by Cynthia Blue
Bray found his way to the bar and placed his order. “Bartender, I need two...no three...on second thought just give me the whole bottle of Knob Creek.”
“Sure,” The bartender said. “You want me to put some ice in a glass for you?”
“Oh no! I’m drinking this straight!” Bray answered and gave the bartender a one hundred dollar bill. “Keep the change.”
Bray found his seat on the couch and saw that his kindle and phone was still there. Even if Bray’s possessions ended up stolen it didn’t matter to him. Bray poured himself a glass of Knob Creek and gulped it down like it was a shot. He usually doesn’t drink brown liquor like that but he needed something strong enough to hit the spot to get over walking in on Solomon getting his dick sucked.....by Richard. Little does Bray know, he just got sucked into somebody’s shit.
Chapter Six
After a long day of work Opal went home and made herself comfortable on the couch. “Age forty-four ain’t no joke!” Opal sighed out. She was drained physically, mentally and emotionally and this impending job closing wasn’t helping the matter.
Maybe I should accept Clover’s offer. Opal pondered to herself before her smartphone started to ring. She took the phone out of her purse and saw that the caller was her dear friend, Dennis Xames. Opal could always count on him and trust him completely. “Hey BFF,” Opal greeted.
“Hey right back at you,” Dennis greeted back with his sweet sexy voice. He had a thick muscular sexy body and a handsome face to match with brown skin and dark hazel eyes. Dennis is a pretty laid back, funny guy with a level head. His major flaw is that sometimes he lets his five-foot-four height get in the way of his confidence. That’s the main reason Dennis has never declared his love to his best friend. Opal is about five-foot-eight without heals and Dennis didn’t think he had a chance with her. Don’t let the fact that he’s on the short side fool you. If pushed he will lay some motherfuckers out regardless of height.
“How are you handling this impending job closing?” Opal asked.
“I’ll admit at first I was worried, but now things are starting to look up for me if all goes well,” Dennis answered.
“What do you mean?”
“I might be moving to Atlanta where you are pretty soon.”
“For real?” Opal cheered. “What’s in Atlanta?”
You. Dennis wanted to say but kept it to himself. “You remember my frat brother from my alma mater, the University of Miami, who lost the battle to cancer a little bit after you moved down here, Dr. Lance Parks?”
“Yes I remember.” Opal said.
“His son reached out to me two weeks ago. He owns a factory in Atlanta. He found out his business partner was stealing and you know how that ended.” Dennis explained.
“Right. Right.” Opal agreed with a nod.
“Any who he wants me to be his new business partner,” Dennis added.
“Sounds like a great opportunity,” Opal said. “Are you going to take the deal?”
“I told him I would after the closure down here is complete,” Dennis answered. “I can’t wait!” Dennis really wanted to take the position so he could be close to Opal. She was a sweet and beautiful woman with brown skin, dark brown eyes, a sexy smile, adorable face and the perfect curvy proportionate body. Dennis is fully aware of Opal’s insecurities about her body. For years he tried to show Opal her true beauty but Kayson has really tore her down to almost literally nothing. Opal doesn’t think of Dennis as a love interest, but she trusts him enough as a confidant and friend. Of course Dennis wishes it could be more, but it’s a start as far as he was concerned.
“Speaking of new starts, Clover offered me a job at her bakery as her new office manager,” Opal volunteered.
“That’s great! You should go for it!” Dennis encouraged. Another achievement Dennis managed to accomplish was helping Opal see the light about Clover’s rape. It wasn’t easy, but he managed to convince Opal to patch things up with Clover. “I would like to meet Clover and the family one day. You talk about them so much I feel like we’re old friends.”
“Don’t worry you will,” Opal paused to let herself get lost in deep thought before she continued. “Dennis, if I haven’t said this enough recently, thank you for being my friend and helping me when I desperately needed it the most.”
