“Imma win you back Nat. Trust me on that. You know I’ve never stopped loving you? I was so young and foolish when we were together. I didn’t know what I had. I’m sorry for everything girl. You’re a good woman Natalie. Shit, when we got together we were so young. We had no idea how to parent and I didn’t know how to be a one woman type of man. You might not believe me but just know I’m going to show you that I’m that man for you. You keep your guard up and that hard demeanor but imma break all that shit down again. I want to win your trust back. Now crank up the car and let’s see where the temperature needle is on the gauge.”
I’m at a loss for words. This is the apology that I’ve needed to hear for years. I feel myself getting hot and bothered sitting so close to him. He’s saying all the right words and it’s turning me on.
I clear my throat because I notice that I’m just staring at him.
“Nat, are you gonna crank up the car or say something?” Chauncey is smiling at me and showing off his pearly white teeth.
I cranked the car and it’s at normal temperature. “Thanks for your help but I need to get to my job, while I still have one. Um, we will finish this talk later but thank you for the apology. I really needed to hear that.”
Chauncey smiled.
“Alright, I’ll holla at you later.”
***
I rush to work and thankfully my boss understands why I’m late. During my break I decide to call Megan and hash things out. I can’t believe she hasn’t made an attempt to contact me.
“Hey Meg, are you still mad at me?”
“No, I’m sorry I lashed out at you. It’s just; I’m really trying to salvage my marriage.”
I roll my eyes. I just know Megan is making a big mistake but you can’t tell her naïve ass anything.
“Well, I’m going to be supportive even if I disagree. I just want you to be happy. Everyone deserves happiness. I hope everything works out. I miss you.”
“Thank you. I miss you too Nat. What do you have planned this week?”
“Nothing. Why?”
“We should do lunch tomorrow, if you want.”
“Sure, sounds like a plan. Well I’m going to eat my lunch. I’ll text you later.”
***
After work I went to pick Courtney up from school.
“Hey mom!”
“Hey son, how was school?”
“It was okay, I hate science. It’s so boring.”
“Well son, you’ll need to learn all these things for the real world so you can get a good paying job.”
“Well dad doesn’t work and he’s making money. I’m going to be just like him when I grow up.” Courtney pounds on his bird chest like Tarzan.
“Son, what do you mean your father doesn’t work and has money?”
“I’m not sure what he does but he always has wads of cash. He and Miss Bernadette started some business. I’m not sure what it is. Can I have Mc Donald’s for dinner mom please?” I didn’t want to pry my son for answers. I wasn’t quite sure what business Chauncey and Burnie has going on but I’m going to find out. That man owes me child support and he’s walking around with wads of cash. What is his problem? I didn’t ask another question as I pulled into Mc Donald’s and ordered my son his food.
***
Once we made it home, Courtney went straight to the sofa and ate his food as he watched Nickelodeon. I grab my cell phone and text Chauncey that we need to have a talk as soon as possible. I’m going to get to the bottom of this. Whatever he’s doing has our son feeling as if he doesn’t need to do his best in school, because he’s going to make fast money like his father.
Chapter 9 - Megan
I’m now officially unemployed. I thought about how upset the company was that I had resigned.
***
I walk into my job and I’m so nervous about putting in my two weeks. I’m wearing my conservative red pants suit with my favorite Prada shoes. I carried my briefcase in my left hand. I can’t believe I’m about to quit being the CEO of such a prominent and flourishing publishing company. I’ve worked so hard to be able to make it to this point in my career and now I’m about to end it all. I press the up arrow on the elevator and silently wait for the elevator doors to open.
Once I was on the tenth floor, I strutted to Mr. Gillespie’s office. Mr. Gillespie is the one who gave me a shot at this job. He had hundreds of applicants who applied for this position but he choose me. I’m the youngest CEO that this company has ever had. I can’t thank him enough for giving me the opportunity to show him that I could take on this position. Now I have to go and tell him that I was putting my two weeks in.
