Tangled Web

by Yolanda Buick

Tim took a seat in the leather chair smiling down at the pictures in his hand.

  “Tim, I’m in a world of trouble with Janice.”

  Tim didn’t look up.

  “She found a condom wrapper in my car, dude, and I need to use you as my excuse. I can tell her you borrowed the car—”

  “I’m not getting into this. Janice isn’t going to shoot my head off. I told you to stop messing around with that white girl…” he pointed to the door, “or whoever it was.”

  “Fuck you, Tim. It wouldn’t make a difference if Mallory was any other color, the point is she’s a woman and I slipped up this time.”

  “You got that right—you slipped up.” Tim kept his gaze glued to the pictures and it was starting to piss Drew off. He already had Janice on his back, and soon Mallory would be for whatever reason she wanted to talk.

  “Take a look at my pictures, it might make you feel better. When you see this woman, you’ll forget all about your troubles.”

  He let out a sigh, took the pictures, sat back in his chair to see they mystery friend of Tim.

  He looked down at the first picture of Tim and some unknown people. But when he moved to the next one, he couldn’t believe what he saw. He felt as though he stopped breathing. His chest was tight, mouth became dry, and his heart rate sped up.

  “See, I told you, you’ll forget about your problems.”

  Now leaning forward on the desk, Drew held the picture up high. “I can’t believe you know her, Tim.”

  “Who wouldn’t know her? She’s a top model and married to that football player, Alan Perry.”

  Drew stood. Hands in his pockets. Hands now against his forehead. “I know that. My God, this is who was at your house for a week and you didn’t tell me. How could you do this to me?” He pointed at himself.

  “You have lost your mind. I don’t have to tell you who’s at my house besides I didn’t see a need to.”

  “Alison,” he mumbled under his breath. “Tim, this is Alison.”

  “Earth to Drew. I know it’s Alison. I just said—”

  “I know what you said, but this is my Alison. The girl I told you about from college.”

  Tim looked at the floor. He shook his head.

  Drew sat back in the chair, holding the picture at every angle. He couldn’t believe she was there. So close. But this had to be fate that they had someone in common. Someone who would help him talk to her.

  “This is the same Alison you were in love with and your mind ain’t been right since you split up?”

  “Tim, I’m still in love with her. Can you believe that? We had a terrible misunderstanding and I feel bad for it all these years. I need a better closure with her. Wow, my love never stopped for Alison.”

  Pacing the floor, Tim laughed. “I don’t believe this!”

  “Look, man, you have to call her and let me talk to her.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Why not?” Drew stared.

  “Not a good idea. She’s happily married and don’t need you interfering.”

  “I’m not trying to get back with her, like I said I need to clear up some things.”

  With both hands on the desk, Tim, leaned forward. “Why now, Drew? I thought you had other problems?”

  Drew knew it was fate. Alison was just a phone call away. All Tim had to do was make the call. Once Janice mentioned Alison’s name, old feelings surfaced. Each day for years, he suppressed the anger and guilt. That day Alison wanted nothing else to do with him.

  He slammed his fist on the desk. “You act like you want her to yourself.”

  “What the hell are you saying?”

  Both stared.

  “I know you want her as a matter of fact. Remember our conversations, you talked about your friend from Atlanta so much, I told you to screw her, but you only said, ‘No, she’s a friend’, as if that would stop you.”

  “Bullshit, Drew, you got it wrong. Alison is fine as hell, intelligent, and yes, I am attracted to her, but I will not jeopardize my friendship by doing that.”

  “Sure, man, whatever. I can see it all over your face. That’s why you didn’t want to me to meet her—you thought I would smooth my way into her life and bed.”

  “You’re full of it, Drew, and you need Jesus.”

  “I need Jesus? Really? Where was Jesus, when I was trying to fix things between Alison and me years ago? I have the opportunity to say I’m sorry and explain, but you won’t help me. And where is Jesus while you’re suffering from…”

  As soon as the words slipped from Drew’s mouth, he lowered his eyes. Time stood still.

