Tangled Web

by Yolanda Buick

  Alison and Alan called Drew and cursed him thoroughly. He heard the tremble in Alison’s voice of pure hurt and hatred. His heart had dropped even more. She told him that she wanted to be friends and thought it was working in some odd way, but after the stunt he pulled she never wanted to see or talk to him again.

  Alan had offered his unwanted two cents in as well. “Drew you ain’t shit. Though, I don’t approve of Alison continuing to talk to you, she’s a responsible and mature girl, so, I trust her to do what’s right. If that means remaining to be friends with you.”

  Drew didn’t know telling Janice that he still loved Alison would’ve caused all this. After a few more obscenities shared with Alan, Drew sat and looked out the framed square bedroom window, trying to gather what happened.

  Days went by when he saw Alison in school, she would cry. Drew had to know what was so terrible about what he said.

  “Alison, baby, what’s wrong? What did I do?” He gently took her hands.

  “Let go of me. She snatched away. “How can you touch me after what you said about me?”

  “All I said was I still love you.”

  “Sure, you did. Men always trying to talk their way out of something.”

  “What…is it so wrong to still love you?” He reached for her again.

  She stepped back. “It’s not wrong if you didn’t think the person was a slut, sucked your nasty ass thing, that you only wanted to screw and pass me along to the rest of the Wolf Pack.”

  His eyes widened and then narrowed. “I didn’t say any of that. Where are you getting this from? Did you hear this from some loser?”

  Through tears, Alison laughed. “I guess that is what girls are when they are with you?”

  “Who?” Drew was treading angry every minute of who he thought it was now.

  Tears fell faster. “Janice. The night she called me…” Alison sniffed. “she told me how you hated me for ending our relationship and you were just being a friend to me because I was having issues with Alan, which isn’t true. Then she told me to stay away from you and stop trying to come between the two of you.”

  Janice had played devil’s advocate. She didn’t believe that Drew loved her and was being faithful to her. Her insecurity caused him to lose the friendship of someone special.

  After he apologized to Alison, for Janice’s lies, he searched high and low for Janice. When he found her, she stood against a locker with arms crossed and blew pink bubbles from her gum. As he approached, she took one last chew and said, “That bitch won’t be bothering us anymore.”

  He wanted to slap her filthy mouth. Instead he told her it was over, no explanation, just over. She knew what was up because from that day on she apologized for her behavior and constantly begged Drew to take her back. After a few failed relationships and seeing Janice in a mature woman’s body he decided maybe they could put the past behind them.

  Alison had never forgiven Drew for that day. This chain of events wouldn’t have happened, had he not cheated on her.

  A light knock at Drew’s door woke him from the past. “Come in.”

  “Sorry to bother you.” Mallory spoke softly as she closed the door. “I wanted you to have this.” She dropped a neatly hand-written note on the desk and gracefully walked out.

  He opened it, noticing a beautiful scent floated in the air. He inhaled it for a few seconds and read.

  I’m sorry Drew if I appeared to have been non-chalant about your comment. I didn’t want to give any indication that I’m flirting with my boss. I did notice that you were asking to see me later. We can meet at Champs Sports Bar around six p.m. I would love to get to know you better, unprofessionally. She signed it with a winking emoji.

  Mallory came through! Drew knew she had the hots for him. Mallory was good to look at with pouty, but full lips, wide hips, tiny waist, and medium-sized apple-like breasts. Her skin was flawless and naturally tanned. She was beautiful. She wore a multi-colored silk peasant shirt and black nylon capris. Her sandals mirrored the shirt perfectly. Drew noticed the neatly French manicured fingers and toenails. Picture perfect she was. Her curly mane was twisted and pulled into a ponytail held by a clip. Oh, he was going to have a good time with her, better stock up on the condoms.

  After Drew re-read the perfumed note, he noticed Mallory forgot to include the address and directions. He decided against emailing her, fear of their secret rendezvous being traced. He definitely was not texting her and leave a trace behind. Nothing. He buzzed Mallory to his office again, she glistened in the sunlight. He asked for the information, which she gladly recited.