“No problem,” Dennis said. That’s because I love you and you deserve the world. “You’re a special and beautiful lady who deserves happiness and the best.”
“You’re too sweet,” Opal said as she began to tear up because deep down she wanted to believe Dennis’ compliments but she didn’t feel like she deserved them. “I need to start dinner but we’ll chat later, okay?”
“Good! What we eating?” Opal and Dennis laughed at his half joke. He was a huge fan of her cooking.
“I’m cooking fried rice and lamb chops,” Opal answered.
“Oh girl, hook it up! Hook it up!” Dennis cheered. “One of my favorite meals. I need to hurry up and make this move. Make sure you save me a plate now.”
“Boy, stop!” Opal laughed. “Bye now.”
“Bye.”
After Opal hung up the phone she got lost in deep thought about how she meet her best friend Dennis Xames and how he rescued her from one of the most horrible and humiliating moments of her life.
*****
“I can’t take this shit no more!” Opal screamed to herself when she rushed in the house after another horrible day. She felt like her whole life was falling apart. Kayson was locked up. Clover was sticking to her made up rape story and her parents believed every word of it. Now Alex is in rare form in making Opal’s life even more miserable than it had to be. Today was the last straw. Alex’s latest stunt almost cost Opal not only job but her freedom.
Alex blamed Opal and Clover for Kayson’s incarceration. She accused both sisters of teaming up to plot to take Kayson away from Alex and Jacori. After Alex’s ranting she spit in Opal’s face. Before Opal could get to Alex’s throat, a nearby janitor held her back and pulled her away.
Opal had enough. Before she left from work she found the HR department’s contact information that was located at the main headquarters in Miami. Opal pulled out the business card and dialed the number.
“HR department, this is Annie speaking, how may I help you?” The receptionist pleasantly greeted.
“I need to speak with the HR manager Dennis Xames!” Opal said between sniffles.
“You’re in luck. He just walked through the door,” Annie informed. “Mr. Xames, you have a call.”
“Thanks,” Annie handed Dennis the phone. “Mr. Xames speaking,” Dennis greeted in his sweet sexy voice.
“I need your help.” Opal managed to say between sobs.
“Calm down miss and take a deep breath.” Dennis couldn’t stand to hear this beautiful sweet sexy voice in so much pain. He waited until Opal took a deep breath to speak. “Okay good, how may I help you and please call me Dennis.” He insisted.
Opal was still in tears but still managed to maintain her composure. “Alright, my name is Opal Reese-Brown. I’ve been working at the Atlanta office a little over eight years and I’m having very serious problems with my supervisor, Alexandria Bass.”
“Exactly, how serious?” Dennis already had a feeling that these problems were more personal than professional.
“How much time do you have, because it’s a long and highly personal story.” Opal warned.
“I have time and no matter how personal I want you to tell me everything. Now start from the beginning.” Dennis instructed. He wanted to help this woman. Her voice was so beautiful. He could also tell by her voice alone that she’s been through hell and back for a long time. His suspicions were confirmed when Opal spilled her guts about her marriage to Kayson in great detail. His outside baby with Alex and her mistreatment towards her. Opal also told Dennis about Clover’s rape accusation. Dennis wanted to find Kayson and tear him limb from limb for what he did to this beautiful queen and her sister.
Dennis didn’t believe that Clover was making up the rape accusation. He thought that Opal was just distraught by Kayson’s abuse for so long she was prone to believe anything, but he kept his theory to himself in order to gain her trust.
“This is very unacceptable,” Dennis responded after Opal wrapped up her story. “We’re going to put a stop to this right now. Also, during our conversation I pulled up your file to review your performance and tenure and I’m very impressed. There’s a job opening at our headquarters for a new QA and I think you’d be perfect for it.”
“Me?” Opal asked in disbelief.
“Yes, you.” Dennis answered with a smile. “You seem bright and passionate enough for the job. It also sounds like you need a fresh start to clear your mind. You can’t possibly perform your job with satisfactory results dealing with the kind of stress you’re going through. At least think about it.” He subtly begged.
