Lace&Honor
by
Sammie Ward
Smashwords Edition
****
PUBLISHED BY:
Lady Leo Publishing on Smashwords
Lace & Honor
Copyright © 2009 by Sammie Ward
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, not known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying, and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without permission of the publisher, Lady Leo Publishing. For more information write Lady Leo Publishing, P.O. Box 14283, Silver Spring, MD 20911
This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to person’s living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.
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Acknowledgement
To my mother Georgia Tims, thank you for all of the love and spiritual support. To my sisters, Betty Fowler, Lisa Jenkins, Shirley Fowler-Tillman, Barbara Ezenekwe, DeMarcus, Dominick, and Eugina, you are the best. I love you.
To all my brothers and sisters in uniform, I salute you.
****
Chapter One
Sergeant Kayla Perry was running late for army formation. It was the second time this week. She could just hear the supervisor, Staff Sergeant Maurice Cage’s mouth, scolding her on her responsibilities as a new noncommissioned officer in Delta Company, 32nd CSH Combat Support Hospital, Fort Bradley, Maryland. The mission of the unit was to provide medical care to patients.
She took a quick glance at herself in the hallway mirror. Her hair styled in a French bun, she adjusted the army beret on her head. After tucking in strands of hair that had come loose from her French bun, she adjusted the army beret on her head. Looking closer, she noticed circles under her eyes. She had been up late after returning from a date, but no excuse was valid enough for being late for formation. She grabbed her car keys and hurried to her car.
Kayla turned the key in the ignition and pulled out onto the highway. After she made a left turn at the light, her black Mustang quickly ate up highway. Luckily, not many vehicles were traveling at 0530. She should make it to the unit in no time.
It was Cage who persuaded her to re-enlist for another four years after her first enlistment ended six months ago. He believed in her capabilities as a leader, helping her prepare for the sergeant’s board and recommending her for the army’s Green to Gold Nursing Officer’s Program.
Trained as an army medic, Kayla planned to continue her nursing degree by enrolling in University of Maryland at College Park. She submitted her package and was now waiting to see if she had been selected. Upon graduation, she would pin on officer’s bars. Fort Meade was a good duty station, but after nursing school, she was looking forward to another duty station—preferably overseas in Germany, Hawaii, or Japan. At this point, she’d even take Korea. She’d heard so many wonderful, exciting stories from soldiers coming from abroad that she couldn’t wait to receive orders.
Besides education, traveling was another reason for enlisting. A southern girl from Mobile, Alabama, Kayla wanted to get as far away from home as possible. After two years at Tuskegee University, her father was laid off from work. Her parents could no longer afford to pay for her education. After speaking with a campus recruiter, she discussed the educational opportunities with her parents. They displayed mixed emotions. Divorced since she was thirteen years old, her mother, Olivia, was surprised at Kayla’s decision to enlist, but she was supportive. Her father, Douglas Perry, was the opposite. He had never served in the military and didn’t believe it was the proper career choice for his only daughter. Not only was Kayla no longer under their watchful eye, but there was also a lot of political unrest going on in the Middle East. He was worried about the possibility of a war.
Kayla stepped on the gas and zoomed across the intersection. She knew the role of the army. It didn’t bother her to put her life on the line for her country.
Before she knew it, she was parked in front of the company. She got out of the vehicle and scurried along the sidewalk. Formation had already begun.
Kayla stood quietly in the back row. Cage nodded at her and gave her a frustrated look.
After the group was dismissed, Cage sauntered over, looking at her intensely. He stopped in front of her, inhaled deeply, and slapped the rolled up paper in his hand.
“You’re supposed to be here before formation, not during.”
“I’m sorry, Sergeant Cage,” she tried to interject. “I—”
He waved her off with a hand. “Save it.”
“It won’t happen again,” she managed to get in.
“That’s what you said the other day. Don’t make me regret that I recommended you for advancement. A big part of your job is to set an example for the troops under you.”
Kayla dropped her head. She knew Cage was right. She admired him for his honesty, dedication, and leadership to her and the other enlisted personnel in the unit. He was her mentor. She wanted him to be proud of her. She desired to follow in his footsteps. All of the soldiers spoke highly of him. She wanted the same type of respect.
He pointed the paper at her. “We lead by example. Understand?”
Kayla gave him her undivided attention. “I understand.”
“Outstanding. Now that we have that out of the way, I need you to select two soldiers to support B 2/4 Infantry Division on a field training exercise.”
“How long is the exercise?” Kayla asked.
“Two weeks.”
Whomever she chose wouldn’t be happy. Fourteen days on a field training exercise was never easy, especially for women. A woman’s personal hygiene was a major problem. There weren’t hot showers, decent food, or the proper sleeping facilities. Your residence was a large tent with other members of your unit. You had no privacy, worked long hours, and had very little sleep. Not to mention not being able to get your hair, nails, and toes done. After several weeks of living in the woods, women were a sight to see.
“Each platoon is sending two bodies,” Sergeant Cage continued. “If you can get volunteers, great; if you can’t, then choose them. Report to me this morning with the names.”
“Consider it done,” Kayla answered, as she watched him turn and walk through the large set of brown double doors. His powerful, well-muscled body moved with easy grace.
Standing under six feet tall, with a smooth, nut-brown complexion, he was average looking, but his personality and intelligence made up for what he lacked in appearance. Divorced and a father of two, Cage didn’t fit under Kayla’s dating guideline of no men with children or ex-wives, but he could make a woman break her rules.
Kayla pushed the thought aside. What was she thinking? They couldn’t date. Sergeant Cage was in her immediate chainof- command; according to army regulation, they could not date.
“Forget it, girl,” she said. It would never happen, but it didn’t hurt to think what could be if the situation was different.
“Sergeant Perry.”
Kayla jumped at the voice calling from behind her. She turned around. “How was your date with Jamaal?” Liz asked. “I waited up for you to call me last night and give me the scoop.”
“Good morning to you, too, Liz,” Kayla teased.
Not put off by Kayla’s sarcasm, Liz continued. “Good morning—now fill me in.” There was genuine pleasure in her voice.
