Tangled Web

by Yolanda Buick

  “When did you talk to him?”

  “A little while ago. He and Daryl came by to assemble Asia’s bedroom set.”

  Hit by a bomb. Alison flopped down on the chaise. She felt waves move through her stomach. Can’t sit, she hurriedly walked to the bedroom patio door. She breathed the fresh air and calmed her emotions.

  “Is he still there?”

  “Oh, no, he left maybe one or two hours ago.”

  “He left with Daryl?”

  “Alison, Daryl had already left. I asked Alan to stay just for a little to talk. I told him about Eric.”

  Alison felt some kind of way. “So, are you coming or what?”

  “I guess. Yeah. Girls night. I’ll be there.”

  ***

  Alison tidied the family room and made an artichoke dip. She changed into blue jeans, pink t-shirt, and flip-flops. Music flowing from the speakers, Alison did her best karaoke performance.

  She dipped her head and shook it side to side. Closing her eyes, she let the music fill her soul. She wrapped her arms around herself and rocked her body. She continued singing until…

  “Baby, you sound good—”

  Quickly, she turned around. “Alan. You scared me. How long you’ve been standing there?”

  “Long enough to see that you seem happy. Alison, I love you.”

  “I love you too.” She paused the music. “I am so sorry about this morning. We will figure this out, I promise…”

  “To be honest, Alison, you have to figure it out. I am here waiting on you.”

  “Alan.” She sang the words. “Please, please be patient with me. Right now, baby, this moment we have each other. And tomorrow we wake up, we have each other. Who knows I may have a different view tomorrow? Just be patient with me.” She stood on her toes and kissed him. Seeing that he didn’t move, her arms locked around him. Feverishly, she kissed him again. Her tongue circled his lips. She felt his hands move the length of her back. She pushed into him more.

  The couple embraced more. The gate intercom buzzed.

  “Ah, come on. Who is it?” Alan moaned.

  Alison cleared her throat. “It should be Tonya. I invited her over.”

  “You…you did why?”

  “Thought it would be cool for her to come hang out and besides, I wanted to ask you two something.”

  Alison skipped through the kitchen into the foyer. She looked herself over in the mirror.

  “Come on in, Tonya.”

  She waved for Tonya to follow her. They stopped in the kitchen and Alison set three glasses on the counter. She removed the dip from the fridge and handed it to Tonya while she grabbed the glasses and pitcher of ice-tea. When they returned to the family room, Alan had changed the music to Phil Collins’ In the Air and lay back on the leather love seat.

  Tonya stopped suddenly when she saw Alan and Alison almost tripped over her.

  “Girl, what’s wrong. You act like you seen a ghost.”

  “I didn’t expect to see Alan.”

  “Why not? He lives here. You see me holding three glasses don’t you.” Alison look between the two. “Alan, get up and help us.”

  “Thanks, Alan.” Tonya said as she let the bowl of dip pass into his hands.

  “Alison, I was a little surprised because when you asked me to come over, I thought it was going to be a girl’s night. You know what I mean.” Tonya danced.

  “I have an idea I want to run by you and Alan.”

  Tonya and Alan looked at each other.

  “Let’s have a ‘70’s themed party. Right here by the pool. Every guest has to come dressed to impress. We must have ‘70’s music, games, and food. You know a table for bid wiz and spades.” Alison was excited, moving from seat to seat. “So, what do you guys think?”

  Alan eyes widened. “I think it’s a good idea. We can do this.”

  “Well, Tonya?”

  Tonya waved her hands in the air. “Let’s do it, it’ll be fun. I can’t wait to do the bump, that’s such a simple dance…ooh I know exactly how I want my hair and the clothes…”

  “Hold on girlfriend don’t spill your beans yet. What we need to do is plan this out and set a date. I’m pretty open with my schedule for a moment, but we’ll work around Alan’s.”

  Ten o’clock had come and three of them finally mapped out their big party. Alison felt excited.

