by Angel Rose
My mother loved the color peach. We had a peach tablecloth and curtains in the dining room. The throw blanket on the couch was peach, and the pillows on the couch my mother had crocheted had peach roses sewn on them. I reached out my hand to touch the mirror, almost hoping in return my
mother’s spirit would reach out to me. I often thought that maybe one day her spirit would appear to me just the way she was, beautiful, so I could see her one last time.
I heard a faint knock on the door. I was startled and turned around and stared at the door.
“Everything okay in there, sweetheart?” I heard the old woman say.
“I’m fine. I’ll be right out.” I dressed in a hurry and stepped out of the fitting room.
I stood in line to pay for the dress and grabbed a small green leather Coach wallet I had my eye on while waiting. The cashier was a young girl who had her nose and tongue pierced. Her pink and
green hair was wrapped in a ponytail. She was chewing gum with her mouth open, snapping it and blowing an occasional bubble.
“Miss, is that all?” She snapped and cracked her gum, gawking at me like I had two heads. “These earrings are on sale, too, they match your dress, do you want them?” She said as she blew a bubble and threw a pair of rose gold colored hoops on the table.
“Umm, yeah, sure, why not,” I said as I gave her an all-white teeth smile.
She looked at me and gave me a dirty look and then said, “Okay, great, fifty bucks, they used to be a hundred.” She then shoved them in the bag with the wallet, pushed the bag to the side on the
counter, placed a plastic bag over the dress, and handed it to me. I stood staring at her and she looked away and said, “Next!”
I grabbed the bags and the dress, and looked at her like, really? Then I stood in front of the store to hail a cab. I stepped into the cab sliding across to the other side placing the bag on the floor of
the cab. As I placed the dress on the seat, I glanced out of the window and…I saw him; I saw his glowing green eyes penetrating through me. I felt as if I was in a slow motion picture movie as I
slid across the back seat and saw him. Our eyes met again briefly. He stopped for a moment as if he recognized me, but then turned around and kept on walking. I kept my eyes on him as the cab
started to drive away. I was practically squishing my face against the window. I looked out of the back window and he turned around, placing his hands in his front pockets as he stared at the cab
drive away. Just watching him standing there, with his hands in his pockets, threw me for a loop and my heart skipped a beat. I was breathless by his presence, and I kept looking through the back
window until I couldn’t see him anymore. He then faded into the crowd as my cab faded into traffic. I loved every moment of him looking at me with those alluring eyes. On the way home I
wondered where he was going or who he might be going to see. I felt jealous…jealous of a woman he might be holding tonight and…jealous of a stranger I couldn’t get enough of.
When I got back to my apartment, my cell phone rang. Now what? I thought to myself.
“Hello?”
“Hey Jen, Cassandra came in, so it’s okay. Go out and have some fun.”
“Yeah…maybe I’ll do that. See you Sunday…don’t forget brunch.”
“Brunch…bye.”
I actually felt relieved. I didn’t want to go into work reading and filing those heart-wrenching cases. This job was making me sick. I think it was time to switch careers.
CHAPTER 8
I met Carl in front of John Jay wearing my peach dress and neutral heels. He was leaning against his car looking through his cell phone. He had a nice sleek black BMW 335i. I only knew the model because he texted me ten minutes before I got there and made sure he told me what kind of
car he had and what color it was. He looked so handsome leaning against it as his sandy blonde hair blew in the wind. It sort of turned me on.
“Hi.” I smiled flirtatiously. I felt confident, but I have to thank the two glasses of wine I had swallowed before I left to meet him.
“Well hello there, beautiful.” He reached out both arms to give me a hug and slowly snuck a tender kiss on my neck. He gave me goose-bumps, and I smiled. I gave him a quick hug and said, “Are
you ready? Where are we headed to?” He opened the car door for me, and I sat inside. The leather seat was cold. It smelled good inside, a mixture of that new car smell and Carl.
