Anthony looks out at the pool and says, “We’re not married, Gia.”
“No, we are not.”
“I can sleep with whoever I want. You have no say in it.” He is calm, collected, voice is smooth. “Hannah has no say in it.”
“You’re right.” I’m dying inside.
There’s another moment of silence, a transition that seems to shift the universe that we share at that moment. What is he going to say next? I’m breathless with anticipation.
“I’ve decided to leave my wife.”
I want to smile. I’m excited, but I keep it all at bay.
“Are you going to stay in Savannah?” I ask.
“That’s the plan.”
“Are you going to stay with me?” I’m shivering.
He leans forward, fingers crossing on the table. “No, Gia, I’m not.”
I break into pieces. Damn near to tears, and I say in desperation, “I wish you would. You know, I love you, Anthony. I’ve always loved you, for as long as I’ve known you.”
“I know, Gia, but I don’t feel the same way about you.” He says it so casually, like he’s having a simple conversation.
“You are looking at the woman that has loved you all of your life, with all of your faults. It gets no better than me.”
He looks down at the table and sits back in his seat. I realize at that moment that I’ve made a huge mistake. I professed my heart to a man who’s probably incapable of loving anyone. My heart breaks at this reality. But also in this cruel state, it feels nothing but true love for him. Anthony doesn’t deserve my heart. I know it. I know it, but damn it, I can’t help how I feel.
I rise from the table and go around to where he’s sitting. I take off my lace top and quickly pull down my shorts, and I stand in front of him to see what I think is rightfully his. Anthony looks up at me, fire burning in his eyes, his lips slightly open. I bend over to kiss him lightly and while doing so, I grope his dick. He’s throbbing hard. I separate from him to wait for his reaction. He can leave, or he can stay. I want him to stay. He stands, towering over me, and he lands a kiss so hard and so sweet that I know I’m melting.
He picks me up by my ass, and I wrap my legs around his waist. He takes me inside. Not to the guest bedroom but to mine. He lays me down on the bed, and I move hard against him. I want this man inside of me, feeling me for the first time. I pull down his shorts, and for the first time, I really see him.
I’m amazed by Anthony’s size. His dick is long, dark as night, hard. The head swollen, pulsing. A touch of pink peeks out at the end. His dick is a masterpiece, perfectly made for me. Why didn’t I jump him so long ago? I would be the mother of his children. We would be in love, doing that thang called life our way. It’s not too late.
Pulling him closer, we kiss once more. He moves down to my neck and sucks me so good that my eyes roll back in my head. His hand roam over my breast and moves all the way to my butt. Anthony grips me under my thigh. I’ve been waiting for this moment. We are about to connect and be one.
When he finds the center, he pushes until his muscle reaches bottom. I pant as his girth painfully stretches me, bringing tears to my eyes.
Anthony starts moving. The friction inside is mind-blowing. The heat of his breath warms my neck and kindles a fire in my nipples. It’s not long before the pain between my legs relents to pleasure, and I can start the dance with him. Our stride finally goes in sync, and my body is beginning to respond. My back arches. The bliss is so close. Anthony feels it, too. He speeds up, mindlessly steamrolling towards the cliff. I’m about to reach the pinnacle of our dance. My pussy is seizing, and all of a sudden, Anthony pulls out! My body is screaming for release, stuck on the fuckin’ precipice, and he doesn’t follow through! I’m dying to cum on him. I reach for his hand, but Anthony backs farther away, completely off the bed.
Then I see his expression. Stone angry, exhausted, torn. I’m too afraid to speak. This is not how this moment is supposed to end. We should be fucking our brains out, cumming all over each other, and doing it again and again. Instead, Anthony does the most horrible thing of all. He walks out. WHAT THE FUCK!
