Hoodwinked

by Desiree Granger

  I didn’t say anything, feeling my eyes swell up with tears as I blinked up at the ceiling.

  “I’m sorry to hear about that. Was it Homer’s baby or Percy’s?” She asked softly.

  “I think it was Homer’s...Percy, and I always use protection,” I choked.

  She was quiet...too quiet before sighing.

  “You had Percy pay to abort Homer’s child Nasia?”

  “Jasmine, I am so sorry----.”

  “It’s not me you have to ultimately apologize to...but that's not why I called to get into this. We’re already this far, why stop now? Please, just do me this favor, and we can move forward. I’m not sure what Percy is telling you, but he’s a manipulator. Reason why we don’t work well together is because I’m not easily manipulated. That’s why. Can you….” She paused. “I think he’s here. Did he leave you?”

  “Yeah, he left about an hour ago,” wiping my face with a small laugh. “I can’t believe this shit---.”

  “I’m so glad I could finally get this off my chest. I was starting to break out from it,” she laughed before lowering her voice. “Things are finally about to change for me. I can feel it, but I have to go, he just walked in.”

  The phone clicked.

  Jasmine

  You have a message from Pia Milton.

  First message….

  “Hey Jasmine. I um...It’s Pia. Percy’s sister. Obviously. I know we don’t talk much or haven’t gotten the chance to get to know one another, but I know you’re close to Francesca, and my friend Delilah has taken an interest in you. She claims you know her----. D-Delilah give me the phone! I’m not going to play these childish ga--Delilah?!

  “Jasmine this is Delilah Skye. We’re all going out tomorrow night for drinks, and some live music. Girls’ night kind of thing. We Skye women vibe a little differently at night. Strange things are known to occur. You should come with. Celebrate new beginnings, and a change in time because your time is now...Do you hear me? It’s now. Do it now or forever be stuck. Here’s Pia with----.

  “Give me the damn phone weirdo,” Pia snapped with a huff of her voice. “I apologize Jasmine. She's a little on the eccentric side. She’s sort of like Violet’s Aunt. I’ll send you details tomorrow before noon. We’re all meeting at my house apparently. My daughter will be with her father so I’m attempting to take advantage of the free… Well. Anyway. I’ll send you the details. Text me back to let me know you’re in.

  “Do it now Jasmine! NOW! Make your move!” Delilah screamed in the background before the message ended.

  I replayed that voicemail over, and over sitting in the car in the parking lot last night after running into Homer, and again today on my way over here. Friday late morning, just before lunch hours clicked in, I grabbed a table at the very corner where hardly anybody sat, and it was quiet. Away from it all. My hair was in a simple black curly ponytail with dark denim jeans, simple ankle boots with a loose fitting shirt. Make up was light, and natural and earrings simple along with a few bracelets. Didn’t want to overdo it, but I felt confident in how I looked after getting quite a few stares in my direction until they eyed the engagement ring.

  If all goes to plan, this ring would be off before I make it to the car, and never put back on.

  I looked around the place, waiting to see Percy until he stepped off the elevator, adjusting his blazer, and thin tie. Pinstriped all the way down with the broad shoulders filling out the suit, and the strut of a model that had women turning their heads towards the four eyed freak. He faked a smile, I faked one back until he grabbed the chair in front of me. Leaning in for a stiff kiss on the cheek before sitting down.

  “What’s so important that couldn’t wait until I got home? I have a meeting in about an hour, so what is it?” He asked, looking me over in approval before shoving his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “You look nice. Plain, but nice.”

  “Thank you,” hugging my coffee mug with both hands. “I wanted to talk to you about something brief. I’ll be quick because I know how important your job is.”

  “Then please get straight to it.”

  “I know you’re sleeping with Nasia,” I said as his eyes grew wide. He slowly licked his lips, showing no guilt or remorse in his shocked expression. Just...surprised. Good, that means we’re on the same page as far as feelings go. We have none towards each other.

  “Look----.”

