Tangled Web

by Yolanda Buick

  Really. She was really going to give text-book line-by-line explanation.

  “The tissue forms cysts, or pockets of blood, on the pelvic organs.”

  Silence.

  “Drew, did you hear me?”

  “I heard you. So, you’re saying because of this possible sterilization you have, it gave you the right to go to my wife and tell her about us?”

  “No, and I’m sorry for that.”

  “No, you’re not. You’re full of horse shit. You could’ve told me this when you were blabbing off earlier. Less I forget, what is it that you have to get even with me about, Mallory?”

  She sucked in air. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Drew knew Mallory thought he was a fool. “I know you told your friend that you were getting even with me. Unless you have been sleeping with more black dudes.”

  “Grace wouldn’t tell you that. Have you been interrogating my friends?”

  He chuckled. “Grace? If there was nothing to tell where would the interrogation come in at? Just admit you ran your mouth off.”

  “No! Drew, I swear, I was just talking in anger. She’s my closest friend and after you and I made our decision I talked to her. I needed a female perspective and—”

  “And you ran to your big-ass friend who by the way was telling somebody else your…I mean our business.”

  “Drew—”

  “Mallory the most that bothers me is you went to my wife. What are you hoping to accomplish by doing that? You want my marriage to end?”

  “I was angry!’ She sniffled.

  “Angry. Look, Mallory, I don’t want to discuss this right now and I’ll appreciate if you stay away from my wife and me.”

  “We need to talk about our baby. You can’t just walk out my life. You didn’t have a problem fucking me! You’re just like those black men that run away from their responsibility. No wonder a lot of black women are turning to white men for love and security.”

  “And yet you screwed one of those black men.”

  He never ran from his responsibilities nor was he planning on it now. He wanted time to process all that has happened, but she was being difficult. “I’m not going to let your angry comments destroy what little sanity I have at this moment. You can call me all the names you like, but remember this—you need me in that baby’s life and you didn’t have a problem giving this black man head. Goodnight, Mallory.”

  Drew hated to end the call like that, but Mallory had issues that he couldn’t fix. At least not the way she wanted. He could be there for the baby and all, but her entire attitude seemed to have changed overnight. One minute she was this mature and beautiful woman he was attracted to, and then she was a psychopath out for revenge.

  He parked in an unmarked spot across the street from Tim’s building and completely forgot about drinks after talking to Mallory. He grabbed the bag that Janice packed and looked up to Tim’s window in the brownstone building. He felt like a dog that wet on the carpet, chewed too many of the owner’s expensive shoes, and humped every stray female dog around. Now he was being punished and kicked out of his doghouse. Quite honestly, he had only slept with two women, which included Mallory, since he’d been married. He was not the dog that Tim thought. Yes, Drew flirted heavily, but he didn’t go around hopping in bed with every woman. A few people walked their Poodles, Pugs and Terriers, while others jogged under the street lights that shone brightly. Drew admired the calmness and stepped into the quiet building.

  When Tim opened the door, no words exchanged. Drew sat on the sofa. To his right, a picture of Tim and Alison hugged up on what looked like the ferry stared back at him. Tim didn’t have that picture at the office and Drew could see why. They looked like a happy couple. Alison was dressed so sexy, a pink and white maxi sun dress. Her amber streaked hair glistened in the sunlight. Tim’s muscular arms held around her waist.

  Drew blurted, “I need to talk to Alison as soon as possible.”

  “Aren’t you enough trouble as it is?”

  “I need to talk to her. I have to set things straight. I really need to do this Tim.”

  “Let me think about it, man.”

  “Don’t think too long.” Drew leaned in. “You can be right here and make the call for me. Explain to her that you two have a mutual friend and I really need to talk to her. Tell her I made you call.” He clasped his hands.

  Tim laughed while putting the glass of orange juice down. He grabbed his cell phone.

  “I’ll call, but this is going to go down in history.”

