“Lucky for you, my schedule’s wide open. But this will cost you. I’ll stop by the market and you can pay me back later.”
“I got you,” Terrance said.
Later on that afternoon, Chef Gavin coached Terrance in making a meal for two that he hoped Mona would enjoy.
Chapter Nineteen
Charlotte and Kem sat across from Mona at the table in the coffee shop down the street from the gym they frequented.
“Doesn’t sound like you need the 2-Of-A-Kind dating service anymore. Things between you and Terrance seem to be heated,” Kem said.
“That’s just it. Is it about sex or more?” Mona asked. It was a question she’d wanted to ask Terrance but was afraid to know the answer.
Charlotte sipped on her cafe au lait. “Didn’t you say he wanted to pursue more with you? You’re the one who’s been hesitant.”
“Ha. You’re one to talk. Do I need to remind you how much grief you caused Sean before you finally gave him a chance,” Mona said.
“This is not about me. This conversation is about you, so let’s not change the subject,” Charlotte said with a smile.
“People don’t ever like talking about their own drama but want to be all in my business.”
Kem laughed. “You’re just as dramatic as some of my characters. I say give Terrance a chance. Forget the other dude.”
“I’ll think about it. For now, I’ll enjoy our sexual escapades, but I want a man who is not afraid of commitment. If either one of you can tell me the last time you’ve seen Terrance with the same woman twice, I will wash your car for the next three months.”
Kem and Charlotte looked as if they were thinking. Neither said anything.
“My point exactly. I got other things to do. I’ll see you ladies later,” Mona said.
They hugged each other and they all went to their separate destinations.
Mona went home and took a long shower. After getting dressed, she decided to check in on the dating site one last time. There was still no message from Falcon on it.
She shrugged her shoulders. Guess he really was too good to be true.
She put on her pair of black and pink sneakers that matched her pink and black jogging suit. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and headed to Terrance’s.
Terrance greeted her with a hug and a kiss on the cheek when he opened the door. “Something sure does smell good,” she said, as she took in the aroma coming from the kitchen.
Terrance was dressed in a pair of jeans and a polo shirt. “I guess I could have worn something else.” Mona began to feel self-conscious.
“Nonsense. It’s just the two of us. I thought we would eat and talk about the pitch afterwards,” Terrance said.
Terrance led her to the dining room. He held out a chair. “Have a seat.”
Before she sat down, she asked, “Do you need me to help you with anything?”
“No. I will bring your plate out to you.”
“I can get used to being served,” Mona said, as she took a seat. She sat near the end of the long oval dining room table that could sit ten people.
It didn’t take Terrance long to return to the dining room. He brought in two plates with a silver covering. He placed one plate in front of her and the other at the end of the table next to her. “I have one more thing to bring out and then we’ll be ready to eat.”
Mona took a sneak peek at her food. She lifted the silver covering. The steam from the food seeped out. She was impressed. The baked chicken with a white sauce over it looked tasty. The penne pasta and fresh green beans were a nice addition.
Terrance got an A for presentation.
Terrance walked in carrying a basket of buttered rolls.
“Don’t tell me you cooked those from scratch?” Mona said,
Terrance laughed. “No, I didn’t. You can find them in the frozen aisle. I did bake them in the oven. They’re good. I’ve already tried one.” He held out the basket.
Mona placed two rolls on her now uncovered plate.
Terrance said grace over their food and they ate and talked briefly in between bites.
“Terrance, I have to say I’m impressed. The food was good. You should invite me over for dinner more often,” Mona said. She wiped her mouth with her napkin.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. It was definitely a labor of love.” Terrance left out the part on how he burnt the first batch of sauce for the penne pasta and chicken, but she didn’t need to know that.
With Gavin’s help, he successfully made the sauce the second time around.
After they ate, Mona assisted him with cleaning the kitchen. They kept bumping into one another.
“I’m glad you have a dishwasher so I didn’t have to wash everything by hand,” Mona
“You’ve got something on your nose,” Terrance said.
Mona wiped the top of her nose with the back of her hand. “Is it still there?”
“Yes, but now there’s something on your mouth.”
“Where are your paper towels?” she asked.
“Don’t worry. I got it.” Terrance covered her mouth with his.
Moans seeped out of Mona’s lips. Terrance lifted her and placed her on the kitchen counter. They made love as the sound of the dishwasher masked the sounds of their lovemaking.
Chapter Twenty
To prove his cooking skills were no fluke, Terrance surprised Mona the next morning with breakfast in bed.
“You can cook bacon and toast. The eggs could have been fluffier, but you get a passing grade on breakfast too,” Mona teased, as she took her last bite.
Terrance’s cell phone rang. He looked at the caller ID. “If I don’t take this call, she’s going to bug me all morning.”
“While you take your call, I’m going to take me a shower.”
Terrance answered his phone and watched Mona, wearing nothing but one of his t-shirts, walk to the bathroom.
