Tangled Web

by Yolanda Buick

  Chapter 3

  Alison

  “Alan, it’s early, where are you going? Come get back in bed with me,” she said, rubbing her eyes.

  “I thought I mentioned to you last night I had to meet with the coaches. You know I’ll be starting practice soon and they want me to be familiar with how they do things here in Atlanta.”

  “Ah, baby, it’s our anniversary weekend. Will you be gone all day? I still have some fire left in me.” She pulled the covers back to reveal a caramel naked body.

  “I don’t know, Alison, but I’ll be sure to get back as soon as I can. Make sure that fire doesn’t go out.” He kissed her on the forehead, grabbed the keys to the Escalade, and rushed down the spiral stairs.

  Alison jumped out of bed, slid into her silk white robe, and stood next to the oversized picture window. Overlooking the circular driveway, she watched her husband closely as he backed the enormous truck slowly out of the garage and accelerated in the direction of the security gate. She let her toes sink into the plush white carpet as she sat on the pale blue European foot stool.

  Their home 14,156 square feet, stone abode, had nine bathrooms, five bedrooms, a two-story foyer with floating spiral staircase, a two-story great room, family room, and home office. Each room had its unique kind of décor.

  The family room was equipped with two arcade-styled games, a sixty-four-inch, high-definition flat-screen tv with a surround sound bar and each corner of the room surround speakers were mounted. A soft creamed-colored carpet accented the brown leather sofa and oversized dual leather chairs that sat centered in the room. Diagonally from the tv sat a pool table and a rack on the wall held six cue sticks. An old-fashion popcorn maker completed the room.

  Alison was startled when the phone rang. “Hello.”

  “Hey, baby girl, how are you?”

  She cleared her throat. “Tim, is that you?”

  “Yes, it’s me.”

  What a surprise, Alison hadn’t heard from him in four years. They met when she was in New York for a photo shoot. “How did you get my number?”

  “Your mom. I called to find you. I miss you, Alison.”

  “I miss you too. I just can’t believe I’m talking to you.”

  “How’s the married life?”

  “Wonderful. Alan wants a baby.”

  “Oh.”

  “So where are you, Tim? Still living in New York?”

  “Yes. You know I can’t leave this town, too much excitement. So, where’s that husband of yours?”

  “At a meeting. He’s getting ready for practice with the Falcons.”

  “Since he’s gone let me keep you company?”

  “Boy, stop it, how are you going to get here so fast?” She really did miss him. They had each other’s back though Alan didn’t accept him at first. He thought Tim was like every other man trying to get in Alison’s panties.

  “Tim, what are you doing now? Are you still an executive for Promo USA?”

  “Yeah, sweetie. I like the money, it’s darn good and the benefits are the best.”

  Alison heard somberness in his sultry voice. “What’s wrong, Tim?”

  “Felicia and I broke off the engagement. I’m missing her that’s all.”

  “What…Felicia, the Jamaican girl?”

  “Um huh.”

  Alison had made her way into the living room where a white sofa and love seat were. Pictures sat in crystal frames that glimmered with the sun rays. Vases and French miniatures decorated a white and pink marble sofa table. Her toes dug into the deep plush pale pink carpet. “What happened.” She sat on the sofa crossing her legs.

  “She had an affair and she was into that voodoo stuff. You know I don’t get down like that. Every time she got mad at me…she threatened to use it. Shit, at times I was afraid to open my mouth and say anything to her. It got to the point if I didn’t fuck her right, she’ll voodoo me up.” He laughed and continued, “But for some reason I miss the crazy girl.”

  “Humph, you miss her and don’t know why?” Alison laughed. “Tim you had what…five or six years with her?”

  “Something like that.”

  “Naturally, feelings evolved and it wasn’t all bad with her, right? Besides, when you’re talking marriage with someone it’s serious. So, it can be very painful to end it.”

  “I guess you’re right, Alison. It should’ve been you in my life. When are you going to divorce Alan and give me a chance?” He laughed, but Alison knew he was serious.

