by L. Hillis
Thinking of being with someone else after her last relationship surprised her. She really didn’t want to be with him just sleep with him to be honest. The numerous texts she got from her ex popped up in her head. He claimed he wanted to see her, but that was never a good idea. They always argued when they were in the same place and she didn’t feel like that. Memories clouded her thoughts. A woman called as soon as he got home. Of course, he denied knowing her, but she just didn’t pull the number out the air. It was one of the many reasons why they broke up. He was a chronic liar, and she had heard enough lies to last her a lifetime. James was very untrustworthy and sneaky. Her brows wrinkled with her mounting anger. Her fists clenched. What she ever saw in him alluded her now. Monique unclenched her fists and her face relaxed remembering the beginning; flowers at work, and hot meals waiting for her after work. There was never an argument about her doing overtime; that she loved. She came home to a clean place every day. Monique loved their place surrounded by green grass, designated parking spaces, and trees.
They lived on the bottom floor of the beige apartments that had stairs leading to the other apartments. Perfect, just perfect, she thought. She rolled her eyes at that. When you pulled up to it, there was a breezeway that was visible under the stairs. One day, Monique strolled through the breezeway to get to her apartment. She occupied the third apartment on the left. Monique had just done more over time, because they needed the money. James worked at a marketing firm but they weren’t doing so good, hence the overtime. Monique heard voices under the stairs. One sounded like James' voice. With a quirked eyebrow, she slowly walked to the stairs like they were pigeons and her footsteps would scare them away. They quickly parted, but not before she caught them in an intimate embrace. She stood in front of the pair with her arms crossed. The woman scurried upstairs; she was apparently living in the same building as them. Monique looked at James as if she could burn him alive with just her gaze. Ignoring the look he, said, “Hey baby,” with a cheesy smile across his lips.
James was looking like a cheshire cat caught doing something sneaky, while she walked off. He continued, “I was just talking to our neighbor.” Monique ignored James and gave him side eyes that could burn him to ashes. She got in her car and drove off. The next couple of days were spent at her friend's house. She didn’t talk to him for two months. You would think that time was going to heal it, but he had already cheated on her twice. She didn’t want to hear the lies anymore. All his calls were ignored. He knew where her friend lived and even came by a couple of times. Every time he did, she told her friend to say she wasn’t there even though her car was clearly parked outside. The many voicemails always consisted of pleas to go to dinner with him so he could explain. After weeks of ignoring him and cooling off, she finally accepted his dinner invitation. They went to her favorite Italian place. She ordered the chicken carbonara, even though she knew she wouldn’t eat. Monique observed James with his mix matched clothes, untucked shirt, and disheveled hair. Seeing him like that triggered her sympathy her for him; she felt like he was truly suffering without her in his life. She thought he had learned his lesson and moved back in. Boy, was she wrong. Monique rolled her eyes at her naïve thinking back then. She stopped working so much over time, made sure she was home, and gave him more attention and love.
One day Monique got off early. She was so excited, knowing James would be surprised. The first thing she saw when she opened the door was clothes thrown about. Jeans on the couch, and a skirt on the floor. Clothes littered the path to her room. With each piece of clothing, her anger mounted. Her fists clenched, knowing that she was about to experience that bitter moment once again. Sounds were heard coming from her bedroom. The thump of her heart was so loud, pushing sane thoughts aside. She knew what she would find but her heart was in denial. The room door creaked open. Two sweaty bodies were intertwined, making sounds of pleasure. Fire burned in her veins as she pulled the woman to the floor and punched James in the face, knocking him to the floor. Satisfied with the pain she had inflicted on him, she left. She realized it was the same woman she saw under the stairs with James.
Of course, she got a plethora of texts, and her phone was bombarded with calls and voicemails. She mentally berated herself for letting the bad memories assault her mind. That particular moment was supposed to be about her. Monique did not let James take up any more space in her head. Instead, she thought about the cute guy she had just met. I’m available, hope he is too, she felt better. Smooth jazz played through her headphones. The bountiful trees lined sides of the path. This was her favorite place. It was the most beautiful setting that was full of trees with leaves, and had colorful flowers. The path was littered with flowers and leaves, but it didn’t take from the beauty of the park. There were plenty of trees that shaded its visitors from the scorching sun. Thank God summer was coming to a close. Benches were set all over the park; but even with the trees providing shade, it was still hot, and so the benches were empty.
The path where the sun got in from the break in the trees shimmered. Monique jogged faster, and did two more laps in the park, hoping to run into Danny again but she didn’t. He must have left. Monique decided to go home. Where is she? Danny was thinking about her at the exact same. Then he mentally kicked himself. He whispered Marcus’ name as though it was a curse. Danny still went home disappointed, even though he knew he shouldn’t be. Disappoint seeped into Monique’s pores too. She called Shawna as soon she got home.