Kayla hugged Liz’s short, medium-built frame. Sometimes it was hard to make friends in this line of work, especially for women, but when Kayla first met Liz, an Administrative Assistant with the unit, the two hit it off immediately. Kayla wasn’t sure if it was the infectious smile Liz always wore on her light-complected face, her humor, or a combination of these things that made her like Liz so much.
Kayla inhaled, then slowly let out her breath. The interrogation was about to begin. “It was all right. He took me to a movie, to dinner, and then took me home.”
“That’s it?” Liz prompted, as she shook her head and fell in step with Kayla.
Kayla shrugged. “That’s it. There’s nothing else to tell.”
Liz frowned, then asked in her southern drawl, “Are you going out with him again?”
Kayla had met Sergeant Jamaal Trip one day while driving on post. A member of the Military Police, he presented her with a speeding ticket and at the same time asked for her phone number. After avoiding Jamaal’s phone calls, she’d finally given in and gone out with him. It wasn’t a bad date. Sergeant Tripp made it clear that he was looking to settle down. She made it clear she wasn’t—which marked the end of the conversation and the date.
“No,” Kayla answered smoothly. “We have nothing in common.”
“So it didn’t work out with Jamaal. We will find you someone else.”
Liz was happily married to an army sergeant and felt it was her job to find Kayla a man.
“I know the perfect guy for you.”
Kayla playfully placed her hands over her ears. “I’m not listening.”
Liz giggled. “His name is—” she began, removing Kayla’s hands from her ears.
“I don’t care what his name is.”
“Anyway,” Liz continued, “he’s never been married and no children, so you don’t have to worry about baby mama drama. He’s a friend of my Timothy, a sergeant, a country boy from Durham, North Carolina, and he is fine.”
Kayla had to admit his resume sounded interesting, but she’d have to pass. She frowned and said, “As good as he sounds, I’ll pass. I’m not interested in meeting anyone right now. My focus is on nursing school. That’s it.”
“Look, all I’m saying is just meet him. You never know what can happen. There are other men in the sea besides Sergeant Cage.”
Kayla’s eyes stretched. Liz was always insisting that she had a crush on Cage, no matter how often she denied it. She playfully punched her in the arm. “Don’t even go there. He’s my boss. That’s how rumors get started.”
“All right. All right,” Liz raised her hands in surrender. “I’ll change the subject. Have you had breakfast yet?”
“No. I’m on my way to the dining hall. You know I never get up in time to prepare breakfast. I have to be here too early.”
“Hmm. That’s why you’re so bony. I don’t know why you ever bother going to breakfast. You eat like a bird, anyway. I’m the one who needs to miss a meal or two.”
“Oh, please, you’re a perfect eight.” Kayla enclosed her arm around Liz’s waist. “Your husband isn’t complaining.”
Kayla glanced from Liz to see Specialist Marissa Poe coming toward them. Trained as a Pharmacy Technician, she worked at the main hospital in the pharmacy department.
A tall, statuesque white girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, Marissa only dated African-American men, a habit she admitted picking up after joining the army. Not many women cared for Marissa—whenever she entered a room, she commanded attention from both men and women—but Kayla and Marissa got along well. Besides being a little naïve, Marissa proved to be a good friend.
“Good morning, Sergeant Perry and Liz.”
“Morning, Specialist Poe,” Liz grumbled.
Kayla was aware that the two women didn’t get along well. Every chance she got, Liz made it a point to let Marissa know she didn’t approve of her dating black men. As far as Kayla was concerned, it didn’t matter about a man’s color; love was blind.
“Good morning, Specialist,” Kayla said, returning the greeting. “How are you?”
“I’m fine.” Marissa adjusted the black backpack on her right shoulder. “I had a hard time getting up this morning.” A huge grin spread across her face. “I’m so anxious; two weeks and I will be out of this man’s army and onto Penn State in the fall.” She clasped her hands together in excitement. “I can’t wait.”
“You don’t have to rub it in,” Kayla said, feigning sadness. She was happy for Marissa. She had been accepted to college, majoring in pharmacy. She was also a little envious that she hadn’t heard anything on her own admission package. “I’m happy for you. I hope to hear something soon.”
“Still no word yet?” Marissa asked.
“No,” Kayla answered.
“Don’t worry. The packet will be approved,” Marissa said. “I have my fingers and toes crossed.”
“I have my fingers and toes crossed also,” Kayla added.
“Me too,” Liz chimed in.
“I had a hard time getting in here this morning, too,” stated Kayla, changing the subject. “I was late again. That didn’t set well with Sergeant Cage.”
“Oh, no,” Marissa gasped. “Did he chew you out?”
“No more than usual. Nothing to worry about. How are things going in the pharmacy?”
“Busy. I met my replacement the other day.” Marissa smiled. “A male. He came in from Korea. He seems to be very nice. Can you believe it? He pulled strings to come here to Fort Bradley.”
“Soldiers like it here, and why not? You’re living around DC, the most powerful city in the world. Not to mention being close to Maryland and Virginia.” Kayla had come across a large population of soldiers who’d decided to remain in the area after retiring. They enjoyed the power, glitz, and economy. “Are you sure you don’t want to re-enlist?”
“I’m not a lifer, Sergeant Perry,” Marissa said. “I will leave that up to you. Where are you guys headed?”
“We’re on our way to grab some breakfast,” Kayla answered.
Liz positioned herself between Marissa and Kayla, letting Marissa know her presence wasn’t welcome.
“I’m headed in that direction,” Marissa said, sounding irritated. She fell in step with Kayla. Liz frowned.
Once inside the dining hall, Kayla followed Liz. She carefully selected a light breakfast of orange juice, two slices of toast, jam, and a boiled egg.
Liz loaded her plate with grits, scrambled eggs, sausage, and a biscuit. Marissa grabbed a box of Frosted Flakes, a slice of toast, and orange juice. They found a seat in the center of the dining facility.
Marissa frowned. She pointed to the southern grits on Liz’s plate. “What is that?”
“I bet your latest boyfriend knows what it is,” Liz quipped, shoving a spoonful of grits into her mouth.
Marissa rolled her neck with attitude. “What does that mean?”
