BOMAW 7-9

by Mercedes Keyes

  She was going on about this Huge Jackass somebody.

  They made it inside the plaza, paid for their movie and went and ordered pop-corn. Jake was trying to keep his eyes off of her rear in that dress. It fit it so perfectly, it wasn't difficult for him to see leaning her forward to push that dress up to expose her perfectly plump round cheeks. Jake grit his teeth thinking, 'Baseball, rodeos, stinking cows, charging bulls, paying bills... Lord help me please ... look at my woman's ass! Jesus I wanna bite it so bad.'

  "Goddamn would you look at that dress!"

  Jake turned to see who made that comment. There were two black guys eying Vivian's ass and her. He stepped into their line of vision and stared at them enough to say, 'She's with me!'

  They both looked up at him, "Ain't this 'bout a bitch! That's yo'woman?" One had to ask.

  "From the top of her head, to the bottom of her feet - and everything in between!" He responded right away.

  Vivian turned around from the counter, while their pop-corn was being served up.

  "What's up with that man, ain't there enough white women for you?" The same one asked aggressively.

  "As you can see, I'm a man with a particular taste! She didn't come in white, only came in black! I wanted it so bad, I said I'll take it!"

  The two guys looked at each other and then back at Jake and busted out laughing, "Ain't this some shit! M'man say she don't come in white! I take it she was the last one?"

  "Damn straight, I snatched her and ran with her! And just so you know it, I'll be holding on tight!"

  "Aye - you down dawg - you down!" The guy laughed. "When they sweet - they sweet!"

  "Absolutely, and I happen to be a man who loves him some serious dark chocolate! Now if you will excuse me."

  Vivian gasped shocked, but then grinned as Jake turned from the two guys who were laughing and slapping each other's hands. A moment later as they were getting their popcorn, she couldn't believe their nerve, after seeing their two "White" dates come from the ladies room. They had the nerve to grin at her, caught in the act. She turned away shaking her head thinking, 'Negroes got too much nerve!'

  With a bold show of possession, Jake's hand was at her waist, holding her as close to his side as he could when entering their theater for the movie. Vivian was carrying a large bucket of popcorn and a large soda for them to share. She couldn't help the smile on her face, nor stop herself from grinning when she thought about what he said.

  "What?" He asked.

  "Nothing." She replied as they entered the dark cinema... they came in on the previews, found seats midway up and center. After getting comfortable, Jake turned and looked at her, she was still grinning. He started grinning too.

  "You - are going to get me killed! I can see that now." He muttered low, reaching for some pop-corn.

  She gasped, "Excuse me? How am I gone get you killed?" She whispered back.

  He only shook his head as he leaned it back, dropping pop-corn in his mouth. If they were going to make it together, she was gonna have to gain some weight for one thing. He didn't like skinny women, and although she had a beautiful figure, he preferred some flesh on a woman. The movie was getting started, he glanced again at her, and sitting high in his seat, he put his arm across the back of her seat, pulling her closer to his side.

  Vivian was on top of the world, she glanced over at him in the dark movie house and melted right there and then. He leaned in and kissed her, gently, then unable to resist, licked her lips, and stopped himself. He looked back up at the big screen and let out a sigh. Courting was a bitch of a struggle! He couldn't remember ever dating someone that they didn't get straight to the screwing. His mom and dad would be proud of him right now. He was being a perfect gentlemen. He glanced at her again. Her eyes were lit up bright with excitement in anticipation of the movie. He smiled, squeezed her shoulder, stroked her arm.

  'My lil'girl. Ah well ... Lord... send her a guardian angel, cause I'm going to have a devil of a time not eating her alive.'

  Chapter 159

  Jake sat feeling like shit.

  He'd taken Vivian back to his parents' after the movie and a wonderful dinner. If he were going to maintain his respectable distance, he could not allow them to be alone for too long, especially at night. His body responded too quickly to her presence, to time spent with her. Although, for a change, it had been nice to relax and just idly talk with a woman, to gaze at her and absorb all the wonders of sitting with someone so captivating, while sitting back cozy and at ease in the joys of being a man.

  They'd gone to La Crosse for the movie and then to the Freighthouse for dinner. The dark atmosphere and Old World train rustic setting was perfect, with the soft burning lantern beside them.

  "I'm going to have to say something to you, that you've no doubt heard a thousand times - you are - absolutely stunning. I can't make up my mind which way I like you better, this way - or the other." He said, eying the snapshots they'd taken on impulse in the photo booth in the games lobby of the theater. Vivian reached across the table, taking the photos to get another look at them herself. "Not too bad." She commented, "Your brother prefers me the other way, he says my afro is my crowning glory." Vivian remarked softly, smiling up at him from the photos as they waited on their order. She passed them back to him, and sipped on her whiskey sour, glancing up at him demurely - high from their evening together.

  "My brother said that, huh? Shawn... he said that?" He took the photo strip, putting them back in his wallet.

  "Em-hm." She simpered and sipped.

  "And so, uh... why is he saying that to you? What the hell is he talking to you like that for? What goddamn business is it of his, how you wear your hair?!" Jake steamed.

