Drew’s heart was heavy with confusion, regret, and resentment. His only regret was letting Alison go. He should’ve fought for her, but time moved on and she is deeply in love with Alan. Alan had always been a pain in Drew’s back end. Then and now they were rivals except now they’d added a tad bit of maturity to it. Drew respected Alan, though he didn’t believe they would ever sit down and chit-chat like old friends. Alan was a prissy jock who used his good looks to get women. Drew was down and dirty and to the point. He gave women what they wanted—a good stiffness and sometime a little roughness for the added flare, but he never abused them. The bad boy, most women called him.
“Alison, I called because I want Janice back, but she’s making this difficult for me. I gave in the other night with my soon-to-be baby momma.”
“Come on, Drew, what’s the matter with you? The last time we talked you were going to work on this…”
Drew huffed. He slowly poured another glass of chardonnay and stood by the window. “Don’t lecture me, Alison.” Drew kept his tone leveled. What can I do if Janice won’t try? I think she believe this shit is funny. I don’t find it to be funny the least bit.”
“Drew, listen to me. I may be the wrong person to give advice, right now you need to hear me. Janice, I’m quite sure, doesn’t think this is funny, but she is hurting. Tell me this, how in the hell do you think she’s supposed to feel, you screwed another woman and have a baby on the way?”
“Damn girl.” He laughed.
“Grow up, Drew. You called me with the problem that you created. If you don’t want to hear the truth then we can talk about something else.”
Quietness swept across the line so that he could hear Mother Nature’s breath beat against the windows.
“Alison, that’s what I love about you. You’re honest.”
“Hmph.”
“What was that for?”
“I’m learning to be more honest with myself, but anyway go ahead.”
He turned from the window and stared at the clock, which now read midnight. In the dimly lit kitchen Drew placed the empty wine glass in the stainless-steel sink, which he leaned against and crossed his legs. “I promise you this, and I will be a better man because this isn’t the way I want to live. I love my wife and I’ll do whatever its going to take to make our relationship work.”
“What about the resentment you feel towards Janice for breaking us up?”
“We need to seek counseling for a lot of things. I have to forgive her. You forgave me.” Drew wiped his eyes carefully and dared not to let a tremble enter his voice. “Alison, thank you. I promise you I’m going to change, believe me. At this point in my life I don’t’ feel as though I have many truthful friends. You and Tim have been very supportive and with every breath I take, I’m going to fight to be a better man. I’ll call you in the New Year with good news, you wait and see.
Chapter 27
Drew
“I’m happy you asked me to come over, Drew. I know things have been hectic at work…”
“With your persistent behavior, Mallory, I’m surprised we’re not fired.” Drew offered her a seat.
“It’s hard to be around you and not have you, especially after that last get together. I’m so sorry for all the things I’ve done…”
“Does that include going to my home?” Drew eyebrows raised.
Mallory squinted and her chest rose. She meant everything that had happened, whether she admitted it or not.
“Like I said, I’m sorry for things I’ve done. Why did you ask me to come over? Mallory helped herself to a handful of cashews that sat in a miniature crystal serving bowl.
We need to talk about this entire situation thoroughly and thoughtful.”
“Drew.” She licked her fingers, “I agree because the first thing is what type of visitation do you want? I’m more than willing to grant you joint custody—"
“That’s what I’m talking about…”
“As I was saying,” Mallory swallowed more water, “joint custody…only and I mean o-n-l-y, if Janice isn’t around our baby.”
How in the hell did she think that was going to work? Not that Drew expected her to think, but he had to know.
“Mallory, I told you I want my marriage to work with Janice and she was the one hurt in this. Why are you being this way?” I thought you understood when we last talked?”
“I thought you were getting back with me when you came over and fucked me.”
Anger built around the muscles in his stomach. He didn’t know what to do nor say.
“Look, Drew, I don’t want some mad, black, ghetto—”
“Watch your mouth or I’ll beat that kid right out of you.”
“I understand you’re angry,” Mallory moved from the sofa, “but with Janice all I’m saying is I don’t know her and she may hurt our baby.”
“I know Janice and she won’t do anything like that.”
“My point is I don’t know her and if you want joint custody with no complications for visitation then that’s my offer.”
“You can’t do this.”
“Watch me. I suggest you think long and hard about what’s more important to you—your baby that you can have around for life or a woman that will up and leave you with the change of seasons.”
Mallory stood and nibbled on more of the salty cashews with a smirk.
By the grace of God, he Didn’t knock it off.
Chapter 28
Alan
The late hours had consumed Alan. Days ago, he flew home from a game in Minnesota, which was a victory dance for Alan and his teammates. Upon arriving home that night Alison stood in the foyer. He smelt the fresh fragrance of bloomed flowers. Without exchanging any words, he took his wife hand and led her up the stairs. Alan took a shower and rested in bed with Alison.
