11
The next morning, Nadia woke to the sounds of laughter coming from the kitchen.
Rolling over in bed, she fumbled for her phone on the nightstand and checked the time. She was surprised to see that it was already past ten. She’d slept in late, trying to make up for the hours she’d lost two nights ago at Reid’s house.
Smiling at the delicious memory, she lay back against the soft mound of pillows and sighed. She and Reid had stayed up talking on the phone until Viggo returned to their room, just barely making the eleven o’clock curfew. Reluctant to say goodnight, Nadia and Reid had texted for another hour before she made him get off and go to bed. Afterward she’d lain awake thinking about him and all the things he’d said. When she finally drifted off to sleep, she was still smiling.
She couldn’t wait to see him again.
Just one more day.
Hearing another burst of laughter from the kitchen, she climbed out of bed, padded to the dresser and took out a pair of pink pajama bottoms.
After pulling on the pants, she left her bedroom and headed down the hall, the wood floor cold beneath her bare feet. She stopped in the bathroom to pee and brush her teeth before continuing to the kitchen.
The voices she heard belonged to her brother and Jess. Last night at happy hour, Nadia had mentioned wanting a new outfit to wear on her date with Reid. Jess had gotten excited, and quickly wrangled her into going shopping the next day.
When Nadia reached the kitchen doorway, she saw Nelson and Jess leaning against the counter together, laughing and drinking coffee. Jess looked gorgeous as usual in a fitted pink jumpsuit with stylish wedge heels. Her long hair was swept to one side, falling in loose curls down over her shoulder.
Nelson had already been to the gym that morning. His gray tank was ringed with sweat around the neck and underarms. After weeks of working out with their cousin Lennox, his biceps were getting bigger and more defined—a fact that hadn’t escaped Jess’s notice.
“Look at you getting all cock diesel,” she said teasingly.
“That’s right,” Nelson bragged, lifting his arm to flex his muscles. “Check out these guns.”
“Ooh.” Jess reached up and curled manicured fingers around his bicep, grinning appreciatively. “Very impressive.”
Nadia’s eyes narrowed, an unsettling suspicion taking root in her mind. Deciding she’d seen enough, she walked into the kitchen with a breezy, “Good morning.”
Startled, Jess snatched her hand from Nelson’s arm and smiled brightly at Nadia. “Hey. You’re up.”
“I am.” Nadia gave her an amused look. “Sorry to interrupt…whatever that was.”
A guilty flush spread over Jess’s cheeks. Suddenly she couldn’t meet Nadia’s gaze.
“Mornin’, sleepyhead,” Nelson greeted her. “Jess brought coffee and breakfast burritos.”
“So I see,” Nadia drawled, approaching the counter. “How thoughtful of her.”
“I just figured since I was coming over anyway, I might as well pick up breakfast.” Jess handed a covered cup of coffee to Nadia and gestured to a white paper bag on the counter. “You should probably heat up your burrito.”
“Thanks.” Nadia sampled the coffee. It needed to be reheated as well. “You’re two hours early. What gives?”
Jess shrugged. “I had a couple errands to run. And I figured you’d already be up and about. You never sleep in this late on Saturdays.” A sly grin curved her mouth. “Were you and Reid up all night sexting?”
Nadia’s cheeks warmed. “Of course not. He has a game tonight. He needs his rest.”
“I’m sure he does,” Jess drawled wickedly. “Especially since he probably didn’t get much rest the night of your sleepover, as evidenced by your bowlegged walk the next day.”
Nadia blushed harder. “No comment.”
Jess and Nelson laughed.
As Nadia stuck her cup into the microwave to nuke the coffee, Jess said conversationally to Nelson, “So why aren’t you in Boston? Now that you’re covering the Rebels, doesn’t that mean you get to travel with the team for away games?”
Nelson sighed. “I wish. But the paper doesn’t have the budget to cover travel expenses.”
“Oh, that’s too bad,” Jess commiserated.
“Tell me about it. Anyway, I invited a few friends over to watch the game tonight. You’re welcome to come too. That is, if you’re not too worn out from shopping all day.”
Jess laughed. “I’ll be fine. And I’d love to come over and watch the game. I have to hold your sister’s hand to keep her from having a heart attack every time Reid gets into a fight.”
Nadia grinned sheepishly. “I wasn’t that bad.”
“Uh, yeah, you were,” Jess and Nelson chorused, then laughed.
“Whatevs.” When the microwave chimed, Nadia removed her reheated coffee cup and took a careful sip, letting the caffeine infuse her system and wake her up.
“Where’s Bianca?” Jess asked Nelson. “Are you two hanging out today?”
“Yeah,” he said with a smile. “She wants to check out some new exhibit at the art museum. Then I thought we’d go for a drive through the mountains and stop for lunch along the way.”
“Wow,” Jess exclaimed. “Sounds romantic.”
“Doesn’t it? Bianca brings out the Romeo in Nelson.” Nadia grinned at her brother. “When are we going to start planning her surprise birthday party?”
“Soon. Definitely.” Nelson drank the rest of his coffee, then set the empty cup down on the counter. “I’m gonna hop in the shower.”
“Good idea,” Nadia teased, wrinkling her nose at him. “You smell like a men’s locker room.”
“How would you know?” he retorted with a grin. “Does Reid know you’ve been hanging out in men’s locker rooms?”
“Ha ha.” Nadia flipped him the bird.
He laughed and then winked at Jess. “Thanks again for breakfast.”
“No problem,” Jess said with an almost shy smile.
Nelson sauntered out of the kitchen, playfully bumping Nadia’s shoulder on the way out.
As soon as he was gone, she raised an eyebrow at Jess. “Something you wanna tell me?”
Jess blinked. “Like what?”
“Like why were you flirting with my brother?”
“What? I wasn’t flirting!”
Nadia’s eyes narrowed. “Sure looked that way to me.”
“Well, you’re wrong,” Jess insisted. “I wasn’t flirting with Nelson.”
“I hope not. Because he has a girlfriend, whom I happen to really like. I don’t want to be caught in the middle of any drama.”
“There’s not gonna be any drama,” Jess assured her. “I’m not interested in Nelson. He’s like a brother to me. Always has been.”
Nadia studied her friend a moment longer, then took another sip of her coffee.
“So,” Jess said brightly, “did you talk to Reid about Viggo?”