“Knock Knock, knock! I waited for an answer before opening the owner’s door.
“Yes, come in,” said Mr. Gillespie. He has a voice like the Clear Eyes spokesperson. He’s voice is always dry and dull. After a few seconds, I went into the office.
“Well Mrs. Edwards, to what do I owe the pleasure?” Mr. Gillespie stood up and we shook hands.
“Mr. Gillespie, my husband and I are expecting our first child and we believe it would be best if I focus all my time on being at home, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given by working here but I must give my two weeks notice.” Mr. Gillespie looked saddened. In a way he was kind of like a father figure. He always has my best interest so I knew he would understand.
“Oh Mrs. Edwards, I’m sadden to hear this but I know you’ve thought this over and feel it’s best. Were going to miss seeing your bright and positive face and attitude around here. You must promise me that after you have your baby, you’ll bring him or her by to see us.”
I smiled. “Of course Mr. Gillespie.”
***
Snapping me out of my thoughts I begin to calculate my finances. I have some money saved in my savings but I feel like my independence has been ripped from me. I feel like I have given up so much for Foster and he’s not appreciating what I‘ve sacrificed for him. I left my career, a good paying job for Foster and he’s barely home. The sex is amazing but I need more than just sexual attention. I want to cuddle, watch a movie together, go on a date, or even have dinner with some great conversation. Every time Foster is late, I feel like he’s with that other woman.
I was officially three days late for my period. Apart of me is excited and apart of me feels like I’ve made a big mistake. Earlier today I called my gynecologist to make an appointment for a pregnancy test.
I decide to drop by Fosters office to surprise him with lunch. I wasn’t in the mood to cook so I bought him Subway. I have on tight blue jeans; a black BeBe shirt with letters in gold and my Steve Madden flip flops. I walk into his company and I'm greeted by his receptionist. I don’t care for her too much. She is noisy and often rubbed me the wrong way. Yet, I remained polite.
“Good morning. Is my husband in?”
“Yes Mrs. Edwards, he’s with a client right now. Would you like to have a seat?” I gave her a fake smile and sat down in one of the lobby chairs.
After ten minutes I’m still waiting. I was about to get up and knock on his office door until it slowly opened. A beautiful woman walks out. She pulled down her skirt, took her pointer and thumb finger and wiped the corners of her mouth. My heart is starting to beat so fast, that it feels like it’ll jump out of my chest. I’m nervous, confused, and insecure. Is she the other woman? Her body language looks like she just had sex or something. I stare at her the entire time as she walks pass me putting on her sunglasses.
I immediately jump up from my chair and storm into Fosters office. I slam the door and go off!
“Foster who in the hell was that coming out of your office? It smells like sex in here. Are you cheating on me? I quit my career for this shit?”
Before I even have time to blink, Foster has jumped up from his desk and his hands are around my neck. I gasp for air and my eyes roll into the back of my head. I’m trying to pry his hands from around my neck. My eyes began to water. Suddenly, Foster snaps out of his rage and re
leases his grip from around my neck. My neck was throbbing and I just stare at Foster in disbelief.
“Are you crazy? What is your problem?” I’m still trying to collect myself and regulate my breathing.
“How dare your ungrateful ass come in here and cause a scene. This is my business. I take good care of you and all I need you to do is know your place. You constantly disappoint me. This is how I pay the bills. You will respect me. You have no right to question me. You understand?”
I’m too scared to say anything so I nodded my head. Foster motions for me to sit down. I did. I’m trembling. Foster has never put his hands on me before.
“Don’t you have something you need to tell me?” Foster says in his stern voice.
I just stare at him and shake my head no.
“I’m waiting for an apology. You came in my office and showed your black ass.”
After a few seconds, I softly mumble, “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
“You’re excused. I’ll be home for dinner,” he said looking down at some paper work on his desk.
With that being said I left the Subway sandwich on his desk and let myself out. As I walk to my car the tears began to fall. I want to call Natalie but I don’t want to hear her say, “I told you so“.
