“Basically the ultimatum was to choose her or his friendship with the ex-girlfriend.”
“Ouch! Damn! So, he chose the friendship with the ex over koochie? That must be a hell of a friend.” Peaches snickered.
“I guess. So, not to change the subject or get into your business but who put that big old oops I did it again smile on your face?” Chase snickered.
“Does it show?” Peaches asked as she stopped in her tracks.
“Girl you're practically glowing you look so happy!”
Peaches flopped on the king size bed and confessed. “Chase, I haven't felt like this since I was in high school!”
“So, did Charles finally get it right or what?” Chase asked as she sat beside her.
“Hell, no! Charles ain't never, ever made my body sing like this man!”
“Okay? So, this is a new thing, with a new guy?”
“Girl this is a new and totally unexpected thing. Just when I thought my life was over God sent me an angel!”
“Won't he do it?”
“Yes he will! And I’ve never been so blessed in my life!” Peaches squealed as she grabbed a throw pillow and hugged it tight as she thought of Rashawn.”
“I love it! Peaches, you look so happy and self- assured. It's good to see you with your smile back. I could tell that you were going through some things after you broke up with Charles. I think this is going to be good for you.”
“You know, I think you're right. I keep trying to fight it, because he’s unemployed right now, but he’s good for me. I’ve never been happier.” Peaches confessed.
“That’s so great! I’m happy for you. Look I hate to bust your bubble, but the real reason I’m here is to give you a heads up that Miracle is back in Atlanta.”
“Oh damn! When did she get back?”
“She flew in last night to try to patch things up with Big Daddy. She’ll be by later to see how soon they can move in. Sorry, I just thought you should know.”
“Thanks for stopping by to tell me. I’m pretty much done. They can move in tonight if they want to. I’ll finish the library, and the three spare bedrooms next week. Girl I feel so good right now that even Miracle and her bitchassness cannot bring me down.”
Chapter 21
Now across the way, at just about the same moment, Miracle showed up at Rashawn's townhouse unannounced. Against his better judgment he opened the door and invited her in.
“Miracle, imagine seeing you here, unannounced. I thought you moved back to LA. What brings you to my house, unannounced?” He sarcastically greeted her.
“Stop teasing. Don't act like you don't miss me as much as I miss you. And what's wrong with your phone? You haven't returned any of my calls. I was worried about you.” She pretended to pout as she stormed past him and suspiciously began to look around.
“My phone is fine and I’m fine. I’ve been busy and just didn't get around to calling you back.”
“Oh I see… So, I guess your little Captain Save a Hoe project has monopolized so much of your time that you don't have time to pick up the phone and call your girlfriend?”
“Look Miracle, we've been over this before. In fact I thought we had settled the entire issue. You're right I don't think it's going to work.”
“What? Of course it will. I was just venting my frustration. Rashawn you know how I am… I didn't really won't to break up and you know that!”
“Miracle, admit it! We're too different. We have different values, we want different things and we're always going to bump heads about one thing or another. Besides, I've decided to move on. Life’s too short for unnecessary drama.”
“What do you mean that you've decided to move on?” She asked shocked.
“Just that! I'm over you. I’m interested in someone else now.”
“Someone else? It hasn’t even been a month since we fought! Who? Oh! You know what? Never mind... don't even bother to answer that question, Rashawn. I see that you’re finally reaping the rewards of your little Hoe Down in Distress rescue mission!” She snapped.
“Don’t even start, because it's not even like that!”
“Yeah, whatever! You are such a damn liar Rashawn! You just wanted an excuse to fuck her!”
Okay… Miracle, that's neither here nor there. You walked out on me! You broke up with me! We’re done! End of story, end of discussion!” Rashawn retaliated.
“So, it's over? Just like that? Who is this bitch anyway?” She screamed.
“Don't call her that. She doesn't have anything to do with this.” Rashawn calmly replied as he watched Miracle fume with rage.
