In My Rearview Mirror

by Suzetta Perkins

  While still holding Toni, Jefferson lifted the silk comforter on the king-size bed and lowered her onto the antique-gold satin sheet. It was cool to the touch and helped to cool Toni’s body only a smidgen. In truth, she didn’t want to cool down because the fire was all over her, especially between her thighs, and just as Jefferson cleared Toni’s sheath from the rest of her body, he melted into her flesh, fire and desire consuming them both.

  He clutched her breasts and squeezed them like Charmin, before rolling his tongue over her ripe nipples, which he found inviting. Then he explored the rest of Toni’s body, letting his hands roam over the calves of her legs, and then moving to her thighs, languishing in some places longer than others until he was unable to contain himself much longer. Quickly, he removed his clothes and waved Toni off when she tried to help. He wanted to make love to Toni while she was in total surrender as if he knew that there would be another time—more than likely that evening when it would be her opportunity to take care of him.

  When Jefferson entered her, Toni could tell that he let go of his pent-up passion because he gave her the ride of her life and the satisfaction beyond all other satisfactions. He was insatiable—a winged stallion that glided over her hills and mountains in total victory. Her climactic moment was rising along with his, and she knew that if the walls had been thin, all of Raleigh would have heard their pure, unadulterated love cry.

  They were spent, sweat pouring from their brows, and Toni smiled when only after five minutes Jefferson said he wanted more.

  “I want you to know,” Toni whispered in Jefferson’s ear, “that was a good cut of meat.”

  Twenty-Seven

  Ivy woke up from a restless night. She couldn’t even remember the dream that had her tossing and turning. She rubbed her eyes and forced herself to look at the clock on the nightstand. It was ten-thirty, and she was still in bed.

  Turning over, there was no Malik. Given the time, she knew that he was already gone to work. She pushed herself up to a sitting position and shook her head with her eyes closed. She thought she’d see stars; instead, her mother and father stared back at her.

  While she didn’t want to admit it openly, Ivy missed her parents, especially her mother. She and her mother had been the best mother and daughter team, and Ivy could always share anything with Margo. Breathing in, she tried to erase the memory from her mind. But it wouldn’t go away. And then part of the dream came to her.

  There was sweat pouring from her head. She was having morning sickness, and she couldn’t stop throwing up. She had yet to go the hospital to be checked and get some vitamins for fear that Malik would accidently find out before she told him, but she had to look out for herself. Ivy was pretty sure that Malik had no idea because he hadn’t even questioned her little incident at the restaurant on the prior evening, let alone acknowledged it. This was a time that she needed her mother, and she reached for her phone.

  She touched a number and waited for it to dial. Within minutes she heard a familiar, warm voice.

  “Hey, sis,” J.R. said. “What’s up? Everything down there okay with you and Malik? I wished you had talked with me about hooking up with him before you did the ‘I do.’”

  “Why does everybody feel that I don’t have the good sense God gave me? I knew what I was doing and getting into. I love Malik.”

  “This is your brother, J.R. Do you really love him, Ivy?”

  There was a short pause. “Yes, I love him, J.R. Maybe I should’ve waited before I actually got hitched, but it was the size of that rock that blinded me.”

  “I knew it. When I get married, I’m going to do so because I’m in love.”

  “Please, J.R., you wouldn’t know what love looked like if it bit you in the face.”

  “Oh, really? You see, I am in love, Ivy, with a wonderful woman. She completes me and we have so much in common. Most of all, she’s a Christian and has the same values I do.”

  “When did you get a girlfriend? I’ve never seen you with anybody. Wait a minute. She’s the girl that was hanging on your arm when Malik and I ran into you all at the restaurant.”

  J.R. ignored Ivy’s comment. “Why don’t you come up one day so I can introduce you to Elaine? You’ll like her. She’s down to earth and not pretentious.”

  “Maybe I will. J.R., I need another favor.”

  “What do you need, sis?”