  “Before you say anything else,” holding my hand up. “I want you to know that I don’t care. I’ve known since you two started. She sometimes smells like you when I’m around her,” I said with a smile, seeing his face grow stiff. He looked anxiously around before leaning in.

  “Understand that I have no feelings for her, Jasmine. It’s strictly physical----.”

  “I don’t care Hugo,” using his middle name. “We don't have feelings for each other so I don't care,” leaning in to meet his gaze. “In fact, I want to propose a deal… I think we should see other people. Communication is the key, and if we’re open about what we’re doing, we have nothing to hide because people already suspect you of cheating on me. If my dad finds out, and you know how much he loves you----.”

  “What do you mean see other people? As in you? Stepping out?” He asked like it couldn’t be done.

  “I would like to, yes. I want to start dating. Discreetly of course.”

  Percy’s left eye twitched as he looked around, mouth tightening up like he was gritting his teeth. He was trying his hardest not to get aggressive with me in public, but I know he wanted to. Even though he would never lay a hand on me, he had the temper for it.

  “If both of us are doing this, don’t you think it would look suspicious if----.”

  “Which is why communication is important. I...I think you should move in with Nasia full time----.”

  “Wait a minute, you can’t kick me out of my----.”

  “Or I’ll move out. Whichever works best.”

  “Somebody has to stay there Jasmine---.”

  “We can keep it to save face but either you leave or I will. I want to be able to bring my men to a bed. I’m not trying to make it a habit of sleeping wherever,” I said in a classy manner. “I like a comfortable bed.”

  I wasn’t going to bore him with my bulletproof plan on finding a man I truly like, and the search for happiness in a relationship. I know it can be done, and the moment it happens, I planned on leaving Percy before we could make it down the aisle.

  “This is fucking insane,” Percy muttered, rubbing his jaw before looking at me. “How are we going to convince people we’re a happily engaged, soon to be married couple if we’re both cheating on one another. I don’t understand your logic----.”

  “This is where I propose date night. Once a week, we’ll go out to eat or show our face together. Look the part at whatever function, but behind closed doors, we part ways.”

  “And what if I don’t want you sleeping with other men, especially men I may know---.”

  “Like my best friend? You sleeping with her?” I asked out loud as he looked around before leaning in close.

  “Keep it down----.”

  “I have more tact than that. I would never do that, and for you doing that to me, it's something I’ll never forgive you for. Even after we’re old, and weary with great-grandchildren. I’ll never look at you the same. So are we in agreement?” Gathering my things like I was suddenly in a hurry. “I have plans tonight.”

  “Plans?”

  “Yes, plans. I’m going out to a club tonight with your sister,” I boasted. “She invited me.”

  “What about Nasia? What about----?”

  “I have no intentions of telling her. I’ll still remain very close, and act as if I don’t know a thing. As a matter of fact, I’m meeting her for lunch in a few minutes. Waiting on her to get on break.”

  “She’s going to know something is up----.”

  “Not unless you tell her Percy,” I noted with a pout, feeling beyond powerful at his weakened posture. �
�Are we in agreement?”

  “No kissing,” he said suddenly as my eyes grew wide. He wouldn’t look at me at first until our eyes caught one another. “No matter what you think of me or how many women I sleep with, I don’t kiss them on the mouth. I reserve that for you, even if I don’t particularly care for you. Whenever….whenever we have to sleep together for children...Something that intimate should be reserved for you as my wife and the same goes to me as your husband.”

  I almost gagged but agreed. I wouldn’t be around much longer to marry him anyway so it didn’t matter. Forget what that scamming witch said about him, I’m finding my soulmate on my own.

  “No kissing on the mouth. Date night once a week---.”

  “Twice a week. Mix up the days so people don’t suspect,” he cut in. “Twice a week, and you have my blessing. I’ll move out, but those two days I expect you, and I to be there together. We don’t have to share a bed anymore, but I expect us to spend the night together.”

  I almost wanted to laugh.

