“Guys what did I tell you about watching those exposé shows they like starting trouble.”
“Is daddy having another baby?”
“No Maddie he’s not I told you it's just another rumor. Now we have to get going.”
“But mom it looked.”
“I know what it looked like Zack but trust me its fake. If you don't believe me when your dad comes home he will assure you of that but for now we have to go.”
She ushered the kids out the house and to their perspective places but as she went on with her day the images wouldn’t leave her alone. Even though she assured the kids everything was fine she couldn’t get rid of the gut feeling everything wasn’t fine. Those photos showed Kim and him out without him wearing his cast on his wrist which meant they were recent. And now rumors of her carrying another child by him were confirmed with a family friend stating Desiree was dealing with the news as anyone would she was furious. She was relieved when Rachael stopped by wanting to take the kids away for the weekend. Ramón arrived home about thirty minutes after the kids left which was good for them but not for Ramón. Desiree had stayed on the stairs waiting for him and wanting to end the rumors once and for all.
Ramón walked into the house feeling better than he had in days. He went into a wide grin as he saw Desiree sitting at the stairs waiting for him. He went to her but stopped in his tracks as he saw the anger and tears in her eyes.
“Desi baby what’s wrong?”
Desiree didn't say a word as she walked into the den knowing he would follow her and hit play. Ramón saw the entertainment news on and couldn’t have prepared himself for the storm that followed what he saw.
“And here is the story we promised you. We have confirmed the rumors that a certain newly married NBA super star is indeed seeing his ex-girlfriend and baby Mama Kimberly Ford. We received these photos earlier this week.”
They showed three pictures of Ramón and Kim hugging and talking.
“Now for the big news. A friend of the family and Kim’s attorney has confirmed that she is indeed pregnant again with Ramón’s second child. There is however no news on how his current wife is taking the news. If Ramón is not careful he is gonna end up with two broken wrists instead of one. That’s all for now but remember we get it first you hear it first goodnight everyone.”
Desiree turned off the TV and turned away.
“Desi wait let me explain its all lies.”
“You know what Ramón there is no need to explain it to me. However it was our kids who saw the program so explain it to them.”
She walked away but stopped and laughed.
“Wait my bad I'm sorry I forgot it was my son and your daughter who brought it to my attention.”
She walked to their room and slammed the door. Ramón walked to the door and opened it. He walked over to Desiree who was sitting at her desk writing.
“Desiree none of that is true.”
“You told me you haven’t seen her since before your accident.” She said not looking up from her writing.
“I haven’t.”
“You said that you were doing your therapy and that voice over and practice and that’s why you’re always late.”
“It is.”
She turned towards him with tears in her eyes. “Then why is it that in the picture of you two you were wearing your cast and the next one you’re not?”
“What?” he asked looking at her.
“See I watched that broadcast at least fourteen times. And I noticed that in that picture the one where you and she were all hugged up you were wearing your cast? If you hadn’t seen her since before your accident why were you wearing it?”
“Baby if you would let me explain.”
“Then there was the second picture where you are wearing that brand new navy blue shirt you just got that last week and get this no cast.”
“Desi come on.”
“Now we have been married for almost six months so have you been seeing her behind my back this whole time?”
“Baby!”
She stood up so quickly that it caught Ramón off guard and he tripped over his own foot. As he steadied himself she wiped her tears.
“No don't baby me. Pictures don't lie but apparently you do. And apparently you have another child on the way.”
“Look ok you got me when I went to our boy’s night out I ran into her she hugged me and that was it.”
“Uh huh that was it so why the lies why not just tell me?”
“Because it wasn’t a big deal.”
“Yeah ok well I see that I am not a big deal.” She turned away from him and walked out the room. Ramón followed her.
“Look I will have Matt go to that station and put an end to these rumors.”
“I don't think they are rumors.” She said going to the kitchen and turning off the lights.
“You don't trust me?”
Desiree faced him and the tears in his eyes nearly broke her heart. “This isn’t the first time you have lied to me about her.”
“So what you just gonna walk away? Act like we meant nothing to each other?”
Desiree walked back into the bedroom and over to the bed.
“Why not, you seem to be doing such a great job at pretending that I mean nothing to you.”
“You do. I love you so much.”
“No you don’t you still act like you’re some single guy. You’re not. You are supposed to be my husband. Be the one I could trust and talk to. I thought we were it for each other but now I realize that you and I don't make sense. You and Kim do.”
She grabbed her lotion off the dresser and sat on the bed. Ramón bent down in front of her so they were eye level.
“No we don't. I don't love her. I never did. I love you.”
For a long time it seemed they stared at each other in silence. Both wondering what the other was thinking and feeling. Desiree finally stood forcing Ramón to stand and move back.
“Once you talk to Zack and Maddie tomorrow we won’t be in your hair any longer.”
