But she had better plans for the money.
A nice crib, some baby furniture, perhaps a fresh coat of pink paint or wallpaper featuring ducks or bunnies or teddy bears or flowers or rainbows. Something cute. Something for her and the little one. Someone who would return her love. Someone filled with excitement to share her very mundane life with. Someone to wrap arms around Audrey, craving her affection and undying attention. Someone besides a man. Fuck them. This would be better. In fact, she looked forward to being a mother.
For now, though, everything else remained the same, except, of course, for missing her period. But she knew. The test proved it. Audrey felt different in a way she could not explain. Slightly tarnished but better. She had to be better, after all she felt more alive.
Long Island Iced Teas weren’t the only thing she missed. Late-night booty calls with Mark were another. Not because of the sex. Because of the impromptu personalized attention. They made her feel special. She also missed the foggy mind alcohol brought—a welcome stranger. A nice partner to join her, along with a man between her very own sheets.
Never mind that. Some day a little munchkin would want to crawl in bed with mommy to snuggle. A smile lit across Audrey’s face at the thought. She took another sip of her bland drink.
“Hey, Audrey,” someone said, “want to get a room?”
It was one of the men from the boardroom. One she had yet to “reimburse.” He ordered a Jack and Coke.
“Maybe later. I’m meeting someone.”
“Fucking whore.” He looked around. “Where’s Janice? Or that little fat bitch?”
Audrey, at a loss for words, couldn’t respond.
“That little fatty sucks dick better anyway. Always hungry for cock. Don’t go anywhere.” He stormed out of the bar, drink in hand.
The small outburst rattled Audrey’s nerves. It was no longer a secret to her that the bar, or rather Club Nadir, was some sort of sex club for the city’s elite. A discreet place for back-door dealings. A place to screw around out of the public eye.
A bit much, perhaps. Why couldn’t they simply hire an escort? Maybe set up a young thing in an apartment like Carl did with Janice? Either he had tired of her and needed some variety, Audrey had noticed, or she wasn’t home. Whatever. Audrey might have issues—who didn’t? But she didn’t plan to let some sugar daddy set her up as a concubine. She came and went as she pleased. Had sex with who she wanted. After all, everyone here consented as an adult, right? Many were very young, barely legal (as she had heard it called) in some cases. Like the chubby girl. She had to be in high school.
Thinking about it made Audrey squirm. Just imagine the fun she could have had throughout her twenties if she had discovered a place like this. It beat soap operas, Pay-Per-View, and self-inflicted orgasms. Not to mention cats.
Come on. She loved Leo, but a cat didn’t compare to a man. Even one like Carl. Because going weeks, months, even years without being touched took its toll. Maybe she was a whore. But soon she would be a mother. Then it would all be worth it. The baby would be beautiful, just like Mark. Even if it didn’t have blond hair or blue eyes, it would certainly have some of his features. Good genes. Smart.
Audrey could hardly wait.
She wished he would hurry. A half-bombed man finishing his meal was eyeing her from across the room. Audrey looked away. She didn’t want some guy chatting her up and hoping for a screw when Mark arrived. She wanted his money to help pay for the baby’s room. A thousand dollars would be all she would ever see from this arrangement—she didn’t plan to push the issue. It just didn’t seem worth the trouble and she knew he didn’t have to give her a single penny. Although she also knew the baby belonged to him, knew it in her bones. If she blew this she would never see anything.
Well, perhaps she could get a lawyer after the fact. Yes, that remained a possibility. Because, face it, after she gave birth she didn’t plan to frequent this club again. Oh no, good mothers never did such things.
She might go to a singles bar on occasion. Pick up an occasional one-night stand. Who knew, maybe at daycare she might stumble across some nice man whose wife had died in a car wreck. One could only hope.
The man eyeing her from across the room finished his drink. Audrey could tell he planned to hit on her when he returned to the bar for another drink. She cringed, so hesitant to have that conversation she didn’t notice Mark entering the room.
