“Keep your hands off me, Alison. I don’t know where you got that from, but I don’t play that.”
“Oh, what you going to do, hit me?” She drew back her fists.
“No, Alison, I’m not, as a matter of fact we won’t have this conversation until you calm down.” Hastily, Alan walked into the family room.
Alison didn’t want to argue with him, but she wanted answers. “Alan, I apologize for putting my hands on you. Tell me what happened.”
“For the last time…Daryl and I went to this party, a bunch of women…lesbians, were there and I don’t remember what happened. They drugged us.”
“Why were you even there in the first place? And you’re telling me, lesbians, women that like women, drugged you two. Why, Alan, why would they want to do that?”
“Does it matter, Alison, really? I was out with my boys and Daryl and I decided to go see what the party was all about.” Alan disappeared towards the kitchen.
Hot on his heels, Alison followed. “I don’t understand why you even stayed once you got to this so-called party. If that was me I would’ve—”
“Well, it wasn’t you and I stayed. You act like I slept with them.
“These pictures suggest otherwise, Alan.” She shook them at him. “Do you see what I see—you and Daryl stupid behinds laid back with your underwear down and nasty, stank, whores sitting on your laps. Wow! I don’t know what to do about you?”
“You talk like I’m a child. I don’t know what’s gotten into you.”
“This is all you. You did this. Don’t turn this on me—”
“You know what I think…ever since Tonya started coming over your attitude has changed. You act like you hate the girl, then love her. What has she done to you? Furthermore, you stop trusting me.”
Part of her believed something wasn’t right with Alan’s sudden interest with Tonya and he was in the wrong to ignore her concerns. Was he tired of the day-in day-out routine of marriage? Was he still hurting about the baby issue?
“What’s happening to us Alan?”
“Like I said, you stopped trusting me. I’m going to pick up the rest of party things.”
“You’re going to go through with it after all this? I mean, what will people say about those pictures and you and Daryl suspended?”
“I really don’t feel like having it, but since we already committed ourselves, hey, why the fuck not. And who gives a fuck what people will say. Don’t care! Don’t fucking care!” He took a swallow from the bottled water, grabbed his keys, fleece jacket, and left without uttering another word.
With all the badgering she had done Alison forgot to tell him about Tim. Maybe if Alan knew he would’ve been a little more polite. How thoughtless for her to use Tim’s health for her sympathy. She sank to a new low. Shame.
***
Alison knew not telling Alan about this was going to add fuel to the fire. He would want to be there for her no matter what they were going through. Enough was enough, she was going crazy and wanted help.
A young girl, beautiful chestnut brown skin and green eyes, sat behind a glass desk. “May I help you?”
“I have a 2:00 p.m. appointment with Dr. Rios.” Fidgeting with her purse, Alison spoke.
“Mrs. Perry. Okay, I have you right here.” The receptionist clicked a few times with the computer mouse. “Have a seat and fill out this questionnaire and someone would be with you shortly.” She smiled handing Alison a clipboard.
With her baseball cap pulled down, Alison, took a corner seat. Plopping down on the plush chair, she exhaled. Question one, you felt much more self-confident than usual? Yes, she checked. She whispered, “I am confident.” Question two, you were irritable or shouted at people? Yes, she checked. A few more questions she continued to check the boxes.
“Mrs. Perry?” A tall lady, with a navy-blue pencil skirt and white blouse appeared at the door.
Alison lifted her hand, quickly gathered her belongings, and followed the woman. The hallway insulated with a tan-colored carpet was accented by light gold walls and white borders.
“Have a seat in here the woman extended her arm.”
Planters held big green leafy plants in two corners of the office. Behind the oak desk, a large picture window gave view to trees, green and red shrubs, and water sprouting from a fountain. Alison felt quite relaxed.
Taking a seat at the desk Alison placed her belongings in an empty chair. She watched the tall lady smoothly sit.
A beautiful smile, perfectly white straight teeth the woman spoke. “I’m Doctor Rios-Psychologist.” She scribbled on a note pad. “I want you to know, feel comfortable to share any information. Our meetings are confidential.”
