That’s why he found himself in front of the Holiday Inn prepared to meet her for the third time. It was also the reason that Stacy was furious with him. He had missed their dinner date and didn’t call her until the next morning. He felt like a complete jackass as he listened to his woman cry about her fears of him being hurt. She claimed she wanted to talk to him about something very important and he wouldn’t answer the phone. Chad heard it ring but there was no way he was going to stop what he was doing to answer it. He was receiving oral sex for the first time and to say it was phenomenal was an understatement. His dick jumped while he was on the phone with Stacy from the memory. Stacy told him she had to clear her head and she would talk to him later.
“You’re still coming to the banquet right,” Chad asked softly.
After an awkward pause and heavy sigh Stacy agreed. That was three days ago and besides four very brief conversations Chad hadn’t spoken to Stacy. He was too busy spending most of his free time inside Jiya. Did he know he was wrong? Yeah, but he blamed it on him having a late start. It was simply him sowing his oats. He would give Stacy her space and after the banquet he would be faithful.
***
The hot shower was pouring over Stacy’s body but her tears were cleansing her face. Moments ago Stacy looked in the mirror and didn’t know who she was. Two months ago she would have been a woman in love with the woman that gave her purpose. A month ago she was in love with a man that showed her love that was indescribable. Today she was a pregnant woman that wanted nothing more than for her best friend to hold her in his beautiful arms. How can you have a baby, her reflection asked her. You don’t know who the hell you are. Stacy climbed in the tub defeated. And now she was choking on her own sobs. She could sense the impatience increasing with Riley. The smell of tacos invaded her nostrils, instantly causing her stomach to flip. Quickly she jumped out the tub, sliding across the marble floor trying desperately not to fall, and dry heaved into the toilet. Pushing her hair back, she stood on weakened legs.
“Pull yourself together girl,” she told herself before pulling on one of Riley’s oversized shirts.
Chapter Eleven
“So you want to tell me what the hell is going on,” Riley asked through clinched teeth as soon as Stacy returned to the living room. They were having a great time watching the football game and all of a sudden she started crying because he didn’t buy her favorite flavor of soda. Riley tried apologizing but Stacy still had a slight attitude. Just when he thought they were over that bizarre hurdle she rushed to the bathroom vomit shooting through her closed lips.
“Can you come sit down so we can talk,” Stacy asked as Riley put the mop away.
Riley complied and sat next to her on the white sofa. Taking a deep breath Stacy explained that she was pregnant by Chad. She went on to say she conceived the night of the threesome. Seeing the disapproval and shock in her best friend’s eyes she decided to focus on the cable remote sitting on the glass coffee table. Continuing she told him about Janelle finding out pretty much the same way he did and her reaction. Stacy eyes went to him as he began to laugh.
“What? I would have loved to have been there for that ass whipping,” he laughed causing her to join.
“Anyway,” she said playfully rolling her eyes. “That’s my story.”
Riley nodded his head in a steady rhythm while processing the information she had just told him.
“Does he know,” he asked looking into space still gathering his thoughts.
A slight frown appeared on his face when she told him no. “I was afraid to tell him,” Stacy quickly added defensively. “We were supposed to go out a few days ago but he stood me up.” The frown deepened on Riley’s face, unseen by Stacy. “I was actually happy he did,” she added in a whispered voice. “I didn’t want to tell him about the baby.”
For the first time Riley looked at her and asked, “Why the hell not?”
Stacy didn’t know how to explain it. Even if she did find the words she doubted Riley would understand.
“Stacy,” Riley called with more bass in his voice. He was prepared to go and kick Chad’s ass.
“He says he loves me but I don’t know. I don’t know me so how can he,” she returned more to herself as she grabbed one of the brown throw pillows placing it on her lap.
“Follow your heart and mind,” Riley told her as he placed his hand on her shoulder. He saw the tears in her eyes and he felt helpless.
Stacy laughed a mocking laugh and told him they were totally at odds. Her heart had too much on it and her mind said fuck it all.
“What’s on your heart,” Riley whispered in her ear becoming lost in her essence.
Stacy was still focused on the remote and slowly began to speak from the heart. She spoke to herself more than to Riley when she said, “If I want to keep the baby, the pain from me and Janelle’s relationship ending, the new love and doubts I have about Chad, the love and desire I have to have you.” Stacy quickly covered her mouth regretting the last sentence and turned hesitantly to Riley. She didn’t know if he was going to call her a slut and tell her to get out or what.
“Look Riley,” she began looking to his unreadable eyes. “I am so…” was all she managed before his lips were on hers. The kiss they shared shooting electricity through both their bodies.
“You. Can. Stay. With. Me.Stacy,” Riley managed in between kisses.
Stacy couldn’t say a word as his hands caressed her hardened right nipple. Gently, Riley laid her down on the couch and began slowly kissing and licking her toes. He was intoxicated off her aura and wanted to discover every part of her. The moans coming from her mouth almost made him climax. He had seen first hand some of the trial and tribulations Stacy had been though. He had seen the effects all of her trials and tribulations had on her. At this moment, his goal was to allow her to escape it all. For her to experience nothing but bliss for as long as he could. Working his way up to her navel Stacy forced him to look at her.
