Tangled Web

by Yolanda Buick

  Alison eyes bucked. “Here in the garage?”

  “Yes, baby, right here, right now.” His kisses were wet on her neck.

  She guessed it would be safe to have a round or two.

  While she was turned away from him, he lifted her white dress and slid the black thongs down. He unzipped his white trousers and let them fall to his feet. He unbuttoned his shirt and rolled up his cuffs. With her dress waist length, he slowly glided himself into Alison. Alan smacked her lightly on the butt and continued his rhythm. Using the car for support, Alison stretched over the hood. Soon they were in seventh heaven. Alison lay against the car and breathed rapidly while Alan squeezed her arms. She gasped for air lying under the many pounds of muscles. Alan realized he almost suffocated her. He quickly got up.

  Damn, Alison, this just gets better and better. I love you, sweetheart.”

  I love you too.”

  “Alison.” He led her through the kitchen. “I want to hold you baby, just hold you.”

  Although she was ready to have a quiet day with her husband, she needed to call Tim and confirm the arrangements for tomorrow.

  “Alan, you go ahead and get comfortable, I need to call Tim about my flight information.”

  With a somber look then smile he trotted up the stairs.

  It rang several times when the voicemail came on. With short beeps behind the greeting, she was finally able to leave a message:

  Tim, hi, this is Alison. Where are you, dude? Anyway, I wanted to give you the confirmation for tomorrow. My plane United 702 arrives at JFK 12:30 pm. I hope you have something exciting planned for my stay. I can’t wait to see you. Talk to you later, love you.

  Turning around she was astounded to see Alan standing nearby. Why hadn’t he made his presence known? He wasn’t eaves dropping, or was he?

  Her voice trembled. “Were you listening to my conversation?”

  “No, Alison. I just come back when I heard you say you love him.” His arms folded across his chest.

  “Oh, that, baby it didn’t mean the same as I tell you. I only meant it as a friendly love, nothing more.” Her hand smoothly caressed his strong face.

  “It feels awkward hearing my wife say that to another man, especially after we just made love.”

  Here they went again. She ran fingers over her straight her. He was trying to find an excuse why she shouldn’t go on this trip. Would she be wrong to go? She hadn’t seen Tim in years and it would be so great to spend time with him.

  “Do you want me to go or not.” Her eyes rolled.

  “What’s with the eye rolling—”

  “I told you it didn’t mean anything and you standing there with your arms all crossed with that puppy dog look on your face.”

  Alan stood erect, but shoulders slumped, “If I didn’t want you to go, I would say it. I fucking told you how it made me feel.”

  “Oh, so now you’re cursing at me.”

  “Alison.” Alan moved sluggishly towards her. “I don’t know what just happened here. Baby, I’m sorry for cursing at you, but seriously…” his hands reached to her.

  Alison stepped back. She looked in the fridge. “Do you want something to eat.”

  “Are you ignoring me Alison.”

  “No. there’s nothing to talk about. I told you it was nothing and leave it at that.”

  “I know what you said, but you snapped on me, in my opinion for no reason.”

  “Nope. I didn’t, but if you feel that way, sorry.” She moved containers back and forth. “Alan.” She grabbed his arm. “I meant it. I’m sorry.” She kissed his lips.

  ***

  No words were spoken when Alison entered the bedroom. Alan lay on the bed with headphones and listened to music. In the master bathroom, Alison prepared for a quick sensual shower. With a new loofa she massaged apple-scented shower gel onto her skin. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the warm water that trickled down her body. She lifted her arms, letting the water hit all of her. She turned and held her head downward. The water ran smoothly over her neck and back. When done, Alison grabbed the white plush towel and pat dried her soaking body.

  The apple lotion went on smooth and silky as she rubbed it over her arms and legs. The ceramic floor was cold. Alison tip-toed to the door. Still wrapped in the towel, she stood next to the bed watching Alan’s head moved to beats. Her fingers traced his leg. He glanced at her then closed his eyes back. Her hand palmed the bulge and she firmly closed her hand.

