by Tracy Reed
“Don’t know and don’t care.” He took a sip from his glass and placed it back on the table. “So, why is Chloe here? She’s supposed to be in Brazil until the baby is born.”
“What baby?” Quentin asked.
“That’s why she went to Brazil,” Bas informed him. “You knew that right?”
“No. She told me she was going to oversee a project.”
“It’s a project alright,” I replied.
“I’ve been so focused on Dionne and the baby, it never occurred to me when Chloe said she’d be gone for almost a year, it was…oh crap. this means she’ll be calling soon. Just when I was enjoying a little peace and no drama.”
Bas and I laughed at him. “Sorry man.”
“Back to my question. Why is she here?” Bas asked.
“Kendell and Dionne called her and said Alex was acting irrational. And from what I gather some unflattering things about me as well.”
“Oh man, I’m sorry,” Quentin apologized. “I heard Dionne on the phone, but I had no idea she was talking about you.”
“They did what?” Bas asked.
“Apparently, Kendell told Dionne I married Alex for her money,” I announced.
“You’ve got to be kidding.” Quentin laughed so loud the entire restaurant looked at him. “Her money...that’s rich.”
“Also, the reason I live with my grandmother is because I don’t have a job.”
“Are you kidding?” Bas asked.
“So Chloe shows up ranting and raving about Alex being impulsive and deciding to become a Sugar Mommy.”
“Bas, I told you Kendell was crazy,” Quentin repeated again.
“We explained everything to Chloe, and she apologized.”
“Wait a minute. Did they say anything about a GTS?” Bas asked.
“I heard Chloe say something like that. She said Dionne and Kendell were on their way, because they were having an emergency GTS. What is that?”
“Oh this explains the whispering. My wife has been running around talking real low on her cell to Kendell and all I got was an emergency GTS and something about tomorrow. Which would have been night before last.”
“So what’s a GTS?” I asked again.
“They call it a girlfriend truth session. It’s when they meet to discuss something they feel is life changing for one of them,” Bas explained.
“From my understanding, everything discussed is done with the understanding you’re asking for truthful criticism and advice. And you can’t leave angry,” Quentin supplemented Bas’ answer.
“You’re kidding.”
“No. This is something they came up with in college and it’s how they’ve managed to stay friends. It’s also where they came up with that stupid dating rule.” Bas explained.
“What rule?” I asked.
“No dating each other’s exs, relatives or employees. Sounds like some teenage crap to me. They swear this is how they’ve managed to stay friends for so long,” Bas explained.
“Have either of you ever been to one?”
“Men are not allowed.” Bas immediately replied.
“How often do they have these...meetings?”
“Only when one of them has done something insane, like get married in secret.” Quentin looked at me.
“Or asks can she break the rule to date someone’s assistant,” Bas disclosed.
“That’s why they called Chloe. They were scared to go directly to Alex. So, they called one of two people that can stand toe to toe with her,” Quentin replied.
“So what happened yesterday?” Quentin asked.
“Alex called Dionne and Kendell, and I heard my wife use some words I didn’t think she knew.”
“What did she say?” Bas asked.
“It was wicked. Alex told Dionne and Kendell they aren’t welcome at her house until they apologize to Moses.”
“What was said?” Bas asked.
“They called Moses a gold digger. Alex said Kendell needed to concentrate on her own life and stay out of hers, and the only reason she was at our wedding was because she was dating Bas.”
“Oh, that one had to hurt,” Quentin shook his head.
“It gets worse. Chloe’s pissed because they got her back here under false pretenses, and her doctor says she can’t travel anymore. She told Dionne and Kendell she was done with them until they fix things with me and Alex.”
“Dionne called last night and apologized,” I confirmed.
“What about Kendell?” Bas asked.
“I don’t know if Alex has spoken with her. How long do they usually stay mad with each other?”
“I’ve seen them make up in a matter of hours. I think the longest was ten days,” Bas announced.
“I remember that one. My wife was a pain to live with. She took her anger out on me. I almost called one of those GTS things myself,” Quentin teased.
“Alex was no walk in the park either. I couldn’t do anything right. She was like a snapping turtle, constantly biting my head off.”
“How did they resolve it because there’s no way I can spend ten days with that crazy woman I met yesterday,” I said.
“They kind of just came to their senses. These fights usually just work themselves out. But this one is a little different. You might want to settle in for the long haul,” Bas suggested.
“Why?”
“Because from the sound of it, Alex is pissed on a whole other level.”
“Any suggestions?” I’m new to all of this. I know women are a little more involved in their friendships. Unlike men, we get angry and in a matter of minutes we’re fine. But women, their anger is similar to an elephant’s memory…long and deep.
“Maybe take her away? Keep your distance. I don’t know. Any suggestions Quentin?”
“I’m doing whatever it takes to bring peace. I can’t deal with a pregnant wife who’s arguing with her best friends. And, if that means I have to take the blame, then so be it.”
“And if they do call a GTS, leave,” Bas warned.