Three days had passed since he romantically gave his wife attention yet his mind was obsessed with another thought. He lay on the deep plush sofa with lights dimmed and listened to the smooth svelte sounds of Damien Escobar, the violinist. Alan massaged himself. His mind consumed more of the enticing night he had with Tonya. He massaged more. The music continued. Alan couldn’t control the urge that grew within him. He had to have her. Was it just an animal attraction, was it just being a man to conquer, or was he bored with his wife? He lay his back onto the sofa and let his mind drift into the feeling. Alan had nearly reached his climax when something vibrated. “Ah, no.” He tried to continue, but the annoying vibration of his cellphone continued.
He swiped to answer. “What!”
“Did I catch you at a bad time?” Tonya’s voice was sultry and inviting.
Alan almost went limp from the distraction, but her voice brought back the excitement he needed. He calmed himself enough to answer, “No, not at all…” He bit his bottom lip and continued, “I was thinking about you.” He steadied his breathing.
“Really now, what’s on your mind?”
“To be honest, Tonya, I don’t know. There’s something about you and I know it’s wrong for me to have the thoughts that I do, but I can’t explain it.”
“You want me, Alan, you can have me. I told you that it could be our little secret.”
“How can you say you are friends with my wife and want to get with me?”
Tonya replied, “How can you say you love your wife and want to get with me?”
“I love my wife regardless, but I don’t want you throwing this up in her face. Shit, I’m no better than you.”
“We haven’t done anything. I have done you of course so why you’re feeling so guilty. Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“I already told you that it’s something about you and that added little thing you did after the party intensified what I was feeling.”
“Did it now? Let’s stop playing games. Do you want to hook-up?”
This was a good time to get it out his system. “Yeah, let’s. Is tomorrow night cool? Alison’s mom is visiting. They can have time to catch up.�
��
“Then it’s a date. You come over and I’ll cook.”
“Oh, we doing all that? Eating…”
“I treat my men right.”
“Where will Asia be?”
“At my neighbors.”
“Again?” Alan adjusted himself upward.
“They’re like family very supportive since Eric left.”
“Do you still talk to him?”
“Not really, since he’s married. I can’t stomach that uppity bitch.”
The words that smoothly slipped from Tonya’s mouth took Alan by surprise. He had never heard her say one bad thing about anyone, except her baby’s father.
“So, you want me to come over there. Sounds good.”
“Don’t you think we’ll have more of a good time in private?”
“We’ll see. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
***
The aroma of sizzling bacon, hot buttered grits, biscuits, and rich hazelnut coffee woke Alan who slept in his shorts and t-shirt. He staggered out of the family room only to find his mother-in-law staring in his face.
“Alan, why are you sleeping in that room and not with your wife?
Too early in the morning for Alan to be questioned, especially in his home by a guest. I dozed off. When did you get here?” Alan took his forefinger to get sleep from his eyes.
“About an hour ago, your wife, my daughter came to get me from the airport, while you slept all morning.”
All morning. 8 a.m. stared him in the face through his watch. His mother-in-law was a good woman, but too much attitude. Sometime he wondered who wore the pants in her family.
“Moms, there’s nothing wrong with Alison coming to get you. Alison didn’t want to wake me I’m sure and it wasn’t a difficult task to drive to the airport. If it was too hard for her, she would’ve awakened me or called a car for you.” Alan turned to walk away.
“How’s your girlfriend doing?”
“Excuse me? What did you say—”
“Hey baby, good morning.” Alison hugged him tightly around the waist. “I see you and Momma are talking.”
“Yeah, your mother wanted to know why I didn’t come with you to pick her up.” Alan sneered toward his mother-in-law.
Alan rushed up the stairs and into the master bathroom. A few minutes later Alison quietly stepped in while he showered.
“Alan, what’s going on with you and Mom?”
“You know what, I’m not going there with your mother. As long as she’s in my house she needs to respect me. I don’t have time for her assumptions and interrogation.”
“Wow, what did she say to you?”
“It doesn’t matter, that’s your mother, and you spend some time with her. Later I’m going out with Daryl and it might be a long night.”
“Come on, my mother just got here and you’re abandoning me?”
“I’m not abandoning you. That’s your mother and you should spend time with her. Besides, right now I’m not in the mood to be around her.”
“What about breakfast? I cooked your favorite.”
Alan stepped from the shower and Alison head was hung low, lips turned down, and arms crossed. From a stack of folded towels, Alan wrapped his waist tightly. He wiped the steam from mirror, flexed, and admired his muscular build. When he turned to Alison, she now bore a tight lip and squinted eyes.
“Why are you angry at me? Your mother is the one that started this, Alison.”
“Why are you blaming my mother? What do you think she’s going to say when you walk out of here and be gone all night?”
The sport scent deodorant glided with each stroke Alan gave.
“Did you hear what I said? What is my mother going—”
“Alison, listen, I really don’t care what your mother is going to say. She’s not my mother and better yet I’m a grown man and I do what I damn well please.”
Kissing Mrs. Jackson behind wasn’t on Alan’s agenda, especially after accusing him having a girlfriend.
“Alison, I’ll be down soon. But I’m still going out later and your mother has nothing to do with this. I don’t want her causing problems for us, baby.”
Alan knew this fight was more of his ego and what dangled between his legs. He reached for Alison and looked at her.
