Tony grabbed my hand and led me out in a rush toward the service staircase. Nervously I looked around the empty staircase to make sure there was no one there.
“You okay? It’s cool, the cameras are turned off on that floor so no one can replay anything. And I’m sure whoever that was doesn’t want her secret out either.” He wrapped his arms around me. I tried to shake the entire incident off, but I knew it was going to be hard.
I closed my eyes, and counted to three. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I lied.
“I’ll definitely see you tonight, right?” he asked with a sneaky grin.
“Yeah, just call me.” I kissed him on the cheek unconsciously, not thinking of our strict agreement when in public even if we were hidden. I turned quickly and climbed up the steps to the fourth floor. I opened the door and walked directly to the elevator and franticly pushed the tenth-floor button. When I saw the fire-breathing dragon tattoo on her back it all came back to me.
I didn’t think I would ever see her again. It had been close to a year since I’d even thought about that night. And of all places to see her again in that compromising position was not good. I didn’t even know who she was, but if she was on that floor she had to work in the building. I put my Nancy Grace hat on.
The elevator doors opened at the tenth floor. I rushed past the reception area and headed straight to my office closing the door behind me. I walked around to my desk and took a seat, swiftly logging into the firm’s directory. I looked through the board of directors, then the partners. If she was important to the firm her pic would be on the site somewhere. How could I’ve not known that she works here? As much as the firm loved to say they’re fair and treated all employees with respect, it was the furthest from the truth. I didn’t want my reputation tarnished just because I caught her with her pants down.
I kept hitting the down arrow, until her face filled my screen. My first instinct was to start looking for another firm. I was a paralegal so there were plenty of firms I could work for. I sat back and stared at the screen. Did she forget who I was? “This is not good, Ms. Sutton,” I said out loud.
We met through a mobile sex app, but she wasn’t open to any normal tryst. She was weird and way too aggressive for me. She wanted me to slap and damn near beat her before we got intimate. I wasn’t into it and she flipped like a switch. Instead of her shy, seductive taunts she enticed me with, she went into a rage that scared the shit out of me. I didn’t know if it was the alcohol or was she high making her act as if she owned me. When I told her it wasn’t my cup of tea she threw a glass of wine at me and demanded that I suck on her nipples. As I insisted that she was not my type and turned toward the door she rushed me to the floor then hit me over the head with something. I only remembered the darkness that quickly came over me.
When I finally came to, I was completely naked, had a ten-inch rubber dick strapped to me, and was tied to her canopy bed spread-eagle. I couldn’t scream because of the ball gag she placed in my mouth. All I wanted to do was get out. I was in a nightmare, a sick nightmare. I didn’t know how far she was going to take it. I was terrified. In my mind at the time I envisioned men coming in and out having their way with me until I was weak. My fright made me still, so still that she removed the ball gag and untied me. My words were stuck in my throat. I didn’t know what exactly she did to me, but by the stench in the room and the yellow wet spot I lay in I knew it definitely wasn’t my kind of party. I remembered getting up, and wanting to reach for my phone to call the police, but when she handed me a white envelope stuffed with twenty Gs I stopped moving. I needed the money at the time in the worst way; my mother needed surgery and just lost her job. I’d moved back in with her to cut her bills in half. I’d just gotten my degree with only a potential interview for a job.
I took the money and left without another word. I felt nasty, worthless, but when I was able to pay for my mother’s surgery I tucked away my regret and distaste for my actions. I was never put into a position like that, someone having full control and doing whatever kinky shit they wanted to me then shoving money in my face. That night I took five hot, steamy showers to get her piss-shit stink off of me after I took a whole lot of pictures and placed her underwear along with my clothes in a plastic bag. Insurance was important just in case it came back to bite me in the ass.
The choppy memories of the night were tucked away so deep, it never occurred to me what I would do if I saw her again. I never spoke or thought of that night until now. My life was good now; I had a well-paid job, my mother was cared for, I just bought a condo in the city, and my nightlife was more than interesting to say the least. I loved where I was at in life, but the greed wouldn’t allow me to miss an opportunity to receive another payday for my silence. I was certain she didn’t want her private interest on blast. I clicked on her profile and wrote her number and e-mail address down on a Post-it then stuck it to the back of my phone. At the time my life was good, but thinking that a larger sum of hush money would make it better blinded me. I had all the evidence to prove it.
16
Regina
“So, that’s Vanessa Shore, huh?”
“Yep, are you ready to go?” His eyebrows arched trying to read my expression.
“Sure.” I kept silent and walked toward the elevator out of his office. I didn’t want to argue because of my insecurity. I had to keep my cool, because he still hadn’t told me what he wanted to talk about. I put my happy face on and pushed the call button for the elevator. I watched him lock up, looking for any clue to make me question him.
“I hope you didn’t drive over here. Did you?” The elevator chimed at its arrival.
“No, I didn’t. I know how you feel about driving in the city.” I took his hand exiting the elevator. I wanted to ask him if we were okay. I was also waiting for him to ask me about last night.
As we stepped out the building a cab was letting out a passenger. He let my hand go to catch the cab. “Hey, hold on,” he shouted to the driver.