Alison nodded.
“Okay. May I have the clipboard. Let’s see what you’ve checked.”
Alison did as requested. “Um, doctor, I don’t know why I’m here.” She looked beyond the doctor and fixated on the fountain.
Sighing, the doctor said, “I’m not here to judge you. And remember whatever you tell me is confidential. We’re going to talk. Tell me what’s been going on. Why did you come here today?”
“My husband and I seem to argue…well not argue, but disagree on a lot…well, not on lot—”
“It’s okay Alison we can take this slow. I see on your questionnaire you’ve checked off items that can indicate there may be mood swings, irritability, highly motivated…energized at times. These can be signs of Bipolar.” She placed her hands palm down on the papers.
Alison twirled strands of her hair beneath the baseball cap. “Really?” Alison closed her eyes and shook her head. Great, another thing to freaking stress me out.” She huffed.
“Stress you out?” The doctor started writing.
“Yes. Besides the fact my husband wants a baby and I don’t, now this…I may be bipolar.” Her eyes went up.
“So, your husband wants a baby and you don’t. Why don’t you?”
Alison’s shoulders inched up and down. “I don’t know.” She sat forward. “I like it the way it is, Alan and I. I mean my career is going well…I don’t want to pause that yet.”
The doctor continued writing. “I understand.” She took her glasses off. “You mentioned having a baby was one of the issues. What are the other issues?”
“I’m not happy with my husband’s friendship with a mutual female friend and he has been suspended from the league for doing ignorant stuff.” She tapped her forefinger on the desk.
“Have you spoken to your husband about these things?”
She laughed. “Have I? He knows, he just doesn’t listen.”
“Hmm…” the doctor looked at Alison. “Have you sat down with him and shared what’s on your mind? About the baby, the friend, his suspension? Without yelling and accusing?”
Alison looked away. “He should know.”
Doctor Rios stood, folded her arms, and watched birds looping around the fountain. “Alison, can you go into detail about what you wrote on the questionnaire. You put rape, in the section marked other.”
She lay back in the chair and lifted her cap slightly. “It happened early on in my career. I was having a photo session and this photographer-Diane, tried to rape me.” Alison exhaled. I can remember her hands, not smooth and soft like a woman, but rough. She touched me on my breasts and rested her large body on me. So many things happened at that moment, but I remember her saying to me, ‘Relax, you’ll like it.’” Alison head dropped to her hands. “She was grinding on me. I tried to push her off.” She lifted her head. “She touched my breast again…the feeling excited me, but I didn’t want to do anything.”
Doctor Rios handed her the flowered kleenex box. “I’m sorry. What happened after that?” She sat down.
She wiped her eyes. “My friend Tim, he rescued me from that horrible woman.”
“There are a few symptoms you have described, stress and mood swings. Those and a few more can be categorized under Bipolar one. Medication can help—”
“I don’
t want to take medication. I’m not crazy.” She stood.
The doctor clasped her hands. “No, you’re not crazy. Medication can help stabilize a chemical imbalance. But what I would like to do is approach this first with talk therapy.”
“Talk therapy?”
“Psychotherapy known as talk therapy.”
Alison giggled. “Okay.” She smiled.
“Alison today was a good day. I want to meet with you again in a few weeks. Until then, what I want you to do is try to keep a journal and note any obvious change in your mood or if someone mentions it.” The doctor scribbled in her notebook.
Alison gathered her belongings, pulled her cap down, and reached for the door. She turned to the doctor. “Thank you, Doctor Rios.” She stretched her hand. “Should I bring Alan with me next time?”
“Let’s discuss that at the next visit.”
The women shook hands. Alison slowly strutted down the hall. Back at the empty waiting area, she made her next appointment.
Chapter 25
Alan
Alan yelled, “Daryl, turn that up. You know that’s the jam.” He dipped to “That’s the Way I Like It” by KC and the Sunshine Band.
