Benjamin grabbed two more beers and looked at the clock in the kitchen that said six forty-five. They had fifteen minutes to get there if they wanted to be prompt, but he wasn’t about to do that. No, he was going to make an entrance. “That rich bastard can wait.” He smiled to himself and remembered that he held the cards now, he called the shots. Come to think of it, he had everyone in his clutches, including Marcie. He pulled a pipe out of his jacket pocket and lit it.
“I thought you weren’t going to show up high, Benjamin.” All the sudden she was sounding like his mom and he didn’t like that.
“I thought you weren’t going to show up high, Benjamin . . .” he mocked her in a whiny tone and took a toke off the end.
All the sudden Marcie was feeling uncomfortable but also a little more into the game. This was the Ben that kept her interested. He passed the pipe to her, and she felt a rush from knowing that this was going to put them both out of control for the evening. “We still have one more beer to drink a piece before we leave and I’m not showing up before seven thirty.”
“Come on Benjamin, that’s rude.”
“I don’t care, I had to wait twenty years for that jerk, he can wait for me!” He took a few more hits off the pipe and passed it to Marcie. He was starting to feel calm, and suddenly he didn’t care what his father thought of him.
Marcie was getting high and wondering how the night would end. She knew deep down she didn’t want to act like an idiot in front of Bradford or his girlfriend for that matter, but she was so addicted to Benjamin she couldn’t stop herself. He scooted over next to her on the sofa and ran a finger across her lips. “My, my, my, how did I ever get you? You look so gorgeous tonight.” Then he pulled her face to him and began to kiss her softly and slowly and suddenly she was hooked again. They continued to smoke until they were both giggling and had not a care in the world.
Marcie took another swig of beer and decided not to have any more because she had to drive and she was tired of always having to be the designated driver. It would be nice she thought if she could get wasted and let him drive her around for a change. “So, when do you think you’ll be able to drive again, Benjamin?”
“Never, why are you askin’?”
“I just thought, I mean it’s been awhile since the accident and well . . .”
“Well, what? You don’t know what that was like. You have no idea what I been through. And if you’re tired of driving me around just say so, I’ll call Clark!”
Marcie was really starting to get agitated with the whole scene. “If you want to call Clark, go right ahead!”
“Maybe I will, maybe you don’t have to do another thing for me.”
“Come on, Benjamin, I know you’re stressed over this meeting with your father, but do you really have to treat me like this?”
Benjamin sat there flipping the channels with the remote. His face showed no emotion and his eyes were glazed over from the weed he’d smoked. Marcie sat in silence, not really knowing what to say. She knew she probably should not have brought up the accident and could only imagine what that was like for him. Thinking about how she would feel if she had a wreck and killed Benjamin made her decide to finish her beer after all. She could tell that Benjamin really didn’t want her there now and that made her nervous. “So Benjamin, are you bout ready to go?”
He sat there with a smirk and that glazed look. “You go ahead. I’ll catch up with you later.”
Marcie took another drink and lit another cigarette. She knew if she left it would be even harder to come back to Benjamin. Why did he have to play these games with her heart? “Are you really going to call Clark? I mean, after all, I am here and I am ready and I do want to meet your father and his friend.” She looked at Benjamin until he met her eyes.
“Na, I don’t think I’m gonna go now, you go ahead.”
Marcie felt so uncomfortable. She hated men, why did she always go for jerks. “I’m not going without you. That is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Why would I want to go meet your father and his girlfriend when you are who he is expecting? If you don’t show up you’re an idiot!” She picked up her purse, chugged the rest of her beer, sat the beer bottle down on the coffee table a little too hard and crushed her cigarette out in the ashtray.
She walked out the door and left it fully open, deciding not to slam it but make him get up instead. That made her smile for some sorry reason, and she couldn’t wait to get out of his sight. Her heart hurt, but she was used to it. And what better way to treat a hurting heart then another drink and another guy. She was going to head to Frank’s. It was perfect, all his friends thought she was hot and they’d let her drink all she wanted. She took her aggression out on the clutch of her beetle bug and squealed tires leaving the parking lot. For some reason, it made her smile. “Goodbye Benjamin, have a wonderful time!” She said under her breath as she sped off.