  “I wasn’t asking for your blessing or permission Percy. I’m just giving you a courtesy conversation before I step out this weekend, and fine. Two nights a week at our place. No kissing on the mouth---.”

  “Nasia cannot know about this,” he stated as I nodded.

  “I won’t say a word. She’s still my best friend and only friend.”

  He stared at me as if he knew I was lying before he stood up, and adjusted his blazer.

  “Not as dumb as I thought you were Jasmine,” he noted without looking at me.

  “And you’re exactly the same. Ignorant, rude, and repulsive.”

  He smiled before laughing as he leaned in for another fake kiss on the cheek.

  “The feeling is mutual sweetheart, trust me. I would do anything to marry Nasia or any other desperate woman before you, but your family is useful,” pulling back as he smiled, thinking he one-upped me in the talk back game. “I find your family extremely useful for my future plans. Hope this weekend goes as planned. Stay safe.”

  “Will do,” I let out, wanting to throw this coffee mug at his head but I spotted Nasia walking towards me. Her usual yellow face was flushed and red around her eyes like she’d been crying. Waves of her weave fell past her shoulders as she lifted her purse in the air to slide between chairs and tables. Glancing at Percy’s backside while he walked off before looking at me with wide eyes.

  “Does he know? Did you tell him?” She asked instantly, sitting down before me as I took her trembling hand. She was a mess. “Jasmine, I cannot express how sorry I am about----.”

  “Hey, hey, don’t worry,” I whispered kindly. “He doesn’t know a thing. We were discussing wedding plans, and you know...it's difficult when I don’t want to marry him in the first place,” I laughed. “You’ve been crying?”

  “I just can’t….” Dropping her head low. “I can’t even----.”

  “Nasia, he doesn’t know a thing. I promise you,” I smiled. “Besides, next week I’m supposed to attend some boring Gala with my mother. I want you to go in my place instead, but you need to look the part. A lot of people, and a lot of money in that room. My mom said she doesn’t mind if you want to come. Could be a great opportunity. Now let’s chat girly.”

  Percy Hugo Milton

  Yes, I want my full name stated when read in my perspective. I prefer it that way.

  “Mr. Milton, sir?” Melonie called out as I looked up at the small conference table, seeing all eyes were focused on me. “Are you with us?”

  “I’m here,” waving her off as I leaned back in the chair. The only black man in the room, I stood out already amongst the pale men in suits who just happened to work under me. Youngest in the room carrying my father’s name on my shoulders, I waved for them to continue with the conversation. Only half listening as my mind wandered back to the conversation with my fiance…

  Who the hell does she think she is?

  You’ve always known? Why are you just now saying something? She obviously had someone, but who?

  “And the case will no longer be our main priority as politics are changing in this city,” the voice continued, drowning out my thoughts only to tune back out.

  Did she have a hickey on her neck? I could have sworn I saw a dark mark on her neck. Somebody had her in their bed, and she wasn’t saying anything. It’s the only reason she felt comfortable enough to approach me now after all this time.

  She was fucking somebody else.

  “It's a deal we can’t pass up on frankly,” Roger could be heard saying. “Atlanta is hot right now with all this real estate value going up, and everyone moving here for a fresh beginning. Not to mention the start ups companies who will eventually need representation.”

  “We lack pro bono work....”

  What was Pia doing inviting her somewhere? They never talk. It was an unspoken agreement that Piru, and Pia and I never mix and mingle our relationships with family. Our family was too toxic for that. I did Jasmine a favor by keeping her away from Pia and Piru. My mother of course loved her, but...I…. She treated me like a virus she couldn’t get rid of, but had to live with. Nothing is ever good enough for the uptight, stuck up Jasmine. As beautiful as she was, she relied only on her looks to get her by, and that was half the problem of why we never connected. Other reason being, I just never liked her in the first place.

  She had to be sleeping with someone already. She didn’t look upset, or hurt about the thought of Nasia, and I… Just ready to move on with it. That can’t be unless she’s sleeping with another man in my bed of all places….

