My mind drifts back to that fateful day when I saw the argument between Savior and Thomas. Savior looked exhausted while Thomas didn’t flinch. I still wonder what that was about. “But he succeeded, though. He’s one of the most successful lawyers in the country.”
“Because failure wasn’t an option. If he didn’t do well, the consequences were too great. Soul never cared and to an extent, neither did Ocean.” Starr looks straight ahead. Sadness and regret appear within her eyes. “But Savior…all he ever wanted was his father’s approval.”
I’m tempted to ask what Savior’s childhood was like but I’m afraid I’m stepping over a boundary. I already feel like I’m on thin ice. Before I could even think about the answer, Starr answers my question for me.
“Keisha, there is something you should understand about Savior. The law is something he is very passionate about. He loves researching cases and studying torts. He’s the type to read Supreme Court decisions just for fun. He lives, breathes the law, and hates injustice no matter the form. My son, however, knows when to walk away from something if it no longer benefits him.” Starr finishes her cup and stands up. “That day might be coming soon.”
I wonder if the intense fight I saw the other day had something to do with it.
“My ex wasn’t a good husband, and he was barely there as a father, but to the world, he was everything and I would never take that away from him.” Starr answers. “However, there’s something to be said when a father would rather spend time with a mistress than go to his son’s Little League game.”
I feel my eyes water and my lips tremble. I’ve heard of Thomas’s past mistakes but I didn’t think how they would’ve impacted Savior’s life the way they did. “Oh my gosh.”
“My ex-husband was a champion for civil rights to an extent. He felt everyone should be equal under the law and nothing should be justgood enough. He fought against sundown towns, Jim Crow laws, and the like. My ex-husband, also had his personal dealings. He was called every name under the sun because of what he did. He never wanted our sons to go through that. He wanted to protect them as much as he could.” Starr gives a sad grimace. “You’re the first black girl Savior has brought home in a long while.”
Long while. That means I’m not the first. While I appreciate that tidbit, there seems to be a lot more to that story. “Why the gap?”
“Thomas felt if he told the men who they couldn’t bring home, that would encourage them to date within or others.” Starr chuckles. “I think the only thing that did was encourage the boys to date more black women just to piss my ex off. It’s the forbidden fruit aspect. Now that you know you can’t have it, you want it even more.”
“So, I’m just here to pass the time and piss off your ex-husband until Savior finds someone more suitable?” Now I’m not feeling so bad about last night.
Starr briefly glances down at her manicure and plays with the nails. “My son has never purchased a car for any woman.” She softly blinks at me. “Does that answer how he feels about you?”
I swallow what is left of my pride and wish I could crawl back underneath the covers. My cheeks are burning with embarrassment and I’m really wishing this was just a horrible dream I haven’t woken up from. “I don’t know what to say to that.”
Starr picks up the chair and puts it back. “You, Ms. Lady, have some work to do. You have a benefit to attend with my son tomorrow and you need to be presentable. Let’s get you fed and dressed so when Savior comes home in a couple of hours, you two can spend time talking about important things.”
~~~~~
There really aren’t too many words to describe Savior’s home other than it’s incredible. Five bedrooms, five bathrooms and it is a dream. Every room has its own theme – the living room is Old Hollywood with a picture of the Rat Pack holding front and center. The bathrooms have different colors with a spa theme. Hardwood floors lead to different rooms and plush carpeting matches the décor of every room.
A long, stone walkway leads from the backyard to the pool. The kitchen has the longest island I had ever seen and a refrigerator with see-through doors! I thought I only saw those on MTV Cribs!
Starr had the chef whip up lunch and it was so amazing. It was a grass-fed cheeseburger with sweet potato fries and OMG. I don’t know why I wasted my time on them cheap dollar shits by my house.
Every room boasts of a lot of light and the city view is just absolutely spectacular. All I saw were hills upon hills. I didn’t hear any police chases. I didn’t hear any overhead helicopters. No neighbors were arguing and fighting about random stuff. No one was crying because their relative just got shot.
It was peaceful. It was everything. It was what I’d always wanted.
Starr had to leave to have dinner with her girlfriends but she promised to see me tomorrow evening at the gala. I spent a good half-hour just staring out into the world and wonder about my life. I’m still not sure what’s going on between me and Savior and I wonder what’s really going to happen within the next 90 days. I hope it’s a case that the first week started rocky and things were smooth sailing from this moment on.
I can only hope. Starr suggests that Savior won’t leave me but I need to hear that from him. I need him to tell me we’ll be together or he’s done with me. I don’t know what type of black girls he’s dated in the past but I’m pretty sure none of them had reality show womb-holders and drug dealers for parents.
I never considered myself to be ghetto but let’s face it, in comparison to some of the girls Savior had dated, I’m about as ghetto as they come. I didn’t come from a two-parent home. I came from a place where hearing random gun shots meant you instantly ran and hid for cover.
I can put on my white voice and longhaired caramel wig when I have to turn on the charm, but that’s not me everyday. Hell, that’s not even me on any day. I would rather sit down on the couch with my grape Kool-Aid and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos than attend some stuffy $500 a plate dinner.
I’m not sure if that’s something Savior wants.
“Gorgeous.”
My body stilled as I recognize Savior’s voice. I slowly turn around and offer an equally slow smile to him. He’s dressed in his Armani finest and is looking like the snack that he is. He has a beautiful smile across his lips and I hope it’s sincere. “Hey you. You’re right, it is a gorgeous view.”
“The view is spectacular. That’s why I purchased the home.” He walks over to me and snakes his arms around my waist. “But when I say gorgeous, it’s only you I’m referring to.”
My smile is a bit saddened. I don’t know if Savior is being nice to me before he finally drops the hammer or if he truly feels a certain way. Last night was a huge lie he found out and I don’t know if he would be able to trust me from this moment on. I know I would have issues.
He tips my chin up and places a soft kiss on my lips. His free hand rubs over my head and he places another kiss there. He lifts my head back up and examines my face. He winces a little when he sees a few cuts. “How are you feeling, gorgeous?”