  Vivian sat straight with wide eyes. "What's wrong with you? Where's that coming from?"

  "That seems to be just a bit too personal for him to be commenting on. When was this?"

  Vivian sat with her jaw unhinged because she could not believe his reaction, this was his brother after all. "Jake - he only commented on it, because he wishes to photograph me with the afro, he asked-..."

  "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa - whoa, whoa, whoa! What do you mean, photograph you?" Jake sat forward leaning on the table to ask, no longer lounging back in his seat.

  "He wants to do a photo shoot of me." She stated simply.

  "Why?"

  "Why?!" She re-asked, as if that were simple enough to understand. "Is he not a photographer?"

  "He's a book cover artist! What has being a book cover artist got to do with you?"

  "Jake? I know you ain't sittin' up in here trippin'!" Vivian leaned forward to whisper low.

  Jake leaned even closer and said simply, "No. Understand? No!"

  Vivian sat back in her chair. "No - what? What do you mean, ''no''?!"

  "You heard me. I said no. Let him find some goddamn body else to take pictures of, he's got a wife, let him take pictures of her! Does Sylvia know he's asking you to let him photograph you?"

  "I haven't a clue! That would be between the two of them. And as for you telling me no? Excuse me... let's not even start that. I am my own woman, I take care of myself, and ain't no man - gone sit and try and tell me, "No" - while he beatin' his chest... you forgot that part, by the way."

  Jake raised a brow at her, inhaled deeply and sat back in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. Vivian leaned back and did the same.

  "Em-hm, I said it. Let's get something straight right now, you can discuss with me, things that bother you. Things that you aren't comfortable with, you can sit me down and say, for this reason or that, I wish you wouldn't do this or that... but uh... No!? No?! No, no, no, no ... um-em ... I don't do "no's" well."

  Jake sat, still with his arms folded, staring. This was a dilemma. First order of business... he'd never told a woman "No!" on anything, because he'd never cared enough to bother. Never gave what they were saying to him any thought. He'd never been in a scenario where something was brought to his attention that riled him, as hear
ing that Shawn was making personal compliments and comments to his "intended" - for whatever - he intended. And to ask her for a photo shoot? No way! He remembered full well the type of photo shoots his brother most often did and preferred, and they were nudes. The hell if Shawn - was going to look at her nude body! Especially considering the fact that he hadn't even seen her in the altogether yet, himself. And even if he had... he still wouldn't want Shawn to see her in her birthday suit.

  "Well... your turn?" Vivian invited, with a little jerk of her head, arms still crossed.

  "You know what your problem is? You've been left on your own too long. Been away from momma and daddy too long, can't take simple instruction. Goddamn women's movement and all the other bullshit has distorted your thinking. You do that photo session, you and I, are going to have problems." He warned.

  Frustration shot through Vivian immediately.

  "Why, Jake?! What is the big deal? Would you feel better if I did the shoot with a total stranger?"

  "To be honest, yeah! Damn right I would!"

  "What? Why?!" She had to hear this, and so leaned forward again. Jake followed suit.

  "Shawn's trying to get back at me, that's all this is about!" He declared with narrowed, knowing eyes.

  "Shawn's trying to get back at you? For what, Jake?"

  "Never you mind that! You don't know our history."

  Vivian sat for a moment staring at the look in his eyes, remembering back to the wedding, the night of the reception and the things that Sylvia had said, the fight between them, the next day with him on the phone talking to Shawn... well, the conversation that escalated into a shouting match. Yes, there was most certainly a tension and certain animosity between them, but she thought that was long over.

  "I thought that you and Shawn had patched up your differences, Jake?" She asked softly.

  He sat, flaring his nostrils, staring at her intently; thinking he must be out of his mind to get emotionally involved with someone like her. She was too young, for one thing. She made more money than him. She was black, with that notorious, "Kiss my ass!" attitude they were famous for. She had looks straight out of a fashion model magazine, in fact, should be just that. And - he'd been stupid enough to give her a bit of power over him by letting her know in so many words, that he wanted her, in fact... loved her. No, he hadn't said the words, "I love you." to her yet... and was in no hurry to. Not with her attitude and independence. Damn women and independence, that is what screwed up all the power and control men once had. Giving women their independence - who ever thought that was a good idea, screwed up major - now that they had it - life was hell for men like himself.

  She was patiently waiting on him to comment. Had put her elbow on the table with her chin perched on the heel of her injured hand.

  Seeing that seemed to take the steam right out of him. It brought home one clear fact. She was still a woman. She was still vulnerable. And no matter how strong she was, she could be hurt, harmed, abused; but, not by him. He exhaled. Leaning forward, with his very large hand he gently grasped her tiny wrist, pulling her hand from beneath her chin down to the table where he could hold it. His thumb gently caressing the soft skin concealing the veins there. Vivian saw the change in him, everything that had been puffed up, now calmed and deflated, softened.

  "Let's just drop it for now, okay? Please? I don't wanna fight about it. Okay? Can we drop it for now?" He asked softly, gazing into her eyes.

  Vivian gave a gentle smile and a nod, "Discussion dropped."

