I'm Doin' Me 2 Read online

  “Wow, I’m dying to meet her.”

  “And I’m dying for you to meet her too. Her mom took ill when Kory and I got married, so she couldn’t attend or even be in the wedding.”

  “Yes, she had to go to Jamaica, right?”

  “Yes, and I’m happy her mom recovered, but still hate she missed the wedding.”

  Rose continued to follow Tiffany to the baggage claim. “And I advise you to take off some of those layers. You are in Cali now, baby. It’s not cold at all.”

  “I see you showing skin, Ms. Flawless.”

  “I try,” Tiffany teased and primped. They walked over to the belt and got Rose’s oversized bags. Since she was moving, she had extra luggage. She sold her car because Tiffany said she could use her Benz until she got another one. Her other items would be coming by movers in a week. “Girl, I can’t wait for you to see Kory, and, girl, we have so much to catch up on,” Tiffany said, dragging two pieces of Rose’s luggage on wheels with ease. Rose fell a few steps behind her with the other luggage, her carry-on, coat, sweater, and purse. Tiffany slowed her pace so Rose could catch up. Rose’s face was drenched with sweat, and she was out of breath. She had packed on some pounds, and Tiffany didn’t like what she saw, but declined on commenting. They made it outside as Asia pulled up in Tiffany’s Escalade.

  “Damn, Asia, pushing some nice wheels.”

  “You like? It’s mine. Asia just drove because I wanted to come in to meet you.”

  “Okay, girl . . . I like this. This is nice.”

  “Well, you can use this one if you’d like, or the Benz. This was a splurge, trust me.”

  “I’ll take the Benz. I’m not picky. I just appreciate everything you’re doing for me, Tiffany.”

  “Girl, please. I know if the roles were reversed, you’d do the exact same for me.”

  Rose brightly smiled. “Yes, you’re right.”

  The hatch went up slowly, and Asia got out. She went around and greeted Rose.

  “Hi, Rose, nice to finally meet ya,” she said with her Jamaican dialect.

  “You too, Asia.”

  “Now move your pregnant behind aside, so Rose and I can load these bags.”

  “You’re pregnant?”

  “Yes, and big mouth over’ere was supposed to keep ya mouth shut!” Asia said and slapped Tiffany’s arm.

  “My bad, Asia, I forgot. Please don’t be mad. Rose don’t know nobody here to tell.”

  “No, Asia, you don’t have to worry about me,” she said and put the last bag in the back.

  Tiffany hit the button, and the hatch slowly started to close. Asia walked to the back passenger side. “Asia, you can ride up front.”

  “No, ma’am. You can sit up front with ya gal and get caught up. Mi, don’t mind to sit in the back,” she said and got in. Tiffany got into the driver’s seat, and Rose climbed into the passenger seat. Rose immediately hit the A/C control to make her side cooler.

  “This is definitely not the Windy City.”

  “It’s not, and all them layers you wearing are going to have to come off.”

  “Well, I packed wrong. I didn’t bring many summer clothes.”

  “So that means a trip to the mall after we go and drop these bags off.”

  “Not me,” Asia said. “I have an appointment with my wedding planner. You know since this pregnancy, we moved everything up before I start to show. I’m six months already, and thank God I barely have a pouch. God, I wish I would have found out early.”

  “Six months, Asia? You look amazing,” Rose complimented.

  “That’s why the wedding is rush-rush. Edward and I planned a long engagement, but this little ‘hiccup’ changed all of that, so I have to exchange vows before I look like a whale.”

  “I doubt that,” Rose said looking over her shoulder at Asia.

  “Thanks for the kind words, Rose, you’re sweet. But, Tiff, no mall for me. I have an appointment.”

  “I know, Asia, I didn’t forget. I’ll drop you home first, and then we will go by my house so Rose can see Kory, and then hit the stores.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “By the way, you are welcome to spend your first night with us, or do you want to stay at your new place? I had my personal items packed and moved already months ago after the honeymoon, because, as I recall, you promised at the wedding that you’d be here a lot sooner.”

  “Awww, come on, Tiff, let’s not rehash the past. The point is I’m here now, and I’d like to go to my new place and enjoy a long quiet bath and a glass of wine tonight, if you don’t mind. The last few days at my sister’s has been hell, and I couldn’t wait to get on that plane this morning, so we can go by your place, but I want to spend a night by myself.”

