The Battle Within

by LaShawn Vasser

  “Long enough to know that there is no way I’m letting you out of the house looking the way you look.” He continued to nuzzle her ear and the soft curve of her neck.

  Her breath caught in her throat, huskily she whispered, “Mmm…that feels good. But, I can’t cancel on the girls.”

  He spoke softly, “Sure you can.” Jason pierced her eyes with his…still through the mirror. Somehow, he managed to slide his hands down the side of her thighs to the hem of her dress. Vicky was completely captivated as she watched him slowly begin to lift it inch by inch. She could feel him harden as he pressed into the firm but softness of her body.

  Grinding into her slowly, Jason managed to pull the dress up and around her hips before hooking his thumbs into the sides of her thong. That tingle developed into a delicious dull ache at her core. She threw her head back when his tongue swirled around the tender flesh on her neck. At the same time, her eyes fluttered close. She needed to do something with her hands. They were itching to touch him. Vicky reached behind her and grabbed the back of his head as he continued to hungrily devour her neck and shoulders.

  At some point, she felt her thong fall down her legs. If she didn’t stop Jason soon, she for sure wouldn’t be going anywhere.

  Somehow she managed to pull away, “Jason…” Sighing, “We’ll have to finish this when I get back.”

  He reached for her but Vicky managed to evade his grasp, “Come on…now is a good a time as any.”

  “You’re terrible, Jason.” Bending low, she picked up her lacy underwear and twirled them around her fingers, “I guess you don’t want me to wear any tonight?”

  “No. As a matter of fact, I don’t want you to wear anything you are wearing when you’re not with me! Don’t you have something else more…more suitable?” He noticed a loose fitting jersey dress thrown over the bed. “What about this? I like this on you.”

  Vicky rolled her eyes as she put her underwear back on, “Jason, be serious.”

  “I am.”

  The doorbell rang.

  “See, they are here, and I’m not ready! Go get the door.”

  “That’s what housekeepers are for. I’m glad Willa’s back from vacation. She can get it. Now, back to your dress, don’t you think it’s a little too short, too fitted…?”

  With a wide grin, she interrupted him, “Too sexy? You think it’s sexy? Andrea did say wear something, short, tight, and hot!” Vicky winked at him.

  “I don’t know her very well, but I’m not sure I want you hanging out with her.”

  Vicky adjusted her clothes and went back over to the mirror to brush out her long dark hair. “You do realize this is for Sandy right? It’s like a bachelorette party.”

  Frustrated, he ran his fingers through his hair, “I know. That’s the problem. I don’t want you throwing dollar bills into some guys G-string.” He knew he was being silly. Vicky would never betray him but still, he didn’t want any man other than him looking at her in a sexual way. It was ridiculous considering how incredibly gorgeous she was.

  Vicky went to her closet and came out with a pair of black high-heeled ankle-strap sandals. “How about if I don’t throw any dollar bills?” She was barely able to contain her laughter, “Will that appease you?” As she thought to herself, “I’ll only give out five dollar bills.”

  “You’re not taking me serious.”

  “You’re right…I’m not because you’re being silly.” She kissed him, “Anyway…what will you be doing tonight while I’m gone?”

  Jason pouted, “I guess instead of making mad, passionate love to my wife, I’ll be hanging out with Franklin and Troy. Mom’s coming over to watch the kids.”

  Still holding her shoes in her hands she stood up on tiptoe to kiss him gently on the lips, “Sounds like fun and I think your jealousy is cute. I promise…when I get home, we’ll most certainly finish what you started. Now, come on…I’m late.” Turning on her heels, Vicky ran out of their bedroom down the stairs.

  *****

  Jason met Franklin and Troy outside of Antonio’s Bar & Grille. Before he started dating Vicky, he and Franklin spent a considerable amount of time there. It was a nice little restaurant and bar that many business people would frequent. It was always packed during lunch and after 5 PM. The food was good, and they could always get in a good game of pool.