Shawna had been her best friend since they were young; ever since a girl came up to her on the playground and said she didn’t belong there. The little girl was mean to Monique every day until Shawna decided to confront her on one of those days when she was being mean to Monique. She asked the girl how she could bully someone when she still wet the bed. They were too big to be wetting the bed, so everyone laughed. The bully huffed and stomped off. Sitting on the bench in the playground, Monique bawled her eyes out from what the bully said to her. Shawna sat by her and handed her a tissue. “You do belong,” she said. Those simple words made her smile and Shawna smiled back. From that moment on, they were inseparable.
Monique got home fast. She lived right down the street from the park. Time passed by so fast, as it had been a year now since she had been in her cozy little apartment. Monique went to take a shower. She was in there a little longer than usual thinking about Danny. Did she mention she needed to get laid? She got her phone from her bed and dialed Shawna.
“What’s up girl?” answered Shawna.
“Guess what?”
“Don’t tell me, James still calling?” Shawna said, as she sucked her teeth.
“Yes, but that’s not it. I met someone today,” she said with a smile that looked like if it was there for too long, it would rip her face. Her eyes shined bright.
“When is he going get it? Hold up. Wait. What did you say?”
“I met someone today.” Monique said again, enthusiastically.
“Really? Who?”
“Danny,” Monique replied.
“Deets! Now!” Shawna exclaimed.
“He has milky white skin, red hair, and freckles everywhere.”
“Freckles?” Shawna cut in.
“Yes, and they look delicious.” Monique responded.
“I’ll take your word for it.”
Monique could imagine the puzzled look on her friend’s face. She smirked at the thought and continued, “He is so muscular. Girl, a man delicious enough to eat.”
Shawna interrupted her with laughter.
“He asked me for the nearest store. You know I know here like the back of my hand.” Monique went on. “You should, you have been in Charleston for seven years now, even though you left and came back.” She heard the sadness in her friend’s voice.
“I needed my bestie,” Shawna said.
“I know, but I’m here now.”
“You are!” Shawna said excitedly. Monique’s face split into a grin.
“I’m so glad you’re not
in Florida anymore and you’re here with me.” Shawna continued, with the emphasis on glad.
“Me too.”
“So, did he ask you out?”
“No, but I hope he does.”
“Me too.”
“James was bad luck.” Shawna added.
Monique’s mood deflated like a flat tire.
“I’m so glad you met someone,” Shawna said, trying to liven up the mood.
“Me too!” She said excitedly again. They talked some more, and then ended the call.
The next day, Monique went back to the park. She bent down to touch her toes in a stretch, looking through her arms for him. A shadow came over her as she was bending down; it looked like a dog. When she lifted up, it was gone. She chalked it up to seeing things. Monique finished stretching, and did a couple of laps. On her way out the park, she gave one more glance around her, turned to look forward and walked into something solid. Monique jumped - it was Danny. Where did he come from?
“Hey, I saw you from a distance and wanted to say hi.” Danny said, with his face rapidly growing red. His smooth timbre voice rolled across her skin like silk.
She shivered, and managed to respond with her heart thudding, “Hi!”
“How have you been?” He asked.
“Since yesterday?”
“Yea. A lot can happen in a day.”
“True I guess.” she shrugged. “I’m ok,” she continued. “How about you?”
“My day got better when I saw you,” he said, walking closer to Monique. The redness in his face was completely gone. Now her face felt hot. He should have left her alone but he was drawn to her and couldn’t help it. His gaze made her feel like prey. Not in a slimy way; quite the opposite, it made her moist between her legs.
“Really?” She asked her with her voice barely a whisper, and her eyes hooded. He breathed in deeply, nostrils flaring, and moved closer. They were so close now, she smelled mint on his breath. He took another inhale and his pupils filled his irises and got brighter. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Danny took another deep inhale and she heard low groaning.
“I have to go,” he said, in a voice deeper than his regular voice. She watched him walk away quickly, still breathing heavily. She arched an eyebrow, turned and walked home confused. She was sure there was something there. The next day, she didn’t see him on her run. Several days passed but she never saw him. A week passed, and he spotted her.
On seeing her, he ran up to her, and said, “Hey?”
His voice was so impactful, as he said it in that soul-shaking voice of his.
A surprised look crossed Monique’s face.
“Umm, hey.” She said hesitantly. “What happened to you?” She asked.
“My stomach had this terrible pang and the pain hit me suddenly.”
Monique’s eyes now looked sympathetic. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.” He responded.
Chapter 3
She looked down at her feet, playing with a rock. She twirled her hands in her t-shirt. Danny lifted her chin, and asked, “Can I take you out tomorrow?”
Monique gazed into his calm green eyes, her eyes lowered to his strong looking pecks, then down to his...
“So how about it?” asked Danny, unknowingly interrupting her.
“I’m sorry what did you say?” she said while catching the drool in danger of falling. “Would you like to go out tomorrow?” He asked again.
She thought about it blushing, and replied, “Yes,” letting out a smile.
“Great,” Danny said with a wide grin. His voice sounded deeper and his eyes were glowing. She must have been seeing and hearing things. Monique tried to get her mind focused on what he was saying.
“I will pick you up at eight.”
“Ok,” said Monique, beaming.
She gave him her address and number right before he jogged off.
