me out.” Wellington licked his lips and softly kissed Jada.” I love you, woman. Mrs. Wellington Jones.”

  “I love you too, baby.”

  Chapter 9

  Jada was glad Melanie’s visit was approaching its end. In less than forty-eight hours Melanie Marie Thompson would be on the road again. Over the past week, Jada had grown to like Melanie, but what woman wanted another in her man’s house? The intercom buzzed. Jada sat the knife on the counter.

  “Ms. Tanner. Ms. Jordan is here to see you,” Edward informed.

  “Thanks, Edward. Send her up, please.”

  When Candice arrived, Jada greeted her with opened arms.” Come in, girl!”

  “I’m not staying long,” said Candice.” I just decided to stop by on my way home from aerobics.” Candice’s hair was pulled back into a short ponytail with a red tie that matched her warm-up suit. Candice looked good even after she had worked out.

  “You must be working out to lose your mind, girl, because you couldn’t possibly look any better. I was just about to make a wheat grass shake with fresh green apples and ginger root.”

  “Perfect timing. Make me one, too.” Candice sat and stared out the window. The daytime view of Oakland was nice. The sky was clear and no rain was in the forecast.

  Jada pressed the mix button on the blender.” What happened to you last Saturday? I thought you were coming to the barbecue.”

  “I decided to take a last-minute trip to Los Angeles. Terrell and I had a heart-to-heart talk.”

  “So what happened?” Jada poured the wheat grass into two tall exotic glasses.

  “We decided we’re ready to take our relationship to a higher level. I really like the fact that Wellington gave you a soulmate ring to signify your spiritual connection. Terrell and I exchanged rings this weekend. See!” Candice flipped her wrist and extended her fingers. The logo was embedded inside the diamond solitaire.

  Jada held Candice’s hand.” It’s beautiful. I really like the marquis cut.”

  “We know it’s not going to be easy,” said Candice.” But if the first six months go well, we agreed that I would move to Los Angeles and live on his farm.”

  “A farm¡” Jada’s eyebrows drew closer together.

  “Gotcha. I’m kidding. Terrell’s house is exotic. Can you believe he has a man-made waterfall flowing into his pool?”

  “Well, the two of you are sure handling your relationship responsibly. Most people just fall in and out of love, lust, or whatever. But they never take time to discuss their expectations.”

  Candice chimed in, “Some don’t even discuss the fact they’re in a relationship. After date number one, two, or three, they assume that’s a commitment. Especially after they’ve had sex.”

  Jada nodded her head.” That’s especially true for women. Why is it that people can go on forever about what they don’t like? Anyway, I’m so happy for you guys.”

  “Thanks, but I’m still nervous.” Candice sipped her juice.

  “Not you, Ms. Thang.” Candice could have practically any man she wanted. Her skin was smooth as butter and her ass was big as a butterball. Plus, she earned well over six figures a year.

  “Well, don’t laugh but I’m still tripping on our age difference.”

  “Candice, look at me. Spirits are ageless and faceless. Don’t nurture the seeds of society. He’s too old, too young, too skinny, too fat, too bald, too poor, too ugly, too this, too that, too … Nurture the seeds of your spirits. Now tell me. Did you put your get-back booty in that G-string bikini and strut your stuff on Venice beach, girl?” Jada laughed.

  ‘You’re going to have to lay off the juice. Oxygen overdose to the brain,” Candice laughed.” But you know I tried to get arrested on Santa Monica Beach. The officer was so fine. I would have handcuffed myself.” Candice finished her drink, rinsed the glass, and placed it in the dishwasher.” So what are you doing today?”

  “Melanie and I are going shopping in San Francisco. Then we’re going out tonight.”

  “Melanie? She’s still here?”

  “Yeah, but I’m thrilled this is her last weekend. In fact, I’m so glad she’s leaving I might just buy her a going-away present.”

