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  After she’d emailed him a short and simple response, he sent her his information and made arrangements to take her to dinner. He promised her that he’d set things straight about that night for once and for all.

  Wonder what he has to say? she thought to herself. Deciding to hear him out, she’d find out tomorrow night.

  Chapter Four

  Clarissa and Jeanette spent the morning being pampered at Gazelle’s Beauty Spa in Manhattan on 54th Street and Madison. They’d gotten one of the deluxe packages. Jeanette turned Clarissa down when she offered to pay her share of the bill. She insisted that it was her treat.

  “Girl, is this nice or what? I love coming here. Sometimes I come during my lunch break. After I get back, I feel refreshed and then I can deal with the assholes on my job.”

  Clarissa laughed at her. “That’s one of the things I love about New York. Everything is so centrally located. You can either walk up the block or round the corner and find whatever you need.” Clarissa lay stretched out on her stomach, enjoying her full body massage.

  “That’s why I’m never leaving. I’m too adapted to New York life. I hate to hear people complain about New York. It’s no worse than anywhere else. Besides, most New Yorkers are very successful. That is, if they put their mind to it.” A pleasurable moan escaped her lips as the attendant kneaded her shoulders.

  “This has got to be what heaven is like. At least, I hope it is.” They laughed out loud.

  Their light lunch from the spa had worn off two hours after their departure from the facility. “Let’s go to Au Bon Pain and grab a couple of pastries. Can’t have you too full tonight,” Jeanette suggested as they strolled down the street.

  Clarissa had thought about Julian more than a few times throughout the day. Trying hard to clear her mind of everything, her brain seemed to be preoccupied with thoughts of him. Then she remembered something.

  “Oh shit!” she shouted.

  “What’s wrong?” Jeanette glanced at her, concerned.

  “I just realized something.”

  “What?”

  “I’ve been here for twenty-four hours and I haven’t called Clark.” They looked at each other for a moment, then burst into laughter.

  “Noticed something else? He hasn’t called me, either.” They started to laugh even harder.

  “I guess he’s got that syndrome that Eddie Murphy joked about,” said Jeanette.

  “Which one?” Clarissa laughed.

  “Remember that joke about how a man never thinks that his woman would cheat on him while she’s away because his mind is too preoccupied with how much pussy he’s going to get while she’s gone.”

  “Oh yeah! I remember that. I bet that’s exactly what Clark is doing.” Clarissa laughed again. A little too much for Jeanette not to pick up on the sincerity of the remark.

  “So, you think he’s cheating on you?” Jeanette looked over at her. The smile that had previously occupied her face was replaced by a very concerned look.

  Clarissa had yet to confide in her friend about her discovery six months earlier. Knowing that she’d eventually tell her, she hadn’t been in the mood to be nagged by Jeanette about how she should leave him. They’d worked through it. At least, she felt they had. She knew her feelings toward him had changed drastically since then.

  “So, are you going to tell me? Or do I have to go into ghetto mode on you?” Jeanette stopped and sat on a bench along 5th Avenue.

  Clarissa knew it was time to get it all off of her chest. She pulled her coat tighter around her body to ward off the slight chill that had suddenly passed over her skin.

  “Clark had an affair,” she quickly spat out.

  Jeanette looked at her with bitter disgust blazing in her eyes. “How long ago? Why didn’t you tell me?”

  Clarissa began to fidget with the belt on her coat. “About six months ago. And I don’t know.” She threw her hands at her side and sat down next to Jeanette. “Nette, I thought I could handle it by myself. And you know how you feel about Clark. I know how you feel about Clark.”

  Jeanette had made it known that she didn’t care much for Clark on many occasions.

  “And now you know why. I never trusted that brotha.”

  “I’ve always known why. You’ve only told me a million or so times.”

  “And for good reason. He’s always been after you and you and I both know that Clark is nothing but a snake. But, somehow he was able to put blinders on you and make you forget about that.”

  “We went to counseling and worked through it. But…”

  Jeanette cut her off. “But what? Everything is back to normal? I mean, how long has it been since you’ve actually enjoyed having sex with the man? When’s the last time that you’ve had a decent conversation with him? You just said, in so many words, a minute ago that he’s so meaningless in your life now that you haven’t even thought to call him and tell him that you got here safely. If that’s working through something, then I’d hate to have seen what would’ve happened if you hadn’t.” She looked over and noticed the onset of tears sitting in the corners of Clarissa’s eyes.

  She grabbed Clarissa’s gloved hand in hers. “Look, Rissa, I’m sorry. I know it seems like I’m hard on you when it comes to him. It’s just…” She struggled to gather the right words.

  “I know. I know.” Clarissa swiped at the tears on her cheeks.

  “I’ve never been comfortable with the way things went down that night with Julian. Especially since Clark had a hand in it. But I love you and I try to support anything you do. Hell, I postponed my graduation trip to stand witness for you when you decided to marry him at the last minute. Even though I thought you were making the biggest mistake of your life, my love for you made me stand there and endure it.”

  “I should have listened to you. Ya know, I beat myself up about that almost every day? I wonder what my life would be like if I hadn’t made that dreadful decision.”

