by Angel Hunter
Jewell couldn’t say a word. She just lay in wait.
“This is for you,” he told her as he spread open her pussy lips, burying his tongue deep inside her. All Jewell could do was moan in response.
Later that night, Jewell and Evan lay in the bed together. He was cuddling her from behind. “How are you getting to work tomorrow?”
“The bus.”
“I’ll take you.”
Of course Jewell would rather that than ride the bus, but she told him he didn’t have to.
“I want to. I also want to help you get another car.”
Jewell turned to face him. “No, that’s not necessary. I can handle it.”
“I’m sure you can, but if you’re going to be my girl, then it’s my duty.”
Jewell knew the right thing would be to turn down his offer, but damn it, she did need a new car, and he said help her, not get it for her. So, against her better judgment, she agreed.
SHOW AND TELL
The fourth annual office party was fast approaching. Crystal was running herself ragged trying to arrange everything. Their guests included clients, other attorneys and a judge or two. The first year Crystal suggested a party, Susan wasn’t too keen on it, saying, “We shouldn’t party with people we work with.”
“You’re acting like we’re having a street party. This is a professional party with professional people. It’s a time to relax and be ourselves. We’re a new firm, and it’s a good way to put us out there. Good PR, so to speak. Plus, when the suits come off, people are different,” Crystal responded.
Elsie was indifferent, as usual. She told them, “When you decide, let me know.”
Everyone had such a good time at the first party that it became a yearly event, something to look forward to. People were able to relax, if only for a night.
“Jewell, when you return from lunch, will you call the planners and see where everything stands with the party?”
“Yes,” Jewell responded. She was glad Crystal told her to do it after lunch. She and Elsie were stepping out. They had developed a friendship outside of the office. It had a lot to do with the fact that even in this day and age, to some, their relationships were considered taboo.
Earlier that day, Jewell was staring out the window, looking stressed. Elsie took notice and asked her if everything was okay.
“Not really,” Jewell told her.
“Want to talk about it?”
Jewell figured what the heck, might as well. “Let’s talk at lunchtime. It’s sort of private.”
Elsie wondered if she was the one Jewell should be talking to. Then again, she did offer, and you never know, the tables might be turned one day and she may need someone to talk to.
Lunchtime didn’t come soon enough. They decided to go to a little café around the corner
“So, what’s up?” Elsie leaned back on the booth.
“Well, I think I’m falling in love with Evan. I’m just not sure if it’s the right thing to do or if I’m even ready for it.”
“Why not? Is it because you’re afraid of what you feel or what other people might think?”
“I’m not sure. I always thought black should be with black, and white should be with white.”
“Yeah, I always thought men should be with women.”
Jewell decided to ask what she’d wanted to know all along. “Why do you like women? Are you attracted to men at all?”
Elsie didn’t answer for a while. No one had ever just come right out and asked her personal questions like that before. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to expose herself.
Sensing her discomfort, Jewell apologized. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to blurt that out. I was just curious. If I’m prying, excuse me. You don’t have to tell me shit.”
“No, you’re not prying,” Elsie told her. “It’s not that I’m not attracted to men. Occasionally I might find one appealing. It’s just that my preference is women. They are what makes me happy. There was a time when I wished I could change it, but I realized I couldn’t and I’ve decided to accept it.”
Jewell slammed her hand down on the table. “You know what we should do?”
“What?”
“You should bring your lover and I should bring Evan to the office party. It’ll be our coming out night.”
“I already invited Summer,” Elsie revealed.
“Get out!” Jewell was surprised.
“Now I’m wondering if I should renege on the invite.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Fear,” Elsie answered honestly.
Later that night, Elsie sat on the couch, looked at the phone and tried to figure out a way to uninvite Summer. What would she say? “The party has been canceled.” That would be too obviously untrue.
Elsie was nervous about coming out to friends and coworkers. As it was, Crystal and Susan were wondering why she rarely went on dates. In the past, Susan even tried to set her up with a couple of Timothy’s friends. Well, they were going to find out tonight if she didn’t come up with a plan.
She picked up the phone, dialed the number, hung up, dialed the number and hung up again. After the third hang up, she decided to get off the couch and try to keep busy until it was time to get dressed. As she stood up, the phone rang.
Elsie hesitated before answering the phone. “Hello?”
“Why do you keep calling and hanging up?” Summer wanted to know.
Duh. Elsie forgot about caller ID. Before she could answer, Summer said, “You’re nervous about the party, aren’t you?”
That was one of the reasons Elsie loved Summer. She knew her so well. “I’m a little nervous.”
“If you’ve changed your mind about me going as your date, I’ll understand.”
Elsie knew Summer meant what she was saying, and she appreciated it.
“Well?” Summer asked. She would do whatever Elsie decided, because she knew that Elsie’s coming out at the workplace was a big deal, not something to be rushed into.
