Chapter 7: CHAPTER SEVEN

“Girl, you look great!” Kim yelled as Savannah stepped out of her closet. Kim sat on the bed while Jake and Nicholas played in the other corner of the room.

“You really think so?” Savannah asked as she twirled in front of the mirror. After an uneventful and boring work week, she was looking forward to the concert. Dwight had called a few times to finalize the plans.

Savannah stared into the mirror. She loved her figure. Yet she was a little unsure of the black liquid leggings and white silk tunic that Kim had picked out for her to wear. Savannah felt it was inappropriate. She felt naked.

“You are wearing those shoes missy. He is going to want some tonight!” Kim referred to the four-inch, black and white platform booties she was wearing.

Savannah shot her a look and paused as she took one last look at herself in the mirror. “I think I should wear some comfortable shoes. What if I have to stand for a while?”

“Look, beauty is pain, ok.” Kim looked at her sister’s pouty face and sucked her teeth. “Fine. Take a pair of flats, but only use them if you really need to.”

“Thanks for babysitting.”

“No problem. Kenneth has his thing with the guys tonight. So, I was free. Let’s check the girls out.” Kim shuffled Savannah’s breasts around in her shirt. Savannah rolled her eyes and sighed. “I’m trying to help you out.”

The two women gathered the boys and went downstairs to wait for Dwight. Savannah sat on the couch and played peek-a-boo with Nicholas. He laughed until he climbed into her lap and cuddled up to her neck. She listened for any signs of wheezing and relaxed when she heard none.

She looked up when she heard a knock on the door. Easing from under her son, she grabbed the toddler and headed towards the door. “Hi.” she said to a very handsome Dwight as she opened the door.

He stepped inside and kissed her cheek. “You look nice.” His eyes rolled over her. He looked quite good in a white button down rolled up at the sleeves and dark blue jeans. His hair had been freshly cut and his face shaved. She had never noticed the slight bow that was in his legs and the corner of her mouth went up. He wore minimal jewelry except for a silver watch on his left arm and a silver ring on his right hand. “So, this is the little guy that was sick. Looks like he’s feeling better.”

Nicholas smiled at Dwight and lifted his arms in the air. Dwight glanced at Savannah who was looking back at him, awe spread over her face.

Dwight grabbed the young boy and walked further into the living room. He stood there, tickling the toddler, and laughing with him. Nicholas touched Dwight’s face a few times and then tucked his head into his chest.

“Why didn’t you tell me he was here already?” Kim asked, coming downstairs, Jake not too far behind her. When Kim caught sight of her nephew in Dwight’s arms, she looked quickly over at her sister and winked at her. “Nice to meet you.” Kim reached for his hand.

Wiggling his arm loose, Dwight returned the gesture. “Likewise. Hi there Jake.” Jake waved shyly.

“Yeah. You have really nice hands. You know how to use them too, don’t you?” Kim crossed her arms over her chest. “Been to any other concerts?”

“No. This is my first one. I was never a concert kind of guy. But the tickets came my way and I like her.” He glanced down at his watch. “I think we should be going. You know how parking can be downtown.”

Savannah sighed in relief and bent down to kiss Jake. She glared at Kim who grabbed Nicholas from Dwight and leaned him so Savannah could kiss him.

“We are going to head over to my place later. I can’t get comfortable in someone else’s bed.” Kim paused. “Please don’t behave tonight. Let yourself go with this one. And if you get pregnant, I think he’ll stick around.” Kim whispered to her sister.

Shaking her head, she replied, “Something is wrong with you.” She turned on her heels and walked behind Dwight out the door.

*****

“I didn’t even know they did those dances still.” Savannah teased as she and Dwight headed for the exit of the First Mariner Arena.

“Whoa, whoa! I believe you were doing some old school stuff yourself there.” He held the door for her, and she stepped out into the warm air.

“I looked much cooler than you!” Savannah laughed. She hummed a tune from one of Chrisette Michele’s hits. “That girl can sing. And did you see the outfits she was wearing? I would love to afford to dress like that.”

“You can give her a run for her money.”

“Oh stop.”

