Unfaithful Ties

by Le'Shea, Nisha

  He glanced around the kitchen surveying his new appliances that he’d had delivered from Lowes yesterday morning and felt a smile curving his lips. The stainless steel refrigerator, cooktop, and microwave: everything was brand spanking new. The only thing that he had to do now was fill in that hole where the old dishwasher use to be. That can wait, he mumbled as he pulled two champagne flutes out of the cabinet.

  The house was spic and span. Rich scented cologne lingered through the air. It was the bottle of Chrome Legend that Malik had sprayed on after he’d gotten out of the shower. On the other side of the wall, the top of a bottle of imported wine poking out of an ice chiller was the centerpiece on a brand new, very elegant, cherry oak pub table. Tapered ivory candles inside a glass candleholder added light to the dimly lit dining area. The setting was one that you’d see in a love flick. When the doorbell rang Malik, straightened the collar on his shirt, turned his cellular on silent and headed for the front door. “Hello Gorgeous” He said, stepping aside.

  “Well hello there handsome” Kim said while stepping through the door frame. She walked over to the end table and dropped the silver evening clutch she was carrying on top of it “It’s nice in here”

  “Thanks! For the compliment! And for wearing that dress! Come join me in the kitchen?” Malik suggested. The scent of fresh ginger floated past Malik’s nostrils as he ushered her to walk ahead of him so that he could get a better look at her curves. “Just walk straight ahead.”

  Kim was wearing a fitted black dress that curved to her curvaceous hips and thick thighs. It was strapless and stopped right above her knee. Black stilettos made her look three inches taller than her five/four frame. Black hair fell below her shoulders.

  “You are wearing that dress”

  “Thanks” she said, and cornered the L that landed them into the kitchen. “The food sure smells good. Exactly what is it?”

  “It’s Coq au Riesling”

  “A man that cooks for a woman and French at that. Impressive!” Just as soon as she’d complimented him the two aprons on the center island caught her eye and she started giggling. “Why are there two aprons? Was your mother helping you cook this food?” She joked.

  “No” He laughed. “The other apron is for you”

  “Oh, nooooo…I don’t cook”

  “Come on it’ll be fun” He insisted and grabbed the apron from the island and slid it over Kim’s dress.

  “Okay but only on one condition”

  “What’s that?”

  “You have to promise that you won’t get mad at me when we end up having to order take out because I’m warning you that I cannot cook”

  “It’ll be fine” He said “I want you to do two things for me”

  “Which is?”

  “First I want you to take off your shoes. I don’t want your feet to start killing you”

  “They already are” She laughed and stepped out of her shoes. “What else do you want me to do?”

  “Oh there is plenty that I want you to do for me. But for right now you can start dicing those potatoes.”

  “I think that I can manage that”

  Malik smiled. “Good”

  ****

  Kim was stuffed as she poked her fork into the dish and forced herself to eat the last bite. “That was delicious” She said, then wiped the corners of her mouth.

  “I told you it would be”

  “I’ll get the dishes” She offered, then pulled up from the table and piled the plates.

  “No, you don’t have to worry about it.” Malik insisted, getting to his feet “What I want you to do is wait for me in the living room. I’ll put these away.”

  “You sure do know how to appease a woman. Your mother has done a great job with you”

  Malik chuckled. “There are some candles on the mantle, will you take that candle lighter and light them for me?” he asked pointing to the candle lighter beside the wine chiller.

  “Sure” She agreed.

  After she’d headed to her destination Malik put the dishes in the sink, grabbed their champagne flutes, and the bottle of wine then headed to join Kim in the living room. “I brought us some more wine” He said, entering the room. He set the glasses on the coffee table, poured some in both the flutes and handed Kim a glass.

  “More wine?” She asked. “I’m not going to be able to drive home”

  “I won’t complain if you stay”

  “I bet you won’t” She joked.

