“Pay your wine bill and then get out of the restaurant I purchased last week with my non-career-driven behind.” I waited just a moment before I stood and then walked out of the door.
And I have to say, I had never felt so good.
Venita Alderman Sadler is originally from New Jersey but currently lives in North Carolina with her family. Venita hold degrees in Education, Business Management and currently pursuing a Masters in Accounting. Venita is currently working on a trilogy titled A Family of Secrets. Venita is a member of Victorious Ladies Reading Book Club. To find out more about Venita and her upcoming projects, you can visit her website at www.venitaaldermansadler.com.
Her Sister’s Boyfriend
By Tamika Tolbert Lucas
It was the perfect October night. The air was crisp and invigorating. A cool breeze brushed against Kendall’s cheek. She was on top of the world, literally. Her boyfriend, Trent, had reserved the entire rooftop at Sky Lounge for a private candlelight dinner to celebrate her 25th birthday. Every day with Trent was like a fairytale. From the diamonds, cars, designer clothes, and exotic trips around the world, Kendall never knew what to expect.
Kendall reached for her strawberry mojito. She smiled as her eyes met Trent’s. After two years, she was still amazed at how fine he was. His muscular build, dimpled chin, and green eyes made him popular among the ladies. Whenever he walked into the room it felt like Christmas.
“Happy Birthday,” Trent said, placing a square shaped gift box in Kendall’s hand.
This! Is! It! Trent is finally going to propose! Her face lit up. Kendall could hardly contain her excitement. Trent was one of the most eligible bachelors in Atlanta. He was a philanthropist and the son of technology entrepreneur and inventor, William Herring of Herring Electronics.
As Trent got down on both knees, Kendall’s heartbeat accelerated. She tore into the box, but then as she opened it, her eyes narrowed to a squint. Is this some sort of joke? Kendall held up a tiny opal gold- plated ring that looked like it came out a Cracker Jack box.
Trent wrapped his arms around Kendall’s knees and began to sob. “Baby, I’m broke.”
Kendall batted her eyes, hoping to awaken from a dream. “What did you just say?”
“I’m broke. Herring Electronics filed bankruptcy yesterday. All of my family’s assets have been seized,” Trent said, weeping.
Kendall liked her men tall, rich, and handsome. And rich was non-negotiable. She watched emotionless as the man she once respected, roll into a ball like a wounded animal in an Armani suit. Instead of coming to Trent’s aid, Kendall stood and made a beeline for the door.
“Kendall! Kendall! Wait!” Trent hurried behind her. Frustrated, Kendall came to a halt. “What is it, Trent?”
Trent sighed. “I need the keys to the Bentley.”
Kendall wasn’t sure she heard correctly. “You need the keys to my Bentley, the one you bought me for Christmas?”
“Well, I didn’t exactly buy it. It was a lease.”
For a few seconds, Kendall couldn’t move. Her legs were stiff. She could not believe Trent wanted to return her white 2015 Bentley Continental GT. This was her dream car. Was he crazy? “No!” Kendall shrieked.
“But Kendall, I have to. You and I both could face criminal charges.”
“Okay, fine.” Kendall handed Trent the keys to her car. Kendall started removing her watch and earrings. “Do you want my Cartier watch and diamond earrings, too? These are real diamonds, right?”
“Of course they are. Kendall, why are you acting like this?” Trent said, baffled.
Kendall folded her arms. “You gave me a cheap ring and took away my dream car. How do you expect me to act?”
Trent turned to Kendall with tears in his eyes. “I just lost everything. I expect you to understand.”
“I understand that you can no longer provide the kind of lifestyle I am accustomed to. Trent, I’m sorry. This isn’t going to work. It’s over.”
“Are you serious? Are you really going to break up with me on the worst day of my life?”
“I’m sorry,” Kendall said, turning her back on Trent and walking toward the door.
“But baby, wait a minute!” Trent shouted as Kendall continued to walk away. “How are you going to get home?”
“I’ll take a cab.”
***
Krista ogled her sister as if she were insane. “What did you just say?”