Monique couldn’t help but watch his butt as he jogged away. Danny looked back over his shoulder and gave her a puddle made from her intimate lady part’s smile. She turned her head quickly, and her cheeks rapidly became red. Just then, her phone dinged. It was a text that read, I miss you. She rolled her eyes and put the phone back in 7 pocket. It had been a year and he was still trying. Taking a fresh long inhale, she blew out a steady breath. She felt like it was long overdue. A gentle smile graced her lips. What will she wear? I haven’t been out in a while. Monique went out with her girls now and then, but that was different. With her smile still in place, she put back on her headphones and continued to jog home smiling. Not even James could ruin her mood right now. The phone kept vibrating in her pocket and she ignored it. Monique couldn’t wait to get home to call her best friend Shawna. There was so much to tell her.
“He asked me on a date,” Monique said excitedly over the phone.
“Spill,” Shawna said.
“I was going to ask him, and be straightforward ya know?”
“Yea,” said Shawna, invested in the conversation.
“Then I chickened out. But he asked!”
Shawna could hear the smile in her voice.
Then she admitted, “I’m going to be honest, I thought he vanished. It’s been a couple of days since you mentioned him.”
“Me too.” Monique said.
“We actually have a date tomorrow, but I don’t know what to wear.” She added.
“Why don’t you wear that cute red dress with the heels?” Shawna advised.
“Thanks bestie. Good idea!”
“You know I got you. Make sure you try them on tonight.”
“I will.” said Monique.
They had some more chit chat before they hung up.
Monique immediately went to her closet and got out the red dress. She tried it on and looked in her mirror sitting on the dresser. She turned left and right, then turned her back to the mirror; satisfied, she changed back into her comfortable clothes. Monique walked to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator and pulled out her favorite wine. She poured some in a cup, took it to the living room and sat on her loveseat. She turned on the TV and watched her favorite show, Law & Order. Now on her third glass of wine, Monique yelled at random, “He did it! Guilty!” She didn’t mean to indulge but thinking about James and Danny, she kept refilling her cup. She made the intro sound to Law & Order. Her head whipped to the window, thinking she heard a sound but saw nothing through the window. She shrugged and turned back to the show. Monique lived on the second floor surrounded by trees, so it must have been some squirrels. Not giving it another thought, the episode ended and she went to bed, her glass was empty. Monique staggered to her bed and fell in it. She put her pillow to her chest, and said, “Take me, Danny.”
She shrugged and turned back to the show. Monique lived on the second floor surrounded by trees, so it must have been some squirrels. Not giving it another thought, the episode ended and she went to bed, her glass was empty. Monique staggered to her bed and fell in it. She put her pillow to her chest, and said, “Take me, Danny.”
All of a sudden, Monique heard a sound coming from her window. She scrunched up her face and narrowed her eyes but saw nothing so she turned her head. Monique looked at the wall until her eyes began to cross, and then she fell asleep.
The alarm woke her. It was Saturday, but she was going to head to work for a few hours. She looked at her phone and saw five missed calls - all from James - and rolled her eyes. Now she definitely knew putting her phone on silent the previous day after she ignored all his messages was a great idea. Monique smiled to herself thinking of the good sleep she got. Then her head thumped of the reminder that she had too much to drink last night. She massaged her temples and took two Tylenols. She worked as an accountant and there was an account she needed to finish up. She got up and got dressed. Monique locked up her apartment and left. It had been six months since she had been at her current job; she liked it. Helping people with their finances seemed to be her calling.
It took her fifteen minutes to get to work.
She strolled in to work, anticipating her date with Danny. Haley greeted, “Hey!”
Haley was a girl she worked with. She had cute freckles, and had a slender figure. Apart from her looks, she was nice.
Monique said “Hi,” and walked over to her desk. She stopped by Haley’s desk, which wasn’t too far from her desk.
“Why are you all smiles?” Haley asked.
“Oh, just something my friend said.”
“Oh well, I’m ready to get off. My friend is taking me to a new club.”
“Oh ok,” Monique replied.
Haley was twenty-six and loved to party. Monique on the other hand thirty-four and not interested in clubs anymore.
“Let me get to work,” Monique said as she got to her desk and pulled out the account she has been working on. She opened the folder and crosschecked everything. While she was crunching some numbers, a shadow came over her desk. As she looked up, she saw Mr. Mills standing at her desk.
“Mr. Mills you didn’t have to come all the way down. I would have called”
Monique was working on his account. She flirts with him, and he loved the attention. “Didn’t I tell you to call me Darren? Well, I just wanted to check on my account.” Mr. Mills responded.
“Yes Mr. Mills. I mean, Darren.” She said with a smile. That smile occupied Darren’s thoughts. She is so beautiful.
He put his hand over hers and said, “No problem darling.”
Monique smiled and said, “I’ll call you when I’m done.”
“Looking forward to it,” he said while drawing his hand back; his smile still in place. He turned and walked off. Monique liked the attention she got from Darren. He just looked too much like James, who wasn’t her type anymore. She flirted with him but knew it would go nowhere. He was Latino with slick hair. Haley ran over once he left.
