The Cheating Curve
Page 22
Lang shrugged her shoulders.
“I’m committed to my commitment,” Aminah stated, making direct eye contact with Lang. “To my marriage, to my family.”
“And I respect that,” Lang responded, never batting an eyelash, nor breaking her stare. “I just don’t see monogamy and commitment as one and the same. Okay, so maybe I can’t have Sean back. Maybe I’m being selfish. ’Cause I know he’s like you and most people in their conventional views of commitment. And maybe being with me isn’t in his best interest,” Lang reluctantly admitted. “But maybe my having it all means being in a marriage that can be open when it needs to be and exclusive when it wants to be—as long as the sex is mind-blowing, turn-me-out sex. I know I’m not alone in this. You know Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis did that for a while?”
“No, I didn’t,” Aminah admitted, surprised. They were her relationship idols. She trusted her best friend’s knowledge, but she’d need to do her own research on that one.
“I know I can’t say I won’t ever find another man desirable besides my husband, whoever he may be. But, see, now, I’m the type of woman who if my husband’s interested in a ménage, then let’s go find that next chick together. Let’s pick out someone we’re both attracted to and enjoy ourselves together.”
Aminah shuddered at the thought.
Lang laughed. “I know, I know, the idea alone grosses you out. I’m saying, though, you’ve never thought of a threesome with you, Fame, and someone new?”
“No!”
“You should come visit me in my head, Aminah. I’ve imagined a threesome with me, another chick, and Sean. Me, Sean and Dante—”
“Okay, Langston, damn. I’m still eating….”
Lang winked at her best friend. They’d agree to disagree. It had worked for their friendship for almost thirty years. They worked around their differences and treasured their similarities. And while both were discovering new things about themselves, about each other, it was the familiar, the predictable, and, most importantly, their unconditional love for each other that kept them bonded.
Lang’s gut told her Fame would probably cheat again. However, she just couldn’t fathom Aminah ever really leaving him. Lang saw no point in sharing that thought with her girl though. And Aminah took comfort knowing Lang was finally starting to let the idea of Sean go. It would take Lang some time—not much though. Besides, Aminah also knew Sean could never trust Lang again. In fact he’d already started dating. But she spared her best friend that bit of info…for now.
“Can I get you ladies something else?” the waiter asked cheerfully. “Coffee? Dessert? More champagne?”
Tossing their heads back, laughing and raising their empty flutes simultaneously, they both opted for another glass of champagne.
A READING GROUP GUIDE
THE CHEATING CURVE
Paula T. Renfroe
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The questions and discussion topics that follow
are intended to enhance your group’s
reading of this book.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Lang supported Aminah and her marriage even though she didn’t agree with her acceptance of Fame’s infidelity. Was she being a true friend?
Lang states that she can separate sex from love, though women aren’t socialized to do so. Is that possible?
Because Fame never lies to Aminah when she questions his behavior outside their marriage, is he therefore honest?
Is Aminah’s acceptance of Fame’s infidelity indicative of her insecurity, weakness, or love for her family?
Lang truly loves Sean, yet she finds Dante more sexually compatible. Does that diminish her love for Sean? How important is sexual compatibility in a relationship?
When does Lang first cheat on Sean?
Lang thinks monogamy and commitment are two different things. Do you agree or disagree?
What did you think of Sean’s initial reaction to hearing his wife have phone sex? Was he weak for running away? Should he have immediately confronted Lang?
When Lang and Dante finally have sex, how did you feel for Sean?
Aminah cites Coretta Scott King, Jackie Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, and Camille Cosby as examples of beautiful, intelligent women who stayed with straying husbands. Is she wrong to use them as role models? Are there valid reasons to forgive and stay with a cheating spouse? Is it indicative of personal strength or weakness?
Ultimately, Sean does not forgive Lang. Why does it seem that men are less willing to forgive than women? How much does ego and pride play a part in that?
Do you think Fame will cheat again? If he does, do you think he’ll “insulate” Aminah from it? Do you think Aminah will leave Fame if he cheats again?
Did Sean cheat on Lang when he kissed Aminah? Was he justified?
Did you feel any sympathy for Fame at the Thanksgiving dinner?
Do you agree or disagree with Miss Lenora’s statement that there is no such thing as a powerful monogamous man?
Aminah asserts that cheating is simply a choice, not an uncontrollable urge; is she oversimplifying it?
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