Mr. Right.com

by Watts, Rebecca K.

  “This whole thing is ridiculous. He doesn’t even want the boys. If he does get them, he’s just going to pawn them off on someone else.” She flopped in a chair in the living room. While sorting through her mail, she’d received a letter from Richard’s lawyer disputing custody.

  “Look, just think about it,” Devon said in a calm voice. “Drug addicted mothers keep custody of their kids in this state. You make more than enough to support them. You’ve never been in trouble with the law, and you’re their mother. No judge in his right mind will take them from you.”

  “You have a point, but I’m calling my lawyer first thing in the morning.” She had a headache.

  “That’s my girl! Don’t sweat it, but handle your business.”

  She willed herself to calm down before she had a panic attack. “Let me get in the kitchen and make Double J some food. You know they’ll be running in here any minute.”

  “When am I going to be able to get some of Chef Olivia’s fine meals? You used to cook for me all the time in college. Now, you don’t love me anymore. I see now.” Devon feigned being sad and dejected.

  “You’re so goofy.” She laughed. “You’re welcome at my table any time.”

  “See, I got you to smile. I’ll be there sooner than you think, just not today. Talk to you later.”

  Olivia set the phone down the kitchen counter and began pulling out the ingredients to make lemon-baked chicken. Instead of chicken breasts, she chose wings. After seasoning the meat, sticking them in the oven, and setting the timer, they’d cook slow until they were tender and almost fell of the bone. This way she could go sit in the tub and relax.

  She fought the urge to call Travis and cuss his bipolar tail out. How dare he try to take her babies from her! Who cares that he had to watch the kids for a whole week while she went out of town, which he didn’t do. He dropped them off with her sister. Olivia had been watching them from birth and did everything for them. School plays, sports, the doctor, shopping for clothes, teaching them to ride a bike, you name it, she did it. He was too busy saying he would do it tomorrow, which never came.

  Sinking her tired body in the tub, she relaxed. The milk and honey mixed in the hot water put her at ease. Some candles and dim lighting would be nice, but then she may get so relaxed she’d bypass finishing up her meal. She lathered up her body until she felt the last bit of tension slip away.

  “Ma, what time’s dinner?” Jaylen screamed from the other side the door.

  “In about twenty minutes.” It never failed. They seem to find the perfect time to disturb her every time. Using her toes, she flipped down the latch releasing the drain on the tub. Reluctantly she got out, dried off, put on some comfortable workout pants, and went back into the kitchen.

  Once the boys were fed, she tried to relax in her room. She wasn’t quite sure what was bothering her more, Travis acting crazy or Richard.

  Her phone rang, snapping Olivia out of her funk. She looked at the number, instantly feeling better.

  “Hey, you.”

  “I missed talking to you earlier,” James said.

  “I saw that you called, but work was hectic, and when I got home…I don’t even want to go there.” She shook her head.

  “Are we still on for tomorrow?”

  “Of course. Just for me putting you off for so long, I’ll make sure I wear something extra sexy.”

  “You were very sexy when I met you, but please, indulge me.”

  “I have every intention to do that and then some,” she purred. She covered her mouth, unable to believe she said that. Vixen69 was taking over. She wanted more with him, but dang it, she was getting sexually deprived. Richard had awaked something in her, and playing around online was not filling the void.

  In a husky voice, he said, “Please, do tell. So you aren’t as quiet as you first led me to believe?”

  “Led you to believe? You met me at a club. I could have been screaming, and you still would have thought I was quiet,” she joked. She needed to get his mind back on track and not on the path her dirty little alter ego was trying to take him.

  “I guess you’re right. At least I’m getting to know you better now. I have another incoming call that I have to take. I can’t wait for tomorrow. Sleep well, darling.”

  “Thanks for calling, goodnight.” Olivia sighed. James knew how to say the right things. She looked forward to getting to know him better.

