Sandy placed the bread on the counter as she turned both the oven and stove off. She wasn’t much of a cook, but she was proud of the shrimp scampi and linguine she’d prepared. Checking her watch, if she hurried, she’d have just enough time to touch up her makeup before Roman arrived.
However, before leaving the kitchen, Sandy took one more look around to make sure everything was in place. The wine was in the refrigerator chilling, and dinner was ready.
She snapped her fingers, “Almost forgot” as she picked up the vase of long-stemmed red roses from off the table. Roman sent them to the boutique earlier, and they were gorgeous. He was always doing sweet little things like that for no apparent reason, just because. It brought a smile to her face as the scent of the buds floated up to her.
Speaking out loud to herself, “This would be perfect out on the coffee table.” Quickly, Sandy left the kitchen with the flowers and put them on the table before rushing to her bedroom.
She stood in front of the mirror and lightly applied some barely there colored lip gloss. She’d already changed out of her work clothes into a white V-neck t-shirt and a pair of black designer jeans that hugged her curves while accentuating her long legs and slim waist. It had been a long week, and she was more than ready to unwind.
Like clockwork, the doorbell rang just as she sprayed on Roman’s favorite fragrance. “Coming” she yelled. Sandy pulled the pink scrunchie from her hair and shook it out as she ran to open the door.
Not wanting to look anxious, she stopped and took a couple of deep breaths before opening it. Slowly, she pulled the door open then leaned against the frame, preventing Roman from entering. In her most sultry voice she spoke, “Hey handsome.”
Roman moved in close real close. Even though his hands were itching to touch her, somehow he managed to remain just a hairsbreadth away. “What does a man have to do to gain entry?”
Sandy shrugged, “If a man has to ask, should he even be granted entry?”
His deep voice responded, “Good point.” Then, he pulled her body into his and brought his lips down to hers kissing her deeply.
After standing in the doorway for god only knew how long, they finally pulled away from each other.
“I love the way you kiss me.”
“And, I love kissing you.” Sandy pulled Roman by his necktie, “However, we’d better take this party inside before my neighbors call the police on us.”
“True. I can’t have the future Mrs. Benton all over the blogs for indecent exposure.”
“If I’m going to go jail for indecent exposure, then we should really do something indecent!”
Sandy went to lift the bottom of her t-shirt in an effort to take it off. However, Roman stopped her by covering her hands with his and placing them on her waist as he walked her backward into the condo.
“I can’t wait for you to show me what’s underneath this shirt. However, I don’t want anyone else to see it but me.”
Sensuously, Sandy bit her bottom lip, “You mean, I can’t flash the sexy neighbor next door?”
“Hell no! As a matter of fact, when are you moving in with me?”
Sandy eased out of his grasp and turned around to walk over toward the sofa. “I’m working on it. I’ve already packed up a lot of my things.”
Roman took off his suit coat as he followed her toward the sofa. He threw it on one of the chairs, “You could be finished with all of this packing if you’d let me hire movers.”
“Roman, I don’t need movers. I can’t imagine strangers touching my things.” A feeling of uneasiness crept over her at the thought of moving and not for the first time. Had she been single for so long that sharing her space wasn’t very appealing? That had to be it. However, she was going to have to get over that and soon.
He looked around the small apartment, “It looks like you still have a lot to do. I can take off a couple of days early next week and together…we can get this done. Play dates are good, but I want to come home to you in my bed every night.”
Sandy couldn’t keep putting it off. But, she didn’t really want to discuss it anymore either, “Mmm…maybe. It’s something to think about. I’ll let you know.”
By the look on Roman’s face; he wasn’t about to leave well enough alone. So, Sandy decided to change the subject. She wrapped her arms around his neck, “Thank you again for the flowers. They are beautiful. And, as a thank you, I made you dinner.”
He pulled her closer while doing his best not to get annoyed with the abrupt change of subject. Sandy was holding back. Before, he thought it might have been something time would fix. He understood she’d been in some bad relationships. But, after overhearing her conversation with Franklin that night at the hospital, he wasn’t so sure.
For now, he decided to drop the issue, “You made me dinner, huh?” Sandy had many qualities, but cooking wasn’t one of them. “Who’d you order?”
“I didn’t order out. I actually cooked!”
Roman looked skeptically, “I smell Italian and it smells good. You…cooked it?”
Sandy rolled her eyes and pushed him down on the couch, “Sit down and relax. Let me make you a plate.”
He watched her go into the kitchen. Once she was out of sight, he rested his head on the back of the sofa and expelled a breath. Sandy made him feel so alive when they were together. He wanted it all with her…a home…a family…everything. And, he was anxious to make it happen. He’d never been an insecure man but…the sooner she was his wife the better.
Sandy came out of the kitchen with a twinkle in her eye wearing an enormous smile as she placed his plate on the table along with a glass of wine, “Dinner’s ready! Bon Appétit.”
*****
Was it possible for the human body to explode on impact? If Sandy ate another bite, she would soon find out. She pulled her feet up on the sofa and snuggled into the crook of Roman’s arms. He seemed more relaxed and to have really enjoyed dinner. Now would probably be a good time to ask him something that had been on her mind thanks to Andrea and her nosiness.
