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~~~
A Christmas Story
by Stephanie Rose
(Introducing two women who desperately need rescuing.
Will they save each other?)
~~~
Part one of a two-part story:
~~~
“Excuse me, Ms. Lawson? It’s me, Tamala. The day nurse? I have your medicine.”
Yawning, Nina Lawson slowly opened one eye. The bright Los Angeles sun beamed in through the window, blurring her vision.
As she focused, she saw the nurse standing next to her hospital bed. Seeing the bright, pretty smile on the cute, curvy brown woman in the short, snug, white nurse’s outfit made Nina sit right up. However, a sharp pain shot through Nina’s ankle and she winced.
“Easy, Ms. Lawson,” Nurse Tamala smiled. “You’re going to be sore for a while but thankfully, it’s just a small fracture. You also had a concussion and some minor bruises and scrapes. But all in all, you were very lucky.”
So I hear, Nina mused, as she stole a glance at Nurse Tamala’s thick legs.
The day nurse, Tamala Greenfield, was a stunning, satiny-brown beauty with a sexy, voluptuous frame. The deep v-neck on her white top gave Nina a sexy peek at the girl’s bountiful cleavage. Nurse Tamala’s long legs, covered with sheer white nylon stockings, were on full erotic display by way of her tight, fitted white skirt.
Nina licked her lips lustfully at the thought of tasting the sweet, dark flesh deep between the girl’s legs. Then she shook her head angrily.
“I’m not into women,” Nina muttered. “I’m not into women!”
“Excuse me?”
Nina’s rich, caramel-brown skin flushed beet-red. She lowered her gaze, her striking green eyes now hidden by long, black lashes. “Nothing. Anyway, you said you had something for me?”
“Yes. Here’s your medicine.”
Nurse Tamala handed Nina a tumbler filled with water along with several tiny capsules in a small plastic cup. Nina swallowed the group of pills with a grimace.
“Here, take this,” Nina ordered as she handed the cup back to the nurse. “And by the way, what day is it?” she asked, her head and ankle throbbing.
“December 1st.”
Nina looked around the silent hospital room. She expected the room to be brimming with people, so she was surprised that it was so empty and quiet. In fact, the sterile room held not a hint of love, affection or even friendship.
Pale blue walls and generic framed pictures were the sole decorations in the room. No Christmas cards, no ornaments, no flowers. Not even a sprig of mistletoe. What the hell is going on here, Nina thought.
“So where are my flowers?” Nina asked.
“Flowers, Ma’am?”
“Yes. It’s the Christmas season, so there should be flowers and cards from my fans.”
“Flowers and cards?” Nurse Tamala frowned. “I’m sorry. I haven’t seen anything for you since you were admitted yesterday.”
“No flowers and no cards.” Nina sagged back onto the pillow with a sigh. “Well, there’s probably going to be a few deliveries later on, so never mind that. Anyway…where is everybody?”
“Well, there was a lady here. Dressed in all-black?”
Nina nodded. “Yes. She’s my publicist. Where is she?”
“I think she went outside to take a call.”
“And everyone else?” Nina asked.
“Everyone else, Ma’am?”
“Yes. Channel 2? Channel 4? Channel 7? Entertainment Tonight? Access Hollywood? In any event, there should be cameras here. Where are the cameras?”
“Cameras?”
“Yes, cameras. We are in Hollywood, remember?” Nina stopped to stare at the curvy woman. “You’re not too bright, are you?”
Nurse Tamala blinked in surprise.
Nina stroked her hair. Her once perfectly-angled sandy-brown bob was now scraggly and unkempt. Embarrassed, she smoothed it back as best she could. “Anyway, where is my hairdresser?” she barked.
“Hairdresser?”
“Yes, hairdresser!” Then Nina stroked her cheek. “And where’s my makeup artist? I just know my flawless, rich caramel skin is pale as all get out. Plus, my green eyes always need some kind of makeup to highlight their exotic beauty. So where’s my makeup artist?”
“Makeup artist, ma’am?”
Nina sighed as she reached for her handbag in the drawer next to her bed. She rifled through it until she found her eyeshadow, a face powder compact and a tube of lipstick. “In any event, you all should get ready. As soon as news of my accident hits the wire, this place’ll be filled with fans and well wishers. Not to mention the media.”
“The media?”
“Yes, the media!” Nina said, exasperated. “Don’t you know who I am?”
Nurse Tamala’s eyes narrowed. “Your chart says your name is Nina Lawson.”
“Honey, I’m THE Nina Lawson!” she exploded. “The Grammy Award-winning R&B artist! I’ve done twelve albums. Eighteen number ones. Thirty-three top-ten singles. One hundred and fifty-four million albums sold worldwide. A total of twenty-four years in the business. Ever since I was sixteen! THAT Nina Lawson!”
Nina took a deep breath. “In any event, I’m going to need some more water. And someone really needs to get me some air freshener. It’s stuffy in here. And where’s the doctor? Shouldn’t she be here by now? The service in this place is terrible. Simply terrible. Oh, and I’ll need another pillow. And another blanket. And it’s freezing in here! And I’m starving! Get me something to eat!”
Nina took another breath. “Ok, that’s it for right now. You can go now. Go take care of that,” she said as she dismissed the nurse with a terse wave of her hand. “Thank you ever so much dear,” she sneered.
Nurse Tamala rolled her eyes as she left the room.
All of a sudden, Nina heard a loud voice, one even more boisterous than her own.
“Nina, I can hear you all the way down the hall! You’re supposed to be resting. Why are you raising so much hell?”
Just then, a tall woman strode into the room, looking beautifully majestic and regal. Her black outfit fit her lean figure like a glove. She wore a perfectly tailored black blazer, and her crisply pressed pants fell stylishly over her four-inch, black patent-leather heels. As she stood in the doorway, she shifted the expensive leather handbag slung over her arm.
The woman’s long, dark brown hair, decorated with honey-blonde streaks, framed her warm, pecan-colored skin perfectly. As she stared at Nina, a smug smile tickled her lips.
“Denver!” Nina screamed. “Where have you been? And where is everybody? Just what kind of publicist are you?” Nina angrily ran her hands through her hair and her caramel-brown skin burned red with anger. “Why isn’t anyone here for me!”
Denver Adair stared at her incredulously. “Sweetie, you know no one’s coming. Your last hit was over eight years ago.”
Denver set her bag down in one of the chairs by Nina’s hospital bed. “Plus, maybe if you were a bit nicer, you might have had something. Or someone,” she smirked as she casually reached into her bag and pulled out her cellphone.
“I thought you were a professional!” Nina sputtered. “How dare you speak to me like that? I don’t pay you to disrespect me!”
“Honey, you owe me over five month’s publicity fees, so technically, you aren’t paying me at all,” Denver tossed. “Anyway, how are you feeling?”
“I look terrible, this room is horrible and there’s no one here. How do you think I feel?”
Denver shrugged. “Well, that’s your fault for being so mean and bitchy to everyone you come in contact with.”
Nina snorted.
“Anyway,” Denver said, a frown crossing her pretty face. “I’ve been meaning to ask you…”
“Yes,” Nina snapped.
“About yesterday? About your car accident?”
“Yes?”
“Well, the police have a few questions about what happened.” Denver shifted in her chair. “Nina, they want to know what really happened.”
Nina jerked her head up. “What really happened? It’s like I said: I was sleepy. I must have dozed off at the wheel and hit that tree. That’s it.”
Denver looked at Nina curiously for several moments. Then Denver shook her head. “Nevermind. Now is neither the time, nor the place. I’ll just go ahead and stall the police until you’re ready to talk.”
Nina pursed her lips. “Instead of worrying about my accident, you need to worry about my press! Where are the TV stations? And the radio disc jockeys? Where’s Bryan Teacrest? Damn it, Denver, where is my press coverage? I’m a Grammy-Award winning artist, for God’s sake!”
Nina narrowed her gaze. “Why aren’t you doing your job? I mean, what kind of publicist are you? No, wait. I’ll tell you: You’re a hack, Denver Adair! That’s all you are! A no-connections-having, no-talent-having hack!”