  “Don’t waste time beating yourself up about it. You’re too young to be going through, ‘If I could’ve, would’ve, should’ve.’ Hell, do something about it. It’s not too late.” Jeanette squeezed Clarissa’s hand.

  Clarissa shook her head. “But I don’t know, Nette. I always thought marriage was for life. Like my parents.”

  “Girl, I don’t want to hear that shit. Our mothers were completely different women than we are today. Lived in a totally different time than we do. There are plenty of women who are single and happy.”

  “If you say so.”

  “I know so. If your definition of happy is being in an unloving, unfeeling relationship with a dickhead that you can’t stand to look at…Then your kind of happiness is something I never want to experience.”

  Jeanette’s words, lined with the truth, cut Clarissa to the core. She knew that Jeanette loved her and she could always count on Jeanette to be there for her. Clarissa had been thinking about the possibility of leaving Clark for a few months. But she had to make sure that she was doing the right thing. She’d grown quite accustomed to the lifestyle that he had to offer her and questioned her own ability to maintain such.

  “Look, Sistah-girl, you’ve got to preserve whatever dignity you have. If you don’t, he’s going to put you through hell and then some. This I know.” Jeanette grabbed Clarissa and hugged her.

  They sat on the bench for another half-hour, without any words being passed. Jeanette wanted her words to sink into Clarissa’s thoughts.

  “If we don’t get a move on, we’re going to turn into human Popsicles. Besides, I have to get you ready for your date tonight. You’ve got to look extra special.” Jeanette stood and pulled Clarissa up by the hand.

  “Did I tell you that he wants to talk about that night?”

  “I’m glad. Hell, I want to know what was going on in his mind to mess up like that. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I never would’ve believed it. He was so in love with you.”

  “I’m going to hear him out. I think six years has been long
enough. I’m not mad any more.” They both laughed as they headed to Park Avenue and a few blocks over to Jeanette’s rent-controlled apartment.

  Chapter Five

  As soon as they hit the door, Jeanette ordered Clarissa to the shower. She gave her the expensive stock of perfume that was sure to have Julian drooling at the mouth by the end of the evening.

  Two hours later, Clarissa was ready and waiting. Her beautiful hair, complements of Joseph’s on 60th and Lexington, rested softly on her shoulders. Her eyebrows had been formed into two identical arches. Flawless makeup made her golden skin look as if it were glowing.

  She donned an elegant, just above the knee, patchwork leather skirt that Jeanette had designed along with calf-high, block-heeled, brown leather, Calvin Klein boots. A snug-fitting, chocolate-colored, mock turtleneck sweater accented her perfectly round, full breasts. In a word, she was absolutely stunning.

  “Girl, you know you should start your own line instead of busting your hump for someone else,” Clarissa told Jeanette as she inspected herself from every angle in the full-length mirror.

  “Yeah, I know. But I’m not sure if I’m ready for a step like that.” Jeanette turned Clarissa around as she straightened the collar of the jacket.

  “Please. I know you’re not doubting yourself, Ms. You Can Do Anything You Put Your Mind To,” said Clarissa in a small, mocking voice.

  “Be still now. Can’t believe your grown ass still can’t dress yourself.” She turned Clarissa back around so she could finish.

  “Oww, you don’t have to kill me.” Clarissa rubbed her shoulder as Jeanette ignored her and continued.

  “Now, that’s better.” She turned Clarissa around to face her. A smile slowly took over her face as she admired her work. They both squealed with delight.

  The door buzzed. “Oh my God, it’s him!”

  “Look, calm down. We’ve got to look and act calm when he gets up here.” Jeanette ran around quickly putting everything in place.

  “You stay in the room so you can make a grand entrance. That way, it’ll have more of an effect on him than if you’re standing right here when I open the door.” Jeanette pushed Clarissa off toward the bedroom.

  “But how will I know when to come out?”

  “Wait for about two minutes. Then it’s show time.

  As they stood there looking at each other, the door vibrated with the knock.

  “Now go.” Clarissa ran off in one direction as Jeanette gathered her composure. She smoothed out her clothing and hair and swiftly opened the door.

  “Hey, Stranger!” They grabbed each other in a tight embrace.

  “Check you out. Nette, girl, you look like you did the first day I met you.” He pecked her on the cheek.

  “You better say that.” She returned the peck.

  He handed a bouquet of yellow roses to her as he held on to the red ones.

  “You always did know how to make a girl feel special,” Jeanette said with a mock Southern accent.

  Clarissa pressed her ear near the small crack in the door, waiting for the right moment to appear. She straightened up and made one last glance in the mirror. “Here goes,” she said to the reflection staring back at her.

  She grabbed her handbag and slowly opened the door. Walking toward the voices engaged in happy chatter, she felt her knees suddenly become weak. “Get it together, Girl,” she said to herself.

  Julian flopped down on the leather sofa. “So, where is she?” No sooner than the question had passed his lips, she appeared. The effect that Jeanette assured her would happen, did. His bottom lip slowly made a descent from the upper one. It was definitely about to be on…

  Chapter Six

  Clarissa stopped almost directly in front of him. She glanced over at Jeanette, who was smiling so hard that her face felt as if was about to crack.

