Wrong Vengeance

by The Blakk Dahlia

  Outside of reducing the chance of ever seeing him again, she was pleased to have met him. The goal of being open to a simple conversation was achieved. However, just as she gave up on the quest for Charles, the phone rang.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey Brandy. It’s Charles.”

  “Hi. How are you?” She replied with a small smile.

  “Good. And you?”

  “I’m doing well.”

  “Glad to hear that. Thought something happened to you after I didn’t get a response the other night.”

  She made an awkward face wondering what to say; but knew what NOT to say. Couldn’t expose the fear that led to deleting his number. That would be too much baggage to unpack at that time.

  “Yea uhh. Sorry about that.”

  “It’s cool. Just messing with you.”

  She was relieved he didn’t made a big deal out of it.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Friday night cleaning.”

  “I need to take care of that over here. But.... I’m too tired.” Charles groaned.

  “Rough night?”

  “Maaaaaan. One of my fraternity brothers got married yesterday and they had an open bar sooo...you already know how that turned out.” He laughed.

  “Yep I pretty much know the end of that story. Glad you had fun.”

  “The reception was the best one I’ve ever been to. Plus, he’s one of those guys that you didn’t think would be married but he’s the second one out of our crew to tie the knot.”

  “It’s always the ones you least expect.”

  “So, about this game...”

  “Are you going to be up to it on Sunday? You may need an extra day to recover.” She interrupted.

  “No, I’ll be fine. What time is good for you?”

  “Any time after 2.”

  “2:30?” He suggested clearing his throat.

  “Sure!” She replied anxiously.

  “Good. I’ll text you the address to the gym. Have any plans tonight?”

  “Nope. I have a birthday party tomorrow night, so this evening is all about me.”

  “Uh Oh...seems like I’ll have a good advantage.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Gonna be out late...partying and drinking. While I’ll be at home conditioning and mentally preparing to beat you in basketball.”

  “Ha! No there’s no open bar so I won’t end up like you.”

  “Oh, you got jokes!” He laughed. “Ok Miss Brandy. We’ll see.”

  “We sure will Mr. Charles.”

  Sunday morning Brandy woke up early. The night before wasn’t very exciting as the birthday girl didn’t feel like staying out too late. She wanted to have a good girl’s night out, but her friend stayed on the phone checking in with her husband the entire time. It was very different partying with a married woman who couldn’t wait to rush home.

  The early and mediocre night out made it easy for her to get up and prepare for a friendly game of basketball. She was excited but not too eager about seeing Charles again. Wondering whether he was sincere about not having other women to entertain. But he was a single man, so she couldn’t get too deep into it. Technically, he had the right to meet and date any woman he pleased. There were no promises between them. Other than a Sunday game of basketball.

  The weather decorated an atmosphere for a good day. There was something about that man. Something new and refreshing that deep inside told her that he was different. However, that agony from Jay remained deep within, challenging the good energy.

  The afternoon rolled in, and Brandy did her best to be on time. Pulling up to the gym, she found Charles leaning against a black SUV, texting. He looked up and smiled as she parked next to him.

  “What, no gym bag superstar?” He bantered, holding her car door open.

  “Nope. All I need is water and a sweat towel. Those can fit into my purse.” She said pointing to the designer tote bag.

  “Yup, that’s big enough.” He said giving her a hug from the side.

  “Are you all stretched out?”

  “Yes, because I’m a REAL athlete.” He replied, trying to keep a straight face.

  “I’m going to ignore that comment.” Stuffing her phone into the tote bag.

  “I’m not sure if you have plans for the rest of the day but um, you want to have dinner later?”

  She expected a quick game of basketball nothing more. Dinner sounded nice. Then an apprehensive thought came. What if this was just a ploy to get me to his home? He’s probably going to suggest he cook, which means sex.

  She immediately shook away the bad thoughts and replied before Charles took her silence as a rejection.

  “Sounds good. Where?”

  “I was hoping you could give me an idea of what you like.”

  “Um sir, its best you choose. I’m up for anything just as long as it’s a good RESTAURANT.” Brandy threw emphasis on the word to show that she wasn’t interested in him cooking at home.

  “There’s this new sushi bar downtown. Not too far from that bar where we met.” Charles replied.

  “I’m game. Haven’t had sushi in months.” Brandy replied relieved.

  As they made their way inside the gym and to the basketball court, a group of guys were on their way out.

  “Aye Chuck! What’s going on man?!” A chubby man with a huge beard shouted walking towards them.

  She laughed. “Chuck!?!”

  “Shut up.” Charles said quietly, playfully pinching her side.

  “Hey man. Trying to get my workout in for the day. What’s going on?”

  Brandy toted slowly behind him, as he met his friend midcourt. Not knowing whether she should take a seat during their manly greet session of slapping hands or just stand around awkwardly waiting for them to finish.

  “Nothing. Nothing. Aye man you missed a good game. What happened to you?” His friend asked looking over Charles’ should in Brandy’s direction.

  “I had my son yesterday and this morning. But I’m about to challenge this lovely lady to a game.”

  He turned around motioning for Brandy to come closer.