“It means,” Liz snapped, “you need to get those brothers to teach you more than the mattress mambo.”
Marissa leaned across the table. “You better watch your mouth.”
“Or what?” Liz threw back. “What are you going to do?”
Kayla could see the situation getting out of hand. Whenever the two were in the same room, it was a sparring match. “Come on you two, knock it off.”
Liz rolled her eyes. “She gets on my nerves.”
“You get on mine,” Marissa answered right back.
“And you both are getting on mine.” Kayla pointed at both women. “Why don’t you kiss and make up?”
Liz made a face. “I don’t even get down like that.”
Marissa puckered up her lips and blew Liz a kiss. “You know you want to kiss me. I see how you be looking at me.”
Liz dropped the spoon on her plate in disgust. She was doing her best to compose herself. “Keep dreaming, white girl. The only thing I want to do right now is smash your face in.”
“Any time. Any place. You let me know when.”
One thing Kayla could say about Marissa—she never backed down from anything. She could hold her own.
“You both are dreaming,” Kayla joked, to ease the tension. “No one wants either one of you. It’s me you want.”
They both laughed.
“No one wants you,” Liz said, taking a bite of her biscuit.
“I received an e-mail from a friend of mine,” Marissa said, her voice serious. “His name is Andrew Schwartz. We went to high school together. He joined the army a year ahead of me. Anyway, he’s stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. My mother told me he’s being deployed to Iraq. I can’t believe it. He’s leaving on Friday. He just got married. Has a new baby boy.” She shook her head. “Now he’s on his way to Iraq.”
“I feel sorry for his wife,” Liz commented. “I don’t know what I would do if that was me. Left behind to try to manage without my husband and raise a newborn baby. Talk about stress.”
Marissa’s eyes widened. “Do you think we’re going to be deployed?” She focused on Kayla. “Have you heard anything?”
“I haven’t heard anything,” Kayla said in a calm tone. “I’m not going to worry about it.”
“Always the cool one,” Liz joked. “Well, I am worried about it. I don’t want my husband to go. We’re trying to start a family. I don’t want to wind up like Mrs. Schwartz. Left behind to raise a baby alone.”
“He will be back,” Kayla said.
“I hope,” Marissa added, in a quiet tone.
Kayla and Marissa looked at each other. She didn’t want to push the issue. She knew where Liz was coming from. In times of war, a lot of men and women lose their lives. It is unfortunate.
Marissa’s face twisted in disgust. “I only joined the army to attend college. I didn’t join to fight in nobody’s war.”
“No one wants to go to war,” Kayla said. “I also joined to earn money to attend college. That’s a chance you took when you enlisted.”
Liz leaned back in her chair. “Is that you talking or Sergeant Cage?”
Marissa burst out laughing. “Good question.”
“This has nothing to do with Sergeant Cage. When you join the army, there’s a chance of going to war. That’s what the army does.”
“So you want to go to war?” Liz took a sip of orange juice.
“Of course not,” Kayla explained. “I’m just saying that when I joined, I knew that was a possibility. So did your husband.”
Liz threw her a no-you-didn’t look. She sucked her teeth.
“Don’t look at me like that. I’m just telling the truth,” Kayla replied.
“In two weeks, I’m out of here,” Marissa added.
“Then you better hope that nothing happens within that time,” Kayla explained, “or you will be headed to Iraq.” She spread grape jelly on a slice of toast.
Marissa’s face paled. “The army can stop me from getting out?”
“Yes,” Kayla said.
Marissa looked as if she were going to pass out. “Let’s talk about something else,” she said, shaken. “This conversation scares me. I don’t want to even think about it.”
“Hey, baby,” came a voice from behind them. The ladies turned to find Specialist Randall Spivey standing next to Marissa. He acknowledged them with a nod before refocusing on Marissa.
Marissa’s facial expression was blank. “We have nothing to talk about.” She turned away from Randall, folded her arms across her chest, and looked straight ahead. “Leave me alone,” she said, pouting.
Liz leaned over to Kayla and whispered, “Trouble in paradise.”
Kayla hit her on the arm. “Be quiet.”
From the day they began dating, six months ago, Marissa and Randall’s relationship had been love and hate. For Kayla, it was difficult watching Randall take Marissa for granted. As a friend, she tried on numerous occasions to tell Marissa that Randall was no good for her. She would not listen. Kayla decided to let her find out on her own. In two weeks, Marissa would be out of the army and moving on with her life without Randall.
****
Later that afternoon, Kayla sat in the training office, pounding away at the keyboard. She gave Sergeant Cage the names of Private First Class John Luck and Private Brian Mills to accompany B 2/4 Infantry on their training exercise. She couldn’t believe they’d volunteered for the assignment. It made her job easier. With her mind free, she had time to think about the conversation she and the girls had had at breakfast about being deployed. Though she said she wasn’t worried, she was. It would be foolish not to be.
Sighing in disgust, she exhaled and forced herself to focus on the document in front of her, the roster for the make-up physical fitness test. She glanced at the names of two soldiers in her platoon. They’d failed the initial test. Both were working out five days a week and should be ready on Monday morning.
Kayla looked up when she heard the knock on her office door. “It’s open.”
Liz breezed in. “You’re invited to my house on Saturday.”
Kayla frowned. “What’s going on Saturday?”
“I’m having a cookout.” She cleared her throat. “I expect to see you.”
“Free food. I will definitely be there.” Kayla noticed the sly grin on Liz’s face. “What are you up to?”
“Nothing.” Liz leaned across the desk. “I’m just looking forward to it.”
Kayla wasn’t buying it. She knew Liz and could tell when she wasn’t telling the truth. “This isn’t about the guy you want me to meet, is it? Why do you keep interfering in my love life?”
“I just want to see you happy,” Liz explained.
“I am happy. I will be even happier when I’m accepted into nursing school.”
Liz smiled. “Yes, but for the time being, you need a man in your life to keep your mind occupied.”
“No, I do not.”
“Yes, you do,” Liz argued.
“If you plan on setting me up tomorrow, forget it. I’m not coming.” Kayla didn’t want to hear any more. “I have work to do. So do you.”
Liz chuckled. She crossed her arms over her chest. “Uh, you already agreed to come.”
