Fateful Reunion
by
Joanna A. Haze
Ebook Edition
* * * * *
PUBLISHED BY:
PWP Romance
Passionate Writer Publishing
www.passionatewriterpublishing.com
Fateful Reunion
Copyright © 2013 by Joanna A. Haze
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to the retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.
Other Books by this Author
The Missing Piece~Joanna A. Haze
Training Session: Soldiers in Heat~Joanna A. Haze
Desert Love: Sodiers in Heat~Joanna A. Haze
PWP Romance
Wanted: Weekend getaway. Seeking date for ten year class reunion.
Sex therapist Dr. Mandy Sanders needs a date and fast. Going to her class reunion solo isn’t an option especially when her ex and the woman who stole him away are coordinating the festivities. What she doesn’t expect is the blue-eyed Spaniard, Dante Perez, instead of the Mandingo Warrior who responded to the ad.
Dante Perez can’t resist filling in for his down and out houseguest when he sees the beautiful sex therapist on the computer screen. He’s determined to find out why a beautiful woman would be so desperate until she treats him like a client.
Can they overcome their differences and first bad impressions to find the love waiting before them?
Fateful Reunion
Joanna A. Haze
Chapter One
Mandy looked over the rim of her black-framed glasses at the couple sitting on the couch across from her. Every Wednesday Donald and Claire Hinckley sat on her less-than-comfy leather couch discussing their marital problems and sex life, or rather the lack thereof.
“It would be nice to get a blow job every now and then,” Donald fumed. He crossed his pudgy arms, lowered his eyes, and leered at his wife. With his head turned, Mandy was subjected to the slight balding patch starting at the crown of his head.
Claire huffed at him as she sat poised on the couch. She sat upright, refusing to let his harsh words tear her down. “I’m not a whore. Quit trying to make me be like the women in that porn you’re obsessed with.”
“You had no issue doing it when we first met.” His massive frame slumped further in the couch.
“Donald,” Mandy said in a controlled tone. She stayed in her oversized chair but leaned in close for emphasis. “Let’s see if we can get to the root of why Claire no longer feels the need to please you in this manner.” She directed all of her attention on Claire. “You said he watches porn. You do know that there is absolutely nothing wrong with watching adult movies. The over-usage is what we want to avoid. How much time would you say your husband spends watching porn?”
Claire pierced her lips. The pock marks left behind from acne scars protruded through the thick layer of makeup she wore. Traces of blue eyeliner threatened to run down her face as her gray eyes watered. Her thin frame seemed to shrink within the couch while she formed an answer to the question. “Lately it’s been almost every night. I feel like he doesn’t find me attractive anymore.”
Donald dropped his head.
Mandy glanced in his direction. “Donald, is this true?”
His chest heaved, and he let out a breath. “Of course not. She’s always too tired or has a headache so I figured I’d let one out while she’s resting. I love my wife.”
Mandy glanced at the time on the round clock on the wall. “I have an exercise I’d like for you to try. Draw a line down the middle of a piece of paper. On one side, list out all the things you love about your spouse. On the other, list things you wish they’d improve. When you return, we’ll talk about those more in depth.”
The white timer sitting on the end table next to her chair sounded. Mandy stood, and her clients followed suit. At five foot seven with an additional four inches with the wedge heels she wore, Mandy towered over Claire and was at the same height as her husband.
“Thank you so much.” Donald extended his hand for a shake while Claire clutched her purse with one hand and dabbed her eyes with tissue with the other.
Mandy politely accepted his out stretched stubby fingers. “You’re welcome. Counseling is a process. Each session will get you a step closer to resolving the issues in your relationship and onto a healthy sustaining one.”
Donald nodded.
“Elaina will schedule your next appointment.”
She walked them to her door and held it open as they walked out. Once she heard the click, she pushed the pump on the bottle of sanitizer located on the wall next to the door. Shaking hands creeped her out. Hearing about Donald constantly whacking off didn’t help matters. She doubted he was a frequent hand washer.
With her extremities cleaned, she walked around her desk and smiled at the gold name plate “Dr. Mandy Sanders, Ph.D.” that she’d worked hard to get. With her doctorial, she no longer had to share an office in a government facility but had her own practice. The new office building housed two other family counselors, none utilizing her specialty of Sex Therapy. Of the three, she was the youngest at twenty-eight.
Mandy clicked on her computer to check her calendar and emails. A name she hadn’t seen in a long time sat on the list in her inbox. Jessica Godfrey.
“What could she possibly want?” Mandy clicked the message.
Congratulations, Blue Devils, we made it! read the subject line.