  “What did I tell you about that? Don’t you let Alan hear you talking like that. You know he always figured you just wanted to get me in bed. Also, I’m not divorcing my husband, we took vows and I plan to adhere to them.”

  “Okay, I won’t say it anymore. I don’t want to offend you or lose your friendship. The truth is, I love you. You know that. I don’t want this to be our last conversation until the next four years or so.”

  “Tim, I love you too. I promise I’ll keep in touch. Can I reach you at this number?” Alison wiped a tear away, glad to hear from a true friend. She hadn’t made any friends in Atlanta yet. As she wrote down the number to later program, Alison heard a male voice in Tim’s background.

  “Who is that, Tim?”

  “No one, Alison, but I have to go and I’ll be in touch, okay, sweetie?”

  “You take care and I’ll make sure to tell Alan you called.”

  ***

  Already 9:30 a.m. Alison hadn’t eaten and didn’t know what she was going to do until Alan came home. She could go shopping at one of Atlanta’s popular shopping arena, the Underground, but it was just too hot out to be bothered. Atlanta’s weather was beyond hot. When the meteorologist said it was going to be eighty degrees, he really meant ninety. After she dumped the chemicals of a perm, flat ironing was time consuming for her thick long locks, but better, she wasn’t going to sweat out a perfectly straight hair style to dip in and out of stores.

  After showering, she slipped on a pair of purple silk pajamas and slippers. She decided to make a relaxing day of it. The sun beamed through the kitchen skylight, and shone against the marble counter, the counter that was used as a temporary love nest. She stood with arms wrapped around herself, looked at the shining pots that Alan bumped his head into. Taking one, she filled a medium amount of water into it.

  The stainless-steel tri-door refrigerator had all the junk and healthy food she and Alan could eat. She took one egg and milk from the right side of the fridge. Boiled eggs were becoming a thing for her. Alison also discovered toasted multi-grain bread tasted delicious with honey sweet butter. She gulped down a tall ice-cold glass of milk that refreshed her throat.

  After breakfast, she retired to the family room and popped a Blu-ray disc in. She opted for a Denzel Washington movie. Any movie with him was good enough for her. Not only was he a great actor, but handsome. He was her fantasy husband. Alan hated when she referred to him as that.

  Alison hadn’t noticed the changing weather, but the sky had become dark with swirling gray clouds and gusty winds. A loud thunderous boom followed by heavy rain startled her. The fierce high-gusting winds blew rain into the windows with strong force. Hail the size of golf balls pounded the pavement. Was a tornado near? Just as she flicked the light out in the room, Alan walked in looking like a submerged chocolate bar.

  “Hey, baby. You want something to eat?” she said, handing him a nearby towel.

  He wrapped his arms around her waist. “No. I had lunch.” He wiped his face and arms, “I missed you, baby.” He kissed her lips.

  “I missed you too. So, what do you want to do? Doesn’t look like we have a choice on outdoor activity.”

  “I want to relax with you. Holding you close to me is fine. Can we go cuddle in bed and watch tv?” Alan continued holding her.

  She laughed. “I just watched a movie, but we probably can catch something on satellite.”

  “Anything is fine as long as I’m with you.”

  Alison took his hand and led him
slowly behind her up the spiral staircase. He slapped her on the behind.

  “What is your problem?” She said and ran the rest of the way.

  By the time she made it to the bedroom door Alan had caught up with her. Grabbing her gently, he tossed her onto the king-sized bed. He removed his wet clothing. Alison down to the bare none sat back. How would she please her husband?

  Alan moved slowly toward the bed. Alison aggressively pushed him down so she could take position. Her tongue played tricks around his ears and trailed to his neck. She squeezed his muscular arms and gently bit his nipples. She found his erogenous zone and licked and sucked until her mouth was full of him. With her free hand, she stroked him fast. When he was ready, she took her place on top. Anything to satisfy her husband. Her love.

  ***

  “Alan, guess who called?”

  He shrugged. “Don’t know.” He nudged her cheek with his nose.