“I did.”
“Well? What did he say? Did Viggo ask about me after we met the other night?”
Nadia hesitated, reluctant to admit that Viggo had actually asked about her cousin Scarlett, whom she probably shouldn’t have mentioned to Reid.
“Nadia?” Jess prompted. “Did Viggo ask about me?”
“Um…Reid didn’t say.”
“Really?” Jess looked surprised, then baffled, then disappointed. “Well, didn’t you tell Reid that I think Viggo’s hot?”
“I did. I asked him if Viggo was seeing anyone special and he said no, but he’s always looking. So I told him about how you’re really interested in Viggo.” Nadia paused. “But now I’m not so sure about that.”
“Are you crazy?” Jess exclaimed. “Of course I’m interested in Viggo! Why wouldn’t I be?”
Nadia gave her a long look. “You tell me.”
Jess blushed, her gaze sliding away to the counter. As if to give herself something to do, she threw Nelson’s burrito wrapper and empty cup into the trash, then washed her hands at the sink and grabbed a paper towel. She took her time drying herself off and examining her French manicure before she cleared her throat.
“So…about today…”
Nadia leaned back against the counter. “What about it?”
Jess hesitated, then reluctantly turned around to face her. “Caitlyn’s coming with us.”
Nadia blinked, her cup halfway to her mouth. “Come again?”
Jess bit her lip, looking guilty. “My cousin Caitlyn’s in town visiting her parents this week. Aunt Sheridan told my mom that she’s been moping around the house feeling sorry for herself and snapping at everyone. Mom thought a girls’ day out would do her some good. So she asked me to let her hang out with us today.”
“Oh, God, do we have to?” Nadia groaned. “No offense, but Caitlyn isn’t the most pleasant person to be around. She’s like the queen bee of mean girls. She has no filter whatsoever, and she always ends up rubbing me the wrong way.”
Jess sighed heavily. “I know.”
“I mean, the last time we were with her, she couldn’t stop throwing shade at black women who wear weaves. Then she doubled down by bragging about her rich white husbands and saying how white men don’t want ‘regular’ black women. Despite the fact that, quiet as it’s kept, white men have been lusting after black women since the days of slavery—pre weaves, pre relaxers, pre colored contacts, pre cosmetics. Despite the fact that it was a white man’s love for a black woman that brought about Loving v. Virginia. Despite the fact that several prominent white men are married to black women. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Caitlyn would have us believe that no white man desires black women. What next? Aliens ain’t checking for sistas either?” Nadia snorted in disgust. “Sorry, but I’m not here for her bullshit.”
“I know, girl,” Jess said grimly. “Offending people is Caitlyn’s MO. She takes after her mother. And she’s even worse these days. Twice divorced, got rejected by her childhood crush, lost custody of Ally. She’s angry and bitter as hell.”
“All the more reason to avoid her like the Ebola virus,” Nadia retorted.
“I know.” Jess sighed. “I wish I could.”
Nadia snorted. “I can. She’s not my cousin.”
Jess stared at her. “What’re you saying?”
Nadia set her cup down. “I’m saying I’d rather go shopping by myself than with you and your catty cousin.”
“Please don’t be like that,” Jess entreated, grabbing her shoulders. “If you bail on me, I’ll be stuck with that miserable bitch all day, and we’ll probably end up killing each other. Is that what you want?”
“Well, no, but—”
“Please don’t ditch me, Nadia. I’m begging you.”
She groaned. “C’mon, Jess. I really don’t—”
“Pleeeaaase. I need you!”
Nadia rolled her eyes in exasperation, then heaved a resigned breath. “All right, all right. Caitlyn can come with us.”
“Oh, God, thank you!” Jess gave her a relieved hug. “I owe you big time!”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Nadia drew back and wagged a warning finger at Jess. “But I’m telling you right now. The second that chick says something outrageously offensive, I’m outta there.”
Jess laughed. “I’ll be right behind you.”
“Uh-huh.” Nadia gave her a knowing look. “Now I know what the coffee and burritos were for. You were trying to bribe me.”
Jess laughed, looking sheepish.
At that moment the doorbell rang.
Nadia and Jess traded questioning glances.
“Expecting company?”
“Not that I know of.” Nadia left the kitchen and made her way to the front door. When she opened it and saw who stood there, her eyes widened in shock.
“Scarlett!”
Her cousin laughed. “I’m back, baby!”
Nadia squealed excitedly, then pulled Scarlett into her arms and hugged her long and hard. “I missed you!”
“I missed you too!”
Nadia drew away, beaming from ear to ear. “What’re you doing home? You said you wouldn’t be back for another week!”
Scarlett grinned. “I know. I wanted to surprise you.”
“Well, mission accomplished!” Nadia grabbed Scarlett’s hand and pulled her inside the loft.
As she closed the door, Jess emerged from the kitchen and waved. “Hey, Scarlett.”
“Hey, girl. Good to see you.”
“You too.” Jess grinned. “Welcome home.”
“Thanks,” Scarlett said warmly. “It’s good to be home.”
Nadia snorted. “For now. It won’t be long before you’re feeling restless and itching to get back on the road.”
Her cousin laughed. “Probably.”
With her rich brown complexion, sultry dark eyes and pouty pucker, Scarlett Warner was one of those natural beauties who looked stunning without even trying. Her thick, curly hair had a purple streak that hung over her right eye. It was styled in a funky Frohawk, the sides slicked upward with gel. She had four rings in each ear and a tiny diamond nose ring. She wore a fitted leather jacket over a cropped black T-shirt with the word Conformity crossed out in white. Her tight ripped jeans clung to her every enviable curve, and the ice-pick heels of her studded ankle boots added several inches to her five-six frame.
“When did you get home?” Nadia asked her.
“Last night after nine.”
“I was just about to eat. Have you had breakfast?”
“Yeah.” Scarlett grinned wryly. “My parents woke me up at the ass crack of dawn to take me out to eat.”
“The nerve.” Nadia grinned. “You know they’ve missed you like crazy. So have your brothers.”
“I know, girl. I missed them too.” Scarlett winked. “But don’t tell ’em I said so.”
Nadia laughed and hugged her around the waist.