“Alright, I’ll think about it,” Opal said with a smile and a giggle. That voice just got sexier and more beautiful! Dennis thought with a smile. Hearing Opal giggle with some hope in her voice made his day. He imagined that she had a beautiful smile.
“In the meantime, I’ll look into Alexandria Bass’ profile and do a full investigation.” Dennis informed.
“Thank you so much Mr. Xames,” Opal said with hope.
“Call me Dennis, remember and you can thank me by taking the job,” He said.
This man is being pushy! Opal smiled to herself. She hasn’t smiled like this in years which made her consider the offer. “Alright, I’ll consider it. Thank you and goodbye Dennis.”
“There you go,” Dennis said with a laugh. “Goodbye Opal.” After Dennis hung up he had a big smile on his face. The thought of meeting the beauty behind the voice which is Opal Reese-Brown in person made him all giddy inside. “I think I’m in love!” He sung to himself before getting back to work.
*****
Opal laid on her couch thinking about how things had transpired over the course of her life. She thought back to that dreadful day when Kayson got locked up, Clover accusing him of rape and, low and behold, Alex was coming for her. Opal never thought she and Clover would actually be friends again, let alone talking. It took a while but she finally came to her senses and believed Clover. Opal just didn’t think it was true at the time. Like the saying goes when you are in love it will make you do, say and think some crazy things. That was the craziest thing she’s ever done. Opal was really hesitant to work for Clover. She did not want to depend on her, especially after all the things they’ve been through. Despite her concerns, Opal had to face the facts. Her job is about to shut down and Wallace isn’t anywhere to be found. It’s like she can’t win for nothing. What choice does she have at this point? Bills aren’t going to pay themselves. First thing in the morning Opal made a note to herself to call Clover to tell her that she will accept her job offer.
Opal got up from her couch and went into the kitchen to start cooking dinner. Opal felt so lonely at times and angry the next minute. When she finished preparing the food and putting the lamb chops in the oven and the rice in the pot she went into the living room and decided to watch TV until the food was ready. Opal went channel surfing for a while until she saw these two couples were getting married and planning their wedding and whatnot.
“When is that going to be me?” Opal yelled and tears start to form down her eyes. “Who is going to love me? And not walk out on me, or disappear out of daylight?” She put her hands on her head and began to sob loudly. It’s good to let things out instead of holding it in and letting it consume and destroy you completely. Opal got back up, grabbed pieces of tissue and headed back to the kitchen to finish cooking and begin fixing her plate. She hated feeling like this. She hated feeling worthless. Opal just didn’t know anymore. Was she this desperate for someone to love her? Will she ever get it together, get married and live happily ever after? As she wiped away the last of her tears she let out a small chuckle which eventually turned into laughter. “My life is like a soap opera! Stay tuned for the next episode of everyone’s favorite soap Opal’s Jacked Up Love Life.” Opal joked and continued to laugh as she made herself comfortable on the couch and started eating her meal. Opal started to understand the title of one of Tyler Perry’s plays. Sometimes you got to laugh to keep from crying.
*****
“Hey, thanks, man. I owe you one.” Wallace said to the clerk and headed out. He went to the flower shop and brought a bouquet of flowers for Opal. He knew she would love them and also because flowers were her weakness. He hadn’t thought about how he would explain to Opal why he disappeared for three years. Whatever it was she would buy it. Wallace arrived at Opal’s house and sat in the car to gather his thoughts and get the flowers and candy from the back seat. He got out of his car slowly and closed it lightly so Opal wouldn’t hear anything. Wallace figured out what he was going to say to her and hoped that it would work.
Wallace rang the doorbell and waited for Opal to answer. She opened the door and was shocked to see Wallace standing on the other side. She looked down and saw the gifts that he had gotten for her and looked back at him.
