Chapter 4
FOUR
Tardiness wasn’t tolerated, but absence was unacceptable. Princeton’s was the only excusable absence, which was why it didn’t bother me much that he’d be home for the second week in a row. What was chipping away at my sanity was the lack of information or a decent explanation as to why.
Princeton was accustomed to routines. He learned them. He loved them. But, as of lately, he loathed them. His naps were more frequent and his fuse was shorter. At the drop of a dime, literally, the stemming began and outbursts beyond his control took over his small body.
A trip to his physician revealed nothing out of the ordinary, but I knew something was wrong with my son. And, autism wasn’t the case. He’d had that all his life. Something deeper, something more unsettling was the matter and I needed to get to the bottom of it. I just didn’t understand how or how much time it would require.
I met our home affairs manager at the door. Because I knew everyone was inside seated already, there was hardly any reason for me to move any swifter. I was late. The damage had already been done.
“Good evening, Sir.”
“Good evening,” I responded, pushing past the tray with champagne flutes atop.
My bladder was already urging me to visit the closest toilet. I cut a quick left off the main hallway in pursuit of the bathroom reserved for family. We weren’t allowed in the guest bathrooms which were just down the main hallway on both ends.
I loosened the button on my suit in preparation. The realization that my button had gotten caught by a thread led me to investigate. As my head lowered and my eyes followed, the sound of heels clapping against the floor reserved my attention.
Creased eyebrows and a wrinkled forehead contorted the rest of my features. Chocolate-coated stilts led me to impressive curves and eventually a face that would surely go down in history as one of the greatest. Hair flowed effortlessly down a chiseled back and arms.
Down boy. I warned.
My attempt to suppress my yearning was useless. I swelled in my pants as I watched carefully as Rather placed one foot in front of the other, headed in my direction. Her head was high and her heels were higher. Her chest protruded, piercing the air with her pebbled nipples.
That fucking perfume . I groaned, internally, as she passed me by.
Our eyes locked briefly. Without a word, she continued to pound the marbled flooring. My heart sped although time seemed to stand still. Her progress was slow. Methodic. Alluring. Agonizing.
Gradually, my head turned to meet her backside. A reel of our time in Private Suite 102 played as the distance between us began to increase.
Her legs wrapped around my body.
Her lips against my ear.
Her request.
Her creamy center.
Her volcano.
Her climax.
Her warmth.
Her lava.
Her in that fucking red.
Her boldness.
Her face just before our departure.
Her sadness .
It stuck with me. It haunted me. It worried me. Encountering her two years later and understanding her absence wasn’t intentional validated my concerns. Involuntarily, she’d kept me waiting. I didn’t want to wait anymore.
“Rose.”
Those long legs stiffened instantly. Without seeing that pretty face of hers, I envisioned its distortion. The same horrifying thoughts going through her head, I understood because they’d gone through mine over the last week. Since coming to the realization I’d handed the woman I’d been waiting for to my brother on a silver fucking platter, I’d been suffering from the same torment.
Slowly, she twirled on the tips of her shoes until our eyes met. Enlightenment scrunched her beauty, but it was still viable. Still alive. And, still recognizable.
There was a shift, one I felt the second her dark eyes found me. She suddenly shrunk in size. Her ego didn’t seem as massive. Her pride had been minimized. The ferocious being I knew as The Therapist , as Rather, quickly retreated.
The walls of my family’s home transformed. Darkness surrounded us. We were no longer standing in the hallway. Mentally, we’d teleported.
Those thoughts she once owned were no longer hers. Words no longer belonged to her. Movement was no longer determined by her. She yielded to my presence, immediately conforming to the structure we’d built in a single night’s time two years prior.
Good girl .
Her cheeks were flushed. Heat radiated from her body. I could smell her arousal as it began to seep from her deepest fold.
Her gaze was pinned against me. She was still processing. She was still trying to consider the odds. She was still gathering herself.