I hustled over and hopped in with him. After he gave the driver our destination, he turned to me with a serious look on his face. I was already making the lies and excuses up in my head to throw at him.
“Regina, do you—” His phone sounded interrupting him.
If it’s Vanessa, then there is no way she’ll have a chance to be alone with him again, was my first thought. I tried to listen to his conversation, but all I got was “hmm-mm” and “yes.” After fifteen minutes of his short replies he hung up the phone.
“Sorry, now where was I?”
“You were about to ask me something?”
“Ahh, yes.” I hated when he played dumb. “Regina, where do you see us a year from now?”
I wasn’t ready for that question. “Married.” I answered with what I wanted now instead of my truth.
He smiled. “Well, every woman wants—”
“Here you are,” the driver said.
“Thanks.” He reached inside his blazer and pulled out his money clip to pay the cabbie. “Shall we?” He gestured toward the car door.
When we entered the restaurant, I gave my name to the hostess and she led us to our table. As we were seated a few minutes later the waitress came over to hand us our menus and took our drink orders.
I was nervous. I wanted it over with. I just couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t say anything to me about last night. Was he going to pretend like it didn’t happen?
He took my hand in his. “You know I love you and at this point in my life I don’t think marrying you will make me feel any different.”
My jaw dropped. My eyes widened. What does he mean? Is this supposed to be my proposal? Where was the bended knee? I didn’t see a box.
“If marrying you makes you happy then, why not?”
I didn’t know if I should be happy or a little annoyed that he said it like he was buying me a house. Was it really that bad?
I tried to smile. “Why does it sound like I’m forcing you?”
“
Honestly, you’re the only one who needs that paper. I’m perfectly happy. Why aren’t you? You still live your life the way you want.” He waved the waitress over as if what he said meant nothing.
“Can I take your order?”
“Yes, we’ll take the shrimp cocktail for starters, the porterhouse for two with a side of spinach and cauliflower mash for our main. Oh, and can we get another round of drinks as well? Thanks.”
The waitress wrote everything down and took our menus away.
He took a huge gulp of his Jack Daniels and stared out past me. His facial expression changed suddenly. I wanted to turn around to see who or what made his eyes move side to side nervously.
“What is it?” I asked.
“Nothing,” he said, but he kept staring past me.
Turning around would be so obvious and I didn’t want him to feel that it was so important to me to know who he was staring at. “I’ll be back. I have to go the restroom.” I made sure not to look immediately. I knew it!
I calmly walked to the restroom cursing on the inside. That fucking, bitch! I knew it! I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s sitting at our table when I return. Who the fuck does she think she is? Where did she get the audacity to assume he’s a cheating, low-down, dirty dog? I opened the faucet and washed my hands then freshened my makeup. “That shit ain’t happening, bitch,” I mumbled. I put a grand smile on and walked out the restroom back to our table. I made sure to slowly take my time getting to my seat just so I could put my eye on her.
Vanessa was sitting two tables behind us toward the corner with two handsome men. She was acting as if she wasn’t looking my way. I smiled and waved hello. “There’s Vanessa, Mark, did you want to go over there to say hello? Maybe we should invite them over here.”
“No, I think I had enough of her for the day.”
What the hell was that supposed to mean? Did he? He wouldn’t, would he? I was so damn confused.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be? The man of my dreams conformed to my wishes. So where’s the ring?” I squeezed my toes together to force my happiness.
“Umm, you want this. As you said I’m adhering to your need, but there are some stipulations.”
“Stipulations? Is this a contract?” I took a sip of my Ketle One, not liking what I just heard.
“Yes, you want it, you pay, plan, and deal with all the necessary phone calls, tastings, scouting for venues all on your own. Just give me the date, time, and place to show up.”
“I see, is that all? Are you sure you’re okay with me making final decisions?”
“Remember, you want all that. I’m fine as I am now. You always need something extra.” He gave me this strange look as if he knew something I didn’t know.
Both our phones alerted us to new e-mails. He looked at his and swiped the screen. Mark’s mood changed immediately. His lips were twisted to the side. His foot was tapping rapidly beneath the table. He started to guzzle his drink down. He stared behind me. Was he really contemplating doing something with her? I should be pissed as hell right now. If I hadn’t walked into that office when I had, her lips would be on his dick right now. I kept breathing in deeply.
“I’ll be right back. I should say something to Vanessa.”
The waitress arrived with our main dishes as he stood up.
“Okay, don’t let her keep you over there too long.” I smiled to make him comfortable. It was so funny to me that she didn’t want to eat with us when she was invited, but took it upon herself to be here anyway. I don’t like the way she’s moving in on my man. I waved over the waitress. “Can you send a bottle of whatever they’re drinking on us?” I motioned to the table Mark was now sitting at.
“Sure can. Can I get you another?” She picked up my empty glass.
“Sure, but can you make it Patrón on ice instead? Thanks.” She smiled and took the empty glass away.