  Drew was on his way to the meeting place in a majority white neighborhood. Not that it mattered, blacks and whites didn’t live in segregation any longer and most definitely there was more interracial loving than ever.

  “Drew, over here.” Mallory frantically waved.

  “Mallory, hi.” He wanted to appear professional. “What are you drinking?” He led them to a nearby table.

  “My favorite, Smirnoff Ice. Try one?”

  “I heard about that drink; guess I will try it.” They sat at wooden square table that faced a large flat screen tv.

  As he scoped the scene, he saw a few black people, and was relieved a little. A young woman smiled and placed their drinks on the table. He saw Mallory give a he’s mine stare. The server smoothly, touched Drew’s hand as she pushed the bottle closer to him.

  “Hey, are you Tyson Beckford, the model?” Her smile turned to a glow.

  That was the first time he was mistaken for a celebrity.

  Before he could answer, Mallory butted in, “No, he’s not and I appreciate if you would stop flirting with him thank you.”

  “Flirting? Honey, I’m a fan of Tyson and this fine young man resembles him a lot. All I wanted was an autograph if so. No disrespect intended.” She walked away with a huff and let her green eyes stroll Mallory up and down.

  “What was that all about, Mallory?” The first sign of possessiveness.

  “I didn’t tell you this, but you do resemble Tyson Beckford. You are fine. I guess I want you all to myself whenever the opportunity allows.” Slowly her eyes closed and opened.

  Drew found someone he possibly could spend a little time with and not become involved with. Nope, just a booty call on his terms. Yeah, that was a good idea. They talked about everything they could in three hours. After Mallory had her share of drinks, her ocean blue eyes were covered by droopy lids. Her slurred speech hinted that they get a hotel room.

  As he paid the bill and escorted Mallory out, he turned and saw the semi-attractive server again and winked his eye. “I’ll be back,” he mouthed.

  She smiled and winked back.

  “Hey, Mallory, are you able to drive?” Drew helped her balance.

  Standing upright, Mallory spoke. “I can drive and do whatever you want.” She glided her tongue around her pouty peach-colored lips.

  “You, miss, won’t be driving right now. Come on get in.”

  Surrounded by thick trees and limited lighting, Drew parked in one of many available spaces.

  He moved strands of golden locks from Mallory forehead and kissed. “I will get us a room. You stay put little lady.”

  “I’m not going anywhere.”

  Drew put his arm around Mallory’s tiny waist visioning the softness of her naked body against his. “Room 10” they sang in unison. When he opened the door, they looked at each other and slowly stepped in.

  He stood in the bathroom’s doorway and watched Mallory across the bed on her back. When their eyes met, Drew winked and licked his lip. He unbuttoned his shirt as he walked toward his conquest. Deep rhythmic sounds echoed through his phone’s speakers.

  He pulled her from the bed. Golden tresses fell around her tanned face, highlighted by ocean blue eyes. Drew slowly rubbed her shoulders and nestled her head to his. For a moment they both inhaled slow breaths. Drew leaned into her and kissed deeply. She responded with a rhythm that matched.

  Ma
llory pushed him onto the bed and unzipped his pants. He lay back with hot anticipation. She dove her head between Drew’s legs and blew hot breaths through his pants. He slid his pants and underwear off. Mallory smiled. She gave him undeniable pleasure.

  Drew couldn’t contain himself as Mallory surprised him every second. His body lost control. Though a satisfaction would be glorious for him, at this point he wanted to see what else Mallory had in her.

  Safe sex was always one of Drew’s excuses that he could continue to do what he did. While he prepared, Mallory removed her blouse and capris. No panties. Hot diggity dog. He stood behind her, licked his forefinger, and gave her partial pleasure. While she squirmed and grabbed the crisp sheet, Drew pushed wildly into her. He lay on his back and positioned Mallory on top. “Ride’em, cowgirl, ride’em.” His leg’s tightened, back arched all while letting the sensation leave his body, as he gripped her tiny waist tightly.