  Troy looked around, “When you guys said we were hanging out…I was a bit concerned...” He smirked, “considering you too are such party animals. But, this place will do. A strip club would have been better, but this will do.”

  Franklin laughed, “Hell, I’m surprised we were able to even get Jason out of the house. I can count the times on one hand we’ve actually had a guy’s night, since he met Vicky.”

  Jason nodded, “Have you seen my wife? I wouldn’t be out with you clowns tonight if she weren’t out with Sandy and her cousin.”

  Troy agreed, “Yeah, if I had a girlfriend that looked like your wife…I wouldn’t be out with you clowns either.”

  “Hey…you better keep your eyes off my wife.” They all shared a laugh as they grabbed a spot at the bar, then went over and grabbed an empty pool table.

  A waitress came over to take their drink orders. Franklin ordered a round of beers for all of them.

  Jason racked up the balls, “Franklin have you sent in your RSVP for mom and dad’s anniversary party? They keep asking me if you’re coming. It’s coming up quick.”

  “Not yet. I was waiting to find out if April was going to be able to make it.”

  Troy chalked up his pool stick, “If she can’t make it…I’ll be your plus one since I’ve extended my vacation. The Rutherford’s have always known how to throw a good party.”

  The waitress came back with their drinks.

  “Will you still be in town? It’s next week.”

  Troy took a long pull from his bottle, “Yeah, I’ll be here. Not leaving until that next Sunday. As a matter of fact, I love it here. I’ll probably start visiting more.”

  Franklin hit the opening break shot then stood, “You know dad and Camille are going to be there.”

  “Yeah, but I figure as long as the drinks are flowing, I should be able to deal with Matthew. All I need is a date.”

  Jason smiled, “Now…I might be able to help you with that.”

  Franklin and Troy both looked at him skeptically, then said in unison, “Who?”

  He took a swig of his beer and took his sweet time before responding, “Andrea.”

  *****

  Sandy, Vicky, and Andrea went to the place Andrea picked out for their night of fun. It was called Club Peacock! According to Andrea, it was the place to be. The name alone sent Sandy and Vicky into hysterical laughter.

  It was worth a try. When they arrived and went inside it was hard to see since it was so dark. However, the place was packed with people on the dance floor. The music was blaring some of the latest hip-hop music, and everyone seemed to be having a good time.

  While most of the people in the club seemed to be younger, they didn’t feel too out of place. Sandy wore a strapless form-fitting yellow mini with matching heels. The dress really brought out the color of her blue eyes and red hair. She wore her unruly curls down, and Vicky placed a diamond tiara in it. She’d also given her a sash that said Super-Hot Bride to Be.

  Andrea knew she had to come with it tonight, or she’d never get a dance because Sandy and Vicky were knockouts. While she chose to let Sandy be the belle of the ball, she still wore a black sleeveless two piece mini skirt. There was only a hint of midriff showing. And since she was so short unlike the Amazon’s she was with, she paired it with the tallest pair of bright pink stilettos in her closet. They matched her lipstick.

  Andrea yelled over all the noise, “I told you guys, this place is really hot right now. Let’s see if we can find a table.”

  Vicky and Sandy exchanged glances. Both thinking the same thing…what have we gotten ourselves into because we are too old for this.

 
As they walked around the club, luckily, a group of people was leaving a table just as the trio was walking up to it. They sat down, and a waitress immediately came over to take their drink orders.

  “What will you have ladies?”

  Andrea yelled out, “Shots! Bring out a round of Red Headed Sluts in honor of my red-headed cousin getting hitched!”

  “Got it. I’ll be right back.”

  No sooner had the waitress left, did a random guy who reminded Vicky of the character Jerome from the classic show Martin come over to their table. While he wasn’t dressed like he was caught in an eighty’s time warp, his hair and silver tooth, said otherwise. “Wow…you ladies are beautiful. I’m not sure which one of you, I should ask for a dance.” He looked at Sandy and saw her sash, looked at Vicky and saw her massive ring, then looked at Andrea.”