A couple of people stared regarding his and Daryl’s indecent photo shot. He smiled and greeted his guests with warmth and hospitality no matter what. His teammates showed off their wild and funky colorful clothing. Alan sported a pair of blue jeans that hugged his bottom and thighs, yet flared like elephant ears at the ankles. His burgundy and white striped shirt complimented his broad shoulders and muscular arms. The leather white platform shoes with tassels hung over the sides looked like a two-layer coconut cake.
Everyone enjoyed themselves in the sunny and seventy-five-degree weather. Alison had catered from some of Atlanta’s finest restaurants. Alan contributed with Alison in slicing the delicate kiwis, pineapples, strawberries, and mangos.
“Hey, baby.” Alison wrapped her arms around Alan’s waist.
Alan turned, bent down, and met his wife’s soft lips. He rubbed her belly that peeked below a yellow strapless top. Alan’s mouth desired her bare caramel shoulders. He gently kissed her on each and whispered, “Thank you for forgiving me, baby. I’m so sorry for that picture.”
“Who said I forgave you for being so stupid to get caught up in mess?”
“Come on, baby, I know you can’t still be mad…”
“Alan, I’m kidding, baby, of course I forgive you.” Alison caressed his shoulder.
“Uh, oh, looks like we have a song to dance to.”
He walked toward Daryl. “Bump that music man, this is a party and come over and join everyone.”
Lipps Inc’s “Funky Town” energized the crowd. Afros swayed in the movement of hysterical and retro dance moves. Alan looked to the west and saw a beautiful glow. The setting sun had nothing on this bronze statue. Tonya moved in slow motion as he became hypnotized. With each movement, her fiery red mini-skirt rose an inch more, exposing her thick legs. The white tube top hugged her firm breasts. Beneath the deep red lipstick, false lashes, and pearl eye shadow, Tonya’s skin was flawless. The beauty mark on her left cheek freckles on her nose was sexually appealing.
“Enjoying yourself, Alan?” Tonya winked.
“Yeah, yeah, this is cool. Thank you for helping out.” Alan took her arm and spun Tonya around.
“My pleasure and anytime you need my help let me know.”
“You can help me get some more fruit from the house. I don’t know where Alison disappeared too.”
“Don’t you guys have staff to help?” Tonya curved her lips.
“I thought we mentioned to you, since this is a small gathering, we gave the staff the day off. They are our guests. They deserve some down time and fun also.” Alan led the way to the patio door.
“I knew there was something I loved about you, Alan Perry.” Tonya brushed against his arm lightly.
Alan carried a serving dish of sliced fruit to the makeshift serving table while Tonya assisted with the dips and whipped cream. Alan watched her slowly lick the smooth sweet cream from a strawberry. He was beyond himself with fascination and fantasy. He better get a grip before things got out of control.
As night fell, Alan lit the back-yard tiki torches. He stood with Alison beside him when the karaoke began. Daryl and Tonya belted the lyrics to “Le Freak” by Chic. Everyone bopped their heads to the upbeat disco savvy.
“Alan, look at Daryl with those tight black polyester pants and that white ruffled shirt and collar touching each shoulder.” Alison covered her mouth to hold the laugh.
“Don’t be teasing my boy. This is a ‘70s party and in my opinion, missy, Daryl is the sharpest one here.”
Once Daryl and Tonya finished their rendition of the song, Tonya gladly accepted a dry martini. Too many to count.
“Alison, excuse me for a minute. I think Tonya had too many drinks.”
“She’s enjoying herself.”
“Yeah, but not at our expense that she goes out of here and have an accident. I’ll be back.”
“Hey, Tonya, come inside for a moment.” As Alan led Tonya into the house, she stumbled into his arms.
“You want me don’t you, Alan.” Tonya lay her head on his chest.
The softness from her body tickled Alan’s. He took her by the arm. “Tonya, you had too many drinks. I think it’s time to stop.” He took the glass away as she sipped.
“Alan.” She stumbled forward. “I know when enough is enough. I’m not drunk, tipsy maybe, but not drunk. I like to have all my senses when things happen, you know what I mean?” She winked.