Denver’s pecan-brown face turned scarlet red. “You know what? I’ve had it with you! I thought your car accident would mellow you out, but you’re just as mean as ever!” She tossed her cellphone back in her bag. “Newsflash, sweetie: Once you get out of the hospital, I’m giving you one more week. Then I’m gone.”
Denver grabbed her bag and stormed toward the door. “Congratulations, Nina. You’ve won. You’ve finally driven everyone away. Just like you wanted.” Denver gripped the door handle. “Good luck,” she said as she stormed out of the room.
Nina grit her teeth as she watched Denver walk out on her. “I don’t need you, Denver!” she exploded in the empty room. “I’m gonna get better and then I’ll be back on top. A platinum album and everything! Do you hear me? I don’t need you. Just you watch!”
Then she turned toward the window and strained her neck to look outside. The Los Angelesmidday sun shone brightly and she noticed all of the happy, smiling people outside. She also noticed that most of the buildings, and even the streets themselves, were decorated with wreaths, ornaments and Christmas decorations galore.
Then she sadly took another look around her empty hospital room.
“I’ll get back on top,” Nina whispered as tears formed at the corners of her eyes. “Just you watch!”
~~~
“Joelle! Watch out!”
Joelle Steele quickly ducked underneath the tall scaffolding set up in the spacious kitchen of ImagesLGBTTeenCommunity Center in West Hollywood. She jumped as the paintbrush clattered to the floor in front of her.
“Sorry ‘bout that, Joelle,” Steve called out above her.
Steven Ross, friendly and jovial as always, was the Center’s handyman. He climbed down from the scaffolding and wiped his hands on his dark blue handkerchief. “I’m just trying to get everything painted and looking good before the Benefit.”
Joelle smiled. “Yeah, I saw the receipts you left on the desk. Thanks. I’ll make sure Lia gets them when she comes in.”
Steve took a closer look at Joelle. Since the first day they’d met, he was struck by her natural beauty. Her rich, deep mocha skin and soft, curly black hair gave her a warm, yet sophisticated look. A bright smile, framed by full, luscious lips, was Joelle’s secret weapon. Her voluptuous, curvy figure was dressed in a modest, dark gray sheath dress, but her natural style and grace gave the simple frock a modern, stylish look.
Steve was skeptical when she first came on board as Images’ new Assistant Director over two years ago. Though she’d been a psychology major in college, she’d always been approached with offers to model. As such, Steve couldn’t believe that a beauty like Joelle would be so thoughtful, compassionate and protective when it came to the kids. But she was, and he adored her for it.
“Speaking of Lia,” Steve said, “is she still at that meeting? It’s been hours now.”
Joelle checked her watch. “Yeah, but she said it’d probably take a while. Meeting with the Chamber of Commerce is serious business. But hopefully, after all is said and done, they’ll be able to help us out.”
Steve wiped his brow. “Hopefully so, ‘cause after all is said and done, I’ll be real happy when our mortgage payment is made.”
“You and me both,” Joelle said. “Especially around this time of the year. It’s been tough, but we’ve got to keep the Center open past the holidays.”
“But if anyone can do it, Lia can,” Steve said. “She’s been the Director here for, like, forever and I have every confidence that’s she’ll come through in the clutch. She’s always been able to get some major donations, seemingly out of nowhere.”
“Plus,” Joelle added, “if our New Year’s Eve Charity Benefit goes well, we should be even better! Plus, I’m going to be getting a new job –”
Just then, they heard a loud, painfully inhuman banging and clanking coming from the basement. Joelle sighed. “And we’ve got to get that furnace looked at.”
Steve nodded, wiping his brow again. “As soon as we get some extra money, I’m going to call a repairman and get it fixed.”
“Thanks,” Joelle said as she stepped from underneath the scaffolding.
“Now what’s this about a new job? You’re leaving here?”
“No,” she reassured him. “I just need a few extra dollars for the holiday. And some of it’s going to keep things open here. For example, if I get enough, I’ll make sure you get it so you can get our furnace fixed.”
Steve nodded. “Thanks, Joelle.”
She smoothed her dress down. “Well, right now I need to go check on some of the boys. Have you seen any of them?”
“Well, Tomás and Jeffrey are in the game room. And Angelo’s in the computer room with Kim and Danita. Everyone else is in the great room watching TV.”
“Thanks,” Joelle said as she left the room. She continued through the Center, greeting and waving at all the kids she saw. She started down one of the back hallways until she heard loud voices coming from one of the rec rooms. As she walked in, she saw two tall brown boys totally engrossed in a video game.
“I got that, homie!” Tomás yelled as he manipulated his game controller. The newest football video game was splayed across the large TV screen and the young men were hooked. Laughing, they egged each other on as they tried to demolish each other.
“Gentlemen,” Joelle said.
The boys continued their gaming, completely oblivious to her presence.
“Gentlemen?” she called out a bit louder.
Still no answer.
“Hey guys!” she yelled. “Turn that game off for a second.”
The boys looked up to see Joelle standing in the doorway, hand on her hip. Tomás quickly switched the video game on pause. “Yes, Ms. JoJo?” His dark brown eyes sparkled.
Joelle folded her arms. “Report cards came out today. How come I haven’t seen yours yet?”
Tomás and Jeffrey looked at each other. The sturdy sixteen-year olds were both of a football build, but in a second, they were reduced to nervous kids.
“Gentlemen? Now, please?” She held out her hand.
Tomás shyly reached into his backpack. Jeffrey reached into his back pocket. They handed the cards to Joelle.
“Hmmm.” She studied the cards, then the two boys in front of her. She was silent for a long moment. Finally she spoke. “Not bad,” she smiled. “Actually, it’s very good. Congrats!”
“So do we get our surprise?” Tomás asked. “You said if our grades were right, that we’d get something good.”
Joelle laughed. “Absolutely, guys. A deal’s a deal. Y’all got the grades, so I’ve got the gifts. But for real. I’m so proud of you both. You’ve both done such good work since you started coming here in the fall.”
Jeffrey sighed. His brown eyes twinkled as he stuck his hands in his pockets. “I think so too. I mean, it’s a lot better than it was before.”
“Yes, it is,” Joelle smiled. “But I’m curious. Does coming here help?”
“Yeah,” Tomás chimed in. “It’s more peaceful here.” He looked down. “Much more than at my house.”
“Yeah,” Jeffrey added. “I’d rather be here than home any day. At least here, y’all understand us. Y’all don’t treat bad just cuz we’re…we’re…different.”
“Gay,” Tomás said. “You don’t treat us like trash just ‘cause we’re gay.” He looked at Jeffrey. “We get enough of that at home.”
Yeah I know all about that, Joelle thought. More than you know. “Ok guys. Carry on,” she said, smiling, as she walked toward the door.
“Hey Ms. JoJo,” Tomás called out. “Have you checked the girls’ report cards yet?”
“Oh, I’m looking for them next,” she said. “They’re not off the hook, either. Everyone here has to get good grades.”
A small voice came from the doorway. “Danita and Kim are in the computer room, Ms. JoJo.” A thin, fifteen-year old boy with a smooth, light-brown complexion handed her a thin, white card. “But I have my report card right here.”
“Thank you, Samuel,” Joelle said as she examined the document. “And nice. As always. Good work.” Then she tousled his jet-black hair as he giggled. “But you already knew that, you ham.”
“Thanks,” Samuel blushed. “I like hearing that.”
Tomás and Jeffrey rolled their eyes. “Ugh,” Tomás whispered. “Kissin’ up as usual.”
“Oh, and Samuel?” Joelle said as she started to walk out of the room. “Mind your business, please. I don’t need you to tell me where the girls are. Especially since you’re only trying to start trouble,” she tossed as she walked out.
Tomás and Jeffrey cracked up as Samuel’s light brown skin turned beet red.
Joelle continued through the Center to the computer room. They were fortunate that one of their benefactors generously donated twenty computer stations for the kids to use. As she walked in, she saw Angelo, a young boy with a reddish-brown complexion huddled in the corner of the room in front of a terminal. Kim and Danita, two silky brown girls, were pressed against either side of him.
“Hey ladies. Hey Angelo,” Joelle said as she sat down next to them. “Report cards, please?”