  Tim turned, “That was a low one, Drew, even for you. You want to talk to Alison; I’ll see what I can do.”

  “I’m not trying to get back with her really.”

  Drew sensed Tim’s, hesitance, but he’d do it. He was a pushover when it came to sympathy. Drew really needed his help, this time. Hearing Alison’s voice would ease some of his pain.

  “Tim…I’m sorry for what I said.”

  During Drew’s lunch hour he sat in his office daydreaming of the day he’d talk to Alison. This was the break he needed to tell her what Janice did and how he’s been paying for it all these years.

  As his thoughts of Alison brought a slight grin, Mallory entered with straight-faced. She carried a brown paper bag. He didn’t feel like eating lunch with her. How could she invite herself in?

  “Drew, we need to talk. I thought you would’ve called me the day I got back?”

  Here she went with this. He didn’t tell her he would call so why did she assume? Drew told her at the hotel that first night that she couldn’t get possessive, but women don’t listen. They say ah hum, yeah, okay, and whatever else to make a man think they have an ounce of understanding. He was excited to see her, but Janice ruined that with her early morning rant. Maybe he should back off with Mallory. Especially since he has a chance to make it right with Alison. Actually, he was confused, excited, and scared at the same time.

  “Mallory, right now isn’t the time for this conversation. I agree we need to talk, but later.”

  The blueness of her eyes seemed to darken and eyelids lowered. “No, we need to talk now!” Her voice stern.

  “Did you actually come in here to talk or eat your lunch?” He amused himself.

  “This is for you.” She placed the bag in front of him then sat back.

  “I’m not hungry…”

  “You will be after you see what it is.”

  He paused before reaching for the bag. Mallory fidgeted and maybe she was ready to kill his black ass for what he didn’t know. He made all attempts to be with her and talk to her even late at night.

  He opened the bag. Drew didn’t take his eyes off the content. He didn’t remove it, couldn’t move, but had to know why she was showing him.

  “What’s this?” He staggered out the chair and stood.

  “What does it look like?” Her eyes now wide. She smoothed back her curly golden locks.

  “A pregnancy stick, kit, whatever?”

  “Yes.” Her voice now low.

  He pushed the bag towards her. “Why are you showing me. I always used protection.”

  “Drew, it’s yours and I know you used protection, but condoms aren’t one hundred percent safe. You know that.”

  “You have lost your fucking rabbit mind! No, this is a mistake. You’ve been sleeping around—”

  “This is your, baby. Wait until I have the DNA test.”

  Have it? She couldn’t. She wouldn’t. Damn, how did this day go from bad to good to hell and it wasn’t over yet. If there was ever a God, he needed him now. Drew was successful, married, and didn’t need this type of drama. He had to play this cool. He had to think. And think hard.

  “Mallory, baby, I didn’t mean to yell, but you have to know this is a total surprise. He rubbed his chin. “I don’t think you’re sleeping with anyone else.” He moved closer to her, reached down, and stroked her lock of curls. “I’m wonderin
g why this would happen to us? We’re young, goal-orientated individuals and I know a baby isn’t in that plan.”

  He wanted to sound as mature and career minded as possible. She took his hand and wiped the tears dripping down her cheeks.

  “Drew, I love you.”

  She what? Okay this day wasn’t going to get any better.

  “I know it’s been a short time, but I do love you. You been there for me and I can count on you. I know you would be a good father to our baby.”

  Our baby. This wasn’t happening.

  “Can’t you see how a baby would be an obstacle right now? I’m not saying that it won’t ever happen, but right now isn’t the time.”

  She sat upright and tilted her head. “I see. You want me to get an abortion.”

  He felt weak in the knees. “Yes, baby, I do. It’ll be best for us both right now.”

  “If that’s what you want I will, only because I love you and I know you’ll be there for me.”

  This was so easy. She agreed with no hesitation. Could he trust her? At this point Drew had to. He didn’t want to give her any reason to be angry with him and changing her mind. Mallory told Drew she had to leave early for a doctor appointment, which at that point he didn’t care. He really didn’t want to look at her.