Mandy blinked, allowing the words to come into focus. Ten years. Where had the time gone? She leaned forward in her chair and read the message.
Congratulations, Blue Devils, we made it, a whole decade. Our ten year is only three months away.
Below the announcement read: Sorry, Mandy, I just now found your email. The reunion is in three weeks. I really hope you can make it. ~Jes
Mandy doubted Jessica’s sincerity since she had been the cause of Mandy’s failure to experience the joyous high school years displayed on television. Outside of group assignments, most of her time was spent at home with her mother, watching old reruns or face planted in the pages of a good book.
She scanned down the email to the date. July sixth, Lake Michigan on a luxury yacht. Chicago. She hadn’t been there since the day she graduated. There had been no reason to. Her parents were retired in Arizona, and she had no siblings. After undergrad school, she made her way to Los Angeles, the West Coast now her home.
“Call Tasha,” she said to her cell phone voice recognition.
After two rings, a high-pitched woman answered, “Hey, girl. What’s up?”
“I just received information about my ten year reunion.” She le
t out a sigh.
“Why do you sound all pitiful? Mine was last year, and I had a blast. It was great catching up with everyone. You should go.”
Mandy rolled her eyes. “You happened to be a cheerleader, and everyone liked you.”
“You were a bookworm. So what? I saw your old photos. It’s not like you were some geek. Besides, when is the last time you looked in a mirror? You are hot!”
“I don’t know…” She glanced at the picture of her and her parents on her desk. Her dark chocolate skin matched theirs. She was the perfect combination of them both. The big brown eyes, nose, and high cheek bones were from her mother and the amazing smile a tribute to her dad. As for the poor eyesight, it was a compliment to them both. Though they all had on glasses in the picture, she normally wore contacts unless she was running late like she was that morning.
Tasha’s voice went up an octave. “Shut up. Go and get you a sexy dress to fit that runner’s body of yours and show them what you’ve become. I bet most of them are fat from having kids now. Are you on any social networks with them? Go take a peek.”
Mandy was on a major social networking site but barely checked on it. She logged on and looked up Jessica. The profile picture pulled up with a picture of blonde Jessica, ex-jock David, little girl, and a little boy. A picture perfect family.
The sight of David dug up old memories, ones she wasn’t prepared to face at the moment. By now, she’d thought he and Jessica would have long broken up.
Another sigh escaped her lips. “The picture looks like the people who belong in the frame when you buy it, except that’s definitely Jessica and David. Neither one has aged. In fact, they look better. Their springy-haired kids even look like models.”
“Can you see any more?” Tasha egged her on.
“No, I’m not her friend.”
“Well, request her and go check out some other people from your class.” Tasha’s voice oozed with enthusiasm.
“You do realize I went to a majority white school and not an all-black school like you, right? I’m probably dealing with a bunch of fitness nuts.” She logged off the site.
“Who cares? You’ll fit right in. Get the ticket, otherwise I’ll come over and put you in a headlock. You’ll regret it if you don’t go.”
Mandy fell silent.
“Do it…do it…do it!” Tasha chanted in the voice of a college student egging on a drinking contest.
“Fine.” Mandy pushed the buy ticket link in the email. Before she could change her mind, she paid the fee and was now a registered classmate of the reunion.
Chapter Two
Mandy wanted to kick herself for listening to Tasha. Curiosity getting the best of her, she checked out over a dozen or so more of her classmate’s pictures. All seemed to have a significant other in their life, including the less than eye-catching ones. They’d met an equally unattractive person to share their life with.
Her mind flashed back to her last relationship—correction, date. She hadn’t had a real relationship since graduate school and anything after didn’t last over a few months. Her career seemed to always get in the way. No one understood her drive and why she couldn’t just drop everything and be at their beck and call.
The last date she had was four months prior, and it went terribly wrong the moment he asked what she did for a living.
“So you own your own practice? You don’t have time for much. How are you going to be there when I need you?” Todd rubbed his hand across his bald head.
At first glance, Todd was the perfect catch. Tall, in great shape, sexy smile, employed, and looked amazing in his suit and tie. Through their slight communication via texting, she’d learned he was site manager for the local university.
She set her clasped hands in her lap. What was he getting at? “I’m here right now. I also keep normal business hours.”
“I don’t know.” He shook his head. “You doctor types like to bring your work home.”
She tilted her head to the side. “Isn’t this a bit much for the first date?” What happened to enjoying a nice meal and keeping the conversation light?
“No. I’m not into dating. I see what I want and go for it. You’re a really nice looking woman, but I need someone who knows how to treat her king.”