Kayla shook her head in disbelief. Liz was a good friend, but she never understood the meaning of the word “no.”
“I just disagreed.”
“You can’t change your mind. I will nag you all day.”
Kayla rolled her eyes. She knew Liz was telling the truth. She would have to go to Liz’s cookout. “Fine, I’ll go, but no set up, Liz. I mean it. If you do, I’m leaving.”
Liz clasped her hands together in victory. “Okay. Great. No fix-ups.”
“I’m glad I made your day. Now get out of my office.”
Liz wasn’t fazed by the remark. “It’s going to be fun, you will see. I have to stop by the commissary,” she mumbled to herself, turned, and headed back out the door. A moment later, she stuck her head around the door. “Don’t think about not showing up. Remember, I know where you live.”
Kayla leaned back in her chair as she stared at the door. She closed her eyes a moment, wondering what she’d agreed to.
****
Sergeant Paul Lake entered the last supply order in the computer, closed out the window, and let out a sigh of relief. It had been a hectic day in the Orthopedic Clinic Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, DC.
It was Friday, and he was looking forward to stopping by Cadence Supper Club after work to unwind, something he had not done since transferring from Hawaii, six months ago. A majority of the patients being treated in the clinic were suffering from injuries and accidents in Afghanistan and Iraq. The workload was overwhelming, keeping him busy.
Cadence was known for its upscale African-American clientele, outstanding food, and music. Owned by his cousins, Victor and Gerald Sexton, the club had been founded by his mother’s brother, William Sexton, a retired army first sergeant, who opened the club after leaving the army. Under his uncle’s leadership, the club became very prominent. Many top performers had graced its stage: Eric Benet, Toni Braxton, Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, Brian McKnight, and Garrett Martindale to name a few. Since their father’s death, the brothers had run the club with the same grace and style.
Paul, the third of four sons, was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina. Victor and Gerald were army brats, moving every couple of years, but they spent their summers in North Carolina. Paul briefly lost contact with each of them when they went away to college and Victor joined the army. They reconnected when Victor invited him to speak at his retirement ceremony a year ago.
A third generation soldier and Victor’s exceptional career in Special Forces persuaded him to join the army. He submitted a package to the elite unit and was waiting to see whether he had been accepted. He set goals for himself early on, and so far everything was on track, except for a wife and kids. He thought he’d found that once with his college sweetheart, Dina West, but it wasn’t to be.
Out of four sons, Paul was the only bachelor. Brothers Devin and Jonah were married. Younger brother Quentin, a senior at North Carolina State, had recently become engaged. Even Victor was headed toward the altar. Maybe marriage just wasn’t in the cards for him.
“Women think they have it bad,” he said to himself. “What about the brothers? Why can’t a good man find a good woman?”
People were always trying to set him up with women, and women found him attractive. He was muscular, just shy of six feet, with smooth brown skin and brown eyes. He didn’t have to spend time alone. The young lady that worked at the Post Exchange where he’d purchased a computer the past weekend made it clear that she would like to get to know him a lot better. She went so far as to jot down her phone number on the back of the sales slip. If he told his cousins that he’d turned down her advances, he’d never live it down. It wasn’t that he wasn’t interested. She was pretty attractive. He just wasn’t interested in having sex for sex’s sake.
The woman he decided to settle down with had to be special. It was difficult being married to a member of the armed forces. He’d seen it time after time again, spouses not able to withstand the stress of long field exercises, deployments, and moving every two or three years. It would take a woman with patience and a lot of understanding to handle the direction his military career was taking.
A voice interrupted his thoughts, and Paul’s head turned toward the door.
“Are you headed over to Cadence?” Sergeant Timothy Shupe asked, standing in the doorway. Assigned to B 2/4 Infantry, Paul was a combat medic, rotating through the orthopedics clinic for additional training. Timothy arrived at the hospital a year ago.
“Yes. I’m on my way out the door. I’m looking forward to relaxing with a good meal and good music.” Paul leaned down, grabbing the black gym bag on the side of the desk.
“Check out the ladies,” Timothy added, with a big smile. He moved further into the room.
Paul liked hanging out with Sergeant Shupe. He had an easy-going personality and was very straight up with everyone with whom he came into contact.
Paul returned his smile. “Of course.”
“Mind if I tag along?”
“Not if your wife doesn’t mind.”
“You got jokes. I’m a grown man. I don’t have to check with my wife. I have heard nothing but good things about Cadence. I want to check it out.”
Paul threw the bag on his shoulder. “All right. I’m on my way to the locker room to take a shower. I’ll meet you back here,” he glanced at his watch, “say in about ten minutes.”
“Fine with me.” Timothy trailed Paul out the door and headed toward the nurses’ station.
Paul frowned. “Where are you going?”
Timothy picked up the telephone at the desk and punched in a series of numbers. “I’m going to let Liz know I’m headed to the club.”
Paul burst out laughing as he turned the corner and headed for the men’s locker room. He couldn’t help but feel a little envious.
****
Chapter Two
Kayla glanced up at the clock on the wall—five minutes until the end of the day formation. Clearing her desk, she put everything in its proper place, then grabbed her beret before heading out the door. She hoped First Sergeant Chambers wasn’t long-winded. It had been a long, hard day. All she wanted to do was go home and soak in a hot bath.
First Sergeant Chambers must have read her mind. Before she knew it, she was in her vehicle and headed off post. A quick stop by the supermarket, followed by picking up her cleaning, and forty minutes later, she was parked in front of her apartment building.
A few minutes later, quick strides carried Kayla to her door. Carefully shifting the bags beneath her arms, she searched in the bottom of her black purse, found the keys, activated the lock, and entered the foyer. She strolled through the living room, heading into the kitchen, and placed the grocery bags on the counter. She put away the items and went into the bedroom.
Decorated in romantic off-white, the bedroom was a welcomed haven for Kayla. She hung the dry cleaning in the back of the closet, stripped off her tactical boots, and stepped into the shower. A few minutes later, she turned off the shower and toweled dry. Returning into the bedroom, she massaged lotion into every part of her body. When that was done, she went to the oak dresser, retrieving a brown army T-shirt and sweat pants. She brushed her hair into two large braids.