  Quiet all the way, Drew and Tim rode the elevator down to the first level. Tim couldn’t believe what Drew told him about Mallory and of course he gave him the “I told you so,” speech. Drew wanted to get home and finish the conversation with Janice. His day couldn’t get any worse.

  Walking through the front door he expected Janice to be standing with one hand on her hip and head cocked to the side like any normal mad woman. Instead she was in the kitchen preparing dinner, which confused him. This morning she was ready to rip his head off now it seemed all was forgiven. “Thank you, God.” Drew whispered through clasped hands.

  “Drew, is that you, I’m in the kitchen. Want to come on back?”

  He was hungry since his lunch was over whelmed with an unappetizing menu from Mallory. He made way to the oversized kitchen. He watched Janice scurrying around the kitchen she decorated. The backsplash and base of the window was decorated with red bricks. The rest of the kitchen was eggshell in color with red crown molding.

  “Hey, honey, how was your day?” She turned with a smile, still stirring what smelled like spaghetti sauce.

  “My day? The usual with mad clients and all.” Drew couldn’t look at her.

  “Hmm, that’s all?”

  “Yeah, would there be anything else? Oh, baby, your hair looks good. I see you got James to do it after being late this morning.” Drew smiled, hoping the fire was out.

  “No, no, I was wondering, maybe I was a little hard on you this morning.” Janice continued stirring the sauce.

  “Baby, you weren’t hard, you did what any wife would and should do.” His shoulders inched up.

  She finished stirring and gathered the best dishes they had.

  Janice probably felt guilty and wanted to make up, which was what he needed right now.

  “Drew, you want wine or juice?”

  “I’ll take wine baby.”

  “Good choice. Sit down I’ll get everything.” She moved about the kitchen getting wine glasses, Italian bread, and butter. The tossed salad already sat on the table, with the toppings in nearby containers. She spooned a big helping of spaghetti onto Drew’s plate with the thick sweet, hot and spicy sauce filling the air. She had half the helping he did. She sat and eyes moved over Drew. They ate in silence, but he kept catching a glimpse of her looking at him.

  After the meal, Janice served them both warm apple pie alamode. Drew’s stomach was filled and screamed for him to lie down. He stood, rubbed his stomach, and slowly moved toward the woman who made him feel good when it came to a good meal and sex. He kissed her neck and wrapped his arms around her waist. Feeling her, he felt the stupidity of messing around with Mallory. He helped Janice clear the table. While he put the dishes in the dishwasher, he noticed a luggage bag sitting by the back door.

  “Honey, why is that bag there?”

  She didn’t turn from what she was doing, but answered in a shallow tone, “That’s for you.” She sniffled.

  With uncertainty in his voice, “For me, why?” Are we going somewhere?”

  “No, we are not, but you are.”

  “Janice, what’s going on, I—”

  She turned and threw a plate, missing Drew by inches, “I’ll tell you what’s going…that condom wrapper in your car belong to you, you dirty bastard. I guess you didn’t have time to use it.”

  His hands up. “I told you I don’t know how it got there.”

  “Sure, you don’t. Well, tell me this, when were you going to tell me about your baby?”

  She couldn’t know, there was no way, deny it, Drew, deny it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about and I thought…” A slap came from left field on Drew’s cheek.

  “Oh, you more stupid than I thought. Let’s call your little girlfriend...Mallory is it? She showed me the doctor’s report and knowing you as well as I do, it’s your baby.”

  “Mallory?” His world began to spin. He couldn’t concentrate. He was speechless.

  “You know, Drew, I’ve known for a while now that you were having an affair with someone. She’s not the first either I’m willing to bet. The late-night calls, sudden job emergencies, too much work, have to stay late, not hungry for dinner, but you managed to keep up your sexual appetite for me. How close am I?

  “I don’t know what to say, but—”

  “But my black ass. You had the nerve to bring this home. But guess what? You’re out of here tonight. I decided to make you that last damn good meal to show you what you’re losing.”

  “Janice, wait!” The table shook as Drew slammed his fist down.

