by Aray Brown
"This is it. Two bedrooms. Two bath. Full Jacuzzi. Hardwood floors. Fireplace. Beautiful view. Nice little gated community. Nearby to one of the best schools in the district. So, what do you think?" The realtor gave her a tour.
“I’ll take it." Zoe said.
"Will your husband be joining us?" She said, prying.
"I'm divorced. Looking to..." She trailed off
"Start over? Well this is the perfect place for it." The realtor added.
Zoe was embarking on a new adventure.
She lifted up the trunk of the U-Haul and grabbed the first package. Out of nowhere, she heard a man’s voice over her shoulder, startling her.
"Do you need any help?" Maize asked.
"Sorry didn't mean to scare you. I uh, I just live down the street. I'm Maize. Maize Blevins." He extended his hand, showing off his boyish smile.
"Zoe. Zoe Whitaker. And this is Medina and Isabel." She replied, shaking his hand, sizing him up. Zoe took it all in from his black wavy hair, blue eyes, pretty boy face right down to the chiseled body. She had a flare for picking a thoroughbred.
"It's nice to meet you." Maize kneeled down, acknowledging the twins.
"Just uh, grab whatever you can carry and follow me." Zoe instructed, eyes wandering.
“Yes Ma’am.” Maize replied.
I just got out of a bad relationship; I’m not ready to dive into a new one. Although I can lose myself in his eyes, it doesn’t hurt to be neighborly. She thought.
Zoe examined his strong masculine arms glistening in the hot sun while they unloaded the truck. Beads of sweat formed on his brown skin.
“Want some coffee?” Zoe asked.
“Please.” Maize said.
Five minutes later, they stood in the well-decorated kitchen. The noise of the whistling coffee pot broke their silence. Zoe grabbed two sets of mugs out of one of the boxes, dumped two tablespoons of Taster's Choice in each.
"How do you take it?" She asked, turning off the stove, pouring the water in both.
"Black, two sugars." Maize said.
"My ex takes it the same way." She blurted out.
"Divorced?" Maize asked.
"What gave it away?" Zoe asked in a sarcastic manner.
"I didn't see a ring.” He said, jokingly.
“You’re very observant, going on a year now." Zoe said, handed him the cup and joined him at the table.
"If you don't mind me asking, what happened?" Inquired Maize.
Immediately her mind reverted back to that night. She laid a hand on her chest, as if she still felt the wound.
The solemn look on her face vanished as she changed the subject
"We just went our separate ways. What about you? Have you ever been?" Zoe sipped her coffee.
"I’ve been divorced for five years, irreconcilable differences. I got screwed. She got alimony." Maize confessed, took a swig.
"I'm sorry to hear that." Zoe said, touching his hand.
"Don't be. It was doomed from the moment we said I Do. Foolish of me to think the girl I knew since grade school could be my soul mate. She changed ya know, did a complete 180 on me. I tried to make it work, but it just wasn’t in the cards. Now the only thing that means anything to me is my job and my son." Maize said.
"What do you do?" Inquired Zoe.
"I'm a private investigator, started the company with my pop. Blevins & Son Investigations. Now it's just me. I’m keeping the son, hoping one day Simeon will follow in my footsteps. A P.I. and a cop, the neighbors must feel so safe." Maze said, smiled.
"Is it that obvious?" Zoe asked.
"It's the way you carry yourself. I've been around enough badges to notice." Maize said, swallowed the last drop of coffee that was left.
"Can I get you a refill?" Zoe asked.
"It's getting late. I should be going. Thanks for the coffee." Maize checked his watch, headed to the door,
"Nice meeting you." Zoe said, extended her hand.
"It was really nice meeting you Zoe." Maize shook her hand longer than expected, laid a kiss on her cheek and left. She watched him walk away; thinking what kind of woman would give up a man like that. Thinking there was more to the story than he let on.
6.
Alex shamelessly stepped inside the rehab center, mentally preparing for the days to come, looked around at his surroundings. The decor of the place gave off a homey feeling, which made him feel more at ease. He swore that he would never set foot outside unless completely rehabilitated. Out of all his attempts, this would be the one that would stick. It had to. It was either this or prison.
Zoe wasn't the only one who needed a clean slate.
"You must be the new guy. Gary." He extended his hand.
"Alex." Alex said, shaking his hand.
His eyes began to wander. Alex was entirely out of his element, starting a new chapter and was prepped for the harsh road ahead, to unlock memories from his past, to get to the heart of why he started using. Alex wanted to be someone they could be proud of. Zoe and the kids was the only good thing he had left, the only thing that had meaning. Was he being sincere? Or was it all a ploy?
"Alex, do you have something you want to share?" Inquired the therapist.
"I agree with Erv. The sole reason I'm doing this is for my kids.” Alex said.
"When did you first start using?" The therapist asked.