  After napping, they woke to another round of pleasure, this time for Mallory’s satisfaction.

  “Drew, you made me feel so good.” Her voice light and sensual.

  “Ditto.”

  “Oh, baby, we have to get together again and soon.”

  He wanted to get with her again, but not so soon after. He’d have to keep himself energized for Janice as well. She too was fantastic in bed. “We’ll see, honey, I’ll let you know when the time is right.” He kissed her forehead.

  “Don’t keep me waiting, Drew, I don’t want to hunt you down.” Her mouth slightly crooked and half opened eyes, cautioned him.

  “Drew?”

  “What.”

  “I was only joking. You have to learn when I’m serious, but I can say this, you are a good love machine.”

  He stroked her hair. “I aim to please.”

  “I guess it’s true…once you go black, you don’t go back.” She burst into laughter.

  “Are you saying that this is your first time with a black man, Mallory?”

  “Yeap.”

  “Are you serious? This first night you don’t want to go back?” A chuckle slid from his mouth.

  “Well, I’m not saying I would never. I just haven’t been pleased this way before. You know any man can do the job; it’s finding the right one.”

  “I understand. Hey, we better get going. I don’t want Janice to start calling me.”

  “Hmm, um, do you love her?”

  “Janice?”

  “Yes, your wifey.”

  “Of course. She’s my wifey.” He mocked her.

  “Why are you here with me?”

  Damn, why women can’t leave well enough alone. He didn’t have time to answer Mallory’s hidden, jealousy, and paranoid questions. He should’ve known most women were the same. Get with a man then start the game.

  “Well, Drew?”

  “Mallory, we talked about this at the bar. We both find each other attractive and intelligent. We did agree that we wanted to get in the sheets, right, and tightened each other up when needed.”

  “Yes…”

  “So, if we agreed, Mallory, there’s no reason for you to ask me ‘why am I here with you.’”

  Her eyes rolled upward.

  “This will work baby.” He placed gentle kisses on her breast and thighs.

  Chapter 6

  Alison

  This would be the first time in years that Alison and Alan attended a church service. Time for them to get back into God’s grace. When you have been separated from God, you can feel the pain. They were going to Mt. Zion, the prominent Missionary Baptist Church. The new building built across the street from the landmark church where Dr. King, Jr. preached a sermon. Alison remembered visiting the old church during a visit to ATL years before. She enjoyed sitting in the original pews and listening to a recorded sermon of Dr. King.

  “Alan, are you ready?” She yelled while putting her watch on.

  “I’m ready as ever.” An ear to ear smile. “So, are we going to sit in the back of the church?”

  “Why would we do that?” She poked him in the side, “we will sit in the front.”

  At 10:30 a.m. it was already a scorching day and she hoped it wouldn’t get any hotter. She made her way into the SUV. “Alan put the air conditioning on.” She huffed and patted her forehead with a handkerchief.

  The church parking lot was full. Some of the women were dressed to impress. She couldn’t believe some had on party attire. Is this what people thought of church, a fashion show? The Bible did say, ‘come as you are’, but they took it literally.

  She and Alan walked past a group of people. Some stared, whispered, and pointed. She didn’t mind, but today was not the day to be rushed for autographs or tons of questions.

  One teenage girl, dressed very conservatively, approached the Perry’s in a meek manner. Next to her was a little boy with the same style of dress, but his clothing was a little tattered. As the girl spoke, she never lifted her head. “Excuse me, ma’am. I know you’re Alison Perry the model and that’s your husband. May my little brother and I have your autographs?”

  Alison didn’t see any adults with the children. People started yelling at them to leave the Perrys alone. The pastor had just arrived and quickly approached the children.

  “Quita and Marcus, you know how I feel about you or anyone in this congregation bothering these people.”

  “These people,” Alison mumbled. “Pastor. The children were not bothering us. In fact, I would love for them to have the autographs only if Quita will hold her head up and look me in the eyes.”