“Here’s your money.” He slapped an envelope on the countertop. “Chuck, my man, give me a Guinness.”
“Coming right up, hoss.”
“Like I said,” Mark stated, eyes watching the bartender, “that money is in no way an intention to admit paternity.”
“Then what is it?” The words popped out before Audrey could think.
“I’m doing the world a favor.”
“What?”
“Women like you have no right being mothers.”
“I beg your pardon.”
“You are a fucking whore. An extortionist. How many other men are you shaking down?”
“You offered me the money.”
“Your encounter prompted it. I shouldn’t have. A stupid move, I admit. Believe me, my lawyer already reprimanded me.”
“You called a lawyer?”
“Lawyer, golf buddy, what’s the difference? I do have him on retainer, though. In fact, he helped pay for your tits. Said you sucked cock like an amateur but he doesn’t like fat chicks or MILFs, and Janice is a psycho. Said he’s got to screw someone until we get fresh meat in here.”
“I … Well … I can’t …”
“Save it.” Mark took a gulp of Guinness from an icy mug. “Thanks, Chuck. Hey—have you seen Lindsey around?”
“Is that—?”
“That young fat bitch? Yeah.”
“No, not today.”
Mark shrugged, took another drink while Audrey sat appalled by the conversation.
“You should tap that, know what I mean? That bitch works for it. But whatever you do, leave this one alone.” Mark jabbed a finger at Audrey. “At least until she’s collected enough money,” he tapped the envelope, “and scrapes out the baby.”
Tears burst from Audrey’s eyes. She snatched up the envelope, tucked it into her purse. She wanted to hop off the bar stool and dash away, but her legs were leaden, her ass glued to wood.
“That’s okay, hoss, I’ll pass. I’ve got a hundred bucks on her—that’s good enough for me. You really know how to pick ‘em.”
“Fuckin’-A, my man. Fuckin’-A.”
Mark, chuckling, fished out a bill from his wallet, stuffed it into the tip jar.
“Wish that bitch would show up.” Mark turned to Audrey. “Why are you still here? Why don’t you—”
A long black arm swung out of nowhere and a hand slapped Mark on the back.
“Whatchoo doin’ here, motherfucker?” The voice belonged to a very tall African-American man. He wore baggy Tommy Hilfiger jeans and a T-shirt emblazoned with the Lightning team logo across the front: twin lightning bolts criss-crossing behind a basketball. Tattoos ran down his lean, muscular arms.
“Waiting for your sorry black ass to show.”
“The fuck you are.”
Mark whipped out his wallet again. From a wad of bills he counted out three-hundred dollars. “Here’s your money. Don’t blow it all on crack.”
“You’s a funny motherfucker, you know that?”
“Damn straight.”
To the bartender, the black man said: “Gimme one of whatever this motherfucker be drinkin’. I wanna see what rich white assholes drink.” He laughed like it was the funniest thing ever.
Mark shook his head. “Jaylon, that’s why I like you so much, even though you cost me.”
“Yeah, well, a fool and his money are soon parted.”
“Wow. I’m impressed.”
“Hey, man, I finished college with a C average. Don’t be fuckin’ with me. This nigga ain’t just a B-baller. I’s a savvy business man, or a
s you might say: pimp daddy.”
The two men laughed. The bartender joined in, sliding a mug across the counter. Jaylon took a drink, grimaced. “That’s the last time I drink anything you like.”
“It’s an acquired taste.”
“So are old gym socks and my balls. Wanna try?”
“Not me. I’d have to stand in line behind your bitches.”
“Word.”
“Speaking of bitches, I’ve got to be going. Catch you later, Jaylon.”
“You need to lose more money, you let Jaylon know.”
“Actually, now that you mention it, a grand says within a year.”
Audrey, through tears, thought she caught Mark gesture to her. She needed to clear her eyes, head home. She rubbed bleary eyes with her fists. Jaylon looked straight into her eyes. He said, “Two says under six.”