All at once, they pulled out the stark white cards and handed them to Joelle.
She flipped through each of them quickly. Her heart soared when she realized that every one of them was doing well; much better than last term. “Good work, guys. I’m impressed”
The trio smiled on cue. “Thanks, Ms. JoJo.”
“I have a question. Are you all getting a lot out of coming here?” Joelle asked.
“Yes,” they answered in unison.
Joelle laughed. “Alrighty then! Good. I’m glad. By the way,” Joelle said, straining her eyes to see the computer screen. “What are you guys working on?”
“Our FriendSpace pages,” Kim said. “We’re putting up notices about our New Year’s Eve Benefit.”
“Ok. Good idea,” Joelle said. “But be careful about posting our address and phone number and stuff on the Internet. In fact, make sure you show me what you have before you finalize it. I need to check it first. I don’t want any perverts showing up.”
“Sure,” they said in unison.
Joelle smiled at how close the trio was. “Ok. I’ll see you soon.”
“Wait,” Danita said. “Ms. JoJo? Can you help us rehearse for our act?”
Joelle smiled. “Of course I can. I’d love to. And I’m helping some of the other kids too.” She paused. “But I have to let you all know: For the next few weeks, I’m not going to be around as much. My time’s going to be limited.”
“I’m looking for some extra work. I need to take another job,” Joelle explained. “So I’m sorry, but I won’t be here as much.”
“But you work here,” Danita whined.
“Yes,” Joelle said. “But I need some extra cash to cover my rent. And to help pay the bills around here.”
“Is this about the money we need?” Angelo asked sadly.
Joelle nodded.
“I wish we had that money already,” Kim sighed.
Me too, Joelle thought. Me too.
~~~
Just then, the Center’s intercom buzzed. “Everyone, please gather in the great room. Everyone gather in the great room, please. Thank you.”
At the sound of Lia’s voice, Joelle and the kids hurried to the great room where all of the teens were gathered. She did a mental head-count and after making sure everyone was accounted for, she relaxed at the back of the room.
Lia Maxwell strode into the room, clad in a stylish, off-white pantsuit. The silky material gently clung to her fit, trim body. Her soft eyes and easy smile put the room at ease. Her long, dark hair bounced as she sat her briefcase down and casually hopped up onto the table at the front of the room.
“Ok everyone. Thanks for coming to this short meeting,” Lia said. “Listen up: I have some good news and some tough news.”
She paused to collect her thoughts, then began. “The good news is that the Chamber of Commerce is going to help us with our New Year’s Eve Benefit!”
Cheers went up all over the room as Lia continued. “Their Executive Board is going to let me speak at their Christmas networking party on Friday, December 19th. That’s just in a couple of weeks. If that goes well, they’ll not only publicize our Benefit throughout the region, but they’ll also give us a sizeable donation.”
She paused again. “But the tough news is that we’re going to need the money for the mortgage arrears the same night as the New Year’s Eve Benefit. I wasn’t able to get another extension.”
The cheers suddenly died as the entire room fell silent.
“A representative from the bank is coming here New Year’s Eve to pick up the check,” Lia continued. “It would’ve been due at 5pm, but I convinced them to give me until later that night, after the Benefit, to have the payment.”
“How much do we need, Ms. Maxwell?” Angelo asked.
Lia paused. “We need twenty-five thousand dollars.”
A collective gasp was heard throughout the room. Everyone’s face fell at the news. Joelle’s heart sunk.
“Don’t look so sad,” Lia said. “We’ll raise the money somehow. I promise.”
“How do you know?” Danita asked.
“Because we’re the only LGBT community center in town,” Lia said. “And that makes us the only center in the entire region that helps teens like yourselves. So because of that, a lot of people in our community really want to see us succeed.”
Lia crossed her legs as she sat on the table, getting more comfortable. “See, when we first started this Center, it was really tough. Very few people wanted to see us open up a help center for folks who were gay or lesbian or even just questioning. And when they found out it was going to be a teen center? People really hit the roof! But as we fought, a lot of people really came through for us. And I know that we’ll get that same help now, too. Our supporters won’t let us down.”
Lia stood up from the table. “Now on that note, let’s go over the details for the Benefit.”
“Do we have a celebrity yet?” Tomás asked.
Lia sighed. “No one officially yet, Tomás. But we’re still working on it.”
Lia and the kids discussed a few more details, including assigning kids to put up the decorations and handle the refreshments. After everything was set, Lia dismissed the meeting.
As the kids milled around, Lia motioned to Joelle. “I know you’re still checking everyone’s report cards, but I need to see you in my office when you’re done, ok?” Joelle nodded and quickly went around to finish her evaluations.
~~~
Ten minutes later, Lia and Joelle sat in Lia’s office. Silently, they both reviewed the Center’s financial documents. It was a ritual they’d done every day for the past six months.
“I still can’t believe we’re in this position,” Joelle sighed. “We were fine just over the summer! We had plenty of money, all our bills were paid and everyone was happy!”
Lia nodded. “Well, with the recession, corporate donations are down, as well as our private donations. Plus, our state and federal funding’s been cut to the bone. Add to that the bank’s rising interest rates, and suddenly we’re behind on the mortgage. Way behind.”
Joelle shook her head. “I’m also shocked no one’s agreed to headline the event, yet,” she said.
“Well, several celebs have expressed interest in anonymously donating to our cause,” Lia explained. “But when it comes down to actually appearing in public to back us? Well, let me just say that some folks still think gay issues are too hot to handle.”
“But this is to help kids that are having serious problems at home simply for being gay!” Joelle exclaimed. “How could anyone not want to support that publicly?”
Lia shrugged. “I know, I know. But to be fair, a couple of celebs really wanted to help, but when their publicists hesitated and their lawyers balked, they lost interest…” Lia’s voice trailed off.
Joelle sighed. “So we still need a headliner. Which means that we’re looking for someone mature enough to give a shit, but still youthful and relevant enough to draw a large crowd? And at the time of the year when everyone’s already booked solid?”
Joelle snorted in disgust. “Should be a piece of cake.”
~~~
“I’m hungry,” Nina moaned as she lay on her back, resting against her cool, silver satin sheets. She looked at the calendar, struggling to see the date.
“December 3rd? And still no cards or flowers?” she moaned. “Damn it!”
She’d been released from the hospital just that morning, and had spent the past few hours bemoaning her fate. Her tender ankle, which was resting on her matching satin pillow, was wrapped tightly in a bandage. To compliment her pillow, she wore a matching silver satin gown that lay pooled in soft waves around her thin frame.
A small, antique silver bell sat on the table next to the bed. Snatching it up, Nina angrily rang it. Hearing no response, she rang it repeatedly. Over and over she rang the bell, but no one came to her aid.
Just then her cell phone rang. Recognizing the number, she picked it up from her nightstand and barked into the receiver. “Denver! Where is Luisa?”
Denver spoke easily. “I scaled her down to once a week, remember?”
“What? What did you do that for?” Nina ran her hands over her head, her hair now tucked underneath a silver satin bonnet. “How can I live in this house all by myself without a housekeeper?” she screeched.
“Good question,” Denver clipped. “Seems like you need a job. A new gig. Damn, some exposure, at least. In any event, I’ll be sure to pass it along to your new publicist.”
“You mean you’re really leaving me?” Nina whispered. Denver had been with her for almost four years.
Denver sighed. “You’ll be in very capable hands, I promise. But first, I’m working on getting you a caregiver. I called a temp service, so they should have someone coming in the next day or so. And it’s gonna have to be cheap. Like for only a few hours a day. ‘Cause that’s about all you can afford right now.”
“Just what do you expect me to do without any help?” Nina screamed into the receiver.
“One, I expect you to get your shit together. Two, I expect you to stop being so damned mean. And three, I expect you to get a damn girlfriend to take some of the pressure off and get you happy about life again.”
“Girlfriend?” Nina sputtered. “I’m not–”
“Oh honey, yes, you are. Come on out of denial, Nina. Just days ago, when you didn’t think I was looking, I caught you checking out that sexy nurse. You were staring so hard that you were burning a hole through her clothes. Now she’s cute, mind you, but don’t think I didn’t see you.”
