Hypnotic Magnetic Seduction

by Yolanda Dumas

  Hitting the highway, he tries to clear his confused thoughts. He recalls Lena professing her love for him. She implied she is in love with him and not her white boy toy. Rubbing his hand down his face, he wonders how he can trust what she said is the absolute truth. What about this Gerard Conway character? How does he fit into the whole scheme of things? Fahim sighs knowing the only way he’s going to get any answers is to talk with Lena, but at the moment he wasn’t ready to deal with her misleading behavior. She crushed his heart throwing his love for her back into his face, and he isn’t willing to let her off the hook. Stating she wants to continue dating her white boy toy and in the same breath saying she loves him and wants to pursue a relationship with him as well is too much for him to deal with.

  Changing his mind about heading to Rodrigo’s he pulls his rental into the parking lot of The Corner Pub and parks. Once he turns the ignition off, he sits behind the steering wheel trying to wrap his mind around everything going on with Lena. “What’s so damn special about that white boy toy Lena for you to even consider if the friendship can develop to a romantic stage?” he blurts out hitting his fist against the dashboard. “Why can’t you trust what you feel for me, Lena? You’re supposed to be with me, mi amor, me futura esposa” he yells inside the vehicle. “You love me not him,” he says out loud again as he leans his head against his arms now position on the steering wheel. He whispers out loud “I love you so much, woman. My heart has chosen you, and you have to realize it and not be scared to take a chance on me!”

  Fahim sits behind the wheel a few minutes longer wiping away a few tears appearing unexpectedly in his eyes. Clearing his throat and shaking his head to free his mind of his heartbreaking thoughts, he steps out of his vehicle and heads inside the bar to forget his pain with a few rounds of Tequila.

  Several hours later, Fahim sits at the bar feeling no better after several drinks. He was in no condition to drive home and pulls his phone from his jacket pocket to call his brothers to come and get him home safely. With slurred words, he says to Rodrigo when he answers “Hey little brother. Can you come and take me home?” “Damn Fahim, you sound drunk. Where are you?” Slurring he says “I’m at the Corner Bub, I mean Pub getting my drink on. I need you to come and take me to the crib homie. I don’t think I can drive myself.” “Salvador and I are on the way. Don’t drink anything else Fahim. It sounds like you’ve had enough.” “Don’t tell me what to do little brother. Just get your ass here!!! Acaba de obtener su culo aquí” he repeats in Spanish.

  Thirty minutes later, Fahim feels a hand touch his shoulder. He slowly turns and sees Rodrigo and Salvador standing there looking very concerned and upset. “Have a seat bros. Join me in celebrating the breaking of my heart,” and he raises his glass of Tequila in the air before gulping it down. His brothers sit on either side of him, and Salvador asks “Fahim, why are you drinking so early in the afternoon? This isn’t like you mio hermano.” Fahim smirks saying “Lena, my Lena!! She’s got me so miserable. Lena not wanting to face it’s me she loves and not that white boy toy she thinks she wants to be with is what’s up Salvador. I needed something strong to stop her hurtful words from echoing in my head. This shit has my heart aching so bad. But as usual, the drinking hasn’t silenced her distressing admission. I’m drunk as fuck, and my mind and heart are still feeling the pain! That woman is still haunting my soul!!!”

  His words are becoming more slurred as he says “Did you know I bought Lena the most beautiful engagement ring to solidify the love I feel for this woman? I was going to give it to her in front of all our friends and family at the Stewarts Christmas dinner. I wanted everyone to share in what I assumed would be a joyous occasion” as his words continue to slur as tears pool in his eyes. “I don’t understand that woman” he repeats. “She’s got mi corazon hurting so bbbadly” and more tears seep from his eyes.

  Rodrigo clears his throat so distressed seeing his brother suffering this way. He pats him on the back trying to comfort Fahim. “Man, you really do love Lena deeply don’t you? I’ve never seen you so bent out of shape over una mujer. Cupid has you by the balls bro” Rodrigo says trying to lighten the mood. Fahim smirks at his comment using the back of his hand to wipe his tears away. “Yes, that potion on the tip of the arrow shot in my heart is some powerful shit. I can’t handle it!” he admits.