“I’m serious. I think she is talented but as far as being a knockout, I’m not convinced. You are much prettier to me than she is.”

Savannah’s cheeks reddened.

They walked a few feet down Baltimore Street and he stopped at the corner of Baltimore and Calvert. “Do you have to be home by a certain time? For your boys, I mean?”

Savannah looked down at her watch.” Not really. They should be okay with my sister. Why?”

“I thought maybe we could walk around the Harbor for a little bit. If you don’t mind.” He pointed to her shoes.

“Oh. I got that covered.” Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a pair of black ballerina flats. Leaning against him for support, she changed her shoes and stuffed the heels back into her bag.

“I love a woman that’s prepared.”

“Okay. Let’s go.”

They found the way to his car and he drove closer to the Harbor. He parked near Federal Hill and got out to open the door for her. They strolled along the street, occasionally having to make room for a group of teenagers or couples walking by. Dwight talked about his daughter and she listened contently. She marveled at how his eyes lit up as he recounted all his “firsts” as a father.

“And somehow I managed to get the poop all over the blanket and sheet. It was gross.” He laughed.

“Well, it happens. Not generally to women because I think we are imbedded with that knowledge of taking care of a baby. But at least you got through it. And now she is potty trained, so good for you. Just remember, there is no such thing as a perfect parent.”

“I know. One of my major fears,” he paused as they again parted for a group of teenagers “is that there will always be a void that can never be filled because she doesn’t have her mother. I can only do so much, you know, as a father.”

“I’m sure things will turn out okay. I have the same worries. Who will teach my sons to be men? Kim’s husband tries his best, but he has his own life. I’m not even sure of what they are getting from their dad when they visit him and if they are things, I would want my sons to know.”

“Yea, I’m sure.” Dwight nodded. “It’s pretty down here.”

“Yea. Sometimes the boys and I come down here to just relax. It’s our time away from the noise and craziness.” She blushed when they bumped each other.

“I could try that with Izzy. She has a lot of energy.” He stopped. “You realize we have done nothing but talk about our kids all night, don’t you?”

She nodded and smiled as they got closer to the Science Center. When they walked past a large group of people, he pulled her to him and shielded her as they walked through. She eased closer to him. It felt so right. She didn’t believe in perfect but what she was feeling right at that moment was more than she had ever felt in a long time. Time seemed to slow down, everything but the two of them. Her body seemed to meld to his as if it belonged there.

The crowd broke and so did the moment, so they walked on. They stopped in front of a huge ship. “I used to want to be a captain when I was little.”

“Really. I would have never guessed that. What happened?”

“Not really sure. You know when you’re six years old, you believe the world is your oyster. Then you grow up and realize you don’t like oysters.”

Savannah laughed and bumped into his side. He looked down at her and caught her eyes. He didn’t speak and neither did she. Minutes rolled by; their eyes connected, unable to break free. He grabbed her hand and they proceeded further down the path. She stared at her hand intertwined in his and could not help but feel giggly. She tried to remember the last time she had held hands with a male besides her sons.

“You have to tell me what you’re thinking about.” He whispered.

She looked at Dwight who was staring down at her with an amused look on his face. “I’m thinking how nice this feels.” She squeezed his hands.

“I think they are too rough. From working with wood so much. I didn’t want you to start bleeding from the pressure.”

“A lot of women like rough hands.”

“Do you?”

‘How could I have walked right into that?’ “I must admit that I do.” They walked on and he gestured towards a small sitting area and after she sat down, he pulled his chair closer to hers. “I really like being with you.”

“Me too.”

“Once I know what I want, I go after it. I know it may be too soon for you to think about this, but I would love to get to know you better. I think you’re the kind of woman I want in my life.”

“Dwight, I—”

“Wait,” he held up his finger, cutting her off. “if you are going to reject me, can you do it over the phone or through a text message, so you won’t have to see me jump off a building?” He grinned.

Savannah chuckled softly and rested her hand on his. “You’re hilarious. I’m not rejecting you. I’m just saying we have to go slow, for my own heart’s sake.”

“Sounds reasonable.”

