Fool, Stop Trippin'

by McKinney, Tina Brooks

“Yeah. He’s on the way.”

  “Umph.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing. It just slipped out.”

  “You said it for a reason. Why do you do that?”

  “Do what?”

  “Start saying something, then say you didn’t say anything or it just slipped out. It’s driving me nuts.”

  “What sign are you?”

  “Huh? What are you talking about?”

  “Your zodiac sign. Which one are you?”

  “I don’t pay attention to that nonsense.”

  “When is your birthday, I forgot.” She has forgotten all about stirring her pots and is giving me such an intense gaze it is creeping me out.

  “June second.”

  “I knew it.” She goes back to stirring as if we hadn’t been in the middle of a conversation.

  “You’re a Gemini. That explains it.”

  I’m getting agitated. “Explains what?”

  “Tarcia, let’s not fight. Can’t we just have a nice, quiet dinner?”

  She’s right. I don’t want to be all mad when Kentee gets here. I just want him to make a good impression so she can get off my back about him. We can continue our discussion later.

  “Okay. I’ll go set the table.” I push through the swinging doors to the dining room and the table is already set. How did she know I wanted to eat in here? I normally eat in the kitchen.

  “Oh, by the way, some chick by the name of Meeka left you a message on the phone.”

  Shocked, I let go of the doors and they hit me in the face. Memory whooshes over me. I wonder what she said. Did Lasonji listen to the message? That would explain her cocky attitude. Damn, I don’t have time to listen to that shit. He’s almost here.

  “Oh, yeah, what did she say?”

  “I didn’t listen. When I found out it wasn’t for me I hung up. I was expecting a call from Aunt Joyce.”

  “I’ll listen to it later. Thanks for setting the table.”

  “I thought it would be more romantic.”

  “Yeah, it is romantic with the candles and everything. How did you find the time?” Kentee’s at the door before she can answer but I’m sure she wouldn’t have said anything worth hearing anyway. She’s good at evading questions.

  Kentee

  I’m worn the fuck out and should have taken my black ass home, but my stomach won out over both my heads. I hope Tarcia doesn’t give me any lip about being late because I will surely eat, drink, and run instead of laying down the pipe on her as I’d planned. Tarcia is a nice-enough girl, but she’s too clingy. She strangles a motherfucker with her constant whining and that shit gets old quick. If it wasn’t for her banging pussy, I would never see that heifer again.

  Leah didn’t do anything to help my mood either. She looked beautiful when I dropped off the kids. Her skin was glowing and she had her hair fixed up all pretty. How in the hell did she have time to get her hair done when she was supposed to be so busy working? I tried to push up on her and she reacted like I’d been gargling garbage.

  “Kentee, move.”

  “What?”

  “You’re all up in my space.”

  “Your space? There was a time when your space was my space.”

  “Yeah, but those times are over.” She pushed me back farther and if I hadn’t shut the door, I would be out on the stoop looking like Yogi Bear.

  “That’s what I want to talk to you about.”

  “Oh no, I’m not about to get into that discussion with you tonight. I’ve got to get the children ready for school in the morning. As it is, I’m already an hour behind schedule thanks to you. You have no idea how difficult it is to juggle all this alone. One little thing can upset the whole schedule.”

  “See, that’s why I left you. You never have time for me.”

  “You selfish prick. You just don’t get it. When we became parents, we had to make sacrifices, but you never got it. We’ve got three children depending on us to raise and protect them. It’s always been about you and damn everyone else.”

  “Leah, that’s not what I meant. Damn, why you trying to twist my words and shit.”

  “I ain’t twisting shit. Just think about what you said. Well, what about me? Did you ever stop to think about how I was feeling and what I was going through?”

  “Yeah, but—”

  “But hell. You didn’t think about anyone else but your damn self, especially when you left us to fend for ourselves. So don’t you weave your lips to say some dumb shit like that to me ever again.”

  “God, you sure are sexy when you’re mad.” I stepped toward her again to give her a kiss.

  “Kentee, I think you need to leave now before we each say something that we’ll regret.”

  “My only regret is that I let you go.”