  “Bro, I can’t help you on that end. Both Drigo and I were also hit hard by cupid’s arrow, but you see we both ended up with nuestra señora ama. Don’t give up. Lena will come around. Maybe if you talk to her, see where her mind is, you can work through this unusual setback” Salvador conveys. “Yeah, Fahim. Remember Lena did tell Robin she loves you and wants to fix things. Hell, she’s talking about flying to New York to tell you she knows she made a huge mistake” Rodrigo asserts.

  Fahim sighs pushing the glass of Tequila his fingers are wrapped around away from him. “How can I trust what Lena is saying now is the truth, huh? She was so determined the other day when she said she wants to continue dating her white boy toy. Yeah, Lena admitted she loves me, but Lena didn’t say she’s in love with me. That’s a big difference and not hearing her say those words after I poured my heart out to her of my love is like she was throwing what I feel back in my face. I can’t take a chance of getting my heart broken more than it has already.”

  Both of his brothers nod their heads in agreement at his statement and as they both pat him on the back. Fahim sighs clearing his throat and admits “Trying to drown my sorrows with Tequila isn’t helping the situation. I have to make a decision if I’m going to talk to Lena, listen to what she has to say and trust she’s telling me the truth about her feelings. Or I put this all behind me and forget she even exists and begin mending my aching heart. Both of those scenarios are going to be a major undertaking the way I’m feeling at this very moment. Maybe I need to spend Christmas back home so I won’t see her at the dinner the Stewarts invited us to attend or ruin Christmas for our family.” “Bro, now you know Papi and Momi will be hurt if you’re not here for Christmas. No one in our family has ever missed spending the holidays together” Salvador states firmly. “Fahim, with the crazy business I’m in being a musician, I found a way to always be with our family during the holidays. Man, you better think of another way to handle your business with Lena. Don’t make our family suffer because of what Lena has done to you” Rodrigo sharply adds.

  Fahim listens to everything his brothers say. “Let’s go home so I can sober up and make some decisions how I’m going to handle things with Lena, ” and Fahim pulls out a couple of hundred dollar bills laying the money on the bar to pay his tab and leave a nice tip for the bartender. Standing and holding on to the barstool to steady himself, he starts for the door to exit the building. “I don’t need the family on my back accusing me of ruining our holiday time together.” “Oh, your ass is not the only one they will be on” Rodrigo replies following behind Fahim as they walk out the door and into the parking lot. Lena will definitely hear a few choice words from Momi, and you know how Paloma and Vashti will react. Hell, we may have to inform the Stewarts what is going on in case our sisters confront Lena. So you need to get this shit fixed before we all gather together to celebrate Christmas next Saturday” Rodrigo adds.

  The thought of seeing his sisters giving Lena a beat down wasn’t pretty. It would ruin any chances of the two of them having a relationship. “I’ll get it straighten out before Christmas. Either Lena and I will find a way to work through this major hiccup, or we will go our separate ways and deal with being around each other when and if it ever comes to pass. “Let’s hope you and Lena find a way to mend things between you. I’m rooting for the both of you to be in a happy and committed relationship soon” Salvador adds before opening the door to Fahim’s vehicle and sliding into the driver’s seat. Rodrigo heads towards his Infiniti SUV while Fahim opens the passenger door and gets inside his Toyota Highlander to be chauffeured home. So much to think about and do and a small amount of time to get it accomplish
ed.

  CHAPTER 20

  Tura lies in Gerry’s bed snuggled close to his body listening to him breathe as he sleeps. Thoughts of wonder whirl through her mind. “How did I get so lucky to find unexpected love with a stranger?” To know both their hearts were struck by cupid’s arrow at the same point in time is nothing more than remarkable. She thought their sexual chemistry was a chance event when they came together in their initial encounter. Once they were reunited, their sexual chemistry has been more combustible causing her trepidation to be proven false.

  Gerry’s and her attraction to each other seems more explosive than their first intimate introduction. What has her worried is what more do they have in common than sexual attraction? Snuggling closer to him, she wonders how her family will react to her newfound love. They are so traditional about their Indian heritage and Hindu religious beliefs. Tura doesn’t live by the customs and traditions of her culture because all her life she’s only known the American way of living even though her parents tried their best to teach and train her to embrace her legacy.

