Page 52 of Night and Day
Though she heard the question, Tamika was hardly paying attention. It took all her energy to deal with the unusual sensation between her thighs and the pain consuming her midsection.
She hit redial on the phone with her thumb and shakily brought the device to her ear. Anton didn’t answer. The phone rang and rang until his voicemail picked up.
Where was he? She’d talked to him only a minute ago.
“Anton,” she gasped, tears filling her eyes. The young woman remained close by, face filled with concern. “Call me back, please. Something’s wrong. I’m gonna have to go to the hospital. I-I think it’s the baby.”
Marvin and Antonstrolled off the elevator after lunch. Craving Caribbean food thanks to Tamika, Anton had suggested they eat at a nearby Jamaican spot, but he didn’t think the meal was up to par. Marvin had played safe and ordered wings and rice. Anton had ordered curry chicken and rice.
“She’s got you spoiled, man,” Marvin said, shaking his head.
Anton laughed softly. He couldn’t deny the truth. “I can’t lie, she’s got me eating all kinds of stuff that I never thought I’d eat, and loving every bite. Her curry chicken is so good.”
“Is it spicy, though?”
“Not at all. Full of flavor, you know what I mean? With spices and thyme and all kinds of good shit.” He entered his office.
Marvin hovered in the doorway. “You eat curry goat, too?”
“Yep. She eased me into it—started with curry chicken first and then cooked goat one day. It’s delicious, I’m telling you. She even got me eating cow foot now.”
“Cow’s feet? No way.” Marvin wrinkled his nose.
Anton laughed. “It’s not my favorite, but I like that, too.” He shrugged.
“Okay, this is going to sound weird, but is she doing something to your skin, cause your skin has been looking great lately.”
Anton touched his face, loving that his skin had noticeably improved.
“That’s Tamika, too. My skin is moisturized and soft now.”
“Let me see.”
Marvin reached for his face, but Anton jerked away.
“I’m not letting you touch my face, man. My skin is soft. Trust me.”
“I wanted proof, that’s all. Erica is always getting on to me about taking better care of my skin. Why are women like that?”
“They want us to do better,” Anton answered with a shrug. “Tamika mixes up her little concoction in the kitchen and puts it in a jar. I scoop out whatever I need and then slather it on.”
“How long do you leave it on?” Marvin asked. He was frowning as he studied Anton’s face, arms crossed over his chest.
“Fifteen minutes, once a week.”
“Ask her to hook me up, would you?”
“I’ll think about.”
“Don’t be greedy, man. I’ll pay.”
“I’ll run it by her and see.”
“Yeah, you do that,” Marvin muttered, as Anton laughed.
His friend left and Anton walked around his desk and sat down. The voicemail light was flashing, so he checked his messages. The first one was a return call from an attorney at another firm. The second message was from Tamika, and his blood ran cold.
Anton jumped up from his chair and darted out of the office. He dialed Tamika’s number and gripped the cell phone to his ear.