She and Scarlett had always been more like sisters than cousins. Their fathers were twins, so the two girls had grown up together. They’d attended the same schools, joined the same clubs, and were inseparable during family vacations and reunions. At sleepovers, they’d stayed up late swapping secrets, playing dress up and dancing to their favorite songs. As members of a pretend girl band, they would sing into hairbrushes and make their own music videos with Nelson acting as director. Even back then, Scarlett had been the better singer and performer.
When she was nine, she’d come across a drum set while attending a friend’s birthday party. The set belonged to the host’s older brother, who played in a rock band. He’d graciously allowed Scarlett to tinker around with his drums, showing her how to hold the sticks and where to strike them to produce cool beats. She was hooked. When her music teacher at school introduced her to the work of Sheila E., Scarlett was so awed and inspired by the electrifying female drummer that she’d begged her parents for drum lessons.
It was money well spent. Scarlett proved to have a natural talent and went on to play the drums in her middle and high school bands, eventually receiving a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music. That was where she met the four guys who would later help her form Off The Grid.
For the past three months, the band had been in Europe performing in concerts and festivals to promote their second album, which had been climbing up the indie charts.
“I want to hear all about the tour.” Nadia grabbed Scarlett’s hand and ushered her over to the sofa, plopping down next to her while Jess sat on the loveseat.
“So how was it?” Nadia asked excitedly.
“It was awesome. Exhilarating. Exhausting.” Scarlett grinned, her eyes sparkling. “We had a big crowd at every performance, so that was pretty amazing. Even though it was our second tour, it still felt surreal to look out into the audience and see people singing the words to our songs and screaming our names. There’s nothing like it.”
“Sounds exciting,” Jess said with a touch of envy.
“It was,” Scarlett confirmed, propping her feet up on the coffee table. “Being onstage is the biggest fucking adrenaline rush. But the rest of it isn’t as glamorous as you might think. Staying in cheap hotels, eating bad food and dealing with jet lag can take a serious toll. And since we’re not signed with a major record label, worrying about money can be hella stressful.”
“Wow,” Jess commiserated. “I didn’t even think about all that.”
Scarlett shrugged. “Most people don’t.”
“So other than performing for screaming fans,” Nadia asked, “what’s the best part of going on tour?”
Scarlett smiled. “Being with the guys.”
“Aww. What’s the worst part?”
Scarlett wrinkled her nose. “Being with the guys.”
They all laughed.
“Your bandmates are fine as hell,” Jess declared. “How could you ever get tired of being around them?”
“You’d be surprised,” Scarlett said with a wry smile. “I love the fellas. They’re family, and I’d do anything for them and vice versa. But after traveling together for months, we get on each other’s nerves and need a damn break.”
Nadia grinned. “Totally understandable. That’s how Nelson and I get sometimes.”
Scarlett chuckled, glancing around. “Where is Nelson?”
“Taking a shower. He’s hanging out with Bianca today.”
Scarlett grinned. “Of course. What else?”
“Right?” Jess laughed.
Nadia smiled. “How was Sweden?” she asked, thinking of Viggo.
“Oh, I loved Sweden. The beautiful scenery, the food, the culture, the music scene.” Scarlett sighed, placing her hand over her heart. “Stockholm was my favorite stop on the tour. I can’t wait to go back next year.”
“When do you guys hit the road again?” Nadia asked.
“Not until February. In the meantime, I plan to relax, catch up on sleep and just enjoy my downtime.”
At that moment Nelson emerged from the back. “I thought I heard your voice out here.”
Scarlett’s face lit up in a wide grin. “Nelson!”
Beaming, he crossed the room in two strides, lifted her in a big bear hug and swung her around. “’Bout damn time you brought your ass home.”
Scarlett laughed, hugging him back before he set her down and grinned at her.
“You’re back early.”
“Nah.” Her eyes twinkled. “I told you guys I was coming home later so I could surprise you. Damn, son,” she exclaimed, squeezing Nelson’s biceps through his shirt. “Someone’s been hitting the gym hard.”
Nelson grinned. “You noticed that too, huh? Jess was just saying the same thing.” Showing off, he puffed out his chest and struck a pose, flexing his biceps like a bodybuilder.
As Scarlett and Jess pretended to swoon and fan themselves, Nadia rolled her eyes. “Please stop gassing the boy’s head up. I’m the one who’s gonna have to live with him and his massive ass ego.”
Everyone laughed.
Nelson tweaked Scarlett’s nose. “I’m having some friends over tonight to watch the hockey game. You’re coming, right?”
“Of course. Wouldn’t miss it.” Scarlett, unlike Nadia, had always shared Nelson’s love for hockey. She knew players’ stats, watched the games and could talk shop with the best of them. “I hear our Rebels are off to a great start this season.”
“Yup,” Nelson confirmed. “Everyone’s healthy, and they won the first game pretty decisively.”
“Awesome.” Scarlett’s face broke into a sudden grin. “Hey, Dad says Reid Holden broke his silence to talk to you. How the hell did you pull that off?”
“Ask Nadia,” Nelson said with a sly grin. “She might know something about it.”
“Nadia?” Scarlett repeated, her brows furrowed in confusion. “She doesn’t even like hockey.”
Nelson’s grin widened. “She does now.”
“Really?” Scarlett turned to stare at Nadia. “What have I missed?”
Nadia’s face heated under her cousin’s scrutiny. “Jess and I are going shopping this afternoon,” she blurted, dodging the question. “Why don’t you come with us?”
“Yeah,” Jess piped up. “Come with us. The more, the merrier.”
Scarlett looked from Jess to Nadia and then shrugged. “Sure, why not? I don’t have any other plans.”
“Great,” Nadia enthused, grateful that Scarlett would help her serve as a buffer between Jess and Caitlyn. “I’m gonna take a shower and get dressed.”
As she turned and started from the room, Scarlett called after her, “Are you gonna tell me why you suddenly love hockey?”
Nelson and Jess laughed like co-conspirators. “We’ll fill you in.”
On the way to the mall, Scarlett alternately teased and interrogated Nadia about her relationship with Reid. She couldn’t believe one of her family members was dating an NHL superstar. As a hockey fan, she was super excited and looked forward to meeting Reid. As a concerned cousin who knew all about Nadia’s track record with jocks, she had her reservations. But as long as Reid made Nadia happy and treated her well, Scarlett was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
They arrived at the upscale mall and parked outside Macy’s, then got out of the car and sat on the bench near the entrance to enjoy the warm weather while they waited for Caitlyn.