“Leave?”
“Yes. You do not want to be around that hot mess. Things are said that can be misinterpreted. It’s not for the faint of heart,” Bas announced.
“I thought men weren’t allowed?”
“They aren’t, but I happened upon one in Alex’s office and I thought I’d gotten locked into a debate at the UN. There was screaming, yelling, and name calling. I was scared,” Bas declared. “Like Quentin said, I didn’t know they knew words like that.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“And as a member of the male support group, if you ever hear there’s going to be a GTS, you immediately call us,” Quentin chimed in.
“Why?”
“Second rule, men must run for cover.” Bas laughed.
“Okay.”
“So are you and Kendell done?” Quentin asked.
“Quentin, drop it,” Bas replied.
“I’m just asking. I thought she was the one.”
“So did I,” Bas confessed.
Chapter Fifteen
Chloe
* * *
I’M COMING,” I YELLED OUT. I don’t remember the distance from the patio to the front door being so far. And of course, I’d have to pee. “I know you think you’re in charge, but not today. Mommy is having lunch with your Aunt Alex, so please be nice.”
I have officially become one of those pregnant women. The kind that stand around rubbing their belly and talking out loud.
I opened the front door, breathing hard.
“What’s wrong?” Alex immediately went into mother hen mode. She stepped inside, closed the door, and we kissed on both cheeks like chic European women when they greet their friends.
“It’s just your godson reminding me, he’s in charge.” We laughed. “It’s bad enough he kept me up most of the night. Whoa.” I rubbed my belly where the kick landed. “Seems Parker still thinks we’re in Brazil at a soccer match. Want to feel?”
“Are you sure?
” I placed her hand on my belly and Parker immediately kicked. Alex covered her mouth with her other hand. “He’s a little excited.”
“Talk to him.”
She directed her voice to my belly. “Hey little man, it’s your Auntie Alex. I can’t wait to meet you. Whoa.” She jumped back.
“Seems he can’t wait either. Come on, let’s eat before he starts round two.”
“Lead the way.”
We walked down the hall and I heard Alex laughing. “What’s so funny?”
“You.”
“Me?”
“You’re waddling.”
“I don’t waddle,” I protested.
“If you say so, but it’s cute.”
“Have a seat.” We sat down, said grace and started eating. I waited to see if she was going to offer any information. Nothing. “Okay, I can’t take it any more.”
“Take what?”
“Tell me everything.”
“Everything…”
“Chick, I’ll waddle over there and slap you.”
She patted her chest laughing and choking. “What do you want to know?”
“I know you met at the party, but how did you go from that meeting to marriage?”
“We bumped into each other at the airport.”
“And…”
“When he came here on business we connected and a year…sixteen months later, we got married.”
“Alex, that story is a bunch of crap and you know it.”
“What?” Her smile covered her face.
“I want details. What’s he like and don’t recite his bio, because I spent the morning researching him.”
“What do you want me to say…he’s wonderful. He’s everything I wanted but didn’t know I needed.”
“Blah, blah, blah…what about the good stuff?”
“Good stuff?”
“Yeah,” I rubbed my belly. “Is he a good kisser, any disgusting habits, how was it the first time, you two, you know? Help me out here, I’ve got no husband, no man, and the last time I had sex I got more than I asked for, if you know what I mean.” We laughed.
“We agreed not to talk about our personal life.”
“Are you kidding me? How am I supposed to live vicariously through you, if you don’t tell me anything? You are over there shacked up with a yummy chocolate drop, while I’m here with swollen ankles. Give me details.”
“Calm down. I’ll say this, God has truly gone above what I dreamed and expected…in every area.” She cocked her head to the side and a wicked smile covered her face.
“Really?” I smiled as my mind filled with several salacious possibilities.
“Oh, yeah. Girlfriend is enjoying marriage.”
“Oh, my. Things are that good?”
“Better than you could imagine.”
“You know, I have a vivid imagination.”
“I know.”
“Oh, my.” I took a big sip from my glass and began fanning my self. “Is it getting warm, or is it my pregnancy?” We laughed hard.
“He loves God and it shows. It’s like the more he loves God, the more he loves me. Jonathan never gave me that.” She bit her lower lip and continued. “I know he loves me, and not just because he gives me amazing gifts.”
“What’s he given you besides that incredible ring?” She got quiet. “Alex…”
“A jet.”
“A jet?”
She nodded. “Yeah. And this.” She pulled the sleeve of her sweater back, revealing an amazing pink alligator Happy Sport watch with floating pink diamonds.
“Oh, my God. That’s beautiful.”
“A pair of incredible diamond earrings and he paid off my house.”
Now it was me sitting with my mouth wide open. “He did what?”
“He paid off my, our house. He said he wanted us to have a clean slate.”
“Wow.”
“I know. He’s pretty amazing. And yes, I know about the money. I’m not stupid.”
“About that…”
“I understand. You were just being a good friend and I appreciate that, but I did my homework. When we broke up…”
“You broke up…when?”