“Okay… Okay… Maybe we just need a break. Until we can figure out what we really want. I understand how it happened… You were confused about us… Let’s just take a step back and find a way to make this work. Okay?” She pleaded.
“No, it’s not going to work and I don’t want it to work. Miracle, we need to find a way to just be friends. I'm not in to juggling women. I’m sorry, but it’s over between us.”
“So, you're just going to let all of this go!” Miracle asked as she effortlessly slipped out of her dress and lets it fall at her feet revealing her spectacular nude body.
Rashawn unmoved walked slowly towards the front door and opened it wide. “Okay, well thanks for stopping by.”
“I'm not leaving until you make love to me one last time.” Miracle announced as she slid her fingers between her thighs and played with her pussy.
“That's not going to happen, Miracle.”
Miracle nodded yes as she seductively approached Rashawn and tried to engage him in a kiss. Agile as a cheetah, Rashawn evaded her embrace and darted out onto the porch in an attempt to avoid her advances. The last thing he needed was to explain to Peaches how he got caught up with his crazy ass ex-girlfriend.
“You need to stop playing Miracle! Just put your damn clothes back on and leave. It's time to go!” He announced as he moved as far away from her naked ass as possible.
“Fine! You want me to go, then I’ll go, but I am not taking you back the next time, Rashawn Martin! No matter how hard you beg. And trust me you will be back for more of this! No man can resist me!” Miracle screamed in frustration.
“Look, I'm sorry this didn't work out. I'll call you when you calm down. There's no reason we can't still be friends.” Rashawn tried to apologize.
“You're right... except for your little hoe! Don't you dare call me again, ever!” She screamed as she stood in his door way ass out, butt naked.
Pissed to the higher levels of pissed, Miracle slipped her dress on and stumped pass Rashawn. Half way across the yard she abruptly stopped and threw a set of keys at Rashawn's head. He effortlessly caught the keys just before they hit him in his face.
“Seriously Miracle?”
“There's your damn keys to your damn mansion. I'll send you a bill for the money I paid the decorator. Oh yeah! I hope you and your little bitch will be happy there!”
“Miracle. Calm down! Don't act like this. You’re too pretty to act so ugly.” He tried to soothe her ego.
“Fuck you Rashawn!” He didn’t respond. Unable to get a rise out of him, Miracle puts on her sun glasses, flips her super long weaved hair and stomps off to the limo in a huff.
Rashawn watched in total disbelief as Miracle's limo sped off. He couldn’t believe just how crazy she acted. Shaking his head he thought out loud. “Rashawn, she's fine as hell, but seriously what the hell were you thinking?” Taking a quick look at the keys in his hand he sighed a big breath of relief. “Oh well… It could have been a hell of a lot worse. A whole lot worse! Dude? What the fuck were you thinking?” Rashawn chuckled as he grabbed his dick and shook it.
Chapter 22
It had been over a week since Charles showed up at Peaches house and discovered that she had a new man in her life and her bed. Needless to say his male ego was bruised and he was jealous. Since that morning he couldn’t get Peaches or the events of that day off of his mine. On the way back to
his hotel suite he decided to give her a call.
“Georgia Peach Interior Designs. Georgia speaking. How can I help you?”
“Peaches, don't hang up. It’s me, Charles.”
“I know who this is. What I don't know is what you want?” She callously replied.
“Who was that guy? I'm barely out of the house and you got some nigga in my bed! How long has this been going on? Where you seeing him behind my back?”
“None of your damn business, to all of that bullshit you just asked me! We've already been over this. Besides, what difference does it make? You don't want me. Why should you care if somebody else does?”
“Look, just because we've grown apart it doesn't mean that I don't still care about you. I just don't want to see anybody take advantage of you.”
“You mean anybody except you.” Peaches giggled.
“Peaches, that's not fair. You did those things because you loved me.”
“Yeah, you’re right Charles. And you left me for Mercedes because you didn't love me. But in retrospect I ain't mad at you, in fact I’ve never been happier.”