“Take me there Riley,” she pleaded.
Without hesitation Riley unbuckled his pants and prepared to enter her.
The banging on the door caused both of them to pause. iving each other looks they prepared to continue since they both looked confused by the visitor.
“Riley, I know you are there. I see your truck outside,” Chantrese screamed.
In the blink of an eye the lust had escaped Stacy’s eyes and was replaced with doubt, sadness, and regret. He tried to reach out to her but she moved away and pulled her t-shirt down. Opening his mouth to speak he heard.
“You know I am your girlfriend Riley. Did you forget that? We have a commitment.”
There was nothing more he could say. Chantrese had just destroyed any chance he had to talk to Stacy.
***
“I miss you too baby,” Stacy said into the phone while shaking her head. She couldn’t believe she was on the phone telling her supposed boyfriend and baby’s father a bold face lie. Not just ten minutes she was on the couch with Riley. Looking out the window she could see her reflection and quickly closed the purple curtains. Some girlfriend she was. She didn’t even tell him she had left Janelle. Because you don’t want to tell him where you are staying, her conscience chastised her.
“Baby did you hear what I just said,” Chad asked breaking her thoughts.
“Uh, I’m sorry baby I didn’t hear you,” she returned feeling like a dork.
Chad told her it was fine and that he wanted to know what she had to tell him.
“Its nothing honey, I will tell you at the banquet,” she said, immediately kicking herself in the butt.
Chad told her that was fine and that he was going to a men’s retreat and wouldn’t be back until next week. He explained that he wasn’t allowed to have his phone on so he would call when he got back in town. Looking at the ceiling Stacy mouthed ‘thank you God’. Disconnected she stayed in the room until she heard the front door close. Luckily her window faced the front of the house. Getting out the be
d she looked out the window and saw Chantrese and Riley getting in his truck. For a brief moment Riley paused and looked up at her window.
***
Jiya loved to see a plan come together. Chad was lying next to her in a coma like sleep. He had rented a room for the week in a quaint suburb forty minutes away from the city. She didn’t like to toot her own horn, but she must admit she was damned good. Jiya knew people, especially the hypocrites at her church would think she was wrong if they knew what she was doing, but they were delusional. She believed in God and could quote the bible with the best of them; she also knew God helped those that helped themselves. And that was exactly what she was doing. Her going away to college was one of the biggest mistakes of her life. During her one and a half semesters she learned that she wanted to be a housewife, Chad’s housewife. At the time she didn’t know why she stayed in touch with First Lady Toplin, but boy was she happy that she did. She was able to keep close tabs on Chad and more importantly his future. First Lady bragged about him going into politics and rubbing elbows with the likes of Alderman Southby. The dollar signs danced in front of her eyes as she continued to talk to First Lady.
Day in and day out Jiya prayed that the Lord gave her another chance with Chad and it came a month ago. She was leaving her young adult ministry class when she received a call from Pastor Toplin. Jiya was surprised that he was calling her, but the surprise was pleasant. She admired her Pastor. He had come from the pits of hell and turned his life around. Chad thought his father was controlling but Jiya saw him as protective. Listening to Pastor Toplin speak she could see how he was a pimp. The man definitely had a way with words. Never did he tell her what to do but he told her that Chad was distracted by a young woman and he believed they were sexually active. He told her that he didn’t want his son going to hell with some trap. He said that he knew premarital sex was a sin but sometimes we have to walk the walk and talk the talk of sinners to save them. Bottom line, he wanted her to fuck his son silly and take him from the chick he was with. The small doubts she had were erased when Pastor told her how she would make a fine wife and mother someday.
“I wish you were my daughter-in-law to tell you the truth,” he added causing her to salivate at the mouth. Everyone knew that Pastor was in control of Chad’s life. So for Jiya the conversation translated to this: Fuck my son silly and I will make sure he marries you.
That day Jiya learned everything she could about sex which was not hard. The saying that preacher’s kids were the worse was the absolute truth. After mastering her skills, Jiya packed her bags and returned home. Checking to see her future was still asleep, she smiled admiring his nude chocolate body. That ass, that ass, she thought to herself almost squeezing it. Realizing she had business to take care of she sighed and sent the text to Pastor Toplin. Moments later his reply came and she smiled.
“Now I can play,” she said licking her lips then placing her tongue on the top of his Chad’s butt. God do I love my job, she thought before Chad roughly laid her down.
Chapter Twelve
The hustle and bustle of the day revitalized Stacy. It was just afternoon and the Morning Perk was quickly filling with blue and white collar workers looking for a great meal. A few years ago, mostly blue collar workers patronized the diner. With the recession affecting everyone, CEOs, and Vice Presidents began to be seen sprinkled in the establishment.
“Here you go,” Jasmine said placing her turkey club and fries down in front of her.
“You OK girl,” Stacy asked picking up on the sadness in Jasmine’s eyes.