  Malik turned off the lights, with the extension of a lamp on top of an end table over by the door, then pressed play on his iPod. Climax by R&B singer Usher blasted through the surround system. “Wrong song” Malik mumbled and changed the track. Now, Whenever, wherever, whatever by Maxwell was playing “Care to dance?” Malik asked.

  Kim put her glass down on the table, walked closer to where Malik was standing and they slow danced. “This is probably the best date I’ve ever been on.”

  “Is that right?”

  In her sexiest voice, she looked into Malik’s eyes and said, “Yes. This is a perfect date” then snuggled the right side of her face in his masculine chest.

  They slow danced through three more of Maxwell’s tracks before the doorbell stunned them both. “Let me get that” Malik said.

  Kim sat down on the buttercream leather sofa.

  Malik opened the door and peeped his head out the crack of it. “Regina” Malik said, completely surprised. “What are you doing here?”

  “I know it’s unannounced. I’ve tried calling but your phone is going straight to the voicemail.”

  “I told you I’d be busy tonight”

  “I know I just feel so bad about the way I acted this morning and I just wanted to apologize.” She explained “I wanted to make it up to you”

  Malik’s eyebrows grew closer together. He was aggravated. “I told you that tonight wasn’t going to be a good time. We can talk about this tomorrow.”

  He tried to close the door on her.

  Regina stopped him by sticking her shoe between the crack. “That’s too bad. I was hoping that I could make it up to you tonight”

  Malik looked over at Kim who was becoming a little ruffled, then glanced back at Regina “It’s late and I’ve had a long day.”

  “Why do I feel like you’re rushing me away? Do you have another bitch in here?” She yelled pushing through the door. “Unbelievable”

  “Maybe I should leave” Kim suggested.

  “No, you don’t have to leave” Malik ordered.

  Regina bombarded Kim with questions. “Let me guess! He cooked you a meal? French? And he even let you help him huh?”

  Kim glanced at Malik, then back at Regina.

  “Fine you don’t have to answer me” Regina yelled. “Let me tell you what’s going to happen next.”

  “It’s time for you to go” Malik demanded.

  “He’s going to ask you to light the candles while he gets the dishes but since I see that the candles are already lit you’re probably past that point already.”

  “That’s enough Regina”

  “He’s going to ask you to dance with him. And he’s going to pour you glass after glass of fine wine.”

  “Kim don’t listen to her”

  “Then he’s going to suggest that you spend the night. And he’s going to claim that it’s because you’ve had too much to drink and he doesn’t want you to drive.”

  “Alright I’ve had enough” Malik said and grabbed Regina by the arm.

  “Let go of my damn arm before”

  “Before what?” Malik yells. He was clearly about to lose his cool.

  “Is this really what you want sweetie. A man that will yell at you? And treat you like this?” Regina asked Kim.

  Malik was doing the best he could to get her to leave. But she wasn’t going to willingly walk out of the house. And she knew that he wasn’t going to physically force her out. Not with Kim standing there. It would make him look bad.

  “He’s no
t the perfect gentlemen that you thought he was, is he?” She asked while looking over her shoulder as Malik lightly shoved her to the door.

  After Kim realized that Regina wasn’t going to leave at least not as long as she knew that Malik had another woman up in his house she decided that she’d leave. “I’m going to head home” She said, grabbing her clutch”

  “Just be glad that you drove because otherwise he’d call you a cab.”

  “Ooookayyyy” Kim sighed. “The date was nice but I think it’s time for me to go home. Now!”

  “Girl that’s your best bet. Getting you in his bed has been his plan since the moment you walked through that door.”

  “You’ve really had too much to drink. I think it would be best if you just wait for the taxi” Malik insisted.

  “Obviously you two have a lot to work out so, thanks! But no thanks!” and she stepped out of the door, leaving the two of them inside the house, hopped into her car and sped off.

  When Kim’s taillights disappeared into the darkness Malik pushed Regina out of the door like she was a damn man, then walked out behind her. “What the fuck is your problem?” he yelled.

  “What’s my problem? No…what’s your problem disrespecting me like this?”