“Terrance, do you hear me?” his mom asked from the other end of the phone.
“Yes. Loud and clear.”
“Instead of lying in bed all day, you should be in somebody’s church.”
“Mom, I read my bible. I do come at least once a month so why are you complaining?”
“Look, boy. I don’t have time to discuss this with you. Dinner’s at four. The pastor will be there. Don’t be late.”
“About dinner. I’m not sure I will be able to make it. I have an important meeting tomorrow and I really need to prepare for it today.”
“You are your father’s son. Always have a million and one excuses.”
“It isn’t polite to talk ill of the dead, mom. Isn’t that what you’ve always told me?”
“Four o’clock. I’m not taking no for an answer.”
Without another word, she hung up on him.
Terrance fell back on the bed and closed his eyes. He’d forgotten about his weekly Sunday dinner with his mom. All he wanted to do was stay in bed with Mona.
Terrance could feel Mona’s presence before she said a word. He opened his eyes. She was fully dressed in the jogging suit she had on the night before.
“You and I need to talk,” she said, as she sat on the bed near him.
Terrance sat up straight. “We sure do. I need a date for dinner. Are you available?”
“That’s just it, Terrance. We may be going a little too fast. We might need to slow things down just a little bit.”
“Too late. Now that I’ve had a taste of you, there’s no slowing down for me.”
“But I told you I was talking to this other guy,” Mona said. She regretted saying it as soon as it was out of her mouth. Her own insecurities were causing her to sabotage things between them without giving Terrance a fair shot.
“I thought after last night and the night before, this other guy would be the las
t person on your mind.”
Terrance felt disappointed that Mona seemed to care about this virtual stranger.
Mona eased closer to him. “The one thing this other guy can offer me that you haven’t offered is a commitment.”
“Did he show up the other night? No. So if he can’t keep his appointments, how can he keep a commitment to you?” Terrance asked.
“Technically, he never committed to meeting up with me.”
“Have you heard from this dude?” Terrance knew the answer to it but he wanted to hear her response.
“Uh. Well, no. But—”
“There you have it. It’s been two days and you haven’t heard from him. When men are interested in a woman, they will number one show up to meet you and number two, they will communicate with you. Mona, I hate to sound cruel, but apparently your mystery man is just not that in to you, so forget about the zero and focus on what’s staring you straight in the face.”
Mona frowned. “Like what? You haven’t made your intentions clear of what you want from me.”
Terrance looked at Mona and without blinking he responded, “I want you. I want to see where this thing between us can go. I know we’re attracted to each other, but I think it’s about more than sex. I’m willing to give it a try, if you are.”
“Terrance, there’s no doubt you’re a wonderful person. You can be a demanding boss, but overall, I feel you’re a good guy. You never date a woman long, but yet I still think you’re a good guy.”
Terrance looked at Mona as she talked. When she finished, he said, “I’m glad you think I’m a good guy, but you still have me pegged wrong. I am capable of committing to one woman.”
“When was the last time you were in a committed relationship?” Mona asked.
Terrance groaned. “It’s been a long time. Let’s just leave it at that.”
“See my point exactly.” Mona’s hand went to his face. “Terrance, I like you. I really really do. Being with you makes me forget about everything else. What I don’t want to happen is for me to get so caught up in you that when you decide to move on to the next woman, I won’t be able to function. I’ve had my heart broken one too many times. I’m not looking to go back there and besides, we’re about to embark on this new TV show together. I’ve come too far in my career to let anything interfere. ”
Terrance placed his hand over Mona’s. “Whatever happens between us, I promise you, it will not interfere with our working relationship. I have no plans to ever hurt you. I care about you. The more time we spend together in this capacity the more I’m drawn to you. Thoughts of being with another woman are the furthest thing from my mind”
“You say that now. But how will you feel next week? The week after that?”
“I can only hope that my feelings will grow. Mona, all you have to do is give us a chance.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“While you’re thinking, I have one other favor to ask you?”
“What?”
“My mom wants me to meet her for dinner at four. Can you come with me? Her pastor is going to be there and I have a feeling this might end up being an ambush and I need someone there to have my back.”
“Only if you’re paying me overtime because dealing with your mama isn’t part of my job description.”
Terrance wrapped his arm around Mona. “But if we’re going to be a couple, my mom will be in the picture.”
Mona pouted. “I’m sure I’m not your mom’s ideal woman for her son.”
“She’s happy as long as I’m happy,” Terrance said, although Mona was correct in her assessment.
“I’ll do it. But I need to go home and change into something more suitable. I wouldn’t dare visit your mom dressed in this jogging suit.”
“For the sake of time, why don’t you order what you want from this boutique nearby and I’ll have them deliver it here,” Terrance said.
“The benefits of having money. People like me can order online but the quickest we can have it is the next day. Must be nice.”
“It is nice when you can do it for someone you care about.”
