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  “Tiffany! Tiffany!” he pleaded, from where he stood in the open garage as I drove off in my car.

  Normally Sundays were my favorite days because time moved slower, you lay in bed longer. However this Sunday morning, I was waking up alone in a hotel room, suffering from a terrible headache.

  Obviously my idea of a romantic night had been wasted as I looked over at the massage tables, folded in the corner, candles situated throughout the room, and an overturned bottle of champagne sitting in a puddle of water. All remnants of an evening gone horribly wrong because I’d discovered my husband was having an affair. Last night I’d been angry, but this morning I was heartbroken.

  It was almost ten a.m. when I checked my mobile, noticing there had been numerous voicemails and text messages. I’m sure everyone wanted to recap the event. There were three missed calls from Malik and one text message.

  Malik: @ Nanny’s

  I couldn’t believe that was all he had to say. He should’ve been desperate to convince me that he wasn’t having an affair. He should’ve followed me back to the Hyatt. As much as we’d joked about politicians having affairs, I guess I never thought he’d risk it all for a piece of white trash. Needless to say, I was in unfamiliar territory.

  Lying there, I wondered who I could talk to about how to handle my current situation. I tried Kamille, but she was too busy to talk due to an electrical problem at the restaurant. Max was next, but she didn’t answer so I assumed she was enjoying her Sunday morning with Lynn. Against my better judgment, instead of responding to my husband, I sent a text.

  Tiffany: Let’s meet

  GDH3: 12:30 Zodiac @ NM

  Driving out to King of Prussia to meet Haney probably wasn’t the best idea, but my excuse was that maybe he might be able to use his connections to find out if Malik were indeed having an affair. I valet parked outside of Neiman’s and took the elevator up to Zodiac.

  Inside the restaurant, I found Haney seated near the windows, already sipping on a mimosa.

  He stood up to greet me, this time with a hug, which I didn’t resist.

  “My, my, now don’t you look like sunshine dipped in chocolate this morning,” he said, referring to the yellow linen dress I was wearing.

  “Thanks for meeting me,” I responded, pushing my sunglasses on top of my head and taking his offered seat.

  “Must say I was surprised to hear from you.”

  Too quickly I responded with, “Did I interrupt you and what’s her name? Sato?”

  “You could’ve joined us.”

  Ignoring his comment, I said, “I needed to talk to you.”

  The waiter came over. “She’ll take one of these,” he said, lifting his glass.

  “Why’d you send that gift to my room?”

  “Ohhh, the little diamond dolphin. I thought you’d like that, you know, to go with your nautical theme.”

  “And you thought your girlfriend would like it as well, or do you simply like all your women to have something in common?”

  “Ahhhh, so you are still my woman. Good to know.”

  I hadn’t expected to be nervous. Haney looked good in a navy blue linen jacket, pants, and a white collared shirt. This wasn’t a good idea. I was going to need more than one drink.

  “That’s not what I meant. Anyway, how are things with my sister?”

  “Your sister, my daughter, is an amazing woman, full of energy and she definitely knows that restaurant business. Those boys, you know, they call me Pops.”

  I sipped my mimosa. “Nice.”

  “What’s going on, Tiffany? I know you didn’t call me out here to talk about your sister ’cause I’m the last person you want to spend your Sunday with.”

  While trying to figure out the best way to ask my ex-lover if my husband had a mistress, I finished my drink, then held up my glass for a refill. “What do you know about Cyndi Kilrain?”

  “Is she fucking your husband?” he asked, then smiled in an attempt to soften his blunt question.

  “Do you know anything or not?”

  “What would you like to know?”

  “What kind of woman is she? Does she have a husband, boyfriend, is she gay? You know, what’s her background? And you’re right, I want to know if she and my husband are having affair. Can you find that out for me?” I asked more terse than I wanted to.

  “I don’t know her very well, nice body, but trashy isn’t my thing. I like my women refined,” he said, his eyes sweeping over me.

  “Is that what Sato is, refined?”