“January…it was all my fault…Terrence crap.”
“He knows about Terrence?”
“Yeah…they met. That’s a whole other story.”
I sipped my water. “I can’t believe you went against type.”
“What are you talking about?” She sipped her iced tea.
“Physically, he’s nothing like the guys you’ve dated.”
She bit her bottom lip and that wicked smile was there again. “I know. He’s…”
“Very tall, for you. You usually go for a slightly shorter type. What is he, about six…”
“I’m not sure exactly, but I know he’s over six feet.”
“Really.” I started smiling. “Tall, dark, handsome and…”
“Big hands.” She quickly covered her mouth with her napkin.
“Oooo, Alex.”
“What?” She lowered the napkin. “I’m just stating a fact. My husband has large, strong, soft hands…and he knows how to use them.”
Now it was me choking and laughing. “Okay, next subject.”
“You asked.”
“And now, I’m changing the subject.” I sipped my tea. “So, tell me, what’s going on with Bas and Kendell?”
“What did she say?” she answered my question with a question.
“A bunch of half statements.” Alex sipped her coffee. “Alex, what’s going on?”
“They broke up,” she confessed.
“What! Oh.” A sharp jab from my belly passenger. “Even Parker can’t believe that. What happened?”
“Short version, he wanted to get married and she didn’t.”
“Excuse me. Did you say, Bas wanted to get married?”
“Yep.”
“And she didn’t?”
“Yep.”
“Wait a minute. Did I miss something?”
“I didn’t believe it either when he told me.”
“What did she say?”
“I haven’t spoken with her.”
“Wait, wait, wait…I know I have pregnancy brain, but you said you haven’t spoken to her?”
“We’ve spoken, but she hasn’t said anything about Bas.”
“Are you kidding?”
“No.” She wiped her mouth with her napkin and placed it on the table next to her empty plate. “I’m trying to stay out of it because Bas asked me not to get involved…but it’s been hard. I wanted to go over and wring her neck, but…”
“You’ll need to get in line behind me. First she calls me with some story about Moses to get me home and now I find out she broke up with Bas.” I shook my head. “I think she’s bi-polar. I know she’s your cousin, but…”
“Hey,” she raised her hands up in a defensive pose. “You don’t have to tell me. She’s been talking about getting married since we were kids. I don’t know what’s going on with her.”
“What did Bas say?”
“He’s been talking to Moses.”
“And…”
“He said he’s waiting on an answer from God.”
“Uh-huh.”
“I’ve got an answer for him…forget about her…move on…I love my cousin, but I always thought…never mind. What’s going on with you?”
“Subject change.” I nodded.
“Yes. Are you ready for my godson’s arrival?”
“Not quite. Since I’ve been grounded by my doctor, I’m going to stay here in the guest house for a little while. I want to be close to my mom.”
“I can understand that.”
“So next week, daddy is sending a crew over to convert one of the bedrooms into a nursery. I believe everything will be ready in time.”
“Orlando still doesn’t want to be involved?”
“Nope, and I’m fine with it.”
She reached over and patted my hand. “Parker is goi
ng to be surrounded by love.”
“He already is.” I sniffled.
Chapter Sixteen
Alex
* * *
MY EMPLOYEES ARE LIKE MY family. When my fiancé died, they became very protective. I think at some point over the years, at least half of them has voiced their opinion about the men I’ve dated, or been involved with.
So I was a little reticent about introducing Moses to them. Travis, my head of security, pulled me to the side after Moses and I started dating. He told me he checked Moses out, and felt he was a suitable companion for me. When he found out we had broken up, he pulled me to the side and made it clear, I needed to do whatever was necessary to get Moses back.
Apart from Bas, Travis is the only other staffer who knows I’m married. It only seemed fair to tell him, seeing he caught me and Moses making out in my office…and the store room…and the lounge. However, today, I’m going to introduce Moses to the rest of my employees…work family.
I went downstairs to the kitchen and saw my sexy husband dancing to our favorite song, the Gap Band’s “Yearnin’”. Watching him move is hypnotic. He gets into this little groove when he cooks. It’s like getting a show with my meal. Not to mention, I get to look at that tight behind of his. There have been a few times we’ve skipped dinner because I got so excited watching him cook.
He turned around, looked at me and a huge smile covered his face. “I thought you didn’t want to dress alike?”
“Oh,” I smiled and looked at the light grey Lanvin sheath dress I was wearing. “No, I didn’t.”
“Do you want me to change?”
“No, it’s okay.”
He put the plates on the counter, wiped his hands on his apron and extended his hand to me as he kept moving to the music. “Dance with me.” I took his hand and he pulled me to his chest. We quickly got in sync with the music dancing. “I love dancing with you.” He kissed me. “Nervous?”
“A little.”
“You’ll do fine.” He flung me out and quickly pulled me back to his chest.”
“I like it when you do that.” I smiled.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to change?”
His offer was sweet. I kissed him.“I like this suit on you.”