  “Good night, Kentee.”

  “Leah, please.”

  “No, Kentee, it’s late and I have things to do.” Her chin was fixed and stubborn and I didn’t want to make her any madder, so I left. The door closed before I can start begging. The sound of the lock catching was like a knife in my heart.

  “Damn, that’s not the way it’s supposed to go down.” Slapping the steering wheel, I get mad at myself for rushing her. I knew I would not win her back in a day, but my patience is wearing real thin. I drive to Tarcia’s house in a total daze, barely paying attention to traffic signals or the speed I am going.

  She would not be acting all high and mighty if she didn’t have ole dude all up in her face all the time. Shit, the first thing I’m going to do when I get her back is take my children out of that center. She is also gonna have to quit that job. She’s gotten too damn independent for my taste.

  Even as I knock on Tarcia’s door, my mind is still back at Leah’s house.

  “Hey, baby!” Tarcia rushes me, wrapping her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist. She damn near knocks me down as she plants a big kiss on my lips. I struggle to remain standing as she curls her legs around my knees.

  I unwrap her from my body as gently as I can so she won’t start pouting.

  “Uh, can you at least let me in the house before you attack me?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, baby. I’m just so happy to see you. I’ve missed you.”

  “I see.” She grabs my hand, dragging me into the house. Slamming the door, she is on me again, forcing her tongue in my mouth and grinding her hips against me. Against my will, my body starts to respond to her ardent kisses as my arms wrap around her waist, bringing her closer.

  “Ahem…dinner is ready.”

  I had forgotten all about Tarcia’s cousin as I peel my lips away, and obviously Tarcia had too. I open my eyes to this incredible vision of loveliness leaning against the wall. Her beauty was understated but very visible despite her tomboyish outfit. Pushing Tarcia away, perhaps too forcefully, I run my hands down the crease in my pants and straighten my shit. I give her my most engaging smile, but she doesn’t return it. Pouting at the snub, Tarcia folds her arms in front of her chest.

  “Lasonji, this is Kentee.” She looks me up and down with the most concentrated stare I’d ever encountered. It feels like she is stripping me of my clothes and my manhood. My dick shrivels against her cold gaze.

  “Hi, nice to meet ya.”

  “Dinner is ready.” She leaves the room without saying another word. Bewildered, I look at Tarcia. She twirls her finger alongside her head indicating her cousin is a nut. Nut or not, the babe is fine.

  We sit down to eat and Lasonji passes out the plates. I want to start a conversation, but I’m so hungry I can’t help but to dig right in. Lasonji stops me before I get the next spoonful in my mouth.

  “We say grace around here.” Chastised, I put down my spoon, bowing my head. Normally, I do thank God for providing a hot meal but this had been such a crazy day, I’d forgotten. I hold the food in my mouth, unwilling to swallow until grace is completed. The burn starts slowly as the insides of my cheeks heat up. As it increases, my eyes
start to water. I look around to see if anyone else is having problems, but they are engrossed in prayer and they aren’t paying me any attention. I have to get rid of the food in my mouth, either by swallowing or spitting it out. The prayer drones on as the flames slide down my throat into my stomach like lava from a volcano. I’ve had Cajun food before, but never as spicy as this dish. I will Lasonji to pray quickly so I can have a sip of water.

  Oblivious to my pain, Lasonji rambles on, thanking God for the morning sun, the twinkling stars, and the air we breathe. If I knew her better, I’d swear she was punishing me. I suffer in silence until she finally says, “Amen.”

  I grab my water glass and empty it with one long swallow. Tarcia refills it and I drain that glass too. I hesitate before I take my next mouthful. I’m torn because it tastes so good, but damn, it’s hot as hell. Neither Tarcia nor Lasonji appear to be bothered by the spiciness. Unable to stop, I alternate between food and water until my plate is empty.

  “Girl, you put your foot in this,” Tarcia says.

  “Thanks.”

  “Uh, it’s very good, spicy but good,” I add.

  “Spicy? I thought I went light on the spices.”

  “Kentee hasn’t had authentic Cajun food before.”

  “How you know what I’ve had before?”