  When Drew heard him speaking to her, his heart beat faster. His hands were slippery from the sweat and shook.

  “Are you sure, Alison. Yea, yeah, okay, talk to you soon.”

  Drew jumped up. “What happened?”

  “She was napping. Told me to call tomorrow. Can you wait until then?”

  “Do I have a choice?” Drew’s head hung low.

  Chapter 11

  Alison

  What a summer. Alison had the chance to spend time with Tim. With her and Alan’s busy schedule, they had to schedule time together. Now, that his season had started, she would have most days and night to herself. She made her way to the walk-in closet choosing a yellow maxi-dress and tan wedge heels. She would make up for the Sundays she hadn’t been to church and meet Tonya.

  The congregation was full of holy filled dancing, hands waving in mid-air. Some ran back and forth on the double-carpeted aisle. The pastor came with a message that was titled Greed. As they sat listening intently, Tonya however, kept talking about nothing. Did she know they were in church and not a club or some sort? Asia was quieter than she was. This began to irritate Alison. Just when she was politely to ask Tonya to hold her conversation until after service, the pastor called for invitation to discipleship. Tonya talked the entire time. Two women and a little boy came to be baptized. There was a great feeling when lost souls were found.

  Moving along towards the exit, Alison looked at Tonya. “Hey, why don’t you and Asia come over today? Alan will be back and we can all sit back and enjoy the rest of the day.”

  “Thank you.” Happy, Tonya pulled Asia close. What time should we come?”

  “Be there about 3 p.m. and don’t forget to bring your bathing suits.”

  “Sure thing. We’ll be there.”

  ***

  Alison tapped the entry button on her car remote system. Black iron gates with a large P on each slowly opened. She drove down the long twisting road admiring the colorful landscape. Her eyes widened when she saw Alan’s car next to the garage. He was there. She slowly pulled into her space.

  “Hey baby.” He walked into the garage.

  “Come here, I missed you.” She hugged him tightly exhaling inaudible words.

  “How was church?” He followed her into the kitchen.

  “Church was good, but Tonya talked a lot during service.”

  “She did that when I went. I think she’s just a talker.”

  “Maybe. You know I never asked her about her relationship status.” Alison’s fingers rested on her lips. “Did she tell you anything?”

  Alan’s head turned quickly. “No! Why would she tell me anything like that? Isn’t that a girl’s conversation?” He took a plate of salmon to the grill.

  Alison followed quickly, “I’m just saying.”

  “No, Alison, she has not. I’m going to get the salmon started.”

  Alison stood in the gray and white contemporary kitchen. She took a cutlery board and sliced mangos, cilantro, tomatoes, and lime. Rice cooked. Refreshing Sangria would go well for the summer heat. A colorful display of fruit sat atop the glass patio table.

  Patel colors dishware finished the table décor. Hands rested on her hips; Alison made her way to the bedroom. Removing her wedge heels, she lightly skipped from the coolness of the floor tile. She removed the dress and eyed her thin frame. Her laced panty and bra she let fall. With her hair pinned up, back to the mirror, she looked her bottom over.
Suddenly, she remembered. Opening her make-up drawer shuffling a few things around, she found the small compact case. Her chest heaved up and down. She pushed the small pill through an aluminum opening allowing it to fall into her hands. Alison pulled a small flowered dixie cup from the dispenser, filled with water she swallowed the pill. As she wiped imaginary sweat from her forehead, Alan appeared.

  “Baby you scared me.” Alison dropped the case in the drawer.

  Distracted by the nakedness of his wife Alan hadn’t noticed, what had just happened. “What’s taking you so long baby?”

  “I was about to get in the shower.” She exhaled. “Yes, let me get in.”

  “Not just yet.” His arms wrapped her waist. “Mmm, baby you’re so soft...”

  She squirmed away. “Ah, baby, thank you, but we don’t have time. Who is watching the grill?”

