A Family Portrait

by J. J. Massa

  Tav and Tracey were drinking coffee out on the front porch Friday morning when Sue drove up. She placed a generous tray of blueberry muffins in the middle of the porch and then gave Tracey a big hug.

  Turning to Tav she said, “Well, since you’re practically a member of the family, I guess you’d better give me a hug, too!” She grinned up at him mischievously.

  Tav grinned back at her and gave her a tight hug. He sat back down and turned his attention back to his coffee.

  “Sue, would you like to come in with me and get some coffee?” Tracey asked her.

  “Tavist, do you need some more?”

  He shook his head no and Tracey could see him hide his smile when Sue winked at him.

  “You shouldn’t say stuff like that, Sue, it’s not fair!” Tracey scolded her best friend when they got inside.

  “I wasn’t putting him on the spot. The kids love him. They’re always talking about him every time I call here. It’s been “Tav this and Tav that. If you were honest, you’d admit you’re halfway to loving him yourself.” Sue never held anything back.

  Just this once, Tracey wished she would. There was nothing she could say so she huffed and turned her back to Sue, pouring her a cup of coffee.

  “So?” Sue asked.

  “So—What?” Tracey responded.

  “Did you tell him you’re going to go to the concert?”

  “I don’t even know what concert and where…” Tracey hedged.

  “Don’t be a ninny, Tracey. Does it matter who or what the performers are? Tell him you’re going so we can go shopping. Come on!”

  Tracey laughed. She couldn’t help herself. Sue always cut right to the heart of the problem.

  “Fine!” Tracey pretended to snap. “Walk Ashley to the bus stop!”

  When Tracey and Sue returned to the front porch with coffee in hand, Ashley was sitting beside Tav, chatting.

  When it was time for Ashley to go to the bus stop, Sue bounced up and said, “Stay and enjoy your coffee, Tav. I’ll walk with Ashley this morning.”

  When they were out of sight, Tracey anxiously moved over to sit by him. He turned and smiled at her, then turned back to watch the trees stirring in the gentle breeze.

  “Tavist?” She was very nervous. When he turned back to her and smiled again, she continued. “Can I still come out with you tonight?”

  He smiled. “Of course you can.”

  “I mean, it isn’t too late?”

  “No Tracey, it’ll never be too late.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

  “Tavist, what kind of a concert is it?” Tracey asked him.

  “It’s not that big a deal, Tracey. Some friends of mine are playing and singing for some charity or another. Unity of some kind if I know them.” He was trying to put her at ease she could tell.

  Sue fairly skipped into the yard, letting Tav know that she was already aware that Tracey would be going out with him.

  “We’re going shopping, right?” Sue asked, rubbing her hands together.

  “It wouldn’t matter if I said you could just wear jeans, would it?” Tav asked.

  “Nope,” said Sue complacently.

  “Even if I said Tracey’s already beautiful and…”

  Sue cut him off. “Forget it, bud. I don’t make the rules. You’re going out on a date and she has to buy a new outfit. End of discussion.”

  Tracey just watched Sue at work. She was always good for a laugh.

  “Okay,” Tav sighed. “These are just friends of mine—well they’re my family. Still, it is outdoors. Don’t forget that.”

  “What are you wearing, Tav?” Sue asked him innocently. He groaned.

  Tracey had to hide her face so he couldn’t see her smile.

  “I’ll wear dark colored jeans, nice boots and a clean…” Tracey saw Sue’s eyes narrow, “…a light colored shirt that is not a tee shirt,” he sighed. “Can I use your phone?” he asked.

  “Sure,” said Tracey.

  She and Sue went into the kitchen while Tav made his call. Tracey tried not to eavesdrop. She tried a little, anyway.

  “Hey there songbird!” she heard him say to whomever answered the phone. “How’re you feeling? How’re the pups?”

  There was silence for a second.

  “Yeah, she said she’d come. Where’s that old road-dog you married?”

  Tracey could hear the smile in Tav’s voice. It made her feel special that he’d told his friends—his family—that he’d asked her to go to their concert. Now he was calling them to tell them she’d agreed to go. She was glad she’d accepted. Sue was beaming at her. At least I’m not the only eavesdropper here.