  “Okay, people.” Tonya stood. “I know you want to be alone and I need to check on Asia. My neighbors will let her stay up all night. They don’t have any bed time rules for their daughter.” Her voice dry.

  “Asia is with your neighbors? Isn’t she sort of young to stay over with someone?” Alison asked.

  “I trust them. I’ve known them since Asia was a baby. After Eric left us, I moved next door to the Williams and they have really been a big help to me. Their daughter is Asia’s age they’re good people.

  “I would be concerned, but since you explained your relationship with your neighbors, I guess that’s okay. Who am I to say anything?”

  “It’s time for me to go and I had fun. This party is going to be the bomb. Oh, we can’t forget to invite Daryl. I would love to see what he would wear. Alan, remember that outfit he had on this morning?”

  They both laughed.

  “I guess Daryl gave you all something to laugh at, huh?” Alison tried to laugh, but as phony as it was to her, they had to know it too.

  “Yeah, he did, he looked like farmer John, but Daryl is so cute it doesn’t matter what he wear he still looks good.” Tonya blushed.

  Alison smiled while Alan’s lips turned down and he stared hard and long at Tonya.

  “Tonya, I know you’re ready to go, but I have one question…have you finally went out with him?” Alison clasped her hands together.

  “With Daryl uh, no, not yet.”

  “We’ll talk about it later. Give Asia a kiss for us when she comes home.”

  Alan escorted Tonya to the door and watched her safely to the car.

  When he returned to the family room, music echoed softly in the dimly lit room. Alison sat nearby.

  With her hand extended, “Alan come, sit next to me.”

  “Why on earth do you want to have this party?” He caressed her thigh.

  “Why not? Something fun to do. Don’t you get tired of the same things. You know we have to go with the flow and fun.”

  “Oh, I don’t mind. I was surprised you thought of this now when…how we are?” His eyes lovingly stared at hers.

  “I wanted to start making up to you figured a party…” she pumped her hands in the air. “Would be good. And, this…”

  Alison pulled Alan on top of her. She kissed him passionately allowing her tongue to slowly enter his mouth. She wrapped her legs around his back and pushed her hips up to him.

  Alan sat up removed his top then shorts. Alison kneeled before him and used her teeth to grip the boxer briefs. She slowly pulled the briefs down, stopping mid-section to take in Alan’s scent. She grabbed his butt, pulled him closer and twirled her head around in his groin. She gripped the briefs again with her teeth and continued downward.

  With wet slippery licks, Alison moved along his muscular leg while massaging him. She nibbled on his thighs with a bite here and there. He moaned with pleasure. She let her tongue play with his almost hidden navel. Alison moved back to his excitement and took him in completely. She moaned feeling her husband deep in her.

  Bringing Alan to the point of climax Alison stopped. “Alan, do me.”

  Alan grabbed the quilt, placed it on the floor, and lay Alison on it. He quickly and gently gave her what she desperately long for.

  Chapter 22

  Drew

  Drew sat on the sofa and listened to Tim explain all his illness again as if Drew was to magically find a cure. Drew was more concerned with his own situation and didn’t want to hear Tim babble.

  He had talked to Janice numerous times since their last dinner and tried each time to convince her to take him back and it w
ould be better. Each time Janice ended the call with a shallow, “I don’t know.”

  Four months had passed since she put him out and four months of celibacy for him. He gave up women to be with the one he loved…Janice. To live in a tempted world, Drew didn’t know how long he’d survive.

  “Drew, did you hear me? I’m going to tell Alison about me.”

  “I don’t care. You should’ve told her a long time ago. Why didn’t you?”

  “Don’t know. Guess I didn’t want to freak her out. I need her. She’s really a good person and I don’t want to lose her.”

  “You don’t have to tell me about her. I know all too well.”

  They sat by the window watching fierce rain and hail from the heavens. New York was under a severe thunderstorm, with high winds.