  “How about a dance little lady?”

  “Umm…not right now. We just got here. But, I tell you what…come back in about a half an hour with a couple of your friends and maybe we’ll have enough drinks in us to dance with you.”

  He nodded, grinned, and walked away.

  Vicky laughed out loud, “Are you serious?”

  Sandy laughed too but in the back of her mind, with everything that was happening with Roman, she just wanted to be home.

  Andrea shrugged, “Who cares what they look like. We’re just here to have fun.”

  Vicky continued to laugh, “You know…you’re right. I promised Jason I wouldn’t dance with any cute guys…so in that regard, I won’t be lying.”

  The waitress returned with their drinks.

  Sandy, Vicky, and Andrea each picked up a shot.

  Andrea spoke, “On the count of three…bottoms up!” Okay…one…two…three!”

  *****

  After a few rounds of shots, a couple of hours on the dance floor, Sandy was ready to call it a night. But, before she left she needed to go to the ladies room.

  “Hey, I’m going to the bathroom.”

  Vicky responded, “I’ll go with you.”

  “No, I'm fine. It’s just over there. I’ll be right back.”

  Sandy waded her way through the crowd. After using the bathroom, she went over to the sink to wash her hands. It was a little crowded, so she didn’t pay too much attention when someone bumped into her.

  “I’m sorry.”

  The voice sounded familiar, but Sandy didn't look up, “No problem. It’s a little crowded in here.”

  “I almost didn’t think I’d find you tonight.”

  Sandy finished and finally looked up. She smiled when she saw that it was Kate. “Oh…hi! I’m sorry I didn’t realize it was you. My friends thought they would take me out kind of like a bachelorette party.”

  Kate didn’t return her smile, “So, the wedding is still on?”

  Sandy’s smile faltered, “Yes…why wouldn’t it?”

  “So, I guess Roman didn’t tell you.”

  The hairs on the back of her neck were starting to stand up, “Tell me what?”

  “Everything that happened between us yesterday.”

  “Don’t talk to me in riddles, Kate. If you have something to say, please just say it.”

  “Fine. He doesn’t love you. Maybe he thought he did, but he obviously doesn’t, if he could sleep with me so close to your wedding.”

  “You’re lying. Roman loves me. He would never cheat on me.” Sandy was feeling like she couldn’t breathe, “Why are you telling me these lies? And, how did you know I was going to be here?”

  “You would like to believe that I’m lying wouldn’t you. Well, I’m not. Not only does Roman tell me everything. He coordinated this evening with Andrea weeks ago. I saw it on his calendar. Before you both make the mistake of your lives, I thought it would be best that you knew the truth.”

  Sandy felt sick. She shook her head no but deep inside, she’d known it was true. “Kate, I don’t know what games you’re playing, but whatever you are trying to do, won’t work. I love Roman, and he loves me.” She pushed past her and walked out of the bathroom.

  When she came back to the table, her face was flushed. Vicky noticed her first, “Sandra are you feeling okay?”

  Her voice was shaky, “I think I’ve just had a bit too much to drink. I really need to get home.”

  Andrea was concerned too, “I’ll text the driver to let him know we’re ready.”

  Chapter 20

  Sandy’s legs felt like lead as she walked into her house. Was she getting what she deserved for everything that happened with Franklin?

  The light was still on in Roman’s office. Did she want to have this conversation with him? Maybe she should just go to her bedroom, pull the covers over her head, and pretend like she’d never even seen Kate tonight.

  As much as she wanted to run and hide, something inside of her would let her do it. If he’d cheated with Kate and lied about it, last night would have been the perfect opportunity to come clean.

  His door was slightly ajar, so she pushed it open a little more, “Hey. I’m home.”

  Roman looked up from his laptop, “I was expecting you to be out much later. Why home so early?” It was then that he noticed the stricken look on her face.

  He got up out of his chair and went to her, “What’s wrong?”