Nearly twenty minutes later, she drove up in her rental Ferrari and found a spot right in the front. She stepped out of the low-slung car like a supermodel, sliding one long leg out and then the other. She had on designer shades, and a light breeze blew her long dark hair away from her face. She was fashionably dressed in a sleek white pantsuit that accentuated her tall, svelte figure. Paired with multicolored Christian Louboutin snakeskin pumps, the pantsuit looked like it had come straight from a Paris couturier. The entire outfit had probably cost more than Nadia earned in a year.
Caitlyn removed her sunglasses and tossed her hair over her shoulder. As she strutted toward them, Nadia could almost hear the Pussycat Dolls cooing, “Don’t you wish your girlfriend was hot like me?”
Watching Caitlyn approach, Jess rolled her eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn’t get stuck in her head.
The animosity between the two cousins was unusual, given that Caitlyn was over twenty years older than Jess. Not that she looked it. She’d had some work done, so her fair skin was smooth and tight, with barely a trace of crow’s feet or smile lines. Her makeup was flawless, her nails were perfectly manicured and her hair glistened with blond highlights.
“Hello, girls.” She went around the circle, greeting Nadia and Scarlett with air kisses. When she came to Jess, her lip curled and her nostrils flared as if she’d caught a whiff of something gross.
Jess didn’t look any happier to see her.
“Caitlyn,” she said through gritted teeth.
“Jessilyn.” Caitlyn gave her cousin a deliberate once-over, her critical eye searching for flaws. “You’re looking…well.”
“Thanks.” Jess didn’t bother to return the tepid compliment. “We were beginning to wonder if you’d decided to blow us off.”
Caitlyn looked quaintly amused. “If that was your subtle way of scolding me for being late, it couldn’t be helped. I’ve been on the phone with clients all morning. As you may recall, I run my own law practice. It’s not my fault I’m always in demand.”
Jess rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”
Caitlyn ignored her, tucking her sunglasses into her Hermès Birkin bag. When she noticed Nadia’s Chanel purse, her hazel eyes narrowed.
“Nice bag,” she remarked. “I didn’t realize the college paid secretaries so well.”
Already with the putdowns? Seriously?
“Not that there’s anything wrong with being a secretary,” Nadia said calmly, “but I’m actually a recruiter.”
“Oh?” Caitlyn blinked, then waved a dismissive hand. “I must have gotten your job confused with Jessilyn’s.”
“Then you’re still confused,” Jess said coolly, “because I’m an admissions counselor.”
“Really?” Caitlyn smirked. “Maybe you should consider becoming a recruiter so you can afford Chanel purses like your bestie.”
Jess bristled with anger. “My salary is just fine. And for your information, Nadia didn’t—”
“Let’s go shopping, shall we?” Smiling brightly, Nadia linked arms with Jess and Scarlett and steered them toward the entrance to Macy’s.
Over the next hour they browsed through the new fall arrivals, pulling pretty clothes off the racks before putting them back. Only Nadia and Jess were there to spend money. Scarlett was just along for the ride, while Caitlyn seemed more interested in talking on her phone than shopping. She took several calls—some professional, others personal.
They could always tell when she was speaking to a man because her voice took on a sugary quality and she tossed her hair coquettishly as her laughter rang out across the store. She turned men’s heads, and more than a few appeared ready to approach her before she shot them down with a single look.
When she wasn’t on the phone, she followed the girls around offering her unsolicited opinion on what did or didn’t look good on Nadia. As the most expensively attired member of their group, she behaved as if her fashion expertise should be taken as gospel.
“You’re probably too dark to pull off that color. I mean, you’re obviously nowhere near as dark as Lupita Nyong’o, but you still need to be mindful of choosing the most flattering colors for your complexion.”
“I don’t think you have the right body type for that dress.”
“Look at the cut of that neckline. It does absolutely nothing for your small boobs.”
“That romper makes your legs look too short. Besides, rompers are so last season.”
“You have too much junk in your trunk to wear that. With your ghetto booty, you’d look like a stripper.”
Her running commentary had Jess muttering and cursing under her breath while Scarlett glared and sucked her teeth. Nadia could only pray for the strength to get through the outing without going upside Caitlyn’s head.
“I used to love shopping here when I was a teenager. But that was before I went away to college on the East Coast.” Caitlyn glanced around the store with haughty disdain. “The Macy’s in New York totally puts this one to shame. Hell, every shopping mall in Atlanta makes this place look like—”
“Oh my God,” Jess finally burst out in exasperation. “Why do you have to be such a raging bitch?”
Caitlyn looked affronted. “Excuse you?”
“Excuse you! What the fuck is your problem?”
When a few heads swiveled in their direction, Nadia murmured, “Jess—”
“No, Nadia! I’ve had enough of her picking you apart and insulting you. Who the hell died and made her Anna Wintour?”
“Or Asha Dubois,” Scarlett added hotly.
Nadia bit back a laugh. “It’s okay—”
“No, it’s not,” Jess snapped. “We’re trying to shop and have a good time, and she’s totally fucking up the mood with all her negativity.”
“Seriously,” Scarlett agreed, scowling at Caitlyn. “I don’t appreciate all the shade you’ve been throwing at my cousin. You need to back the hell off.”
Caitlyn sniffed, lifting her chin. “I wasn’t trying to offend—”
“Bullshit,” Jess snarled. “That’s exactly what you were doing and you know it. You can’t help yourself.”
A concerned salesclerk ventured over. “Is everything all right?”
“We’re fine,” Caitlyn and Jess snapped.
The woman quickly retreated.
Caitlyn turned to Nadia with a placating smile. “I’m sorry you took my words the wrong way. I was only trying to be helpful. You have a cute figure and flawless skin. I just want you to walk out of here with outfits that will play up your assets and look flattering on you.”
Nadia knew this was the closest she’d ever get to an apology. So she mustered a small smile and said, “I appreciate that, Caitlyn.”
Caitlyn patted her shoulder. “No problem. Oh, look at that,” she said, walking over to a display of Michael Kors dresses.
Nadia reluctantly followed her, watching as she pulled a gorgeous blue sheath off the rack and held it up for her consideration.
“Now this would look good on you.”