Deciding to just relax, she climbed into bed and pointed the remote control at the television before stretching out.
Then she heard it: “Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Georgia, received orders today for deployment to Iraq,” the female reporter stated.
Kayla thought about Marissa’s friend, who had also received orders for deployment. While she understood that the army’s main function was to defend the country, she didn’t want to go to war. She didn’t want anything to interfere with her chance of attending nursing school. Could the 3rd Combat Hospital be next? It was a possibility she couldn’t rule out. During a conflict, soldiers got hurt, injured, and even killed. It was her unit’s mission to provide medical care. It’s what they trained for year-round. They were ready if called upon, and she would go with honor. Nursing school would have to wait.
Kayla didn’t realize she’d dozed off until the ringing of her telephone jarred her awake. Groggy, she glanced over at the clock on the nightstand. It was only 6:30 p.m. With her eyes still half-closed, she spoke into the receiver, “Hello?”
“Sergeant Perry,” Marissa’s agitated voice came across the phone line. Kayla’s hair stood up on the back of her neck. She could hear drama coming on. “Can you come and pick me up?”
Kayla sat up in bed. “What? Where are you?”
“I’m at Cadence Supper Club in DC,” she explained. “Randall and I had a fight. He left me at the club.”
Kayla sighed. Familiar story. Different day of the week. They fight. They make up. Back together the next day. It was getting old.
“Please, Sergeant Perry,” Marissa pleaded, prompted by Kayla’s silence.
“All right. I’m on my way.”
****
Paul drove the Cherokee once around before he found a parking space—normal for Cadence.
“This place is packed,” Timothy said, looking at the long line out the door. It wrapped around the corner, and cars were parked on both sides of the street.
“It’s always like this, even on Sundays,” Paul boasted.
“Very influential African-Americans hang out here. You never know who you might see or meet.”
“Hmm,” was Timothy’s response.
“You just remember you’re a married man,” Paul said, parallel parking the vehicle in an open space.
“Married, not dead.” Timothy glanced out the passenger’s window, just as a group of attractive women passed the vehicle. The three women glanced at the handsome men, waved, and giggled. Timothy nodded.
Paul chuckled. “Let’s go.” He exited the vehicle, followed by Timothy.
The pair stepped inside a set of massive mahogany doors affixed with brass fixtures and found themselves engrossed in a beautiful, spacious foyer, with soft beige furniture. The sound of Luther Vandross’ Never Too Much filtered through the built-in speakers in the club. Customers’ chatter and silverware clicking on china rounded out the club’s ambience. As they moved through the club, Paul recognized most of the people who often dropped by to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, whether they were someone special, or alone.
“What’s going on, Sarge?” the bartender, Hunnicutt, asked Paul as he settled on the barstool.
An army veteran, having served in Vietnam with Victor and Gerald’s father, Hunnicutt worked part-time at Cadence. He was a nice man, a people person, which made him perfect to bartend at Cadence.
“Nothing much, Hunnicutt. What about yourself?”
“You know me.” Hunnicutt placed a shot glass in front of Paul. “Trying not to let them work me too hard. What will it be?”
“Give me the usual, watered-down,” Paul replied, glancing over at Timothy who sat next to him. “Hunnicutt, I’d like you to meet Sergeant Timothy Shupe, a co-worker and good friend of mine. Go easy on him; it’s his first time at Cadence.”
“Welcome to Cadence,” Hunnicutt said, placing a shot glass in front of Timothy. “I hope this won’t be your last time with us. Nowhere else in DC will you find a club to wine, dine, and unwind you all in one night the way we do it here.”
“Thank you. With what I’ve seen so far, I will definitely be back.”
“Great. Bring a guest. What will it be, Sergeant?” Hunnicutt asked.
“Give me what you gave Sergeant Lake.”
“One scotch, watered-down,” Hunnicutt replied.
“I can’t afford to drink it any other way,” Paul explained. “You know how the army frowns on drunk driving. Can’t take a chance.” Paul lifted the glass to his lips to take a sip. The next sentence died in his throat when he noticed a woman coming into view. His gaze took in everything about her, from head to toe. The beautifully built body, shapely legs, and smooth, light skin were all things he liked in a woman. His eyes took another tour of her as he took a deep breath. He noticed her looking around as if searching for someone. Who was she meeting? Her boyfriend? Husband? He hoped neither.
“Having a cookout tomorrow,” he heard Timothy saying.
Paul frowned, wondering what Timothy was talking about. He stole another look in the woman’s direction. He saw a blonde-haired, attractive woman come up and hug her. He breathed a sigh of relief.
“I’m inviting you to cookout tomorrow at my house. Can you make it?” Timothy turned around on the stool, following Paul’s gaze. He recognized the two women. “Which one has your attention? Kayla or Marissa?”
Paul couldn’t believe his luck. “You know them?”
“Yes. Both ladies are friends with my wife.”
“Who’s the sistah?” Paul inquired.
“Oh, that’s Kayla Perry.”
Paul watched them settle in the booth; he wanted to get to know Kayla Perry, up close and personal.
****
Kayla was a frequent patron of Cadence. She enjoyed the friendly atmosphere of the club. She liked Victor and Gerald; they were approachable, and she had spoken with them on numerous occasions. Both could often be seen in the club among the guests to ensure everything ran smoothly. The food, music, and clientele were also the best in the city. Despite all those wonderful things, Kayla didn’t appreciate leaving her comfortable bed to be involved in another lover’s spat.
“What happened?” Kayla slid into the beige-colored booth across from Marissa.
“We got into it because Randall took money out of my bank account without consulting me. I’m getting tired of his mess.” Marissa placed her face in her hands. Kayla remained silent; she’d heard it all before. “I don’t mind Randall having the money,” she continued.
“Then what were you arguing about?” Kayla inquired.
Marissa placed her hands on the table. The candlelight flicking across her face showed she was trying to keep her composure. “Because he wouldn’t tell me what he withdrew the money for.”
“How much did he take?” This wasn’t the first time
Marissa had complained about Randall taking money from her account. Kayla didn’t understand what the big deal was.