  “Hey!” The old “road-dog” must’ve come to the phone. “Yeah we’ll be there. Seven, right? I’ll see if she wants to eat with you guys. Do me a favor…”

  Tracey and Sue could hear him chuckling into the phone.

  “Listen you mangy mutt, if you show your—if you embarrass me, I’m telling the old man. You’ll be one hurtin’ cur, buddy. I’m his current favorite you know.”

  He sure makes a lot of dog references…

  “Yeah, I told her it was outside. How come you didn’t tell me they had to shop? You know I haven’t been out on a date in a decade.”

  Tav laughed again. “Just don’t get me on her bad list before I get on her good list, all right?”

  Silence again. “Yancey will meet us? I always wondered what he did while you guys were up there belting out the tunes. See you tonight.”

  ———

  They made small talk in the car and Tav could sense Tracey’s nervousness. He tried to put her at ease but he was still new at this himself.

  “Did I tell you how nice you look tonight?” he asked her.

  She wore an embroidered denim dress that buttoned up the front. It hung just above her ankles and she’d left it unbuttoned from the hem to the knee. He thought it was very sexy.

  “You look nice yourself, Tavist,” she told him shyly.

  He reached over and squeezed her hand. “Thank you, Tracey. I was a little nervous.”

  She looked at him in surprise. “It’s been about ten years since I’ve been on a date.”

  “I guess we’ve got that in common then.” she smiled.

  “Maybe we have other things in common, too” he grinned.

  *

  There was a man at the gate that looked vaguely familiar to Tracey but she was certain she’d never met him before. The crowd was much bigger than she’d realized and she didn’t think they’d get close enough to really see the performers. This was not the outdoor bluegrass-type gathering she’d expected.

  She had no idea who was performing tonight. She hadn’t paid attention to such things as concerts in a long time. There was something of a list since this was a charity concert that took place over a few days.

  To her surprise, she noticed the names of Lakon and Mya Montgomery, and Myles Brooks-Montgomery posted around. Looking at the elaborate marquis, she realized it had been there all along and she hadn’t noticed. Now she was really impressed. Tav had relatives that played and sang with the Montgomerys?

  As she looked around, she was surprised when the man she’d thought looked familiar rushed up to Tav.

  “Hey, Cuz!” he pumped Tav’s hand enthusiastically. Turning to her he said, “You must be Tracey!”

  When he would have hugged her, Tav reached out and stopped him. “She’s shy, Yance,” he said. “Tracey, this is Yancey Livingston. Yancey, Tracey West.”

  “Tracey, it’s absolutely my pleasure,” he grinned. “Let’s get you guys up front before the fun starts, huh?”

  She shook his hand, confused. Up front?

  They followed Yancey while a big man wearing a jacked emblazoned with the word “SECURITY” fell into step behind them and another made a path through the crowd in front of Yancey. Tracey noticed that a band, probably an opener, was already performing.

  The man in front of Yancey took them to a patch of grass near the fro
nt of the stage that had “Tav” spray-painted in three-foot high orange letters. He spread out a very thick sheepskin, shook Tav’s hand and left. Yancey gave Tav a hug, shook Tracey’s hand and left also.

  Tav helped Tracey get settled and made sure she was comfortable. They sat and watched the opening band finish and a young, muscular man holding a saxophone take 39 his place. He walked onto the stage and lifted it to his lips. Looking in their direction, he lowered the instrument.

  “All right, Underdog?” he grinned. Tav waved a casual hand at him smiling.

  “Myles Brookes-Montgomery,” he whispered. She recognized the name, slightly alarmed.

  Tav pulled her against him as the saxophone music overwhelmed her. The guy was good. Was he Tav’s family?

  As the solo ended, Tracey saw Mya Montgomery come out on stage. That’s right, Myles Brookes-Montgomery is Mya Montgomery’s brother…Myles turned to Mya, smiling. Tracey continued to watch as Lakon Montgomery came out.

  “Is he here, Myles?” Lakon Montgomery asked anxiously. Everyone in the crowd could hear what the singer had to say, as his words boomed through the microphone clipped to his shirt.