“I’m being an ass and I’m sorry. Hey, do you want me to go with you on your next appointment?”
“You know Alan, I think I’m good. I can handle this on my own.”
He bent down to kiss her forehead, but she walked away.
***
“So, your mother-in-law accused you of having a girlfriend?”
“She did.” Alan forked a piece of the baked trout.
With her head leaning to one side, Tonya asked, “What is going on with us, Alan?”
“Ha.” With food still in his mouth Alan was inaudible. “This food is what’s going on. It’s delicious.”
Tonya moved closer to Alan and leaned into his ear. “If you think the food is good then you should try me.” She licked his ear.
Alan placed his fork on the plate. He kissed her deeply. He pushed the dishes away and lay Tonya on her back. He stood and admired her beauty. He remembered the night at the club when she seduced him with a dance. He remembered the episode in his back yard. He watched her squirm on the table with simple, but yet seductive moves. Alan picked her up and walked to the bedroom. Red and white candles greeted them with a hint of vanilla and spice. While he kissed her neck, Alan lay her on the bed.
Tonya stroked Alan’s thick arms and moved to his face. She gently rubbed each side then held tightly as she forced her mouth to his. Alan removed her blouse, bra, and pants. He pulled back to look at her perky round breasts and the beautiful red-laced underwear that graced her bottom. He slid the underwear off and licked Tonya’s legs. All of Alan’s thoughts became reality. Her body was so very soft. Tonya lifted and re-positioned herself underneath him, allowing Alan to press against her hot spot.
“Alan, you don’t have to be afraid of me. I won’t say a word. Remember, this is our secret. No one will ever know.” She kissed him.
“Are you sure because I don’t need any trouble.” He gyrated on her. “I’m not afraid of you by the way.”
“Then show me what you have in those pants.”
Alan jumped to his feet, unzipped the jeans and pulled them down with the underwear in one motion.
Tonya’s eyes bulged.
Alan reached inside the jean pocket and fumbled. He found what he looked for in a blue packet.
Tonya took it. “Alan, we don’t need this. I’m on the pill and I want to feel you, the bare you.”
With no hesitation Alan stimulated Tonya’s hot spot with his finger. He kept going until she joined in self-pleasure. Alan watched for a moment while he did the same to himself. The night before in his family room was interrupted, but tonight he thought, would certainly be finished.
Soft moans escaped from Tonya. Time to see what all the hoopla was about. “Tonya, come here, baby.” He moved her hands and held them above her head. He lowered his body until his mouth touched her. He gently licked her a few times then went faster. She jerked and tried to free her hands, but he held tightly. He repeated the motion until her body released the juices he longed for. He released her hands and positioned his body on top of hers. Ever so slowly, he inched his massive erection into her wetness. Tonya moved at a jack rabbit speed. Determined to keep up and not out done, Alan went faster. Her strong legs wrapped tightly around his back as she held on.
Alan sat back and placed her legs on his shoulders. Her short mane was matted to her head. His body glistened in the candle light.
“Alan, I want to go for a ride,” Tonya nearly out of breath whispered.
With the change of position, Alan and Tonya rocked the satin sheets until midnight.
Chapter 29
Drew
New York had better days with winter, but as Drew sat at his desk and stared out the window the snow continued to
fall. Ten inches sprawled out overnight. He left for work two hours earlier to make it in on time. He turned his attention back to the stack of unopened interoffice envelopes and dreaded the outcome. Lately, he seemed to have more work than he could handle.
“Excuse me.” A light knock at the opened door startled him. “There’s a Mr. Jackson here to see you.”
“Yeah, yeah, let him in and any time he comes, Leah, it’s okay.”
“Yes, sir.” The slim Gal Gadot look alike stepped aside for the visitor to enter.
“Damn man, who is that?” Tim’s voiced was hushed.
“Leah, my new secretary.”
“You got rid of that crazy girl?”
Drew was tired of the name calling, threats, and secrets. “Mallory decided to apply for the administrative position down on four. She’s trying to show me that she’s not the evil person I think.”
“Is it working?” Tim sat in the leather chair.
“There’s nothing she can do that’ll change my mind except if she stop black mailing me with my own baby.” Drew fumbled through the stacks of envelopes.
Tim coughed. “She’s what? Now what the hell is she doing?”
Drew stood and closed the door. He filled Tim in on everything that transpired the day he slept with Mallory, again to her last visit.
“Your fist mistake was hopping in bed with her again. What were you thinking?” Tim stated.
“Please, Tim, don’t start your bullshit again. I do not need a lecture. I know what I did, it was wrong, and I told Mallory that. I don’t want her. I want to have a co-parent relationship and not under her crazy terms.”
Drew tapped on the desk. Taking the picture from his desk he stood. “You see this woman?” He pointed to the picture. “I love Janice. I made a mistake and through hell or high water, I’m going to make this right.”
He leaned on the window. Slow and steady breaths formed a mist. Drew raised his right arm and leaned his forehead on it. While He rested, his cell phone vibrated. Private appeared on the display. Drew answered. Silence.
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