  “I want to see Mom. When I come up there, I want you to go with me. It has to be a time when Winter isn’t around. I don’t want her gloating with her judgmental eyes.”

  “Sure. How about tomorrow?”

  “I’ll let you know. We’ve got a lot to talk about. Love you, J.”

  “Love you, too. Don’t forget to get back with me.”

  “I won’t.”

  • • •

  Campaign headquarters was in a frenzy when Malik arrived. Polls had Sterling Garrison gaining on Malik, even if it was by a small margin. Malik needed to bring his A-game, which meant that he was going to have to put his curiosity about Margo and her twins aside for the moment. He wasn’t going to let a two-bit hustler like Sterling steal the territory that he’d already chartered for himself. He needed to organize a few big-time fundraisers, and instead of Ivy romping around like a lost soul, she had to become active in his game and help organize his future.

  He huddled for most of the morning with his campaign manager, Perry Rush, strategizing about how to proceed with the next phase of the campaign. Perry agreed that Ivy needed to become more involved, which would help bolster Malik’s image.

  “You seem to be preoccupied,” Perry said out of the blue. “I’m glad you’ve come down to earth because we’re winning this seat. We’re not just stopping here at senator central; you’re going to be the first black Governor of the State of North Carolina one day, and who knows, possibly the second black President of the United States.”

  Malik laughed. “I like the sound of that, Perry. You’ve got my undivided attention.”

  “I know that new wife of yours is wearing you out. It’s nothing like having a fresh pair of panties.”

  “Okay, Perry, you’ve overstepped your bounds. My personal life is off limits. I do remember, though, how I used to hound the women back in the day, but it’s been many moons since I was a true player. In fact, I was in love with only one woman for a good while before my wife and I got together.”

  “Could have fooled me. I consider myself to be one of your good friends, next to Jefferson Myles, and I didn’t even know you were even seeing anybody, let alone entertaining a woman who keeps you warm at night.”

  Malik leaned forward in his chair and whispered to Perry. “It was Jefferson’s wife, soon to be ex-wife.”

  Perry gasped for affect. “Well, you know the rumor was running around the frat house. I also heard that Jefferson whipped your ass at a local restaurant.”

  It was Malik’s time to be surprised. “You heard all of that? When?”

  “You know how the streets work, man. Ain’t nothing sacred. Frats be talking all the time. You won’t believe some of the crap that our line brothers have been involved in. Ain’t nobody squeaky clean.”

  “Including you?”

  “You know, dawg, I’m like you. I’ve got a checkered past, but like the apostle Paul, I found my Damascus Road and have been trying to live the straight and narrow life.”

  Malik laughed. “Yeah, right. See, I heard that while your wife, Shirley, was getting her groove on in Jamaica, that you were skinning dipping with . . .”

  “Hold up, Malik. That’s a boldface lie. Some of the brothers set it up to make it look like I was with old girl. I was minding my own business when she came out of nowhere and got in the pool.”

  “So why was your ass naked?”

  “I was in a private pool, and . . .”

  “Don’t try to lie your way out of it, Perry. That fine-ass, Toni Braxton look-alike had you drooling.”

  “Look, I wasn’t naked when I got into the pool. The wom
an pulled down my swim gear after she got into the pool. My body reacted, and she reacted. After the night was over, I haven’t seen hide nor hair of her again. I love my wife. How about you?”

  “What in the hell are you talking about, Perry? I love my wife, too.”

  “We heard that you might still be in love with Jefferson’s soon-to-be ex, but in the meantime, you married her daughter because she reminded you of her mother and you couldn’t let it go.”

  “That’s why I don’t go around you thugs because you keep crap stirred up without a cause. Damn frats need to mind their business and let me handle mine. Now, we’ve got a campaign to run. There is no way Sterling is going to win this race.”

  “I hear that he’s coming out with a negative campaign ad about you. Better brace yourself.”

  “I need you to squash the rumors and set up rumor control. That’s what I’m paying you for.”