Unable to maintain the distance, I depleted it with two long, urgent steps. Instantly, I was surrounded by her greatness. Engulfed in her aura. Bathing in her vulnerability. Encouraging her softness. Rebirthing her femininity. Praising her presence.
With me, she didn’t have to be the person everyone wanted her to be or knew her to be. She could be nothing while simultaneously being everything. Because, at the moment, that’s exactly what she was to me.
The fact she didn’t belong to me or my inhibitions didn’t resonate. Neither did it matter. She was whatever the fuck I said she was. She was whoever the fuck I said she was.
“I waited.”
I rounded her, admiring the subtle weight gain. She was being fed well, but I had a better meal plan in mind for her. For me. For us .
Nervously, she shifted her weight from one side to the other. She was ready to free words from her mouth. I stepped back, allowing her room to breathe. Room to release the tension she was feeling, tension I wanted to resolve .
“Speak, Rose.”
“We can’t. We can’t do th–”
“You kept me waiting.”
“I would– I would’ve come back every night if I could’ve bu–”
“There you are,” my father exclaimed as his hands fell by his side. “Thought you got lost.”
Rose remained silent. She was waiting for instruction. Frozen in place, she kept her eyes trained on me despite my father’s presence.
Good girl .
“Priest. You’re late.”
“Princeton was having a rough evening.”
I tipped my head in the opposite direction, silently commanding movement from Rose. She was free to leave and rejoin the rest of the family.
“I’m sending for him tomorrow. Maybe a day or two in nature will help. Get him out of his environment.”
“Maybe.”
With my father in my ear and Rose inching away from me, I forgot I needed to take a leak. Together, he and I began down the hallway.
His hand rested on my back as he turned to me and asked, “What do you think of her? She’s a gem, aye? Good for the family?”
“She’s a perfect fit for the family.”
Perfect .
“You know son, she’s a therapist. A really good one.”
“Trust me, Pops. I know.”
“You should consider letting her work with Princeton. Talk to him and see where his head is. I’m worried about him.”
We entered the dining hall. The chatter freed me of the obligation to speak. Everyone in attendance stood to their feet. I leaned in and kissed my mother’s cheek. Beside her was Kleigh. I pecked her cheeks and forehead as well.
Killian greeted me with a hand. Our palms slapped against one another. He pulled me in, patting my back as if we were church members who often had a dinner plate together on Sunday evening after the Lord’s word settled in our souls.
“Stop patting my fucking back,” I insisted.
“Would you prefer I rubbed your ass?”
“If you want to see your mother cry tonight then try it.”
“Boys–” Kleigh cautioned. “Please.”
Because Killian had made it clear he was fishing for a reaction from me, I continued around the table. Kofi’s embrace was as theatrical as his choice of attire. While we all were draped in black with hints of color, Kofi was fully clothed in red.
Our embrace provided a better view of the woman who was trying her hardest to disappear in plain sight. Although she was losing it inside, one wouldn’t be able to guess it. From first glance, one would believe she was a well-put-together, unbothered ball of fire.
But, the tapping of her fingers on the table and her lack of ability to acknowledge my presence suddenly revealed just how much she was falling apart. She was losing it inside. But, she wasn’t the only one. The difference between us was I knew how to remain collected and unchanging. Rather, not so much.
I rounded the table, again, stopping at the very end where I sat directly opposite of my father. Because he was the owner of our family home, he sat on one end. Because I was the head of the family, I sat at the other.
Simultaneously, we all sat. Naturally, my eyes gravitated to the most interesting being at the table. She was clothed in a black dress that stopped inches away from her knees and hugged her body like a glove.
“So, Rather and I had a little girl time this week,” Kleigh revealed. “I really enjoyed myself.”
“Was it because you’re still holding onto that dream of having a sister or is it because you actually had a good time.” My mother asked.
“Both, actually.”
“Rather.” My mother turned to our guest. “What about you?”
“I’ve spent the bulk of my life with six girls. Last night didn’t feel any different.”
