by Zuri Day
“I feel you,” Neil replied with a nod. “But I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about the kind of happy that only a woman can bring about.”
“Are we playing dominoes . . . or going fishing?”
“How’s she doing?” Neil replied to Alex’s question with one of his own. “The woman who brought you dinner on Christmas. Carol, I believe is her name?”
“She’s fine.”
“Yes, she is very attractive.” Alex delivered the smirk Neil had sought for. “That the new woman in your life?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact.”
“Good to hear it. It’s been awhile.”
“I’ve told you how hard it is to maintain a long-term relationship on the road.”
“Yes, you’ve told me. But you’re not getting any younger, man. You’ve got to start thinking about settling down one of these days.”
“Dang, man. You’re worse than Mama!”
It was true and had always been this way between them. Though at thirty-two Neil was only older than Alex by four years, his actions tended to be more paternal than brotherly, even when the two were young boys.
“Before I got married, I couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my life with only one woman. Now, I can’t imagine how I stayed on the relationship merry-go-round for so long. Then, after becoming a father . . . that was all she wrote.”
“Yeah, little Marissa has definitely made you a softie. Linda already had you wrapped around her finger, though, so you didn’t have far to go.”
“A few years ago I may have tried to argue your point. But now, I can’t even fake the funk. I’ve got two of the greatest women in my life who God ever created. I’m a blessed man, Alex. No doubt.”
“Anybody who looks at you can tell. I’m happy for you, man.”
The two brothers enjoyed a handshake before refocusing on the game. “If you’re really feeling Carol, let her know,” Neil said, as he slid a double six domino across the table. “From the short time I spent with her, I got the feeling that she’s a good woman. These days those are harder to come by. You wouldn’t want to let her get away.”
“I’m not sure that decision is up to me.” Alex told Neil about their major difference, namely, his love of being on the road and Carol’s gradual aversion to the nomad life. “Besides, I’m not sure I’m ready for marriage, let alone fatherhood.”
“I said that, too, at one time,” Neil calmly replied. “And then I learned that sometimes in life those things you think you’re not ready for . . . are out there ready for you.”
Chapter 18
It was cold, but at least the forty-degree temperatures of the past few days had allowed most of the snow to melt. Truth was, the snow could have been piled five feet on either side of the road and Carol probably wouldn’t have noticed. It was Thursday, two days before the Saturday afternoon opening of the Nelson Mandela Community Center, but this prestigious event wasn’t on her mind either. No, all she could think about was how fast she could get to the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and pick up her boo thang.
She was running late; hadn’t expected it to take so long to take her mother to the repair shop to pick up her mother’s car. She’d almost asked Brandi to do her the favor, but then Jean had started complaining about Carol being more caught up in the community center than she was her family, and that was after griping about the time previously spent with Alex. That she’d had the nerve to mention Carol only bringing him around the family only once was downright comedy. Why, Carol thought as she turned into the baggage claim pickup lane, would she want to bring her man around a woman who constantly put him down? Seeing Alex standing near the curb warmed her heart and spurred compassion for her mom. Her happiness while being with Alex probably reminded Jean of what was missing from her life. Jean was strong and opinionated but also attractive and smart. This year, Carol hoped her mother could find someone to share her life.
“Sexy!” Alex threw his luggage in the trunk of Carol’s car before reaching for a hug. They snuck in a quick peck before seeing the traffic officer shoot a look their way.
“I’m moving,” Carol grumbled with a smile on her face, while putting the car in gear and driving away from the passenger pickup. “It’s good to see you.”
“Good to see you, too.” Alex leaned over and kissed Carol on the cheek, temple, and earlobe.
“Stop, that tickles!”
“Hum . . . I’m ready to tickle something else.”
Carol was in the process of merging onto the highway and couldn’t look over. Couldn’t speak right away either. The sound of Alex’s voice alone made her nether muscles clench; the words coming from those soft lips that had just touched her temple made her heart race. She’d tried to keep her mind off of it, tried to tell herself that sex was overrated. But the truth of the matter was the past few weeks of her life without Alex had been sheer torture. Her home felt empty without him in it, and he’d not even stayed a week! Yet his presence was everywhere they’d made love: the living room, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and bedroom. Just about the only place that hadn’t been christened was the home’s front porch!
“Where are we headed?” As if his words weren’t enough, Alex had the nerve to put a hand on Carol’s thigh.
“Where do you think?”
He laughed. “You missed me really badly.”
“I did not.” Answered immediately.
“You are such a liar.”
“How can you tell?”
“Because you’re doing eighty when the limit is sixty-five!”
“Ha!”
Small talk was minimal as Carol navigated the busy Detroit streets. Alex physically relaxed when they reached her neatly manicured street with its well-kept houses and suburban feel. Walking into the kitchen area through the garage, Alex stretched and exclaimed, “There’s no place like home.”
Carol turned, leaning against the granite-covered island. “You missed me really badly,” she teased, mimicking Alex’s earlier statement.