  “That’s fine. The furnishings are still there. It’s basically a clean palette for you to decorate any way you like.”

  “Well, until my paintings get here, and we get the business up and running, and I make some cash, I’ll just have to live with the blank palette.”

  “Nonsense, Rose. I told you I’ve got you.”

  “I know, but you’ve done enough already.”

  “Rose, stop it, okay? You have to get sheets, towels, rugs, and just a few personal items. I left all of the dishes and cookware; didn’t need any of that. It’s like a furnished home waiting for your fabulous finishing touches, plus, you can always look at some of the things I put in storage and if you want them, we’ll just take it back to the house. I only took all of the personal stuff so you can make it yours. I don’t want you to feel like you’re living in my house. It’s now your house.”

  Rose smiled, and her eyes welled. “Thanks, Tiffany. It’s been a rough patch for me, and I finally feel like life is going to be better.”

  “It is, Rose, don’t worry. I have a better idea. After we drop Asia off, let’s go by your place, take your bags in, and you can kinda get an idea of what you wanna do. If you see something you like while we’re out, get it, and I’ll sleep over with you tonight.”

  “Are you sure Kory won’t mind?”

  “Nah. I’ll go home, pack a quick bag, you see Kory, and then we spend some girl time.”

  “Well, if that’s the case, I’ll come over tonight too, if you ladies don’t mind. Rose, I know you haven’t seen your friend in a while, so if you’d prefer I not come, I’ll totally understand.”

  “Nonsense; please, the more, the merrier.”

  They dropped Asia off, went by Tiffany’s old place and dropped off Rose’s things, and Tiffany put the key in her hand. She told Rose if she needed anything, even groceries, she had her back, and then they headed to the mall. Rose got a few items, but Tiffany could tell she was saying no to a lot of things to keep Tiffany from purchasing so many items.

  When Rose said no, and Tiffany thought she’d looked nice in it, Tiffany said yes. After the mall and a couple of home stores, the back of the SUV was packed with goods. Then they headed to Tiffany’s, and Kory greeted them both at the door. He cooked and after they caught up, reminisced on high school memories, Tiffany packed a small bag, and Rose followed in Tiffany’s BMW. They got to Rose’s new place and unloaded. They both paused to shower, and by nine, Asia had arrived.

  Tiffany and Rose enjoyed wine while Asia drank lemon tea. Rose unpacked all of her clothes and stored her luggage in the spare room’s walk-in closet. They put the task of hanging things on the wall for the next day, and they made the beds. Tiffany felt weird at first going to the guest room to sleep, but she was a guest in Rose’s house.

  “Tiff,” Rose whispered.

  “Yeah,” Tiffany said. She blinked her sleepy eyes. The digital clock on the nightstand showed it was after two.

  “Are you asleep?” Rose asked softly.

  “Yes,” Tiffany said. But then she sat up. “What’s wrong, Rose?”

  “Can you come in the other room with me?”

  Tiffany turned, and her legs dangled over the side of the bed. “Why, Rose, what’s wrong?”

  “I�
�m not sleepy, or I just can’t fall asleep.”

  Tiffany stood. “Sure,” she said. She and Rose went into the master suite, and Tiffany climbed into bed. Rose got in on the other side. After a few moments, Tiffany asked, “Rose, what’s really going on?”

  She let out a sigh. “Do you think I’m ugly?”

  “What, Rose?” Tiffany sat straight up and turned on the lamp. “Rose, why would you ask me something like that? Of course not!”

  Rose’s eyes welled. “I know I’ve gained a lot of weight since the last time we saw each other, and today,” she paused and put her face in her hands. She began to sob loudly, and Tiffany was confused.

  “Rose, sweetheart, talk to me. What’s wrong?”

  “When you saw me today, you gave me this look, a look that you’ve never given me before, a look I’ve gotten from strangers, but never in a million years did I think I’d get it from you. It’s like you bodychecked me. And when we were at the mall, I felt so uncomfortable trying on clothes with you, and I, I, I . . . I mean, you’ve never made me feel insecure before about the way I looked—ever!” She cried, and Tiffany felt horrible.