Chapter Twenty-Three
In all the times I’ve had my fill of dicks, I have learned something about myself after each one. My mind becomes more alert. My heart is reasonable. The sexual tension goes to an acceptable nonexistent level, and my senses become clear. So clear that I can smell and taste the salt all the way from the Pacific Ocean. I can hear and feel the tremors of an ant march across the African continent. I can see the dark side of the Moon. And at this moment, after my short-lived romp with asshole, I have learned something more, something truly important and life changing. Anthony Moran does not love me. He never has and never will. What is my conclusion on that matter? Fuck him!
I’m waiting in the hallway for this sorry ass sapsucker to come out of the guest bedroom. He’s not hiding. Oh no. He’s packing as quickly as humanly possible. He knows he has to get the fuck out of my house.
Eventually, he opens the door. His suitcases are in his hands. Some of his clothes are sticking out of the seams because he was in a rush.
“Hannah didn’t cheat on you, did she?” I say to him calmly. “You cheated on her.”
“So what? It’s none of your business, anyway.”
“I don’t even know you.”
Anthony chuckles, sets down his suitcases, and says, “Yes, you do. You’ve known all along that I’m a man that just can’t have one woman. Pussy is my playground, and I got to have more than one to dip into.”
“Aren’t you tired of messing around?”
“No, Gia, I’m not.” He steps a little closer. “Do you want to know why I didn’t let you cum? You want to get married, have kids, play house. I’m not down for that shit. I want a woman, like Mac, who wants to play with my dick and move on afterwards. I’m not down for anything else, even from you.”
All I can do is shake my head. How could I have been so stupid?
“Anyway,” he continues, “you got somebody. What’s the name of that dude that owns this house?”
“This is mine.”
“Naw, I don’t think so. Mac told me you moved in with some guy.”
“This is my house, motherfucker. Do you see anything in here that belongs to another man? Check my closets. You’ll find only my shit. Check my bathrooms. There’s no aftershave. No men’s razors. You won’t even find the toilet seat up, except the one you used. This is here, Anthony Moran, is my house. Believe that.”
“Okay, whatever.”
“No, it’s not whatever.” I huff and smile. “I am so glad you showed your true colors. I was ready to share all of this with you. I was going to open my home and my heart, and I was going to take care of you for the rest of your life.”
Anthony laughs. He knows he’s fucked up. He opens his mouth to say something, but I walk back up the hallway and open the front door.
When he gets to me, he says, “You gonna make me walk?”
I adjust my robe and cross my arms across my chest.
“Fuckin’ bitch.” He walks out, and I slam the door shut.
I let go of all the air in my lungs, and I sink to the floor in tears. The man of my dreams is a waste of a human being, a nightmare come true. All that energy for nothing.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Barely an hour has gone by when I hear the doorbell. I know Anthony hasn’t come back. He wouldn’t dare. I open the door, and standing outside is Adam and his home staging crew. Before I can even begin to say a syllable, they come right in. Adam takes over my living room with men, furniture, and a whole lot of noise. I disappear to my bedroom and let them have at it. I should cancel this damn party, but Adam is smart. He put a clause in his contract that says I have to pay half if I cancel within forty-eight hours of the scheduled event. The party is tomorrow night. I might be rich, but I’m not trying to give away my money.
When all the fuss and racket is done, I hear the truck revving up
and driving away. The noise level goes back to an agreeable level. It’s not long before I hear my front door closed and Adam calling for me.
I venture out into the living room. What I see is amazing. Rich red velvets sofas, ivory colored arm chairs with decorative hardwood frames. A small oval table is in the center and has a spray of red roses. The area rug that takes up the entire floor has intricate designs and colors that bring out the burgundy sofas. Two large vases frame the fireplace with sprays of vibrant coiled sticks and cattails. I wouldn’t have picked out anything in this room. My tastes in furniture doesn’t go beyond solid colors and comfort. I’m definitely hiring Adam to decorate my house. Obviously, he’s a natural.
I sit down in the ivory armchair. It’s so comfortable. I scoot down more and close my eyes.