  “Don’t be upset at me, dawg. I’m already your eyes and ears. I just want you to get serious about what you want to do, so we can send Sterling packing early. I hear his wife likes to run around and spread her offerings wide, if you know what I mean.”

  “Although I don’t want to partake in any negative campaign fest, do what you have to do.”

  “In case we have to go there, I’ll get the ammunition ready. I heard from a friend of mine that a Ms. Toni Gillette is going to start a political news magazine to air candidates’ dirty laundry. A little tidbit to put in your back pocket. My advice to you is keep it clean, love up on your wife, and make her a part of your up-and-coming career. Don’t let the skeletons fall before you close the closet door.”

  Perry got up and went back to his office, leaving Malik to ponder what he said. Time out for discovery in the paternity of Margo’s twins, Malik thought. They’re probably Jefferson’s and I’m making a big fool out of myself. Malik picked up the phone and called his wife. “I’m going to take my lovely wife out to lunch. I’m going to win.”

  Twenty-Eight

  Jefferson woke with a big smile on his face. He couldn’t get enough of Toni Gillette. An hour of sexual bliss turned into four divine hours of drive-you-off-the cliff lovemaking. He never got to taste the filet mignon . . . well, not the one Toni had taken tender care to cook for him. He did take a doggie bag but made sure he got the contract signed. He wasn’t sure if Toni even read it, but she was eager to get the work started having given Jefferson the retainer she promised.

  He breathed in the air and swore he could smell Toni on him. Being with a woman for the first time in a long time was exhilarating, especially since Toni knew how to make it worth his while. Without her major assets, Jefferson was sure he wouldn’t have given her the time of day. He smiled because not once had he thought of Margo, and if she didn’t want him, he knew someone who liked, no enjoyed his company.

  Rising to take a shower, Jefferson looked at his psyche as he passed the wardrobe mirror that took in his whole, naked body. He ran his hand over his chest and stomach. I need to do some situps—start going to the gym, he thought to himself. Jefferson flexed his muscles and was pleased that he still looked halfway decent, although Toni didn’t seem to mind. His limp, which was caused by the accident when his car was riddled with bullets by the mob six, almost seven, years before, was almost unnoticeable.

  Jefferson sang to himself in the shower, allowing the water to soothe him and his good mood. As soon as he got to the office, he would have J.R. begin right away on Toni’s project, and if he wasn’t available, he’d do it himself. He also needed to check on the progress of Dr. Wright’s upcoming ads. He was proud of what he and his two sons had accomplished.

  Before Jefferson could finish dressing, his BlackBerry went off. A smile parted his lips as Toni’s number lit up the screen.

  “How are you doing, beautiful?” Jefferson asked.

  “I’m doing wonderful. I need another helping of what you served last night. Thank you, Jefferson. I haven’t felt that whole in a long time.”

  “I’ll let you in on a secret. Neither have I. I enjoyed being with you last night, and I look forward to spending more time with you.”

  “If you aren’t too tired at the end of your day, maybe we can have an encore of our previous production, only I promise to feed you a home-cooked meal this time.”

  “Strawberries and whipped cream sounds good.”

  “Oh, Jefferson, I’m so embarrassed.”

  “Why?”

  “You made me come. I’ve done nothing else but think about you. I hated that you had to leave my bed, but I’ll relish your warmth tonight. I haven’t been blessed with such mind-blowing sexing in a long time.”

  Jefferson smiled on his end of the phone. “Come on, tell the truth. I’m sure there were many others before me.”

  “Well, not to say that isn’t true, but I have had a three-month drought. I’m here to tell you that the drought is over. And you don’t have to worry about mixing business with pleasure because the pleasure is all mine. Tonight, I’m going to have something extra special for you. I can guarantee that after tonight’s session, you’ll want to be with me day and night.”

  “Whoa, let’s take it slow. I’ll agree that you’ve turned me into a cookie monster, but let’s enjoy each other’s company for now.”

  “Jefferson, you’ve got my nose wide open. You should’ve behaved yourself last night because now I’m strung out.”