  Clarissa cleared her throat, praying that her words wouldn’t come out sounding like a croaking toad. “Well, hello, Mr. Tulley.” She gave him the quick female once over. His six-foot, three-inch frame was picture perfect. Needless to say, he was still as fine as he was the day she’d met him.

  “Rissa…” He couldn’t get his brain and mouth to work together. He handed her the roses. She took a quick whiff of them and cradled them close to her chest.

  “Well, you kids get going. Wouldn’t want you to miss your reservations.” Jeanette pushed them toward the front door as she handed out coats.

  “I guess we should get going,” Julian said, still in awe of his date.

  “Do you think we have a choice?” Clarissa smiled as they all laughed.

  “Let me put these in some water for you.” Jeanette grabbed the roses from Clarissa. “Now have a good time—and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do—which, of course, leaves the door open for plenty!” Jeanette called behind them.

  They made their way down the corridor, to the elevator, and ultimately through the lobby and out to a waiting car. The driver got out and opened door. Julian stood back as Clarissa climbed in.

  “So lady…how’s everything?” Julian sat in one corner and she was pushed up in the other.

  “I guess they’re pretty much okay. Could be better, but what couldn’t?” She laughed dryly.

  “Yeah, you have a point. But, there are some things that are so perfect that there’s nothing you can do to make them better.” Julian turned so that he could look into her eyes.

  Feeling a bit uncomfortable, Clarissa began to blush and turned her attention to the window. She couldn’t get over how much of a gentleman he still was B how much of a charmer. It had been so long since anyone had given her a compliment. She couldn’t believe that she was actually blushing like some sort of silly teenager.

  “So, is this your first visit to the city?” Julian asked.

  “No. I’ve been here a few times. You know I’ve always been a city dweller at heart.” She smiled at the memory of how they would hang out in downtown Orlando as teenagers.

  “I haven’t forgotten. In fact, there are lots of things that I remember about you.”

  The driver pulled up to the curb and got out to open the door for them. Julian grabbed Clarissa’s hand to help her out of the car. He placed his hand on the small of her back as he guided her into the restaurant. Windows on the World was one of the most upscale establishments in the city of New York, attracting tourists from near and far. Sitting one hundred seven stories high in the sky overlooking the world’s most popular metropolis, its incomparable view of the Big Apple made it a once in a lifetime American attraction and a must see for any metropolitan visitor. Needless to say, it was the perfect setting for their reunion.

  “Wow…this is nice.”

  “And wait until you taste the food. It’s delicious.” Julian walked over to the hostess, who instantly recognized him and gave him a quick hug.

  Jeanette began to wonder how many other women he had brought there to enjoy the delicious food and the awesome view. “Am I jealous?” she questioned herself as she smiled and tried to push the thought out of her head. She couldn’t imagine how she could be jealous of something that had absolutely nothing to do with her.

  Julian introduced Clarissa to the woman as she led them to their table. “Janel, this is an old friend of mine, Clarissa.”

  “Nice to meet you, Clarissa. Is this your first time at here at Windows?”

  “I have to say it is. I’m here visiting from Atlanta.”

  “Then we have to make sure that you really enjoy yourself so that you’ll return soon.” Her radiant smile assured Clarissa that she was sincere.

  “You don’t have to worry; I know I will just by looking around,” Clarissa replied.

  “We reserved your usual table and there’s a chilled bottle of Cristal waiting for you.” Her heels clicked on the tiled floor before she stopped at a dimly lit table near the rear of the restaurant.

  Julian winked at her. “Thanks for looking out.” He slipped a little something in her palm and gave her a quick peck on the che
ek.

  Julian quickly pulled out Clarissa’s chair before he slid into the elegantly set table from the opposite side. Clarissa couldn’t believe how nervous she was. It reminded her of their very first date.

  “You comfortable?” Julian asked as he set his coat to the side of him.

  “I’m okay.” She glanced around the room, taking in everything—the décor, the other sophisticated and well-dressed patrons, and especially the spectacular view of the New York City skyline.

  “Just okay? You look great.” He gave her a sexy, dimpled grin.

  “See you haven’t lost your sense of humor.” She smiled.

  “I’m still Julian. Nothing new here.” He motioned for her to pick up the menu.

  “So, what do you suggest since this is your spot?” She hoped she didn’t sound sarcastic.

  “You’re taking suggestions? Well then, why don’t I order for both of us? Let me test my skills and see if I still remember what you like.” He looked over the menu as she steadily kept her eyes on him.

  When the stocky waiter approached them, he greeted Julian. “Julian, my man. How’s it going?”

  “What’s up, George. I’m cool.”

  He directed his attention to Clarissa. “Oh, where are my manners? How could I speak to him and not acknowledge such a beautiful lady? The name’s George and I’ll be your server tonight.”

  Clarissa found his compliment amusing. “Nice to meet you, George. I’m Clarissa Keller.” She instantly felt terrible about saying her last name. She felt as if she’d just slapped Julian in the face. She looked over to see if it had registered, but his face gave nothing away.