  “What the…” Alan sat up quickly.

  “Baby, I’m sorry about earlier.”

  “Everything is all good Alison.”

  She let the towel fall. The coolness gave her nipples instant erection. She straddled him. She felt Alan’s hands on her waist. She twirled on him. She leaned forward and kissed her husband.

  “Alison. I love you baby.”

  “I love you too.”

  Their bodies intertwined through the night.

  The morning was beautiful and Alison felt good as she woke in her husband’s arms, energized from their break-of-dawn sexcapade.

  Dressed and in route to the airport, Tim returned the call and confirmed her arrival information. As she kissed her husband, Alison felt uneasy. She guessed the haunting thoughts of the 911 tragedy had returned. No matter how many times she flew since then, the thought was always in the back of her mind.

  Alan spoke. “Hey beautiful.” He held her hand. “What are you thinking about?”

  “Us. I was thinking about us. I don’t want to lose you. You know things can happen and we can be taken from each other suddenly.”

  Alan turned the vehicle into airport parking garage. Up level one, passing rows of parked cars, he went up another level.

  “I’m not going anywhere, Alison. I’m here to stay, you can count on that, baby.”

  With tears she trembled. “Of course, you’re going to say that,” she sniffed, “but God has his own plans. I want us to grow old together and –”

  “And what, Alison?” Mouth partially opened and eyebrows down. Alan parked.

  “I want us to die together.” After that she cried as if she just received news.

  “Oh, sweetie, listen to me.” He hugged her. “A family that prays together stays together and I believe that covers everything.”

  Alan walked Alison as far as he was allowed by the airport rules. “Now get on that plane and try to have some fun, baby. Everything is going to be fine.”

  “Promise?” She wiped her eyes.

  “I promise.” He kissed her deeply.

  Chapter 7

  Tim

  Tim had a glorious week planned for them. None of it included Drew. He didn’t want Alison to get wrapped up with Drew. He shouldn’t even be with Mallory, especially since she worked for them. If Alison and Drew happened to meet, she wouldn’t be interested in him, not only because she was married, but a dog wasn’t her type. Drew was his best friend, but wrong is wrong.

  The passengers were coming off the plane like a swarm of bees. Tim saw a beautiful woman, skin looked as if was kissed by the sun. Adorned in a multi-colored fitted mini skirt it accented the woman’s long legs. The pale blue peasant blouse matched her sandals that had a line of silver in them. The polish on her toenails mirrored the skirt and a glistening toe ring gave an elegant finish.

  When he followed the legs upward, past the firm full chest, the pouty lips smiling at him, he looked into dazzling brown eyes.

  “Alison.”

  Her hair hung down just below her shoulders, styled in a deep wavy patter. They stood for a moment looking at each other then embraced. He kissed her lightly on the cheek.

  “Tim. You look good.”

  “It’s good to see you also.” He took her carry-on bag.

  The two walked arms around waist resembling a happy couple. Standing at the baggage carousel Tim glimpsed at Alison sending a text.

  “What you doing?”

  “Oh, just letting Alan know I’ve landed. I’ll call him later.” She
brushed back a few strands of hair.

  He turned her towards him, “We’re going to this quaint place for dinner. There is entertainment as well, karaoke. You sing?”

  Now Alison’s hands were on her hips. “I can do a little something.” She shook her head. “Sounds like fun, can’t wait to get there. What are we going to do in the meantime?”

  “Well, when we get back to my apartment, I’ll get you settled. Is there somewhere you want to go?”

  “Let’s sit back and catch up on old times. Then head out to dinner.”

  “Sounds good to me Alison.”

  At Tim’s apartment, while he took her luggage out of the trunk, he noticed her on the cell phone. She smiled and gestured Tim to come, then handed him the phone. He listened to instructions Alan rambled to make sure his lovely wife was taken care of during her visit. Tim handed Alison the phone for her goodbyes. With a smack in the phone and her sweet I love you, she pressed the red X button and grabbed her carry-on bag.