“You’re on.”
They shook hands. The grip changed a couple times, like some sort of gang signal, but Audrey doubted it was.
“All right, catch you later,” Mark said.
“Later, motherfucker.”
Mark left. Jaylon took Mark’s stool, just around the corner from Audrey.
“How now, whatchoo cryin’ ‘bout? A fine thang like you shouldn’t be cryin’ so. That honky-ass motherfucker be dissin’ you or somethin’?”
It took Audrey a moment to compose herself. She said, “Yeah, something like that.”
“You want maybe I should kick his cracker ass for you?”
Audrey couldn’t help but snicker. “Maybe so.”
Jaylon grinned wide. A gold tooth showed. He flipped back a thin dreadlock. To Audrey, Jaylon possessed a beautiful, reassuring smile.
“Jaylon Watkins, at your service.” He offered his hand. Audrey shook it. “How ‘bout we forget him for the moment. Have you ever been to a Lightning game? I play guard, and it’s fun as hell.”
“I’m Audrey. And no, I’ve never been.”
“Well, we should do something about that. You see, I can arrange tickets and a pass for you. I’d like you to watch me play.”
The corners of Audrey’s mouth curled up. “I might like that.”
“Sure you would, Audrey. Sure you would.”
Chapter Seventeen
* * *
The last screw twisted into place.
“All finished, Leo.”
The cat ignored the comment, instead continuing to bathe itself with its tongue.
Audrey rolled the crib into place. Taking a drink of sweet tea she admired her handiwork. A man couldn’t have done it any better. The crib looked so beautiful with its white paint dotted with brown bears. She had done an outstanding job with the spare bedroom, stenciling around the border, putting together furniture. She had even bought a rocker to help lull the infant to sleep when the time came. She was nearly finished. Only one thing remained. A reminder of the child who had lived here before. A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle sticker marred the surface of the window overlooking the park across the street. Some day her own child would look out the window and say, “Mommy, can we go to the park today? I want you to swing me high!”
Of course they would go. Audrey could hardly wait.
First things first. Audrey retrieved the box cutter she had bought earlier and went to work on the sticker, scraping across the surface of the glass to cut beneath the corner of the adhered plastic. The sticker didn’t want to comply. It gripped firmly to the window, giving up only a small portion of its corner and leaving a sticky residue behind.
Although she had seven months to go, she wanted the room completed. Ready. All that remained now was this blasted sticker. After she finished with it, she could thoroughly relax. A job well done, with nothing left to do but wait, enjoy. She planned to start with a long, hot bath. Then maybe a ham and cheese sandwich along with another sweet tea before lounging on the couch. After good day’s work, drifting off to sleep in front of the television seemed like a great idea. She rarely did so, but felt in the mood. After all, it felt like the thing a single, independent woman would do after a fun but productive day like today.
But first this damn sticker.
As she worked, her arm tired, her mind wandered. A mental image of Jaylon pounding into her filled her mind.
She had taken him up on his offer to attend a Lightning game. Boy, could he play ball. Long strides, high jumps, spectacular lay-ups. He could palm the ball, sweep the ball in a wide arch, slam it in. When he did, Audrey thought she could hear the net swish despite the roar of the crowd. It took big hands to work a basketball like that.
His cock was monstrous too, just like the myth promised. The day after the game they had fucked. He had nearly ripped her apart. And the way it filled her—simply amazing. A considerate lover, he only penetrated her halfway or so with it. She doubted she could take it all. After all, he stood about six and a half feet tall. She, five foot one. He must outweigh her by over a hundred pounds.
She felt so submissive, yet powerful when they had sex. He could do anything he wanted with her; what could she do about it? But he didn’t. She got the impression he was holding back sometimes. Not that they fucked much, but that’s how it seemed. It made him mysterious. She liked that. Liked it so much she rarely went to the club except to see him. Or by request from her investors. They had her number. That also made her feel important. Rich men calling to be with her. A basketball star for a lover. A baby growing inside her, fathered by a gorgeous man.
