Tangled Web

by Yolanda Buick

  “I guess you famous people think you can do what you want. Your husband may trust you, but I bet he gets his freak on while you’re away. He’s a man, he’s going to do that regardless of how attractive his woman is. You, on the other hand, should uphold your respect and not be out with other men. Society doesn’t accept women cheating. Its basically a given for a man.”

  “Thank you for the advice, miss…”

  “No need to thank me, but if I was where your husband is right now, I’ll screw him good because I don’t have a man, remember.”

  “You know what skank-hoe, you ain’t worth my time, boo-boo. Trot on and be annoying to someone else, bitch.” Alison sat down and kept eyes on the woman.

  Tim continued to stand as the woman hurriedly walked away.

  “Are you okay?” He asked.

  “I’m fine. I was having a good time until that stupid-ass bitch came over. Why do people always act so ignorant?”

  Tim haven’t seen that side of Alison. “Don’t let it bother you. You’re here on vacation and we won’t let anyone spoil this for us.”

  “Tim.”

  “Yeah.”

  “What do you think about what she said, as far as men cheating, it’s in their nature?”

  Tim wanted to be honest, but that might open up another whole can of worms. “We, as men, are visual creatures. Looking at a beautiful woman does entice our thoughts, even watching X-rated movies turn us on. I believe it would for anybody that is normal. Anyway, as far as cheating, it does happen a lot. Some men say it’s just part of the game, to conquer as many women as possible, but for others temptation pulls them down. They’re weak.”

  “You’re not weak, unless you’re putting up a front.”

  When she said that Tim confessed. “Alison, I love you as my friend, but part of my heart wants more with you.” She sat motionless while he continued, “You’re beautiful on the inside as well the out. Yes, I’m always flirting, but I restrain myself every moment not to act on my feelings. I know your marriage means a lot to you and I respect that. I know we can’t do anything about it. I just hope you don’t’ see me different now.”

  She laughed, and then held his hand. I’m glad you said it first. I’m attracted to you too. I have had some very nasty thoughts slithering through my mind.” She looked down. “But then I remember my vows. I understand you can be attracted to someone, but that doesn’t mean you have to cheat. Besides what would we do after, if we acted on our desires?”

  “I don’t know, want to try it.” Their eyes locked onto each other.

  She sighed. “No, but we could go over there and take a picture together. Let’s take two, so we’ll both have one. Take yours to work and put it on the desk.”

  “Sounds like a winner, but you have to autograph it.”

  The night went on with more talking and laughing. Alison was the best company Tim had since Felicia.

  Back at Tim’s apartment, he had a night cap and listened to Alison chatter on.

  “Alan wants a baby.”

  Tim looked at Alison, his night cap, and back at Alison. “Really? You don’t sound excited.” He swallowed.

  “I have to think about it. I mean we talked about it many times and I never agreed to it.”

  “So, what was the talk about then?”

  “He would say how it would make our family complete.” She put her legs in a sitting yoga position. “I’m not ready for all that, I mean the baby stuff.” She twirled a few strands of hair.

  Tim gulped down the remaining liquid. “Alison, really, you been with this guy for a long time and things are going great for you guys right?” He kept his head forward and looked from his side vision.

  “Things are good. At times I want a baby and others I don’t. Can’t explain it. I never gave him a for sure answer so he should know.”

  “That’s not communicating—”

  “Oh, I communicate with him. He doesn’t listen.” She stood.

  He met her stance. “Look.” He rubbed her shoulders. “All I’m saying is think about it. Having a family won’t affect you.”

  “Are you the one that will be taking time away from the spotlight?” She pulled away. “This is my life and I’m so sick of everyone telling me how to live it.”

  Tim hands went up. “Whoa, I’m not trying to tell you how to live your life. Why you getting so upset? You brought this up.”

  In what seemed like hours, a few minutes passed. Both had sat on the sofa. The quietness amplified the intermittent drip from the kitchen. Adjacent apartment doors sounded like they were being slammed. People’s hushed voices in the hallway were now clear.

  Alison wiped tears. “I don’t know. I don’t know anything right now.” She sniffed.