“Awwww,” Kleigh dragged, “That feels like a compliment.”
“Probably because it is.”
Rather nodded, seeming genuinely appreciative of the time they’d spent together. The appetizer dishes were removed from the table. The second course was served shortly after.
My mother’s cheeks were stained with tears from the laughter that had her doubled over as Kofi recalled his encounter with a loose pit bull in a neighborhood he wasn’t supposed to visit alone. While she was amused by this strange interaction, I was counting the amount of regulations he’d disregarded before, during, and after it.
Easily, he could’ve found himself in a situation we’d have to extract him from. An encounter with a pitbull was the least of my worries and there wasn’t a thing I found funny about it. I added to the list of topics to address at our next meeting, but allowed the story to continue.
“I am going to get going. I have an early start tomorrow and I need to be getting to bed. Kofi, have that wound checked out. You never know what diseases that dog carried.”
“I’ve already been,” he assured her, “All is well and he’s somewhere in Doggy Heaven– or hell.”
“My God. I didn’t expect that ending.”
“May he rest in peace,” Kofi scoffed.
My mother stood, drawing us all from our seats.
“Sit. Sit. Sit,” she told us, waving her hand. “Goodnight everyone.”
“Goodnight,” we replied in unison.
My father followed close behind her. Though he wasn’t ending his night so soon, he would surely see her off to bed.
“The old people are off to bed, but they left one of the crew members,” Kofi snickered, taking a peek in my direction.
“I’m not sure why they left their toddler who is going through his terrible two stage behind but I hope they notice soon.”
“Fuck you.” All of his teeth showed.
Laughter rounded the table.
“The feeling is mutual.”
“Don’t act like you’re not about to cut out of here and go home like the other old folks who are in bed by nine.”
“I’m not. Cut out of here, yes. Going home, not yet.”
“See, I told you he still liked pussy,” Killian burst out, pointing at Kofi.
“I do. One in particular, actually.”
My eyes found Rose.
“Hm. Sounds fun. When will we get to meet her?” Kleigh questioned with wide, curious eyes.
You have already .
“You think you have to meet every piece of pussy we slide in?” Kofi asked our sister. “The man didn’t say he had a woman. He said he has a little something, something.”
“Where’d you meet?” Kleigh couldn’t help herself.
“At The Mansion.”
“The Mansion?”
“Oh shit, that place you told us about a while back?”
“Yes. That place.”
The clearing of Rather’s throat quieted us all. Our eyes were trained on her chocolate skin and pretty, forged smile.
“Kofi,” she said lowly, almost inaudible.
Her nerves were controlling every movement of her features and her frame. I could feel the energy across the table. Kofi turned, lending his attention to her. He matched her volume, but we could still hear every word spoken.
“What’s up, Rather?”
“I’m not feeling my best.”
“What’s the matter?”
He scooted closer, hoping his presence would bring her peace. She was in an uproar, internally. She didn’t know peace. Wouldn’t know peace. Not now, anyway.
“I think I’m going to call it a night. Feeling a bit queasy.”
“I’ll walk you to the ca–”
“No. No. That won’t be necessary. Stay here. It’s right out front. I can manage.”
I waited, hoping Kofi would contest her stance and still make sure she got to her car. She was on our property. It was heavily secured, so of course she was safe. However, our level of security was beside the point. Manners and etiquette were the only stars at the moment.
“Call me when you make it home.”
My nostrils flared as I watched Rather stand on her feet. We all stood and waited for her exit. It took so much of me not to chase her down and see her to her car. But, I rested my ass in the seat along with everyone else as she rounded the corner and disappeared.
“Why aren’t you going after her?” Kleigh was the first to speak.
“She said she doesn’t feel good,” Kofi explained.
“Which is exactly why you should’ve driven her home or made sure she was taken home.”
She’s not going home , I argued in my head.