  Myles grinned and pointed. Mya broke into a smile and squealed. Lakon grinned.

  Tracey could have sworn they were pointing at Tav.

  “Hey you guys, look who came!” Lakon shouted as he strode to the edge of the stage.

  Tav scooted away from Tracey and stood up. “Lake, you giant ass!” he growled.

  Lakon threw back his head and laughed out loud. “My little brother just called me a giant ass!” The crowd went nuts. He’s Lakon Montgomery’s little brother?

  To Tracey’s absolute bemusement and horror, Lakon Montgomery, the mega-famous singer, jumped off the stage and walked right up to them.

  “Hey brother, it’s damned good to see you!” he grabbed Tav in a hug and Tav hugged him back.

  “I’m gonna kick your ass, brother, but it’s good to see you, too!” he grinned.

  The microphone Lakon wore amplified every word each man said, but they ignored it.

  Turning to Tracey, he said, “Tracey, thank you for taking pity on this sorry hound and giving him a reason to come see me.” He gave Tracey a quick hug and turned to the stage. “Hey you guys, play something. I know Myles and Mya want to say hi.” He turned to the audience. “You guys don’t mind do ya? We’ll keep it short…”

  The place broke out in cheers. Shouts of “Hey little Brother! And, “Thanks for coming Tracey!” filled the air.

  Lakon walked to the edge of the stage and lifted Mya down and Myles jumped off after her. Mya instantly launched herself into Tav’s arms.

  “I’m so glad, Tav, so glad!” she sniffed. He grinned and kneeled in front of her, placing his ear to her abdomen.

  Rising again he turned to Myles and gave him a big hug. Lakon had moved to put an arm around Tracey’s shoulder. She was too shocked to mind. Besides, is there one woman over the age of two on this planet who wouldn’t want Lakon Montgomery’s arm around her for even a second?

  When Tav turned from Myles and looked fixedly at Lakon, the singer dropped his arm and held both palms up. “Swear to God, man, I was just being welcoming.”

  Tav, Mya, and Myles all laughed and Tav made introductions.

  “This is Tracey West and she is one very special lady. She has some very special kids. Tracey, meet Lakon Montgomery, Mya Montgomery, and Myles Brookes-Montgomery.” He smiled and looked at each of them. “They’re my family.”

  “I’m glad to meet you,” Tracey said hesitantly.

  “We’d better get up there, Tracey. We have this whole thing we do,” laughed Lakon.

  “I’m so glad you’re here, Tracey. Tav needs someone.” Mya said, giving Tracey a small hug. “Besides, I’m not the shortest anymore.”

  “Welcome, Tracey.” Myles was obviously a man of few words. She liked his accent though.

  The three of them climbed back up on stage and the concert resumed. The crowd loved the whole thing and another man wearing a “SECURITY” jacket moved to stand beside the fleece she and Tav sat on to watch.

  “Tav!” Tracey whispered a little angrily.

  “Yes, Love?” he murmured in her ear, sending chills up and down her spine.

  “Why didn’t you tell me we were coming to see them?”

  “I didn’t … Well, I just don’t think about how famous they are until I’m out with them somewhere. I’ve never been to one of their concerts.”

  “They’re your family?” she whispered less harshly.

  “They’re the closest I have,” he confided. “My own parents were killed when I was—when I was little. I joined the army at seventeen. You know what happened when I got married. They adopted me—not legally like they adopted Myles, but they’re my family.”

  Mya and Lakon were singing an aching love song to each other while Myles’s saxophone throbbed in the air.

  Tracey leaned against Tav and let him put his arms around her again. She relaxed after a while.

  ———

  Tracey had never had a better time out on a date. After the concert, she and Tav had joined Mya, Myles, Yancey and Lakon for supper in one of Atlanta’s more unique restaurants. She had so much fun.

  She loved Mya, found Lakon to be overwhelming, decided that Yancey was really sweet, and thought Myles was charming. The four of them accepted her immediately into their circle and treated her with affection and friendliness.