  “She is that, and so many other things,” he said, while probably recalling some deviant sexual tryst.

  “I’m happy you’ve found someone that satisfies your sexual appetite.”

  His face grew serious, etched with everything he was capable of, then his hand reached across the table, jerking mine to his before saying, “No woman will ever satisfy me – nobody, you are the best at what you give.”

  “Mr. Haney, I didn’t come here for this.”

  “Yes you did, you don’t want to admit it. But hey, for you, my chocolate truffle, I’ll see what I can find out,” he said, relaxing and releasing my hand.

  “Thank you.”

  “So what do you think? Me, you, and Sato?”

  “You’re sickening. Is it always about sex with you?” I asked, a playful smile on my lips.

  “I can’t help myself, it’s what you do to me. But you know what they say?”

  “What’s that, Mr. Haney?”

  “Men never crave what they already have and you, Tiffany Johnson-Skinner, I will always crave you.”

  He drew a deep breath and was momentarily silent, which made my mind wander to places it shouldn’t, until he said, “It seems we’ve gotten off track. Now tell me, how’re things with Turner-Cosby? What does she have in store for you?”

  “Nothing, she’s a patron donor, as you said she would be, and I appreciate you making that happen.”

  “You know she has a thing for beautiful women.”

  “Is this another gay story? If so, I’m not interested.”

  “Turner-Cosby likes to control everyone around her. She gets off on luring people in under the pretense of support, then making them her puppets.”

  “Is that what you are? Her puppet.”

  “You, of all people, know I’m better at being the puppeteer. But seriously, with all the money you’ve raised and her in your pocket, you have more leverage than most people in this city.”

  I thought to myself, is this what Malik was talking about, me having some kind of influence with Turner-Cosby?

  “You could get people to sign on for anything and so the question is what is your next project?”

  “If you’re right, maybe I’ll take advantage of that with my brother’s new project, UNAbandon Philly,” I told him, finally giving into the man that I could no longer resist because I’d finally realized that he had something more to offer me than sex.

  “Tell me about it.”

  Haney and I talked for another hour, with him offering solid advice on how to move forward on working with City Hall to rid the city’s blight. His suggestion was instead of Huli purchasing one property at a time from the Sheriff’s Department, we could bundle it by purchasing blocks of property at a time. He was also able to tell me who to contact at City Hall, and Licenses and Inspections, to bypass the red tape. It seemed even with his having been away for six years, he still had his grip on City Hall.

  Leaving the restaurant, I wasn’t ready to go home yet, and decided that since I was at the mall, I’d take a chance at shopping. For the next three hours, I shopped, buying shoes and a suit from Neiman’s, dresses for me and Nylah from Nordstrom, a clutch from Louis Vuitton, and two suits from Theory. I couldn’t dare leave the mall without a new fragrance, Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford. I even picked up a sweat suit, and fresh Nike’s from Lady Footlocker. And to prove to my sister that I’d actually been shopping in a brick and mortar, I purchased her a Hermes sport scarf.
/>   Loaded down with bags, when I reached the valet, I heard someone from behind me ask, “Can I help you with those?”

  I turned around. “Phinn, what are you doing here?” I asked, shocked to have run into him.

  “I’ve been with you since last night when you left the house.”

  “Why? What? You followed me?” My words were jumbled because if he’d been with me since I left the hotel, then he’d seen me with Haney.

  “It’s my job.”

  “Yes, but you don’t—It wasn’t. . .” I fumbled with my bags, while focusing my eyes on the valet who extended his hand for my ticket.

  “It’s okay.”

  “But you saw me with Mr. Haney.”

  “Ma’am, I only see what you want me to see.”

  “It’s not what you think.”

  “I’m not here to draw any conclusions, just to keep you safe,” he said, giving me a half-smile like we had a secret, which for now we did.