  “This apartment is big and beautiful. It’s better than the one I saw when I first met you. I like your décor here. You really have taste for a man. Or did…”

  She stopped in mid-sentence.

  “I’m sorry Tim, I don’t mean to continue mentioning her name. You guys really had a bad break up, huh?”

  “Yes. I guess I’ll tell you what happened over lunch. You want something to eat?”

  “You know, I will have a small salad, no dressing, and a small unsweetened tea.”

  “Make yourself comfortable. Your room is the second on the right, across from the bathroom. I’ll place the order.”

  “Thanks.” She took her phone and proceeded down the hall.

  Just as he was about to order the food, the phone rang. He picked up the receiver with annoyance in his voice.

  “Yeah, who it is?”

  “Is that how you answer the phone, man?”

  “When I know it’s you.” Tim shuffled menus.

  Drew knew Tim was picking up a friend from the airport and wanted to get the low down if there was any to give. Tim actually was interested in knowing what happened the other night with Mallory.

  “How you been, Tim? How’s your friend you picked up today. Are you getting the booty or what?” Sounds of howling a dog escaped him.

  “It’s not like that man. I told you she’s married, happily that is. So, did you get with Mallory?”

  “You mean freaky Mallory. That’s between us, bro. She did some things I was even shocked at. Shoot the saying that once you go black you never go back.” He laughed. I went white and may never go black again besides Janice.”

  Tears formed from Tim laughing so hard. “Did she do you and was it good?”

  “What? Tim the innocent wants to know if she went down on me. Yes, and I lost my damn mind.”

  “I’m not innocent, Drew. I respect the woman I’m with. That playing around shit ain’t nice. Then you know about the other STD’s. Do I have to remind you of Felicia?”

  “I get the point, but man Mallory is good. She wants to see me again.”

  “Do you want to see her? Outside of work that is.”

  “Sort of, but on my terms. I didn’t want her to become this possessive, hunt-me-down type of woman. I told her she has to be patient and I will call her.”

  “What did she say?”

  “Check this out, man, she hesitated and looked at me all weird and shit, but she said okay.”

  “Just be careful, man. Look I have to go; I’ll call you later, out.”

  “Out.”

  Tim ordered a pizza, small Greek salad, and tea. When Alison finally emerge from the bedroom. Tim had an eighties cd playing, and the food arrived in thirty minutes as promised.

  “It’s about time you came out. What were you doing in there?” he asked.

  “Organizing my clothes. Besides I heard you on the phone so I wanted to give you privacy.”

  “Oh, that was nobody. Just a guy I work with.”

  “It must have been a hell of a conversation because the way you were laughing…”

  Tim stood straight and smiled, “Just a guy thing.”

  “Tell me about Felicia.” Alison stated as she reached for the salad.

  He had forgotten they were supposed to have that conversation. Tim didn’t know how to tell her he was HIV positive.

  Alison sat on the hardwood floor up to a circular wood table. Tim followed, placing his drink and pizza down.

  “So, what gives Tim?” Alison picked olives out of her salad. She sat slumped over with her legs crossed, like a kid.

  “Felicia and I began having problems a few years ago and things spiraled out of control. I guess when you’re hurting in your relationship you turn to whoever is waiting.”

  “You or her slept with somebody else?” Alison sat up now, fully at attention.

  “Felicia did. She told me it was with more than one. We argued about that and money.”

  With a mouthful of salad, Alison spoke. “You’re telling me you didn’t even try to have an affair?”

  “No, I didn’t. I loved her?”

  “You are the most respectful man I know. You and Felicia had something wonderful. Couldn’t you have tried to work it out?”

  “We did try. But the damage was done. In the end she wanted to go back home.

  “To Jamaica. Just like that?” Alison swallowed her tea.

  “Just like that.” Tears fell.

  Alison came and sat next to him and wiped his face. He put his arms around her and lay his head on her shoulders.

  “It’s okay, Tim. This hurt won’t last forever especially when you meet someone else to take your mind off her.”