“Look, I just want you to be careful. You can't be hooking up with strangers and shit. It’s just not safe.”
“He's not a stranger, Charles.” Peaches sighed. “I’m not an idiot or a child.”
“Do I know him? Cause I swear I know him from somewhere but I can't place him.” Charles asked puzzled.
“Whatever… Don't worry about me because I'm always going to be alright.” She assured him.
“Look, I think we need to sit down and talk.”
“About what? What do we have left to talk about? And if you want to talk about that damn ring forget it. You're not getting it back. I earned it and I'm keeping it, so just forget about it!”
“Peaches, I don't give a damn about that ring anymore. Keep it. You're right. You've earned it. Just have dinner with me.”
“What? Hell no! Fuck that and fuck you!” She laughed.
“Why not? It's just a meal. I don't want to end things like this. We've got a lot of history. Your family is my family and my family is yours. I want us to remain friends at least. My momma told me to tell you hello! She said don’t stop loving her just because her son is an idiot!”
“Lunch, maybe. And no desert!” She agreed.
“Done. I'm free tomorrow around noon. Just name the place. Hey maybe we can go to that new Italian restaurant that you're always talking about.” Charles responded, uncharacteristically excited.
“Maybe… Look, I'll call you after I check my schedule. I’m in the middle of something right now and I have to go.” She lied.
“Okay. Well, I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. Enjoy your day pretty lady.”
“Yeah, whatever.” Peaches thought to herself. “Tell your mother I love her and I’ll call her tonight.” She said.
With mixed emotions, Peaches hung up and tossed the phone in her bag. “Charles must think I'm Boo - Boo the Fuckin Fool if he thinks I'm going to let him screw this up for me. I'm not falling for that concerned ex bullshit. You want to be friends Charles? Okay we'll be friends.” She vented.
Not one hundred percent certain that Charles motives were sincere, Peaches grabbed a phone book and quickly flipped through the pages in search of a number. A devious grin transformed her beautiful smile once she found it.
“Oh I got your friend alright, Charles Preston.” She laughed as she dialed the number. “Let’s see if you still want to be friends after this!”
Chapter 23
For some inexplicable reason Peaches had let Charles’ phone call get to her. She had spent her entire life loving a man who pretended to love her while he furthered his career. She loved spending time with Rashawn, but she’d be damned if she spent the remainder of her life in a man’s shadows financing his dreams while suppressing hers. She decided she needed to have a heart to heart talk with Rashawn. She had just begun her stretching ritual for her morning jog when Rashawn jogged up.
“I was hoping you were coming today. I haven't seen you in a minute. What's been up with you? Is everything okay?” He asked as he gave her a gentle kiss on the lips.
“Yeah, everything's great. I've just been concentrating on getting myself together. I've lived my whole life in the shadow of Charles. I'm just trying not to...” She hesitated, and then paused to choose the right words.
“Come on, just tell me what's wrong.” Rashawn coached as he saw her hesitation and sensed something was wrong.
“Rashawn you are an incredible man. I appreciate your friendship and I appreciate the attention. But really... where is this going?” She sighed.
“What do you mean?” He asked puzzled.
“Look, I've been down this road before. Hell I've wasted my whole life on a damn road just like this. I'm too old to waste time going nowhere. I want a husband and a family.”
“What did I say or do to give you that impression that I was a waste of your time? I like you. You know that. Right?
“Rashawn, you have a boyhood crush on me. And I get it. But seriously... can you see yourself in a serious long term relationship with me. I mean look at me... yeah I've lost some weight. Thank God. But look at you. You're built like a damn super hero and you have the chiseled face of a god.”
“Is that what all this shit is about? Peaches, we’ve been through this. I don't give a damn if you lose an ounce. I'm feeling you and I just want to be with you. Let's just enjoy each other and see where it goes.”
“Rashawn, I'm afraid I don't have the luxury of time. I don’t think I can do this anymore.” She confessed.