“I have a date with Young Boss,” Kendall repeated.
“The rapper?” Krista said, cocking her head to the side.
“Yes. He’s an actor, too. I met him a few days ago. He’s taking me to his movie premiere at the Rialto,” Kendall said, beaming.
Krista thought her sister was smoking something stronger than Newports to break up with Trent for the likes of that clown.
Young Boss, whose real name was Dexter Lewis, stood about 5’4. He was loud, obnoxious and disrespectful to women. He was in the news for assaulting his ex-girlfriend last year.
Besides having the same mile-high cheekbones and smooth chocolate skin, twin sisters Krista and Kendall were complete opposites.
Kendall never left the house without makeup and five-inch stilettos. From her Malaysian weave to her designer clothes, she always looked like she stepped off a runway, even if she was going to the grocery store. Kendall dabbled in modeling and acting, but ran away from gigs that required a real commitment. Besides making guest appearances on a few sitcoms, Kendall made her living dating rich men.
On the contrary, Krista’s style was simple yet chic. She preferred natural hair styles as opposed to weaves. She seldom wore makeup and would probably break her neck in a pair of stilettos. Passionate about helping people, she was the director of Community Outreach at Victory Tabernacle Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Krista was also studying pre-med at Emory University. Becoming a doctor was Krista’s way of saving the world.
“I still can’t believe you left Trent. You were so happy with him. What happened?”
“He’s broke. I am Kendall James. I don’t date broke men.”
Krista shook her head. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “But it’s been three weeks. Don’t you miss him at all?”
“Of course I do. I miss the weekends in Venice, the shopping sprees on Fifth Avenue and my Bentley, yes, most of all I miss my Bentley,” Kendall dabbed the tears forming in the corners of her eyes.
“I think you should call him. He’s going through a lot. I’m sure he could use a friend.”
“Then you call him. I’m leaving.” Kendall sashayed across the room in a black strapless Chanel dress. “How do I look?” It was as if thoughts of her date immediately dried her disappointment over the Bentley.
“Stunning as always,” Krista replied.
Kendall smiled. “Thanks sis. Wish me luck.”
***
Trent tossed Herring Electronics’ Mid-Year Audit in the trash. He had been working nonstop to find ways to increase sales and reduce costs at his family’s company. So far he had nothing.
Trent figured his father’s attorneys found a way to keep the bankruptcy filing confidential because the company’s stock price remained steady. But that wouldn’t last much longer. Trent knew as soon as the shareholders found out, it would plummet.
Trent never cared about his family’s business. He just showed up for the photo ops and cashed his checks. But now that his family’s legacy was at stake, he had to do something.
Trent let out a hoarse cough. Not only was he fighting sleep deprivation and thoughts of Kendall, he had to contend with a bad cold. The timing couldn’t be worse.
He got up to get a cup of water when he heard the doorbell ring. It was after 10 p.m. Trent had no idea who could be visiting him at this hour. Deep down, he hoped Kendall was coming over to apologize. He missed her something serious. He gulped the ice cold water down between coughs and headed to the door.
“Krista? What are you doing here?” Trent had just spoken to Krista a few h
ours ago. She called to see how he was doing. The two had become good friends throughout the years. Krista’s church was a major benefactor of the Impact Center, Trent’s nonprofit organization.
“You sounded really bad on the phone. I made you some chicken soup.”
The aroma of the fresh herbs and spices hit Trent’s nostrils. His stomach reminded him he hadn’t eaten all day. “Thanks. Come in.”
Trent poured himself a bowl of soup. He paused as the broth quieted his throat and cleared his nostrils.
“I don’t mean to intrude. I just want to make sure you are taking care of yourself. How are you, really?” Krista asked, her eyes peering over her square framed glasses.
Trent summoned for Krista to sit next to him at the kitchen table. “You’re not intruding at all. I appreciate your concern. I am stressed out. I haven’t slept in weeks.”
“I’m sorry,” Krista said, her face etched with concern. “But corporate bankruptcy really isn’t a big deal. Companies do it all of the time.”