Nadia checked the price tag and almost choked. The dress was outrageously expensive. Since she’d gotten paid yesterday, she had enough money in her account to splurge on one or two really nice outfits. But she didn’t want to go overboard.
“Um…ah…” She faltered, searching for a polite way to reject the dress without having to come right out and admit she couldn’t afford it.
Scarlett came to her rescue. “It’s pretty, but it’s not really your style.”
“I agree.” Jess wrinkled her nose for emphasis. “It’s kinda matronly.” Totally a dig at Caitlyn.
“Let’s try Forever 21,” Scarlett suggested.
“Are you serious?” Caitlyn shuddered.
Nadia frowned. “What’s wrong with Forever 21?”
“Nothing, if you don’t mind wearing bargain basement clothes that’s been picked over.” Caitlyn smiled condescendingly. “But that’s probably more within your budget.”
Jess didn’t let the slight go unanswered. “Aww,” she taunted mockingly. “Is someone feeling salty because she’s too over the hill to shop at Forever 21?”
Caitlyn snorted derisively. “Bitch, please. I wouldn’t be caught dead shopping in that tacky store.”
Jess smirked. “Well, given your advanced age—”
Nadia grabbed her arm. “Let’s go.”
They left Macy’s and headed through the mall toward Forever 21. On the way there, they came upon a pack of rowdy black boys wearing designer hoodies and sagging jeans. When the teens spotted Nadia’s group, they whistled, leered and catcalled them with a litany of tired pick-up lines:
“Yo, redbone, you fine as hell. Can I get your number?”
“Ay, light skin! You got a man?”
“Yo, chocolate girls! Y’all got some phat asses. Dayum!”
“Ay, Hazel Eyes! Are y’all sisters?”
“Can I run my fingers through y’all hair?”
Caitlyn curled her lips in disgust and waved them off. “Go play in traffic. Or better yet, go pick a fight with a white cop.”
The obnoxious teenagers moved on, hooting and hollering among themselves.
“Fucking degenerates.” Caitlyn gave a shudder of repulsion and scowled. “This mall is going to the dogs. Literally.”
“Right,” Jess said sarcastically. “Because you never see loudmouthed black boys roaming around Lenox Square in Atlanta.”
Before Caitlyn could respond, her phone trilled inside her handbag. She pulled it out, her saccharine demeanor instantly returning as she answered, “Well, hello again, darling.”
Scarlett leaned close to Jess and whispered curiously, “Who’s ‘darling’? And why does he keep calling?”
Jess snickered. “Aunt Sheridan says she’s been seeing some wealthy Atlanta Falcons executive. As long as dude keeps her out of our hair, he can call all damn day as far as I’m concerned.”
Before they reached Forever 21, Caitlyn wandered off on her own, barely sparing them a backward glance as she laughed into her phone. Grateful to be rid of her, they exchanged celebratory high fives and then raced into the store to shop in peace.
They flew through the racks, trying on different outfits and modeling them for one another. Nadia fell in love with a metallic cutout dress, a strapless black jumpsuit, an off-the-shoulder fuchsia top and a houndstooth pencil skirt, along with some graphic tees and tanks. Jess loaded up on short skirts and blouses and earrings. Even Scarlett picked up a few items, although she typically preferred Hot Topic and Merchnow for their edgy, music-inspired fashion.
Even with a bag full of clothes, Nadia was still searching for the perfect outfit to wear on her date with Reid. As she, Jess and Scarlett were sifting through a rack of slinky dresses, Jess suddenly glanced up and scowled.
“Damn. She’s back.”
Nadia and Scarlett followed her gaze to see Caitlyn strutting through the entrance with an air of haughty superiority. As they watched, she walked over to a heavyset white girl holding up a halter dress in front of a mirror.
“That’s not a good look for you, sweetie,” Caitlyn said with mock concern. “Why don’t you try the Lane Bryant around the corner?”
The girl gasped, staring at Caitlyn in affronted disbelief.
“I’m just being honest with you.” Caitlyn gave her a seemingly innocuous smile. “Your skinny girlfriends will never tell you the truth because they don’t want to hurt your feelings. But take it from an unbiased stranger: There’s nothing here that would ever look good on someone your size.”
When the red-faced girl shoved the dress back onto the rack and hurried out of the store, Caitlyn cackled with vicious satisfaction.
Nadia and Scarlett stared at each other in openmouthed shock.
“Didn’t I tell you guys?” Jess declared matter-of-factly. “That bitch is the devil incarnate.”
Scarlett shook her head and laughed grimly.
But Nadia wasn’t amused. She put down the dress she’d been holding and made her way over to Caitlyn. “That was a really shitty thing you just did. Totally mean and uncalled for.”
“Oh, please,” Caitlyn said with a snort. “I did that cow a favor. She actually believed she could pull off wearing a spandex dress.”
“And how was that any of your damn business?”
Caitlyn sighed. “I know it’s not PC to say this, but no one enjoys seeing fat chicks waddle around in too-tight clothes with rolls of fat hanging over their pants. It’s tacky and gross. Since those broads never think twice about subjecting us to such obscene displays, consider my intervention a public service.”
Nadia shook her head in disgust. “You’re unbelievable.”
Caitlyn shrugged. “Just speaking the truth. Don’t shoot the messenger.”
“Oh, I’m definitely wishing I had a Glock nine right about now,” Nadia muttered darkly.
Caitlyn laughed, delighted. “Aww, look at you getting all outraged on behalf of the morbidly obese. How cute.”
Jess and Scarlett came over, took one look at Nadia’s scowl and sighed. “What now?”
“I’m ready to go.” Nadia had had enough of Caitlyn’s catty, mean-girl bullshit.
Jess frowned. “But you still haven’t found—”
“Don’t care.” Nadia was already making her way toward the checkout counter.
The line was ridiculously long, and there was only one cashier on a register. Nadia was tempted to put her new clothes back and walk out. Before she could move, Caitlyn sidled up to her and draped an arm around her shoulders.
“I like you, Nadia,” she said languidly. “If you were my cousin instead of Jessilyn, I think we’d get along so much better.”
Nadia snorted. “I seriously doubt it.”