Nina put her head down and blushed hard.
Denver’s voice softened. “Look. You’ll be laid up for awhile. So why don’t you use that time to really figure out what you want out of life, ok? Get your priorities straight and get your mind right.”
Denver paused. “But in the meantime, the doctor said you could walk with the cane and the crutches they gave you. Remember, your ankle’s just got a small fracture – it’s not seriously broken. So walk on it, to get your strength back. Now. I’ll arrange to have your meals delivered, but you’ll have to walk downstairs to get them. And like I said, I called a temp service and someone’s coming over to look in on you.”
“That’s just not good enough–”
“It’ll have to be.” Denver cleared her throat. “Anyway, Nina. Let’s get serious. I really need to know something, so don’t bullshit me right now, ok?”
“What is it?” Nina said, suddenly weary at Denver’s serious tone.
“About your car accident. What really happened?”
Nina stuttered. “I…I told you. Just like I told the police: I was driving and I just got sleepy. I must have dozed off when I hit that tree.”
Denver paused. “Well, Nina,” she began, “you’d been pretty upset just this past Thanksgiving. I remember you being depressed at not getting that spot in the ABC Christmas TV special. And the Greatest Hits album you released last spring didn’t sell as well as we’d hoped. And over the summer, your legends tour was cancelled because of low ticket sales. So, I’m just saying…”
“Denver, what are you saying?”
“Maybe…maybe you hit that tree on purpose? I mean, you have been depressed and sad lately.”
Nina’s mouth dropped open. “Are you actually saying that I crashed my car on purpose? That I wanted to…to… Denver, what the hell is wrong with you?”
Denver interrupted. “All right. Ok. Fine. I just had to ask. Anyway, that’s all for right now, Nina. Talk to you soon, ok? Ok. Bye.”
Before Nina could reply, she heard the dial tone. “Wait!” she shouted.
“Damn it!” Nina screamed. She looked at the silver bell, still gripped in her other hand. With a scream, she flung it angrily against the wall.
“What am I going to do,” she moaned. “I’m all alone. Oh God, I’m truly all alone!”
Suddenly, Nina’s face crumpled up and hot tears started to fall, dotting her expensive satin gown.
~~~
“Stop crying, Joelle, and take this ass whooping!” Diedre Grant laughed as she slammed the Queen of Spades on the table.
“Damn, JoJo. That’s eight books they’ve got so far. I’m not liking this,” Cori Sanders said, frowning. She sat back in her chair at Joelle’s living room table. “Joelle, you know I hate losing.” She clenched her teeth. “Let’s just quit now.”
Joelle laughed. “Nuh uh. It’s ok. They ain’t won yet.”
“Almost,” Tina Bell said. “Two more books and you two ladies will be set.”
“They’re in trouble now, Tina,” Diedre sang as she slammed down her next card, the Ace of Spades. She and Tina cackled mercilessly. “Forget that ‘setting’ mess. We’re gonna run a Boston on y’all if you’re not careful!”
“Fuck it! I hate playing Spades with these hoes,” Cori muttered as she tossed her cards in the middle of the table. “Y’all can be so damn mean! I quit!”
“Maybe you just need to brush up on your card playing skills,” Diedre countered as she collected all of the cards. “And watch who you’re calling a hoe, hoe.”
The four women seated around Joelle’s dining room table were gathered for their weekly Spades card game. Diedre Grant and Tina Bell were two of Joelle’s closest friends and Joelle loved hanging out with them.
Joelle was awed that the couple had been together for over three years but was still as loving and playful as in the very beginning. Now Diedre could be a bit rough sometimes, while Tina was more soft and sweet, but somehow the opposites attracted, and they attracted hard.
As for Cori Sanders, Joelle met her in college years ago. Brief lovers, they kept in contact off and on for years, but only just recently lived in the same state. Once they reconnected a few months ago at a local art gallery, the two started back hot and heavy.
Joelle had once hoped that she and Cori would be as close as Diedre and Tina, but Cori’s recent standoffish behavior made that dream seem more and more remote. Diedre was forever warning Joelle about Cori, but Joelle just brushed it off.
Just then a cell phone rang. “It’s mine,” Joelle said, grabbing her purse and pulling out the ringing phone.
The ladies paused the Spades game as Joelle spoke for a few moments. “Guess what, ladies?” Joelle said excitedly when she hung up. “That was Marjorie at the temp office. I got a job already! How ‘bout that?”
“Congrats!” Tina exclaimed. “Good for you. I know you need the extra cash.”
“Who’s the assignment for?” Diedre asked.
Joelle shrugged. “Dunno. All she gave me was the address. I’ll find out tomorrow morning when I get there. Some kind of confidentiality or something like that.”
Cori piped up. “I guess it’s time to wrap this game up.”
“Nice try, honey,” Diedre said as she shuffled the cards for a new round. “Don’t try copping out just to avoid this ass whooping.”
“No. Actually, I really do have to get to bed,” Joelle said. “The appointment’s pretty early in the morning.”
“Ok, babygirl,” Tina said as she and Diedre rose from the table. They walked to the front closed and gathered their coats. Suddenly Cori jumped up from the table and followed them. She quickly pulled on her jacket.
Joelle stared at her incredulously. Usually after their game, after Tina and Diedre left, she and Cori snuggled on the couch together, wrapped tightly in each other’s arms, watching TV for a few hours.
“Cori? Aren’t you staying?” Joelle asked.
“Ummm…no, hon. I mean, I can’t,” Cori stuttered. “I’ll just talk to you later, ok?” She quickly pecked Joelle on the cheek and hurried out the door.
An uneasy feeling washed over Joelle. “Was it something I said?” she laughed.
Diedre and Tina looked at each other and shrugged. “You know not to ask me,” Diedre said. “You know I never liked her.”
“Dee, shush!” Tina chided. She turned back to Joelle. “Everything’s probably fine,” she said. “You two just need to talk, that’s all. But look. Get ready for your appointment tomorrow. That’s what you need to be focused on.”
“And making sure those kids have a place to go for the holidays,” Diedre added.
Joelle sighed. As usual, they were right.
~~~
Right at nine o’clock the next morning, Joelle drove up to a heavy, rusted wrought iron gate and looked down at the piece of paper in the passenger’s seat. Yeah, this was the right address, she thought.
Sticking her head out of the window, she tried to look past the gate and into the front yard. It seemed to be a pretty big house, but it was hard to tell because of the thick, overgrown vines that wrapped themselves around the thick iron bars.
Tentatively, Joelle reached out of her car window and pressed the buzzer on the intercom stand.
Joelle heard a light Hispanic voice come through the speaker. “Yes?”
“Hi. I’m Joelle Steele. I’m here for the temp job.”
“Ok. Drive on up to the front door.”
The gate creaked open as she drove her beat-up sedan up the driveway. As she looked around the grounds, she was shocked at the thick vegetation that grew wild all around the house. The grass was uncut, the bushes needed trimming and weeds were everywhere.
Wow, she mused. I thought I needed maintenance. She carefully parked on the broken concrete driveway and went up to the large front door.
Ringing the bell, Joelle noticed a small crack in the window to the side of the door. She also noticed rust on the door’s hinges and paint chipping off the wood. She was almost sad at the house’s state of disrepair.
Finally, the door opened and a tiny, Hispanic woman stood in the doorway. She wore a neat, white housekeeping uniform, with a slightly tattered pink apron. “Buenos Dias, Señorita Steele. Tu hablas espanol?”
“Un poco,” Joelle answered. “Tu hablas englais?”
“Sí, Señorita. Mi nombre es Luisa. I’m the housekeeper. Come on in.”
Joelle shivered as she walked inside. The foyer was as cold as a mausoleum and felt just as ominous.
“Señora Lawson keeps the heat down,” Luisa apologized, her voice echoing in the large, empty front room.
“Oh. Well, are you here everyday?” Joelle asked.
“Not anymore, Ma’am. Just one day a week, now,” Luisa answered.
“Oh, ok.” Joelle said. She was silent for a moment as she looked around. She immediately noticed a few pieces of artwork on the nearly-bare walls. She immediately recognized some of the artists and was impressed at the owner’s taste.
