Part 72 (1/2)
”It's not funny, Kim.”
”I'm sorry, Kitt. I just can't see you doing this. Keith thought he had such control over you, and to be honest, we all did. I guess we were wrong.”
”Cain was a friend. The affair, it didn't happen until after Keith confessed he had the vasectomy. Something in me snapped. I just wanted to be free. Now, well now I'm pregnant by a married man.”
Kim stiffened. She sat upright. ”What did you say?”
”Cain's married. He's white. He's a white man married to a rich a socialite. Now you see why it isn't so funny?”
”Simone? What the h.e.l.l were you thinking?” Kim frowned.
”I'm in love with him so I wasn't thinking. I know it sounds crazy but I am. He's in love with me too. I can't explain it. Sometimes things happen, you know?”
Kim sighed. ”Yeah, I know. Mathew, you saw him. He took me by surprise.”
”He's married?”
Kim chuckled. ”No. But he was the real thing. Sometimes you meet the right person at the wrong time. I get that. I could see myself with him. I can't stop thinking about him. But it's over. And it's my fault.”
”I saw him, Kim. He was really worried about you. He didn't look good on that boat. Maybe you should go see him.”
”No. He's gone anyway, back to Carolina. It's done. I get it though. How you can find love when you need it the most? Doesn't come wrapped up neatly though, does it?” Kim asked.
”No, it doesn't.”
”Does Cain know about the baby?” Kim asked.
”Girl, no. No one knows but you. I got to get divorced before I can even think of it,” Simone said.
”Have you been to a doctor?”
”No. I told you I can't tell anyone.”
”Well you have to go. So let's get you annulled and take care of my niece or nephew.”
Simone paused. Kim arched her left brow, waiting for her to agree. ”You not mad at me? For s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g up this big?” Simone smiled.
”I'm a junkie, who am I to judge on screw ups?” Kim winked.
Simone laughed. She clapped her hands together. ”I'm so glad to have you back, the real you, Kimmy. I'm so glad.”
”Me too.” Kim looked back over the sofa. ”Now what we gone do about Mama? This reunion is going to knock her off her feet.”
”Yeah, we got to handle it carefully.”
Cain blinked awake. The persistent buzz of the alarm clock pierced his skull. He groaned and rolled. He reaching to slam his hand down on the top of the clock but he only managed to push it off the nightstand.
”s.h.i.+t.”
After yesterday he was only able to summon three hours of sleep. Sitting upright on the side of the bed, he rubbed his temples to dull the pain in his skull. He couldn't go on like this. But he had to. He reached for the phone and dialed. His eyes closed. One wrong move and it could all blow up in his face. His mother was better at this than him. He still had his doubts he'd pull it off in the end.
”Keith Livingston.”
”Keith, it's Cain. Is it too early?”
”No. I've been waiting on your call,” he said dryly.
”Well, the meeting's today with Andrew to review the project charter. I couldn't delay it any further. I wanted you to know that I have it under control. It's just a formality. He will sign off on the plan for the board meeting.”
He heard Keith expel a deep breath of frustration. Cain had to hold his tongue and measure his words when he spoke again. ”Can you make it back? When can we expect you back?”
”Things here require my attention. I won't be back in time for the meeting. Not sure how soon. I'll call Andrew and explain.”
”Of course, is there something I can do? Any way I can help?” Cain offered.
”You said you saw my wife before she left?”
Cain didn't answer. When did he say that? He rewound the last conversation and remembered his outburst in the hospital elevator.
”h.e.l.lo?” Keith said.
”Yes, I saw her, briefly.”
”Was she with anyone?” Keith asked.
”Excuse me?” Cain frowned.
”A man. A black man, tall, dark skinned. Was she with him when she left my house?”
Cain sat upright puzzled. ”A black man?”
”Yes d.a.m.n it! Did you see a black man with her, when she left?”
”No. I didn't see anyone, but her,” Cain answered.
”Fine. Thanks. Keep me informed. I'll reach out to Andrew. Bye.”
Keith hung up.
Cain looked down at the phone. Why would Keith think Simone was with a man before she left? It didn't make any sense.
Simone lowered the visor, in a fake attempt to freshen her makeup. She studied her mother in the tiny mirror instead. Diane sat in the back seat with her arms crossed. She didn't think her mother had uncrossed her arms since they told her the news, the plan. She could still hear her ranting about it.
That sorry black a.s.s muthfaf.u.c.ka! Black bastid! Why would you call him? I'm here for you both ain't I? Why you go and call him? Sorry m.u.t.h.af.u.c.ka! Now what? You think he gone rescue you both now? He didn't when he left. He sent them checks but did he ever come around? No, and I tell you this! He never called to check on you either. Now he all Mr. Big s.h.i.+t, and he wants to come back. f.u.c.k that! Where was he when we needed him, huh? I tell you where he wasn't, with us! So what he gone do now that you can't do for yourselves? Ansa' me that! What?