  “I haven’t spoken to Alison in a while, have you?” Tim sipped on a chardonnay.

  “Actually, she called me a couple of weeks ago. She was having some issues with that pretty boy husband of hers. He was hanging around with one of her friends.” Drew never turned from the window.

  “Really? She briefly mentioned some woman when she was here.”

  Drew scratched between his legs. “She was wondering all types of shit man. You know, like if a man cheat, why…I told her it can happen.”

  “Sounds like you and Alison have rekindled some old feelings.”

  “Nothing like that. I told her what happened, asked for her forgiveness, and we’re cool.”

  Drew fidgeted with his shirt and rubbed the bristle hairs that pinched their way through his chin. He crossed his arms and turned his attention back to the window.

  “Drew, what’s on your mind. You have been staring out that damn window too long. Have a beer or something, shit, you’re making me nervous.”

  “I can’t do this anymore, Tim. What’s the fucking use trying to be a faithful man if I don’t have to be?”

  “What are you saying? I hope you’re not about to do something crazy.”

  “I’ve been begging Janice for months to let me come home and all she can say is ‘I don’t know.’ Fuck a I don’t know. I am her husband. Drew stood with arms stretched out onto the window. The window took a hazy covering from his breath. “I have not had sex in four fucking months, Tim, four. My balls are probably beyond blue.”

  “You better go take care of that…right there in the bathroom.” He pointed.

  Drew grabbed his pants and shook his manhood up and down. I don’t need to when I can get it the natural good way. Besides that’ll only make me want it more.” As a revelation came to him. “It’s not cheating if I get if from Mallory.”

  “Okay, you have lost your mind. You’re trying to get mixed up with that crazy broad again?”

  Hail pounding the window and the rustling of high winds crept through the silence. Neither said a word. Drew dragged his feet as he pulled a beer from the fridge. Tim looked over his shoulder.

  “Should it matter? We’re having a child together and my own wife can’t make up her mind.”

  “Drew, think about what you’re saying. You told Janice that you wanted to change, but if she finds out that you went back to Mallory…you’re asking for a divorce for sure.”

  “Why are you so righteous, Tim, huh, why?”

  Tim looked down then sipped his drink. “I’m not righteous, but I try to be a gentleman and understand. Women love it when we men can understand them, you know, get in tune with their feelings.”

  “In-tune my ass, you gay bitch.”

  Both laughed.

  “Hey, you know I’m far from that shit. I’m just a good old-fashion caring guy. Maybe if there was more of me out there a whole lot of women would be happy.”

  “Whatever, man, I made a decision. I’m moving out soon. I really appreciate your hospitality, good old-fashion man, but I need to be on my own. I need to sort things out.”

  “Come on, man, you can stay here as long as you need to…’

  Thanks Tim, but I need to do this…I need privacy.”

  “You the boss and look I’m going to take a walk. I need to get some air.”

  “In this storm?”

  “The storm will pass. A little water ain’t going to hurt especially what I have. I’m going to call Alison when I get back.”

  Tim removed his black leather jacket from the wall hook. He grabbed his black-fitted baseball cap and left.

  ***

  Drew made an over-roasted turkey sandwich on wheat bread with miracle whip. Crunchy Cheetos surrounded the sandwich on an oval plate. He took an ice-cold beer from the fridge and went to the guest room. He called home for the last four months. He sat on the bed with the plate on his lap and beer on the nightstand. The day had become night and the storm subsided.

  His cell phone vibrated. He was shocked to see who was calling.

  “Hey what’s up?” he said in a smooth voice.

  “I was thinking about you. I wanted to talk.”

  “Really, I was thinking about you too. Actually, I mentioned you tonight.”

  “Wow, this must be something. What did you say about me?”

  Drew was lost for words. “That I wanted to see you. It’s been a while since we actually sat down and looked at each other without fighting or worried about the situation.”

  “You’re right I should’ve called a long time ago. Will you come over?”