Anticipation
Chapter 46
Desiree was excited about the evening, but a little uncomfortable too. People didn’t like change, she supposed, and she was leery about meeting Bradford’s son and what he would bring to their relationship. She was happy for Bradford and knew that this journey was something he needed. His son was going to be of extreme importance in his life, an added blessing. He would be a whole new discovery and chapter. She just hoped she didn’t get left behind in the excitement.
Desiree had already gotten the children ready and the bird situated. Josh was busy talking to Jackie about his secret. He had been on eggshells with excitement over this, chatting all week to Jackie in whispers and speaking of Belinda his angelic friend. Desiree was not sure what to make of it all, but she knew Jackie had been a great pet for both the children and her. Jackie had a personality that was very special. Desiree had even grown fond of watching her interact with both Tabitha and Josh, and on occasion she’d lightly fly by her head to say hello.
She had dressed quickly and was now trying to apply makeup over the makeup she had put on that morning. Getting a manicure and washing her hair was out of the question at this point, but she spritzed her hair with water and added some gel, then blew it completely dry. After a quick spray of perfume and a pair of dangling hoop earrings, she studied herself through the glass and whispered, “Bradford, don’t forget about me.” She was certain she was being silly, but what if his son had extreme issues or better yet none and they spent each weekend at football games and movie theaters?
She phoned her grandmom to let her know that she would be bringing the children soon. The local florist shop was on the way home from work, and she had stopped in to pick up some flowers for her grandmom. She chose an arrangement of purple lilacs and baby’s breath. She missed Grandmom and hoped the fresh cut flowers would brighten her day.
Bradford had phoned and they had agreed to drive separately and he had promised to spend Sunday with her and the children. He was already at the restaurant when Desiree arrived. Somehow, he had managed to get an amazing table in the back in a comfy corner. When she walked in, he was immediately up to greet her. “Hello Des, you look incredible as usual. How’s my favorite grandmom?”
“Oh, she is wonderful, Bradford. I picked up a bouquet of flowers for her and spent a little time there. Any sign of your son?”
“No, he hasn’t gotten here yet? I’m so nervous, my palms are sweaty.” He laughed a little uncomfortably and ran his fingers through his hair.
“It’s going to be fine Bradford. You are getting nervous over nothing.” She adored the childlike look of anticipation and hoped that the evening would be magical.
“Well, he is a little behind schedule . . . I called his cell phone a minute ago and he didn’t answer.” Bradford looked up at her with eyes that seemed to plead.
“He’s probably stuck in traffic or didn’t hear the phone ring. You know how these young people are today and it’s Saturday, calm down.” She patted his arm and looked down at his glass of wine and wondered if he intended to drink and drive. He knew how much i
t bothered her for anyone to drink and drive. She’d just have to make sure he was safe; she was sure he was just nervous.
“I know, I know, Desiree, it’s just what if he’s had a change of heart? What if he has decided not to go through with this?”
“Then Bradford, we will just keep pursuing him and loving him until he is able to trust us. Why don’t you try and call him again, it won’t hurt anything.” Bradford’s eyes were skimming the room, and he was searching the doorway and not even looking at Desiree as she spoke but instead nervously shifted in his seat. “Go, Bradford, call him.”
“Okay, I’m going to walk outside where it’s quieter and call.” He looked at her with an anxious grin and walked towards the atrium. It was a side porch enclosed with open windows, which wrapped around the side of the building. There were potted plants and beautiful pieces of art hanging at eye level. He nervously pulled out his cell and hit redial, listening to the rings and his heart drumming in his ear drums. “Hello.”
“Hey Benjamin, its Bradford, are you still coming to dinner. I was getting a little worried about you.”
“Hey, ah, yeah, I was just getting ready to call you. Marcie and I had a spat so to speak and I lost my ride.”
“Oh, I see, well, I can come get you or send a cab. There’s a taxi sitting right out front of Christy’s.”