  “Oh, excuse me.” I laugh to take the sting out of my words, but I don’t want her speaking for me.

  “So, Lasonji, how do you like Atlanta?”

  “It’s okay. This isn’t my first visit. In fact, I might just decide to stay here permanently.”

  “What? You never mentioned that before,” Tarcia says.

  “You never asked me. I’m tired of fighting the weather in the Big Easy, plus I can make more money living here. New Orleans will still be my home, but I might just take up roots in Georgia, too. We’ll see.”

  “That’s cool. If you need a guide, I’ll be happy to show you around.” Tarcia kicks me under the table.

  “Ow, what was that for?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t know your leg was right there. I was just flexing my feet.” Lasonji smirks at us, but doesn’t comment.

  “What did you put in this? It tastes familiar, but I can’t put my finger on it.”

  “Kentee, it’s a family recipe, so I can’t tell outsiders. I guess you will just have to marry my cousin to get the recipe.” A sliver of ice slides down my throat, choking me. My throat muscles constrict, trying to expel the blockage as I struggle for air. I can’t move my tongue or produce enough spit to swallow. Frantic, I massage my neck while banging the table trying to get some attention to my distress. I try in vain to work the ice down without throwing up all over the table. Tarcia watches, but it is Lasonji who jumps up and starts pounding me on the back, lifting my hands in the air. When I can breathe normally again I thank her.

  “Whew, that was a close one.”

  “Yeah, you were turning blue black.”

  “Thanks for your help.”

  “Would you like some more water?”

  “Naw, I’m done for now. Thanks, dinner was great.” Tarcia is pouting again because she didn’t move quick enough to help me.

  “Would you like some cheesecake?”

  “Naw, I’m done.” I get up to clear the dishes but Lasonji takes them from me.

  “I’ve got the dishes; you two go on and watch TV or whatever.”

  “Nonsense, you cooked this great meal, the least I can do is help with the dishes. Right, Tarcia?”

  “I wouldn’t know since you’ve never offered to help me with the dishes. I’m going to read my book.”

  “Why you playing my cousin like that?” Lasonji says to me.

  “Huh, I ain’t playing her. I just want to help you. Is that a crime?”

  “Humph. Look, I don’t need to start no trouble up in here. Go be with your girl before she blows a gasket or something.”

  “She’ll be okay, just let me help you.”

  “I said no, okay? Please, I am asking you nicely. Go handle your business.”

  “Alright. Later.” I find Tarcia stretched out on the bed with her back to the door. I can tell by the rigid posture of her body she’s pissed at me. That is another one of Tarcia’s problems. She’s jealous of everyone with whom I come in contact. I sit on the bed next to her, but she doesn’t even acknowledge my presence.

  “Hey, can a brotha get a drink up in here?”

  “You know where it is…be helpful and get it yourself.”

  Bitch. I pour a stiff drink and down it with no chaser. Pouring some more into my glass, I go in the kitchen for some Coke to add to my drink. All the dishes are clean and there’s no sign of Lasonji. I hadn’t been gone but five hot seconds and she’s finished, food put away and everything. How in the hell did she get done so fast? I should have paid more attention to this detail at the time but I was thinking of a way to get some ass and go home.

  My original plan was to eat and run, but I know if I leave on this sour note Tarcia will blow up my phone for the rest of the night. Tarcia’s a good-enough person; she’s just insecure to the point of distraction.

  “Do you mind if I turn on the television?”

  “Suit yourself.” I reach over her and grab the remote from her nightstand. Taking off my shoes, I prop myself up on her pillows and switch on the set. I flip through the channels, but nothing catches my attention.

  “Ain’t nothing on.” I peep at Tarcia, but she’s still ignoring me. I didn’t come over here for this shit. I could have stayed at my momma’s house and been ignored.

  “Got any DVDs?”

  “You know where they are.” My patience is wearing thin. Putting my shoes on and getting the hell on wouldn’t be a thing to me, but instead I flip through the movies. Tarcia loves books and movies so I know I will find something to occupy me until it’s time to roll out.

  Surprised to see the porno movies on top of the DVD player, I open one of the cases.