“I can show you better than I can tell you,” he growled. He set his carryon bag aside and reached Carol in two long strides. Anything she may have been thinking about saying was swallowed by Alex’s lips covering hers, his tongue swiftly jutting into her mouth and beginning to swirl and twirl inside.
Carol’s body immediately reacted. Her nipples pebbled against Alex’s jacket, her stomach flip-flopped in excitement over the delicious assault. She reached up and entwined her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss.
Still, they were not close enough.
Alex gripped her hips and in one swift move she was perched on the island top. He removed his jacket without removing his tongue. Convinced he was on to something, Carol pushed away from him long enough to lose her coat and sweater. Figuring in for a penny in for a pound, Alex reached for his buckle. Carol tossed back her head in laughter and kicked off her boots. Within seconds there was a pile of clothes on the floor and two naked bodies beside them. Carol gripped the edge of the island while Alex cupped her behind as he lifted her up and guided his missile to its target, already hot and wet. Obviously they’d both entered the home with one thing and one thing only on their mind: this.
Goose pimples rippled along her skin as Alex pushed inside her with one long thrust and went to work. His hips established the rhythm and Carol’s matched the beat. While loving her hard, he massaged her cheeks, creating friction everywhere. He bent his head and sucked a pert nipple into his mouth. Instinctively, Carol’s arm shot around his neck, causing her to almost lose her balance on the island.
Alex didn’t have her back, but fortunately, in this instance, he had her butt. Without missing a beat he walked them to the living room where they both fell on the couch and continued the erotic dance. The heat wasn’t on and this time at least the curtains were closed. For Carol, the world had suddenly righted itself. For Alex, he was about to come home in more ways than one.
“Oh, baby!” he growled,
after untold minutes of nonstop smashing.
“Ooh, yes . . . yes!” Carol chirped, as damp locks clung to sweaty skin.
They went over the edge together. Alex was barely able to roll off of her before crumpling in an exhausted heap on the oversized couch, with an equally dazed and satiated Carol by his side.
After a minute to recover her breath, Carol had only one word for what just happened. “Whew!”
“That was pretty intense,” Alex agreed, holding her tighter.
Another minute passed.
“You know what we forgot.”
“Yeah, I know. Sorry about that.”
“It’s not your fault. I was just as ready as you were.”
“I think you were even more ready.”
Carol offered a half-hearted swat in his general direction. “Whatever.”
Still another companionable silence ensued. In the distance, a car was heard coming down the street. Wind blew, causing the chimes on Carol’s front porch to make soothing noises. With her body temperature returning to normal, Carol reached for a knitted throw on the back of her couch and covered them both.
“Yes.”
She turned to him. “Yes, what?”
“To what you said earlier? You were right. I missed you really badly.”
This acknowledgment made her feel all girlie inside. “I missed you, too.”
“Enough to feed me?”
“Ha!”
The two lovebirds hit the shower and ordered in. The continued cuddling in between eating was spicier than Carol’s kaeng pa or Alex’s pad prik prow. But snatches of conversation and catching up on the latest episode of Scandal cooled them down almost as much as the sweet Thai tea.
They stayed up half the night. Spending as much time with her man as she could was a no-brainer for Carol, even though the next night she blamed Alex for being worn out after having to be up and out of the house by seven-thirty. And then working twelve hours preparing for the next day’s opening.
The hard work and sacrifice was well worth it. The opening was a success.
After an open house tour and a welcome by the Mayor of Detroit, the capacity crowd enjoyed a rousing rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” by a junior high choir. After that, the kids received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to back Detroit’s own Ms. Aretha Franklin in a heartfelt rendition of “Amazing Grace.” There were drill teams, spoken word, and instrumental performances, along with surprise appearances from some of the Detroit’s homegrown celebrities. Former old-school crooner Gary Stone, Carol’s best friend’s father, performed and afterward presented the center with a six-figure check on behalf of his daughter, Gabriella, and the entire Stone clan. Their donation included an annual, four-year college scholarship that would be given to one of the center members showing talent and determination in the field of performing arts. Gary Stone’s ex-wife and Gabriella’s mother, Yvonne, was there, too. She and Carol’s mother hadn’t seen each other in years. Carol was glad to see her mother animated and happy. She was even more delighted to see that Yvonne had come with a date, who, in turn, had brought a business associate. When Carol met Jean at the end of the night, and was told that the four were going out for a nightcap, she could have danced on the ceiling. To her knowledge, her mother hadn’t been on a real date in years.
Sunday night came all too quickly. The next morning, Alex was leaving for Los Angeles to do some local work for Marlon before the four-week tour. The first job was working a high-end, VIP party at an exclusive, private nightclub. Many music industry heavy hitters would be there, along with A-list actors, superstar athletes, and some of America’s top models. When asked, Alex admitted he was excited.
“I wish you could come with me,” he whispered, as they stood in Carol’s living room hugging each other while waiting for his car to arrive.
“You know I have to work. These first few months at the center are crucial to ensure its continued success.”
“They want me full time. I still wish you’d come up. Just for the party. You and Gabriella. Then you can come right back.”
