Loving You Through Our Differences

by Tucora Monique

“Why the tears, Sparx?”

  “You love me, and I love you, and I’ve never had that before outside of my family.”

  “Forever,” I promised. And I meant it.

  There was no one but Sparx.

  I saw no one but Sparx, and after having her, I’d never let her go.

  Lifting from where we’d made a bed, I walked us over to the couch.

  “No. Shower first. I have hair everywhere.”

  I placed soft pecks on her uncovered skin going to the bathroom. I remembered a time when she couldn’t stand to even maintain eye contact, and now her body was wrapped around me like a second skin, and her eyes were latched with mine.

  “Wanna ride?” I coaxed, clenching her hips between my hands.

  Nodding once more, she detached our bodies and made a suggestion as she slid off her shorts.

  “How about you come shower with me?” She provoked, coming over and pulling my T-shirt off.

  “I like that plan.”

  Once the temperature was adjusted, a layer of steam accompanied us. I didn’t initially join my lady, just allowed my eyes to be saturated with her silhouette.

  “Get in.” She purred, pressing her full ass on the glass shower door. I smiled at her ass cheeks welcoming me.

  Sliding the door open, the visual was gorgeous.

  Her hair sat as wide as her shoulders and the height matched my stature. The fiery red tips I’d met her with had lightened over the last five months to a pinkish color. Her skin glistened thanks to having more hot water than cold spitting from the shower head.

  It took no time for my body to respond to our closeness. It took me no time to have her slammed up against the wall with my dick in her either.

  “Fuck,” I groaned, using my tongue to stimulate her collarbone. We used the chilled tile wall as leverage, but for the most part, my dick was keeping her upright.

  “Mmmm, yes, baby. Fuck me good. It’s too wet for you not to.” She hummed, biting my lip like I’d done hers.

  “What do you feel, Sparx?’

  “I feel loved, baby.”

  No longer bouncing, Sparx rotated her hips slowly, squeezing my dick every time she hit her original starting point.

  “Sssssss, why are you doing me that way? Trying to drive me crazy, lady?” I hissed, hypnotized by the hold her pussy had on me. I tightened my grip, completely enthralled with the softness of her ass cuffed in my hands.

  “Is it working, Mr. Greyson? I think it is. I can feel you getting harder inside of me,” she whimpered, penetrating the skin along my shoulders with manicured nails.

  “I love you.” I breathed into the space between where her ear ended and her shoulder began.

  “Leiland, you are everything. Just like that, baby. Damn you,” she blurted with a trickle of triumph.

  There it was.

  Feeling her body tense, including the jewel between her legs, gave me permission to let go. I refused to ever get mine before she reached her peak. Moving us from the wall with one step, I was directly under the showerhead.

  Using it like a waterfall, I leaned my head back and allowed the water to cascade down between the two of us. And I only allowed that division because it was transparent.

  “Damn, Sparx. Yes, ride it like that, baby girl.” I coached on the brink of my nut. Increasing speed, I moved her up then slammed her down hard on my dick.

  “Promise, you’ll never leave me.” She spilled on the brink of another orgasm herself.

  My toes and stomach tightened simultaneously. “Aahh, shit.”

  I released with a sound I didn’t recognize, and I wouldn’t claim. When Sparx leaped from my arms and kneeled down to suck me dry, I felt like a god.

  “Damn, Sparx,” I said, flinching as she toyed with my sensitive head. Her eyes twinkled like I was something special.

  Pulling her up from the squating position, it was like she liquefied in my arms. She blinked slow, like a drug had taken over her consciousness.

  “You OK?”

  A content smile and nod were my answer. I was cool with that. Void of words, Sparx reached for the shampoo bottle that sat in the corner of the tub. Handing it to me, I took the hint and moved her into my spot.

  “Put your head back some more.”

  Without an ounce of reluctance, Sparx tilted her head giving me more access. The smile she tried to hide peeked out at me.