  Chapter 14

  The Ribbon Cutting June

  I’d been checking the weather for two weeks prior to the gala and today’s BBWC ribbon cutting ceremony, and it was projected to be warm and sunny. In addition to a gorgeous day, the media had been filled with rave reviews and photos from the gala on Saturday. But for every positive write-up, there was a mention of Malik and Wesley’s confrontation. No one had been able to get close enough to hear it, but from the photos that had been snapped, it was clear that they’d been tussling.

  Also overshadowing my day was the affair Malik was having with Cyndi. When he came home on Sunday night with Nylah, I ignored him by giving my attention to our daughter, reading her a story, and putting her to bed. Then, I stayed downstairs until I knew he was asleep. I wasn’t ready to discuss his affair simply because I didn’t know how to handle it and I couldn’t afford to come unglued before tomorrow’s ceremony. In the meantime, I’d wait to see what Haney was able to uncover.

  For the ribbon cutting, I’d dressed in one of my new purchases, a mint green Zac Posen skirt suit, with a white orchid on my lapel. For any insecurities I might have been feeling (that I wasn’t trashy enough for my husband, nor an Asian seductress, which seemed to be Haney’s preference) my confidence was restored when Phinn picked me up, complimenting me several times, even glancing back at me in the rearview mirror.

  The ceremony was due to start at eleven a.m., and when we arrived, there were about 100 people crowded into the beautifully landscaped courtyard. Pink and blue balloons were tied around the perimeter with ribbon roped between two stanchions in the front of the building. A podium was set up where the other board members and I would stand for the short ceremony.

  While the friendly center staff was distributing brochures, I stopped to speak to ward leaders, city council members, and parents who’d already benefited from our services. I noticed the board members were all present and there were more media crews and police than I would’ve expected. I’m sure it was partially because my husband was due to arrive at 11:20 before heading to Splash Down, the official opening of the city pools at one p.m.

  My eyes, though, sought out the most important guest of all, Tej, who’d been the catalyst to the start of BBWC. He and his mother were sitting on a bench in the children’s garden.

  “Ana, hello.”

  “Mrs. Skinner, oh my gosh. There’re so many people,” she exclaimed, standing up to give me a hug.

  “You’ll be okay. Hi, Tej,” I said, bending down to kiss the handsome five-year-old who, once born to crack-cocaine, was now a physically and emotionally healthy little boy.

  “Godmom, is this my party?” he asked, jumping off the bench into my arms.

  “Yes Tej, all of this is because of you, so c’mon it’s time to get started,” I told him when I saw Craig and Michael ushering everyone to the front of the building.

  At exactly eleven, Craig gave a brief welcome, introduced the board members, including our new CEO, Dr. Shayn Tolliver. Then it was my turn.

  “Good afternoon, everyone. Wow what a beautiful day to celebrate. I am humbled to stand before you this morning. . . to know that our collective hard work and sometimes relentless pestering of donors over the past six years has resulted in the Blessed Babies Wellness Center. We can now be proud in knowing that newborn children who suffer from Neonatal Drug Syndrome will receive not only the medical attention they require, but also round-the-clock care that will help them survive. It truly is amazing what a hug can do, it can save a life. . .”

  As I spoke, my eyes surveyed the crowd, where I saw Mrs. Cosby, along with my parents and Nylah, who sat high on my father’s shoulders, waving at me.

  “Six years ago, as a new mother myself, I wondered what I could do to possibly help another child survive. My thoughts. . .what happens when they leave here, where do they go? What happens when parents and caregivers get frustrated, how do they get support? Today, because of our supporters, the board, my friends, and donations from across the country, as well as right here at home, this has all been made possible.”

  “I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank our Mayor, Malik Skinner, and my family who pushed me to spearhead this project, and my daughter for being born on that special day.”

  I turned to the board members and said, “To my fabulous board members who never gave up, despite all of the challenges we faced, thank you.

  “Everyone always asks who or what was my inspiration for this center. Well right here beside me is that inspiration, Tej and his mother, Ana Cavuto. “. . .Tej, would you do us the honors please. . .”

