by Wayne Jordan
Gregory’s face appeared at the door.
“Mom, he’s here.”
“Okay, honey.” She walked over to him, bending to kiss him on his cheek. He looked as if he was ready to race back to his room.
“It’s going to be okay. You’ll enjoy yourself. You can call me if you want.”
Her brave son, growing into a man, swallowed deeply. “I’m going to be okay, Mom. Bye, Grandma.”
“Come give me a kiss, honey,” his grandmother said. He raced over to her, hugged her and then walked away.
The doorbell went again.
“Bye, Mom.”
* * *
If he hadn’t seen the car in the garage he’d be wondering if his son had run away and Rachel was out looking for him. The drive over had been nerve-wracking.
He wondered if he should press the doorbell again.
He raised his hand but paused in midair when he thought he heard footsteps. There was some rattling and then the door opened.
His son stood there. He was at a loss for words…again. What should he say?
Gregory solved the problem. “Hi,” he said.
“Hi,” George echoed, staring into eyes the same color as his. “You’re ready?” he asked, stupidly. Gregory had a bag in his hand.
“Yes. Can you take this bag? I’ll get my cricket gear.”
George took the bag, holding the door open with the other hand when Gregory stepped back inside.
When his son returned, he carried the standard cricket bag for gear. George could see it was heavy. “Want me to take that one and you hold this one?” he asked.
Gregory hesitated but handed the bag over before picking up the smaller one he’d placed on the ground.
George stepped back, letting Gregory walk to the car while he followed. He reached the car and opened the trunk. He placed the bag inside and watched as his son followed suit.
Five minutes later the car was on the highway heading to George’s home in St. George.
“What time do you have to get to cricket?” he asked.
“We have to be there by midday. The game starts at one o’clock. We’re playing in Queen’s Park.”
“No problem. I’ll make sure you’re there on time.”
“My best friend can’t play today. He went to the doctor. I wonder how he is doing?”
“You want me to call his mother so you can talk to her?”
“If it’s okay. I don’t have a cell phone.”
“You don’t?”
“Yes, my mom doesn’t think I need one. But she gives me one to use when I go out in case of an emergency.”
“That’s a good way of thinking. I’m sure your mom will give you your own when it’s time.”
“Yes, she told me when I’m sixteen. I really won’t use it much. I have my iPod and I don’t take it to school.”
“Is school very strict about that?” George asked.
“Yes, my principal probably has a big box of them in his office,” he said, giggling. “Jonathan got his taken away last semester. He didn’t get it back until the end of the semester. He didn’t even miss it. Just took it to school because everyone else was. I told him that he doesn’t have to do those things to prove anything to anyone.”
“That’s a smart way of thinking about it.”
“People say I’m smart. I’m okay, I guess. I want to be a lawyer just like you and Mom.”
“Hope you are not doing it just because your mom’s a lawyer.”
“No, I haven’t even told her yet. She says she’ll be happy whatever I decide to do. I like acting too, so maybe I’ll get to do both when I become a lawyer.”
George laughed. “You definitely will.” He paused for a moment. “So what kind of music do you like?”
“Lots. I like everything. My favorite is R&B. I like Rihanna too. She’s pretty cool. And I love calypso. I like movies and video games and car racing. My mom gave me an iPad for Christmas. And I like reading.” He said the last thing with some hesitation.
“That’s good. We have a lot in common. I read a lot too. Can’t go to bed without reading.”
“That’s cool. I get teased a lot about it at school, but I don’t care much. Jonathan did at first, but since I came back to Barbados, he’s been borrowing all my books. Now his mom buys for him, so we share. I read his and he reads mine.”
“And of course you like cricket.”
“Yeah, I want to play for the West Indies one day.”
“A cricket-playing lawyer?”
He laughed in response. “Well, I guess not. Something will have to go, but if I do become a lawyer, I’ll still play cricket. Do you play?” he asked.
“Yes, most Saturdays as long as we have a game.”
He was about to say something and then stopped.
“What is it?” George asked.
“I play on Saturdays too. Maybe when you don’t have a game, you can come to mine…or I can go with you.” Gregory asked.
“Of course. I’m enjoying having you with me.”
Gregory blushed, his face lighting up with pleasure.
“Can I say something, Gregory?” George asked.
Gregory nodded.
“I’m not too good at this father thing,” George continued. “Haven’t done it before. But I want to learn. I want more than anything to be your father. I missed close to thirteen years of your life, but I don’t plan to miss any more. I just want you to know I’m here for you. You just have to ask.”
“I’m glad you’re my dad. It felt strange at first when I heard, but I liked you already. You’re lots of fun, but you can be serious too. I can tell you’re not being nice to me because you like my mom.”
“I’m glad to know that. So what do you want for breakfast?”
“Pancakes?”