Caitlyn laughed, unfazed by her rancor. “So who’s the lucky guy you’re going on a date with? I certainly hope he’s nothing like those ghetto lowlifes who harassed us on the way over here.” She wrinkled her nose in distaste. “Honestly, I just don’t get the appeal of black guys. The majority of them are broke, uneducated, have bad credit and a boatload of baby mamas. They’re selfish lovers who act like they’re doing you a favor if they eat pussy. And contrary to popular belief, they’re not all hung like a horse. Talk about a myth of epic proportions!” She snorted, shaking her head. “No offense to my wonderful father, but I just don’t find most black men attractive. Unless they’re mixed, their hair is usually nappy as hell. And when they shave or get a haircut, they always get those nasty razor bumps on their necks and the back of their heads.” She shuddered in revulsion. “No. Just no.”
Scarlett snorted in disbelief. “Damn, ma, why don’t you tell us how you really feel.”
“Seriously.” Nadia shook her head at Caitlyn. “Is there any segment of the population you don’t hate?”
Caitlyn pretended to consider the question, then shook her head. “Nope.”
When Nadia and Scarlett frowned, she tossed her head and laughed. “No hate here. Just straight talk, no chaser.” She sighed, stroking Nadia’s hair almost fondly. “So, anyway, you were going to tell me all about your hot date.”
The hell I was, Nadia thought.
“His name’s Reid,” Jess volunteered before Nadia could shush her.
Caitlyn sent a lazy glance over her shoulder. “Reid, huh? Sounds like a white boy. But I’m sure he’s not.”
“Actually, he is,” Jess said with gleeful satisfaction. “It’s Reid Holden.”
As the name registered, Caitlyn’s eyes widened in shock and her jaw dropped. “The hockey player?”
“That’s right,” Jess crowed, all but shouting from the rooftops. “She’s going out with Reid ‘The Rocket’ Holden.”
Several shoppers turned and stared at them. Nadia suddenly felt as if she were standing in the hot glare of a spotlight.
Her face burned. “Jess, please—”
But her friend was just getting started. “He’s the one who bought Nadia that Chanel purse.”
“Along with six others,” Scarlett added.
Nadia inwardly groaned. Et tu, cousin?
Caitlyn’s face was a case study in amazement as she stared at Nadia. “Reid Holden bought you seven Chanel bags?”
“He sure did,” Jess gloated.
Caitlyn dropped her arm from Nadia’s shoulders and slowly looked her up and down, critically appraising her belted tunic sweater, skinny jeans and flats.
Then she smirked. “Your pussy must be lined with gold to land a Sugar Daddy like that.”
Nadia bristled at the taunt and blushed at the same time.
Before she could muster a comeback, Jess interjected smugly, “I’m sure her pussy’s absolutely divine. But the thing is, Reid gave her the purses before they slept together, after they went out only once for coffee. Explain that.”
Caitlyn blinked, dumbfounded.
It seemed that everyone in the store was whispering, staring and pointing at Nadia. In front of her, two awestruck white teenagers gushed, “You are so lucky. Reid Holden is, like, sooo hot!”
Nadia smiled weakly. To give herself something to do, she ducked her head and dug around in her purse before pulling out her wallet. When she opened it to retrieve her check card, the last thing she expected to find was a platinum card belonging to Reid.
She slowly pulled out the card, staring at it in shock. When the hell had Reid slipped it into her wallet? And why?
“Oh my God,” Jess breathed, staring over her shoulder. “Is that what I think it is?”
“Damn,” Scarlett exclaimed. “He gave you his credit card?”
“Platinum, at that.” Caitlyn’s voice was tight with jealousy. “Guess you really do have a golden pussy.”
Nadia’s face flamed. She put the card away and grabbed her phone, then stepped out of line. She pulled up Reid’s number as she made her way toward an empty corner of the store.
After three rings his deep voice came on the line, sounding a little rushed. “Hey, babe.”
Her stomach fluttered. “Hi. Is this a bad time?”
“I’m heading out to a team meeting. What’s up? You okay?”
“I’m fine. Just, uh, confused. How did your credit card end up in my wallet?”
His low chuckle rumbled in her ear. “I put it there. Obviously.”
“Well, yeah, but why?”
“You said you were buying our movie tickets today. I want you to use my card to pay for them.”
Nadia frowned. “That’s not necess—”
“Why are you whispering?” Reid sounded amused.
She blushed. “Because I’m out in public. When did you sneak your card into my purse?”
“Before I drove you home yesterday morning.” She heard male voices in the background, laughing and joking. “Listen, I gotta run, baby. Use the card. And get anything else you want.”
Nadia frowned. “But—”
“No buts, Nadia. You’re not paying for our tickets.”
“Reid—”
“Don’t argue with me before a game, woman. It’s bad luck.”
She couldn’t help smiling. “Is that one of your superstitions?”
“It is now.” She could hear the answering smile in his voice. “I’ll call you after the game.”
“Okay.” She bit her lower lip. “Kick ass tonight.”
“Always.”
When Nadia returned to the checkout line, everyone was gawking at her. She pretended not to notice.
Jess nudged her teasingly. “So are we going on a shopping spree or what?”
Nadia chuckled. “Of course not. I’m not spending that man’s money.”
Caitlyn snorted. “I would. Might as well get something out of the deal before he dumps you for the next piece of ass.”
Nadia bristled. “Gee, thanks.”
“Pay her no mind, Nadia,” Jess said. “She’s just jealous because Reid’s with you and not her.”
“Oh, please,” Caitlyn scoffed with a dismissive toss of her head. “I was married to two rich white men. Worst mistakes of my life. They’re no prize either, believe me.”
Jess smirked. “I’m sure they say the same thing about you.”
“Bitch, whatever.” Caitlyn cut her eyes away from Jess to focus on Nadia, her expression suddenly serious. “Look, I’m sure getting attention from a famous hockey player is a huge ego boost, and I can see that you really like him. But just because you’re young doesn’t mean you have to be naive. Everyone knows that Reid Holden is a notorious manwhore. Guys like him don’t change overnight—if they ever do. So if you’re going to date him, be smart about it. Fuck him whenever and wherever he wants. Call him ‘master’ and tell him he has the biggest dick you’ve ever had. Show up to his games while you’re spending all his money. Let him wine and dine you and sweep you off your feet. Do whatever it takes to keep him interested. But for God’s sake, Nadia, don’t fall in love with him. And don’t let him break your heart.”
After they left Forever 21, Caitlyn insisted on treating everyone to lunch before they called it a day. Scarlett suggested the chic sushi restaurant outside the mall.