Savannah rubbed her hands against her leggings. Dwight took them in his and gently blew on them. In between blows, he rubbed her fingers in his hands. She watched his lips come close to touching her skin and she hoped they didn’t make contact because she just knew she would blush until she looked like Rudolph. He smelled really good. She couldn’t place the scent, but it was heavenly. He was a patient lover; she could tell by the way he took the time to warm up her hands. He looked up unexpectedly and she was caught off guard by how close their faces were. Within seconds, his thick lips were wrapped around hers and she was pulling him closer to her.

She felt her body heat up and her breasts stand erect, painfully rubbing against the fabric of her shirt. Dwight pulled her up to her feet and reached out for her waist. She tried to fight what she was feeling consume her, but she was too weak to ward it off. And she was too starved for affection to even want to. His hands eased up her back and so did the shivers. She squeezed the fabric in his shirt between her fingers and bit his lower lip. The moan that escaped from his lips caused her to jump back.

“What are we doing?” She whispered, leaning her forehead against his.

“I’m not sure, but do we have to stop?” He lifted his head and looked at her hungrily.

“We’re in a public place.” Savannah scooted back and quickly looked around.

“Right.” Dwight walked a few feet away, facing the water. He thrust his hands in his pockets. Savannah had to take deep breaths as well. She walked closer to him. She could see his shoulders had tensed. He shifted from side to side. “Maybe we should call it a night.” She lingered just behind him. He turned around.

“No. Just a little while longer.” His eyes pleaded.

Savannah smiled and sat back down. He joined her, putting a little more space between them. Savannah’s purse vibrated.

“Kim?”

“No, this ain’t Kim.” Thomas slurred into the phone.

Savannah frowned and held the phone away from her mouth. “I’m sorry. I’ll be just a few minutes.” She whispered to Dwight and walked a few feet away.

“Where are you with my boys? I want to see my boys.”

“What is wrong with you? It’s too late to see them. They’re sleep.”

“I’m at your house now and ain’t nobody here. Where are they?” He yelled into the phone.

“Look, go home and I’ll call you to tell you when you can pick them up. But not tonight because you’re drunk and acting crazy.” She tried to whisper into the phone, but he was really pissing her off.

“I want to see my boys Savannah and I’m not playing.” She heard glass shattering in the background.

“What are you doing?” The line went dead, and Savannah mumbled something under her breath. She called the police. Dwight had joined her. “It’s Thomas.” She said before telling the operator what she heard.

“Is everything okay?” Dwight put his hand on her shoulder.

“No. I need to go home.”

“Okay.” She saw the sadness in his eyes and vowed to make it up to him but at that moment she had to figure out what was going on with Thomas. Her head throbbed as she called her sister and relayed what was happening. It continued to throb when they pulled up in front of her house. There was a police car sitting near the curb. The officer was walking around her lawn, shining a flashlight on the grass.

“Ma’am, do you live here?”

“Yes.” Savannah walked over to survey the damage. Thomas had thrown a brick through her front window and one window on the second floor. Her room. She shook her head.

“Your neighbors called the police a little after you did. They say there were two men out here, appearing to be drunk, throwing things around. Do you know anyone who might do this?” The officer sighed. It was late. The officer was older, perhaps in his fifties. His partner looked to be slightly younger.

“My ex-husband called me and told me he was here. He was demanding to see our kids and then I heard glass shatter and his phone went dead.” She looked around at the glass on the ground. “Did you find any blood?”

“I didn’t see any, but we would have to get the team out to really be sure. We’re going to need you to come downtown and make a statement. We are also going to need his contact information.”

“Can you take it down now? Or could I come tomorrow? I really don’t have the energy to come down there.”

The officer gestured toward his car. “Right this way.”

Dwight released her hand but kept his eye on her. She leaned against the patrol car as she recounted the events that led up to her calling the police. She held her head in her hands to relieve the pounding but to no avail and closed her eyes.

“Thank you, Ms. Mitchell. We will be in touch once we have him in custody.” He said as he continued to scribble on his notepad.