  Olivia dozed off watching TV. Her dreams were all over the place. One moment, she would be dreaming she was arguing with Travis, and the next they would be having sex with Richard. Not the boring stuff they used to have, but the wild monkey sex she had grown accustomed to. They did it on the counter top, behind the couch, and on the stairs. It was the best make-up sex she’d ever had. But, right before she thought all would be well, Travis burst in on them showing them court papers.

  She woke up bright and early. Realizing it was the weekend, she lay there another hour, willing sleep to overcome her. When that didn’t work, Olivia began cleaning the house. She scrubbed the floors and walls until her knuckles where almost raw. Silently, she cried, removing memories of a failed marriage with each swipe. Olivia cleaned until she had removed the stench of Travis from deep within her soul.

  Finishing up, she welcomed the fresh scent of Pine Sol and bleach. The sunlight from the window cast a yellow glow around the room, making everything shine all the more brighter. Olivia felt the weight lift off her shoulders. She was over him. It was time for a new chapter in her life to begin.

  The twins stirred from their slumber a few hours later, awaking to smell of breakfast cooking. She made them country ham, cheese omelets, French toast, and fresh fruit on the side. She laughed to herself as they stumbled in the kitchen, yawning and wiping the crust from their eyes.

  “Dang, Mom, you’re up early,” Jayden said.

  “Well, when I was your age, I used to wake up a little before dawn so I could watch the Saturday morning cartoons. We didn’t have channels dedicated for kids.” She rubbed her fingers through his curls, tousling his hair.

  “We know, Mom. You had a TV with a dial thing instead of a remote,” Jaylen said.

  “You’ll appreciate my stories when you are older and you realize how much things have changes around you.” She fixed their plates.

  Olivia moved their plates from the island to the breakfast nook. She wanted to sit and enjoy her meal while soaking up bit of sunshine.

  “Is there something wrong, Mom?” Jaylen inquired. “You seem extra happy.”

  “Yeah, are we in trouble?” Jayden’s eyes opened wide.

  “No, can’t I just be happy?”

  “Yes, but you seem different,” Jayden said after swallowing a piece of ham. “Can we go play with Little Tony when we’re done?”

  “Only after you do your chores.”

  They inhaled the rest of their food and ran off to their rooms. She shook her head, wondering why they felt the need to run everywhere they went. Olivia had given up telling the twins not to run in the house years ago. Fussing at them was a waste of breath and energy. They would only slow down for that moment.

  She gave her sister a ring.

  “You better not being going out of town again,” her sister said.

  “No, jeesh. I can’t call for anything else?”

  “Not lately.” She laughed.

  “I have a date with James and I—”

  “Is that the fine man from the club?”

  “Yes. Now as I was saying, I want to find me a little red dress.”

  Everyone had a little black dress. She wanted something to say “I am on fire.” Angela was eager to go shopping, especially with Olivia paying. After the boys went to their friend’s house, she met up with her sister at the mall.

  “He plays for the Colts, right?” Angela asked

  “No, he’s an manager. He’s really nice.” She shook her head at the dress Angela held up. It showed too much cleavage.

  “He has to be. You have b
een putting the man off for weeks now. I would have given up and moved on.”

  “I needed to get myself together. You of all people should understand that. What do you think about this one?” Olivia held up another dress.

  She shook her head. “What you needed to do was get the loser of an ex-husband of yours out your system. I bet if you gave James some, it would get Travis off your brain.”

  “Travis is out my system. It’s only a first date. I am not ready to go there with him just yet.” Olivia pulled out another dress, frowned, and stuck it back on the rack.

  “You are such a goody two shoes. Give that man a piece. He has been trying to get with you all this time. I seriously doubt it if he would run away once he gets it.”

  Olivia laughed at the comment. Richard and The Playhouse had erased goodie from her name permanently.

  “I’ll see how it goes. Now, this is the one!” The dress Olivia found had a halter-top with a little ‘v’ slit at the top. The material was elastic around the hemline to keep it in place. It was form fitting around the waist and flared out a little at the bottom. It also had a red belt to match.