I watched Mark laughing with Vanessa and the notion of jealousy snuck in. My mother always told me treat your enemies kinder than you would treat yourself. I smiled as the waitress brought the bottle over to the table, which should have been Mark’s clue to get his ass back to our table. It still took him ten minutes to waltz his way back. I finally checked my phone to stop the e-mail reminder alert. You’re invited to our next event was in the subject line.
As I opened the e-mail Mark returned. “Thanks for sending the bottle,” he said taking his seat.
I deleted the e-mail and put my phone down. “No problem.”
“Anything important?” He looked to my phone.
“Just junk. Now can we get back to discussing our wedding?”
He twisted his lips. “I thought we discussed it already. You want it, you plan, pay, and make all necessary decisions. There is no further discussion.”
“Okay, what about my ring? Isn’t that on you?” I forced a smile.
“That will be the one thing I will handle.”
“Should I call the jeweler with my expectations?”
“No, I think you have enough to keep busy.”
“So, we’re really doing this, huh?”
“I’m simply complying with your demands, but you know what this means right?”
I didn’t like his tone nor his words. As much as I beat it into his head that marriage was our next step, I was sure I didn’t want the step after. Acting as if he was a brokering a deal instead of inputting his thoughts and ideas on an event that would change our lives forever was discouraging. I pushed my plate forward, annoyed by his blatant disregard about my feelings.
“What’s wrong? Aren’t you hungry?”
I wanted to leave, but leaving would only cause the bird in the corner to peck away at him. “I’m not.” The waitress returned with my drink and I emptied the glass within a blink.
“I thought you would actually be happy about this. Why aren’t you? I thought this is what you wanted.”
“I am happy, but my happiness is short-lived by the way you’re acting. Is this just another deal or is it something you would like to share in? Because if it’s all up to me and my final word on everything, oh and let’s not forget my money, then why are we doing it if your interest is little to none?”
He laughed.
“I don’t find anything funny, Mark.”
“Absolutely nothing is funny, Regina, but lately it’s been so hard to make you happy. You have unlimited access to money, mine or yours. You have an option to work or not work. I don’t hound you like I should when you spend the night at Amanda’s house.” He quoted the air. “I give you what you want and you still find something to be unhappy about. Maybe we should just—”
Does he know more than what Amanda told me? I will kill that bitch! “Should what? Leave each other?” My heart was pumping faster.
His nose crinkled and he completely stopped eating his meal. “Really, is that what you thought I was going to say? First, that was the furthest thing from my mind. I’m shocked you would say that. Second, I was about to suggest we elope. There would be nothing to plan. Why were you so quick to suggest we leave each other?”
He has to know something if he’s talking reckless like that, I thought. I knew what would turn everything around. I thought of my mother, which always brought tears to my eyes in a hurry. “I can’t believe you.” I stood up in dramatic fashion and stormed out of the restaurant. I quickly hailed a cab and hopped in.
It was wrong to do, but something was wrong. I gave the driver Amanda’s address. This was serious. I didn’t want to lose Mark. He was the love of my life. Yes, I’d cheated, but we were not married. If we were married then I’d get rid of my double life. Do away with it for good. He just couldn’t leave me. The tears became real. I knew then, Mark was the only man for me for the rest of my life with nothing extra. I closed my eyes and prayed that God would forgive me for all the wrongs I’ve done to this man. “I promise, I vow to be the perfect wife. Just help him get past this episode of my weakness,” I whispered.
>
17
Amanda
“Good evening, Ms. Sutton, Ms. Regina Clay is on her way up.”
“Thanks, Simon.” Regina was the last person I expected. What the hell was she doing at my door?
I heard the knock at the door, walked over, and opened it. “Hello, Regina.” By her expression, she wasn’t here to mend a friendship.
“What the hell did you tell Mark?” She had fire in her eyes.
“Do you want something to drink?” I turned my back and walked toward the kitchen to put some water on those flames she was shooting at me while I figured out a plan. Telling her the truth might ruin everything. She was the only female I didn’t feel the need to control and the game I played with Mark challenged me; getting him just one more time would do the trick and then I would have him forever if he wanted it or not.
I finally heard the door shut and her footsteps behind me. “Amanda, I asked you a question. I didn’t come here to drink,” she demanded.
“First, don’t think you can walk into my house and be loose at the mouth. That shit will get your ass slapped real fast.” My strong Brooklyn roots surfaced.
Her eyes widened and her shoulders relaxed. “I’m asking you again.” Her voice was much calmer. “What did you say to Mark?”
“I told Mark exactly what he needs to hear.” I looked to her left ring finger. “Wait hold on, did he not ask you to marry him?”
She was surprised. “How did you know that?”
“Because after I told his ass off about you staying at a hotel he finally got it through his thick skull that it was the right thing to do,” I lied.
“Did you talk to him after my conversation with you this morning?”
“How could I? I was at court all day.” I pulled out a bottle from the wine rack. “Now, do you want a drink?”
She started to laugh and cry all at once. “I . . . I . . . I . . . thought you told him everything. I thought I was going to lose him.”
I opened the cabinet and retrieved two glasses to pour the wine into. “I wouldn’t tell him. I’m taking it to the grave, that’s what friends do for each other.”
Sharing the Sheets Page 9