  “Disrespecting you?” He asked, standing with both his hands on his hips. His jawbone was jumping. He was pissed. “What in the hell do you mean? This is my fucking house”

  “You’re just like all the other men. Do you think that it’s fair for you to fuck me all night, through the morning, send me home in a taxi and then kick me to the curve so that you can romance another bitch”

  “First of all let’s get something straight. We’re not a couple okay. And because we’re not a couple I can romance or sleep with whoever I want to.”

  “If I were you I wouldn’t talk to me that way”

  “You know what I haven’t know you that long to be arguing with you. Don’t text are call me ever again. As a matter of fact tomorrow my number will be changed”

  “You forget I know where you live. You men should really think before you just go around putting your dick in every woman you meet. You never know, one just might turn out to be your worst fucking night mare”

  “Get the fuck off of my porch” Malik said, and walked back in the house. “I’ve gotten too old for this shit” He sighed and sank into his recliner.

  ****

  Late that night Malik finally did what he’d dreaded doing all that day. He dialed Stacy.

  This voicemail box is full

  Good thing he had the contact information to the firm where she worked. He dialed the number, listened to the extension directory, and left her message. “Stacy this is Malik. Listen I know that I’m the last person you want to hear from. But I need to talk to you it’s important. Please call me back. My number is 904-468-2201. Hope to hear from you soon.”

  CHAPTER 14

  Stacy...Chicago Illinois

  So Harold and I have been dating for a while now and I’ve enjoyed every single day. I’ve been smiling so much lately that my face hurts. My coworkers don’t even recognize this new happy go lucky person that I’ve become. Needless to say, I think that I’m in love. And I also think that tonight I’m going to give Harold some. Yeah, I’m definitely going to give him some. I’m headed to see him right now. God I hope it’s some good sex. Lord knows it’s long overdue.

  The flare beaming from the glowing skyline embroiders the beauty of the glistening water, as I peer out a window that showcases downtown Chicago.. This is heaven on earth, my head is leaned back against Harold’s chest, his massive arms are wrapped around me as he and I admire the beauty of Lake Michigan. The weather is nice today, which is strange. This isn’t a typical day in October, especially not in Chicago.

  We’re standing in the Great room of his luxurious million dollar penthouse. Since I’ve met this man I’ve awakened with joy in my heart and I’m happy beyond measures. Past-joyous is an understatement. Harold makes me feel so good it’s unreal. Just today, a license masseuse greeted me as soon as I stepped foot into the estate.

  “Hello Ms. Moreland” A short Italian woman with shoulder length hair said standing beside the doorframe with a plush towel thrown over her forearm. “This is for you to wear today” She informed me and handed me a white cloth robe.

  “What’s this for?” I said looking at her quizzically.

  “It has been requested that I pamper you for a minimum of two hours today. I’ll take your purse and you go ahead and change.” She said.

  After I did what was instructed of me I entered the guest room and nearly cried tears of happiness upon entrance. To the right of me was a pedicure spa chair, a massage/facial table, and a facial brush machine. And to my left there was a towel warmer and sterilizer kit, a few Basalt stones roasting in the stone heater, and a glass table that had several neatly folded plush towels on top of it. First my face was steam cleansed and exfoliated before I experienced the deep pore cleansing of a collagen facial. Next, warm body stones were aligned along my spine as I enjoyed the pleasure of a deep-tissue massage. The pampering allowed my mind and body to escape the task of my demanding career and hectic schedule. Soft calm sounds of the chirping birds and whistling breeze of the lakes, rivers, and streams blaring from the in-wall home theater system ensnared me into a coma. I didn’t even realize I’d fallen asleep until a chubby Italian man dressed in all white and a chef hat, startled me.

  “I’m sorry Ms. Moreland, I didn’t mean to alarm you” He said. “Your dinner has been prepared and is in the dining room whenever you are ready to chow”

  God, Harold sure does know how to make me feel like a princess, I thought at that very moment “Perfect, because I’m starving”

  “I hope you enjoy your meal Ms. Moreland” He said and walked away.