As screwed up as it sounded when she played in over in her mind, she had never been happier.
The phone rang and she rushed into the living room to grab the telephone.
“Hello, mother.”
“Aud, dear, you know the phone works both directions, don’t you?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Then why won’t you call your mother?”
“Funny you should mention that. I actually planned to call you tomorrow. Or the next day.”
“Yeah, yeah. Sure. Like I believe that.”
Audrey laughed. A smile spread across her face as she did. She couldn’t remember being this happy in quite a long time.
“Actually, mother, I have some news.”
“What kind of news?”
“The are-you-sitting-down kind.”
“Oh dear.”
Audrey stretched out on the couch. Leo leaped up to join her.
“The good are-you-sitting-down kind.”
“What are you talking about? Tell me already.”
“Are you?”
“What?”
“Sitting down?”
“Yes, yes. I’m sitting down. I bet you got back with Mark. Is that what this is about?”
“Not exactly. My generation doesn’t necessarily do those kinds of things.”
“What are you talking about? You are losing me.”
“Well … I’m pregnant!”
“What?”
“I’m having Mark’s baby.”
“Oh my lord, I can hardly believe it.”
“I know. Isn’t it wonderful?”
“It is … surprising—and wonderful. I’m really going to be a grandmother?”
“Yes, mother. I am finally going to make you a grandmother.”
“And Mark …?”
“The baby will be beautiful. I hope it inherits his blond hair.”
“That isn’t quite what I meant.”
“But it’s wonderful, right? I mean, I am so excited. An honest to goodness miracle is growing inside me as we speak.” An uncharacteristic giggle burst from Audrey’s lips.
“Well, Mark or no Mark, I am thrilled,” her mother said. “I’ve never heard you so happy, Audrey. I think you’ll make the best of it. I’ll be glad to help too, you know.”
“Believe me, mother, I know.”
They laughed.
Audrey said, “You should see the spare room. I’ve decorated it so cute.”
“Good lord, dear, how long have you known? Why didn’t you tell me? Shame on you.�
��
Audrey’s face hurt from smiling so big.
“I haven’t known but a few weeks. I mean, I knew, but also I didn’t know. I took one of those home pregnancy tests, but then I also went to see a doctor. Yes, it’s official. I just didn’t know how you’d take the news, thought maybe Mark would come around. Or maybe I just needed to wrap my head around having to raise a child as a single mother.”
“You’ll do just fine. You’re a smart cookie—dunk you in milk.”
Audrey laughed. “I haven’t heard that since I was a kid.”
“You always loved when I told you that. Then you’d insist on a cookie.”
“I think there are some chocolate chip cookies in the pantry. Maybe I’ll have one.”
“You should. Celebrate. In fact, I want to come down. No. I insist on visiting. How about tomorrow or the next day? I simply must see what you’ve done to the spare room. Have you got a crib?”
“Got it. I’ve got everything—well, all the major things. Can never have enough, you know.”
“Of course not. So, how does tomorrow sound?”
“Let’s make it the day after, mother. I can take time off from work. We’ll make a day of it.”
“I can hardly wait.”
“Mother?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
“I love you too, Aud. It’s been a long time since you’ve told me that. Don’t wait so long to tell me again.”
“I won’t. Promise.”
“Oh my …”
“What?”
“Nothing. I just got a little teary-eyed.”
“Geez, mother. That’s my cue to go. Give me a ring before you head over, okay? I’ve been busting my hump all day. I’m ready for dinner, a shower, maybe a movie.”
“I can take a hint. You have a good evening. I’ll see you Tuesday.”
“Okay. Good-bye.”
Chapter Eighteen
* * *
“Say you love it.”
“I love it.”
“Say you love big black nigga dicks.”
“Oh … I love big black dicks.”
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