  “Well, buy two—one from me,” said Candice, not cracking a smile.” It’s not that I dislike her. I just don’t trust her. She seems sneaky and conniving.”

  “Well, she was pretty nice to me at the barbecue. She introduced me to Mrs. Jones’s society friends.” Jada remained neutral.” It’s the least I can do in return.”

  “Jada. Mrs. Jones is setting the stage for Melanie to move in and for you to move out. Please don’t continue to ignore the signs. Why did Melanie surface after twelve years?” Candice asked, then waited for a response. When Jada didn’t reply, she continued, “Why isn’t she staying with Mrs. Jones? Why didn’t they visit in D.C.?”

  “Candice, you know I respect your opinion, but I don’t think you’re right about this. Besides, Wellington and I are soulmates. We are meant to be together. No one can come between us.”

  “Well, keep in mind that soulmates dissipate for more reasons than one. And the other woman ranks at the top of the list.”

  “Look, Candice, I’ve got to run. But I promise I’ll think about what you’ve said.”

  “We can walk out together,” said Candice.

  “Okay.” Jada felt confident that regardless of what Melanie’s intentions were, Wellington would never allow anyone to ruin their relationship.

  “Let’s see, keys, phone, purse, credit cards, make that credit card.” Jada tossed the other cards on the kitchen table.” I’m ready.”

  They took the elevator down, and Candice exited at the lobby. Jada went down one additional level to the garage. She got in her car, dropped the top, and turned on her radio. She pushed button number five for 102.9.

  “We’re going to take you way back by special request. Ladies, if you’ve got a good man you’d better look out for—“The Clean-Up Woman.” This is the Mellow Man giving it to you straight. Take those blinders off of your mind. Stop being captivated in time! Because the clean-up woman is busy, and if you get comfortable—oh well.” Complete silence. Then Jada heard the intro to Betty Wright’s song. Jada immediately reached for her cellular and speed-dialed Candice’s number.

  “Hello.”

  “Candice. Did you call KBLX and make a special request?”

  “No. Why? What’s playing?” Candice asked.

  “Listen to this.” Jada turned up the volume on her radio.

  Candice busted out laughing.” No, girl, I did not make that request, but you must admit, it is timely.”

  “Candice, this is not funny.”

  “Have fun shopping,” she said.” And don’t forget to buy my good-bye gift.”

  Jada parked in the circular driveway. Her hand traveled to ring the bell.

  Melanie opened the door.” Hi, Jada. I’m so excited. I really appreciate you taking me on this shopping spree in the city, “Melanie sang. Melanie’s hair was pulled back in a ponytail. Her makeup was flawless. Her manicure and pedicure matched her red lips. Her black jean shorts hu
ng loosely over her hips. The black Victoria’s Secret top exposed more cleavage than Jada cared to see.

  “Well, today is your lucky day,” replied Jada. Jada tried to exhibit the same level of enthusiasm.

  “And yours!” responded Melanie. She combed her nails through her hair.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Jada questioned.

  “Oh, nothing. Stop being so serious. I’m just ready to have fun.”

  “Where’s Wellington?”

  “Upstairs, relaxing. He said he was tired after grooming the lawn all morning.”

  “I’ll just be a moment. Let me run upstairs and say hello to my baby.” Wellington was stretched across the bed sound asleep. His arms were spread wide. He snored. Jada decided not to wake him. This man looked good even in his sleep. She kissed his lips and pulled the covers up to his chest. When she went downstairs, Melanie was in her. car. Jada reflected on some of the things Candice had mentioned.

  The drive downtown would take about twenty minutes.” How have you enjoyed your vacation?” Jada asked once they had gotten on the road.

  Melanie looked relaxed. Her cherry-red lips curved and parted.” I’ve had a wonderful time!” Jada expected her to say more.

  “What time are you heading out tomorrow?”