“Fifteen hundred dollars,” Marissa quipped.
“Fifteen hundred dollars?” Kayla repeated.
“Can I get you anything?” Maya, the hostess, asked. She appeared so quietly, Kayla hadn’t even known she was there. Not an alcohol drinker, she ordered a Sprite. Marissa ordered the same.
“What did he need fifteen hundred dollars for?” Kayla asked, when Kim was out of earshot.
“I don’t know. That’s what I wanted to know. He wouldn’t tell me. I have a feeling he’s up to no good.”
Kayla tilted her head to one side. “You think?” she said with sarcasm. A farm girl, Marissa was naïve to game shooting, city guys like Randall. Though Kayla was from Mobile, she was aware of brothers like Randall. They took advantage of a young mind like Marissa. Randall was trouble with a capital “T” and had been since the day he arrived at Delta Company, eight months ago. Rumor around the unit was he was reassigned to the unit after getting in serious trouble at his previous unit in Belgium. No one knew the details. Whatever it was, the army was letting him go for it. As far as Kayla was concerned, it was not soon enough.
“It wouldn’t be the first time,” Kayla continued, as Kim placed their drinks in front of them.
Marissa leaned across the table. “I know you don’t like him.”
“That’s not it.” Kayla stirred the straw in the Sprite. “No one likes the way he treats you. What do you think he did with the money?”
Marissa blew out a soft breath. “I wish I knew.” Almost on cue, the old school song, Casanova by Levert filled the air.
Kayla sat up straight. She believed the song was appropriate for the conversation they were having.
“I asked him, and he told me to mind my own business. Can you believe it?” Marissa face turned beet red, and her voice raised an octave. “It’s my money. He tells me to stay out of his business.”
“What did you say?”
“I said it’s my money; that makes it my business. I still didn’t get a straight answer.”
Kayla took a sip. “I’m not going to ask if he’s going to repay you.”
Marissa almost choked. “Are you serious?” She answered with attitude. “I’ll never see that money again. It’s gone.”
“If you could do anything about it, would you?” Kayla challenged.
Marissa’s eyes skidded away. “I don’t know what to do about Randall. I’m confused.”
Kayla sighed. “I know I don’t understand.”
“Have you ever been in love?” Marissa asked.
“No,” Kayla admitted honestly, “but I know that love doesn’t hurt; it’s loving, kind, gentle, caring. From what I can see, you have none of that with Randall.”
“How do you know?” Marissa threw at Kayla.
Kayla leaned back in the booth. She crossed her arms over her chest in irritation.
“And who says that love doesn’t hurt? It does hurt,” Marissa defended. “That’s when you know you’re in love with someone. I love him. He loves me.”
Kayla rolled her eyes.
“Look, I know Randall is no good for me.”
“And how is that love?” Kayla prompted.
“I don’t know. I just know how I feel about him.”
It was no use talking to Marissa about Randall. Kayla could tell from her voice that Marissa was upset. She didn’t want to hurt her feelings. She believed Marissa felt something for Randall. Lust? Whip appeal? Whatever it was, it wasn’t “real” love.
“What about when you go to Penn Sate? What then?” Kayla asked. Marissa nervously looked away, then leaned back in the booth.
“Don’t tell me, Randall is going, too?”
“Maybe. He’s thinking about it,” she added quickly. “We have discussed him joining me after he gets out.”
Kayla didn’t get a chance to protest Marissa’s decision.
“Good evening, ladies,” came a voice over Kayla’s left shoulder. A second later, Timothy appeared, accompanied by a handsome man she didn’t recognize. Kayla and Marissa both exchanged pleasantries with Timothy. All the while, Kayla was admiring the handsome man’s smooth, brown face, full lips, and eyes that were compelling to look into. She marveled at his long lashes. The brother was definitely easy on the eyes. She didn’t miss that he was looking right at her. Her heartbeat went into a full gallop from his open stare.
“Kayla. Marissa. I’d like you to meet a friend of mine. This is Sergeant Paul Lake. Paul, allow me to introduce Specialist Marissa Poe and Sergeant Kayla Perry.”
“Nice to meet you, ladies.” He was talking to both of them, but his eyes never left Kayla’s.
Kayla nervously cleared her throat. “Nice to meet you, Sergeant Lake,” she said, her voice laced with sexual huskiness. She stuck out her hand.
Paul accepted her hand, his stomach in knots just at the touch of her warm flesh to his. She was even more beautiful up close. Her facial bones were delicately carved, her mouth full, just right for kissing, and her light complexion glowed. Her features were exquisite. Natural. Without a hint of makeup. He liked that.
“It’s Paul,” he corrected. He smiled, displaying straight, white teeth.
“As long as you call me, Kayla.” He had the sweetest smile she’d ever seen.
“Okay, Kayla,” he answered in a deep, low voice.
“Now that we have the introductions out of the way,” Timothy said, as he extended a hand to Marissa, “why don’t we go dance?”
Marissa glanced at Kayla to make sure it was safe to leave her alone with Paul. Kayla nodded. A wide grin spread across Marissa’s face. She placed her hand in Timothy’s.
“Let’s go,” Marissa said, almost rushing to the dance floor.
Once Timothy and Marissa left, an awkward silence fell between Paul and Kayla. Paul was the first to break the tension. “Do you mind if I sit down?” Before she could reply, he slowly eased his long body into the booth across from her.
Kayla swallowed the lump in her throat. She could deal with him standing beside her, but sitting across from her was going to be difficult.
“Do you come here often, Kayla?”
She dipped her gaze. “Enough.”
Paul placed his arm on the table, linking his fingers together. “Enough?” He wished she would look him in the face. Maybe she was shy. He had to restrain himself from reaching out, lifting her chin up, so he could look into her lovely face. “What does that mean?”
Kayla looked up into his face. “It means I’m not exactly a regular, but I come here often.” She took a sip. She was grateful to do something with her hand. The way he was looking at her, it seemed as if he was undressing her with his eyes. “What about you? Are you a regular?”
“I come here a lot.”
“Why?” She knew it was a stupid question. She couldn’t think of anything to say. She just wanted to say something so that he would have to speak and she could listen to the sound of his voice.