  With her parents returning to their home country, her brother Tamilko feels it’s his responsibility to reign in his sister. What will be the backlash when her family finds out she’s involved with a man from a different race and background? Will she be completely disowned? Will her parents take away the trust fund set up for her to finish her college education and live off for the next two years? What about Gerry’s family? Will they accept him dating someone outside his race? Are they bigots? She sighs heavily scared their new found love may not survive them finding a happily ever after. She falls asleep hoping her insecurities are unfounded.

  Gerry feels Tura breath blow across his skin, and he wakes up feeling her lying against his back. He smiles knowing he wasn’t dreaming; they are re-united. Everything that transpired hours before actually happened. Tura loves him and wants to be in a meaningful relationship with him. How did he get so lucky? Gerry never thought he would be so fortunate to find a beautiful woman to love his country nerdy ass. He begins massaging her arm thrown across him.

  His thoughts turn skeptic as he speculates where they go forward from this point on. They know so little about each other except they have great sex chemistry. They come from different backgrounds and his mind panics as thoughts they may not be compatible in other aspects of their lives. Will her family accept him? Will his family accept Tura? What’s her favorite color? Does she drink or do drugs? She says she’s a carefree woman so what the hell does that mean? What’s her favorite TV show? She told him she’s a student. What’s her major? So many questions he doesn’t know the answers to.

  He definitely knows his heart chose this woman for him and he wasn’t going to screw up what he feels is his destiny. Tura Figest is his destiny, his future, his present. Karma placed them at the same location at the same time for a reason. The uncertainty he’s feeling will be explained once they have a heart to heart conversation and learn all there is to know about each other. He wished he had tomorrow off from work, but they have the whole weekend to talk, ask questions, hang out and have lots and lots of mind blowing sex.

  Smiling, he adjusts her arm more securely around him dismissing his uncertainty, not letting it influence what he knows in his heart is meant to be. He closes his eyes and falls back to sleep dreaming of his beautiful girlfriend.

  CHAPTER 21

  Lena pulls her Chevy Traverse into Club Latoya’s parking lot and grows nervous seeing it full of vehicles and the enormous crowd of people standing in line waiting to get inside. Finding a spot to park, she pulls down the visor to freshen her lip gloss after getting the tube out of her Michael Kors clutch handbag. Satisfied with her looks, Lena steps out of her vehicle. Locking the door, she takes a deep breath and begins walking toward the entrance of the club.

  As Lena’s about to get in the long line of partygoers waiting to get inside, she hears a familiar voice call her name. “Lena, Lena” and she looks toward the front of the line to see Laria waving for her to come to the front as she stands behind the velvet rope barrier. She smiles and waves back at Laria before stepping out of line to walk toward the entrance. Once she arrives, the security bouncer removes the rope from the post to let her walk through.

  Hugging each other Laria says eagerly “What’s up chick?” “Hey, Laria. I see we’re getting the VIP treatment. I feel so special” Lena states cheerfully. “Yeah, it comes in handy when you’re dating the assistant manager of the club. Lena, you’re looking good tonight. I believe some hearts may get broken.” “You’re too much Laria. I’m not here to hook up with anyone. I just need to have a good time and forget my troubles for a while.” Concerned Laria asks as they walk inside “What’s going on Lena?” “Oh, it’s been a stressful few days but what else is new when it comes to my life” she answers.

  They are standing at the bar now. Shady sees them both and walks over to join Laria and Lena. When he arrives, he kisses Laria wrapping his arms around her waist. “Hey, RiRi. I see you made it out tonight.” “Yeah, Lena didn’t want to come to the frat Christmas party alone, so here we are.” “What’s up Lena? Long time no see” Shady says with a smile. “Hey Shady. It has been awhile. How’s the family?” “Everyone is good. The twins are doing well, and I’m graduating at the end of the new semester. Mother and Father are doing okay as well. How’s Tamisha?” “My baby is growing up so fast. She’s doing great. At the moment, she’s spending time at the Zavalas with the twins and their cousin.”