  “Brandy this is my boy Phil.” Charles said placing his arm around her waist. “We went to college together.”

  “Hey Phil, nice to meet you.” She said, shaking his thick sweaty hand.

  “Nice to meet you too Brandy. And watch out for this dude. He cheats.” Phil laughed.

  “Goodbye Phil.” Charles said shaking his head.

  “Hey I’m just saying.” He said holding his arms out. “I’ll let you two get to it. And remember what I said Brandy.”

  “Ok I will. Bye.” She waved as he walked away. “Sooo you’re Chuck the Cheater.”

  “No! I’m a fair player. He can’t play so don’t listen to him. Let’s go.”

  During the game, Charles didn’t hold back, neither did Brandy. Her father taught her how to play when she was young. Being the best in her region during her high school years resulted in a scholarship for college. Charles, on the other hand, played throughout high school but was never as fortunate enough to receive money for school.

  “Are you tired?” Brandy asked dribbling in front of him.

  “Nope. Are you? Need a break?” Charles replied with his eyes fixed on her trying to calculate the next move.

  She maneuvered her body and did a quick layup before he knew what had happened.

  “I don’t get tired...Chuck.” She boasted.

  Brandy beat him 30 to 26. The intensity of the game brought them closer than the conversation at happy hour. It didn’t bother Charles at all that she was better than him. He just wanted to be in her presence again and thought basketball would be a great way for them to connect.

  “Good game cutie.” He said putting the ball back on the rack.

  “You didn’t let me win, did you?” Brandy asked retrieving her towel.

  “I guess we’ll have to play again to see.”

  “I guess so. What time is dinne
r?”

  Charles couldn’t answer right away. His eyes were fixated on her wiping sweat from her neck. Moving his glare down her body made him fantasize about what could be if he played his cards right. More motivation to continue doing the right things to win her over, lowering the guard that was very present.

  “We’re still doing dinner, right?” She asked finding his eyes on her.

  “Is 7 ok with you?” He replied, clearing the adulterated imagination. “I’m thinking that’ll give you enough time to get home and get ready.”

  “Yea that’s actually a great time for me.” Brandy smiled packing her purse.

  Making small talk as they left the gym, the guard shook a bit, trying to come down just enough to start letting Charles in.

  “So I’ll come pick you up for a proper date Miss Brandy.” He confirmed.

  “Sounds good to me. Chuck.”

  “I need you to find me a new nickname.”

  “I’ll think about that on the way home.”

  “Thank you.” Charles said moving closer. “Good game today. I’ll see you later.”

  “Good game. I’ll uh send you my address for tonight.” She said waving her phone.

  “Cool. Bye Miss Brandy.” He said giving her a tight hug.

  The remaining sweat beads from his body transferred to hers. His cologne was present even after an intense game. She was attracted to the fact that he kept himself well groomed. Nothing like a loitering bachelor.

  On the way home, Brandy smiled at the thought of seeing Charles twice in one day. Making sure she sent him the address, she thought of how pleasant it was to be the passenger for once. Speculating if it was a scheme to make his way into her home then into her bed, she made sure to stay firm about keeping him in the living room area only, if he’d even get that far into the condo.

  Putting on her favorite playlist while getting dressed, thoughts of Jay continued to resurface which resulted in her second guessing Charles’ motives.

  What if this is all an act? Jay used to be nice at first then he turned into a lazy monster. She thought.

  The beaming expression she gained from the basketball game turned into a look of anguish. She thought about cancelling the dinner date. Just as she picked up her phone, the doorman buzzed letting her know he was on his way up. Brandy couldn’t possibly cancel, it was too late, and she’d feel bad for having him get dressed up just to go back home.

  “Just go out and have fun. Don’t expect anything major to come out of this.” She said.

  Brandy played around with her hair to deter from thinking about Jay. Minutes later, she heard a knock at the door. Taking a deep breath while staring at the bathroom mirror, she gathered herself.

  “Hey...wow you look amazing.” Charles said as she answered the door.

  His eyes danced up and down her black fitted dress, which hugged all her curves. Brandy caught the eye dance, feeling great that he appreciated the effort to look good for him.

  “Thanks. You look good yourself, as always. Come in, I need to grab a few things.” She replied sashaying to the side, inviting him in.

  “I hope it’s not that gym bag you had earlier.” Charles joked walking through the door.

  As he walked in, the scent of him followed. Brandy stood still to take a few inhales relishing in the smell of a REAL men. Finally closing the door, she responded to his joke.

  “Nope, it’s a smaller one sir. Make yourself comfortable, I’ll be ready in a minute.”

  “Take your time.” Charles said sitting on her vintage styled sofa. “Nice place!”

  “Thanks! I’m still in the decorating phase but it’s coming along.”

  Brandy went down the hall to pack her small purse. Walking by a full-length mirror, she checked herself out once more, smiled, and then headed to the living room. All of her fears and negative thoughts of what could go wrong with Charles were fading.

  “Ok I’m ready.” Brandy said grabbing her keys.

  “Alright then. Let’s go.” He said getting up, heading to the door.