Savannah turned away and stared at the broken windows. She eased closer to her house until she was standing in her living room. Surveying the damage, she sighed and leaned against the loveseat. A few moments later, Dwight appeared around the corner.

“I could board that up for you before I leave.”

“Thank you.” She whispered softly and showed Dwight the tool shed where she kept the supplies. After she settled into the sofa in the living room, she called her sister and told her what happened. Kim was her usual self, screaming threats and promising bodily harm. Savannah had had to plead with her not to put on her Reeboks and go looking for him. Savannah asked to speak to her sons, but they were fast asleep.

“Well, is it okay if they stay until tomorrow afternoon? I don’t want them to see this house like this tonight. And I want to make sure the glass is cleaned up.”

“Yup. You don’t need to be staying there either. He might come back.” Kim was getting excited.

“I should be fine. If he does come back Louis is here.” Savannah referenced the solid wood baseball bat Kim had given her.

“How are you going to—” Kim stopped suddenly. “Where is Dwight?”

“He’s boarding up all the windows. And then he’ll go home. I’ll be fine.”

“If you were smart, you’d let that man spend the night. You don’t have to sleep with him but at least you can have somebody take care of you for a change.” Kim paused. “I’ll take care of the boys. I’ll tell them you called.”

“Thanks.”

Savannah placed her cell phone on the coffee table and stretched out across the sofa. She watched as Dwight measured the pieces of wood. She thought about what it would be like to watch him do yard work or fix things around the house. She liked the idea but thought it best not to dwell on it. Besides, who knew if she even had that kind of time to develop that kind of relationship with him.

But there was no harm in wondering and she closed her eyes, imagining his hands running up and down her body, rubbing and caressing and squeezing and stroking. She felt her mouth go dry as she imagined the electricity from those hands surging through her veins and she drifted off to a place where she was sure they could explore the confines of each other’s bodies.

*****

Savannah’s eyes fluttered open when she heard the soft cooing of birds. Lavenders mixed with blues and oranges mixed with purples splashed the sky. She could tell the sunrise was near. Stretching carefully, she surveyed her surroundings to find that she was still on the couch in her clothes. She also noticed a part of the room that was cast in darkness and as she looked towards the window, the events from the night before slowly crept back to her mind. She sat up on the couch and let her feet fall to the floor.

“Ouch,” she heard a man’s voice and jumped back. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” Dwight sat up and stretched. Savannah’s eyes stared at his chest barely contained in his white beater. They rolled over his firm arms and brown skin. When she felt his hand on hers, she blushed.

“I… um. Thank you for the windows.” She averted her gaze. She could feel his eyes moving over her face and down her neckline and onward.

He scooted closer to her leg and placed his head on her knee. She tried to contain her emotions as he rubbed it. “I didn’t mind at all.” Dwight stood and Savannah glanced once more at his body before she looked away.

“I had a really nice time with you. Apparently, drama is going to be our theme. You must hate me for keeping you away from your daughter all the time. I’m sorry things have been so hectic.” Savannah offered a small smile.

He laughed and pulled his shirt on and buttoned it up. “It is a lot to have to deal with in a short time. But it happens. I won’t hold it against you.” He checked his watch. “Izzy will be getting up soon, so I’m going to go. We gotta catch up on our quality time. I’ll check on you later.”

He kissed her cheek and headed out the door. Noticing that it was only quarter to five, she stretched across the couch. She could surely rest for a few hours and then go get the boys. Besides, Kim’s daycare children would keep them entertained in the meantime.

The image of Dwight lying on her floor excited her as it ran through her mind, his muscles rippling with each statement, the bass in his voice traveling through her body. She shivered at the thought of his body on hers. It had been a while since a man had touched her in anyway and now all she could do was fantasize like a lovesick teenager. Savannah was amazed that she was even able to conjure up the feelings, let alone the visuals. She thought of how reliable Dwight had been, and how he just fused into the madness that was her life. Thousands of thoughts circled around in her mind as she tried to settle down into sleep.

*****

He was in love. No other way to put it. It puzzled him initially why he was still around after everything that had happened so far. He had long ago put his foot down when it came to drama. Baby daddies never fit into his agenda. His father had told him that it was easy to tell when he was in love. “You find yourself doing things for her, even when there is nothing for you to gain.”