Just then, Joelle noticed one portrait in particular. She stared at the beautiful caramel-colored woman in the elaborate painting and suddenly her jaw dropped.
“Wait. Is that–?” Her brow furrowed. “Wait just a minute. Did you just say ‘Señora Lawson?’ You mean this is for Nina Lawson? The Nina Lawson? This is her house?” Joelle exclaimed.
“Sí. She needs help with her ankle.”
“Yeah,” Joelle answered. She thought for a moment. “Wasn’t she just in a car accident? I saw a blurb about it a couple of nights ago on one of the gossip websites. Percy Tilton. Or maybe T. Scott, I think.”
“Sí. I’ll take you upstairs now so you can meet her.”
Joelle followed Luisa up the elaborate circular staircase. Small nicks and chips in the paint made her frown. Especially now that she learned that this house belonged to one of her musical idols.
Luisa led her down a long hallway to a door at the end. She paused before opening the door. “Some days she’s in a good mood.” Luisa shook her head. “This isn’t one of those days.”
Luisa turned the doorknob and pressed her shoulder hard against the door. After a couple of pushes, the heavy door finally swung open.
“Luisa?” a shrill voice shrieked. “Is that you?”
“Sí, Señora Lawson. I have your new caretaker.”
“Hi Ms. Lawson, I’m Joelle. Joelle Steele. It’s really nice to meet you.” Joelle extended her hand to the petite figure on the bed.
Nina summarily ignored the gesture, but she did check out the dark brown woman’s gorgeous skin. And warm smile. And thick, curvy body. Before she could help herself, a tingle began deep between Nina’s legs.
Then, just as quick, Nina regained control. “Yes. Well, you need to start by getting me some water. And I need another pillow. And please fluff it up for me. And check with Luisa about my lunch for today. And when I ring that bell,” Nina pointed to the bent piece of silver lying on the floor, “it’s your job to come running with no delay. Understand? Comprende?”
Joelle shot a glance at Luisa.
This was not going to be easy.
~~~
“Easy, big guy! I know that box is heavy so just put it right over there next to the tree.”
Marcus Canfield directed the thin young man barely holding the huge box over to where the rest of the boxes and bags sat. Everyone was gathered in ImagesCommunity Center’s great room for their yearly decorating of the Christmas tree. It was an early Saturday evening, December 13th, and each of the kids helped bring a box or a bag of ornaments up from the basement.
Marcus, a volunteer firefighter at the firehouse on the corner of their block, first came to the Center a year ago to give a fire safety presentation to all of the teens and the staff. Once he saw that they all faced the same kinds of issues that he faced as a young person, he was more than willing to help Joelle mentor the kids.
“Ok. That’s the last box,” Joelle said as she walked into the room. “Thanks so much everybody.” Yawning, she looked around the room at all the boxes and bags strewn across the floor and felt a twinge of fatigue grip her body.
She’d just left Nina’s house after yet another full day of dealing with the woman’s constant demands and was totally worn out. She couldn’t believe that she’d lasted just over a week so far. In fact, more than once (in fact, at least once a day), she considered quitting and never looking back.
However, every time she thought about leaving, she remembered her kids and she remembered her commitment to them. Because these kids were having some serious problems at home, she had to keep working in order to earn some of the money needed to help keep the Center open.
Joelle was well aware that helping the kids, in turn, helped her. So even though Nina Lawson often pushed her to the limit, Joelle was glad she had the Center to come to because her kids were a welcome distraction.
She directed the girls and boys to remove the brightly colored decorations from the boxes and start placing them on the tall tree. After a few moments, she held her hands up.
“Ok, everybody,” she announced. “Let’s go ahead and continue decorating the tree, but let’s also have our counseling session now.”
All of the kids in the room groaned in unison.
“Oh, come on now,” she smiled. “We have to at least act like a real counseling center. We can’t play and have fun all the time,” she teased.
She looked around. “Ok. I’ll open things up. I’ll be here at the Center for our New Year’s Eve Benefit, and also for Christmas day, but I’ll probably be at my own house for Christmas night. My family lives back East, so I’ll be hanging out here with my friends. Now who’s going to spend Christmas at home with their family?”
Several kids raised their hands.
“Now is anyone worried or concerned about anything? I know the holidays can be tough.” Joelle paused. “Especially if your parents are giving you grief about being who you really are.”
No one said a word.
Marcus spoke up as he carefully trailed silver garland around the tree. “I remember my first Christmas after I came out. I was in my early 20’s and I was terrified that my family would trip. But surprisingly, no one did. My mom was pretty cool. My dad took a minute, but he eventually came around. So Christmas with my family isn’t the worst. But this year, I’ll probably be with my friends more so than my family.”
He nodded at Joelle who’d invited him to her house for that day.
Angelo piped up. “I wish we could be here at the Center all of Christmas, and not just for the daytime,” he said, his eyes dark. “My mom hates the way that I am.” He lowered his eyes. “She gets worse at night after she starts drinking. She makes fun of me. Calls me names,” he said as tears welled up in his big, brown eyes.
“So does my mom,” Kim said. Danita reached over and squeezed her hand.
“So does my dad,” Gina said, her voice trembling. She was a slim, cocoa-brown fourteen year-old girl and often seemed nervous and jumpy when discussing her family dynamic.
“Unfortunately,” Joelle said, “there are folks on this earth that’ll feel that way. And quite honestly, we can’t help how people feel. But each of you, every single one of you, deserves to be loved and appreciated just the way you are. I know you’ll have problems, and that’s why we’re here.”
She looked around the room at all the sullen, yet extremely brave faces. “I want you all to know that you’ll always be welcome here. No matter what anyone else says.”
“That’s exactly right, Joelle,” Lia said as she strode into the room. “That’s why we started this Center. So that our family,” Lia pointed around the room, “each and every one of you, will always have a place to feel welcome.”
Lia continued to the center of the room. “So…I have an announcement, guys. Some really good news. I spoke at the Chamber of Commerce’s networking party last night and everything went extremely well. In fact, we received several donations right on the spot!”
“How much did they give us?” Samuel yelled out. All the kids in the room laughed. Marcus and Joelle looked at each other and chuckled.
“Samuel, hush!” Danita chided.
“No, Danita. It’s ok. I was just getting to that,” Lia smiled. “Everyone…we raised almost ten thousand dollars last night!”
The room erupted into cheers.
“Now, though we still have a ways to go, I think we’ll make our goal. Now let’s decorate our tree!” Lia said, as she went over and helped some of the girls pull the brightly colored ornaments from the boxes.
Joelle smiled as she reached into one of the boxes. She pulled out the dazzling star for the top of the tree and stared at it lovingly.
Looks like the Universe was finally dishing out some good news.
~~~
“I’ve washed the dishes and mopped the floor, Ms. Lawson,” Joelle said as she walked into Nina’s bedroom. It was the next night, and Joelle carried in an antique serving tray with a bowl of fruit, a glass of apple juice and a glass of water.
Joelle had selected the freshest fruits out of the refrigerator, cut them into cute, decorative shapes and carefully arranged them in a crystal bowl that sat in the middle of the silver tray. “I’ve even got a snack for you,” she smiled, pleased with her efforts.
Nina looked at Joelle’s curvy body in a snug, cherry-red sweater and a tight pair of jeans. She had a sudden mental flash of what the dark mocha beauty’s body looked like naked. “I’m not hungry,” Nina tossed, turning her head in the other direction.
“Well, I also brought some juice and some water for you. Are you thirsty?”
“No,” Nina sighed, rolling her eyes, yet while trying desperately to clear the erotic image from her head.
Joelle set the tray on the nightstand. “Well, here’s your medicine, at least.” She handed a cup of pills to Nina, along with the glass of water, and watched her swallow them down. As she did so, she studied Nina’s smooth face and hands, wondering just how she got her skin so luminous.
Not wanting to stare, Joelle turned and looked out the bedroom window and noticed that the sun had gone down. The twinkling of the night stars made her smile. As she watched the night sky, she reflected on all the days she’d spent caring for Nina Lawson.
Nina had been tough as ever, running Joelle ragged, but she took it in stride. Nina Lawson was her all-time favorite singer and Joelle had to admit that this really had been a great opportunity so far.