  During the car ride, Charles did all the talking. Speaking on what he heard about the restaurant and old stories of his college days when he and his frat brothers ran the yard. Brandy only listened to some of it. She was busy admiring him in his long sleeve V-neck shirt and black pants. Wearing a cross around his neck, she felt he was grounded spiritually. Unfortunately, during the admiration, the Jay comparisons came back.

  The restaurant was decorated with beautiful Japanese and American artwork. Charles was a true gentleman. Opening the door for her and treating her as if she was his woman already. He wanted to keep her close to show that he was only there for her. Warding off any potential women ready to show off their goods to entice. The simple things that were to be expected from a date, however Brandy hadn’t received that in years. It was new territory for her as she lost sight of how a woman was supposed to be treated. Jay usually walked in front; not acknowledging her in public like a real boyfriend.

  “Did you enjoy the game today?” Brandy asked before sipping her water.

  “Yes, I did. It’s been a while since I’ve been beaten by a girl.” Charles smiled.

  “I take it that you played the entire time you were in college?”

  “Yea while I was there. But I didn’t finish school. Kinda got mixed up with the wrong crowd and flunked out. Had to pack up and go back home to Tennessee.”

  “Oh yea, I forgot that you’re not a Texas native.” She chimed in with a smile.

  “It was cool growing up there but coming back as a man into my parents’ house was a big adjustment.”

  “I bet it was. What made you move out here?”

  “Wanted to be closer to my son. His mother is from here, but she was in Tennessee briefly for a job. Ended up moving back here when we broke up.”

  “Moved out here for your kid. It’s understandable but I don’t know of many men who would do that.”

  “True. A lot of my boys have kids in a different state. Couldn’t be me. And I was ready to leave. Needed something new.”

  “Did you ever want to go back and finish school?”

  “I thought about it but since I’m doing well on my job it’s not a goal of mine at this point. Were you born and raised in Houston?”

  “Dallas. Then I migrated here five years ago.”

  “You like it better than Dallas?”

  “Yes! Much better. I’m still in the same state as my parents but it’s a change of scenery. I never thought of leaving Texas, but Dallas was getting redundant for me.”

  “I can relate to that. I love it out here. Much better than Tennessee. I get a good taste of the city life but still get that southern comfort you know?”

  Brandy nodded in agreement.

  The server brought over their food and hot sake. While admiring her plate, she felt Charles’ eyes. Too scared to look up and meet him face to face, she played around with the silverware until his eyes went away.

  After dinner, they stuck around to have dessert and a few drinks. Their conversation deepened, and Charles found himself opening up to her about his 8-year-old son, Chase.

  “I just can’t be away from him you know? He’s like a miniature version of me. And it’s important to that strong male figure like I had growing up and steer him away from the mistakes I made. Chase is GOING to finish college. I missed out on a few opportunities without that degree.”

  “That’s admirable Charles.”

  Every time he talked about his son, a light came into his eyes that turned Brandy on. She liked the fact that he did everything he could to make sure Chase had a good life and was actively involved. Leaving school and moving back home left him working with his father at a metal plant until he could get back on his feet to move out. It took him three years and within that time, he met the mother of his son.

  “Sooo about these mistakes. Care to share more?” Brandy inquired.

  “Well I already told you about my fraternity days.”

 
“Yea you did. Being a smooth operator and twirling sticks around campus.”

  “More jokes huh?”

  “Sorry.” She said clearing her throat. “Continue.”

  “I just did what usual stupid men would do at that age. Chasing girls, catching girls, finding more girls.”

  “You know what. You don’t have to get THAT deep.”

  “Oh. My bad.” He said hoping he didn’t turn her off. “You asked. But anyway, my grades slipped, got placed on academic probation and I was too embarrassed and prideful to go back.”

  “Prideful over an academic probation?! I think everyone I knew dealt with that.”

  “Yea. Now it’s not a big deal but I come from a family of scholars. And the entire family attended the same college. People knew of me before I even enrolled. My brother stayed on the dean’s list. He’s a doctor now up in New York. And my sister was the brain. Finished high school at 16, then went on to get every degree she could get her hands on. Now she’s in London teaching.”

  “And you dealt with being compared to them on campus.”

  He nodded sitting back, folding his arms. “But Miss Brandy, I’m not going to spend the rest of our night talking about me. I wanna know more about you.”

  “I’m the oldest, with a younger sister. She’s in school in Miami, living it up! I don’t see her much because she’s the total opposite of me.”

  “How so?”

  “Well, I like to be structured. I have fun but she’s more of a free spirit. Left home at 17. Took a year off backpacking in Mexico, or at least that’s what she called it. Then went to school to study God knows what. My dad fusses about her all the time. My mother on the other hand, treats her like a baby. Excusing everything she does.”

  “I take it you’re the daddy’s girl.” He said with adorable eyes piercing into hers.

  “All the way. We just got along better. I love my mother but we never had a clear understanding of each other. She was a stay at home mom. Now, the kids are gone and she has nothing. I feel like she wasted her life being a wife and a mother. Wish she had something that was just for her.”

  “Maybe being a good wife and mother was for her.”

  Brandy shrugged. “Maybe. But my dad, we did EVERYTHING together. Fishing, fixing cars, sports...”