  “Tim.”

  Alan’s brow crinkled then he spoke. “Timothy Jackson?”

  “Yes. It was good to hear from him. He and Felicia broke up.”

  He laughed. “I guess he called to let you know in case you’re a free woman. You know, if you had married him, you wouldn’t had to change your last name.”

  “I told you, Tim and I are just good friends, stop joking. He told me about Felicia because that’s what friends do, share the good and bad.”

  “I know, Alison. I like Tim, believe it or not.”

  This surprised her. Alan never expressed his likes or dislikes too much. How would he feel about her next statement?

  “Honey, we should visit Tim, both of us. It would be great to get away before your season starts.”

  “Alison? Do you want to go visit Tim?”

  “I do, but if it’s going to be a problem then no.”

  “It’s not a problem. Why would you think that?” He held her tighter.

  “I figured you wouldn’t feel comfortable with your wife crossing states to visit a friend, a male friend that is.”

  “I trust you and I like Tim. He has been there for you, the both of us matter of fact. When that photographer tried to rape you and I wasn’t around to protect my baby, Tim stood up to the plate.”

  Alison tried to wipe that horrible time out of her mind. She was in New York on a photo shoot and a manly, oversized, grotesque woman came on to her. She was the best freelance photographer that Ford had at the time, but it was Alison’s first time working with her. Alone in the studio, she asked Alison to open her shirt a little so she could get the natural her. As the man-woman with small prickly facial hair positioned Alison on the layout, her hands continuously roamed and touched the exposed breast. Alison couldn’t help it, but in a way, it was turning her on. The want-to-be man whispered to her to relax and take a deep breath. Alison felt fingers gently squeeze her nipple. She squirmed and pushed the rough hands away.

  The photographer stepped back and looked at Alison with curiosity. “What’s wrong, don’t you like it?”

  “No.” She gestured with her head while quickly buttoning the cotton shirt.

  “Yes, you do. Don’t be afraid. I can make you feel good, trust me.”

  “Please, Diane, I don’t do this sort of stuff.”

  “Oh, baby,” she said, reaching out to Alison in a comforting manner. “I don’t want to hurt you or make you uncomfortable, I’m sorry.”

  For a moment Alison believed her. She was sympathetic. She hugged her and continued to whisper she was sorry. Then Diane started licking her earlobes and caressing her thigh.

  Diane pushed Alison on the white pillows and lay her hefty body on top of her. Alison’s screams were muffled by Diane’s bear-sized hand. The man trapped in a woman’s body had eyes fierce as a raging bull. With muffled screams Alison wiggled beneath her assailant trying to escape the foul breath and rough hands that continued to massage her between her legs. Tears flowed.

  As Diane tried to accomplish her task, Tim walked in. Total amazement then anger, he grabbed the nearest chair and rammed it against Diane’s head. The bitch slumped over with a loud thud to the floor. As she rubbed her head, she told Tim, Alison wanted it and led her on.

  “No, I didn’t, Tim.” Alison’s eyes filled with more tears.

  “That little sleazy whore led me on.” Diane continued to rub the now swelling bump.

  Weighed down by disgust and shame, she buried her head into her hands and let the tears fall. She pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms around then rocked. Tim was cursing Diane with all the devil words. His eyes narrowed with a stint of red colored them. His hands now took the form of a ball. His breathing was rapid.

  Diane quickly gathered her equipment and left.

  Tim knelt beside Alison and allowed her to fall into his strong arms. “It’s all right, Alison. We’ll report this. It’s a good thing I was early for our lunch date.”

  She sniffled and wiped tears that smeared her mascara. “Yes, it sure was good that you got here when you did. You know I didn’t lead her on, don’t you?”

  “Of course, I know you didn’t.”

  “I heard rumors about her from the other girls, but I didn’t think she was that stupid to try something right here on the premises. I guess none of them pressed charges because she’s still here, but this ends today.”

  ***

  A tear rolled down her cheek. “Alan, you know what I was thinking about don’t you.”