  “Please, don’t get soap in my eyes,”

  “Trust me. Don’t open your eyes, and you’ll be fine,”

  It took everything not to kiss her relaxed lips and confess how in love with her I was.

  Out the blue she confirmed everything that had been running through my mind.

  “This feels good, baby.”

  “Yes, it does.”

  Leiland

  Usually, the wind racing toward me strong arming my face was enough to train my focus in an effective direction. Enough to relax my worries and just drift. Typically, it was the perfect disturbance to make my ego feel bigger than the hardship that had me disturbed.

  Today, I felt like a coward on steel.

  The metal handles didn’t feel like weights that assisted my physique, the engine was just unnecessary noise.

  After engaging in one of the biggest moments of my life, I ignored my lady’s calls and disappeared long enough to almost miss my best friend’s special moment.

  It wasn’t like me to ride my bike in such decent clothes, but as usual my car was on E, something Billie stayed on my ass about. This was a time that I’d wished I listened, but the call I received was random, so the Harley was my best option.

  Actually, Uber or a taxi may have been a more practical choice, but I refused to hold someone else accountable for where I needed to be. I could move easier on my bike.

  I thought of calling Sparx before the meeting just to hear her voice, but there was no point in getting her excited in the case that things didn’t pan out how we’d like. This was the third time I’d been through this process, and her excitement would make the disappointment harder to swallow.

  I hardly had time to dress, and ironically, Sparx had just left for a meeting with two possible investors before my phone started buzzing. Last we spoke, the only thing on my agenda for today was to meet up with the fellas at Linen’s for the last tuxedo fitting.

  This morning would’ve been the one I needed her most, though. She would offer positivity and reassurance that no matter how things went, we would be good. My bills wouldn’t swallow me, and she didn’t have to compromise her feelings about speaking to her father for my sake. Though I wouldn’t have allowed her to do it anyway.

  Removing my battered helmet and leather jacket, I smoothed down my dress shirt, and my jeans were now wrinkled. After hearing the news from Petals, I got back on my bike and raced to Manhattan Beach like there were answers in the sand.

  Latif could kiss my ass about the tardiness.

  I prayed silently that the remainder of the wedding party were finished and heading out the door upon my arrival. After waiting damn near a month to hear back from the company, I was disappointed in myself for feeling so negative about the proposal. I got exactly what I’d prayed for without even noticing all the details, and now I wanted to rework the blessing.

  The job requirements were all within the lines of what was initially discussed, but the location had changed.

  Instead of feeling relief for the job offer, I was more worried now than before. I had more to lose. This wasn’t only about me. Billie had rearranged every aspect of her life to make us work.

  Her mental, emotional, and physical senses were all transformed for our relationship to flourish beyond the bed. There was no way I could claim her as my own and not consider her feelings when it came to establishing myself.

  Using my Ray-Bans to cover my worry, I smoothed down my damp hair. Hated that I didn’t have enough time to stop at home to shower before trying on my suit, but I’d live.

  As I walked through the entrance, Latif stood at t
he front of the store waiting for me.

  “‘Bout damn time your ass got here. I really thought you were going to force me to cancel your ass like Nino Brown as a groomsman.”

  Fool wouldn’t even let me through storefront before he was complaining about me being thirty minutes late. I usually appreciated his detail to time, but today, I didn’t need the pressure.

  “My bad, I got caught up.” I countered, dapping up my brother and noticing Richard in the mirror putting on a show for the sales associate. Even from where we stood, I could see the white sprinkles under his nose. I’d be coo’ as long as she kept him busy enough for me to slid on my threads and jet. Outside of that, I didn’t give a damn what he did. Today wasn’t about us. I didn’t want to ruin this day for my brother by whooping his other friend’s ass.

  “Yeah, yeah. You know being on time says a lot a man’s character. Demands a certain level of respect.” He preached leading me over to where everyone else was being tended to.

  In total, there would be five of us at the altar including the groom. With the exception of his cousin, Ralph, I knew all others in attendance.