  “I haven’t decided. Have you heard this joke?” Melanie paused.” A woman walks into an antique record shop and asks, ‘Do you have Hot Lips on a six-inch?’ The owner looks at the woman and responds, ‘No, but I’ve had Hot Lips on a twelve-inch.’” Melanie slapped her leg and laughed.” I love that joke!”

  “That’s pretty good,”Jada agreed, laughing.

  “So which stores are your favorite?” asked Melanie.

  “I love them all. I have yet to find a store that doesn’t have something I like. I love being creative.”

  “Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. You just can’t go wrong shopping in San Francisco. They have all of the major designer stores. Have you decided where we’re going to party tonight?” asked Melanie.

  “Maybe. Do you like oldies like Parliament?”

  “What? There’s a place in San Francisco that plays oldies?”

  “You can find anything you want in San Francisco,” Jada responded.” The question is: Can you afford it?”Jada parked in the Centre’s garage. Melanie bounced in her seat then hopped out of the car. It was a typical Saturday afternoon. The mall was packed with people of all nationalities. Almost every shopper had a bag. Saks. Gucci. Victoria’s Secret. FUBU.

  “Let’s go in the lingerie store,” Melanie suggested.

  “Oh, you’ll love this store. It’s one of my favorites. Actually, any lingerie store is my favorite as long as the items don’t look cheap.”

  “Check out this black lace bustier with the matching garter.” Melanie waved the garments in the air.

  “That’s sexy. But you haven’t checked out this transparent crotchless leopard cat suit. This is so me.” Jada held it in front of her and admired herself in the mirror.

  “I bet Wellington would love to see you in it,” Melanie commented.

  “I know he would.” Jada placed the outfit back on the rack.” Let’s go to the top floor where the really expensive shops are.”

  “Let me try this outfit on first. I’ll be right with you, you go ahead,” insisted Melanie.

  “Okay. I’ll represent the advance team. Meet me in the shoe department of Nordstrom,” said Jada. It had been a long time since she’d had this much fun shopping.

  They shopped on every single floor from top to bottom. Jada would never forget how Melanie charged over ten thousand dollars on her platinum Visa. She watched the salesperson get excited about the commission. The cashier’s eyes blinked faster than the scanner flashed. Then Melanie reversed all the charges and told the woman, “The color of money is green, black, and cream—not white. I bet your ass you’ll think twice before you show disrespect to another black customer.” Melanie tucked her card in her purse, tossed her head back, and walked out. Jada and Melanie laughed out loud as soon as they got outside.

  “I almost forgot,” Melanie said.” I have to pick up my packages from the lingerie shop.” The woman behind the counter remembered Melanie. She handed her two overstuffed bags with wrapped packages.

  “What on earth did you buy?”

  “Just a few play things for fun. It’s starting to get late. Can we go to the exotic shop?” asked Melanie.” I’ve been looking all over for these special imported fur-lined handcuffs. They must sell them in San Francisco. I couldn’t find them anywhere in D.C.”

  “I know exactly where to take you.”

  “Oh great! This is so wonderful,” Melanie said.

  Jada was glad the shopping spree was almost over.

  “We’re getting ready to close, ladies,” said the salesman at the pleasure shop.

  “But it’s only five o’clock.” Melanie tugged on the door.

  “I know what time it is.” He flipped the OPEN sign to CLOSED.

  “But I came all the way from Washington, D.C., just to shop at your store,” Melanie pleaded.

  He paused.” Do you know what you want?” He turned the key.

  “I sure do,” said Melanie. She charged into the small store as soon as he cracked the door.

  “Okay, I’ll let you in but you have five minutes to make a purchase,” the man said. Jada walked in.

  “Thank you. I’d like two pairs of fur-lined handcuffs and two of the matching blindfolds.”

  “Why two pairs?” Jada asked.

  “Well, one pair is for home and the other is for travel. A true diva is always prepared,” responded Melanie. She winked at the man behind the counter.

  “Thank you, ladies, and please come again and again and again and again.” He smiled and locked the door.