“Yeah, sure Bradford, I’ll take a taxi.” Bradford’s voice was elated as he wrote down the address to give to the cab driver.
“Alright buddy, well, I’ll be waiting out front for you, okay?”
“Sure, Bradford, see you in a minute.”
Bradford heard the phone click and he headed to the driver out front, handed him the directions and a twenty, and then nervously bummed a cigarette. He stuck it behind his ear and pulled his sweater down, green wool that matched his striking eyes. He opened the door to the atrium and walked back down the steps and to the back where Desiree sat eating dinner bread with pineapple butter.
She could tell by the bounce in his step and the light-hearted grin that he had succeeded in getting his son on the phone. “Oh, he’s coming isn’t he?” She grinned, already knowing him too well.
“Yes dear, it seems he had a small argument with his girlfriend and was delayed. I’ve sent a taxi to pick him up.”
“He doesn’t drive?” Desiree asked with a peculiar frown.
“No, Hun, I haven’t gotten that far yet, but I’m going to finish my wine and then head out front and wait for him to get here. You don’t mind do you, Des?” He spread a hefty amount of butter onto a slice of crispy French bread and looked up at her.
“Of course not! You go wait for your son. You’ve been waiting for a lifetime. Anyway, then you can both make a grand entrance and I can see if he resembles you.” She smiled at his precariousness. It was so nice to see him so excited and so alive. He raised the wine glass and took a hearty sip and then patted Desiree on the leg. He looked into her eyes and said, “I’m so glad you are a becoming a part of my life. I can’t imagine it without you.” Their eyes met and then suddenly they were interrupted by the waiter as their lips met.
“Give us just a minute please. There is one more guest coming.” The waiter nodded at Bradford nervously, took his drink tray and scurried to another table. Bradford rose up out of his chair and headed to the front door. “I’ll be right back and don’t you go anywhere, I can’t wait for you to meet him.” He winked at her and it made her heart flutter. She was falling and bad.
Desiree called after Brad, “Hey, what’s his name?” But, he was too far away to hear her.
Bradford stepped outside into the chilly air and lit his cigarette. It was already growing dark, and the valets were pacing for the next car to park for tip money. Bradford sat down on a wooden bench and inhaled the tasty treat. He knew he shouldn’t but some cravings never went away. Blowing smoke, he thought about how drastically life had changed for him in just a short time and he knew he had Desiree to thank for that. Now his son would be a part of it too. He finished his wine and sat the glass on the side of the seat. The cigarette was nearly gone when the lights of a taxi pulled into the front circle drive. Bradford rose up quickly, anxious to make this relationship work. The door opened and out stepped Benjamin and he nearly ran to meet him.
“How are you doing kid?” Before he could answer Bradford put his arm around him, just before punching him lightly on the shoulder. Benjamin smiled and wondered if this was going to work. He was still kicking himself in the butt over Marcie, but he could get her back whenever he wanted, he knew that. “You ready to go in and meet my lovely lady and order some food? I’m getting hungry, how about you?”
“Sounds good Bradford, sound’s good.” His eyes were still glazed over and he was feeling no pain.
“You don’t have to call me Bradford. Benjamin, you can call me dad, well, when you feel comfortable.” And with that, they opened the front doors and began walking towards the back booth. Desiree sat waiting patiently, not knowing that her life was once again going to change.
Liars and Fires
Chapter 47
Marcie flung the door open to Frank’s and walked with a strut, knowing that every eye in the room was glued to her tight black velvet pants and high heeled boots. With her hair pulled up and her low cut cashmere sweater, she knew she was causing disturbances even with the married couples, as husbands and dates stared a little too long at her curvy figure. Marcie smiled to herself and flashed her bright eyes adorned with the dark shadow and mascara. She wiggled her way down the steps to the bar area and waited for Scott to come over and get her drink order. Adrenalin rushed to her head as she looked around the bar and tried to decide which man she wanted to get to know for the night.
“Hey, hottie, where are you going tonight?” Scott whistled and fed her ego a little more.