“I know. But I just don’t understand. Herring Electronics was doing so well. Then all of a sudden we’re in trouble. I just don’t get it.”
“There are a lot of things I don’t understand. That’s why I pray. That’s exactly what you need to do.”
Trent nodded. “I did.”
“Then wait. That’s what we call faith.”
Trent’s mouth formed a slow smile. In a manner of minutes, Krista had managed to calm him down and give him a sense of peace about his situation. “I guess you’re right. I need to stop worrying so much and have faith.”
Krista grinned. “I know I’m right.”
“Would you like something to drink? I have tea.” Trent pointed to the K cups next to the Keurig machine on the counter.
“No thanks.”
Trent slurped the last spoonful of soup. “This soup is delicious. I’m already starting to feel better. You know you didn’t have to do this.”
“I know. I wanted to. I feel really bad for the way Kendall treated you. You are a good man, Trent Herring. You deserve better.”
“Thanks, Krista. I appreciate you saying that. How are things with you?”
“Good. I’ve started planning the annual coat drive for the orphans at the Impact Center.”
“That’s awesome. I appreciate your dedication to the cause.”
“No problem. I can’t bear the thought of kids being cold in the winter.”
Are you still dating Jeffrey?”
Krista’s eyebrows knitted together. “Are you talking about my friend who usually comes with me to the Impact Center?”
“Yes. That’s the one.”
Krista snickered. “Jeffrey is my friend and he’s gay. I haven’t had a boyfriend in over three years.”
Trent felt like a fool. He wanted to ask Krista out long before he met Kendall.
Krista was smart, authentic and had a heart of gold. Unlike the other women he had been with, Krista didn’t have to be painted with makeup to be noticed. She was naturally beautiful. He always assumed the husky gentleman who accompanied her to the Impact Center was her beau. That’s what he got for assuming.
Trent surveyed Krista’s body while she wasn’t looking. He was impressed. Krista was a perfect ten. She had curves for days, but she never flaunted them. Trent became even more intrigued. Now that he and Kendall were over, there was nothing keeping him from asking her on a date. Because of Krista’s loyalty to her sister, Trent figured she would say no. So he had to be subtle.
Trent cleared his throat. “Krista, no one has ever done anything like this for me. When I get better, you have to let me cook dinner for you. I make a mean oven roasted chicken.”
Krista raised her eyebrows. “You? Cooking? Oh, this I have to see.”
***
Krista grabbed her M.A.C. makeup kit from inside her bathroom vanity. She buffed the foundation across her face and rolled her cardinal satin-colored lipstick over her lips. Krista only wore makeup for special occasions. Tonight was special.
Krista had butterflies in her stomach. Last night when Trent called and invited her to dinner, it sort of sounded like a date. She had no business being nervous. It was just dinner with a friend, nothing more. She would be lying if she didn’t admit she wanted more.
She hadn’t stopped thinking about Trent since she visited him last week. If she didn’t know better she would have sworn they made a connection. But she was fooling herself.
What would a man like Trent Herring want with me?
Every woman she had ever seen him with looked like they just stepped off the cover of Vogue Magazine. Not to mention he had just broken up with her twin sister a month ago.
“Wow! You look great!” Kendall said in amazement, walking into the bathroom. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you wear makeup. What’s his name?”
“You don’t know him,” Krista said, clinching her jaw. Although Kendall never had true feelings for Trent, Krista wasn’t sure how she would feel about them having dinner.
“He must be some special guy to get you to wear makeup.”
Krista ignored Kendall’s pestering and continued to primp. She pinned her two strand twists into a sexy updo. Krista smiled at the image she saw in the mirror. The navy halter dress and navy mid heel pumps complemented her shapely figure and long legs. Kendall was right. A “wow” was definitely in order. Krista hoped Trent would agree.
***
Kendall inched away from Young Boss’s sleeping body. She hoped to catch a few minutes of sleep before he woke up. Young Boss had given her a closet full of the latest designer fashions, but she paid for them ten times over. Her vagina was sore and she was absolutely exhausted. At least four times a day, Young Boss had her body twisted like a pretzel for his sexual pleasure. On a few occasions, he invited his friends to participate.