“My choice exactly.”
He’d been so engrossed in his conversation with his son, the distance to home had seemed unusually short. He pulled into his gated community, nodding briefly at the gateman when they passed. When the car pulled up in front of his apartment, he stopped the car.
“Wow, you’re rich!” Gregory exclaimed.
“I’m comfortable, but I’m not rich.”
“Do you live by yourself?”
“Yes.”
“It must be lonely.”
“Sometimes, but I’m accustomed to it.”
“I could come spend some time with you, if you like.”
“I’d like that. As long as your mom doesn’t have a problem with it.”
“I’m sure she won’t mind. She thinks you’ll be a good influence on me.”
“I’m sure you’re good as you are. Won’t want you to be too much like me. You already look like I did as a kid.”
“I do?”
“Yes. I’ll show you the photos when we get in the house.”
George opened the door and exited, waiting for Gregory to alight. He followed Gregory up the steps and opened the door for him to enter.
Of course, Gregory’s eyes opened wide.
“Your house is huge,” Gregory said, dropping the bag down. He stepped farther inside.
“Come, you want to see the house?”
“Sure.”
George led his son through the house, of course having to stop at the entertainment room, so the boy could fawn over the electronic equipment. He loved gadgets and realized that his son did too. He was pretty impressed with Gregory’s knowledge of technology.
“Let’s go have breakfast. It’s only a short time before we have to leave to get to the cricket grounds.”
* * *
Rachel glanced out the windows for the hundr
edth time. It was just after eight o’clock and she really shouldn’t be worried. This was the time Gregory usually arrived home. It was customary for them to go out for pizza or burgers after cricket, so her concern was silly.
She closed the curtains and headed for the kitchen. Maybe a cup of tea would settle her nerves. What was she worried about? What did she expect George to do? Kidnap Gregory and leave the island?
The illogical nature of her thinking made her laugh out loud. She smiled. She had nothing at all to be worried about.
But she realized what it was. She could be at that very moment, losing her son. Most boys connected with their father and she knew Gregory would. Her son, who she’d had to herself for all those years, she now had to share…and she wasn’t sure if she liked it.
She knew it was inevitable, but the thought didn’t make the situation any more comforting. Even Gregory’s relationship with his stepfather had not been a threat. Yet she knew her son was going to adore George. The fact that they both loved cricket with a passion would only make it easier for the two of them to bond.
She heard the sound of a car pulling into the driveway. She turned the kettle off and walked along the corridor to the front door.
The doorbell rang as she reached to unbolt the lock. As soon as she opened the door, Gregory stepped inside.
“Mom, we won the match today! I scored fifty runs. My first fifty. We went for pizza and burgers afterward to celebrate. I’m going to call Jonathan to tell him…and see how he’s doing.”
Without waiting for a reply, he raced in the direction of the kitchen.
“Seems as if he had a good time,” she observed.
George smiled. “Yes. We had a good time. Thanks for asking me to take him. I hope you don’t mind if I tag along on Saturdays when I don’t have a game.”
“I’m sure Marjorie won’t mind the occasional break. Neither of us is a cricket fan and the fathers are the ones who are usually there. You can take the two boys with our blessings.”
“Yes, but I was still surprised at the number of mothers who were there. There’s a girl on Gregory’s team and she’s quite good. Better than some of the boys.”
“Of course, not as talented as your son.”
“No, he’s good. I can see why he’s the opening batsman. He really pulled his weight since Jonathan wasn’t there. I heard that he’s a good player too.”
“Well, with the amount of cricket he and Jonathan play they had better be good.”
She turned to him, aware he was standing close to her. She could smell the lingering scent of his cologne. He smelled good, a healthy masculine scent.
“If I didn’t have some work to do tomorrow, I’d ask if I could spend the night.” He shifted even closer until she could feel the warmth of his breath on her forehead. She forced herself not to look up. He reached for her and she moved willingly into his arms.
She felt the lightest of kisses at the top of her head and she finally looked up.
The desire in his eyes caused her to tremble. He wanted her. She saw it each time he looked at her. Inside, a soft warmth washed over her. There was a part of her that still wanted to be cautious, but the other part knew that this thing between them was forever.
The stomping of footsteps reached them as their son came down the corridor.
“Gregory, slow down,” she shouted, stepping backward. “Your grandmother is already in bed.”
Disappointment washed over her at the interruption. She’d wanted his kiss.
Gregory stopped on seeing them standing at the door.
“Dad, you’re leaving?” he asked. He stopped his movement forward. He realized what he’d said. Her head shifted to look at George. He’d stopped breathing, the look on his face one of anguish and joy.
The familiar guilt surfaced. She’d deprived him of so many years. She didn’t know how she could give those years back.
“Yes, I have to go.”