  “I can imagine since we were talking about Tim. You must have thought about the last time you were in New York and that incident happened.”

  “Yes, I was. I couldn’t imagine what would’ve happened with Diane.”

  “I was angry that I wasn’t there for you, but it turned out good with Tim being there. I appreciate that so much.”

  “So, you really don’t mind me going to visit Tim?”

  “Baby, I love and trust you. If we don’t have trust what do we have?”

  “Alan, I love you.”

  Chapter 4

  Tim

  Monday morning, Tim stepped out the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist when the phone rang.

  “Good morning, Tim. Were you sleeping?”

  “Alison? What’s up, baby? Is everything all right? Did Alan get angry because I called?”

  “No. Nothing like that. Actually, I’m calling to let you know I’ll be there soon.”

  “Are you kidding me? Are you coming up here for real?

  “I am. Alan says he doesn’t mind.”

  Tim was fully alert now. “When?”

  “A week or so from now. Will you have time for me then?”

  “Always, baby, always.” Tim sang into the phone.

  “I’m going to stay at the closet hotel near you. I was thinking—”

  “Alison, you’re staying with me. I have more than enough room. It’ll give us more of an opportunity to catch up.” With the pause he could tell she was uncomfortable with the idea. “If you want to that is.”

  “I guess. You know what, yes, I will. Two old friends getting together to share laughs and the good times.”

  “Thanks, sweetie. I have to get ready for work. Call me later when you’re boarding the plane.”

  “Tim, I can’t wait to see you. All those muscles…let me touch them, oh, I have to stop talking like this…. I’m just so happy that we’ll see each other soon.”

  “Okay. See you soon.” He listened to the quiet, wondering what it would be like to hear a woman’s laughter in the brownstone apartment again. He needed Alison more than she knew.

  ***

  The traffic in New York was frenzied. People hurried like busy bees. Shoulder to shoulder they filled the sidewalks. Some looked down at their phones or iPods. Rudeness filled the summer air. Tim raised an arm, waved, but failed to hail a taxi right away. Several passed him by. Finally, one with a shabby old guy slowed to the curb. The guy’s hair was cotton-ball white with huge curls everywhere. He wore thick-rimmed glasses, and a wooden pipe hung from his mout
h. Was Santa Claus here in the middle of summer? Tim laughed.

  “Buddy, where to?” the deep, but gentle voice said.

  “Thirty-Fourth Street, the Prudential building.”

  Tim sat back and gazed at the mass of people who filled the streets. He couldn’t tell if the person was a man or woman who stood near a coffee shop with a tin cup in one hand and a sign in the other that read: give anything a penny a nickel whatever you could spare. I haven’t eaten in days. His heart poured out to the helpless individual. He couldn’t look very long for his own success made him guilt ridden.

  As the yellow and black taxi swerved from lane to lane, Tim was thrown from each side of the smoked-filled box. The Christmas character looked in the rearview mirror and laughed. Up ahead was the tall mirrored building, Tim’s place of financial security for eight years, the Prudential building, the most diverse place of people and many wonderful growth opportunities. He worked his way up from a mailroom clerk to Information Technologist. Actually, his buddy helped him along the way.

  Drew was one of those boys from the South, but had a lot of city in him. He came to New York after a stint at Florida’s A & M, hoping to land a job.

  Tim and Drew met during an orientation session at Promo USA. Both worked sorting and delivering inter-office mail, copying files, filing, and shipment of products. With his good looks, charm, and a dose of persistence, Drew landed in the company’s training and development program and with his bachelor degree in hand, he applied for and got the IT position. That’s when Tim took a firm stand in his future and did the same.

  He smiled, remembering how they became friends. Utilizing a full-size gym in the massive business building, Monday was hoop night, Drew’s favorite past time. They would take a time out, pace the court for a while, and talk about the days event.

  “Hey, man!” Tim yelled.

  Drew dribbled the ball down court. “What’s up?”

  “Don’t be a show off, just shoot the damn ball.” Tim prepared himself for a little dance.