  “I think I’m good now” I informed the masseuse. “I feel so much better.”

  “Glad I could help” she said with a smile and started tidying the room.

  “Thanks” I said then stood, tied my robe tighter, and headed towards the great room. “Did you enjoy the pampering?” Harold asked when I walked in.

  “What did I do to deserve all this pampering?”

  “You haven’t done anything but be yourself” He said. He was sitting on a white leather bench in front of the piano over by the window. “Come sit down gorgeous” He insisted while scooting over and patting the empty space beside him. Naughty thoughts crept into my mind as I walked closer. Gaping at Harold’s exposed chiseled chest has made the center area between my legs so damn moist I’m a little embarrassed. I count twelve ripped abs contoured to his flat well-toned torso, they are perfect. They almost look like they’ve been painted on. Somehow I compose my thoughts although viewing his body makes me weak to my knees and the only thing I really want to do is rip off the Ed Hardy pajama pants covering his sexy ass lower body and ease down on his manhood right here on the piano bench and ride him like it’s nobody’s business as the skyline accentuates over our naked bodies. “Do you play?” I ask after I sit down.

  “A little, but I’m a much better singer.”

  “I’d love to hear you sing”

  “Okay” He says, then picks me up and set me on top of the piano. “Hope you enjoy.” He begins stroking the piano keys and a soft melody echoes through the open-space every time that his fingers drum against the keys. As he sang Adore by Prince to me I almost melt. Between my legs is probably overflowing with juices by now and if I didn’t have any standards my panties would’ve been tossed to the floor the very moment the rich sound of his soprano voice bellowed in my hear. I thought of closing my legs since they are cocked wide open but what I really want to do is smother Harold’s face between them. When he’s done singing he leans forward and breath-kisses me. I feel like I’m dreaming.

  This man can’t be real.

  Every single detail regarding Harold is so astounding that it’s surreal. I’ve found everything that I’ve spent my entire life searc
hing for in one man. He’s told me that he attended UCLA and graduated with a B.A. in Law, he’s been married once, does not have any kids but he wants at least two of them, and he isn’t afraid of getting married again, that he has a passion for art and he loves traveling. Harold definitely said all the right things. It was like music to my ears.

  Moments after our first kiss we sat on Italian styled snowflake-white dining chairs traced with bronze trimmings and enjoyed a dish of saporous Pan Seared Salmon and roasted vegetables. The open floor plan granted a clear view straight through the great room, the chef ready kitchen, and the dining room area. Every piece of furniture throughout the entire six thousand square feet penthouse is elegant and white. Harold explained that the reason he’s designed his home with all white furnishings is because he wants to be sure that the paintings by Augusta Salvage, Henry Ossawa and Louis Mailou J that aligns the walls throughout the entire estate, stands out from everything else. The wraparound windows are ninety feet wide with an incredible view of Lake Michigan, the Chicago Skyline, and Navy Pier. There is an eighty-four inch flat screen television encased inside the wall right above the brick stone fireplace. Long Silk white drapes covers the ten foot ceiling windows. Tan marble floors scintillates throughout the entire estate embellishing each room including the four bedrooms that are voluminous in space. The master bedroom is designed like a suite in a five star hotel. Crisp white Italian sheets cover the plush king size mattress that’s attached onto a white floor-to-ceiling wall headboard. The room is glamorized with crystal table lamps, mirrored cubed lamp tables, a mirrored dresser and chest of drawer with crystal handles, a white leather chaise with a button finish, crushed velvet pillows, a wall mounted electric fireplace, a two thousand gallon wall aquarium, and the biggest flat screen television I’ve ever seen.

  After an incredible evening we ended up right here. Standing in front of the window admiring the golden glow of the horizon as the sun casts over the aqua water. Although we’re not doing much of anything I’m having the best time that I’ve had in years.

  “Care to accompany me on the terrace?” Harold asks.