  "Thank you." He stared down at her wrist, again - the contrast between them was absolute, strong, stirring. He imagined watching his white hand slowly tracing the contours of her body, his sensitive fingertips testing the texture of her skin. "Why me?" He suddenly asked, his eyes still on their hands.

  "What do you mean, "why you"?" She asked, taken by surprise at the question.

  "Just that. Why - me?"

  Vivian's eyes squinted in thought, and questioned further, "Why you - as in - the man? Or, why you - as in - the white man?"

  Jake sat back, but maintained his hold on her wrist. Yet a second later, was forced to let it go because their dinner had arrived. Vivian had ordered a light seafood salad, because of the time of evening and Jake ordered prime rib steak, baked potato, and Caesar salad.

  "Will there be anything else?" Their waitress kindly asked, smiling at both of them.

  Jake looked to Vivian, she shook her head.

  "Nothing more, we're fine."

  Once the waitress was away from their table, Jake picked up his knife and fork, cutting into his steak and repeated the question, "Why me - the white man? Why not a black man?" He got straight to the point.

  "How long has that been on your mind?"

  "For a long time. I've often wondered why black women go for white men."

  "Is that right?" Vivian asked, enjoying her salad.

  "Em-hm." He mumbled with a nod, chewing on his tender steak.

  "Well, why do white men go for black women?"

  "I suppose those who do, have their reasons."

  "Which you feel are?" Vivian pressed.

  Jake smiled, "Can tell you're used to being in charge. Turned that question right around on me, didn't you? If you recall, I asked you first."

  "True, you did. Yet, I'm going to claim the right of ladies first. You answer my questions, I'll answer yours." She bargained with a smile.

  Jake chuckled, "Smiling assassin."

  "Excuse me? Assassin? That's a bit strong, isn't it? I've never plotted to kill anyone or anything."

  Jake continued to smile, "Oh, but you could... you could. You'd make the perfect Mata Hari."

  "Perhaps, but I work for a bank - that is dangerous, while adventurous enough, thank you. Now, back to our discussion on why. Why do white men go for black women?"

  "I imagine for lots of reasons. I think the first reason of them all was curiosity and then lust. I think the white male has always been a bit of an explorer. Exploring distant lands, cultures, and of course... man has his needs."

  "You think it's that simple?"

  "For some... not for all." Jake stated, giving his next words some thought, he began honestly, "Men like to dominate. I believe that part of validating themselves as the man in charge of all, is a primal instinct that makes them wish to dominate the woman of their rival."

  "The black man?"

  "Yeah... sure... of course."

  "You believe that's the case for today?"

  "I believe that was the case when the white male was demanding humble obedience from the black male. Which, no doubt, is one of the means used to diminish him as a man."

  "Wow... I take it you've given it some thought." Vivian observed.

  Jake shook his head and smirked.

  "What? What's that look all about."

  "Oh... you're another one that thinks all I'm about is my looks and cocking my penis."

  Vivian gasped, for his crudeness and because in part, he was right. Looking at him, one didn't expect deep thought and intelligence.

  "Ah... so, I was right, wasn't I? All you see is a country hick, dead from the neck up, with a few nice attributes."

  "Jake! Let's not go that far!" She leaned forward to whisper. "I never stated you lacked intelligence."

  "Maybe not, but I can see how you look at me, talk to me sometimes, that you think you're dealing with a slow-wit."

  "That - would be condescending. I've never been condescending towards you."

  "Em... well, in answer to your question, I've given lots of things thought. I may not share everything I think, but I do find that odd occasion where something happens and - I think. Believe it or not."

  Vivian sighed, she could see now this was no doubt something that happened often in his life. She couldn't help but wonder, if this was another reason he acted as he did. Because everyone considered him all veneer, with nothing deep within, certainly not a man given to thoughts, contemplation, with a desire for insight.

  "Ok
ay... so - what is it that made you think, about the white male's role in our history of dominating the black male?"

  "Most thoughts were triggered by my mother. She used to talk to us all the time about things concerning black and white. Especially me. I don't know. For some reason, she and I are closer I believe, than with my other brothers. More than likely because my dad dominated their time with him, so she had to reel me in close to her, so to speak."

  "You really love your mom, don't you?"

  "She's the greatest woman I know. She's funny. Shocking. Raunchy, definitely earthy-..."

  Vivian gasped, Jake smiled, "She is! I'm not afraid to say it, that's why my dad will do anything for her. I know he finds her incredibly sexy. She is the type of woman, who is most certainly best equipped to be the mother of sons. A very strong woman, and you can't shake her plan once she has one." He laughed. Vivian joined him, "I believe that!" She simpered.

  "Yeah... she was always giving us talks on history. She was always angry at injustice and intolerance. And, uh... I suspect, from things she's said in the past, sometimes she'd let slip little things that gave me the feeling - that she has a penchant for black men."

  "Are you serious?" Vivian asked with bright eyes.

  "Yeah! Don't get me wrong. She's always loved my father, far as I could tell. But - there's another side to her. I know there is."

  "Wow ... I must say, I've never met anyone like your mother. She blows me away. The idea that she actually wants me for you - you should hear her!"

  Jake chuckled, shaking his head, "I can just imagine."