  “I’m so sorry, Rose. I am so, so sorry. Yes, when I first saw you I was blown away, and I was shocked because you’ve changed. I don’t think you are ugly, and I’m sorry for making you feel that way, Rose. I love you like a sister, Rose, and you know I’d never do or say anything to hurt you, and I’m sorry if I did. The weight just caught me off guard, and I’m really sorry if I hurt you in any way. That was so not my intention. You and I grew up being on the chubby side, and you know I’d never intend to make you feel bad about the way you look or your weight.”

  Rose dried her face and sniffled, and then said, “Thank you for everything. Thanks for opening your home to me and offering me this opportunity, but I think it’s better if I go back to Chicago. I don’t think I’ll fit well out here in L.A. I don’t feel like it’s for me.”

  “Rose, no, please don’t say that. I’m so glad you’re here. Please don’t leave. I’m sorry, Rose.” Tiffany wiped her eyes. She knew she had given Rose a few looks that day, but she didn’t mean to hurt her. “Please say that you’ll stay.”

  “I don’t know, Tiffany. L.A. isn’t for me. I looked around at these L.A. natives today, and I don’t know how I’m going to fit in.”

  “Rose, just give it a try. You said you’d love a new start, and you got one here. Just please, just give it a chance. Give it six months, just six. We will start your business, and you will adjust. Just don’t leave, Rose. Once you get back to painting and taking beautiful photos, you will have your rhythm back, and you are going to love it here. A new start for anyone is scary, but you have me and Kory, and we will do whatever it takes for you to get things going, Rose. Please don’t go. I finally have my best friend in the same city, and just a short car ride away versus a plane ride away, and I am begging you to stay.”

  Rose was quiet for a few moments. Tiffany stared at her with pleading eyes.

  “Okay, I’ll try it.”

  “Thank you, Rose.” Tiffany hugged her tightly. “I love you so much, and I’ve missed you so much, Rose, and I am sorry if I hurt you.”

  Rose smiled a half smile. “I forgive you, but I just couldn’t sleep without telling you how I felt.”

  “I know, Rose, and I’m glad you told me. You are beautiful inside and out, and I guess a little L.A. has rubbed off on me, and I was wrong. I have no problems with how you look. You are my best friend, and again, I’m sorry.” Tiffany didn’t think she could apologize enough. To think she’d do that to her best friend made her feel like a horrible person.

  “I forgive you, and I love you back. I am going to give L.A. an honest chance, and we have to find a studio as soon as possible because I only want to move my equipment once, understood?”

  “Yes, ma’am. We can start as soon as you’d like. I have some places in mind, and you are going to do well. You are supertalented, and I have no doubts in my mind that you will shine.”

  Rose gave Tiffany a confirming smile that she agreed, and then slid under the covers. Tiffany turned out the lamp. The next morning, the two friends slept in, and after they had dressed, they went to the studio. Tiffany took Rose around and introduced her to everyone, including Tressa. Rose smiled and got a good vibe from Tressa she later told Tiffany.

  “I thought I’d instantly hate her,” Rose said tossing the salad. They were at Tiffany’s preparing dinner.

  “Well, Tressa has changed. A remarkable change, I might add. But I keep watching and waiting for her to relapse.”

  “Well, she seems harmless.”

  “That’s because you were not here for Hurricane Tressa,” she laughed, and then Kory walked in.

  “Dinner smells good, ladies.”

  “Thanks, baby, it will be ready soon.”

  “Cool. I’ll be in my man cave. Just give me a holla.”

  “Okay, babe.” Kory gave Tiffany a quick kiss, and then vacated the kitchen.

  “I still can’t believe you and Kory are married after all these years.”

  “I can’t either sometimes, Rose. I sleep with that man every night thinking tomorrow I’m going to wake up and find out it was a dream.”

  Rose laughed. “I hope you don’t, because that would put me back in cold-ass Chicago, living with my sister and her horrible tribe. Last night was emotional for us, but I welcomed the quiet.”

  “I know that’s real.” They finished making dinner, ate, and talked for a good while. It wasn’t that late, but Rose wanted to get home, shower, and relax. She promised Tiffany that she could make it home with the navigation system on her own.