  “Sir?”

  “What is it?” I asked, agitated until I noticed the pen in my hand snapped in half with ink spilled over onto my fingers. Everyone looked at me with a raised brow.

  “Trouble with the wife at home Hugo?” Roger joked lightly as I smiled, getting up.

  “Excuse me, gentlemen. Melonie will catch me up on the meeting, I need to take care of something,” pushing my chair under the table before walking out of the conference room. Storming past the cubicles, and into my house with a shove of the door, and slammed it shut behind me. I don’t like feeling like someone is playing me. Thinking I won’t find out. Studied law for years, top of my class. Professional liar, and manipulator for a high priced fee. I always remained two to three steps ahead of everyone at all times. Never been late to know anything, but Jasmine caught me off guard. I’m strategic, cunning, deceitful when it applies and works in my favor. I was everything most paid me to be in the courtroom, and never played fair, Jasmine of all people, wasn’t going to get over on me. Not now, not ever.

  I paced back and forth, gripping my head before wringing my hands free of stress. Only to plop down in the chair, facing the large window and pulled out my phone.

  “What do you want?” My brother Piru answered.

  “Have your wife call me. I think this bitch is cheating on me,” I snapped.

  “Jasmine?” He asked before letting out a laugh. “And you think Frannie would know----.”

  “She knows about everything else apparently, surely she would know who this man is.”

  “Why do you care? Aren’t you sleeping around on her----.”

  “I don’t care!” I snapped. “But I want to know because she thinks I won’t ever know or find out. She thinks she has one over me. It’s a game she’s trying to play with me, and you know I spend what little free time I have, playing games. I’m with it if she is. If that’s how it's going to be? Fine, but I need to know who he is so I can look into it.”

  “If you don’t care, then it really shouldn’t be that serious----.”

  “Can you just get your wife?!” I snapped. “Be glad I’m even calling you out of respect because I can easily call my dear sister-in-law without you knowing----.”

  “Don’t come at my wife with this same energy. Calm down. Jasmine of all people won’t cheat on you. She’ll leave before she does---.”

  “She knows I’m cheating on her. She just tol
d me, and said she wants to do the same thing. How else am I supposed to take that?!”

  “Sounds like you have permission to roam freely, and she’s going to do the same----.”

  “WHICH MEANS SHE’S BEEN DOING IT! She can’t know who I’m messing with, and me not know about her shit! I want to know...I won’t say anything, I won’t even care. Honest,” hand in the air with innocence. “I don’t even care now. I just want to know so it can be balanced. Scales have to be balanced in my favor. Besides, you know Jasmine. She’s always been stuck up. What man could possibly have caught her attention, and hold it for more than an hour at a boring dinner? I’ve been stuck with her for years, and she has yet to respond to me so I want to know. Have your wife call me or see what you can find out. I’m getting ready to call Pia.”

  “What does she have to do with anything?”

  “Because Pia invited her to hang out with her tonight. Pia is single. Dre dumped her after this baby daddy incident, and I don’t blame him, but what do you want with Jasmine all of the sudden? I don’t trust it so I’m calling your little sister.”

  “Who is also your big sister,” he reminded me as I hung up, and searched my contacts for Pia Milton. Calling her had never been priority. My siblings, and I rarely spoke on the phone like this, and hardly met in person. Haven’t been exactly close, but make no mistake I was fiercely protective over both, especially Pia. Piru, and I have fought over the years to know what buttons to push, and what not to push, but Pia was different from us. She didn’t grow up with a spine, or backbone like Piru, and I. Took after our meek father who’d rather have people walk all over him, and consider him weak, but when she didn’t answer, I started to send her a text when Piru’s FaceTime call interrupted the screen. It was his work phone this time which meant one thing. Adjusting my glasses, I answered to see him with the annoying face tattoos, glasses, and braided hair. Buzzing needles in the background grew distant as he walked into his office, occasionally looking down at the screen, signaling for me to be quiet.