Summer was offering her a way out. If she was smart she would take it, but she didn’t. “No, I haven’t changed my mind. I want you to come. I’m tired of hiding you. I’m tired of hiding us. I’m ready for this.”
“Are you sure?” Summer asked.
“Yes, I am.” Elsie had to admit she was tired of not being able to be herself, of hiding what was a big part of her. She couldn’t be in the shadows forever, this she knew. So, why keep putting it off? She was who she was and it was time for people to start dealing with it.
“Good. I was getting a little worried,” Summer told her. “Now, I’m going to go find something to wear. Love you.”
“Love you too,” Elsie responded before hanging up.
In a boutique downtown, Crystal was looking for an outfit to wear to the party. As usual, she was pissed because she’d waited until the last minute.
While in the dressing room, she heard a deep, sexy laugh. When she stepped out of the dressing room, she glanced around, being nosy. Crystal noticed that the woman who laughed looked extremely familiar, although she couldn’t place her. Normally something like that would not have bothered her, but this time it did. She wanted to ask her if they had met, but there was an intimacy between the woman and the man she was with, so Crystal thought it was best not to disturb them.
“I can’t see you tonight,” she heard the woman say. “I have other plans.”
“You always have other plans,” the man said.
“Well, you know my situation,” she told him, kissing him on the lips.
“That I do. Just try to make time for me soon. I miss you.” On that note, the lady walked away, glancing briefly at Crystal.
After choosing a white pantsuit and paying for her outfit, Crystal decided to go home and call Roger. When he had pulled her over, it was a shock seeing him. But once she’d had a chance to digest it, she had to admit it was nice, and the past was the past. Maybe it was time to let it go.
She and Roger had broken up a week after th
e rape when she told finally told him what happened. Instead of being there for her, he distanced himself. She was hurt by his response, which was to run the other way. Now she realized that it was because he was young and didn’t know how to handle it.
Before going home, Crystal decided to drop by the bookstore. She hadn’t read a good book in a long time. Reading used to be one of her passions, when she had time for it, and after hearing Elsie on the phone with one of her book club members, she’d decided to try to get back into it.
She pulled into the parking lot and wondered what was going on. It was packed. When she walked in, she read a sign announcing a book signing. Essence bestselling author Angel M. Hunter was signing her new book.
Might as well buy one of her books while I’m here, Crystal thought. Looking at the line and noticing how long it was, she decided to look around until the crowd thinned out.
She was glancing through magazines when she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. Lo and behold, it was Roger!
Crystal shook her head and laughed. “It’s just funny seeing you here.”
“What? A brother can’t read?” he joked with her.
“No, no, nothing like that. I was thinking about giving you a call when I got home.”
“Oh yeah?”
Boldly, Crystal told him, “I was going to ask you if you’d be interested in going out.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“When?”
“I know it’s last minute and all, but my firm—”
“Your firm?”
“Yes, I’m an attorney. My firm is having an office party, and I was wondering if you would be my date.”
“I’d be honored.”
Crystal opened her purse, pulled out her business card and handed it to him. “Give me a call and I’ll give you the details.”
Roger gladly took the card and told her, “I will do that.”
Suddenly Crystal felt uncomfortable and unsure of herself. “Um, well, I’ll talk to you later.” She left him standing there.
THE PARTY
They had rented out one of the ballrooms in the Sheraton for the party. Crystal arrived before anyone else. She wanted to make sure the planner had everything under control, and wanted to take a look around to feel the ambience. The decor looked spectacular. Crystal had to admit she was quite pleased with what she saw. The tables were set with purple satin tablecloths; the centerpieces held lilac and lavender flowers, there were aromatherapy candles throughout the room the DJ was playing Eighties music, and the seafood buffet looked delicious.
She glanced at her watch and saw that it was 6:30 p.m. Roger should be arriving any moment. She told him an earlier time than the other guests, so they would have a chance to talk and get reacquainted.
Crystal was talking to the party planner when she saw Roger walk in. “Excuse me.” She went to greet him. “Hey there.” Crystal gave him a quick hug while she took in his attire—a cream-colored suit, cream shirt, burgundy tie and handkerchief. He was definitely a sight for sore eyes.
“You look handsome,” she complimented.
“Thank you.” He took a look around. He was impressed. “Where is everyone?”
“You’re the first to arrive.”
“Really?”
“I asked you to come a little early so we could catch up with one another.”
Crystal noticed Roger taking her in.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
He smiled. “Do you know that you still look the same, if not better?”
Crystal blushed. “Would you like a drink?”
“No, but what I would like is another chance.” His answer caught her off guard. “Ever since that day I pulled you over, I’ve been thinking about you. Even before I pulled you over I wondered how you were, what were you doing, and what you’d be up to.”
Crystal didn’t know what to say.
“When I moved back here, I thought about looking you up, but chickened out.” Roger was going for the gusto, and since he was putting it all out there, Crystal figured she might as well do the same.
“Well, you did break my heart.”
“We were young, teenagers.”