“I take it you approve?” Adam asks with a pleased smile.
“You’ve done great.”
“Glad you like, Sunshine, but don’t get too comfortable. There’s someone here to meet you.”
A woman is standing at the counter in the kitchen, and she has trays of food.
“Sunshine, this is Zoe Collins, your caterer.”
“Nice to meet you, Miss Briggs,” the woman cordially replies.
She comes from behind the counter, and we shake hands.
“I will be giving you a presentation on what I plan on serving to you and your guests. If you’re ready, we can begin.”
“Whenever you are,” I reply.
Zoe goes back behind the counter and begins her presentation. She explains each little creation, making sure to include there’s no peanuts in some that would normally have it or no pork for the guests that don’t like to eat swine. She talks about liquor that is used in some of the dishes, which ones are very sweet, which is spicy, which requires dip or not. By the time Zoe is finished, I’ve tasted every little morsel, and I’m completely full.
“What do you think?” she says with excitement.
“That was great.” I turn to Adam, who is clapping softly. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Oh, God, this is not going to be good, is it?”
“We’ll be right back, Zoe.”
Her smiles disappears.
I take Adam to the hallway, out of her sight and hearing range.
“You cannot change your mind,” he whispers.
“I’m changing my mind.”
“I knew it. I knew it. I knew it.”
“This is a bad time for me, Adam.”
“Sunshine, you can’t cancel. It’s way too late.”
“It’s never too late. Just cancel the agreement.”
“You are new to the neighborhood. Therefore, you need to start making connections, socializing, making friends. Do you know the kind of people that live in Tudor Estates? Movie stars, singing stars, professional athletes, multi-billionaires, and successful entrepreneurs. You need to have this party. You are a woman of power and wealth. You must show the world that you belong here, that you are a world class mover and shaker.”
“It’s just a housewarming party.”
“No, Sunshine, this is an opportunity for greatness.”
“You’re driving me crazy.”
“Yes, that’s good. Don’t lose that focus.”
I sigh. He’s killing me.
“What do you think?” he asks as he rubs his hands together.
“I think we need to cancel the party.”
“No, about Zoe’s presentation. Do you want all of it or some of it?”
I refuse to answer.
“Okay, no worries. I know what you want.”
Adam guides me back to the kitchen, where Zoe is eagerly waiting.
“Everything was splendid, Zoe. She’ll take it all.”
“Oh, good!” Her nervousness turns into pure elation.
I want to kill him. I muster a smile and remark, “Everything tasted wonderful. You did a great job.”
“Thank you, Miss Briggs,” she says.
Adam helps Zoe pack up, and they’re gone within minutes.
I sit down in my rented living room and take a breather. I’m so glad everyone is gone. This is the first time in a long time that I feel like I can just simply sit and breathe.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Later in the afternoon, I leave the solace of my home in search of family. Sometimes I think I can’t turn to my parents, but they’re all I have. They’ve been constant in my life. I just need to hear that everything will be okay from one of them because right now, it doesn’t feel like everything will be okay at all.
Before I enter Rincon, my phone rings. I figure Nick might be calling to give me a thorough tongue lashing, since he can’t whip my ass in person. Much to my surprise, it’s Lauren. She better be in Cleveland, Ohio.
“Where are you?” I ask.
“At my dad’s house. We made it.” She sounds so relieved.
“How do you feel?”
“I feel great, like a weight has been lifted.”
“Don’t waste the gift I gave you, Lauren.”
“I won’t,” she answers confidently. “For the first time, I’m happy where I am. I forgot what that felt like.”
“If you need anything, you got my number.”
“The same here. Hey, before you go.” She’s trying to sound upbeat. “Have you made any progress with Anthony?”
“The Moran brothers are assholes.”
She laughs. I start laughing, too.
“Why must we learn the hard way?” I remark.