“Can I call you sometime tomorrow?” Gregory asked.
“Of course, you have all my numbers. You can call me anytime.”
“Thanks,” Gregory replied. “I’m going up to bed. Bye.” He turned reluctantly, as if he didn’t want to go.
“Night, Mom. Night, Dad,” he said and then turned and raced down the corridor.
For a moment they both stood watching their son.
“You did a good job.”
“I did?” she asked.
“Yes, you did. He’s a fine boy.”
There was silence.
“I’m not trying to take him away from you, Rachel. Just share him with me.” He had read her mind.
“I’m sorry. He is your son too.”
“I don’t want it to be just because he’s my son. I want to know you’re happy about letting me into his life.”
“I’m okay with it. He needs a man in his life. He needs you in his life.”
“And what about you? Do you need a man in your life? Is there room for me?” he asked.
She raised her head, looking up at him, looking into his eyes.
“Yes, I need you in my life.”
He pulled her to him and she pressed herself against him, loving the sense of comfort being with him brought.
“So where do we go from here?” he asked.
“To my bedroom?” she responded.
“That’s not what I mean.”
“I know, but right now I want you to make love to me. Then we’ll talk.”
He lifted her easily and she marveled at his strength.
She snuggled her face in his neck, nibbling on his ears as he walked along the hallway.
He kicked her bedroom door in, entering and then closing it with a skilled bump with his behind.
She giggled. This was the George she’d fallen in love with. Back then, he’d been funny and so full of life. He’d changed and she knew she was responsible for that change.
He rested her gently on the bed, standing above her, watching her with a look in his eyes that made him seem vulnerable, as if what was happening between them would change him in some way.
She raised her arms, stretching them out to welcome him. He lowered himself onto her, careful not to press his bulk too heavily on top, but she wasn’t worried, she’d always loved him on top of her.
His mouth covered hers and he kissed her with a desperation that surprised her. She returned his ministrations, allowing him full entry. His tongue slipped between her lips, flickering across her upper teeth. Her tongue responded, touching his gently until he suckled on it.
Liquid heat coursed through her body, causing her to shiver.
She felt his hand slip between her legs until it touched her entrance, slipping slowly inside until she almost screamed in delight.
His hand teased her until it reached the sensitive nub and he rubbed a finger across it.
Inside her, red-hot flames ignited, and she spread her legs to give him deeper entry.
When his hand retreated, she was disappointed.
“Please, don’t stop,” she said. She didn’t want the moment to end.
His mouth left hers, his head shifting downward. His lips moved to her breast, where his tongue worked his special magic. He took one nipple between his lips, tugging on it firmly and sending her on the start of her journey to heaven.
He moved to the other breast, giving it the same treatment before he moved slowly downward until he reached the shallowness of her navel. Her vagina moistened in anticipation and when his mouth covered her, she almost screamed her pleasure.
When his tongue slipped inside her, her body tensed and she immediately forced herself to relax.
His mouth found the core of her womanhood, his tongue flickering against it unt
il her body had a mind of its own and she gripped his head with both hands, feeling the pleasure-pain.
Inside the pressure built and she wanted more than he was offering.
“I want you inside me.”
He shifted upward, resting himself firmly between her legs, her legs widening even farther.
For a moment his throbbing penis hovered at the entrance, causing her inner muscles to expand and contract.
His hardness pushed against the entrance, slowly inching inside until she could feel every inch of him. She could feel the pulsing and that heightened her pleasure.
She clenched her muscles, his groan exciting her.
And then he started to move his lower body, grinding skillfully, his manhood sliding in and out, causing her to moan in response.
She could feel the full length and thickness of his penis.
When release came, he exploded like a long-dormant volcano, the orgasm almost painful in its pleasure.
Soon afterward, Rachel’s own cry of ecstasy joined his and she too gave in to the joy of ultimate fulfillment.
* * *
In the morning when Rachel woke, the space beside her was empty. His scent lingered, that earthy smell that was all male.
She heard a noise and turned her head. George was on the floor, his upper torso rising and falling as he executed perfect abdominal crunches.
She watched him exercise, the hint of moisture glistening on his skin.
When he finally stopped, his breathing deep and labored, he turned his head in her direction, and when he realized she was awake, a broad smile transformed his weary countenance.
He rose slowly from the carpeted floor, his nakedness causing her to gasp.
Would she ever get tired of seeing him au naturel? She didn’t think so. His body was magnificent and he knew it.
He reached the bed and stood right before her, seeming oblivious to the effect he was having on her.
“You want to take a shower with me?” he asked, already reaching his hand out.
She tossed off the sheet covering her, feeling a moment of discomfort, but she ignored it. They had spent most of the night making love.
In the shower, they made love again. This time a leisurely seduction that left her trembling and ready to sleep again.