His father’s voice filled him then, as he finished writing up the report for the new client that his uncle had set him up with. This new client relationship turned out to be a great one, yielding him a huge bonus. His ideas allowed them to produce more furniture at a more cost-effective pace. They offered him a position with their main branch located in Seattle. With things going the way they were with Savannah, there was no need for him to be there when she was here.

Dwight sat back in his chair. He had watched her sleep. At first, he felt like some kind of creep, but the moon light on her skin drew him. He had not noticed she was asleep until he heard the light purr coming from the sofa. He had lowered himself to her, removing her shoes and covering her with the small blanket tossed across the other couch. He had walked around her living room, poking around in her fireplace, admiring the pictures hanging from the walls. Her smile was genuine in the many photos she took with her boys. There were pictures of Savannah with her sister and her mother. She favored her mother, it was evident. Her mother’s dark hair was long also, hanging much lower than her shoulders. A dimpled Savannah, no more than three, smiled up at her mom.

Savannah had stirred in her sleep and he went to her side. He traced her jaw with his finger. He could barely take the electricity that flowed from her skin through his body. He inhaled her, hoping to etch, forever, the smell of her into him so that even if they were to part ways, he would have something to remember her by. Dwight yawned and closed down his computer. It was almost time to pick Izzy up from school, so he hurried.

*****

“So, according to the officer, Thomas pleaded guilty and was released on bail. Most likely he’ll get probation. I just hope he has it out of his system.” Savannah relayed to Kim, who had been expressing her sheer dislike of Thomas since Savannah arrived to pick up the boys. Kim’s daycare kids were there, and Jake was running around with them. Nicholas sat on the floor between her and Kim, playing with some blocks.

“You know he’s doing that because he still loves you. No man who doesn’t care is going to risk going to jail for something stupid. He probably figured you were out on a date and started tripping. Who knows how long he’s been thinking about stuff like that?” Kim sat a glass of lemonade on the table near Savannah.

“Thomas doesn’t care. He’s moved on and so have I.” She thought of Dwight.

“If you think so. That man still cares.” She stopped to put a band-aid on a little girl’s hand and turned to rinse off a few dishes. “Enough about Thomas. What time did Dwight leave this morning?”

“Close to five.”

“Ooooh! You nasty! If Momma was still here, I would tell on you! What ya’ll do?”

Savannah rolled her eyes. “We didn’t do anything. I fell asleep before he finished boarding up the windows. When I woke up, he was lying on the floor with his beater on.” Savannah’s eyes glistened. “I gotta tell you, he is one fine specimen.”

“You ain’t got to tell me, honey. Brother takes care of his body. You need to let him take care of yours. Just relax, I was only kidding. Are you guys getting serious?” Kim sat back down at the table, wiping her hands on a paper towel.

Savannah plucked an imaginary piece of lint from Nicholas’ hair. “Well, I’m not too sure. It’s only been a few weeks and you know me; I like to make sure. I avoid any issues by waiting them out.”

“What? What has that gotten you? By you and your windows busted out. I’ve seen the way Dwight looks at you. It’s not all about getting you in the bed. He’s into you. And look at all the stuff he’s doing for you and he barely knows you. What man do you know is gonna deal with all this crap and keep coming back for more? Not many. And he has a kid, so he knows your struggle. What more do you need to know?” Kim peeked at the children in the yard.

Savannah noticed Kenneth was dressed in rags, towering over the children. She looked at her sister. “What in the world?”

“Don’t you think he’s just the bee’s knees? He stayed home from golfing today to help me with those kids. Girl, you know when I met him, he proposed to me that week. And don’t you know I said yes. But I told ya’ll I knew him for a year.” Kim held her finger up. “Don’t you even start. You know if I told you what it really was, there would be drama.”

“You doggone right! Marrying him and you didn’t even know him? You know what a serial rapist, or killer, or weirdo for that matter, can do to you?”