“Roman…”
He gazed into her eyes, “Hmm…”
“You know most couples meet their prospective in-laws before they get engaged. You’ve met my family. Am I going to get a chance to meet yours before the wedding?”
She felt his body tense, “You know it’s just my mother and sister. And, you’ve already met my aunt. Of course, I’d love for you to meet them but it’s hard getting everyone’s schedule together since they live out of state.”
Sandy raised up to look him in the eye. Her hard stare spoke volumes. “Seriously, Roman? That’s your response? Would you like for me to give you a minute to try another excuse because that one is ridiculous? Considering, you’ve met most of my family, and they live in another state.”
“Come on Sandy. My family is different than yours.”
“If you don’t want me to meet them then just say so. Tell me anything but don’t lie.”
Roman pinched the bridge of his nose, “Sandy…you’ll get to meet them.”
She narrowed her eyes, “When? Before or after the wedding?”
“When I can arrange it.”
“What does that even mean? We’ve been dating for a while now. I’m getting a strong suspicion that you don’t want me to meet them. Otherwise, why is it every time they are in town, there is always some excuse as to why we can’t get together? So, is it me or them that you’re ashamed of?”
“Neither! I’m not ashamed of anybody. Just give me a little more time. I promise you...you’ll get to meet them.”
“Time…for what? Roman, getting married is a big deal, and we’re getting married in a matter of weeks. Whatever it is just tell me. I can handle things better when I know what I’m dealing with.”
Roman rubbed his hand across his face as he debated telling her the truth. Decision made, he thought, screw it. “Let’s just say my mother and sister are very over protective when it comes to me.”
“Most mothers a
re when it comes to their sons. You can tell them I already signed the prenup, and I don’t plan on eating you alive. Scratch that last part.” Half-jokingly she spoke, “I mean what…do they think I’m a blue-eyed devil or something?”
The expression on his face said it all.
“My god they do! They have a problem with you marrying a white woman?” Sandy laughed sarcastically to herself, “You didn’t pick just any old white woman either you picked one with pale skin, strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes.”
“Sandy, stop. It’s not like that.”
She pushed herself up and off of the sofa, “Right, of course, it’s not. It never is…is it? You know what? I’m suddenly feeling exhausted. It’s late. I’m going to go to bed. I believe you know how to let yourself out.”
As she started to turn away, Roman grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back to him. “I’m sorry.” He gently moved a wayward piece of hair out of her face and behind her ear, “I should have handled this better. I could never be embarrassed by you, I love you. And, we should have discussed it.”
“Yes, we should have. Two years, Roman?” She put two fingers, “We’ve been together almost two YEARS!”
Roman caressed her cheek, “I know. You’re right. I should have talked to you about it way before now. I didn’t know how and I just…didn’t want to deal with it.”
She stepped back from him and wrapped her arms around her body as she spoke, “Look, I can deal with people not approving of us. I’m used to the snide remarks and looks. I can even deal with members of our families not accepting of us. Hell, I have some of my very own family members who can’t understand why my best friend and fiancé are both black and think I’m the Kartrashian of the family. And, I don’t’ care. But, what I can’t deal with…is us, not being on the same page in how we deal with them. Even if, the them is your mother and sister.”
“You’re right. You’re absolutely right.”
“I don’t know Roman. This changes a lot for me. Maybe we need some more time…maybe we should postpone this wedding.”
“Nothing has changed between you and me. I still love you, and you love me. I would never have asked you to marry me if their approval was necessary. Would I love to have it yes, but I love you and in a couple of months, I want to be your husband.” He kissed her on the cheek where only moments before his hands had caressed, and then kissed the other cheek, before finally pressing his lips to hers.
Although, Sandy was pretty angry that Roman would keep something like that from her, she could understand not wanting to share it.
He continued to kiss her until she eventually kissed him back. He began to relax as he felt the tension start to leave her body. When he pulled back, a sexy half-grin appeared on his face. Roman’s voice was raspy, “You’re tired, and I’m tired too.” He walked her backward into her bedroom, “I think I’ll stay here tonight and do my best to make everything up to you.”
“What if I don’t want you to stay?”
“Then, I’ll just have to change your mind.”
Chapter 8
Screams. His mother was screaming for help. He couldn’t make out her face in the darkness, just her outstretched arms reaching for him and her blonde hair blowing in the wind. Franklin ran. He kept running and running but could never reach her. The faster he ran, the further away she became. Another, shriek, followed this time by an image of her head being smashed up against a wall.
Franklin woke up in the middle of the night in a panic, wide-eyed and covered in sweat. His heart was racing, and he could barely catch his breath. It took a moment, to realize where he was and that he’d been dreaming. But, it felt so real. It always seemed real.
The dreams had been happening more and more frequently, and not only at night. But so far, he’d managed to keep their occurrences to himself.
However, he hadn’t dreamt about his mother in a while. It was probably no coincidence that the timing of it seemed to correlate directly with Troy coming to town.