As they dined on delicious sushi and sashimi, Nadia found herself mulling over Caitlyn’s warning about Reid. It was as if she’d tapped into all Nadia’s fears and insecurities, exposing each and every one of them. She was a cold-blooded bitch who took pleasure in hurting and humiliating others. So Nadia had no reason to believe she had her best interests at heart. But there had been some truth in her words.
Even a broken cuckoo clock was right twice a day.
“Oh, God, not again,” Caitlyn groaned, looking down at her phone.
Nadia, Jess and Scarlett stared at her. “What?”
Caitlyn shook her head, putting her phone aside in disgust. “I just got a text from a friend of mine—”
“Wait,” Jess interrupted. “You have friends?”
Caitlyn glared at her. “Ha ha ha. Very funny, skank. Anyway,” she continued pointedly, “my friend just texted to tell me that she caught her boyfriend sending dick pics to another woman.”
“Damn,” Scarlett lamented. “That’s messed up.”
“I know. This is the umpteenth time she’s caught him cheating on her. And she keeps forgiving him like a dumbass.” Caitlyn took a sip of her sake martini and sighed. “Honestly, I don’t know when some of these sistas will wake up and get a damn clue.”
Nadia sensed another one of Caitlyn’s cringe-worthy diatribes coming on. But she couldn’t resist asking, “Get a clue about what?”
“About the fact that ‘black love’ has left the building and it’s not coming back.”
“Oh, God,” Jess groaned loudly. “Please don’t start.”
Caitlyn ignored her. “I mean, just think about it. Statistically, black men have the lowest marriage rates among all races of men. For those of them that do marry, twenty-five percent marry nonblack women. Then you have to take into account the huge percentage of them that are either gay or incarcerated. That leaves pretty slim pickings for black women.”
Caitlyn sighed, shaking her head at Nadia and Scarlett. “Don’t take this the wrong way, girls, because I think you’re both very pretty. But if I were a black woman who happened to be darker than a paper bag, I wouldn’t even be checking for black guys. Why? Because far too many of them prefer biracial, white, Latina and now even Asian women. Those are the females they celebrate in their rap songs and music videos. Those are the women they marry when they become rich and successful. Seriously. I live in Atlanta, and I can’t beat black guys off with a stick. You should see the way they practically throw themselves at my feet, rhapsodizing about my good hair and light skin and hazel eyes. They make it well known that they only want redbones and exoticals and white girls. But this doesn’t seem to deter most of these black women from pining after them.
“‘I don’t care if the brothas only use me for sex,’” Caitlyn pretended to whine. “‘I don’t care if they cheat on me with ten other side chicks.’ ‘I don’t care if they make tons of YouTube videos telling the world how dark and ugly and ghetto we supposedly are.’ ‘I don’t care if they knock me up and then abandon me and our child.’ ‘I don’t care if I’m pushing fifty with no husband in sight.’ ‘No matter how long it takes, girlfriend, I’m holding out for my black king—and the darker he is, the better!’” She snorted derisively. “How fucking pathetic.”
Nadia and Scarlett shared a grimly amused glance.
Jess chuckled softly, shaking her head. “That was quite a summation, Counselor,” she drawled, her fingers sliding across the screen of her phone. “Your delivery was entertaining, and you raised some interesting points that I can’t ignore.”
Caitlyn lifted a haughty chin. “I know I did.”
“Ah, but your childhood crush obviously didn’t get the memo.” Jess slid her phone across the table to Caitlyn and pointedly tapped the screen. “Unless this picture has been Photoshopped, Manning Wolf’s wife is very much black—with dark brown skin and natural hair to boot.”
Caitlyn glared down at the photo on the screen. Nadia could practically see the steam pouring out of her ears.
“Manning’s obviously an exception,” she said through tight lips.
“Huh.” Jess struck a thoughtful pose. “That’s funny. Unless I’m mistaken, Manning’s father, uncles and two of his cousins are also married to darker-toned sisters. So that’s six black men in the same family who actually chose—gasp—black wives.”
“Don’t forget President Obama,” Scarlett drawled humorously. “He obviously didn’t get the memo either.”
“Oh, please,” Caitlyn scoffed with a dismissive wave of her hand. “None of those examples invalidate a word I said and you know it. Don’t get mad at me for simply sharing an uncomfortable truth.”
Jess smirked. “The ‘truth’ according to a bitter divorcée who can’t keep a man—of any race.”
Bristling at the insult, Caitlyn looked pointedly at Jess’s left hand. “I don’t see any rings on your finger, bitch. So you’re in no position to talk.”
“Maybe not, but I’d rather be single and sane than a jaded, batshit-crazy shrew who got dumped by not one, but two cheating husbands.” Jess leaned forward across the table, her hazel eyes gleaming with contempt. “See, we may not be close, Caitlyn, but I know you very well. And I don’t believe for one second that you said all those things out of sisterly concern for your friend or other black women. You said those things because it makes you feel better to think of black men collectively rejecting black women. Deep down inside, you hate brown-skinned sistas because one of them took the only black man you have ever loved. It kills you that Manning chose Taylor over you. It kills you that while your daughter is being raised by her doting father and stepmother, you’re stuck in Atlanta watching Taylor Wolf live out your fairy tale with the perfect husband, the perfect kids and the perfect house.”
Caitlyn’s face reddened, pain sharpening her features.
Jess smirked, twisting the knife deeper. “I overheard your mother telling mine that you used to stalk Manning and Taylor. You followed them around town, spying on them when they went out on dates and took their adorable kids to the park. You even drove by their house one time and hung around peeking through the gate like some deranged stalkerazzo.” Jess gave a scornful snort. “Now that’s fucking pathetic.”
Caitlyn’s nostrils flared and the skin around her mouth tightened with fury. She didn’t even bother to deny the accusations.
Jess leaned back in her chair with a cold, triumphant smile. “Karma’s a real bitch, ain’t it, cuz?”
Caitlyn’s eyes narrowed. “Karma?”
“That’s right,” Jess jeered. “All the bad karma you’ve suffered is payback for being such a despicable, backstabbing whore.”
Caitlyn stared at her for a long moment, then suddenly threw back her head and let out a peal of laughter.
Several heads turned.