“But he wasn’t any of those things. I love him girl and if I had said no, who knows where I would have been or how unhappy I’d be. Dwight seems like a decent guy, Savannah. But if you need to take your time, do that. But at least let him know what you’re thinking at this point.”

Savannah stood up. “Thanks, mom. We’ll be on our way. We have errands and then I might take them to the park.”

“Well, stay away from Thomas.” Kim hugged Savannah.

Savannah grabbed Nicholas and went out back to get Jake. His thick lips were poked out and he was sitting by himself. She managed to usher him to the car and fasten them in. She glanced back at Jake, his head leaning against the window, his hands holding each other. His action figures lay undisturbed next to him.

“Jake, what’s wrong baby?”

“I don’t know.” He mumbled.

“I know things have been a little crazy. You have been such a big boy, helping me with Nicky and everything.” She paused and glanced at him through the rearview mirror. Nicholas had grabbed the figures and tossed them around. Jake didn’t even seem to notice.

“Is Daddy in jail?” He looked at her.

“Your daddy did something the police did not like. They asked him some questions, but he is out now. You don’t have to worry about that.”

“Okay.” He seemed to brighten up and managed to wrestle one of the toys from his brother’s grip.

Savannah wished she could do more to comfort her son. She had met many children who were severely affected by the things they had heard or had seen in their environment. Sometimes, it could not be helped but she was determined that she would do her best to raise her boys in a peaceful home.

She remembered how hard it was for her and Kim, living with their mom. Not that their mom hadn’t tried her hardest but having cancer and trying to raise two vivacious little girls left her a shell of herself, passed out on her mattress. Savannah drove a little while longer, thoughts whirring about in her head before she finally pulled up in front of Family Sports Zone. Jake tossed the toys back to his brother and tried to rip himself from his seatbelt. Savannah released Jake who took off for the door. Nicholas waddled behind him.

“One adult and two kids please.” She handed the cashier the money and took the tickets and the tokens. She handed Jake five tokens and watched him head over to the motorcycles. She walked behind Nicholas as he waddled over to the smaller bikes. She put him on a red one and smiled at him each time he went around.

“Look Mommy!” Jake yelled from across the room. He was climbing a rock wall. She waved back. A few moments later they were sitting at the table eating pizza.

“Are you having fun?”

“Yea!” Jake yelled.

“Yea!” Nicholas yelled too. Savannah wiped the pizza sauce from his face and around the edges of his hair. She could not imagine how a child could get food in his eyebrows and behind his ears. Jake talked rapidly between eating and before she knew it, he was getting up from the table and running over to the bumper cars.

Two hours later, Nicholas had crashed on her lap, but Jake was nowhere near being finished. She shook her head at the amount of cash she had spent. Smiling softly at her son running around, the distress slowly faded away.

“Mommy,” she heard Jake approach from behind her. “I got you this.” He held up a sticker. Savannah pulled him close to her chest and squeezed him.

“I love it.”

“Can we go home now?”

*****

Savannah sat at the edge of Jake’s bed and watched him sleep. He was starting to look more and more like his father. He had the same dark eyes and smooth skin. Thomas had been handsome, and it had been one of the things that attracted her to him. He also had straight white teeth that he flashed whenever he was being charming. She used to be able to look down adoringly at her son and admire those features. Now they only served as a reminder that she was no longer married to the guy she vowed to love forever. Sometimes, however, life threw her a bone, and she could see more of her features in Jake’s face. She ran her fingers across his cheek.

Savannah rubbed her chest; the dull pain deepening as thoughts of what would happen to her boys began to plague her. Although the diagnosis had not been concrete, it was enough to cause some action on her part. Breast cancer. It had snuck up on her. Of course, considering that her mother had suffered and then succumbed to it should have prepared her. But she was hoping that it would pass her and Kim. Her mother shaved her head when Savannah was five and even though her mother wore it well, watching her waste away was horrifying.

She eased over to Nicholas’ bed. He had always favored her. Long lashes, big brown eyes, and dimples. She remembered when he was a baby how happy she was to have had another boy. Even when they announced a few months later that he had asthma, the love she had for him did not dull one iota. Walking towards the door, she glanced back at her boys and sighed as she closed the door.