  While the audience applauded, Tej and I took the scissors in both our hands and cut the ribbon.

  Once the crowd settled down, we began moving inside for refreshments and a tour. That’s when the media turned its attention to the arriving black SUV. The moment Malik disembarked from the SUV, microphones were pushed in front of him with a litany of questions.

  Malik was being his usual debonair self, putting the focus on me, saying how proud he was of my work and what it meant to Philadelphia, but then I could see him getting frustrated with all the questions about Wesley.

  “Can you tell us more about the argument between you and Mr. Lawson? Are you still friends?”

  “Will Mr. Lawson be reprimanded?”

  “We understand he’s given you a lead in the cop killings?”

  Having exited the other side of the SUV, Cyndi took over. “Today isn’t about Mayor Skinner, it’s about Mrs. Skinner and what she’s accomplished for the children of this city by establishing this Center. I do hope you’ll have a presence this afternoon at the Splash Down when we open the pools at Whitehall Recreation Center in the Frankford section of the city at two p.m. Thank you.”

  By now Malik had made his way to me and we both smiled for the cameras as he hugged and kissed me, until I whispered, “Why would you bring her?”

  “I only caught the end of your speech, but you were great up there. I better watch it and make sure you don’t run for office,” he joked.

  Not wanting to but knowing I had to play the game, I asked, “Didn’t I ever tell you I hate politicians?”

  Others who were standing close by laughed at our antics, including Lou Mendels who was still taking pictures.

  Holding onto my arm, Malik guided me away from the crowd, before saying, “Tiff, I’m really sorry about all that stuff with Cyndi, but I swear to you I’m not sleeping with her.”

  “Not here, Malik.”

  “Do you think I would’ve brought her here, with me today, to your event? I’ll fire her if you want me to, but c’mon Tiff, she’s not even my type.”

  “I don’t believe you,” I told him, trying to gently move around him without others noticing.

  “Tonight, I’ll be home early, we’ll talk about everything, I promise,” he said, and with that he kissed me and headed back across the courtyard.

  After another hour of small talk and promises, I was ready to go and Phinn was, too, because I could see him getting restless. I t
ook a moment to use the ladies room and called Max.

  “Where are you?” I asked, slightly disappointed that she’d been unable to make it.

  “Hey girl, congrats. Are you free yet?”

  “Trying to get outta here now,” I told her while fiddling with my hair in the mirror.

  “Do you think you could come over? I need to talk to you,” she said.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing I need to talk to my friend, okay, can you come?”

  “I’m on my way,” I told her, already headed back to the lobby.

  Within the hour, Phinn and I were crawling through rush hour traffic on East River Drive toward Wyncote. It was also when I received a text from Haney.

  GDH3: Congratulations

  Tiffany: Thanks. Did you find out anything?

  GDH3: Talk to you soon

  “Ugh,” I mumbled, but obviously loud enough for Phinn to hear.

  “You okay, Mrs. Skinner?”

  “Exhausted, but I’m fine,” I told him, while I tried to decipher Haney’s response.

  “Ready for another trip to the spa?”

  “That would certainly be nice right about now.”

  “If that’s what you’d like, I’ll keep straight out the turnpike,” he kidded.

  “Phinn, you’re the best.”

  “Doing my job, Mrs. Skinner.”

  By the time we arrived to Serpentine Lane, I’d nodded off. Phinn had to call my name to wake me.

  Stepping onto Max’s porch, I could smell the aroma of charcoal mingled with the sight of smoke coming from the grill behind the house.

  “It took you long enough! C’mon in,” she said, when she opened the door and then called out to Phinn, “You hungry? Food’s almost done.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said.

  “Okay, I’ll let you know when it’s ready. Medium or well done?”

  “Well, Mrs. Welker. Thanks!”

  “Is he always so damn formal?” she asked, closing the door behind us and hurrying back into the cool air inside the house.

  “I know. He can’t help it.”

  “Yea, but he is easy on the eyes, in a Channing Tatum kinda way.”