He smiled. “The food and music are excellent, and I like meeting people.”
“I like those things, too, but I have better things to do than come in here every night.”
He leaned forward to look directly in her eyes. “Like what?”
Kayla gulped. Except for an occasional date, she didn’t have much of a social life to brag about. “That’s personal.”
Paul chuckled. “You mentioned it. I’m just making conversation.”
Paul was right; she felt terrible for being so rude. “I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that. It’s just been a long day.”
“Anything you want to talk about?”
Kayla’s head snapped up. “What?”
“Anything you want to talk about?” Paul repeated. “I’m told I’m a good listener.”
Kayla was surprised at how open he was. She found it refreshing. “Thank you. I’ll work it out.”
“Okay, but whenever you want to talk about anything, the invitation is open.”
She chuckled. “Does that line work on the women you meet?”
His eyes found hers again. Hers skidded away. She wondered if he was aware of what he was doing to her inside. Every time their eyes met, her heart turned over. This was insane. No man had ever made her feel how she was feeling right now.
Paul’s eyebrows bunched together. “What makes you ask something like that?”
“You look like a ladies’ man.”
Paul leaned back in the booth. No one had ever told him that. “Oh, so tell me, what does a ladies’ man look like?”
She pointed at him. “You. He looks like you.”
He laughed again. The couple in the booth behind him turned around.
“You still didn’t answer my question. What does a ladies’ man look like?” he prompted.
“Suave, debonair, and handsome. Women throwing themselves at you.”
He blushed. She thought he was handsome. This could go somewhere, he thought. “Thanks for the compliment, but believe me, I’m a long way from being a ladies’ man.”
“Why should I believe you?” She enjoyed teasing him and realized she was beginning to relax.
He chuckled. “I wouldn’t lie to you.”
“Hmm,” Kayla answered, as she continued to sip on her soda.
Paul changed the subject. “I can’t believe you’re in the army.”
“Does that surprise you?”
“Well, yeah. You don’t look like a soldier.”
“Oh. What does a soldier look like?” She was proud of herself for getting the best of him. He was speechless.
Paul had to grin. He nodded. “All right. You got me.
You’re just so beautiful, I didn’t expect you to be a soldier. My bad.”
Her face warmed at the compliment, but she wasn’t finished making him squirm. “So, what are you saying? Female soldiers are not attractive?”
Paul blinked. “No. That’s not what I’m saying. There are a lot of attractive female soldiers.”
“So you were just feeding me a line?”
“No, I wasn’t feeding you a line.”
Kayla placed the empty glass on the table. “Hmmm.”
“I was just giving a beautiful woman a compliment. I didn’t mean any disrespect.” He chuckled nervously. “And can we please change the subject?”
“I guess I can let you off the hook.”
“Thank you. Where are you assigned?” Paul inquired.
“Delta Company, 3rd Combat Support Hospital out at Fort Bradley.”
“Isn’t that a front line unit out of Maryland?”
“Yes, it is. How do you know Timothy?”
“We work together at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in DC. I’m the NCOIC of the Orthopedics unit, and he’s doing his rotation.”
“A safe job,” Kayla replied.
“Good evening, Paul.” Kim, the waitress, interrupted their conversation. She flashed him an overly friendly smile. Kayla didn’t know Paul from Adam, but she was a little jealous.
“Hi, Kim. How are you this evening?” Paul asked, returning Kim’s greeting.
“I’m fine. What about yourself?”
“I’m good.”
Kim turned to Kayla and asked, “Would you like anything else?”
Kayla declined.
“The usual?” Kim asked Paul.
“You know it,” Paul answered.
Kim beamed at him. “Okay. I’ll be right back with your order.” She turned and disappeared in the crowd.
“What’s the usual?” Kayla asked.
“You will see. Now back to my job being safe. It may be for the moment, but I’m waiting to see if I have been accepted for Special Forces.”
“You like living dangerously or something?”
“We are in the army. We are all living dangerously.”
“It doesn’t mean you have to do something to make it even more dangerous. What made you decide to apply for Special Forces?”
“My cousin served in Special Forces. He had an intriguing military career. I want to follow in his footsteps, but enough about me. I want to know about Kayla. What made you join the army?”
“A college education.”
“Really?”
“I was in college at Tuskegee, and my parents ran out of money.” She spread her hands apart. “So, here I am. I applied for the Green to Gold Program. Like you, I’m just waiting to hear if I have been accepted.”
“I guess we’re both waiting to see if our career paths will change. What program are you interested in? What school?”
“The nursing program at the University of Maryland.”
“A very good school. I graduated from North Carolina State with a degree in African-American History. I’m sure you will be accepted.”
“I hope so. I only need two years to get a baccalaureate degree in nursing.”
“Looks like I will be addressing you as an officer soon. And who knows, you may have to take care of me one day.”
The smile vanished from Kayla’s face. Though they had just met, she didn’t want to think about him being injured or even worse. “Don’t talk like that. It’s not funny.”
Paul’s voice became serious. “It wasn’t meant to be funny. I’m a realist. I know if I’m accepted into Special Forces, what I’m in for. I don’t have a problem with it.”
Kayla cleared her throat. She didn’t feel comfortable having this conversation with him. “I still don’t want to hear you talk like that.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he replied, already addressing her as an officer.
She smiled. “I’m not an officer, yet.”
“You will be,” Paul said. “I have a feeling you will be a good one.”
“So will you, sir.” Kayla returned the respect to him as a fellow officer.
Kim arrived with a plate consisting of chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, brown gravy, green beans, a dinner roll, and banana pudding for dessert. “Enjoy,” she said and walked away.
Kayla admired the platter loaded with food. “That’s your usual?”
Paul picked up the salt and pepper shakers and sprinkled a little of both onto the food. “Every time I dine here, this is my order. Are you sure you don’t want to order dinner? It’s on me.”
She shook her head no.
“I feel guilty eating in front of you.”
“Don’t be.” She watched him bow his head in prayer, then properly cut a small piece of the meat and stuff it in his mouth.
“You don’t know what you’re missing.”