  “It’s not that simple. I don’t want to meet anyone else. Even if I do, my heart will always belong to her.”

  “Wow.” Her eyes fluttered. “Such a good man.”

  It felt good to have Alison there. Maybe she was right if and when he met someone else it would bring love back into his life. But meeting someone would mean disclosing his situation. That was something he wasn’t ready to do. He wasn’t a scholar on the disease until it affected him. Now, he could write a book on it.

  ***

  At seven-thirty Tim and Alison left the apartment. The restaurant was only a block away on Forty Seventh Street and still shoulder to shoulder of people on the sidewalk.

  At the restaurant they sat at a table near the small karaoke stage. Alison ordered Shrimp cocktail and water. Tim, however had the half-rack of baby back ribs lathered in a sweet and spicy sauce.

  On the stage they were entertained by a stand-up comic.

  “I’ve seen this guy before.” Tim licked his fingers.

  They ordered margaritas on the rocks. Alison had two, breaking her diet rule of no alcoholic beverage. She smoothed the wrinkles from her outfit and walked patiently to the DJ. She took the microphone and look directly at Tim instead of the monitor.

  She spoke softly. “I want to dedicate this song to my very good friend sitting over there. Girls, you see him, the handsome guy in the corner.”

  Most of the women looked Tim’s way and let out some oohs and ahhs. As the music began, Tim’s attention was fully on Alison. She swayed her head back and forth to the r&b beat. He recognized the song as soon as Alison let out the first beautiful note. The late Aaliyah’s, “I Care 4 U.” The words were touching as Tim listened to them roll off Alison’s tongue.

  Hey my baby you looking so down, look like you need some loving. Maybe you need a girl like me around…hey baby tell me why you cry? Here take my hand and wipe those tears from your eyes.

  Some girls in the bar jumped on stage with Alison and started doing the background chorus with her. Then Alison came in full and strong again.

  Can I talk to you? Comfort you? Let you know I care for you. Hey there sexy baby, why your girl leave you in pain?

  The girls started wailing out the chorus again. Alison sang the song perfectly.

  Hold on, stay strong, press on for m
e. I care for you.

  She sang with so much passion. Men who were in awe after Alison’s performance hit Tim on the back. Some gave high-fives. One guy told him he was a lucky man to have a friend like that and winked. Tim only smiled. He guessed some people didn’t recognize her with the dim lights and her toned-down look from the glamorous pages.

  Alison’s skin was flawless and smooth. She didn’t need the magic of make up like most women.

  “So how did you like it? She whirled around. “I know I didn’t sound too good.”

  “I loved it! Are you crazy? You sound good. I mean damn good. I didn’t know you could sing.” He embraced her.

  “I can’t. I just play around.”

  “Your playing around is good.”

  “Glad you like it then. I wanted to see you smile and I succeeded.” She walked her fingers up his chest.

  They sat in the restaurant for another hour ordered more drinks and talked with strangers.

  One of the women who did background singing headed towards their table, swaying with consumption of alcohol and stopped dead center of Alison. “Hey, you’re that model, right?” She stood with her hands on her hips.

  Alison looked up with a half-smile, but answered, “Yes.”

  The woman squinted and replied, “You’re married to Alan Perry, right?”

  “Why do you ask?” Alison’s brows crinkled.

  With a flip of her hand the nameless woman leaned towards Alison, “Listen, bitch, how can you be out here with some other man when you have that fine-ass football player…”

  Alison stood. “You need to back up…”

  Tim stood in between the women. “Come on Alison we can go. This isn’t worth it.”

  “No. I got this.” Alison hand bounced back and forth. “She must think I am a bitch, but hoe I will whoop your ass, don’t get this twisted.”

  The woman stood her ground, not breaking the gaze.

  “Not that I owe you an explanation, but this right here…” she circled the space with her hands. “Is my business. My husband trusts me and vice versa. Maybe you don’t understand that, seeing that you’re here alone without a man.” Alison’s lips tightened and her eyes became smaller.