She turned to get into the bed and turned off the light. Ramón stood there in the dark not knowing what he could say to make things right.
“Please don't do this Desi. I can’t imagine my life without you.”
She didn't stir and Ramón was scared. Whenever the fight ended with her getting into bed she would sigh or shake to let him know she was crying. That was his cue that she was on the verge of forgiveness but this night he barely heard her breath. She didn’t move any part of her body she just lay perfectly still. Ramón walked to the other side of the bed and laid down. He went to hold her but she pulled away from him. He said a silent prayer that they could find a way to work this out and fell asleep.
Ramón awoke with a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. He looked over to the empty side of his bed and his heart sank. As he shot up he went to the closet and felt himself sink lower as he noticed most of Desire’s clothes were gone. He grabbed his phone but noticed a note on the side of it. He opened it.
“Ramón, I have decided to get away for a while. It is clear to me that while I love you so very much you need time to figure out your next move. I have already spoken to your mom and she will drop Zack off to me when they returned. I withdrew some money out of our account just to get me a place to stay and as soon as I find work I will pay it back. Thanks for everything. PS there is an envelope for you on the mantle in the living room. I guess congratulations really are in order. You don’t have to worry about what a divorce will do to you. I don't want your money and I will sign whatever I have to so you can know that I didn't marry for money and you don't owe me a thing.”
Ramón balled up the paper and ran down stairs he grabbed the manila folder off the mantel and took out a sonogram. He grabbed his phone.
“Perkins, King and Wade.”
“Get me Matt Perkins now.”
“May I ask who is calling?”
“It’s Ramón Norris I need to speak with him now.”
/>
“But he is.”
“I said NOW!” Ramón yelled into the phone.
“One moment.”
“Ramón I was expecting your call.”
“Matt what the hell is going on?”
“I don't know but I am all over it.”
“Desiree left. Someone sent a picture of a sonogram that supposedly belongs to Kim.”
“I thought you said you weren’t messing with her.”
“I wasn’t and I am not. Matt I don’t know how all these rumors got started but it is costing me my family. Fix this.”
“I will but it's gonna take a minute this is a sensitive situation.”
“Sensitive. She is going around telling people that I got her pregnant Desiree left. She left.”
“Then go find her I will take care of everything.”
“I have practice today. And she knows I can’t miss it.”
“Look go to practice and make things right with your wife.”
“Just handle this.”
Ramón hung up the phone and crumbled up the envelope. He grabbed his practice bag and left hoping time on the court would ease his anger. He walked onto the court ready to play but his head wasn’t in the game. As they began practice Ramón missed shots and blocks. He knocked Aj down three times and sent an elbow to Rick Marries the small forward. Coach Patulous called time out and Ramón sat on the bench. Rick walked over to him.
“That elbow to the face was a cheap shot.”
“It was an accident I said I was sorry I am just not in a good place right now.” Ramón said placing his hands onto his head.
“No? I would think you would be I mean dumping your wife for you ex was a smart idea. I mean Kim is H O T hot and well Desiree is ok but you made the right choice.”
Aj stood between them as Ramón stood and moved closer to him.
“Shut up rick. Don't pay him any attention man.”
“Don’t tell me to shut up Aj you said it yourself you always saw him with a Jessica Alba or Tyra or Alicia Keys type woman not a Queen Latifa or Monique, both very beautiful but both full figured women.”
“I never said that and don't put words in my mouth.”
“I'm just saying it's about time you dumped the girl with the lumps for the girl in the pumps. Kim has that sexy J-lo vibe going on and the booty to match. You a smart dude.”
Ramón lunged for Rick as Aj tried to pull him back. The rest of the team came up and surrounded them as Ramón pushed Aj off of him and walked out the door. Aj walked after him.
“Ramón come on you can’t let him get you upset. This is the dude who cried when the spice girls broke up.”
“Desiree left because of that stupid story.”
“Dude it's what she does she may have just went to blow steam.”
Ramón stopped and turned towards his best friend. “Aj she packed all her clothes and left. She left me and I can’t do this without her. I love her. I need to make this right.”
“If she left then you she’s the one who loss.”
Ramón walked over to the bench in front of the gym and felt tears come to his eyes. “I lied to her. I told her I hadn’t seen or talked to Kim since before the accident.”
“Why would you do something stupid like that?”
“Because I am an idiot. Aj I don't care if no one approves on my choice to have made her my wife. But I love her and I don't know how I can get through the rest of the season without her. I only lied because I knew she would be upset if she knew Kim was still trying to hang around.”
“What if I talk to her?”
“Like you did before no thank you she still thinks you think of her as a gold digger.”
“But I don't.”
“Dude you piss a woman off and even if you were joking it will still come back to bite you in the butt.”
“It’s going to be alright. Look at what you can do for her if not at anything else. What woman would give up a man worth as much as you? But then again you didn't sign a prenup so she will be just as rich as you.”