Resisting the urge to turn into the angry black woman by cursing him out and causing a scene, Mandy suffered through the rest of the meal. When the waiter returned the bill, she didn’t waste time waiting for him to bring Todd his receipt. Excusing herself to the bathroom, she bypassed it and made her way to the car. What a jerk.
The nerve of Todd wanting her to give up her career to stay home and take care of the self-proclaimed “king.” One thing her mother always said, “Don’t delay your goals for a man who isn’t paying your bills.” Her mother’s advice paid off. The only thing missing was someone to share it with. Was what she heard on a talk show true? Successful women were also the loneliest women. According to some survey, men found them intimidating.
She put her forehead down on her desk, resisting the urge to bang it. “What the hell was I thinking? There’s only two weeks left, and no way a man is going to walk in my life by then.”
Her next client wasn’t due until after lunch. How was it she was great with everyone else’s life but not her own?
The growling of her stomach alerted her to a basic need. She’d skipped breakfast and forgot her cereal bars. After gathering her purse and locking up, she headed out into the summer air and on to her favorite café down the street. She ordered a tomato and basil turkey sandwich and strawberry lemonade. Her favorite seat by the window was available. The window allowed for her to people watch. Out of habit, she analyzed couples as they passed. Body language told a lot about their sex life. Senior citizens were her favorite. She loved how the men could barely get around themselves but would get a little pep in their step to hold open the door for their mate at one of the local shops.
“I had an amazing date last night.” A conversation inside the shop drew her gaze from the window. At the table next to her sat two beautiful women, a brunette and a redhead with freckles scattered across her face.
The tables were so close together, and the girls spoke loudly. It was hard for Mandy not to eavesdrop.
Leaning in close with a devilish grin, the red head said, “Is this another guy off Backpage?”
The brunette nodded. “Of course.”
“You are such a slut. I love you.” A soft laugh followed.
“It’s fun and way better than meeting a guy at a club. I always meet them in public spots, and if I don’t like them, at least I got a free meal.” She shrugged and turned her head to the side as if to say why not? “And you’d be surprised at how hot some of the guys are. Of course you ask for pictures. Not just one but a few to make sure it’s them.”
The redhead checked the time. “Hey, I have to get back to work. Thanks for meeting me. I’ll call you later.”
They stood and hugged. The redhead looked over her friend’s shoulder and caught Mandy staring. Busted. Mandy gave a nod and a warm smile before taking the last bite of her own sandwich. She finished her drink and took her trash to the dispenser.
Backpage? Never heard of it, but it may be just what I need. She made her way the short distance to her office just in time to secure her purse before the next client arrived.
“Steven. It’s great seeing you again. Come in and have a seat.” Mandy walked over to her chair as he took his place on the couch.
“Doc, what you’ve told me to do isn’t working.” He put his face in his hands.
“It’s only been two weeks. Let’s do a reality check here. You had a relationship with another woman for over a year. Do you really think you deserve to be forgiven in two weeks’ time?” She resisted the urge to slap some sense into him. If she said what she really felt, it would involve his wife packing her bags and running for the hills. She despised cheaters. The reasons for it never amounted to much.
“You don’t under
stand. She won’t talk to me, and I’m sleeping in the guest room.” He ran his fingers through his sandy brown hair.
“Steven. You not only cheated, you did so with a client.” She leaned forward in her chair and made direct eye contact with him. “What’s going through her mind is how many others were there and what would stop you from doing it again? It wasn’t just some one night stand you had either. You were forced to confess because the woman claimed she was pregnant. So not only did you cheat but you didn’t bother to use protection.”
“I messed up. I know I did.”
Here he was, a six foot two man, handsome in every aspect, including a chiseled jawline and body modeled to perfection due to being a fitness trainer, and his eyes were welling up because he let the little man below do the thinking.
“Then you need to do everything in your power to put it back together. You messed it up, and you are the only one who can fix it. It’s not going to be easy. I’ve spoken to your wife. She’s very hurt and feels betrayed. I can give you guidance, but it’s up to you to take those steps. Are you willing to put in the effort?”
He nodded.
“Good.”
The timer went off. Mandy was grateful. Dealing with cheaters drained her. They all expected the other party to get over it and welcome them back with open arms.
“Elaina will get you rescheduled. Let’s go for another two weeks from now.” She smiled and walked him to her door.
“Thank you. I hear you, and I will make her love me again.” He took a deep breath and headed out.
Making use of the half hour break before her next client, she took a seat at her desk and did an internet search for Backpage. Surprisingly, what she found was a website similar to Craigslist. After selecting a city, a screen came up with the classifieds. The “Post an Ad” button taunted her.
Fateful Renuion Page 1