  “Did you leave these out for me?”

  “No, I had to do something while you were MIA.”

  “Ouch. It hasn’t been that long.”

  “Maybe not for you, but for me it’s been a minute.” I don’t mind her watching porn. In fact, I encouraged it as long as I was watching it with her. I guess I’d been falling down on my job. Seeing the movies makes me think about how selfish I’d been over the last couple of weeks. I expected her to remain faithful, but I hadn’t been giving her any reason to be. I was about to put in a disc, but I see she already has one in the player. Curious, I hit play and go back to the bed.

  Two beautiful women and one man are going at it. Instantly, my dick gets hard. In my mind, I replace the women on the television with Tarcia and her cousin. The man in the DVD is me. Unconsciously, my hand slips down to my nuts and I gently tug at them. My nuts swell and my shorts stifle their growth. I cup my hands over my dick so Tarcia can’t see my erection. Enthralled, I watch homeboy suck one mocha breast and one cinnamon one simultaneously. He is on his knees on the bed and they are standing. He is in player’s paradise and I would gladly change places with him.

  He tells the mocha lady to spread her legs and she does. Lying on his back with his head hanging off the bed, he motions her forward and she squats over his face. The cinnamon lady straddles his waist and begins to suck his dick. My dick swells as I watch her breasts jiggle around, swatting his balls. I can’t take it anymore. I’m about to turn it off when Tarcia strokes my leg.

  “I didn’t think you were paying attention.”

  “Hush, unless you want me to stop.”

  “I ain’t saying anything else.” She unzips my pants and reaches inside my briefs, taking out my dick. My eyes remain fixed and focused on the television as she blows on my dick. A drop of precum rises to the tip and she greedily laps it up. I smother a moan.

  “You gonna have to be quiet. My cousin is in the next room and you know how thin the walls are.”

  “Yeah, okay.” I know perfectly well her cousi
n is in the next room. I was praying for some fluke in nature to occur and for her to come in and join the party. I struggle to get my pants off.

  Tarcia could suck a mint out my mouth and through my dick. That’s how talented she is. She knows how to please a man with her mouth and her pussy. If someone can just get past her other quirky habits, she’s a good catch.

  On the television, everyone has moved onto the bed. Cinnamon is eatin’ out Mocha and the brother is nailing Cinnamon. His eyes are rolling around in his head and he has a smile plastered on his face. I turn down the sound because it’s distracting me. I want to see them getting it on, but I also want to concentrate on what I have my hands on. I also don’t want to blow my load before I have a chance to nail Tarcia just as good.

  “Take off your clothes.” My voice is low and husky. She doesn’t waste a second getting out of her outfit and pulling back the covers.

  “Where were we?”

  “It’s been so long, Kentee.”

  “I know, baby. Tell me what you want.”

  “I need to feel you right here.” She puts her finger in her vagina, pulls it out, and holds it up for me to lick. I come close, but she pops the finger in her mouth. My tongue follows her finger and she plays with it as she plays with my dick. Another moan slips out, but this time I think it’s her. Then again, it could have been both of us.

  I push her back on the bed and bury my face between her legs. She gasps and wraps her arms around my head, locking it in place. I couldn’t move if I wanted to and believe me, I don’t want to ’cause she tastes so sweet. She is bucking off the bed trying to get closer and I’m holding her steady so I can at least breathe as I slurp up her juices. She shouts as she comes and I know her cousin has to hear it loud and clear.

  “Damn, baby!” I chuckle, raising my head to look in her eyes. She pulls me forward and licks her juices off my face.

  “You ain’t done yet. Put it in.”

  I immediately plunge my dick in her quivering pussy; her muscles draw me all the way in to the hilt.

  “Aw damn, baby, hold up, not so fast. I don’t want to come yet.” If anything, this makes Tarcia pull me in deeper. Her nails rake my back and if her pussy wasn’t so damn good I would stop her from marking my back. Girlfriend flips the script on me and I’m no longer interested in the tape. I have all I need underneath me. Instead of me nailing her, she gets me to blow before my time. I collapse on top of her, too whipped to crawl over to the other side of the bed.