“It’s the only way to understand the hardest lessons.”
Lauren has never said truer words. We continue our conversation as I drive. She has big plans for herself and the kids. Going to school and finishing her degree, moving to California eventually. I figure she’s trying to get as far away from Nick as possible. It’s always good when a woman learns her self-worth and acts on it fearlessly. She’s been afraid for so long, too long. Not anymore.
I end the call when I get to my parents’ house. My dad is sitting on the porch, rocking away the minutes. My mom is running her mouth. He nods and laughs. She swats at the flies, never missing a beat. They’ve got it all figured out. Life is sitting on the porch, swatting flies, laughing and talking about the past, and watching reruns with the one you love in between. What else is there?
Why can’t I find a guy like my dad? All the men I’ve met have issues. Leaches, players, dawgs, losers, users, dumbasses. My dad is living proof that good men exist, and I have yet to run across one that’s worth keeping.
I get out of the truck and join my family on the porch. My mom includes me in on her babble, and within minutes, my ears are aching. Perhaps, I should have drove until the gaslight came on. Or went to one of the many squares in Savannah and watch living history the detective was trying to teach me.
Eventually, my mom retires into the house, and I take her place in the rocking chair. My dad and I watch as the cars blaze by at unheard of speeds on the country road. The rooster breaks up the silence with late afternoon crowing. I shake my head. That thing’s clock is all backwards.
“Dad, what’s the rooster’s name?” I know he’s given every animal in the backyard a name.
“Red,” he says with a grin. “Mr. Red.”
“Is he a nice rooster?”
“Nope. He runs me out the coop every once and a while.”
My dad and I are so tickled neither one of us can breathe. The laughter soon fades, and my dad looks at me.
“What is it?” I ask.
“This is the longest you’ve stayed. You have something you want to talk about?”
I wish I can talk to Mom about my heart being broken. Getting a woman point of view is important, but I don’t think she’s ever had that experience. According to her, she’s only loved my dad. If there was any disappointments she had towards him, she never spoke of them. As for my dad, well, I don’t know if she’s broken his heart, and now that I think about it, I don’t want to know. I’m one of those adul
t daughters that sees her mom as a perfect angel, and whereas the truth could be the polar opposite, it’ll take the movement of mountains for me to believe it.
“Gia, talk to me.”
“I’ve been in love with someone for a long time, and he doesn’t love me back.”
“You told him?”
“I thought I would burst if I didn’t say how I felt.”
“Gia, the one thing women have that a lot of men don’t is intuition. You didn’t listen to that little voice in your head that said the guy your heart is aching for, whoever he was, doesn’t feel the same way. You’ve got to listen to that voice, honey.”
I wipe my tears quickly. I don’t want to be emotional around my dad. He can’t see that I’ve been defeated. But I guess it’s too late.
“It seemed reasonable to go after him. I had to take a chance.”
“Chances and love.” He chuckles. “The two shouldn’t even go together. But so goes life.”
“Yeah, so goes life,” I repeat sadly.
My dad let out a sigh and began rocking. “So, when are you moving in?”
How did he come up with that question?
“I’m not moving in.”
“Your guy friend doesn’t love you. I know you’re not going to stay in the same house with him.”
Now, I remember what I said to my dad. I told him I moved in with someone on Skidaway Island. Maybe, it’s time I tell the truth.
“Dad, I don’t live with anyone. The house I’m living in is mine.”
He stops rocking and glances over at me. “So, you’re not living with that guy you told me about yesterday?”
“No, sir.”
“Alright, Gia, answer this question for me and don’t lie.” He pauses before continuing. “Where are you living?”
“I stay in Tudor Estates.”
“By yourself?”
“Yes, sir.”
“That man that rejected you, is he paying for it?”
“I own the house. I bought it with my own money.”
He’s staring at me with complete disbelief. I widen my eyes and nod.
Gia (Women of Privilege Book 1) Page 10