“I have plans, Kleigh. And, they don’t include being in the house before the ten o’clock hour. I understand you two have bonded a bit and gotten to know each other better, but that’s my business. Not yours.”
Taken aback, Kleigh rested her body against her chair. “As a woman, another woman will forever be my business so get used to it, shitface.”
I didn’t interfere, because Kofi had that one coming.
“She’s right, brother,” Killian added, “Going home early is ideal when there will be an open buffet waiting.”
“I have something else lined up,” Kofi explained.
“Something else?” Killian shrieked. “Nigga, you’re getting married in less than three months and Pops footing the bill. Fuck you mean you have something else lined up?”
“His idea, Killian. He should foot the fucking bill. Had it been my choice, my decision, then I would’ve gladly paid for my own wedding.”
“But you didn’t and you’re fucking right it was his decision. It’s a desperate attempt to try and save his baby boy from destruction,” I reminded Kofi.
“Who could blame him?” Kleigh sighed.
“When it’s time to walk down that aisle, my shit will be intact. For now, all you motherfuckers worry about your wack ass love lives and stay out of mine.”
Red blood stained his suit from a fist to the face. He was forever in violation and my duty as the leader of the family was to reprimand him each and every time. Since his accident, I’d been sparing him, but tonight I wanted to make him remember his place so he could stay in that motherfucker.
Not tonight.
For my sake, I didn’t fall through on the satisfying visual that left my hand itching. The urge to re-break his jaw after it had healed so beautifully was almost impossible to resist.
“Let this be the last night you talk to anyone at this table like you’ve lost your marbles. You’ve made a full recovery now. What I tolerated during your healing won’t be tolerated any longer. You’re a disrespectful, selfish piece of shit and that’s fine.”
“But, in our presence, you will respect every single one of us. Both Killian and Kleigh are right. For once, get your shit together. A woman’s heart is at stake. Treat her right, Kofi.”
Or I will .
I stood and headed for the door, leaving the three of them to converse amongst themselves. I had somewhere to be and the clock couldn’t strike ten before I got there.
On my way to my car, I dialed the number I knew best of them all.
“How is he?”
“He’s asleep,” Nikola informed me.
“How long?”
“About twenty minutes. He’s all tired out. Tonight might be the night he gets his rest. I’m hopeful, Mr. Valentine.”
“So am I. He needs it.”
“He does.”
“Alright.”
“Goodnight, Mr. Valentine.”
I stopped just short of changing gears.
“Goodnight? What makes you believe I’m not coming home?”
“Because you would’ve been here instead of calling.”
“Goodbye, Nikola.”
I ended the call, knowing she had a point, but I wasn’t sure if it was accurate. In fact, her point of view stuck with me on the entire ride to The Mansion. When my wheels came to a halt at the booth before gaining entry, my plans quickly shifted.
As the gates opened, I reversed my car, high-tailing out of the lot. I maneuvered the gear into Drive and unlocked my cell simultaneously. My nights of waiting had ended.
“Ursula,” I called out the moment she answered.
“Mr. Valentine.”
“Has a reservation been made for the night under her name?”
There was a moment of silence before she responded, “Not for this week.”
Her words threw me for a loop. “This week?”
“Yes. There was a reservation made for nine-thirty last week. Monday, it seems.”
“And, I wasn’t notified.”
“Because that’s not what you asked of me. You didn’t say to inform you if she reserves. You said to inform you if she returns. She hasn’t. She didn’t make it Monday night.”
Yet and still, she wanted to .
The lone fact led me to my rolodex where all things Rose was stored. The comments Kleigh had made about popping up at her house Monday night replayed. She was the reason Rose hadn’t made it. But, the smile on Kleigh’s face as she told us about their night together was far more precious than a night at The Mansion, no matter how long I’d been waiting.
Nine-thirty . I chuckled at the thought. Surely she was trying to make the ten-o’clock deadline.
“Thank you, Ursula.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. Valentine.”
“Before you go–”
“Yes?”