“Do you need anything else, Ms. Lawson?”
“No. I’m fine,” Nina said softly, finally able to look at Joelle without mentally undressing her.
Joelle reached for her handbag. “Ok. I guess I’m done for the night.”
Nina put her hand out and grabbed Joelle’s wrist. “Joelle, wait. Don’t go just yet. Stay awhile.”
Joelle was silent. She’d actually been meaning to talk to Nina about the New Year’s Eve Benefit, and now was as good a time as any. Besides, the fact that her musical idol was holding onto her arm sent shivers down her spine.
“Please?” Nina asked again. “Just until I fall asleep? I just hate being here alone at night.”
Joelle smiled warmly. “Sure.” She took a seat on the chaise lounge at the foot of Nina’s king-sized bed.
Nina closed her eyes as the medication began to take effect. Her arms and legs relaxed and she snuggled against her pillow. Suddenly, Joelle’s voice interrupted her descent into slumber.
“Excuse me, Ms. Lawson?”
Nina’s eyes opened lazily. “Yes?”
“Where was that picture taken?”
“Which picture?”
“The one right above your headboard.” Joelle pointed to the picture of a youthful Nina in a luxurious, royal-blue satin kimono. She was standing in an elaborate garden with forest-green trees and brightly colored flowers just behind her.
Nina strained her neck up. “Oh, that one. That was taken in Tokyo.”
“Wow. How cool. I guess you’ve traveled a lot.”
“I’ve been all over, sweetie,” Nina smiled.
“By the way. How many hit records do you have?” Joelle asked.
Nina shifted on the bed. “I really don’t keep up with that kind of stuff.”
“I hardly believe that,” Joelle laughed.
Nina smiled. “Ok. I’ve done twelve albums. Eighteen number ones. Thirty-three top-ten singles. One hundred and fifty-four million albums sold worldwide. A total of twenty-four years in the business. Ever since I was sixteen.”
“Damn,” Joelle giggled. “Wow. That’s amazing!” Joelle looked around the room at the plaques and awards around the room. “You know, I’ve always loved your music.”
“Oh yeah?” Nina said as she snuggled against her pillow. “What’s your favorite song of mine?”
Joelle didn’t hesitate. “A Love of My Own. The last track on the Chances album. That’s my all-time favorite.”
“Why?” Nina asked.
“Your voice was so strong, yet so haunting.”
“Yeah. True.” Nina was lightheaded from the medication and realized that she did, in fact, need to rest. However, when she looked at Joelle’s pretty face, she decided to get a few questions answered. “Hey, Joelle?”
“Yes?”
Nina looked her in the eye. “You’re a pretty girl, you know that?”
Joelle blushed. “Thanks.”
“No, I mean it. You’re a very beautiful woman. You’re kind. And considerate.” And before she could stop the words, they slipped from her lips. “And gorgeous.”
“Well, you’re the true beauty, Nina,” Joelle admitted. “You’ve been so successful. For so long. For so many years.” Joelle smiled. “Wanna know something?”
Nina perked up. “What?”
“I used to watch you on TV every time I could. I think I know all of your videos by heart!” Joelle laughed. “I just loved your beautiful dresses. And your elaborate makeup. And your hair. And especially your voice.”
“Really?”
“Really.” Joelle paused. “Ms. Lawson?”
“Mmm hmm?”
Joelle knew she was treading on thin ice, but her curiosity got the best of her. “What happened?”
Nina looked at her. “What do you mean?”
“Why haven’t you sung lately. Before your Greatest Hits album last spring, your last album was almost eight years ago. Why is that?”
Nina’s face tightened. “Joelle, that’s a long story.”
Joelle, sensing Nina’s hesitance, tried to smooth things over. “Well, anytime you get ready to record, just let me know! I’d certainly buy a copy. Maybe even two!”
A warm smile suddenly spread across Nina’s face. “You know, Joelle? I’m glad you stayed.” Then she paused. “I just hope I’m not keeping you from anything. Or anyone.”
Joelle shook her head. “No. Well, yes. Well, no. I mean, there’s a girl, but it’s been kind of up in the air lately.”
Nina hesitated. “A girl?”
“Yes.”
“You’re gay?” Nina sputtered.
“Yes.”
“And you’re so…so open about it?”
Joelle frowned. “Of course I am. Why would I hide it?”
Nina couldn’t answer that. Instead, she reached for the glass of apple juice and took a long swallow.
Then she spoke, her voice trembling. “I’m tired now. I need to get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Nina said as she pulled the sheets up around her. She turned onto her side, away from Joelle, and huddled under the covers.
Joelle shook her head and let out a long sigh. She’d planned to ask Nina if she’d headline the New Year’s Eve Benefit, but she rightly figured that now was not the time. Joelle took another look at Nina, then she just grabbed her bag and left.
~~~
Late that next week, Joelle sighed as she pulled the laundry out of the dryer. The laundry room, located in the basement of Nina’s house, was dark, damp and stuffy.
She quickly folded the garments, placed them in the laundry basket and trudged up the stairs. She’d just made it all the way upstairs to Nina’s bedroom when she heard the tinkling of the silver bell.
“I’m going to throw that damn thing out the window, Joelle muttered as she approached the bedroom door. “I’ve been working here for over two weeks, going on three, and this woman still won’t let up.”
Joelle had been working extra hard in the days since their friendly chat that Sunday night prior. She’d repeatedly wanted to ask Nina about the Benefit, as the date was getting even closer, but since their talk, Nina barely looked at her. Nina just ordered her around, even more harshly than she had before.
Joelle forced the stiff door open and peeked into the bedroom. “Yes, Ms. Lawson? I’ve got your laundry done.”
Nina lay on the bed watching TV. “Good. Make sure everything is folded neatly, then put it in the dresser.”
“Yes. Sure.”
Joelle paused. Now was as good a time as any. “Ummm…Ms. Lawson? I have a question. Do you still sing? I mean, sing live? Like for live performances and stuff?”
“Of course I do,” Nina snapped. “What kind of question is that?”
Joelle blanched. “Well, I was just wondering…I hadn’t said anything as of yet, but you know when I’m not here? Well, I have another job.”
Nina looked up. “What job?”
“Well, I work at a community center,” Joelle beamed.
Nina smiled when she saw Joelle’s smile. “How nice. I knew you were kind and considerate.”
“Well, our community center, we need to raise money to pay the back mortgage. The payment’s due on New Year’s Eve. So we’re having a New Year’s Eve Charity Benefit. And we could really use your help. So would you be interested in performing?” Joelle never spoke so fast in her life.
“Which community center?”
“It’s called Images Teen Community Center and it’s located in West Hollywood. It’s to help teens who are having problems at home.” She wondered if she should mention that Images was an LGBT center. She quickly decided not to. At least not yet.
“Well, what’s in it for me?” Nina asked.
“Huh?” Then Joelle was struck silent for a moment. “Well…it’s for charity,” she offered. “We can’t really pay you anything…”
“Charity?” Nina snorted. “I’m the one that needs charity! I’m the one sick and all alone, with no one to help me!”
Joelle thought for a moment. “Well, I might have an idea. I noticed that you need some work done around the house. Some painting and mowing the lawn and pulling up weeds and stuff. If I get some of the kids at the Center to come down and help you out, would you consider performing at the Benefit?”
“Maybe. But you’ll have to clear it with Denver, my publicist, but it’s possible. But you and those kids’ll really have to work around here. There’s a lot that needs to be done.”
Joelle sighed. “Well, the kids are off from school for their Christmas vacation. So first thing in the morning, we’ll be here.”
~~~
The next morning, Angelo looked at the thick, heavy vines wrapped around the wrought-iron gate. “It looks like a jungle,” he scowled
Yeah, Joelle thought. Complete with a mean, old lion at the gate. “Ok, guys. We’re here.”
Since Luisa wasn’t scheduled that day, Joelle punched the security code into the keypad next to the intercom. When the gate opened, she drove in and pulled up at the front door.
“Ok. Everyone out,” she said as she got out of the driver’s side of the Center’s used cargo van.
Angelo, Samuel, Tomás, Jeffrey, Kim and Danita climbed out of the side door. “Are you sure about this?” Kim asked.