“I was eighteen; Frank called me from a pay phone to say in a very cavalier way that my mother had died, I didn’t want to believe it at first, there was so much pain I didn’t want to deal with. After that I never stopped.” Alex said.
"Do you think your ex will ever forgive you? Can you forgive yourself?" The therapist asked
“That’s the burning question isn’t it?” Alex asked.
A single tear trickled down his cheek. That was one question he couldn't bring himself to answer. Alex knew he couldn't move forward until he made amends. If he was serious about turning over a new leaf, he had to start somewhere. After group, he made a mad dash to the public telephone, picked up the handset and reluctantly dialed a number. He played out this scenario a million times before and it always ended the same way—with Zoe hanging up in his face.
“The number you have reached is no longer in service. If you have reached this recorded in error, check the number and dial again.”
Alex desolately hung his head down until realizing a piece of tattered paper lodged deep in his pockets, concealed with a P.I.’s number. He anticipated her every move. Do you think you can get away from me that easily? He thought. Then casually fished for what would lead him back to her.
“Louis? It’s me. I need you to locate someone for me. Zoe Whitaker. Why? Let’s just say we have unfinished business.”
He hung up abruptly, fidgeted with his hands. He was cooking up something and didn’t know just yet.
Alex had the capacity to transform into two very different identities—Jekyll and Hyde. It started with the substance abuse at an early age, nevertheless that alter ego he suppressed for years—had a mind all its own. Alex never knew when it was coming. It could be in a blink of an eye. And just like that, everything would change.
* * * * * *
“All this time I blamed my father for everything that went wrong, when it was me.” Alex confessed, continued to pour his heart out as the therapist and his peers listened intently.
“I chose not to face my demons. I chose to get back in a messy situation, even though I tried to get out of it. Thought I had a handle on things. I needed help. No one was around.”
“You chose to kill her.” A female patient blurted out.
“I loved her! I still, love her. That person, whoever that person was, wasn’t me” Alex lied, looked up. They witnessed the severity in his eyes and voice.
“It wasn’t you? You were separated, right? You didn’t see your kids and had no support from her. As far as she was concerned you were dead. Are you sure there wasn’t some small part that wanted to see her suffer?” She questio
ned. Alex shook his head in disbelief.
“She was right to take my kids away from me, but I didn’t think she would abandon me. We took vows, to love and to cherish in sickness and in health. Until death do us part, I never meant to kill her.” Alex said, telling a half-truth.
Alex shuffled back to the four cornered room, waited patiently for a telephone call that would never come, lay on the bed and viewed the wallet sized pictures of his family plastered on the wall. He glared at them like he could see into their souls, like they were frogs upon dissection. There was a secret that only they shared, as man and wife. Alex knew eventually it would all be revealed. On the sly, Alex cherished playing The Big Bad Wolf. He had a good teacher. No more hiding. Ready or not here I come.
The sliding doors opened and in walked Alex’s ace in the hole, better known as the private detective, carrying a manila folder. He had an honest face, which gave him an upper hand and a cleft chin, making him more gallant. They were old friends from Penn State. A fact Alex kept hidden from everyone around him. Everyone believed him more when he was a screw-up.
“I’m here to see Alex Price.” He flashed the ID.
“Sign in please.” The nurse instructed.
“Is he off his rocker?” The P.I asked.
“Follow me, this way.” She gestured.
The private detective followed her to an empty room, noticed a plethora of photographs taped to the wall. It looked a little obsessive. But his job wasn’t to weed out the crazies. This was no different from any other he accepted. In his line of work, money talked.
Alex, coming back from another one of his group sessions, joined him in his domain.
“I thought you were taller.” The detective said.
“I thought you were drunk.” Alex retorted.
They shared a manly hug.
“Enough with the pleasantries, what is she keeping from me?”
The private detective tossed the folder on the mattress, took a seat.
“For starters, Zoe and the girls are in Northbrook, Illinois. She got a job as a registered nurse at the NorthShore Medical Group. Now for the main course, she’s shacking up with some guy. His name is Maize Blevins, private dick for hire.”
Alex ransacked the documents, saw the photos of Maize and his ex kissing, holding hands, and doing God knows what.
“It’s time I arranged a surprise visit.” Alex smiled, slyly.
“What about for services rendered?” He asked.
“I’ll have my “associate” wire you the money. I don’t want nothing tying you to me.” Alex said
7.
“Hello? Hello? I know you’re there I can hear you breathing.” Zoe said, agitated. She kept her whereabouts hidden, incidentally that made it all the more perplexing. Zoe was considered as the newbie around those parts. She never informed anyone about the details of her sordid past, and that was exactly the way she wanted it.
Maize grabbed the phone.
“Sandra?!”
Click. The line went dead. Maize hung up.
“Who was it?” Zoe asked.