  Waving her hand as to swat a fly Janice said, “Don’t say my name. It didn’t mean anything to you when you were busy screwing someone else. Get out my house!” Drew never seen her this angry before. He was hurt because he had hurt her. His sexual encounters had caught up with him and Drew felt like the ass of an ass.

  “Drew, please leave now and tell that tramp not to come by my house ever again or she’ll get a good ghetto Southern whippin’. She’s lucky I don’t come up there to the office.” She pushed Drew as hard as she could in the chest and then struck him in the face again. Drew didn’t know where he was going. He had never thought that he’d be asked to leave his home. He only hoped that giving Janice the space she asked for would mend the situation.

  He drove the speed limit on 195, exited, and drove by the Hudson River. He sat there and looked to the sky for answers. The sun was nearly at set. The mixture of red and yellow hues hovered over the water. He took the cellphone from its cradle and began to dial the number that was all too familiar, but now felt like a passing memory. Janice didn’t answer. How could she do this. She didn’t give him a chance to explain. She just took the word of some hoochie. What happened to letting your spouse plead their side of the story?

  Drew was crying and with each thought of Janice more tears. He truly loved her, but she should’ve given him a chance. Somehow, he had to make everything right, including firing Mallory. If she was indeed pregnant with his child and wasn’t going to get rid of it, then she needs to be employed elsewhere. He didn’t want the stress and gossip around the office. Why was this happening to him?

  “Tim, something happened and I need to stay there for a few days.”

  Letting out a lengthy sigh Tim asked, “What happened?”

  “Janice put me out.”

  “Ouch!”

  “Yeah, man, and right now I’m sitting here near the Hudson River trying to figure out what just happened. I mean I know what happened, but why it did.”

  Tim was speechless for a minute or so, then sighing again, he spoke slowly. “Is this about Mallory?”

  “Yes.”

  “Look, man, I was in the restaurant during
lunch and some girl, I assumed a friend of Mallory, was talking to a real ghetto fabulous chic.”

  “And?” Drew was getting impatient by the second.

  “I heard her say that ‘Mallory was going to get even with the black guy’.”

  “Wow.” Drew laid back into the seat more.

  “Tell me what happened and why did Janice put you out. You said that you and Mallory was going to talk later.”

  Drew brought Tim up to speed about his last supper with Janice after Mallory made a visit to his home. Silence. He couldn’t blame Tim for being quiet. Either he was saying to himself that was good for Drew or he was cursing Mallory in his mind. Sometimes your friends had your back no matter the circumstances.

  “Why did Mallory go to your home?”

  It slipped Drew’s overwhelmed mind that he didn’t tell Tim what happened when she came into his office. This was getting worse again. Drew was tired of living through it, but if Mallory was really pregnant, he was going to live through it for the rest of his life.

  “Mallory is pregnant and claims I’m the daddy.” He got out the car and paced. With a tightly closed fist, Drew pounded the hood of his car. His anger had returned back to the scene at noon, Mallory happy and ready with a loaded gun.

  “Drew, come on over and bring something to drink. This is going to be a long night.”

  He could count on Tim if nobody else. He was a good guy. “I’m on my way and thanks, man.”

  As soon as drew placed the miniature phone back in the cradle, it rang with one of the melodious tunes programmed. The caller-id said unknown. Usually he didn’t answer calls such as that, but his gut was telling him he had to. “Hello?”

  “Drew. Before you say anything, I’m sorry of what I did, I—”

  “What do you want, Mallory?” The last I heard from you; you were going to have an abortion. Oh, but how you changed your mind within hours.”

  “Listen Drew, I can’t abort this baby. You said wait until later, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to get pregnant again. For years I have battled with endometriosis.”

  “What the hell is that?” He really didn’t want to hear any explanations, but guessed he better listen to what the little trick had to say.

  “Endometriosis occurs in approximately ten percent to fifteen percent of women between the ages of twenty-five and forty, most often in women who have never given birth. The exact cause of endometriosis is not known, but one theory is that the endometrial tissue in menstrual blood—”