Franklin pulled his sleeveless t-shirt up and over his head before throwing it across the room. It was soaked. He rolled his body out of bed walking on shaky legs into the bathroom. After turning on the light, he ambled over to the sink, turned on the cold water, and splashed it all over his overheated face and body.
He gazed at his reflection in the large wall sized mirror as the water dripped from his face onto the hard planes of his chest. How could he be so physically strong, but yet so mentally weak? He hated feeling this way…helpless…defeated.
His practiced tight controlled snapped. Emotions buried deep came roaring to the surface. Franklin yelled at the top of his lungs, “Fuuuuuuuuuuuuck!” He shouted it over and over again. Then, with the force of everything within him, he punched the reflection staring back at him. The glass shattered landing all over the sink, the bathroom floor…everywhere.
A moment later, Troy ran into his bedroom wearing just a pair of boxers, yelling out to him, “Franklin! Franklin!” When he entered the bathroom, he didn’t know what to make of what was in front of him.
Franklin stood as motionless as a statue with his hands still balled up into fists. Blood was dripping from the hand that apparently smashed the mirror.
Troy carefully walked around the shattered glass. The vacant look in Franklin’s eyes caused him to transform quickly from concerned brother to doctor. Once he was close enough to touch Franklin, he didn’t make any sudden moves. Troy called out his name in an even, flat, and calm tone, “Franklin.”
No response. Did Franklin even hear him? Troy tried again, this time a little louder and firmer, “Franklin.”
Slowly, as if being pulled out of a trance, Franklin turned his head at the sound of his name. He blinked a few times. His eyes showing signs of life. Then, he looked down at his bleeding hand and around the room. He must have blanked out for a moment.
“Franklin, let me take a look at your hand.”
It wasn’t until he’d heard Troy mention his hand that a sharp almost blinding pain shot up his arm.
Troy’s mind was racing as he inspected it. What the hell was going on? This wasn’t Franklin. He’d never seen him lose it like this. While he’d noticed something was a little off with him since yesterday, this…this left him more than a little worried.
He snatched a towel from the rack, “You could probably use a couple of stitches and definitely an x-ray to make sure nothing is broken.” He pressed the towel over the area that was bleeding. “Hold this down.”
Franklin winced in pain, “I’m fine.”
“Clearly…you are not fine.” Troy continued to look around. His eyes zeroed in on the now exposed contents of Franklin’s medicine cabinet. “What in the hell are all these pills?”
In an attempt to distract Troy, Franklin snatched his hand away, “I obviously can’t drive myself to get stitches and x-rays. Are you going to take me or not?”
He stared at Franklin for a second, then quickly glanced at the medicine cabinet.
Franklin wasn’t ready to deal with all the questions the look on Troy’s face was asking. Instead, he strode out of the bathroom.
Troy watched his brother’s retreating back. Reluctantly, following him out. Right now, they needed to get that hand examined. His questions would have to wait.
“Let me throw on some clothes and I’ll meet you downstairs.”
*****
It was late morning before Franklin emerged from his bedroom and came downstairs to the kitchen for breakfast. Troy was already there sitting at the table watching the news and eating a bowl of cereal.
Intense and intrusive eyes focused on Franklin the moment he entered the room, “How’s the hand?”
Franklin looked down at all the bandages, “It hurts like hell, but I’ll live.”
“Mmm…yeah, I’m sure it’s going to feel that way for the next day or two. And, I’ll let you thank me later for using my charm and clout as a physician to get you in and out of the hospital last night.”
&n
bsp; “Yeah, it didn’t take as long as I expected.”
“I...uh…made a pot of coffee. It’s a couple of hours old so who knows what it’ll taste like now.” Troy’s pale blue eyes bore into Franklin’s darker ones. “What happened last night?”
He sighed, “I’ve got a lot going on and it all caught up with me.”
Troy dropped his head back into his bowl and dipped his spoon into his cereal, “You’re still having those dreams like when we were kids.”
Franklin turned his back to Troy as he opened a cabinet to grab a coffee mug, “No, I’m not having dreams.”
“I wasn’t asking Franklin. Your walls are not as thick as you think.”
He stilled, “Troy, I don’t want to get into this right now.”
“When exactly will we talk about it? Because from what I’ve seen, you’ve become an expert at avoidance.”
“Troy…I just don’t have the energy to have this conversation right now.”
“Fine. We’ll talk about it later. But, we will talk.”
“Alright…just not now.” Franklin poured himself a cup of coffee, “I’ve got a couple of calls I need to make. I’ll be in my study for a little while.”
Once Franklin left the room, Troy pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. He needed some answers and knew just the place to start looking for them.
*****
Two hours later, Troy stood on Jason’s front doorsteps. He hated going behind Franklin’s back, but he’d been cagey, secretive, and scary last night. And, he was damn worried. If anybody knew what was going on with him, it would be Jason.
The front door opened, and Troy was standing face to face with the woman he’d heard so much about. It had better be her. Otherwise, he was going to ask her out.
The Battle Within Page 6