  “Hey, everything will be okay.” He moved closer. “We can talk about this another time. Why don’t you go take a shower and get some sleep. This was a long day.”

  With the back of her hand, Alison wiped her nose. “Thanks. I’m a basket case I know.” She snickered.”

  Tim stood in the hallway and smelt the fragrance of Alison’s shower gel seep under the bathroom door.

  Chapter 8

  Alan

  Alison called Alan every night from New York. In a few days he was to lay eyes on his beautiful wife again. Tonight, after practice the guys were meeting to play pool and darts. After entering the Flowery Branch Training facility, Alan parked the large SUV, next to Daryl’s tiny 911 Porsche. He got out, all smiles and grabbed his gear. Daryl stood near with his sunglasses on, and chatted on his cell phone. He was a single guy who had to date every girl who approached him.

  Since Alan came to the Falcons, Daryl tried to hook him up with a few of them. Alan wasn’t blind to so many beautiful women, but all he had to do was think of his gorgeous wife, his everything. He loved the idea when they strolled down the streets, men’s eyes bulged, mouths gaped, and some would stop their conversation with the woman they were with.

  “What’s up, Alan? His big smile widened.

  Alan and Daryl exchanged hellos with one hand shake and partial hug.

  Alan said a few words in between. “Man, just waiting to get yo big ass on the field.”

  He knew he was not much of a match for Big D, who was 300 pounds and stood at six five, playing defensive end. Daryl slammed him in the back with his free hand. He made Alan feel right at home, since he came to Atlanta, helping find his way around the beautiful city, giving him the do’s and don’ts of hanging around the team, and Daryl’s personal favorite—how-to pick-up women.

  “Hey, man!” Daryl yelled looking back at Alan. “Are you coming tonight?”

  “Pool and darts. Yeah sounds like fun.”

  “Pool and darts?” Daryl laughed. “Oh, that’s been changed. We’re going to this hot new club. Lots of booty smacking and titty bumping all night long.”

  “I don’t know, man. That’s really not my crowd anymore.”

  “Are you worried about Alison? Just live a little.” Daryl eyes and shoulders went up.

  “No, I’m not worried about Alison. We are trying to get back into church and I want to do right…” Alan’s eyes searched cracks in the ground.

  “Okay man, I’ll respect that. All I’m saying is a little party isn’t going to hurt.”

  Maybe he was right. Just attending wasn’t going to hurt. Besides, it would be nice to get out of the house. Alan stayed home since Alison had been gone and once, she got back they could have all the time together then. Yeah, Alan needed some time with the boys.

  “I’m down, man, I’ll be there tonight?”

  “Good, glad you can make it.” Daryl hit him on the back.

  “Let’s get on the field before coach has us doing laps and pushups.

  They had a good workout. The scrimmage was powerful. Guys fit and ready, came to the field with a win attitude. Alan confirmed with Daryl that he’d be at the club. However, Alan fought with the wrenching feeling of going, knowing he’d have to fight off a lot of hoochies.r />
  At home well after six p.m., he saw the indicator light on the answering machine was blinking. It had to be his baby. It would be another two days before she came home. There was one message.

  “Hi, Alison, this is Tonya. I’m not sure when you’ll be back from New York, but give me a call.”

  Tonya left her cell phone number and continued, “Tell Alan I said hello. Talk to you later.”

  Tonya? The one from church. Her five-six frame, short bob hair cut accented hazel eyes set on a round face. Freckles adorned her nose. She was gorgeous. Why wasn’t she married to her daughter’s father, or anyone for that matter? From what little Alison told him, it just didn’t work out. Alan’s thought slipped into a place it shouldn’t with Tonya.

  ***

  By the time he finished showering again and eating a light dinner it was well past nine p.m. He managed to call Alison. Listening to her sweet voice and fun she was having in New York made him miss her more. He was glad she went to visit Tim. Lately, he saw a change in Alison’s mannerisms and temperament and a much needed mini-vacation would do her some good.

  Before leaving he spritzed cologne his chest. Grabbed his keys and headed to the garage and the phone rang.