“It’s a surprise,” he said as he strapped on his seatbelt.
“Is it ritzy?”
“Well, they closed it about two years ago, but then reopened…talk about rich…the place is downright beautiful.”
“You want to go there just for lunch? Whatever happened to a good old fashion diner?"
“Live a little, princess…let me spoil you.” He grabbed my hand gently then raised it to his lips and kissed my knuckles tenderly sending little tingles everywhere.
“Sounds nice…I’m in.” I blushed as I held his hand in mine. This date was going great, and it had barely started.
We headed to the upper west side in his sexy car…the music was nice and soothing.
“Who’s this?” I asked about the song that was playing in the CD player.
“Kenny G…Silhouette.” He smiled. “You wouldn’t know him…you’re too young.” He laughed. “I’m just a little bit older than you.” He stepped on the gas.
“You’re right I’ve never heard of him…but it’s so beautiful…I love the sax… and by the way, you’re definitely too old for me.” I smiled at him then reached out and touched his hand gently. He turned and glanced at me and smiled. We arrived at the restaurant. It was downright beautiful
just like he said. We enjoyed a drink at the bar and then we were seated for dinner. It seemed too “high class” for me, and if Carl is just a professor, how the hell can he afford his car and this
dinner? I thought to myself; but he made me feel comfortable, and I had a glass of wine or two to ease my nerves. By the end of the dinner, Carl changed his seat from across from me to sitting
right next to me. He placed his arm around my shoulder and then gently slid his fingers down across my back.
“You are so beautiful, Jenesis. Thank you for letting me take you out.” He planted a perfectly soft wet kiss on my lips. My lips parted letting him slip his tongue in my mouth and I happily met his tongue with mine, gently swirling and sucking and ignoring everyone in the restaurant.
“Let’s get out of here,” he whispered against my lips.
He paid the waiter and gave him a hefty tip. We left the restaurant hand in hand, as some snooty customers gave us a crooked look after witnessing our public display of affection. We giggled as
we walked out like two teenagers on our first date and walked over to the car. He grabbed my hand gently before I entered the passenger side and grabbed me by the waist.
“You taste delicious…can I have more?” he cupped my face in his hands and kissed me passionately as he pressed his body against mine. I kissed him back and felt his arousal growing
against my belly. I stared at him and then I gently pulled away, giving me enough space to witness the joy in his pants.
“Thank you for dinner. I had a great time, but I drank a little too much, and
I don’t want to ruin things. Please take me home.” His facial expression went from hot and horny to cold and angry.
“I’m sorry…I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable,” he said as he grabbed both of my hands.
“You didn’t. I just think before something happens that shouldn’t, you should take me home.” I stared at him seriously letting him know there was no negotiating at this point. He pulled away
from me and walked around to the driver’s side without opening the passenger door for me. He was upset, but I didn’t care.
After my date with Carl, we continued seeing each other for a couple of weeks. At first, I thought I was using
him to get out of my lonely rut, but then it ended up that I really did like his company,
and I wanted to spend time with him. He was handsome, sexy, and took me to the best places, but there was just something about him I couldn’t figure out. I felt uneasy, and
I didn’t know why. He really enjoyed spending time with me, and he was overly generous with his money. He wore the most expensive colognes, wore top-notch clothing, and always had a wad of
cash in his pocket. But he never had anything interesting to say to me except talk about work and students who were failing his course. He bought me a tennis bracelet the following day after we
ate at that ritzy restaurant for no reason. He said he bought it for me because he appreciated how I listened to him and never once wanted to change the subject. If he only knew I rolled my eyes up
into my head a million times in the dim light of the restaurant, but I was thankful for the gift. Just not thankful enough to give myself to him. Don’t get me wrong; I was attracted to him, just not
enough to give him the special prize. I’ve never made love to a man before. I always said I wanted to be completely in love with the first man I slept with. We gently kissed and touched each other
in all of the right places, but that was all. I didn’t want it to go any further, but I knew he wanted more.