  “We’d better head back to Wellington’s,” suggested Jada.

  “I need a nap before we go out,” Melanie said.

  “You too?”Jada commented.

  “Yes. It does wonders for the body and mine needs it.”

  “I agree. Mine too.”

  When they arrived at Wellington’s, Jada immediately walked over to Wellington and gave him a long, endearing French kiss. He was kicked back in front of the TV. Watching the Forty-niners.

  “My goodness, is there anything left to purchase in the city? It looks like you two have bought it all,” he said. His body was stretched across the chaise longue. Jada was glad he had on a lounging jacket to cover himself. Her daddy has always said, “Never advertise things that are not for sale.”

  “Just a few things,” Melanie responded.

  “A few, yeah right, if you insist,” Wellington replied.

  “We’re going to take a nap before we get dressed to go out,” said Jada. As she turned toward the spiral staircase, she heard Wellington clear his throat.

  “How about another?” His luscious lips protruded beyond his nose. Jada pranced over, straddled him, and planted a nice long kiss.

  Melanie’s eyes shifted away from them.” I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone,” said Melanie.” Wake me at eight.”

  “I’m going to take a shower first, so all I have to do is freshen up. Wellington, would you please make sure I’m up by eight-thirty, sweetheart.” Jada blew him a kiss on her way up the stairs.

  “Oh, I’ll make sure you are up by seven-thirty,” he said. Then he licked his lips again. The phone rang.” I’ll get it,” shouted Wellington.

  Jada listened from the top of the staircase.” Hey, Walter, what’s up? You recovered from doing the lawn yet?” Wellington asked.

  Jada went into Wellington’s bedroom. She heard Wellington’s voice escalate but couldn’t understand what he was saying. She opened the door and listened.

  “You and Wendy are trying to erase my circle and I don’t understand why!” Wellington’s voice echoed through the house. Jada expected Melanie to step outside her room but she didn’t.

  “I’ve never interfered with your marriag
e! Have I? Good-bye, man. I will talk to you later, but for right now, just stay out of my business!”

  By the time Wellington clicked the phone, Jada was downstairs.” Baby, is everything all right? What was Walter talking about?”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll talk to him later.” Wellington leaned back on the chaise. Jada placed her hand inside his jacket and slowly smoothed her hand over the soft hairs on his chest.

  Wellington was still disturbed. Jada thought it best if she deferred asking him any more questions. She went into the kitchen and poured two glasses of chilled Dom Perignon. On her way back into the living room, she noticed Melanie coming downstairs in a black lace ankle-length robe.

  “Hey, nobody told me the party started already,” said Melanie.” I’ll get a glass and we’ll toast.”

  Melanie’s departure date could not come soon enough. Jada sat on the sofa. Wellington moved next to her and draped his arm over her shoulder.

  Melanie pranced out of the kitchen with a full champagne glass in one hand and a newly opened bottle in the other. She plopped down on the opposite side of Wellington, crossed her legs, and said, “A toast to soulmates.”

  Wellington’s mood started to improve, so Jada went with the flow.” A toast to soulmates,” Wellington and Jada repeated in unison. Their glasses tipped together.

  Melanie went into the kitchen and brought back another bottle of champagne.” Let’s just celebrate a great union of new friendships.” She poured Wellington and Jada another glass of champagne. After five empty bottles lined the table, Melanie excused herself.” I’m going to go upstairs and shower. I’ll be back.”

  Jada was happy Melanie had left. She batted her eyelashes at Wellington.” I brought some chocolate for The Ruler.” Wellington went from six to nine in five seconds. Clothes trailed from the couch to the shower. Wellington didn’t wait for Jada to dry off. He tossed her towel on the floor and kissed her chocolate mounds. In the middle of foreplay, Melanie walked into the room wearing a red sheer robe. Her fingers barely wrapped around the handle of the overstuffed shopping bag she’d brought from the mall.