  Jordan came out the first dressing room as the associate walked off to grab my pieces. Always the center of attention, J hit an about-face like he was on a runway in Paris. I wasn’t interested in all the theatrics, just wanted to get my fit and go.

  “Why you looking all sour, G. You wish you could achieve a tan to have you looking this good. Nobody told you light skin ain’t in?”

  “Hater. You look like someone left you in the BBQ pit too long.”

  “Guess I was on the same rack as your lady. With her black self.” He shot back.

  We all laughed at his silly ass. As beautiful as Billie was, she was definitely a dark-chocolate hottie.

  Richard, who I’m sure had been waiting for the time to interrupt, came and put his arm around Latif’s shoulder.

  “Oh shit, you not gone call him out for speaking on BG? Anyone can jump on the Billie wagon now?”

  Getting in his space, the steam from my ears took no time to burst through my chill.

  “Come on, man,” Tif spat aggravated.

  “I get it. I’ll have to break your face before you understand that you and I aren’t coo’.”

  “Stop being sensitive. You’re raging at me like a beast because of that shit that happened with Billie at my party. Guess you’d be leaping from a roof if I told you Cindy been coming by to see me.” He jested with smug grin.

  “I don’t give a rat’s ass about that woman and what jackass she’s riding. She isn’t mine to watch. You’re still upset that Billie wouldn’t give you the time of day, so you took what you could get. I’m not mad at that. But I’m telling you now, with or without me around, Billie still wouldn’t have chosen you. And since you want to lay everything on the line, tell your new girl to stop calling me offering to put my meat in her cheeks. Step the fuck off, Dick, and take your broad with you. It’s just that simple, and this is the last time I’m going to tell you.”

  “Wow, I’m just fucking around—well kind of. I didn’t mean any harm though. Big dudes always try and punk us little people.”

  “Mr. Greyson?” the associate asked for confirmation but didn’t wait for an answer before leading me away.

  Refusing to let him off the hook, I forced our shoulders to clash as I walked by him, following the lady to where I’d be changing clothes.

  Twice, she glared over her shoulder at me to make sure I was close behind. I distanced myself even more.

  Here we go.

  Hooking the garment bag to the wooden dressing room door, I noticed she was moving at a snail’s pace. She was searching her brain for anything to say to start a conversation and not have to walk away.

  “Has anyone ever told you, you look just like super cute football player Travis Kelce?” she asked, pulling her attention from the hung clothes to me.

  “Yeah. My girlfriend tells me all the time.”

  “She and I have something in common. Good taste.” She countered. Completely ignoring my not-so-subtle hint.

  Inhaling deeply, I rubbed my hands down my face. She was annoying. Her voice, clothes being too small, and face full of makeup were annoying.

  Thankfully, someone one in a formal blouse resembling hers called for help.

  “If you need any further assistance or anything,” she chimed with sex spilling from her overly-decorated face. My eyebrows met in confusion as she threw her brunette tresses in my face. I’m sure she meant for it to be an enticing hair toss, but I was irritated and the nice guy act was on ice.

  “Look. I’m not interested. Stop trying, and just walk away,” I warned, not caring that I was using words to bury the smurf under my own trials and aggression. Surprise surfaced on her face quickly.

  Walking up, Latif had a scowl on his face.

  “What the hell is wrong with you. I’m guessing the job shit didn’t go well. You got your biker boots on, ready to kick ass.”

  “Man, I got there, and everything was going well until they tell me the job I’d originally applied was filled.”

  “Damn, they could’ve told you that over the phone. Why’d they make you come down?”

  “Same thing I was thinking, but before I had the chance to question the nature of the meeting, they say there’s another vacancy almost exactly like the one I wanted, but it may require relocating.”

  “Oh shit. Where is it?”

  I gave him a knowing look.

  “Wow. That far?”

  Deciding not to tell him before I had the opportunity to speak with Billie, I just nodded my head.