“Ms. Lawson said that if we helped her, that she’d help us by performing at the Benefit. Or that she’d at least consider it. So here we are.” Joelle answered.
“And what are we supposed to do here, again?” Danita asked.
Joelle pulled a thin sheet of paper out of her purse. “I’ve got the list of our assignments right here. Ok, Tomás and Jeffrey? You two are the biggest. So you’ll be outside. Tomás, you’ll mow the lawn. Jeffrey, you’ll trim the hedges. Then, you’ll both start pulling the weeds. Once I get everyone else set, I’ll take you to the storage shed and show you where all of the equipment is.”
She turned to Angelo and Samuel. “You two’ll be inside painting. You’ll paint the walls leading up the staircase.”
Then she pointed to the girls. “Kim and Danita? You’ll be with me. We’re going to clean this house from top to bottom, starting with the kitchen and bathrooms.”
The girls groaned.
“I know, I know. I’m not crazy about it either. But in order to get help, sometimes you have to give it first. Now let’s go help someone less fortunate.”
Joelle took the kids upstairs and quickly introduced them to Nina. She just stared at them, then turned her head.
After they went downstairs and Joelle got them all set up, they worked tirelessly for several hours. Once the boys had made some headway outside, Joelle had them come in and help paint. At sundown, though they were nowhere near finished, the kids were weary and begging for a way out. Joelle, tired as well, agreed and went to Nina’s bedroom.
“Ms. Lawson?” Joelle smiled. “All the kids are done working. We started on the lawn and the hedges outside. We also took care of a lot of the painting and the housekeeping inside.”
“Good.” Nina briefly took her eyes off of the TV screen and looked at Joelle. But when she saw beads of sweat on Joelle’s brow, she had a sudden urge to lick them off with the tip of her tongue.
Nina quickly shook the image out of her mind and focused right back on the TV. “Now get those kids out of here. I can hear them all the way up here.”
She paused. “But bring them back tomorrow. And for the next couple of days, so they can work. But take them home now. But be sure to come right back. I’ll need you to get me something to eat before you’re done for the day!”
Joelle stared at Nina incredulously. Then she just shook her head and left the room.
~~~
“Hey, Tina. Don’t leave me. I’m over here,” Diedre said as she held up a winter white sweater with strands of glitter sewed in. It was three days later, and they were in the women’s clothing section of the packed Macy’s department store. “By the way. You think Joelle would like this?”
Tina frowned at the garment as she checked out the other items in the large department store. “I don’t know, Dee. Joelle doesn’t wear a lot of white. But she does like the sparkly stuff, though.”
“See that’s why I hate the mall. Too many choices,” Diedre complained. “And it’s way too crowded in here,” she said as she looked at all the shoppers that had converged on the sales racks at the other end of the store.
“I know, honey. But it’s the day before Christmas, so every store’s gonna be packed.”
“Why are we here when it’s so crowded?” Diedre asked as a group of shoppers nearly bumped into her.
“Because you kept putting it off on me. Wanting me to pick the gift out by myself,” Tina snorted. “Please! Plus, Joelle’s our best friend so she deserves a special gift this year. So keep looking!” she gently scolded as she carefully sorted through a rack of shirts.
“But there’s nothing here,” Diedre whined.
Tina scowled as she looked through the shirts. However, unsatisfied with the choices, Tina actually began to agree with Diedre.
Then Tina spotted something. “Oooh! I found one,” she exclaimed. She held up a royal blue polo shirt. “How ‘bout this?”
“I don’t really like that one,” Diedre frowned. “It’s actually kind of…boring.”
Tina scowled. “No! I think it’s nice. I think she’d like it. I mean, we’re here at Macy’s, her favorite department store. And she wears stuff like this all the time.”
Suddenly, Diedre snapped her fingers. “I got it! The perfect gift. Let’s stop wasting time here and get her something she’d really like.
“Like?”
“Let’s get her something from The Scarlet Rose,” Diedre winked.
“The Scarlet Rose? Our Scarlet Rose?” Tina leaned in close. “The sex shop?”
“It’s not a sex shop. It’s more of an adult novelty shop.”
Tina put her hands on her hips. “It’s a sex shop. How can we get her something from that place?”
Diedre chuckled. “Remember what I bought you last month?
Tina blushed. “Those feathers were everywhere for weeks!”
“But it felt good, didn’t it?” Diedre whispered.
Tina blushed even harder at the memory but realized just how good Diedre had made her feel. “Let’s go.” Tina grabbed Diedre’s hand and ushered her out of the store.
Diedre just giggled behind her.
As they walked out of the store and into the larger part of the mall, Diedre thought she saw a familiar figure out of the corner of her eye. She turned and watched as two women strolled out of an exclusive jewelry store.
Diedre suddenly recognized the tall, slender, light-brown woman as she walked hand in hand with a smaller, darker complexioned woman.
“Tina!” Diedre whispered. “Over there. Is that–”
Tina peered at the affectionate twosome. Then she gasped at the sight of the taller woman. “Oh my goodness! That’s Cori! Joelle’s Cori!”
The smaller woman was smiling as she held out her hand. The women kept smiling as they admired a shiny ring on the smaller woman’s finger. She also carried a tiny bag with the jewelry store’s logo printed across the front.
The two women stopped at a juice stand in the middle of the mall’s food court and joined the end of the line. As they waited, the taller woman leaned in and planted a deep kiss on her companion’s lips.
“Damn right that’s Joelle’s Cori. But that’s not Joelle she’s kissing!” Diedre said, her eyes blazing. “I knew I didn’t like that bitch!”
She grabbed Tina’s hand and headed toward the women. “Come on! Let’s go!”
~~~
“Hi, Ms. Lawson,” Joelle beamed as she returned from dropping the kids back off at the Center. It was the day before Christmas and she’d had the kids working at Nina’s for the past few days. “How are you now? Feeling any better?”
“Ugh,” Nina said. “My ankle’s still a bit sore.”
“Well, the doctor said you should be walking on it by now. Maybe that’ll help get the kinks out?”
“It hurts!” Nina snapped. “How can I walk on it?”
“Well, you have a cane. And crutches…” Joelle offered.
“Did you go to medical school? Do you have a medical degree I don’t know about?”
Joelle was speechless.
“I didn’t think so. So please stick to what you know. Anyway, I need a glass of water. And a fluffy pillow.” She pointed to the one behind her back. “This one is flat.”
Joelle sighed. “Sure. Whatever you need.” She swallowed her irritation and went to the linen closet to grab a new pillow. “I just want to make sure you’re ready to perform for our Benefit,” she smiled as she tucked it carefully behind Nina’s back.
Nina was silent for a moment, taking in Joelle’s delicious vanilla fragrance. She also took in Joelle’s curvy frame in her signature tight jeans. Nina struggled to keep her cool. “What Benefit?” she asked innocently.
Joelle’s temperature suddenly went up ten degrees. “The Benefit for the kids at my Center. The New Year’s Eve Benefit.”
Nina frowned. “I don’t remember committing to that.”
“Umm…yes you did. I brought the kids over here to help you today. And the day before that. And the day before that, remember?”
“If I remember correctly,” Nina clipped, “I said I’d consider it. And I have. And I’m not doing it.”
Joelle stood there, unable to speak, as red-hot anger crept from the tips of her toes all the way up to the silky strands of hair on her head. “Are you saying you won’t do it?”
“You’re bright,” Nina winked. “You just may be worth something after all.” She settled back onto her pillow, grateful to not be smelling Joelle’s perfume anymore. “Now what about my water?”
“Are you serious!” Joelle exploded. “This Benefit is to help kids! How can you not want to help those kids?”
Nina sat up straight, ignoring the searing pain that shot through her ankle. “Now you listen here! I’ve been singing since I was three years old. And I’ve been a recording artist ever since I was sixteen. And ever since then, everyone I’ve ever met has tried to cash in on that. Even my own mother! In fact, she was the worst!”
Nina rubbed her temples, struggling to keep her tears from spilling out all over her cheeks. “Remember when you asked me why I gave it all up? Why I hadn’t sung in years?”