  “Oh, damn.” He pulled her close one last time. “I want this.” He smacked her bottom.

  “Tonight. If you’re good.” She stepped into the warm water.

  Once Alan was out of sight, Alison peeked out, looked at the half-opened drawer, and sighed.

  Tonya made it, 3 p.m. exactly, wearing a two-piece red, white, and blue bikini with a blue wrap. The suit accented Tonya’s toned body. Asia had on a one-piece red suit and a pull over cover. Since they were dressed for swimming already Alison excused herself to change.

  Alan took Tonya and Asia into the family room to go a few rounds on the video game. It had been a while since Alison wore the white two-piece swim suit Alan brought her. She would get all Alan’s attention. She laughed thinking Miss Asia was going to have to fight for him. Asia took to Alan quickly and when they came to the house she jumped into his arms. Probably due to Asia not having her father around.

  Alison stopped suddenly when she walked into the family room. Asia and Alan were into the video game and Tonya lay across the sofa as if she lived there. “Ahem.” Alison cleared her throat. “I guess you’re tired, Tonya.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, girl, I was just relaxing. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

  “Well, if you all are ready, we can either take that much needed dip in the pool or eat first. Asia, I’ll let you decide.”

  She looked up at Alan with a smile. “I want to get into the pool.”

  “That’s the final answer, let’s go.” Alison reached for Asia’s and Alan’s hand, leaving Tonya to walk alone.

  Alan jumped in making a big splash. Once he swam a few seconds he reached for Asia and sat her on a floating duck.

  Alison and Tonya sat in the lounge chairs sipping on the sangrias. They talked mostly about houses and designer clothing stores.

  “You know, Alison, I envy you. You have a perfect marriage, the house and cars, but mostly a man to share it with.”

  “Girl…” She sipped on her drink. “You have no reason to be envious of me. You can have the same thing. You have that beautiful little girl who has captured Alan’s heart.”

  Tonya smiled. “Yeah he does look happy. Are you guys trying to have a baby?”

  “We have talked about it. It’ll happened when it happens.”

  “Anyway, I want a good marriage and what comes with it, but Asia’s father didn’t have the same desire. He decided to join the military. Once he did, he forgot all about Asia and I. We didn’t have the chance to even plan a wedding, let alone get engaged.”

  “Why would he do something like that? So, he has been gone for a while?”

  “Yeah, he left after Asia was only three months old.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

  Alison watched Alan and Asia then wiped tears from her eyes. Alison didn’t know what she’d do if Alan had left her with a newborn baby. Probably hunt him down and kill him.

  “Don’t be sorry for me, Alison, I learned my lesson dealing with immature guys. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I’m deciding on dating again and I do have someone in mind.” She glanced over her shoulder.

  “Oh, who is it? Someone from church or work?” She sat up.

  “This guy, well, I want to keep it sort of quiet for now until I know he and I have something for sure.” Her fingers gripped the glass tightly.

  “What exactly happened between you and Asia’s father?”

  “Eric? That poor excuse of a father and lover for that matter. When we met, he was romantic and encouraging to me. After I found out I was pregnant, he changed. He started accusing me of trying to trap him into a relationship. I was deeply hurt by this. At first he was telling me how much he loved me and wanted a family.”

  “Did he have someone else on the side?”

  “As he told me he didn’t. I didn’t suspect he did. Guess that’s why it hurt me the way it did. Maybe if he said he did have another woman I could understand, but to up and leave after his beautiful baby girl was born puzzled me.”

  Alison patted Tonya’s back. “Sometime men and women do things that we just can’t explain. Have you been in contact with him much?”

  “Alison.” Tonya whispered.

  Alison leaned in.

  “Eric hit me—”

  Alison whispered. “He hit you, Tonya, no way.”

  Tonya sipped her drink and continued, “Yes, he hit me. I was two months pregnant. He was accusing me this time of sleeping with his brother.”

