Pride and Consequence

Zakira shook her head as she listened to Edwina lament over her latest poor choice. Not wanting to treat her stepsister’s problems lightly, Zakira still found it all somewhat amusing. When most people saw Edwina Harris, they figured she had her life in perfect order.

Besides having her own medical practice, Edwina was a leggy twenty-eight-year-old with a model’s looks. She wore her hair in a boyish cut that flattered her lovely, dark face. The full lips and almond-shaped hazel eyes gave her a captivating exotic appearance. Men were drawn to her like helpless puppets. Unfortunately, these “puppets” usually turned out to be toads. Toads, who took Eddie through one trial or another.

“I mean, I just can’t believe I fell for his crap.”

Zakira lifted another forkful of the delicious chicken potpie to her lips and savored the taste. “I’m going to make my usual suggestion, but I don’t expect you to take advantage of it.”

Eddie sat up straighter on the bar stool in front of the kitchen island and waited.

“Give all this dating a rest for a while. Stop looking so hard, and maybe the right man will find you.”

Edwina rolled her eyes toward the ceiling in response.

Zakira took a sip of her tea. “Why don’t you put more time into your work? That couldn’t hurt.”

“That’s the last thing I need to do.”

“Eddie, what the hell is wrong with you?” Zakira finally snapped.

“Z, you keep forgetting I’m a sex therapist. Now, if I’m gonna take a break from dating, sex is the last thing I want on my mind.”

Zakira tried to keep her smile from breaking through, but she failed. In seconds, both she and Edwina were laughing uncontrollably.

“Well, what about this?” Zakira said with a sigh, once the high-pitched giggles lost some of their zeal. “Come to our charity dinner at the end of the month.”

Edwina’s lovely face looked blank. “What does a charity dinner have to do with my dating situation?”

“Nothing, and that’s why I think you should come. Not to meet anyone. Just get out and enjoy some good food and stimulating conversation for a good cause. Not to mention the, um, hundred-dollar-a-plate dinner.”

Edwina choked on her tea. “I knew there was a catch. You ain’t right, Z.”

Zakira tried to hide her smile. One look at Edwina’s face made her burst into laughter again. Of course, Eddie couldn’t help but follow suit.

“Now, you drive safe and remember what I said,” Zakira told Eddie a few hours later as they shared a tight hug.

Edwina relished her sister’s embrace a moment longer before pulling away. “I’ll try. And don’t forget to send me my invitation!” she called, already sprinting down the porch steps.

Zakira shook her head and watched Eddie race toward her car.

The phone rang the moment Zakira twisted the front door lock. She rushed into the living room to answer before the machine clicked on.

“Zakira Badu.”

“Yes, ma’am, may I speak with Malik Badu?”

“He’s not here right now. May I take a message?”

“Mrs. Badu, this is Doctor Sedrick McNeil. I will just try reaching Malik. I’ll try his office.”

A faint frown formed on Zakira’s face. “Oh, uh, all right,” she managed.

The connection broke soon after, but she still clutched the receiver. Malik didn’t tell me he had a new doctor.

“Oh, Malik, wait!”

“What is it, Chanel?” Malik said, grimacing as he pulled off the heavy jacket.

Chanel hurried down the hall. “A Doctor McNeil called. He wants you to get in touch with him.” She handed her boss a pink message slip.

For a moment, Malik was sure his heart had stopped beating. He noticed Chanel watching him strangely and ordered himself to get hold of his emotions.

“Thanks. I’ll make the call from my office.”

Chanel only nodded, her hazel eyes tinged with worry.

Malik tossed his jacket to the sofa and headed to his desk. Not wanting to prolong the inevitable, he picked up the phone and entered the necessary digits.

“Doctor McNeil’s office,” a perky voice greeted after the first ring.

Malik hesitated for a moment, and then cleared his throat. “This is Malik Badu I’m returning Doctor McNeil’s call.”

“Oh, Mr. Badu,” the secretary sighed. “Doctor McNeil asked if you wouldn’t mind coming in.”

Malik’s long lashes fell over his eyes. He almost demanded to be told at that moment, but managed to keep a lid on his temper.

“I’ll be there within the hour.”

In an effort to forget Dr. McNeil’s mysterious call, Zakira decided to make another sinful dish. This time, she selected a recipe for fudge-ripple-swirled cookies. She always added her own special touches to any dish that wasn’t her invention. It was the mark of a true cook, her mother always said. Unfortunately, Zakira was so preoccupied by the call that her usual creativity was somewhat hampered. And it was amazing that the cookies were ever ready for the oven. Zakira could not stop herself from looking out the window each time she heard a car pass. Several times, she found herself staring at the phone and wishing Malik would call.

Of course, the doctor’s call could have easily been something routine. If only it weren’t for the other inconsistencies in Malik’s behavior. Zakira knew she wouldn’t feel at ease until she spoke with her husband.

The delicious cookies didn’t take long to bake. When they were done, she rushed upstairs to change her clothes. The waiting and wondering had finally gotten the better of her. In half an hour, she was leaving for the restaurant.

“Zakira! Honey, I was just asking Malik if you were coming in this week.”

A suspicious smirk touched Zakira’s lips as she watched the older man at her side. “Why? More suggestions concerning the menu?”

Head chef Carlos Hamils gave the boss’s beautiful wife a knowing stare. “I’m done making any more changes. I know the organizers of the event have it hard enough without having my dedication to perfection getting in the way.”

Zakira pressed her hand to Carlos’s shoulder. “We really appreciate it,” she whispered.

Carlos round, dark gaze was already focusing on the basket Zakira carried. “So what have you got there?”

“Damn, you don’t miss a thing,” she remarked, having forgotten her reason for stopping by the kitchen.

“Nothin’ gets by this,” Carlos told her, pointing towards his long, angular nose. “So tell me what you’ve been mixing up in the kitchen. And don’t tell me you’re about to stop sharing ideas.”

Zakira threw her head back and laughed. “Please! I’m the one who should be asking you to share ideas.”