“So, you just going to toss me because I'm fine? Is that what you're saying? Peaches, come on... Seriously? I thought we'd already discussed this a hundred times.”
Rashawn flashed a big sexy smile as he stepped to Peaches, hugged her around her waist and tried to steal a kiss. Unfortunately, Peaches was not feeling it.
“Stop Rashawn, I'm serious. I can't do this again.” Peaches reluctantly resisted.
“Do what Peaches? I don't understand. What are you trying to say?” Rashawn asked as he pulled her closer and locked eyes with hers.
“Get hurt again.” She sighed in a small voice.
“Peaches I understand that you're still fragile. But, I'm feeling you and I thought you were feeling me too. I just want to hang with you. Is that so bad? I have no intentions of hurting you. Look, I can show you better than I can tell you. Give me a chance to do that. Okay?” Rashawn pleaded as he kisses Peaches forehead.
A smile brightened Peaches’ face. In her heart she really hoped and prayed that Rashawn could actually be the real thing. He had never lied to her before. She softened and decided to trust him. “Okay, well let’s get this run over with and we’ll go back to my place for something special for breakfast.”
“Are you cooking?” Rashawn grinned.
“No baby… You are!” She seductively breathed before sampling his soft lips.
Smothering her mouth with his Rashawn sealed the deal. “I’d love to.” It was obvious to Rashawn that Peaches was falling for him. Unfortunately, her low self-esteem and her fear of being disappointed and hurt were holding her back. She was fragile and Rashawn realized that he had to be slow and gentle with her, else he’d lose her forever.
Chapter 24
Six weeks to the day she broke up with Charles, Peaches finally agreed to have lunch with him. At this point Peaches had lost a significant amount of weight and needless to say she looked amazing.
Looking great and feeling great she showed up looking like the Diva she was. Her hair, nails, makeup and outfit were all flawless. Dressed in a sexy, but simple red dress and stiletto heels she turned heads as she strolled through the crowded Italian restaurant to meet Charles.
Spellbound by her transformation Charles gawked as she headed towards him carrying a beautifully wrapped gift box. Stunned at how spectacular she looked he was speechless. Peaches pretended not to notice that Charles was blow
n away by her appearance as he stood to get her chair for her.
“Sorry, I'm late Charles. I had a meeting with the landscaper at the mansion and it took a little longer than I expected. I hate to tell you this but I really can't stay long, because I have another meeting with the upholsterer in a little less than an hour. So do you mind if we order?”
Charles, who still had not uttered a single syllable stared in disbelief as Peaches scanned the menu. Finally regaining the ability to speak he breathed, “Peaches, you look absolutely, breathtaking. It’s incredible, you look like you did when we were in college. Hell you look better than you did when we were in college!”
“Thank you, that’s very kind of you to say.” Peaches nonchalantly responded as she continued to cruise the menu.
“What have you been doing? I mean it's obvious that you've been working out, but... you're actually radiant.”
“I think they call it good old fashion, clean, healthy living, Charles. I've been living my life... free of worry, free of stress and for once free of financial burdens. Thank you Jesus! He deserves all the glory.” She casually replied as she folded the menu and placed it on the table.
“I just can't believe how beautiful you are. You must have lost at least forty pounds. Hey, are you still seeing that young guy that was at the house?” Charles babbled.
“Charles, let's try to stay out of each other’s personal affairs. Look, I know that it's a little late, but I got you a gift for passing the bar.”
“Peaches, you didn't have to get me anything. I can't accept this.” Charles said as he eyed the beautifully wrapped present.
“No, I wanted to. I'm actually very proud of you. Besides, you're right we've known each other forever. We've been at odds for weeks now. It's time we bury the hatchet somewhere other than each other's backs!” She joked. Charles nervously laughed. “Congratulations Charles, I’m so very proud of you.” Peaches replied as she presented the gift to him.
“Thank you Peaches. I hope you know that this means a lot to me. Should I open it?”
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