  “Sparx and I just made things official. Hell, we haven’t slept apart in weeks.”

  I knew if I could be truthfully with anyone, it was Latif.

  “I have to be real honest, this is a damn problem. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity, and now it’s in my lap. The entire situation is one-sided. The first assignment will last at least eighteen months. I can’t leave BG that long, man. I won’t leave her.”

  “Damn.” He signed, knowing just as much as I did that me leaving would be a hard pill for Billie to swallow.

  Leaning against the door, I shared what I’d been thinking since leaving the beach.

  “After every man in her life has used her for their own agenda, I can’t be added to that list. There’s no way in hell I will be able to convince her that all this wasn’t just a ploy to smash and dip out on her.”

  “You guys have been dating for a little minute now. She has to know you better than that.”

  “There is no understanding when someone isn’t thinking logically. And we both know Billie isn’t always the most logical person. I have the thought to just bring her with me. “

  “Word?”

  “Yeah.” I confirmed.

  “I guess that wouldn’t be so bad. How are you going to get her to leave her cousins and cereal bar stuff behind? You know Billie has big plans and been working on them longer than she’s known you.”

  Shrugging, I spoke being honest, “I have no idea. She’s been with them her whole life. There’s no way she’ll leave without having a tantrum.”

  Nodding, Latif agreed. “Well, let’s get this through this wedding, then we can discuss how your ass is really considering going away.”

  “Man, I’ve been waiting for this to come to fruition for years. If what Sparx and I have is authentic, she’ll be cool with coming with me or ride it out long distance.”

  “Bro. Even you don’t believe that. You don’t even sound convincing. Have you met your girlfriend? You’re lucky if she doesn’t pick up a skillet and clock you upside the head.”

  “I’m telling you right now, if she hit me, I’m putting her ass in a full nelson.”

  Laughing, Latif open the dressing room door and grabbed my tuxedo from the hook. After saying kind words, he left me with my own decisions.

  Sitting on a small bench that sat off in the corner of the room, I reflected on the
day. All day I contemplated telling Sparx, but I was afraid she would overreact and assume I’d taken the job simply because I was informing her of what was going on. On the other hand, she would be pissed if I waited too long to say something. It wasn’t a conversation to be had over the phone, I needed to read her. This would affect our relationship, no matter how things played out I had to see her face.

  Two hours later…

  Though I wished the dilemma of today had wrapped itself up and evaporated with the stream from my shower, I was just grateful it had eased the tension in my bones. Against my wishes, I’d been prescribed additional medicine, and though I didn’t want to admit it, I had been feeling better since the increase in dosage. In a pair of sweat pants and a tank top, I didn’t bother to dry off. Flopping on the wrap couch that occupied too much of the living room, I relaxed with today’s events shuffling like cards in my mind as I anxiously waited for Sparx. Today wasn’t only about my meeting, she had hers as well. I prayed things went well considering what I had to say wasn’t the best news.

  A ball of apprehension festered in the pit of my stomach upon hearing Billie’s key in the door. No, we hadn’t moved in together, but we were usually either at her place or mine. Sleeping separately was unrealistic since becoming acquainted with her body.

  With the fuel of a bull, Sparx stormed in with her face in a knot as tight as the bun on the top of her head. I watched curiously as she launched her briefcase on the dinner table, rattling the flower arrangements she’d added as decoration the morning before. Only a few steps in, and the entire space was engulfed with her scent of praline pecans. Her presence always made my apartment smell like cookies were baking. Her face, however, was nothing like the baker who would have put them together. Seeing Sparx shaky and frantic put a bad taste in my mouth and she hadn’t said anything.

  “Why are your clothes wet?” I asked once I had her in my arms. I reached behind her and unzipped her red pencil skirt. If she wasn’t so pissed, I would’ve had her ride my face with it hiked up around her waist. Timing wasn’t on my side though.

  Placing my forehead against hers, I could feel beads of sweat slide from her face her onto me.