  “Daryl, I’m on my way.”

  A light giggle, “I’m sorry this isn’t Daryl, but if you want me to be I will.”

  His heart skipped a beat and his hand felt weak. “What’s up, Tonya? Sorry, I thought you were my boy Daryl.”

  “That’s okay. You mean Daryl McGee, your teammate?”

  “Yeah, you know him?”

  “Not personally. Only from watching the games.” Her voice was soft and sexy. She had an aggressiveness in her tone, but oh so gently.

  Alan lost track of time as they continued talking about football and videogames. She was a football junkie like him. She often played videogames with Asia. She offered Alan to a match with him in agreement.

  “Tonya hold on for a sec.”

  Alan push the green light on his cell phone. “Daryl, I’m on my way.”

  “You still at home, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, I’ll tell you about it later.” He fidgeted with the cordless landline phone.

  “Alright man, see you in a little.” Daryl was gone.

  “Tonya I’m sorry for making you hold, but I really have to go. The guys are waiting for me.”

  “No, problem. Go ahead and have fun with your friends. And Alan, for putting me on hold for so long you owe me a game.”

  He responded slowly, “Okay, when Alison gets back, we’ll set up something so you and Asia can come over.”

  She paused before speaking. “Sure. When is Alison due back?”

  “Friday.”

  “Guess I’ll have to wait until then. In the meantime, Mr. Perry, enjoy your evening and have sweet dreams tonight.”

  When she hung up the phone, Alan stood in a daze trying to read between her lines. She was flirting in a mild way and he should steer clear. He slowly put the phone back on the cradle attached to the wall.

  The night was clear and hot. Alan cruised on I285 in the Mustang Shelby. Music with intense beats bumped from the Bose speakers. Alan was in a good mood. He drove with windows down letting the hot air caress his face. When he exited off MLK Jr. Drive it was 11:15 p.m. Daryl was going to blow a gasket if hadn’t already. Finally, approaching the club in Midtown that r&b singer, Keith Sweat, owned. Alan pulled up to the valet. Stepping out the vintage car, he flexed his collar and hand pressed his khakis on each leg.

  The club was packed. The music great and Daryl was right…there were more women there than Alan had seen out at one given time. Tall and short, dark or light skinned, long or short hair, straight or wavy. Some were abnormally skinny or pleasantly plump. Then you had the in between which he admired. Outfits were definitely eye catching. One young lady had on white capris, which hugged her oversized bottom. Her large breasts were screaming to get out the mid-riff top, but her six pack was awesome. A tribal tattoo that circled her stomach was sexy as hell against her light complexion.

  He moved on to the rear of the club where Daryl was having a conversation with a female.

  “What’s up, D?”

  “It took you long enough to get here, punk. What were you doing calling your sweet wife again?”

  “Naw man, her friend Tonya called and we had a small conversation.”

  “Her friend, you had a conversation?” Daryl laughed low. “Hmph.”

  “It’s nothing, man. She was wondering when Alison was coming back so they can get together.” Alan tried to convince himself that was the truth.

  “Okay, Alan, if you say so. What does she look like?”

  “She’s fine. Maybe biracial.” Alan shrugged his shoulders.

  “Fuck, Alan, you haven’t even got any of the punanny and you’re whipped.” Daryl sipped from a glass.

  “What the hell Daryl. I’m not interested in her punanny.” How could he be?

  “Whatever you say. Daryl turned to the female. “Alan this is June. June, Alan Perry.”

  She extended her small hand and with a big grin, “Hi, Alan, it’s good to meet you. Is it okay if I get an autograph?” She talked fast.

  “Um, yea, what do you want me to write?”

  She fanned herself. “To June my sweetheart, I’ll always remember you and love you, forever yours, Alan.”

  Alan looked at Daryl and then to the female. He wasn’t going to sign himself into some type of law suit. Instead he wrote ‘June thanks for being my number one fan, Alan.’

  “I guess I can settle for this.” She took the paper and pen, turned to Daryl, and asked, “So are you guys coming to the hotel for the party?”

  “Baby, I told you we would be there. Give me the address again and we’ll meet you later.”