Alan removed a half-gallon pitcher of ice water from the fridge. “Start drinking this. It’ll help dilute that alcohol.”
“You’re so sweet, Alan. How I wish I had a man like you or better can I just have you? I’m kidding, silly, but you are a good man and I hope to find someone like you.” She kissed him on the cheek and slender fingers curved around a cold glass and she sipped the water.
People started to leave. Alan, Daryl, and a couple of the team cleaned the back yard. Alan had removed all the torches except one.
As he bent down to pick up party streamers a light touch trailed his shoulders. Alan stomach quivered.
“Baby, I’m exhausted. I’m turning in. Can you handle this?”
“Yeah, I got it you go ahead and get comfortable. I’ll be in soon as I can. Did you see Tonya? I gave her a pitcher of water to drink.” Alan laughed. “She claimed she wasn’t drunk.”
“I saw her a while ago talking to Daryl. I think she left.”
Alan’s brows met as he squinted. “Hmm, I hope she’s okay.”
“I’m sure she’s fine.”
***
“Daryl give me a hand with this table.” The two hefty guys lifted the table with ease. They folded legs under and stacked the table on top of others. Alan fought the desires that had built from watching Tonya all night. She was beautiful, but tonight she was sexually appealing. His desire to have her heightened.
“She’s still here man…” Daryl whispered.
“Who?”
Daryl pulled Alan by the collar. “You know who,” he pointed to a dark corner of the yard. Tonya sat in a chaise lounge with the pitcher of water besides her. With legs crossed she smiled and waved at Alan.
Alan gave a slight wave, but a toothy smile. “I thought she was gone?”
“So, you’re glad she’s still here, huh?”
“I’m surprised.”
Daryl wiped his hands on a flowered paper towel. “Okay, Alan, whatever you say. Look, are we done here because I have a late-night snack.” Daryl rubbed his chin.
“Finished, help me carry these tables over there and you can go.”
“Man, this party was great. Not too many people, just enough. I heard that picture, those women, received ten-grand for. We were suspended and fined over some bull shit for ten-grand?”
“Daryl, we shouldn’t have been there mistake number one. Mistake num
ber two, we shouldn’t have been there, but what’s done is done. We’re lucky to get only a two-game suspension.”
Alan finished cleaning and putting things back in order. He put out the last torch and walked to Tonya. She stood to meet him and they embraced. Alan kissed her.
“What’s that for, Mr. Perry?”
Alan stared at the woman he fantasized about all night long. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that Tonya.”
Tonya gently placed his hand on her breast. She stood on her toes, grabbed his head, and guided him down toward her lips and kissed him deeply.
“Tonya, we can’t do this.” He wasn’t sure of himself. Good, bad, and confusion trapped Alan.
Tonya pushed him down on the chaise and unsnapped his jeans. She placed her hand inside his underwear and squeezed him. “Are you sure, we can’t?” She continued to squeeze him.
Alan breathed harder.
Tonya continued until she probed him out of his underwear. She licked her lips. His body jerked, tensed, and relaxed. Moments of intense play caused Alan to release his guilt.
“This will be our secret, Alan.” Tonya took a swallow from the pitcher of water and left Alan to lay in darkness.
A single tear found its way from his eye.
Chapter 26
Drew
Drew sat back on the two-tone brown and burgundy tweed sofa. With feet propped on an ottoman, he sipped chardonnay. He occasionally looked at his cell phone. His attention went back to the double hung window and through it he watched mother nature spew her white dust across New York. The chill and wind formed some of the white dust into ice against the window. Another sip from the glass and he reached for the cell phone.
“Hello,” a hoarse Alison answered.
Drew smiled. “Hey, sweetie, how are you?”
Alison yawned. “Drew, hey, what time is it?”
“Eleven p.m. I was thinking about you. Is it too late, is Alan there?”
“You’re funny. I know you follow the game and Alan is away. But yes, it would be too late if he was here. Are you okay?”
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