  “Now that is what I am talking about.” She nodded. “Now, you have to get some gold shoes to match the gold clasp of the belt and offset the red. You don’t want to overdo it. James will thank you for wearing this. Sexy, but not slutty. You can be a slut underneath the dress.”

  “I plan on it. Now let’s head to the lingerie store.”

  She couldn’t make a decision on what she wanted: the thong, boy shorts, lace, or the almost invisible panties. Olivia did the only thing she could—she bought them all. Checking the time, she had enough to get home and get ready. She gave her sister some cash to finish shopping and headed home.

  An hour later, the woman looking back at her in the mirror was strong, sexy, and confident. She was nervous about the date until she put on the dress. She looked amazing. Angela was right about wearing gold with it. It worked well with her skin tone. Her reflection resembled a woman from an exotic island. Her bronze eye shadow and lip gloss sparkled as she checked herself out at different angles.

  Hearing the doorbell ring, she grabbed her clutch purse and headed downstairs.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  “You look very nice.”

  “Thank you, and so do you.” She meant it. James had on a black button-down top with breast pockets positioned perfectly on top of his bulging muscles. His gray slacks seemed to be tailored to fit.

  James held out his arm for her to take. He walked her to the car and opened the door for her.

  “I hope you like Ruth Chris,” James asked as they sped along the highway in his sports car. Jazz music played in the background.

  “It is one of my favorite places. I love a good steak.” She sank back in the leather seats, enjoying the ride. With a car like this, she imagined his house looked like a celebrities’. “I guess you do very well as a sports manager.”

  “I would like to think so. I’ve made a name for myself.” He pulled up in front of Ruth Chris.

  The valet opened the passenger side door. “Man, this is nice!”

  “Just be careful, this is my baby.” James patted his car as he stepped out.

  Inside, the restaurant was packed. The hostess took their drink order and handed them the menu. Olivia took a moment to look it over while James ordered an appetizer—Sizzling Blue Crab Cakes.

  “I take it you come here often,” she said.

  “I do. I thought you said it was one of your favorite places as well.”

  “It is, but that doesn’t mean I get to come here often. This is only my second time. The first time was for me and Travis’s anniversary two years ago…” She paused. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up ex’s.”

  “It’s fine. I’m going fix that. You’re a beautiful woman who deserves to be wined and dined.”

  She smiled at him, and then turned to the waiter. “I would like the Petit Filet and Lobster Tail.” It was between that and the lamb.

  “And you, sir?”

  “The T-bone, medium well.” He watched the waiter walk off before addressing her. “What do you like to do in your spare time?”

  “Spend time with my boys, read, do a lot of me things. I’m enjoying my new found freedom.”

  He frowned. “That’s not quite what I was looking for. I mean, what do you do when you hang out with your girls?”

  “I really only hang around my sister.” She thought for a moment. “I do have another friend, more like associate who I talk to at work. I used to have a lot of friends, but somehow, they seem to have dwindled off throughout the course of being married.”

  A smile spread across his face. “I have just what you need.”

  “And that is?”

  “Trust me, you will enjoy it.”

  She waited for an answer, but he didn’t provide one. He smiled at her and continued making small talk until their food arrived. They finished their delicious meal, passing on dessert. Olivia was stuffed.

  Once in the car, James remained mute on his little secret. He jumped back on I90, heading East, then switched to 94. Getting off on the ramp, he turned north. They ended up in Lincoln Park. She admired some of the million-dollar homes as they drove by. The road twisted and turned, causing her to lose her sense of direction. Moments later, the car finally came to a stop in front of a black wrought-iron gate. James reached in to push a code on a keypad. They followed the winding path up to a mini mansion. Numerous luxury sedans and expensive sports cars were parked on either side of the driveway.

  They reached the front of the mansion where a valet stood. He parked the car, and they were escorted inside. The place was full of wealthy people. Some she’d seen on commercials for law firms and doctors’ offices. Most of the women looked like super models with their long wavy hair, flawless makeup, and toned bodies in revealing clothing.

