“So, you ignored his sagging pants, tattoos on his neck, a bullet hole in his chest, and no money to cover a meal, and liked what?” Olivia sounded like a detective investigating a crime. “I’m calling your parents to tattle on you. Reverend and Mrs. Menefee will be shocked about their little Miss Goodie Two-Shoes daughter entertaining men like this.”
“Hey. You must give me credit for living on the edge. You’re the one who always tells me I should loosen up.”
“Okay. I’m going to act like you and tell you to play it safe. If you hear from him, make sure you check him out. Get a blood or hair sample for DNA if possible.”
“Yes, Mom.” Savvy laughed at the role reversal. She grabbed her briefcase and purse from the passenger seat and exited the car. “Hey, I gotta go I want to impress my new boss with the outcome of this assignment. I need to knock this project out since it has to be finished by the end of the week.”
“Yeah. Get your work done and be ready to have fun this weekend.”
Savvy paused in the parking lot. “By the way, what are you getting into on Friday?” She’d done something she knew Olivia would be upset about.
“I don’t have any plans. Whassup?”
“Do not get mad with me. Promise?”
“Get mad with you?”
“Right.” Savvy squeezed her eyes shut in anticipation of Olivia’s reaction to the surprise.
“I promise. Oh, boy. What are you keeping from me? Did you adopt a lost squirrel?”
“No. I don’t bring home stray animals anymore,” Savvy laughed.
“Okay. What did you do?”
“So, there’s this website called Melanindoubledate.com.” Savvy hesitated.
“Never heard of it. It’s not the kind of stuff I check out. Back in my single days, dating websites weren’t even around,” Olivia reminisced. “Okay, what are you up to in looking at this site?”
“Well, you know how dating online may be scary at times. Meeting people one-on-one is not always the best idea. This website allows you to view the profiles of friends who are interested in double dating.” Savvy spouted the details as if she were in a commercial.
“Hmm. Sounds like a smart concept.”
“I’m glad you agree. I set up a profile for us. We have a double date on Friday with a couple of guys.” Savvy rushed through her sentence and held her breath waiting for Olivia’s response. Several seconds passed.
Olivia’s voice pierced through the phone. “You did what? No, Savvy. I can’t believe you put me on a website.”
“I told you to not be mad at me. There’s this cute guy and his friend I’ve been interacting with.”
“You know I’m not ready to meet anyone. My divorce isn’t even final. What made you think this is a good idea? I haven’t been out on the town much since my jail release. I’m too ashamed about what I did and the fact everyone is still talking about me.”
“People are not all discussing your situation. I know you’re worried about what people think. You served thirty days, and you are free. It’s time for a distraction from everything going on. Besides, it’s only meeting them for drinks. Nothing serious.” Savvy tried to lighten the mood. “You’re the one who always said we have to live a little, right?”
“Stop throwing my quotes on me. I’ve changed since those days.”
“Yeah. Whateva. Anyway, the plan is to meet for Happy Hour. Based on the way your week is starting, I bet you could use a drink to kick off the weekend.”
“You’ve added to my stress level.”
“If nothing else, please do this for me. I like what I’m seeing about one of the guys. I also believe you’ll be interested in his friend. I suggested we meet at the wine bar owned by our fellow FAMU Rattler at five o’clock on Friday. Put it on your calendar.”
“Fine, Savvy. Fine. Although I’m not interested, I’m only doing this for you,” Olivia replied with reluctance. “You owe me in a big way.”
“Consider this as a mental health break,” Savvy laughed.
“You’re taking advantage of the fact you know I’m on the edge of a nervous breakdown.”
“One more thing. No more road rage. Do not move your car until you calm your behind down. Understand?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll behave myself. Bye, Chica.”
“You’d better. See you later, mi amiga.”
EIGHT
Olivia
Olivia flipped through a Black Enterprise magazine from a stack on the coffee table in Dr. Fluellen’s office. The muted colors in the waiting room offered a sense of peace in the empty patient area. She had a moment to gather her frazzled thoughts from the day that seemed to drag on longer than usual.
“Dr. Maxwell? Dr. Fluellen is ready for you.” From the check-in desk, the receptionist buzzed the door to give her access to the hallway leading to the patient room.
“Thank you, Ethel.” Olivia laid the magazine on the table before heading to the entrance.
“Once you get to the room, you may have a seat. He’ll be right in,” Ethel said.
Olivia nodded and entered the familiar space. She settled into her favorite spot on the purple couch with oversized, soft pillows.
She glanced around at the pieces of African artwork displayed on the walls which she remembered from her previous appointments. Her visits were all a part of her new ‘normal’ routine. More than likely, she’d keep seeing Dr. Fluellen once her mandatory sessions ended. He had a way of helping her stay grounded. She liked the counseling techniques he used.
Thoughts about the day flooded her mind with a wave of sadness. She mulled over what needed to be done in regards to the kids. Before she sunk too deep into thought, the door swung open.
Dr. Fluellen's head almost grazed the top of the doorframe when he entered the room. “Dr. Maxwell. It’s good to