Young Boss was abusive and Kendall couldn’t even understand what he was saying most of the time. But that was the price she was willing to pay for a life of riches.
Young Boss rose out of the bed. He yawned, stretched, then said, “Bitch, get up and fix me some breakfast.”
Kendall pulled the Versace sheets off her body and did what she was told. She’d found out the hard way that he did not play about his food.
It was times like these when Kendall thought about Trent. He was so good to her. He never barked orders or treated her like a sex slave. He was one of the good ones. Too bad he lost all of his money. If Kendall was one of those women who ate off the dollar menu, things may have worked out for them.
Kendall grabbed the bacon out of the refrigerator and turned on the television. When the bacon began to sizzle, Kendall grabbed the carton of eggs.
She saw a picture of Trent on the television so she turned up the volume.
“In Financial News, William Herring of Herring Electronics is retiring. His son, Trent Herring has been named his successor. Herring Electronics had a substantial gain of twenty percent this quarter since the emergence of their wristband computer.”
Kendall dropped the carton of eggs on the floor. She turned off the stove and tiptoed to the bedroom to retrieve her overnight bag. Young Boss was in the shower; so she threw on a wrinkled t-shirt, a pair of spandex pants and headed out the back door.
If the news report was true, Trent wasn’t broke after all. Kendall had to congratulate him and apologize for breaking up with him. She knew he still wanted her. The day after they split, he left at least five messages practically begging her to take him back.
***
Kendall waited anxiously outside her ex’s front door. For a minute, she didn’t think he would answer. When the door swung open, she was all set to get her flirt on, but the sight of her twin caused her mouth to fall open.
“Aww, hell naw! What are you doing here?” Kendall asked.
Krista was the last person she expected to see at Trent’s condo at 8:45 a.m. She had on the same clothes she wore the night before, so Kendall knew that she had spent the night
. “Answer me,” Kendall shouted, when her sister just stood there looking stupid. “What are you doing here?”
Trent appeared in the doorway with a smirk on his face, wearing only a pair of Nike jogging pants.
“I invited her,” he said. “What are you doing here?”
Kendall decided she would deal with her sister later. There had to be some explanation to this anyway. She stepped inside and wrapped her arms around Trent’s neck.
“Hey, baby. I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for overreacting on the rooftop. I never should have left you.” Kendall rubbed her hands all over Trent’s chest. She could see out the corner her eye, the act made Krista cringe.
Trent grabbed Kendall’s hand and gently pushed her away. “That was a month ago,” he said. “You didn’t return any of my calls, yet somehow you show up at my doorstep on a Saturday morning. You saw the news, didn’t you?”
Kendall’s fidgeting gave her away. She finally broke her silence. “You said you were broke.”
Trent released an exasperated laugh. “My parents made the whole thing up. They knew you were with me for my money. They saw that we were getting too close, so my mom froze all of my assets and made up the bankruptcy story so I could see who you really were. It worked, too. I was furious with them. I couldn’t believe the lengths my family went through to get you out of my life. But I should thank you. Because of you, I stepped up to the plate at my family’s company and I found a remarkable woman in the process.”
Trent wrapped his arms around Krista’s waist. Kendall pushed between them, breaking their embrace.
“Krista, are you two sleeping together?”
“Kendall, it’s not like that.”
“I’ve only been gone a month. How can you do this to me? Trent and I are soulmates.”
Krista heaved a sigh. “You said you never had feelings for Trent. But I do. You just want him because he’s still rich. I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to accept that Trent and I are together now. And no, we haven’t slept together. We stayed up all night talking.”
Kendall gasped in disbelief. But while she wanted to be furious with her sister, she loved her too much. And if she was being honest, everything Krista said was the truth. She never loved Trent. She only loved the things he gave her. If Krista truly cared for Trent, she wasn’t going to stand in the way of her happiness. Kendall walked away, conceding defeat. Deep down, Kendall wanted to find love. More than that, she wanted to find love with a rich man. But while she waited for love, she would settle for a rich man.
The Ex Chronicles Page 16