Carol thought for a moment and then shook her head. “Sorry, babe. We’ve got too much going on this week.”
They hugged in silence, each deep in their own thoughts.
“Am I going to have to worry about some hardhead sniffing around here while I’m gone?”
“Am I going to have to worry about some groupie? You know I’m well aware of how that world works. Most women who can’t get the star are more than happy to be with their right-hand men.”
“Man, those women who roll like that? Way too much drama. You don’t have anything to worry about.”
“You don’t either.”
Alex’s phone vibrated. He walked to the door and looked out the window. “The car’s here.”
“Okay. Call me when you get there.”
“I will.” He reached for his bag. “When am I going to see you?” Carol shrugged. “Are you going to try and come out to LA before we leave the West Coast?”
“I want to, Alex. But I can’t promise.”
He put a stern finger in her face. “Come see me.”
“Stop being a bully. Now get out before the car leaves without you.”
She was happy that he walked in front of her and other than a quick kiss on her lips didn’t turn around. After offering one final quick wave, she shut the door. It wouldn’t do for a man like Alex to see her cry.
Had she seen Alex’s bright eyes as the car rolled away from her block, Carol would have known she was not alone.
Chapter 19
With as busy as the activities at the community center kept Carol, one would have expected the week to pass quickly. It seemed to drag by, even though she and Alex talked every day. The days were manageable, but the nights were torture. How in the world had she ever thought a king-sized bed a good idea? Without Alex, the mattress was massive. The empty space screamed his absence. By Wednesday, she took to sleeping on the couch. Of course, that only reminded her of the pelvic exercises they’d performed in the living room.
“Earth to Carol.” Vicki, the community center’s director, walked into her office. “Girl, where were you, because it was not in this office?”
“Oh, just thinking about my friend, and hoping we can get her here sometime next year.” Earlier, Carol had been thinking about Gabriella and how her pregnancy was going. That this wasn’t the friend on her mind when the director came into her office was something she felt need not be revealed.
“I still can’t believe what the Stones are doing. Gabriella’s donation was simply amazing, and that the family would follow that up with an annual scholarship is more than we could have dreamed.”
“They’re a wonderful family.”
Vicki sat down on one of two comfy chairs decorated in colorful cloth. “So, sistah, where is that fine man who came to the opening?”
“Alex?” Vicki nodded. “He’s in LA. He works security for Mr. President.”
“Wow. I’m impressed.”
“Yes, most people are. It’s a pretty big deal.”
“Honey, if I had something that fine warming my bed at night, I wouldn’t let him out of my sight. Not even for the president. You’re a better woman than me.”
“He’s doing what he loves, and so am I.” Carol swiped a page on her iPad. “It is what it is.”
“Y’all aren’t going to be together this Saturday? Valentine’s Day?”
“Probably not. He’ll definitely be working that night. And we’ve got the Sweetheart Dance.”
Vicki gave her a look. “Listen, I appreciate your dedication but would totally understand if you’re not here. Plus, we’ve just interviewed a woman who sent us a résumé and heartfelt letter about giving back to her community. Because of Gabriella’s generosity, it’s most likely we’ll be able to bring her on staff.” Vicki stood. “So if you want to see your man on heart day, don’t let us stop you.”
“Hey, man. What’s up?” Alex came into t
he living room of the mansion that Marlon “Mr. President” Simmons would temporarily call home. He walked over and gave his boss a fist bump, and nodded to the other men in the room.
“We’re planning a little party for tonight,” Marlon said, his eyes hidden behind dark glasses. It was two in the afternoon, but he hadn’t been up long, as evidenced by his wife beater tee and pajama bottoms worn with sleek, leather house shoes. “It’ll probably only be twenty or thirty of us. Can you handle that, or do you want to hire a couple of your boys?”
“Mostly women, right?”
Marlon grinned mischievously. “No doubt.”
“I could probably handle it, but Joey and Curtis, a friend of mine, are always up for a quick couple bucks. I can see if they’re available.”
“Sounds cool.”
“What time should they get here?”
“Around ten o’clock.”
“All right. I’ll call them now.”
Alex left the living room and walked toward the French doors leading out to the second-story veranda. The home was nestled high in the Hollywood Hills, with a panoramic view of metropolitan Los Angeles on one side and the valley on the other. The sun shone bright, but there was a bit of a nip in the air. Alex smiled at the thought, knowing that if he complained to Carol about the temperatures being in the low sixties, there would be hell to pay.
He was paying a little bit of that now, being here without her. It had been years since he’d had a serious relationship, since his heart had belonged to someone else. Alex hadn’t even realized what had happened until Sunday night when he’d left her place. It had been one of the hardest things he’d ever had to do; not even the prospect of escorting Marlon to an A-list party could lift his mood. He’d seen some of everybody that night; had been flirted with by a bevy of beauties in the days since Detroit. Last night, several women had played in the hot tub. Naked, of course. One of them had let him know in no uncertain terms that she was his for the taking. That’s when he knew he had it bad for Carol. When it had only taken him a second to decide to leave her fine ass alone.