  June scribbled on a napkin and handed it to him. What party and what hotel? Alan wasn’t looking forward to hanging out all night. Sometime he could smack Daryl in his fat face for making plans for him.

  “Alan, don’t look so stiff. It’s just a party. Imagine this scene moving to another room that’s all.” Daryl grinned.

  When June left, they chatted with more women that was in their space. One girl approached Alan showing all teeth, glanced at her girlfriends standing in a line with their arms folded across their chests and stopped directly in front of him. Before he knew it, she dropped to her knees and put her head between his legs. Rolling her head around she massaged his manhood. He couldn’t help the excitement that was penetrating through his pants. What just happened?

  As he exited through the crowd, Daryl was on his heels, badgering Alan to go back and let the hoochie finish her thing. It didn’t feel right having another woman do what Alison did so well.

  As they waited outside for their rides, Alan, ran his hands through the curls atop of his head. He had been with Alison so long he forgot what it felt like to be free and wild. Of course, he loved her, but men could slip and fall.

  When they reached their destination, again valet parking was the best option. Alan joked with the small frail attendant. “Don’t drive off with my baby, you won’t be able to handle her.” He laughed.

  The next guy waited anxiously for Daryl to get out of the car, apparently so he could drive around the block or two in the clean, sporty Porsche. Alan and Daryl took their claim tickets and entered the Intercontinental-Buckhead Hotel.

  Room 1011, Daryl knocked loudly. No answer. He tried the door handle and they were in.

  “Alan, look at all this. Women, women, and more women.”

  “Yeah, sure a lot of them. Where are the men?”

  “Why are you concerned with men? Man, this is Heaven on earth.” Daryl frowned.

  “I’m not concerned about men. Just wondering.”

  “You know what I think?” Daryl rubbed his chin. “I think this is some girl on girl action and we’re the spoons to stir it up a little.” He laughed.

  That motor-mouth girl Daryl was chatting with at the club was be
ing sexually pleased by two other women. She was thoroughly enjoying herself as they used all types of toys on her. Another woman lay on her back with legs upon shoulders of a muscular, broad-shoulder woman. The woman had a strap-on. The scene was insane. Women lay with their legs in butterfly positions while others took turns tasting different juices. Some formed a sixty-nine position and gyrating to the current hit single echoing through speakers.

  “So, pretty boy angelic Alan, are you going to have some fun or what?” Daryl rubbed his hands together.

  “I’ll hang around for a little, but ain’t nothing going down.”

  “Suit yourself, man, a brotha has to get his.” Daryl flicked his shirt collar, turned towards June and walked away.

  Alan found a chair in the corner of the huge room, sat down, watched Daryl caress June between her legs. Two other women rubbed him on his chest and legs. Daryl lay his head back and eyes rolled back.

  A beautiful tanned Asian woman approached him, sipping on a Corona. She wore a pair of yoga pants and a fitted top. Her four-inch heels accented her legs. Her hair was shiny coal black and hung near her bottom.

  “Drink?” she offered.

  Alan took the bottle from her hand and sipped. She sat on the floor next to the chair and started caressing his legs gently. He didn’t know why, but more beer he wanted. He reached for it and she gladly handed it to him. This time he took more swallows, with bigger gulps. After ten or fifteen minutes the room started to spin.

  Only thing he remembered was Daryl waking him up hours later. Alan’s khakis were off and his shirt open. The room was quiet, only a few women still there. That girl he was drinking with was gone. His head spun.

  “Daryl…” His hand supported a weighted head. “What the hell happened?”

  “Man, I don’t remember much. I was with June and some other freaks and they were giving me drink after drink. The next thing, I’m here with you on the couch.” He struggled to sit up with bulging eyes.

  Alan quickly checked his wallet. Surprisingly, everything was still there, even the small amount of cash he had. This was so weird. Some freaks just wanted sex, no money? Then the word caught him…sex! Did he? He pulled his boxer briefs down looking for any signs of sexual pleasure. He couldn’t tell. “Damn!” Alan said. He yanked his briefs and shorts up and fastened his shirt.