Kayla looked around for Timothy and Marissa. She didn’t see them. They had been gone for over forty minutes, evidently to allow her and Paul a chance to get acquainted, but there was no need. They were headed in opposite directions. There wasn’t a chance for a relationship. Deep down inside, she wished things were different.
“I wonder what happened to Marissa and Timothy,” Kayla said, as she craned her neck, looking around.
“I’m sure they are fine. What’s the matter? Not enjoying my company?”
“It’s not that. I’m getting tired. I hope Marissa is ready to leave.”
“You’re ready to leave?”
“Yes. The only reason I came here was to give Marissa a ride home.”
“I see, he said, sounding disappointed. Well, I hope I can see you again.” Kayla definitely wanted to see him again. She just wished their timing wasn’t so bad. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Do you?”
“Actually, I think it’s a great idea.” He couldn’t help it; he was intrigued by this beautiful woman and wanted to see her again. He didn’t care how much time they had left together. Whether it was one hour, one day, or one week, he wanted to spend it with her.
“We’re going in different directions. Let’s not make things complicated.”
“How am I making things complicated by wanting to see you again? There is no pressure for a relationship. We go out. We have a good time.” He grinned. “Hopefully, I impress you and we go out again. We see where it goes—if anywhere,” he quickly added.
“Look, Paul, I—”
Paul cut her off. He took a deep breath. “I hear what you’re saying. I do, but it’s a chance I’m willing to take, if you are.” Then he thought about it. What if she’s involved with someone else? “Wait. Are you seeing someone?”
Kayla frowned. “Isn’t it a little late to ask that question?”
“Well?” he prompted, hoping Kayla would give him the answer he wanted to hear.
“That’s none of your business,” she said, being coy. She stood, hoisting the thin purse strap on her right shoulder. “It was nice meeting you, Paul.”
Paul dabbed at his mouth with the napkin and stood. He was doing his best to mask his disappointment, but he wasn’t turned off. If anything, he was more intrigued. “I will ask again.”
“And I will give the same answer.” With that Kayla turned, threading through the crowd. She hated turning Paul down. He would never know how much she wanted to say yes to his invitation. Why couldn’t the circumstances be different?
A moment later, she found Marissa and Timothy at the bar, laughing and talking.
“Thanks for not coming back,” Kayla said, placing her hands on her hips.
“You don’t have to thank us,” Timothy replied. “Paul is a great guy.”
“For someone else,” Kayla responded.
Timothy frowned. “What do you mean?”
“He seemed like a nice guy to me,” Marissa threw in.
“Whatever,” Kayla replied. “Are you ready to go? I’m tired. I want to turn in.”
“Yeah, all right,” Marissa replied, casting her friend a look.
“Are you ladies coming to the cookout tomorrow?” Timothy asked.
“What cookout?” Marissa quipped.
“The one at my house tomorrow afternoon.”
Kayla didn’t know if Timothy was aware of the tension between his wife and Marissa, or he would have thought twice about extending an invitation to Marissa.
“I have plans tomorrow.” Marissa slid off the barstool. “Thanks for inviting me, though.”
“Well, if you change your mind, the invitation is open.” Timothy focused on Kayla. “What about you, Kayla?”
“Yes,” she replied. “I told Liz I would stop by for a few minutes. Probably around two or three.”
“Great. I will see you tomorrow then.” Timothy slid off the barstool. “You ladies drive safely. Let me go and see what damage you did to my man.” With a wave of the hand, he disappeared into the crowd.
****
Chapter Three
Kayla and Marissa walked outside of the club underneath a beautiful full moon, a moon that perhaps explained the kind of day Kayla was having so far. They walked up the street and around the corner in silence. Kayla had parked her car on a side street, the closest she could get to Cadence.
Kayla pulled out her car alarm remote and pressed the button, unlocking the doors. Marissa slid into the passenger seat. Minutes later, they were headed down the interstate, still in silence.
“Still upset about Randall?” Kayla leaned forward, turning on the radio. The rap lyrics of T.I. filled the car.
Marissa’s head bounced along to the music. “Yes. We will work things out, but right now I’m thinking about the cookout.”
Kayla looked over in her direction. “What about the cookout?”
Marissa turned in her seat. “Liz didn’t invite me.” She waved a hand in mid-air. “The girl be trippin’.”
Kayla had to laugh. Marissa’s knowledge of African- American Ebonics was impressive. If it wasn’t for her skin color, she could have been black.
“She can get on your nerves sometimes,” Kayla said. “I wouldn’t take it personally.” Kayla took the exit off the interstate onto the main street.
Marissa leaned back into the seat. Crossing her arms, she stuck out her bottom lip. “I try not to take it personally. The woman just doesn’t like me.”
“Sometimes people just don’t hit it off. It doesn’t mean that they don’t like you. Your personalities are just different. Liz has a strong personality. But she’s a good person.”
“I think she’s prejudice,” Marissa replied in a huff.
Kayla stole a look at Marissa, then focused back on the road. “What makes you say something like that?”
“C’mon, Kayla. You heard her, all the negative remarks about Randall. She’s always talking about black men, white women, and interracial couples. What else can it be?”
“I don’t know,” Kayla replied.
“She’s your best friend. I expect that answer from you.”
“You’re my friend, too. I really don’t know what’s going on. I just want my two friends to get along. I’m tired of being in the middle.”
Marissa was quiet a moment, as if in deep thought. “And I’m tired of trying to get along with her. Whatever issue she has with me, that’s her problem, not mine.” She gestured with her hands. “I’m through with it.”
Kayla threw her a sympathetic look; she knew Marissa really had been trying to get along with Liz.
“I’m sorry that you’re in the middle, Kayla.” Marissa continued her tirade. “I have tried to be nice to her, you know that. I’m not going to kiss her butt to get along with her. I just hope you and I can still be friends.”
“You know we’re friends to the end.” She glanced at Marissa again. “I know you have gone out of your way to get along with Liz for my sake. I appreciate it.”
“Believe me, it was only because of you that I tried to get along with her.” Marissa sighed. “I don’t want to talk about Liz anymore.” She managed a smile. “Tell me what happened between you and Paul after we left? He is gorgeous. And he couldn’t keep his eyes off you. I know you gave up the digits.”