“She doesn’t want my money she has made that clear.”
“Look we need you out there with your head on your shoulders so we will fix this ok?”
“Yeah good luck. She is as stubborn as a mule.”
Ramón walked away.
***
Desiree sat on her loveseat tears streaming down her face. She wanted to stop the tears but she couldn’t. She couldn’t stop the constant rip in her heart with every beat. Desiree was so thankful to Nikki for staying with her for the week. Nikki walked into the room.”
“Desi.”
“What?” she moaned.
“Rachael is here.”
“I don't want to see anyone.”
“Well she wants to see you.”
Rachael walked in and Nikki walked out. Rachael sat next to Desiree and held her.
“I am so sorry this happened.”
“Me too?”
“I never wanted you to get hurt in anything.”
Desiree hugged Rachel letting the tears fall. “I don’t know why I thought this could work.”
“What happened? I know he loves you so much.”
“You haven’t heard the news story? You are about to be a grandmother again.”
“I heard. You don't think it's true do you?”
“I don't want to believe it but he has been lying to me about him and Kim and I just don't want to be in a marriage like that. I let my guard down I trusted him and now after all this I have to tell Zack that his new life is in jeopardy.”
“I think you both just need some time. Time to get things in order. You need time to learn to trust him again and he needs to clear up this whole Kim situation.”
“If he did sleep with her and got her pregnant then I don't want him back. I don't need that drama.”
“Do you love my son?”
“I do.”
“So trust him. I promise you the truth will come out and when it does I know you guys can work this out.”
“I want to believe that I do but I have been burned so many times that I think it's just better if I stay away.”
“You can’t mean that.”
Desiree stood up.
“But I do.”
She walked around the room.
“I have been thinking about this all day and I think it's best if we just stay apart.”
“I thought you said you didn't plan on divorcing him.”
“And I didn't. He is the one keeping things from me. I gave him my heart and my son and in his words what goes on between him and his daughter is on him not us. So why would I want to be with a man who won’t even share his life with me.”
“You’re right you are, but marriage is new for him. He doesn’t understand what's yours is his and his is yours.”
Rachael grabbed her hands.
“All I want is for you both to work this out. He has been so miserable.”
“Doesn’t seem that way. He is playing better than ever these last few weeks. I think I was the problem. He seems to be more focused and more determined.”
“Of course he is determined. He thinks if he plays hard it will fill the void he has in his heart. He misses you so much and he wishes that you would just come home.”
“Thank you for bringing the kids.” Desiree walked out the room and Rachael followed her.
“So are you staying or leaving? Because as much as I want you to work this out not only for yourselves but for the kids if you don’t feel you can be with him then I will understand.”
“I don't know yet. But what I do know is I will be alright. I just gotta keep the faith.”
“I know you guys can work this out.”
“It’s not just up to me to work it out.”
“I know so will you talk to him please.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean just what I said he wants to talk to you.”
“I don't know.”
“Please for me can you jus
t talk to him? He’s at home.”
“I don't think so.”
“Please. I think it would do you both good to talk.”
“The kids just got here.”
“Nikki already agreed to help me with the kids until you get back. So I suggest you go get dressed and head to the house please. Don't make me beg.”
Desiree stared at Rachael for a moment then shrugged.
“Fine.” She huffed.
Desiree got up and walked into the bath room. She stared at herself in the mirror. She didn't like what she saw. The tears fell and she had to fix herself. She didn't want Ramón to see her like that. She washed her face and took a breath she needed to stay strong no matter the situation.
As she arrived to the house she once called home she heard thunder clap and it startled her. She walked to the door and knocked. She put on a brave face knowing that she was only there to talk but once Ramón opened the door all her anger went out the door and was replaced by a new emotion. Hot passionate lust.
Ramón opened the door wearing his basketball shorts and sweat. His body glistening from the moon light. She stepped back and bit her lip. He was so sexy with a look in his eyes that had so much determination she just wanted him. Ramón wanted to smile when he saw Desiree but he didn't know if seeing her was a good thing or a bad thing.
She was so beautiful even in the Mickey Mouse shirt and Bermuda shorts. Her hair was in a ponytail and all he wanted was to pull her to him. They stood in silence for a moment and Desiree moved further back. She frowned glancing up to his shocked face, as the evening sun went down he seemed even more handsome. She felt powerless at the outburst of affection she felt for this man.
“This was a mistake.”
She turned to walk away and was overtaken by a down pour of rain. She fumbled for her keys but dropped them. As she bent down to pick them up Ramón ran over to her and pulled her into the house. She held onto him and felt heat rise within her as he put her down. Her heart beating fast, she lifted her face to his standing on her toes and met his lips with hers.
Desire consumed her as he tasted the sweet lips of his runaway bride. He lifted her to him and at that moment she knew no one could ever make her feel as he had.
To Love a Man Page 25