We started to see each other weekly, and I was starting to enjoy them. I still couldn’t get Michael out of my mind, but I never saw or bumped into him again, and Carl was definitely a good distraction. It was almost a month, and I was content spending time with Carl. Dave and I spoke
about Carl during our Sunday Brunches. He didn’t like him, but I guess it was because after brunch Carl would pick me up from the cafe. The only thing I noticed was that we only met on Thursdays
and Sundays, and we were always on such a tight, rigid schedule. We could never be spontaneous and meet without calling each other first. He always managed to meet at the same time and around
the same location. He was desperate to move this relationship to the next level, but I didn’t want to. I really didn’t care about the rigid schedule…at least there were no surprise visits to a hotel,
and I didn’t want to be too concerned about him or his whereabouts. I didn’t want him to think I wanted to be with him all of the time, because…I really didn’t. I didn’t trust him, and my instincts
were usually never wrong. He was around more because he gave me something to do, and he kept my mind off of Mr. Hunter. Still something wasn’t right. Something was up.
“You know Jenesis, you don’t need to be a detective to know that there is something wrong with this picture. Every Sunday he picks you up at the same time. Now it’s every Thursday,” Dave said shaking his head.
“I know what you think, but why would he lie?” I sat and rolled my eyes at him knowing damn well I felt the same way.
“He wants to get in your pants, that’s why.” His eyes widened, and his eyebrows frowned at me.
“Dave, don’t go there.” I sat up straight and puckered my lips.
“Jenesis, don’t be naïve. Yes, you’re from Pennsylvania, they’re a little slow out there, but you’re a smart, young woman and here in New York…we don’t take shit. Don’t let this sleaze ball take
advantage of you in any way. Do you hear me?” His face was serious, and he shook his leg as a sign that he was getting annoyed.
“Can you define sleaze ball?” I said jokingly. Dave stared at me and cocked his head to the side. He was adamant about making me understand that Carl was up to something and I better not sleep
on him. “Yes, I hear you.” I glanced at Dave and nodded my head in agreement. I wanted to believe Carl was a sleaze ball, but I was having fun, and who the hell uses the word sleaze ball anymore!
“Speaking of sleaze ball, here he comes.” Dave stood up like he was in the Okay Corral as Carl approached the table. I was waiting for him to reach for his gun and shoot Carl right between the eyes.
“Ready, princess? Dave, how are you?” Carl strolled in smelling and looking like a million dollars with his hair slicked back, and his black slacks and light blue shirt igniting his sparkling blue eyes.
He really was a handsome man. Dave gawked at him up and down as he came closer. If looks could kill, Carl would have had a stroke right there and then.
“Carl, where are you guys headed to?” Dave said with his lips pressed tightly in a straight line. He tried so hard to hide his emotions, but he hated
Carl…with a passion.
“Out. Let’s go, princess.” Carl reached out to grab my hand, and Dave grabbed him by the wrist.
“I asked you a question,” Dave barked as he held his grip tighter around his wrist. I stood up and gently placed my hand on top of Dave’s hand releasing his grip from Carl. Dave stared at Carl, as if one false move, Dave was going to slam him against the floor.
“Dave, please, let go,” I said calmly as I pried his hand from his wrist. “Where are we going, Carl?” I asked patiently giving Carl a look like ‘Just answer the question so we can leave.’
“To a hotel,” he said smugly as he pulled me by the arm. That’s all Dave needed to hear. He grabbed Carl by the throat, lifted him up, and slammed him against the floor knocking over the
table and chair, making his espresso crash against the floor and the saucer, cup, and contents flying into the air.
“No! Dave!” I yelled as I was pushed out of the way by a bystander who was trying to keep me safe. Dave kept his grip around his throat while Carl swung on him continuously missing every shot. “Dave! Please!” I shouted. “When I ask you a question, you little prick, you better fucking
answer me! And don’t you ever pull on her! Do you hear me?” Dave’s eyes were bulging out of his head as his grip of death tightened around Carl’s neck.
