After drawing in a deep breath and staring at Malcolm's face filled with anticipation, Olivia heard the words leaping from her mouth, “Hell to the naw, Malcolm. You must think I’ve lost my mind. Did you think since we had a night of sex, I would want to be with you?” Olivia snatched her hand from Malcolm’s grip and threw her hands in the air in disgust. “Boy, please. I have more dignity and respect for myself than to allow your broke, narcissistic, egotistical, lying ass, back into my life.”
Olivia wished she could’ve snapped a picture of the priceless expression spread across Malcolm’s face. “No? I’m telling you; we’ll work things out.”
“Malcolm, you have an overly pregnant, good-for-nothing person living in your apartment. She is carrying your child and you made plans to marry her.” Olivia waggled her finger in his face. “Do you think I’m desperate enough to let you back into my life? You cheated on me and the other night, cheated on her. Why would I believe you’re a changed man?”
“Olivia. Please. Don’t be like that. Look, if we stay together, the kids will remain in San Antonio. We’ll all be together. I promise you; it’ll work out best for all of us,” Malcolm begged.
“No. As much as I want to be around Simone and Christian, I will not let you use them as a pawn to persuade me to get back with you. There is nothing, and I mean nothing, you can do to get me back.” Olivia jutted her jaw in final resignation.
“But, what about the other night?” Malcolm's face twisted in confusion.
“Just sex. Damn good sex at that. Thank you for the relief. My body needed it. I see it must’ve been great for you, too, since you’ve flipped your script and are begging me to stay with you. Don’t go breaking things off with Mariah to be with me. I’m not the one and you need to go.”
Olivia marched across the living room and opened the door. Malcolm raised from his knee with rejection painted across his face. Defeated, he sulked with slumped shoulders toward Olivia. He paused in front of her. “You’re making the biggest mistake of your life. I told you I prayed about us. By rejecting me, you’re rejecting God. I hope you know you had a chance to have it all again with me.”
Olivia almost laughed from Malcolm's final words. “The God I serve is one of forgiveness. If this is rejecting God, I’m covered. Now, get out of my house.” Olivia pointed her finger toward the porch.
Malcolm tucked his hands into the pockets of his jeans and trod down the steps as if his feet had cement blocks weighing them down.
Olivia slammed the door behind him before sliding to the floor. She threw her head back and began laughing. She held her stomach and guffawed with amusement. Her laughs turned into hiccups until her body ached. The pain of hope denied was replaced with joy from the power of letting go for good.
THIRTY-ONE
Olivia
The Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays attracted people from all around the country. Some come to check out the talent in track and field in the second largest track meet in the United States. Others showed up to party throughout the capital city.
Cars inched bumper to bumper in the downtown area of Austin filled with weekend patrons. Horns blared from people trying to navigate to their destinations.
Savvy circled several blocks to find a parking space. “We’re going to end up having to pay a whole lot of money to park. This traffic is ridiculous.”
Olivia leaned forward in her seat and pointed to the right. “Over there. A car is leaving. Change lanes and grab that spot,” she exclaimed.
Savvy whipped the car across two lanes and maneuvered into the parking space. “Good job seeing this one. It’s in a perfect location. We’re right around the corner from the place where the party is happening.” Savvy turned off the car.
“Yay,” Olivia cheered. After checking the mirrors and reapplying lipstick, she exited onto the pavement in her high-heeled shoes and stood next to Savvy. “Which way are we going?” Olivia asked and glanced up and down the street.
“It’s this way.” Catcalls rang out from men who were passengers in cars passing by. Olivia ignored the drive-by whistles and followed Savvy toward the venue.
“Do you see how long the line is?” Savvy exclaimed. “It’s wrapped around the corner. You know we picked the right party.”
“I hope there are some fine men in this place. I can’t believe I let you drag me out of San Antonio for this mess.” Olivia tugged below her arm to adjust the strapless, yellow mini-dress she wore. She’d decided to show a little skin since the Texas weather had shifted from chilly temperatures to the usual warmer climate for this time of year.
“There better be some cuties. I didn’t put on this tight dress for nothing.” Savvy tugged at her short, fitted, red dress, which showed off her muscular legs. High-heeled sandals added three inches to her short frame.
“From what I can see, everyone looks much younger than us. I assumed this crowd would be at least age thirty and up. Most of these people can’t be more than twenty-something. I guess I wasted an outfit.” Olivia frowned and scanned the crowd with disappointment.
“There are a few men who seem older scattered here and there. Bernicia suggested this day party is a good one to start with. We’ll check it out and go to another one if we look like grandmas in here.”
“The men are probably searching for young girls, not women in their forties.” Olivia twisted her lips to the side in skepticism.
“Good point. Story of our lives these days,” Savvy agreed.
“Your fiasco with Kolby is a good example of old men who are interested in younger women.”
Savvy cackled. “You’ve got that right. I suspect he’s used to dealing with ladies who are