  Sandy wrung her hands, “Roman, I know that we have some problems that we’re still working through. But, do you want to do this? Do you really want to get married?”

  He held her by her shoulders, “Of course, I do. After everything that has happened between us over the last couple of weeks, I’m still here.”

  “I just want to make sure we’re getting married for the right reasons. Not because we’re trying to prove something to anyone.”

  “Who would I be trying to prove anything to?” He was a little irritated at her statement, “I’ve forgiven you for things that happened with my mother and sister, but most of all, I’ve forgiven you for cheating on me with Franklin. I’ve done a lot of forgiving in this relationship.”

  Sandy had so many feelings going on inside of her that she was starting to feel overwhelmed. “Roman…I think we both have had things we needed to forgive each other for especially when it comes to your mother and sister. But, I aired out all of my skeletons yesterday.”

  She closed her mouth and tapped her finger against her lips. Then whispered, “But, did you?”

  “What are you talking about? I don’t have any skeletons.”

  “Roman, please be honest with me. I know I’ve messed up but I want us to start this marriage off right. I’ll forgive you just like you’ve forgiven me. I just need you to be honest.”

  He yelled, “I have been honest! What are you talking about?”

  “I saw Kate tonight. She said you slept with her. Is that true?”

  “What?! Are you serious? Kate would never have said that.”

  Sandy searched his eyes for the truth. She was so battered that she wasn’t even sure if she could spot it even if she saw it. She wanted to believe him. He was her prince charming and unlike Joshua or even Franklin, he would never betray her…right?

  Her voice was eerily low, “She said it. But, is it true? If it’s not, hallelujah. But, if it is true, then I’ll have to deal with it. I just need to know the truth. I don’t want to go into our marriage on a lie.”

  Roman pulled Sandy into his arms, “I promise you that it’s not true.”

  She decided to believe him. Sandy wasn’t sure if it was because she knew deep down he was telling the truth, or because she just wanted to believe in him.

  Chapter 21

  It had been a week since Sandy confronted Roman after her bachelorette party. She was upstairs in her bedroom getting ready for the Rutherford’s anniversary party when he walked into the room.

  Things between them had still been tense but were starting to get a little better everyday…until today.

  It was getting late, and Roman was still wearing a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, “Roman, the party i
s in a few hours. You think you might want to start getting dressed?”

  “Honestly, I don’t think it’s a good idea to for us to even go.”

  “We RSVP’d”

  “People cancel all the time.”

  “They are like family to me. I promised I would be there. I can’t just not show up. But, I totally understand if you don’t want to go.”

  He glared at her, “Is Franklin going to be there?”

  Sandy sighed, “I’m sure he probably will be.”

  If looks could kill, Sandy would be dead. His eyes cut her deeply as he headed toward the bathroom, “I just need to take a shower.”

  *****

  On the other side of town, Franklin wasn’t faring much better. He listened to her intently on the phone.

  She paced back and forth in her living room, “I don’t understand why we can’t cancel tonight, Franklin. I’ve just told you that I’m going through a crisis. And, I don’t feel like you’re supporting me the same way I would support you. If it were me, I would have hopped in my car already and been at your house.”

  “April, I’ve told you…you don’t have to go. But, I have to at least show my face for an hour, or so. The Rutherford’s were like a mother and father to me. This is important to them, and I can’t miss it.”

  Nothing she tried seemed to be getting through to him. “Fine. I’ll go. But, I’m going to hold you to not staying very long.” Angrily, she disconnected the call and threw her phone on the sofa. In a huff, April went into her bedroom to start getting ready for the party. Her frustration was at an all-time high.

  *****

  The mile long winding driveway, with perfectly sculpted greenery on either side, on a star filled night was more than a perfect backdrop for the Rutherford’s anniversary party. Expensive cars were lined up everywhere. This party always brought out the Who’s Who of Atlanta.

  While the scenery was incredible, Sandy had mixed feelings about coming, and almost canceled several times.