***
I went home and cried my eyes out. I’ve never seen that side of Foster before. I grab a blanket and curl up on the sofa. There is Kleenex tissues scattered all over the floor. I can’t stop crying. I flip through channels on our 70 inch flat screen TV. Nothing is on that can keep my interest. I turn the TV off and drift off to sleep.
I’m awaken hours later as my husband enters our home. He walks right pass me without saying anything. I sit up on the sofa and look at the clock. It’s 9:30 p.m. I stretch and walk towards our bedroom. Foster is taking off his work clothes. I stand in the doorway and admire his frame. He’s gorgeous. No matter how mad he makes me, I’m still in love with him. I clear my throat and Foster turns around.
“I’m sorry about earlier baby. I’m just so insecure because I don’t know if you still want us to work. Sometimes you give me signs that we will one day be married for fifty years and babysitting our grandkids and other times, you act as if you don’t even want to be in the same room with me. My heartaches because I sometimes feel as if you’ve fallen out of love with me.” My voice starts trembling and before I know it, I’m crying. Foster just stands there looking at me. I’m nervous for a second until he walks towards me and wraps his big strong arms around me.
“I love you Megan. You’re the woman for me. I’m just so stressed at work but that doesn’t give me a reason to ever put my hands on you and I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
I’m glad he apologized. It won’t happen again. Right?
Chapter 10 - Natalie
I walk inside Ruby Tuesdays wearing a pink halter dress that shows off my bare back. The dress fits my body like a glove. I’m waiting inside the restaurant for Chauncey. He’s already ten minutes late and I’m annoyed. I need to find out what type of “work” he’s doing. It’s affecting our son. Courtney didn’t want to go to school all this week. He’s been making up excuses and catching an attitude with me. I’ve never heard so much negativity from him. I huff out of frustration and reapply my lip-gloss.
“Hi, can I start you off with something to drink?” The waitress is so polite and bubbly.
“Um, I’ll have a glass of Sangria please. I’m waiting on someone,” I say looking over the menu and flashing her a half smile. The waitress takes my drink order and graciously leaves.
After ten more minutes I decided to give Chauncey a call. He’s still late.
“Chauncey did you forget about our lunch appointment? I’ve been waiting for over twenty minutes.” I tried not to let my anger show through my tone.
“Oh yeah, I haven’t forget Nat. My meeting with my client ran overtime but I’m on my way now. I’m at the light up the street.”
I roll my eyes. Typical for him to always be late with a sorry ass excuse.
***
Chauncey walks up to our assigned table wearing True Religion shorts, a red and white Adida’s shirt, with matching shoes. He looks scrumptious! Damn were here to talk about Courtney. Focus. I hate that he looks so good. Ugh.
“Wassup Nat. Sorry for the delay. What’s good woe?” He leans back in the booth and crosses his arms.
I sip my Sangria and stare him dead in the eyes.
“What’s your occupation?” I blurt out. I’m never known to beat around the bush. My mouth has no filter.
Chauncey just stares at me.
“Uh…I told you I’m in between jobs right now. Was sup? You told me we had to discuss Courtney, not my occupation.”
“Your occupation has to deal with Courtney. Whatever you’re doing is affecting our son. He doesn’t feel the need to go to school or learn because he wants to be like you, whatever it is you’re doing that’s making you wads of cash. Listen, imma just put it out there…..are you selling drugs? I’ll take Courtney from you if you are. You know I don’t make threats either, that’s a promise. I don’t want him around that kind of bull shit. He’s your son. You need to teach him how to be a man. Only you can do that. Give him guidance and let him know that school is important.” I’m talking so fast that I’m running out of breath.
Chauncey looks down, beside me, around me and at everyone else but directly at me. I know I’ve hit a nerve.