“So are you going to let me in?” He asked. Opal moved out of the way so Wallace could walk in and put the gifts on the table. “Aren’t you glad to see me? Of course you are.” He answered for her. “Come here and give me a hug.”
He must be out of his everlasting mind if he thinks I’m going to give him a hug. Opal thought. She headed to the table where the gifts that he brought for her were laid out and picked them up while heading to the kitchen.
“Oh, you can get the gifts and not come to hug me, after I have been away for three years.” Wallace said to her, following behind her. She stopped what she was doing and looked at him, like he had two heads. “You know nobody’s going to love you like I do. These are facts.”
“Where have you been? Three whole years and now you think you can come back into my life like everything’s cool.” Opal said to him with hurt in her eyes. She knows she can do a lot better but she also wanted to believe that they could get through this. Opal thought she could be what he needs. All she needs to do is work on her for him.
“If you would stop acting like that I will let you know. Let’s sit on the couch.” Wallace turned around and walked to the couch and she follow suit. Here goes nothing. Wallace thought to himself before he recited his rehearsed lie. “Well, I went on a business trip to start my own company in Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. They wanted me to attend classes that could help me out, help us out for our future. I couldn’t get in contact with you because my phone died at one point. I was going to get a charger for it, but then I dropped it outside. When I realized it someone stepped on it. I didn’t have much money to buy another cellphone. So I had to use the hotel one, which you know I really don’t remember my contacts number like that so I couldn’t get in touch with you like that.” He said as he was rubbing Opal’s arm. “But I went to attend the classes that was for about a year and I worked with some of the people within the time frame.” He continued on with is fabricated story hoping she would buy it. Opal got up from the couch and headed to the window to take everything in.
Does he really think that I’m really that stupid? Opal tried to absorb Wallace’s explanation. It did seem reasonable, but there was still one thing bothering her. “That doesn’t explain leaving me stranded at Clover and Sharp’s party to take that skank home,” Opal blurted out. “You were probably fuc....”
“You are so insecure and jealous,” Wallace interrupted. “I just took her home to be a good samaritan. Nothing happened.”
“Well forgive me for being insecure and jealous but considering the lack of compliments, constantly putting me down mostly about my weight, can you blame me?” Opal didn’t know what to think at this point. She could feel him walk up behind her with his arms around her.
“I’m sorry,” He whispered to her.
Opal put her hands over him and said, “I know.”
>
Chapter Seven
Arriving home from a great win is everything that Bray could ask for alongside the most beautiful wife in the world. Being away from and not seeing her beautiful face can really take a lot out of him. Even though they talk on the phone that doesn’t compare to being in Calista’s presence. Touching her. Holding her and making love to her. Just overall being there by her side. Yes! Bray could honestly say he’s in love with his wife. People are married but not in love or even in like with their spouse. Some people can love someone and not like them at the same time. That is most definitely not Bray at all.
Looking back when Bray and Calista were younger, he didn’t really think of her in a romantic fashion. Yes, they were cool but they didn’t run in the same circles. Bray was the handsome popular jock and Calista was your typical nerdy looking geek, but with fire. Calista may have been a quiet sweet brainiac but she didn’t play. It took Bray by surprise that day at Starbucks where Calista recognized him, he didn’t even recognize her. Over the years she had transformed into an irresistible sexy beauty who had come out of her cocoon. Bray was not the shallow type of guy, or would go for only looks. He was glad fate brought them back together again and made them one. Once they were finished being newlyweds, Bray wanted to start a family with at least two children. For now, Bray and Calista are enjoying their alone time as newlyweds in between their hectic schedules.
Bray drove up to his condo that once belonged to his dear Aunt Skyla and parked his newly painted crimson-colored Bentley behind Calista’s lime green Mercedes. He grabbed his luggage and went in the house. He put his luggage in the living room and found his lovely wife in the kitchen cooking dinner. She looked totally irresistible in her skin tight spaghetti strapped beige dress.