  “I’ll be there in forty-five minutes.” He put the cell away, hurried to the kitchen, wiped the plate out, and put the empty bottle in the trash. Never before had he been so anxious, but for her to call was a sign of good things to come. Drew took a five-minute shower, splashed on Jean Paul Gautier cologne, brushed his teeth, and gargled with mint mouthwash. This may be a lucky night for him and he was ready.

  He stopped at the corner florist, picked out roses and a National Enquirer Magazine just in case the night didn’t go as expected, he could use the cheesy paper for conversation.

  He drove south on Fifth Street passing Central Park. On occasional stops at red lights, Drew flipped through the paper. He was about to pull off when he saw a familiar face. He pulled the car over and turned the overhead light on. It couldn’t be. He laughed then felt complete sadness. Had Alison seen the pictures. How could Alan be so thoughtless to be caught up in something like this? He wanted to call Alison, but tonight he needed to get to his destination without distractions.

  He’d call her later. He sped out the parking spot. When he reached his destination, he sat in the car. Was this the right thing to do? He would make it the right thing. He smiled and stepped out the car.

  He grabbed the roses, paper, and turned off his cell phone. Tonight, he wanted no distractions for it had been too long and his manhood was ready.

  “Come on in, Drew.”

  “What’s up, Mallory?” Drew Kicked the door shut.

  Chapter 23

  Tim

  Tim had the place to himself for the weekend. Drew didn’t come back until Monday evening after work. He didn’t say where he went nor did Tim ask. Tim was glad to get home. He was tired and his body ached. All day at work he tossed the idea of calling Alison. No matter the outcome he would respect her decision. Time to face the loaded gun and pull the trigger.

  “Baby girl, what’s been going on?” His voice deep and sultry.

  “Tim, so much has been happening I don’t know how to begin.”

  “Take your time, baby, and just let it out one at a time.”

  When his turn came would he be so confident? Silence swept across the phone. He looked out the window the sun illuminated orange and red hues across the eastern sky.

  “Alison, are you okay?”

  “No. Alan caught me taking my birth control pills and he was pissed.”

  “I thought you two talked about having kids, what happened?”

  “We did talk about it…I wasn’t completely honest with him on my view—”

  Tim body rested on the sofa., one leg stretched, the other on top. “There should be no
secrets Alison, you know that.”

  “I shouldn’t have secrets?” She sniffed and snorted. “He’s in the tabloids with some naked women all over him!”

  “What? Tabloid. Women.”

  Tim let Alison vent for the next hour before saying a word. Her voice made him feel relaxed and sure.

  “Alison, I have something to tell you. I wasn’t honest what happened with Felicia. I want you to brace yourself and I understand if you don’t want to talk to me again—”

  “Stop babbling Tim and tell me.”

  “I didn’t tell you before because—”

  “Tim!”

  “I’m HIV positive, Alison.”

  Silence. A lump formed in his throat and he swallowed hard.

  “Alison, say something.”

  “I-I don’t know what to say…I’m sorry.”

  “Do you hate me?”

  “Why would I hate you? You’re my friend, how did this happen?”

  He sighed and told Alison of Felicia’s blood transfusion and they didn’t find out until it was too late for either of them.

  “Tim! I can’t lose you. Are you on any medication or something?”

  He snickered a little. “I don’t plan on going anywhere, baby girl. I am on meds. I take one day at a time.”

  “Is there anything, I mean anything I can do?”

  “Just be my friend.”

  “I’m here for you, always.”

  He cleared his throat. “Alison, I’m going to be all right. As long as I know I have you in my life, if it’s only as friends. You know I always loved you, right?”

  “Of course, I knew…you remember the words I sung to you?”

  “I heard every word, but I couldn’t act on them. Alison, you’re a very special person not only to me, but so many people. Your husband is a lucky man and I hope he knows that.”

  “I hope he does.”

  Chapter 24

  Alison

  “How could you be so irresponsible, Alan, huh?” She pushed him.