  Tiffany gave her another quick lesson on the alarm system and told Rose how to turn on the hot tub. Rose said she was going to go home and pour a glass of wine and embrace her new home, new environment, and be ready bright and early to go check out some spaces to possibly open her very own gallery.

  After a thirty-minute drive, she had made it and called her friend to say she was home safe.

  New Beginnings

  Episode 7

  Rose

  Rose walked out in her robe, carrying a tray of wine and snacks. Never had she owned a hot tub nor had a private pool, so she smiled when she stepped into the water. “Oh my God, this is heavenly,” she said and relaxed in the hot tub. She had enjoyed Tiffany’s company last night, but she welcomed her solitude that evening. She had been living with her sister and her four kids for two years, so she felt like she was in a resort. She hated how she left, with her sister thinking she’d stoop so low and mess with her husband. It often made her tear up. It was a big misunderstanding, but her sister was too crazy and insecure to hear her out.

  It’s like God set the whole scene up for her to leave, or get put out, she thought as she replayed the events. She had come home only to find her brother-in-law drunk and passed out on the sofa that was her bed. In her attempts to wake him and get him off the couch, she fell on top of him, and at that very moment her sister walked in. Shocked to see her sister, Rose panicked. “Roslyn, it is not what you think,” she said, quickly getting up. Since she was caught off guard, it seemed it was harder to get up.

  “Like hell, you trifling bitch. What the fuck were you doing on top of my husband?” her older sister demanded. Her voice roared, and Rose trembled in fear. Roslyn always intimidated her.

  “It’s not what you think. I came home, James was out, and I tried to pull him up, and I fell on him.”

  “Is that the best you can do, you ho . . . huh? Yo’ fat ass can’t get a man, so you try to seduce mine?”

  “No,” Rose cried. “I’d never do something so foolish.”

  “Whatever, bitch. Get your shit and get the fuck outta my house!” Roslyn blasted.

  “No, sis, it’s not like that—” Rose tried to defend herself.

  “Get the fuck out!” Roslyn yelled and started going for Rose’s personal items. The den had Rose’s artwork, easel, and paints and supplies,
and when Roslyn started to destroy some of her pieces, Rose reacted and tackled Roslyn to the floor. The fight got bad, and out of breath, they both gave in.

  “I want you out by morning.” Those were Roslyn’s last words before she left the room. Her drunk-ass husband was still passed out on the sofa and hadn’t even awakened from all of the commotion. Rose sobbed and went for her phone. She called Tiffany. “The shit has hit the fan, and I need to leave. I have nowhere to go, Tiffany, and she wants me out by morning,” was all she said, and that night, Tiffany didn’t ask any questions. She just said okay. Later, Rose packed all of her things and loaded her cousin’s car with all she could carry, and just said to hell with all the rest. She had a small storage unit that Tiffany paid for every month, and she was grateful that the damage Roslyn had done to a couple of her pieces were minor.

  Her cousin took her to Western Union, and she got the money that Tiffany sent. She paid her cousin $250 for gas and helping her move her things, and then checked into a nice hotel room. Tiffany had sent her the max for Western Union, which was $2,999. Two days later, she met with a moving company at her storage and paid them a cashier’s check, and then they loaded a truck. Tiffany called and said her first-class ticket will be waiting at the counter and the following morning before she departed at six a.m., she went to her sister’s place. She had a money order for one thousand written out to her sister, and she dropped it into her mail slot. It wasn’t much, or enough to truly tell Roslyn thank you for letting her stay, but it was all she could give so that she still could have a few dollars in her pocket when she arrived in L.A.

  She looked out of the plane window and bid Chicago farewell and put her headphones in her ears. When the attendant tapped her arm and offered her a mimosa, she smiled brightly and accepted. Her flight was nice, and being in first class with unlimited drinks, snacks, and upscale customer service, she noted she’d thank her best friend again.

  Returning back to the moment and the present time, she let her head fall back, and she closed her eyes and tried to forget the horrible episode that went down with her and Roslyn. She loved her sister so much and missed talking to her and missed the friendship they shared. Why Roselyn turned on her and didn’t believe her continued to stomp her brain, but since Roslyn wasn’t talking to her, she knew she’d never get an answer.