“Money can’t buy my love, Mr. Terrance Beckham.”
Mona kissed him on the lips.
Terrance couldn’t be happier to hear her say that.
Chapter Twenty-One
Before dinner, Mona and Terrance decided to go over the pitch for the show. Mona sat with her legs curled under her on the sofa. Terrance sat in the chair across from her and practiced his pitch. Overall, it sounded fine to her.
“Terrance, reference my script, be sure to emphasize the sisters’ bond. The sisters may bicker among themselves, but they won’t let others from the outside harm them.”
“Gotcha. Maybe I should have you come along with me,” Terrance said.
“I would be too nervous. I trust you to do a good job. It’s your expertise, not mine.”
Terrance looked at the clock. “Not sure of how much time you need to get dressed, but we should be leaving here in the next hour to make it to my mom’s on time.”
“Thanks for the clothes. If I keep spending the night over here, I’m going to have a whole new wardrobe,” Mona joked.
“You can change in one of the rooms down here or you can use my bedroom.”
“I’ll use one of the guest rooms. I’ll be back,” Mona said, as she left Terrance alone in the living room.
Less than an hour later, Mona was fully dressed. She wore a light-brown pants suit with a white blouse. She opened the jewelry box and admired the faux pearls. They were beautiful. No one would know they were fake. She placed the earrings on then went to locate Terrance.
Terrance was in his bedroom. He sat on the edge of the bed but looked up when she entered.
“You’re looking dapper,” Mona said. He wore brown slacks and a white buttoned-down shirt and brown jacket with no tie.
“Thanks. You’re looking beautiful as usual.”
Mona held out the pearl necklace. “Can you put this on me? I’m can’t fasten it with this clasp.”
Terrance stood and walked near Mona. “So you like the pearls?”
“Yes. No one should be able to tell the pearls are fake.”
He took the pearls from her hand. She held her hair as he placed them around her neck. “That’s because they aren’t.”
Mona removed her hand and let her hair fall back into place. “I will return these as soon as we get back from your mom’s.”
They were now face-to-face. “You will do no such thing. I bought them for you. They’re yours.”
“I can’t accept it. You’ve already purchased me far too much.”
“Look at it as a bonus for being such a great assistant,” Terrance said, as he walked to the dresser and retrieved his car keys. “I’m ready, if you are.”
“Sure,” Mona responded.
Terrance didn’t know what to say to prepare Mona for his mom. They listened to music the majority of the one-hour drive to Pasadena. When they got close to his childhood neighborhood, he began sharing some of his history with Mona.
“You would think the way my mom acts that we always had money but that’s not the case. My father moved us here after becoming Vice President of operations at this local plant. He also made some wise decisions when it came to the stock market. He owned shares of Microsoft during its early years and it made him a very wealthy man.”
“I rarely hear you speak of your dad. How long ago did he die?”
“He died five years ago from a heart attack. He was golfing so he went out doing something he loved.”
“Your mom’s probably a little clingy because she’s missing your dad.” He saw Mona look at him out of the corner of his eyes.
Terrance disagreed. “My dad explained it to me when I was a teen. Apparently I had a little brother that died before I was born.
My mom blamed herself for his death because she had him on the bed and left the room for a few minutes and when she’d returned, a pillow had fallen on top of him and he smothered to death.”
Mona gasped. “I’m so sorry. I know it must have been devastating to your mom.”
“I just wish I could figure out a way to get her out of my business without hurting her feelings.”
Mona reached over the seat and placed her hand on top of his. “You’ll find a way.”
“You don’t mention your family. Why is that?” Terrance asked.
“You never asked.”
“I guess I’ve been so busy being busy that I never took the time to get to know you on a personal level. So tell me about them now.”
“Fortunate for me, we live in two different states. My folks are both alive and well and live in Frisco, Texas, which is in the suburbs of Dallas. My older sister and brother are married with kids. The grandchildren seem to occupy my parents’ time so that keeps them from always trying to get in my business.”
Terrance wanted to learn more about her family, but by now they were in the driveway. “Don’t be nervous.”
“I wasn’t nervous until you said don’t be nervous.” Mona opened the visor and reapplied her lipstick.
“My mom has hired help too so just wanted to warn you,” Terrance said, right before slipping out of the driver’s seat of the car to open Mona’s door.
He held her door open. “After you, my lady.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Mona admired the beautiful Mediterranean style house as she followed Terrance up the stairs leading to the front door.
A woman dressed in black greeted them. “Terrance, so glad to see you, son.”
Mona had seen Terrance’s mom before but this woman didn’t look like her. She looked to be in her sixties with gray streaks in her hair that was pinned in a bun.
Terrance hugged her. “Gilda, this is Mona. Mona, this woman helped raise me. She’s like my second mom.”
Mona extended her hand. Gilda pulled her into an embrace instead. “It’s about time Terrance brought a woman home to meet us.”
Secret Liaisons Page 7