Nadia raised an eyebrow at Jess, who scowled and shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
“Oh, dear,” Caitlyn gasped, dabbing at her eyes with a napkin she had snatched off the table. “You are a riot, little girl. Such righteous fury. Such a flair for the dramatic.”
“Fuck you,” Jess grumbled.
“Aww,” Caitlyn cooed mockingly. “Poor little Jessilyn. Are you still nursing a grudge because I fucked your high school sweetheart? Do you still hate me because he came to the house that day, saw me sunbathing by the pool and fell in lust? I mean, I know I’ve always had a nicer body than you, but can you really blame the poor boy for being extra horny and frustrated after you wouldn’t give it up on prom night?”
Jess’s eyes narrowed, nostrils flaring in anger. The taunt had hit a nerve.
Smug satisfaction curled Caitlyn’s lips. “I don’t even remember his name, that’s how utterly insignificant he was. But he obviously meant a great deal to you, since you’re still blaming me for what happened after all these years.” She tsk-tsked, shaking her head. “The sooner you get over his betrayal, the sooner you can let go of your childish resentment and move on with your life.”
“Oh, I’ve moved on,” Jess drawled with a malicious gleam in her eyes. “Riding your husband’s dick was just the cure I needed.”
Caitlyn gasped, recoiling in shock. “WHAT!”
“Oops.” Jess put her hand over her mouth and widened her eyes in mock dismay. “That was supposed to be our little secret. But now that you and Chandler are splitsville, I guess it doesn’t really matter if you know.”
Oh, shit, Nadia thought, trading alarmed glances with Scarlett.
Before anyone could react, Caitlyn threw her drink in Jess’s face and screamed, “YOU FILTHY LITTLE CUNT!”
Jess lunged across the table and viciously seized Caitlyn by the hair. They wrestled to their feet, slapping and punching each other as every head in the restaurant swiveled in their direction.
“Hey, hey! Cut it out!” Nadia shouted, jumping up from the table. When she tried to intervene, she got a sharp elbow to the ribs for her trouble.
The brawling cousins tore at each other, a furious blur of flying hair and fists. Jess was younger and stronger, so she quickly gained the upper hand.
“You fucking bitch!” Caitlyn screeched as Jess shoved her into the table and then dove on top of her, knocking over drinks and scattering chopsticks. She whaled on Caitlyn, punching her again and again as Caitlyn kicked and clawed at her.
As the other patrons looked on in scandalized disbelief, Nadia prayed for the ground to open up and swallow her whole. She’d never been more embarrassed in her life. But as mortified as she felt, she was even more concerned for Jess. The way she was beating the brakes off Caitlyn, Nadia seriously feared her friend would end up in prison for manslaughter.
“Goddammit!” She lurched forward to pull Jess off Caitlyn, then had to duck to avoid getting her face smashed by a swinging fist. Scarlett grabbed her arm and pulled her out of harm’s way, uttering something Nadia couldn’t hear above the roar of blood in her ears.
It seemed an eternity before a manager and two waiters rushed over to break up the fight, shouting and threatening to call the police. Caitlyn and Jess were forcibly pulled apart, chests heaving, hair in wild disarray as they hurled insults at each other.
“Bitch!”
“Slut!”
“Enough!” Nadia barked. She turned to their waitress, who hovered nearby looking aghast. “Please bring us the check.”
“You can forget about me treating everyone!” Caitlyn shrieked petulantly.
“Fine. I’ll handle it.” Nadia glared at her. “Your nose is bleeding. Why don’t you go to the restroom and get yourself cleaned up?”
Caitlyn swiped at her bloody nose and scowled. After shooting one last scathing glare at Jess, she yanked down her suit jacket, grabbed her Birkin handbag and flounced off with her head held high, defiantly disregarding the censorious stares and whispers that followed her. Nadia wondered if she would scream when she looked in the bathroom mirror and saw two deep scratches on her perfect face.
“We’ll help with the bill,” Scarlett and Jess offered.
Nadia shot her friend a stern look. “Just wait outside for us.”
After Jess left, Nadia and Scarlett settled the bill in grim silence. As they walked past a sea of shocked faces on their way out of the restaurant, Nadia’s cheeks burned with fresh embarrassment.
When they got outside, Jess was standing on the curb rummaging through her handbag.
Nadia went up to her. “Jesus Christ, Jess! What the hell was that?”
“I’m sorry I caused a scene and embarrassed you,” Jess grumbled without looking up. “But I’m not apologizing for kicking that bitch’s ass. She had it coming.”
Scarlett shook her head in amused disbelief. “Did you really sleep with her husband?”
Jess snort-laughed. “Hell, no. Not that I couldn’t have. Chandler was a disgusting manwhore who fucked anything in a skirt. He got piss-drunk one night at a family gathering and came on to me, but I turned his pervy ass down. I may be many things, but I’m not a damn homewrecker.”
Nadia gaped at her. “So you provoked a fight with Caitlyn over nothing?”
“It wasn’t over nothing.” Jess wiped her split lip and smiled narrowly. “Believe me, that fight was long overdue.”
Nadia grimaced, gently smoothing down her friend’s disheveled hair. She suddenly wanted to give her a hug. “You never told me that Caitlyn slept with your boyfriend. Is that why you hate her so much?”
“Among many other reasons.” Jess scowled. “Dammit, where’s my phone?”
“Here. You left it on the table.” Nadia handed over the phone, watching as Jess quickly unlocked it and pulled up a number. “Who’re you calling?”
“My mom. I need to give her my side of the story before she talks to Aunt Sheridan. Caitlyn’s probably on the phone right now bitching and whining to her mother.”
As Jess stomped off toward her car, Nadia frowned and shook her head at Scarlett. “I am so sorry about that.”
Scarlett laughed. “Why are you apologizing?”
“Well, you just got back home, and I know you weren’t expecting all this drama when you agreed to go shopping with us.”
Scarlett waved a hand, bracelets jangling. “Girl, please. After being on tour for months, I was afraid I’d be bored out of my mind when I came home. That fight was hella entertaining. My bandmates definitely would have enjoyed it.”
Nadia snorted, shaking her head. “You always were a glass-half-full kind of person.”
Scarlett laughed, draping an arm around her shoulders as they started across the parking lot. “At least we get along well. I think we’re a great example to cousins everywhere.”
Nadia grinned wryly. “As long as you never sleep with any of my boyfriends, we should be good.”