  Olivia felt out of place. James, on the other hand, was quite comfortable. Everyone there seemed to know him. They all spoke as they passed.

  James grabbed a Blue Martini off a tray a waiter was carrying and handed it to her. She downed half of it in one gulp.

  “Better?” he asked.

  She nodded and grabbed another drink.

  “My man, James. What’s up? I see you brought your new lady friend. Very nice,” a man said as he gave her the once over.

  His hazel eyes were on her. Blushing, she felt like a lab specimen. She lowered her eyes and peeked at him through her lashes. He was well over six feet tall, sandy brown hair, and in shape. Not like James, but leaner.

  “Dwight, happy birthday. This is Olivia.” They fist pumped. “Me and this guy go way back. I have known him since childhood. This is his home.”

  She held out her hand for him to shake. “You have a lovely home.”

  “Not as lovely as the lady in front of me. Make yourself at home. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to work the room. I look forward to seeing you later, Olivia.” He looked her up and down again.

  Olivia raised an eyebrow at him. Dwight had no problem showing he liked what he saw. Most men at least tried to hide it.

  “Is he always like that?” she asked.

  “Please, that was subtle for him.”

  Taking in her surroundings, she observed the vaulted ceilings and expensive artwork along the walls. The room they were in was almost as big as her entire downstairs. She said, “This house is huge. Is he into sports as well?”

  “Nah, he was always the brains of our operations. His head was in the books. He’s an investor and has made some very good ones.”

  “I see.” She nodded.

  Olivia’s eyes scanned the large room. This was a who’s who of parties. Most of the men made big money, or at least looked the part. She spotted a few athletes and entertainers mixed in with the cooperate crowd. The overpaid attorneys and judges stood out like a sore thumb. The people there were not shy either. They were letting their hair down, dancing, telling jokes, drinking, and havi
ng fun.

  “I’ll be right back. I need to go check on a few things and speak to a few people,” James whispered to her.

  “Okay. I have my drink to keep me company.” She waved her glass and moved closer to a corner so she can get a better view of the people mingling.

  “Your first time at one of these?” a gorgeous green-eyed brunette asked. She smiled, flashing her pearly whites. She had the body of a dancer, and the moves to match. Olivia’d seen her putting the moves on a few men on the dance floor.

  “Is it that obvious?”

  “Relax, you’re a very sexy girl. Any man will be more than pleased to be with you. My name is Misty by the way.” She stuck out her dainty hand for Olivia to shake.

  “Thank you. I’m Olivia.” She sipped the last of her drink.

  “How about another? Sex On the Beach, maybe?” Her green eyes willed Olivia to say yes.

  “What the heck? It is a party, right.” She smiled.

  “Indeed it is.” She handed Olivia the fruity drink and got another for herself.

  Olivia checked out Misty’s outfit. She liked her style. Misty donned a form fitting, short black dress. Instead of straps, it had gold chains across the back. Glancing down at her shoes, she saw they were four-inch stilettos. Olivia wondered if her feet hurt. If they did, she hid it well.

  Misty placed her hand on Olivia’s, stopping her from taking a sip off her drink. “Let’s toast.”

  “To what?”

  “How about to new friendships?” She leaned in close.

  “I like that. To new friendships.” She tipped the glass against hers, making it clink. Then they both took a long drink. Olivia was already starting to get a strong buzz.

  “Let’s dance.” Misty grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the makeshift dance floor. Olivia gulped down the last bit of alcohol and set her glass on a waiter’s tray as they walked past.

  An up-tempo song with lots of bass flowed out the speaker. Olivia didn’t recognize the song, but the beat was catchy. She let loose, showing Misty she, too, had dance skills. Dropping it like it was hot, Olivia bent over, making her booty bounce. Misty gave her a playful smack and started dancing behind her. Two sexy girls dancing on each other always drew a crowd. The liquor giving her courage, Olivia took Misty’s hands and placed them on her waist. She began rolling her hips and booty to the beat of the music. Misty didn’t shy away—she tossed her hips back.