“Listen, I’m doing what I have to do to provide man. With this economy, I can’t get work with a GED woe. You know I dropped out my junior year in high school. I even went back and got my GED and I still can’t find work. College aint for me man. I’m just trying to make some cash. I aint selling no drugs. My son gonna always be good Nat. Straight up. Look I’m late and I have to run but I’ll talk to Courtney.” Chauncey threw fifty dollars on the table and stood up.
“Wait,” I shouted too loudly. He glares at me. I feel like I’ve hurt his feelings.
“Listen; just have one drink with me. I didn’t mean to push your buttons but I just don’t want our son to be a statistic. I want him to make something of himself.”
I stare at him and he sits back down in the booth.
“Courtney is going to be just fine. I’ll have a talk with him,” Chauncey said as he grabbed a menu.
We drank the night away. We order shots, martini’s, and beers. Before I know it, it’s about 8pm. I drink entirely too much and can’t drive my car.
“Let me take you home. You’re more fucked up than I am woe.”
I nod my head. I’ll just have him drive me to get my car tomorrow. Good thing Courtney is with his nana.
As we rode in his truck, I have a bad feeling. Alcohol and Chauncey never mixed well. Chauncey blared Yo Gotti through his truck speakers. I dazed out the window and felt mellow.
After pulling up to my apartment, I thank Chauncey.
“Ayy Nat, can I take a leak real quick?”
“Sure,” I say as I exit his truck.
Chauncey kills the engine. We walk inside my apartment together. I went to the refrigerator to grab a water bottle as Chauncey walks to the bathroom.
I flop down on the sofa and drink my water. Chauncey comes out of the bathroom and sits next to me.
“Ay Natalie, man I aint selling no dope. My father did that mess and he died broke, alone and behind a prison cell. My son aint gonna experience that type of loss that I felt with my father behind bars.”
We ended up talking for hours. For the first time since Courtney was 2 ½ years old, we talked like friends.
“You know, it’s nice actually talking to you. I really wish we could’ve worked out our differences.”
“Man, I told you imma win my family back….believe that.”
“Chauncey, you’re with Burnie. Stop spitting game.”
As we sat on the couch I stared at Chauncey dead in the face. Before I knew it he leans in and gives me a thorough kiss on the lips. Our tongues danc
e with each other and remind you, our son is eleven. It’s been years since our lips touched each other, yet I like it. I more than like it, I love it! Chauncey broke free from our passionate kiss and pulls his shirt over his head. The way Chauncey is looking at me turns me on. I watch as Chauncey removes the rest of his clothing. My body quivered with anticipation. My pearl is moist and ready. I slowly peel my dress down past my breasts to my waist and shimmied from side to side to slide the dress over my curvaceous body. Before I know it, we are butt naked on the living room floor! For the first time in forever, he makes love to me. Chauncey is breathing briskly. He’s taking the time to caress my body. His body is on top of mine while we kiss and he gently squeezes my perky nipples. I admire his chiseled and impressive chest. He reaches into his jean pocket to retrieve a condom. After he slides the condom on his tool he enters me gently. I was so tight since I haven’t had sex in years. I feel like a virgin! Chauncey moans in my ear. “Damn girl, you been saving this for me huh?” He’s balls deep and I try to scramble away as Chauncey goes deeper inside of me. “Take this shit baby,” says Chauncey as he makes love to me. I’m breathing so hard. I suck on his neck and leave a passion mark as a sign of the pleasure I’m feeling. I grab his bulging shoulders and have always loved how broad they are. The sex is feeling so good that I can’t even fix my mouth, to say anything as I match his rhythm and rotate my hips. Damn, this is going to complicate things.
Chapter 11 - Megan
My period is a few days late and I’m so scared. Foster is hardly home and when he was we would either argue or have sex.
I sat Indian style in my bed, reading, “The Awful Truth,” by Rikenya Hunter and I couldn’t put it down. I’m so into my book that I didn’t hear Foster come in.
“Oh, hey baby. I didn’t hear you come in. How was your day?” I nervously ask. I’m on pins and needles because anything I said nowadays set him off.
Megan & Natalie Page 3