“I dunno, that might depend on where you plan on taking me?” She winked and began the start of one of her favorite games. Daddy, you have taught me so well, she thought. She flashed her sexiest smile and watched out of the corner of her eye as an older business man strained his ear to catch her every word. “I’ll have a martini, Scott, and make it dirty, with extra olives.”
Scott grabbed a bottle of Absolut and started pouring her drink into the shaker, just as Clark came around the corner. “Well, look at you, girl!” Clark let out a whistle and smiled. “Where’s Benjamin at?”
“Benjamin who?” She said, taking a drink of her martini.
“Oh, it’s like that now is it?” Clark shook his head and looked her over more than once.
“Yeah Clark, it’s like that.” She always found Clark a little untrustworthy, but he might be just what she needed to get back at Benjamin. She smiled at the idea of all his coworkers watching her snuggle up to Clark.
“Well Marcie, if he let you get out of his sight tonight, he ain’t real bright.” Clark’s eyes were fixed on her cleavage. “I’m going to have to have a talk with that boy. Man . . .”
“Well, have you talked to him tonight?” Marcie already knew Benjamin had invited Clark to the pizza pub to watch the band. He was supposed to meet them there after they had dinner at Christy’s.
“Yeah, he called, said a taxi was picking him up and he’d see me at the pizza joint later on, like around nine or ten. What’s up? I thought you both were getting along good and this was supposed to be an exciting night, meeting the dad and all?”
“Yeah, me too Clark, but I guess I’m not as fun as his dead fiancée. I’m tired of trying to compete with a dead person!” Marcie picked up her martini glass and took a gulp while pulling an olive off a spear and seductively putting in her mouth. She turned and smiled at the businessman who hadn’t taken his eyes off her since she’d arrived.
“Fiancée? What are you talking about? Benjamin’s never been engaged before?”
Marcie looked confused. She pulled out a cigarette and instantly had two lighters in front of her. “You know Clark, his fiancée Debbie, the one who died in a car wreck.”<
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“Oh man, whoa, whoa, back up, who told you this? Marcie, I’ve known Benjamin since we were little kids and he did date a girl named Debbie, but they weren’t engaged and she is alive and well. She left him for an older man, lives over in the Cambridge apartments.”
All the color drained out of Marcie’s face. All the life went out of her body. Why did she always pick men who were sorry pieces of crap? “All men are liars,” she said, liars and she was naive and stupid enough to believe their schemes. “So, they were never engaged and she didn’t die in a car wreck?”
“No baby, she is very much alive and living with some old dude.”
“But Benjamin said that’s why he walks everywhere and why he can’t drive anymore.” Her brow was crumpled up and she was in shock. She didn’t know what to say or do.
“Scott, bring her another martini and put it on my tab,” Clark said in a stern voice.
“Baby, Benjamin doesn’t drive because Benjamin got a DUI and some other things happened. Somebody died alright, but it sure wasn’t anyone he knew. That’s why he walks everywhere. I’m sorry Marcie, really I am, but Benjamin’s not good for you. You deserve better,” he said, as he rubbed her shoulder.
Marcie was so confused and so stunned she didn’t even feel like flirting anymore. She just felt empty and so betrayed. All she wanted to do now was drink till the ache left her.
“I’m gonna go change clothes. I’ll be right back, okay?” “Okay Clark,” she said, as she inhaled her cigarette a little too hard and motioned for Scott. “Hey, I think I want to do a shot, you know how to make a purple hooter? Ahh, skip it, just give me a shot of tequila, with lime and salt.”
“Marcie, mixing vodka and tequila might not be such a good idea.” Scott gave her a face that reminded her of her father’s. She wanted to just punch Scott and jump over the bar and take the whole entire bottle.
“Scott, I’m a big girl, I’ll decide what’s good and what’s not, okay?” She smiled a smile that said jerk wad, just do what I say already. All of the sudden, she wanted to take every businessman at the bar to the nearest hotel and take their wallets and their clothes and then call their wives on the way out. She felt very vindictive at the moment and very determined to make Benjamin pay and what better way she thought than with his best friend Clark.
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