“Reservations. Contact. Presence. It all matters.”
“Noted.”
Rather’s possible condition concerned me. Now, Kofi’s lack of decorum had truly begun to grind my gears.
Fucking heathen . His actions were unacceptable.
She’s unwell . I imagined. My destination changed instantly upon reaching the highway.
Multi-tasking while driving wasn’t exactly a choice I’d usually make but there was nothing usual about the current circumstances. I searched my family’s private database to locate the home address of our newest member.
Though Rather wasn’t officially a Valentine, she was under our protection as a promise to her family. Because of that, her details were readily available. All but her cell because hers would be changing more often than not.
96239 Pinnacle Way
Clarke, Huffington
Though I’d never visited the address, I knew exactly where she was resting her head at night. She was in good company. All the beautiful women with more than enough to lose lived in Browning alongside the wealthy men who were afraid to be in their company or provided a life of luxury for them. Chem had her put up well. I didn’t expect anything less.
Browning was the highest point of Clarke, near the mountain’s core. Hilltops made the roads wind upward for miles and miles. Browning included three neighborhoods, all varying in size and all growing in financial responsibility as you climbed.
Mount Clarke, where Princeton and I lived, sat atop The Summit and Meridian. Rather wasn’t very far from us. Comfortably, she was nestled between Mount Clarke and Meridian. I reached her neighborhood in twenty minutes. Her home, in particular, I reached in twenty-three.
The two-story, Victorian-style home with the subtle modern upgrades to the original design was fitting. Almost every light in the home was on. I pulled three houses down, where the street curved into a half-circle and there was room for parking.
Out of the car and on foot, I walked the distance to reach Rather’s home. Across the street, preparing to make my way to the other side, I watched as she moved about her home. Her shadow defined the new curves that had come with aging and Father Time.
A queen in her castle .
As I stepped into the street, ready to alert her of my presence, a familiar set of wheels turned down the dimly lit street with R&B blasting from the speakers.
Of course .
I stepped back, blending with the dark of the night and finding a pole to rest my arm against. The black Mercedes pulled around the driveway and Kleigh hopped out without a care in the world. She never checked her surroundings. She never closed her door.
She has to do better.
Not involving her in the family’s affairs was a choice we’d made in an attempt to lighten her burdens. Life was complicated enough. We wanted her to remain soft and gentle in every aspect of her world.
However, seeing how carefree she was had me second guessing our choice. Even if she wasn’t involved, she needed to understand the way the world truly worked. It wasn’t daisies and roses. It was sometimes mud and shit. And, if she wasn’t careful, she’d walk right into it.
She stood at the door, patiently waiting for Rather to appear. It wasn’t long before she did. Dressed in a beige silk number, she greeted Kleigh. Because there was so much distance between us, her facial expression couldn’t be determined, so I resorted to body movement to see if she was, in fact, unwell.
Kleigh’s arms wrapped around her after a short exchange. As quickly as she’d come, she was leaving. Baby girl was a Valentine through and through. Her heart was large and she understood the value of relationship-building. Kofi wasn’t willing to come by and make sure Rather was alright, so she did. So did I.
Her black coupe sped down the residential street, bending the corner with far too much speed. Nevertheless, it was still intact when she pushed the gas on the next street.
Kleigh’s departure should’ve been my queue to leave, but my legs wouldn’t move. My eyes wouldn’t move. My arms, they just wouldn’t move.
I watched from afar as Rather turned off one light at a time throughout her home. When she made it upstairs and the darkness began to consume her dwelling, my time began to wind down. Resentment filled my bones. And, it took every bit of strength to refrain from moving my limbs and heading in her direction.
Finally, her bedroom light shut off, signaling an end to her day. I gathered my bearings, straightened my spine, and began in the opposite direction. Before getting too far, I took a final look over my shoulder, hoping the night brought her the peace she needed because once she woke, her world would be turned upside down. Mentally. Physically. Intimately. Sexually.
Sleep well, Rose .