Joelle shrugged. “Yeah, but –”
“Well, all my life, I’ve heard the same thing: ‘Can you do this concert?’ ‘Can you do this event?’ ‘Can you perform for this charity event?’ ‘Ms. Lawson, we love you so much. Can you do us this one favor?’ I’m sick of it! I’m sick of it all!”
Joelle was unimpressed. “First of all, you have an incredible, amazing talent. Most people would kill for it, so you should be thankful. Second, you’re a millionaire! Just look at this house!”
“Do I look like a millionaire?” Nina screeched. “Thanks to my business manager and my accountant, I’m nearly bankrupt! What do you think about that?”
Joelle stared, speechless.
Nina continued. “So forgive me if I’m not interested in doing any charity work this holiday season!”
Besides, Nina thought. I can’t be around you. Not in any close contact. You’re too intoxicating.
Joelle’s heart dropped and her mind was wrought with confusion. “But we need help! We really need your help!”
Nina folded her arms, determined not to give in. No matter how much Joelle’s strained voice was slicing right through her. “No.”
Joelle threw her hands up. “So…to hell with the kids?”
“Yep,” Nina shrugged. She focused her attention back on the TV and clicked the remote.
“Well, to hell with you!” Joelle shouted as she stormed out of the room.
~~~
That evening, Diedre and Tina lay in bed together. Limbs intertwined, they caressed each other’s soft skin.
“We have to tell her,” Diedre said, pulling Tina even closer. “We have to.”
Tina shook her head. “We can’t tell her. I don’t want to tell Joelle that I saw her girlfriend with another woman. Coming out of a jewelry store, no less. I don’t want her to hate me.”
“We have to tell her that we saw her girlfriend Cori kissing that other girl,” Diedre said. “We saw it for ourselves. We know for sure. Joelle’s our girl. Our friend. We have to tell her.”
Tina sighed. “I don’t want to tell her. That’s why I insisted we just go ahead and leave the mall. I knew you were going over there to start some trouble.”
Diedre sighed. “So what are we going to do, then?”
Tina was silent.
“We have to tell her,” they said in unison.
“I’ll dial,” Tina said as she grabbed her cell phone and dialed Joelle’s home number.
“She’s not answering. I’ll leave a message on the machine.” Tina balanced the phone between her shoulder and ear. “Hey hon. It’s us. Tina and Diedre. Call us when you get in, ok? Ok. Thanks. Bye.”
~~~
Joelle stormed into the Center, fuming. As she headed toward Lia’s office, she realized that the building was much too quiet. Looking around, it seemed as if the building was completely empty.
She finally found Steve in the kitchen, perched carefully on the tall scaffolding, touching up some of the paint on the walls.
“Hey, Steve. Where is everyone?” she asked.
“Lia took them to the mall for some last minute shopping. I’m the only one here.”
“Oh yeah, I forgot.” Joelle said, rubbing her throbbing temples. Tears threatened to spill from eyes, but she held herself in check for Steve’s benefit.
Steve, however, was much too observant. “Joelle? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she squeaked.
Steve set his paintbrush on top of the paint can and climbed down from the scaffolding. “Joelle? Come on now. What’s the problem?”
Joelle sighed. “Our headliner for the Benefit just cancelled.
Steve stared at her in disbelief. “What?”
“Nina Lawson pulled out. She’s not going to do it.”
“Damn. Sorry to hear that. What now?”
“I have no idea. I’m going to use Lia’s office and make a few phone calls. We only have about a week to fix this. Hopefully I can find someone else by New Year’s Eve.”
“Well, good luck,” Steve said. “Oh, by the way – that money you left for me a few days ago? I took it and now there’s a repairman coming by to check the furnace. It’s been getting worse, so I called a repair service and they’re sending someone out this evening.”
He wiped his brow with his handkerchief. “In the meantime, I have to run out to the hardware store for another can of paint. I’ll be right back. But if the repairman comes, just let him in and show him downstairs, ok?
“Sure. Fine. Thanks, Steve.” Joelle said absentmindedly as she walked out.
~~~
Thirty minutes later, Joelle sat in Lia’s office, slumped in the chair, her face drenched in tears. She’d called everyone she knew, people she’d already called over the past month, trying desperately to find a replacement to headline the Benefit, but not one of her phone calls turned up any good news.
She rested her head in her hands. “How could this have happened?” she moaned. “I know I was optimistic. Maybe even pushy. I just thought Nina’s showing up would be my…I mean, our, holiday miracle.”
“I need to call Diedre and Tina,” she said. Sniffling and wiping her eyes, Joelle could barely dial the number.
Diedre answered on the first ring. “Hey JoJo,” Diedre said, recognizing the number. “Did you get our message?”
Joelle blinked. What message? “Uh…no,” she said cautiously. “Is something wrong?” Joelle wasn’t sure if she could take any more bad news.
“Jo, are you alone?”
“Uh, yeah.”
“Are you sitting down?”
“Yeah. What is this about?”
“It’s about Cori.”
“What about Cori?” Joelle’s temples began to throb.
Diedre blurted it out. “She’s cheating on you.”
Joelle couldn’t breathe. “What?” she squeaked.
“Tina and I saw her at the mall. All over some girl.”
“Some skank!” Joelle heard Tina holler from the background.
Joelle’s hand suddenly had a mind of her own as she picked up Lia’s stapler off the desk and flung it against the wall.
The loud crash rang through the receiver. “Joelle? What was that?” Diedre asked. “Joelle? Say something!”
“Nina backed out!” Joelle sobbed, as hurt, anger and frustration washed over her, threatening to consume her.
“What!”
“Nina Lawson. She backed out of our concert! I just left her house. She said she wasn’t going to do it!” Joelle moaned as she crumpled into a pool of tears.
“Oh, JoJo!” Diedre sighed.
She put the phone against her shoulder and turned to Tina. “Nina cancelled,” Diedre whispered.
“Oh no! That’s awful!” Tina exclaimed. “What happened?”
Diedre shrugged and put the phone back to her ear. “Joelle? Where are you?” She pulled the phone back and checked the caller ID. “You’re at the Center, right?”
“Uh huh,” Joelle sniffled.
“Ok, hon. We’re on our way. You shouldn’t be alone now. You’ve had a tough day.”
“Ok,” Joelle sobbed, fresh, hot tears slipping down her cheeks.
“Joelle? Hang up now,” Diedre ordered. “We’re coming there right now.” Then the line went dead.
Joelle put the phone back on the receiver and lay her head on Lia’s desk.
~~~
All of a sudden, an awful banging arose from the basement. The loud noises seared through Joelle’s head, adding to the pain that was already there.
“I can’t take this,” she muttered. “Where is that repairman?”
The thunderous banging continued for several long, painful moments. “Fuck it. I’ll go and check it out myself.” Wiping her eyes, Joelle slowly headed toward the kitchen. Once she got there, she flipped the light switch to the basement. When the light came on, she carefully walked down the stairs, trying to see past the tears that kept welling up in her eyes.
Because of her teary gaze, Joelle never noticed the thin wafts of smoke coming from underneath the furnace.
Nor did she notice the furnace’s red alert light blinking.
Once she reached the bottom, she heard a series of clicks coming from the furnace. As the clicks got louder, she finally noticed all of the smoke.
“Oh no!” she screamed as she finally realized what was happening.
Her mind said to run up the stairs and she darted as fast as she could. She’d nearly reached the top when suddenly the ground underneath her shook violently.
“BOOM!”
The first blast blew her up and completely off of the concrete stairs. Then her back slammed hard against the concrete wall.
“Oh!” she shouted as she slid down the wall, falling back onto the stairs, then tumbled all the way back down. Over and over she rolled, until she hit the basement floor with a sickening thud.
Without warning, thick billows of smoke began to invade her nostrils. She began to cough and choke at the abundant fumes. She tried to breathe, but the thick smoke continued to fill her lungs.
Then Joelle felt a fiery heat at her toes. Then she felt more of the intense heat all around her body.
“Ohhh,” she moaned as her head spun. She tried to move, but her entire body felt like lead. Suddenly, she thought she heard voices coming from upstairs and she struggled to speak.
“Somebody please help me,” Joelle whispered. “Please!”