  “Glad to hear it. I heard in the streets Lil’ Wayne was missing in action at Riverbend.” “Yes, and I didn’t know he’d escaped until he showed up on my doorstep. But he’s locked back down again. He was caught before he could hurt me.” “Yeah, I heard Fahim made sure that fool didn’t get to you. The two of you have something going on?” “It’s complicated and the last thing I want to discuss. I’m here to have a nice time for a few hours.” “Word” is all Shady says as he and Laria look at each other curiously.

  “So Shady” Laria whines. “Can Lena and I have a spot in the VIP area?” “RiRi you know you don’t have to ask. Big John is working the rope to the entrance. Tell him I said to let you both in and I will notify the wait staff to serve you whatever you want on the house. I wish I could join you but these fraternity parties tend to get out of control. I’ll stop by to check on you both a little later.” “Okay” Laria replies and kisses him passionately. When they are done with their intimate moment, Laria turns to Lena and asks “Are you ready to party chick?” “As ready as I’ll ever be” Lena answers back and she follows Laria toward the VIP area.

  CHAPTER 22

  The Alcoa’s and the Morrison’s are enjoying a relaxing dinner at the Zavalas. While they sit in their den having after dinner drinks and socializing, the children find their way into the room to say goodnight to everyone before going to bed.

  Lesa hugs Tamisha and says to her “I was asking your Momma about you today, sweetie.” “You did?” Tamisha says excitedly. “Yes and I heard Santa is going to be bringing you lots and lots of gifts.” “For real Auntie Lesa?” “For real sweetie.” “I can’t wait for Momma to come and get me. We are going shopping so I can buy all my friends gifts. We’re going to have a real Christmas tree too.” “Well, you better go and get a good night’s sleep so that you will be well rested.” “Okay, Auntie Lesa. Love you.” “Love you too sweetie,” and Tamisha hugs her and everyone else in the room before leaving out to go to bed.

  When she’s about the walk out the doorway, Fahim walks inside scooping her up in his arms. “You headed to bed mi ángel?” “Yes, Uncle Fahim. I’ve got to get lots of sleep, so I will be ready when Momma and I go shopping tomorrow.” “Okay bebé, sleep tight.” “I will” she answers. Fahim kisses her forehead and lowers Tamisha back to the floor. He kisses Mateo, Matias and Sabella as well before they all run out the door to head upstairs to bed.

  Lovely noticed how rough Fahim looks and asks “You okay Fahim?” “I’m hanging. It’s been
a stressful day. Any food left Robin?” “Yes. I left you a plate wrapped in the oven.” “All right, thanks. I’m going to eat and go back to bed. I don’t mean to be a grouch everyone, but I’m not in the mood to socialize.” “We understand” Salvador’s wife Natasha quickly answers. “Make sure you eat everything Fahim” Robin adds. “I will” is all he says before walking out of the room.

  Everyone is silent, into their own thoughts when Lovely asks “Has something happened between Fahim and Lena?” Robin, Rodrigo, Natasha and Salvador all look at each other conspicuously, but say nothing or answer Lovely’s question. Their behavior makes Lovely more curious especially when she remembers the earlier conversation she had with Lena. Lovely is surprised when Lesa speaks up. “I know when I talked to Lena earlier she said she was attending a party being held at Ivan’s club tonight. She wanted to know if we would be there since her friend Tura, who was going with her, couldn’t make it. I told Lena to call Laria to see if she could go since Ivan and I had other plans.”

  No one heard Fahim return to the room until he asks “She’s out at the club? Lena doesn’t party like that.” “All I know is she said she was stressed and needed to get away for a while to have some fun.” “And you said Tura wasn’t going,” Fahim asked seeming concerned. “Yes, that is what she told me.” Lovely quickly adds “Tura is probably with Gerard.”

  The room became soundless as all the Zavalas turn to stare surprisingly at Lovely. Forgetting his hunger, Fahim set his plate on the bar and walks over to stand in front of Lovely and Patrick. “Lovely what do you mean Tura is with Lena’s white boy toy?” Patrick frowns at Fahim’s offensive words. “Why are you calling Gerry that Fahim? You got a problem suddenly with white people?” “Naw, it’s nothing like that Patrick. It’s a long story I don’t want to rehash.” “Well, those words are unflattering. Gerry is a good man and since he’s not here to defend himself, I will!”