  “Is this okay, Mrs. Perry?” Quita asked in humble voice.

  “Yes, it is, Quita, and never hold your head down again. You are a beautiful young lady. Now let me give you that autograph.”

  As she signed her name Alan did the same for Marcus. Alison explained to the pastor that it was all right the children came to them. They didn’t understand like adults do, besides adults got carried away. With that done and watching the children walk into the sanctuary, the Perrys found a seat three pews from the front.

  Dressed in red and gold robes, MZC etched on the lapels, the choir led a song for devotion. Short, bald, and aging, a deacon came with a scripture and prayer. Everything was structured.

  The pastor began his sermon, titled, The Sign of the Time, with his message flowing from the book of Revelations. He talked about various life-changing events including 911, Hurricane Katrina, and the War in Iraq. When he got down into his sermon, the congregation was all amen and halleluiah with the musicians playing right along, hitting a chord on the keyboard every time the pastor said amen. Before long it became a holy-ghost-filled sanctuary.

  As the pastor neared the sermon’s end, some people cried and hugged for comfort. When the invitation was given, Alison looked at her husband and he at her.

  Extended were the deacon’s hands for the Perrys or any person to come and stand before the congregation. She held Alan’s arm tighter as they made the walk of life. After the pastor prayed and welcomed them as new members to his church, Alison hugged her husband and they followed the secretary to the office for more information.

  After service, those members still around greeted and congratulated them. A short woman who looked to be thirty approached the Perrys with a pleasant attitude. She had a little girl who stood as pretty as a china doll, with a tiny rainbow dress and white sandals on. The child’s hair had many soft curls and a rainbow headband held some in place.

  “Hi, praise the Lord for you. My name is Tonya and this is my daughter Asia. Say hi, Asia.”

  An angelic voice whispered as she hid behind her mother. “Hi.” She was adorable.

  “Well, hello, Asia, my name is Alison and this is my husband Alan. You are a pretty little girl, how old are you?”

  Still hiding behind her mom, the pretty princess spoke. “Four.”

  She introduced Alan to Tonya and they talked until reaching the parking lot.

  “Here’s my number.” Tonya handed to Alison. “If you need
anything, church information…” Tonya shook her head side to side, “I know it’s all available on the website, but you know any odd questions or just want to talk.”

  Alison took the number and smiled. “Okay.”

  “Well, okay. You two have a great rest of the day.” Tonya took Asia by hand, stumbled forward, looked back and waved.

  “She seems to be really nice.” Alan said.

  “She does. I guess I’ll have a friend in town now.”

  “I hope so, so you can get out more often other than your traveling.”

  “Alan Perry are you saying you’re tired of me being around?” She playfully jabbed him.

  “One day you should invite Tonya over for dinner so you girls can get to know each other.”

  “For the little time we talked, I know we have some tv shows in common and love to shop.” She laughed.

  “Well, honey, I want to spend some time with you before you leave for your trip to New York tomorrow.

  “Sounds like a winner to me.”

  They drove casually along I270 with the mid-summer sun blinding their way. Alison exhaled when Alan rubbed her thigh through the white crochet dress. His hands, wide and strong, yet soft. She welcomed the feel. She loved him so much, she couldn’t see them apart. She leaned over, laying her head on his shoulder. Both their parents had been married between thirty and forty years and the Perrys wanted to exceed that. Their relationship was strong and loving, but most of all filled with God’s presence.

  When they reached home, Alan told Alison to wait. She watched him slowly and gracefully come around to her side and open the door. When she finally stepped out the car, he leaned her against it and kissed her passionately. Alison felt his touch firmly on every inch of her body. She didn’t know what had gotten into him, but she was glad. He licked her ear lobes and turned Alison around as he continued down her neck. With both hands-on Alison’s hips, he maneuvered her against him and she felt his long hard attention.

  “We didn’t do it in every room of the house like promised. So, I want you right now and right here.” His breath was warm on her ear.