Chuckling, Jasmine told her she was great now that she was back. Stacy decided not to push and told her favorite waitress that she was definitely back.
“Now if I can keep this food down,” She thought aloud after Jasmine walked away.
Applying salt and pepper to her fries Stacy looked out of the window and saw a group of children walking past. She assumed they were heading to the park. It was a precious sight, twelve kids not older than six holding hands and smiling. Her smile widened as she observed a little girl wipe her partner’s tears away.
“Aren’t they adorable,” Jasmine said returning with a refill of her iced peach tea.
“They sure are,” Stacy said then thanked her.
***
Jasmine was placing one of her customer’s food into a to-go container when he walked into the diner.
“Thank God,” she mumbled to herself and gave him a genuine smile when their eyes locked.
She knew something was wrong with her second favorite customer and didn’t like it. She did love her new attire; today she had on a strapless black top and white skinny jeans. Jasmine knew the woman was cute but she had no idea she was so beautiful. Wonder if he is the reason for the change, she thought to herself. Usually she would tell her if she was meeting someone but she didn’t. She looks like she needs to clear her head, she thought to herself. And you do too, her mind threw at her. Jasmine sighed agreeing with her thoughts. She couldn’t believe her mood was so noticeable. Looking at the clock behind the counter she moaned.
“Please don’t let him be out here again.” Removing her apron and placing it neatly into her locker, she turned to Gladys the waitress taking over her tables. “Make sure you take care of my girl,” she said and smiled as she saw the man approach. They really made a cute couple. They were even matching. She chuckled as she took in his black button up and white khakis. The woman wasn’t smiling but she had a feeling things would work out.
***
“Would you say something all ready,” Stacy told Riley her eyes meeting his. “And sit down for heaven’s sake,” she added looking around the diner.
Riley had been standing at her table for the last minute or so staring at her. At first, she tried to act indifferent, but his stare was too much for her to handle.
Riley didn’t know what to do, his emotions a melting pot. On one hand, he was happy to see her. The other hand, he was furious that she left his house leaving behind a letter filled with bullshit almost a week ago. All he wanted to know was why and he asked.
“Riley, you already know why,” she answered rolling her eyes. “No the fuck I don’t,” he answered his voice thick with venom. Seeing the fear in her eyes he softened his voice. “Stacy do you know how I felt coming home and not finding you there? I thought something had happened to you.”
“I left you a note,” Stacy cut in defensively, hating the pain that was in his eyes.
She never meant to hurt him. She was trying to avoid both of them a lot of misery. Riley laughed a mocking laugh as he reached into his right khaki pocket and pulled out the letter. “You thought that bullshit was cool,” he asked throwing the paper on the table. “All it says is that you were leaving. I figured that shit out when I got home,” he continued his anger increasing as he thought of the worrying and panicking he had been enduring for the last week.
“Look Riley, we are best friends and I love you,” Riley’s heart skipped a beat as she proclaimed his love for him. They had told each other ‘I love you’ countless times but this time was different. “But the reality is I am with Chad and about to have his baby a…,” she managed before Riley cut her off asking, “So you are going to have the baby?”
“Yes I am, and you are with Chantrese, remember,” Stacy spoke with more confidence than she possessed.
“You’re right,” Riley threw back with a bone chilling glare. “I am with Chantrese. You enjoy your life with baby daddy that hasn’t called your ass one time that I can recall.”
Stacy opened her mouth to speak, but Riley but up his hand and continued.
“I wish you nothing but the best,” and just like that he got up from the table and headed toward the door.
Steady tears streamed down Stacy’s face as she watched him exit the restaurant and walk past the window near her table. Riley never looked at her as he passed. Stacy was utterly distraught and confused. She had fantasized about living with Riley and cooking for him, making lov
e until the wee hours of the morning. She dreamt of greeting him at the door with a kiss and listening to him tell her about the crazy ass models he worked with, but that was all make believe. Reality set in and one detail was missing from every daydream, her child. Numerous times over the past week she had picked up the phone to call the abortion clinic, but couldn’t. She felt that Chad had a right to know about the baby.
Looking around the diner she noticed that it wasn’t so cheery and pleasant. Even the kids returning from the park didn’t bring her joy. Across the street near the bank, she noticed a couple holding hands and laughing. The sight brought a mix of emotions. Loneliness filled her along with fear. The couple reminded her of Chad, which in turn brought the banquet tomorrow to the front of her memory. Paying her tab, Stacy left the diner and headed to the mall. She needed a new dress.
***
“Didn’t I tell your simple ass,” Janelle told Chantrese. They were sitting inside Chantrese’s Buick across the street next to the bank. “You’re lucky we didn’t get caught when she looked this way,” she continued while Chantrese sat in the driver’s seat shocked. “Now do you see that he doesn’t want your ass,” Janelle drilled sucking her teeth, with no regard for Chantrese’s feelings. What the fuck does she have, Chantrese wondered while she watched Riley walk away livid. He was never that upset at her. She had done a few things to test him, but he didn’t react like a man in love would.
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