The Bad Twin by Shelia Goss Page A

better hurry up before we’re late for church.
    ***
     
    After the church service, Violet and Janice were walking back to Janice’s car, when Violet heard someone call out her name. They stopped and turned around.
    “Marcus?” Violet asked.
    “In the flesh.  You’re still looking as lovely as when I first met you.”
    He caught up to where Violet and Janice were standing. Marcus and Violet hugged while Janice stood in the background clearing her throat. “Marcus. This is my best friend Janice.”
    Marcus shook Janice’s hand barely taking his eyes off Violet. He said, “I don’t normally come to this church, but a friend invited me and now I’m so glad I took him up on his offer. What are you ladies about to get into?”
    Violet tried to remain calm, because of the butterflies in her stomach. “We were about to go to Roscoe’s.”
    Janice used her elbow to hint to Violet to invite him, but Marcus invited himself. “Really. Do you ladies mind if me and my friend Terrence meet you there?”
    Janice spoke up before Violet could say anything. “If your friend is as cute as you are, then no we wouldn’t.”
    He laughed. “I guess he’s all right for a man.”
    Violet jumped into the conversation. “We’ll see you there.”
    When they got in the car, Violet turned to Janice and asked, “Janice how could you do that? Now he’s going to think I’m one of those hoochies.”
    Janice started up the car and drove to Roscoe’s. “I doubt it. He knows you’re a good girl. That’s probably what attracted him to you. The suit you’re wearing, didn’t hurt either. My hat goes off to your fashion coordinator.”
    They both laughed. Violet had to agree that with her hair down and curled, she looked glamorous and the sun was setting off her auburn highlights.  She was wearing a violet designer suit accented with small gold buttons and a floral scarf. The violet snakeskin three-inch heels showed off her shapely legs.
    “I’m nervous,” Violet admitted.
    “Just be yourself. After meeting him briefly, he seems down to earth. I’m glad, because some of those ballplayers can be arrogant.”
    “Yes. He seems to be.  We’ll see.”
    They beat Marcus and his friend to the restaurant. Instead of waiting on them to arrive, they got a table for four. . It appeared to be taking Marcus a long time, so when the waiter came to the table, they decided to order.  Marcus and a shorter man, who actually stood six feet two inches, but standing next to Marcus seemed short, showed up. “Sorry we’re late ladies.  Terrence needed to get gas along with the whole east side.”
    “Terrence, this is Violet and her friend Janice,” Marcus stated.
    Terrence nodded and said, “I’ve seen you both in church, but it’s nice to get a name with the face.”
    “Likewise,” Violet responded.
    Janice didn’t say anything. She twirled the straw in her cup.
    The waiter returned to their table and asked, “Do you all need extra time to order?”
    Terrence looked around the table and everyone nodded their head side to side. “I guess that means we’re ready to order,” he responded.
    The waiter took all of their orders.  Marcus said, “Ladies, we thank you both for allowing us to be with the prettiest women in the City of Angels.”
    Violet and Marcus flirted with one another throughout the meal. Terrence looked as if he was interested in Janice, but Janice didn’t seem too moved.  Janice fumbled for her keys in her purse and said, “Violet. I don’t mean to rush you girl, but I have to run by Nana’s house before it gets too late.”
    Violet looked at Marcus and said, “I guess we better get going. It was nice seeing you again.”
    “You’re not getting away that quick. You had me rushing to the phone all weekend waiting on your phone call. Before you go, what’s your number?” Marcus asked
    After Violet gave Marcus her number, they went their separate ways.
    “What did you think of Marcus?” Violet asked when they