  “I’m flattered, Toni. I had a great time, too. My thinking is we should take baby steps—tiptoe if you will. I’m not ready for a full-blown relationship at this moment.”

  “Okay. That’s fair. I’ll back off, if you promise to come and see me tonight and wet my whistle.”

  “I can do that. Now, I’ve got to run, but I’ll see you tonight. I’m anxious to get started on your project so you can work your thing—not that you didn’t work it last night.”

  “You’re so naughty.”

  “Just the way you like it.”

  “See you tonight.”

  Jefferson smiled when he hung up the phone. Then he stopped abruptly. He hoped he hadn’t bitten off more than he could chew. He had been sexually deprived for too long to let some hot, molten lava mess up his mind. But he had to admit that he had suddenly been fulfilled. There was no doubt that Toni was a good lover, in fact she would be grade-A competition if it were indeed that.

  She felt so good . . . so right, and he had to agree with Toni that the sex was so good that it had the capacity to drive him to the insane asylum. Maybe it was because she used her gift of seduction well and was everything Jefferson envisioned a real woman to be. Jefferson only hoped that while his immediate needs were met that he wouldn’t disappoint Toni by tiring of her too soon. And then thoughts of Margo rose to his forefront. He put his jacket on, picked up the envelope with the signed contract and retainer from off the coffee table and headed to work.

  • • •

  All heads looked up when Jefferson strolled through the office. It was too quiet for Jefferson’s liking, although he didn’t want to be the one to disturb the atmosphere because he had “things” on his mind. He stopped at Cheryl’s desk and handed over the envelope.

  “For you,” Jefferson said with a big smile on his face.

  “What’s got you grinning like that, Mr. Myles?” Cheryl asked, looking from Jefferson to the package she was fumbling to open.

  Jefferson waited while Cheryl opened the envelope and emptied the contents. Then he put on another smile when Cheryl looked up.

  “Log it in,” Jefferson said.

  “So, you and Ms. Toni Gillette sealed the deal,” Cheryl said sarcastically.

  “She’s paying your salary,” Jefferson reminded her before putting on another broad smile before walking to his office. “Is J.R. here?”

  “Yes, he’s in with Winston working on some project.”

  “Thanks, Cheryl.”

  Jefferson sauntered to the space that was created for Winston and smiled broadly when he saw his two sons hard
at work.

  “Hey, Pops,” J.R. said as Jefferson came through the door.

  “What’s up, Dad?” Winston asked.

  “I’ve got a hot new project for you guys when you finish up with what you’re working on. I bagged a new account yesterday, and it may prove to be very lucrative over time.”

  “What is it?” J.R. wanted to know.

  “A news magazine.”

  “Doesn’t sound like much of a challenge,” Winston countered.

  “A political online magazine that will keep voters informed about the candidates.”

  “Umph, there may be something to that,” J.R. said matter-of-factly.

  “Sounds like a news rag to me,” Winston said.

  “We’re getting paid well,” Jefferson interjected. “However, the one thing I won’t do is compromise this company. I’ve worked too hard to get back on my feet, and I like working with my sons. This is a happy day.”

  Both J.R. and Winston stopped what they were doing to give Jefferson a high five.

  “I’m with you on that, Pops,” J.R. said. “I must say that it feels good to be working with you and my brother—family.”

  Silence ensued and all eyes were on Jefferson. J.R.’s words touched him and he couldn’t express in words the impact of what J.R. had said. His face puffed up, Jefferson held his lips together, trying to push back the emotion of joy that suddenly enveloped him. Then he made a fist and tapped his chest twice. “Thank you, J.R. That really meant a lot.”

  J.R. got up from his seat, went to Jefferson, and hugged him. Jefferson couldn’t stop the tears this time. When he pulled back, he wiped away the tears. “I love you, son.” He stopped and looked over at Winston. “Come on over here. I love you, too.” Winston joined his brother and father and formed a perfect circle. And they held each other in their embrace for the next five minutes.

  Twenty-Nine