“Dave! Please! Let him go!” Dave looked up at me with a complete blank stare as if he didn’t even know he had Carl by his throat. I touched his shoulder, and he shrugged me off. He let go of his grip on Carl’s throat and stood up. Dave started to walk out of the café and threw some money at
the cashier, shook his head at me, and kept walking. He turned and stared at me resentfully before he left. I was distraught. I ran to Carl and helped him stand up.
“What the fuck is wrong with that guy?” Carl said as he glanced around the café, embarrassed, fixing his shirt and tie.
“Let’s go.” I grabbed his hand and guided him outside of the café.
“Look, I’m really not in the mood right now. I’m going to take you home.” He stared at me, and then rubbed his throat with his hand. I felt sick to my stomach. I didn’t know who I was angrier
with, Dave for being intrusive or Carl for giving him an answer he knew was going to push Dave into madness.
“That’s fine.” I opened the passenger door, slipped into the leather seat, and slammed the door…hard.
We drove until he stopped abruptly in front of my building.
“That guy’s got some nerve…I should press charges on that mother fucker!” he said furiously. His nostrils were flaring as he rubbed his throat again.
“Get a grip Carl…he cares…you just should’ve been polite instead of pissing him off,” I said as I reached for door handle.
“Get out!” he shouted.
“Whatever, grow up.” He grabbed my arm, and as I turned to face him he smashed his lips against mine, pushing his tongue into my mouth. I was stunned and angry at the same time, but his lips
melted into mine, and his tongue led the way. I just couldn’t resist. His kiss was soft and delicious, and as my tongue met his…I wanted more. I felt the heat rising in my body, and I didn’t care that
we were parked outside in front of my building. His grip on my waist was tight, and I wanted him to touch me…everywhere.
“Don’t leave…I want you,” he whispered against my lips.
I pulled my body away from him, but my lips stood attached to his. I wante
d him, too. I wanted to swallow him. His scent. His lips. His tongue. He was driving me crazy, and as I straddled him across his lap, he slid his hands up my dress grabbing on hard to my ass, squeezing it as he moaned
against my lips. He placed his hands on my hips and pushed me against his erection. A soft moan escaped from my lips as I felt the friction between my legs. He swallowed me with every
movement of his tongue, and I let him. He slid his hands up to my breasts, then around to my back, unsnapping my bra without hesitation. He gave me soft, wet kisses on each breast, pulling on my
nipples and biting them gently with his teeth. He moaned with desire as my head fell back in ecstasy. I kept turning my head towards the windshield to see if anyone was passing. The
excitement of getting caught only enhanced the feeling of hunger towards him, and I wanted to devour him. He slid his hands down to my ass again and slid my panties to the side, slipping the
palm of his hand over my wet flesh as I lifted myself up, positioning his hand to touch me where I wanted him to. I could’ve come at any moment just by the touch of his hand. It’s been such a
long time since a man has touched me without me feeling guilt or shame, and I longed for this, but I had to stop myself. I was virgin, and I didn’t want to lose it this way. I grabbed his hands and
held them. I removed myself from his lap, slid over to the passenger side, and began to adjust my bra and fix my dress.
“Jenesis, dammit, what? What is it now?”
“I don’t know. I’m sorry, Carl. I have to go.” I reached for the handle, opened the door, and ran into the building.
“Jenesis! Jenesis!” he shouted.
I closed the door behind me, out of breath. I leaned against the door and inhaled deeply, letting out a sigh of relief. My heart was pounding, and I could see it thrashing against my blouse. I walked up the stairs slowly, feeling a little dizzy. I glanced at Dave’s door as I walked up the stairs. I
stopped at the top of the steps and bent over placing my hands on my knees. I didn’t know if I was having a panic attack or if I was just exhausted from the drama that unfolded earlier. Maybe his