  The ride home was filled with comfortable conversation about the concert, the restaurant, and family. When they reached their road, Tracey asked Tav to park his truck at his own house and walk her home.

  “Thank you for coming out with me tonight, Tracey. Can I kiss you goodnight?” he asked, stopping at the tree where the swing hung in the moonlight. Tracey leaned up and kissed his chin.

  “Please, Tavist, I’d like you to kiss me goodnight,” she whispered.

  His arms stole around her as he gathered her against him. Pressed against his hard body, Tracey felt her heart beat out of control. As his mouth lowered to hers, she thought she’d die of anticipation.

  His lips brushed hers gently and then a little more firmly. She sighed and he covered her mouth with his, nibbling at her lower lip. When she opened her mouth, his tongue found hers.

  His kisses were burning, probing and she gave herself up to them, gripping his shoulders. She felt his hands slide down to cup her bottom, bringing her against the rigid proof of his desire for her.

  When his knee came between hers, she felt the hard muscle of his thigh against her feminine mound. Someone else—someone with far fewer reservations than she had—rubbed herself against Tav’s thigh and gripped him tighter.

  Kissing his way down her chin and neck, Tav murmured, “Let me touch you, Tracey. I smell your beautiful arousal. I need to touch you.”

  “Tavist!” She could hear the high-pitched desperation in her voice. Is that me? “Yes, Tavist,” she breathed.

  Lost in his kiss, she was vaguely aware of him unbuttoning her dress at the top and at the knee. His mouth trailed down her neck and across her chest. His tongue dipped into the cleavage between her breasts and he cupped her buttocks inside her dress.

  In a bold move, he unfastened the front closure on her bra. She felt his mouth cover the peak of one breast, his tongue teasing the turgid nipple. His lips, his tongue moved over each peak and tasted the curve of each swell.

  Tracey bit her lip and moaned. Clutching at his rock hard shoulders and arched her back, forcing his mouth closer and harder against her bare breast.

  Anchored firmly in the present, she entertained no thoughts of her ex-husband when she felt Tav’s nimble fingers brush against the curls covering her mound. Somehow he’d eased her panties down and off without her realizing it.

  With gentle, teasing strokes, Tav grazed her moist labial lips and she found herself opening her legs further, giving him greater access. He didn’t force his advantage, instead stroking the tender fles
h there lightly.

  She felt her hot liquid gush out over his fingers. Tav made a sound she could only call a growl of satisfaction as he began to rub her moist flesh harder. She felt one finger enter her channel while his thumb began to massage her little nub.

  Tracey had been innocent when she’d married Jack and nothing he’d ever done with her had made her feel the way she was feeling now. Her head was spinning and she clutched at Tav’s broad shoulders.

  He wrapped an arm around her waist, pressing her breasts against his chest. His fingers pumped in and out of her, his thumb pressing and massaging her sensitive clit.

  When she began to mewl and shake, his mouth covered hers again, absorbing the sounds of her climax.

  Afterward, Tracey rested against him, a boneless mass of jelly. She felt him lift the hand that he’d fondled her with to his mouth. Watching him, she saw him suck her cream from his fingers.

  “Mmmm,” he groaned. “You taste so good, Love. Thank you.”

  “Me?” she squeaked. It took more effort to talk than she realized. “Thank me?”

  She felt his rumbling laughter against her. “Yes, Love. Thank you. Thank you for sharing yourself with me that way. Thank you for making me feel like a man again.” He leaned down and kissed her, burying his face in her hair.

  “Oh Tavist,” she breathed. “You’re all the man any woman could ever want. I don’t know why you wouldn’t always feel that way.”

  “I only want to be the man you want, Tracey West.” He stepped back and buttoned the top of her dress. She didn’t know what to say so she watched him in silence.

  Dropping to his knees, he lifted her panties from the ground. “Mustn’t litter,” he sent her his mischievous half smile, stuffing the scrap of cotton and nylon into his pocket.

  “Tavist!” she yelped.

  Holding the sides of her dress apart, he turned his head and rubbed his face in her musky mound. He nipped at her clit and she moaned. She thought she heard him say, “Mine” as he soothed the nip with his tongue. A flash of heat shot through her.