  “Wow, did you guys fight often?” I mean it should never happen, but did you ever call the police?”

  “I did, but I didn’t press charges. I loved him. He is the father of my baby; I couldn’t put him in jail.”

  “As long as you’re away from that nut I suppose. It’s in the past now.”

  They talked for another hour about the mystery guy and what Tonya should do to get him. Her eyes gleamed every time at the thought of this guy. Alison was getting just as excited because she knew how new love could be.

  “What’s his name? At least tell me that?”

  Tonya put her hand on her chest looked at Alan before saying, “Daryl.”

  Alison repeated, “Daryl.”

  Alison grabbed Tonya’s hand and walked toward the table. Alan and Alison ate small portions of the grilled fish, topped with the mango salsa, a spoonful of jasmine rice. Tonya took a bigger piece of the fish and toppings. Asia was more concerned with the assortment of fruit.

  After dinner they all sat in the family room and watched cartoons with Asia. The adults jabbered about anything and everything. Three hours later, Alan excused himself to go for a run. He kissed Alison on the lips and rubbed her back, giving her a tingle. He made his way to Asia and gave her a hug.

  In her baby voice she said, “Kiss.”

  He gave her a light peck on the cheek. It was Tonya’s remark that darted Alison’s eyes.

  “Wow! Kisses going around. I didn’t get mines.”

  Alan fidgeted with his shorts.

  Tonya smiled. “You guys, I’m only joking. I’m sorry.” She laughed, but it wasn’t funny.

  Alan disappeared into the corridor leaving the women alone.

  “Alison, I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. My mother always told me that my mouth would get me into trouble, especially with women. I didn’t mean anything by it, really.” She seemed sincere. Alison let it pass…this time.

  “Apology accepted, but don’t go getting ideas from now on. Alan only kisses one woman.” She half-laughed.

  Eight p.m. had crept upon them. Asia drifted to sleep and Tonya decided to leave. Alison was exhausted, but more importantly she wanted her husband like never before. The women said their goodbyes and Alison went to the master bedroom. Alan lay across the bed, a sheet covering part of his nude body as he slept. He looked so peaceful; she couldn’t disturb him. She showered and crawled slowly and quietly into the bed, cuddling next to her man. She listened to him breathe and smelled his showered fresh body.

  Chapter 12

  Alison

  “Hey, baby girl, it’s Tim.”

  “How are you?”

  “Good. Liste
n I’m calling because I was literally forced to do this. I want you to hear me out and give it a try okay?”

  “That depends. What is it, Tim?”

  “We have a mutual friend and he’s here waiting to talk to you.”

  A friend? Alison didn’t know anyone who Tim knew to call a mutual friend.

  “Well, who is it?”

  “I’d rather put him on the phone. He has a lot to say to you. Give him a chance.”

  She let the word linger out, “Okay.”

  “Hello.”

  The voice was familiar, yet distance. She waited for more words to follow, but none did.

  Alison asked, “Who is this?”

  “Drew.”

  She gasped. Did her ears hear right? Such a long time since they spoke. She was so angry with him during their last conversation Alison had said unforgiving and demeaning words to Drew. When she walked away from him that day, his look of despair was compared to a man losing his loyal companion…the dog. She had wondered what happened to him.

  “Alison?”

  “I’m surprised to hear from you, Drew, and the fact you know Tim, but why the call?”

  “I need to talk to you…set things straight and apologize again.”

  She wanted to hear what he had to say. She owed him that much. She loved Drew a long time ago, but hearing his voice brought back familiar feelings. The dead air on the phone gave her a warning that he was waiting as much as she to walk on uncharted grounds.

  “Alison are you there?”

  “Yes, I’m here.”

  Again, dead air. Then he answered, “Alison, I’m sorry for what happened years ago…”

  “We already talked about this, Drew.”

  “No, you talked and I couldn’t understand why you were so angry, but I found out later what really happened.”

  “What really happened?”