“Yeah, but I was in love with you, and when I told you what happened, you stopped dealing with me. You told me I shouldn’t have gone with him. Do you know how much that hurt?”
“I couldn’t handle it,” Roger told her.
“It wasn’t for you to handle. All you had to do was be there for me.”
“I understand that now. I didn’t then. Listen, Crystal, I don’t know what to say, but you invited me here, and I hope it wasn’t to beat me up over something that happened ages ago. I apologize. That’s all I can do.”
Crystal realized that she still held some resentment, and after hearing the sincerity in his voice, she felt embarrassed by it. She touched Roger’s hand and said, “You know what? Let’s start over.”
“I think that’s a good idea,” Roger said.
“Roger, I’m glad you could make it.” Crystal greeted him as if he just walked in the door.
“I’m pleased you invited me.”
Together they laughed.
“How would you like a drink?” she offered.
“Sure.”
They moved toward the bar.
Slowly but surely, people started to come in. First came Susan with Timothy. Crystal noticed that they were holding hands. She was delighted they decided to stop playing games and declare their love for one another.
“We know too much about each other,” Susan would tell Crystal in the past when she’d ask why they didn’t hook up. The pretense was finally over.
The second Susan spotted Roger, she recognized him. “Oh my God, what are you doing here? I haven’t seen you in ages.” She let go of Timothy’s hand and gave Roger a hug, looking at Crystal with a question mark in her eyes.
“It’s good to see you too.” Roger smiled then turned to shake Timothy’s hand. “What’s up, man?”
After brief conversation, Crystal and Susan went to meet and greet their guests.
Timothy walked up behind Susan and whispered in her ear, “Will you look at that?”
Susan looked up to see Jewell and Evan walking in.
From across the room, Crystal spotted them at the same time. She noticed that Jewell looked a bit nervous. Approaching her, Crystal smiled. “Hey, girl.”
“Crystal, this is Evan, my date.” They shook hands, then in strolled Summer and Elsie. When Jewell saw them, she relaxed, because she knew that the focus would now be taken off her.
Timothy saw them as well. “There are all kinds of surprises tonight,” he told Susan.
“What are you talking about?” Susan wanted to know.
“You’ll find out soon enough.” Timothy knew Summer from one of the clubs his band performed at. He’d asked her out quite some time ago and she politely refused him. She told him he wasn’t her type. When he asked her what was her type, she told him flat out—women.
When Elsie reached them, she boldly introduced Summer as her date. Crystal almost choked on her drink. Susan’s mouth was on the floor.
“Your date?” Susan repeated, checking to see if she heard right.
“Yes, my date.”
“Well, aren’t we full of surprises?” Susan said, looking at Timothy, who was smiling at Summer.
“Timothy! Long time no see,” Summer said.
“You two know each other?” Elsie asked.
“Yeah, from Tigers. His band performs there occasionally.” Looking at Timothy, she said, “I haven’t seen you in a while. The band doesn’t sound the same without you.”
“I was on vacation.”
“Hope you had a nice time.”
“It was something I definitely needed,” he told her.
When Susan and Timothy were alone, she asked him if he knew Elsie was gay.
“I didn’t know Elsie was gay, but I knew Summer was, and it didn’t take a genius
to figure it out once I saw them walk in together.”
Susan shook her head. “I can’t believe it. How could I have missed something like that?” Looking in Summer’s and Elsie’s direction, Susan said, “I’ll tell you this much, they don’t look gay.”
Across the room, Crystal was having a similar conversation with Roger. They were discussing how people aren’t always who you think they are.
“I take it you’re not close with the people you work with? Were you and Susan friends in school?”
“It’s not that. We just don’t share our business with one another, and yes, Susan and I were close, but sometimes you drift—” Crystal stopped mid-sentence. Her attention was directed to the door.
Roger followed her gaze. Lange had just arrived, and on his arm was the woman from the boutique. They were headed in her direction.
“Crystal,” Lange said when he reached her. “You remember my wife, Lena, don’t you?”
Crystal’s glass slipped out of her hands.
One of the waiters came running over. “Let me get that for you.”
That’s why she looked so familiar, Crystal thought.
“Hi, I’m Lange.” He introduced himself to Roger. “This is my wife, Lena.”
Lena looked at Crystal and remembered her from the boutique. “Nice outfit,” she said in a tone that let Crystal know she recognized her.
“Thanks.” Crystal needed to step away and get a breather. “Would you all mind excusing me for a moment?” Before anyone could respond, she was off.
Once in the bathroom, she closed the door behind her and leaned over the sink. Damn, here she was interested in a man whose wife was having an affair. Should she say something or not? If she decided to, would it be for selfish reasons only? If she didn’t, would she be betraying a friend?
As she was splashing water on her face, Lena walked in. “We need to talk,” she said as if they were friends.
Crystal placed her hands on her hips. “What could we possibly have to talk about?”
Clutching her Gucci bag, Lena said, “I know you saw me in the boutique.”