“A wrong number. You know, I’ve been incapable of caring about anyone since my divorce.” Maize changed the subject, hugged her from behind.
“I haven’t had a man around the house in awhile; I was starting to forget what it felt like.” Zoe turned around, wrapped her arms around his neck.
Maize ran his finger smoothly down her face, caressed her cheek and kissed her sweetly while pressing his body into hers. Maize slowly unbuttoned her blouse, led her to the bedroom, and took his time undressing her, making her want him even more.
After a long and torturous divorce Maize never considered he could be happy again. Nevermore believed he could fall for another woman. For a while he wouldn’t get close to anyone.
Maize locked lips with every inch of her body, sucked on her nipples as he worked his way up. The sweet, bold smell of his cologne was enough to send her over the edge. Zoe wanted him more than any man, wanted to feel him inside of her, to explore every nook. Their undeniable passion was like a volcano on the brink of eruption. Maize thrust his manhood deep inside, taking in all of her, enveloping in her sweet nectar. Zoe moaned with anticipation.
“Say my name.” Maize demanded, looked deep into her eyes. He had prepared to say something more meaningful but geared toward the end backed out. The last woman he said “I love you” to turned out to be a she-devil and seized him for everything he was worth.
Zoe cried out his name as she climaxed. They fell into each other’s arms, drenched with unbridled passion.
“Let’s go again.” Zoe said, smiled.
“I’m gonna be late for work but I think I can make an exception in your case.”Maize agreed, showing off his million-dollar smile.
Zoe finally found a man that was good to her and for her. They assumed they both won the lottery. Each of them had been dealt their share of hard times and had a deep appreciation when something good or someone good fell into their laps. Maize was different from the men she’d been with. Kind, warm, and caring, was a bit of a momma’s boy and rarely had a bad side. Zoe was different from any woman he’s ever been with. They considered themselves blessed. Everything she ever wanted from Alex came so easily with him. She was in love and back betting on black.
Maize pulled into the parking lot of his favorite coffee shop. The Great Bean. A medium sized family-owned business that specialized in fusion, acquiring unique coffee beans from all over the world, fusing them together to make one great cup of coffee. It had done pretty well for itself. Starbucks offered to buy them out but they humbly declined.
Maize sauntered in, approached the counter. The owner was there to greet him with a warm smile. He had a light caramel complexion, clean shaven head and slim build. Maize had been a regular customer ever since he was authorized.
“What’s up brother?” The owner smiled.
“Shit, I can’t call it.” Maize smiled, sharing a bro hug.
“You want your regular?” The owner asked.
“My man.” Maize said.
“Now see, a real man would’ve ordered something conventional like dark roast. Not that green tea shit.” Sandra teased.
The sound of her voice still made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. What is she doing here? He thought.
“But then again, you always loved money.” She said.
“Maybe if I hadn’t, you and that shark of a lawyer wouldn’t have cleaned me out.” Maize turned around, waiting for his order.
“Funny, I don’t see your business suffering.” Sandra replied.
“What do you want?” Maize asked, furrowed his brow.
“Have a seat.” Sandra said.
“I don’t have time for th—“
“It’ll be quick. Sit. Please.” She interrupted.
Maize walked slowly to the table, grabbed a chair, leery of what this was all about. This woman had two sides to her. The nice girl, the other side was pure nasty.
“How are you?” Sandra asked.
“How’s little man?” Maize teased.
“Kenny and I didn’t work out.” Sandra sipped her latte.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Maize said, sarcastically.
“He knew I was still in love with you” Sandra said.
“You could’ve fooled me.” Maize said.
“Please give us another chance.” Sandra replied.
“I’m seeing someone.” Maize said.
“You’re fucking that bitch. There’s a difference. You’re not in love.” Sandra said.
“No, but I’m in very strong like, which is more than I can say for you.” Maize said.
Sandra threw the lukewarm coffee in his face. Maize smirked as if he knew a secret unbeknownst to anyone, wiped off the mess and paid for the orders. She’ll never change. He thought.
“Always a pleasure” Maize addressed her, nonchalantly.
As he made his way to the door, she blurted out something unexpected.
“Her name is Zoe right? She got two kids doesn’t she? Twins can be so challenging.” Sandra said with a straight face, revealing her stout figure.
“If you hurt one hair on their head...” Maize paused.
“I’ll kill you.” Maize threatened.
“You can’t kill a ghost.” Sandra said.
She swung the door open and walked out of the shop. Maize and the customers who were at close proximity where taken aback.
8.
“Blevins & Sons Investigations, how may I help you?” The receptionist answered, spotted him coming in. Maize sat her drink at her desk, smiled and made a beeline to his office. He slammed the door.
The main office had Brushed Pearl painted walls, full desk accompanied by a small lamp, a fairly old photograph of him and his father as first time business owners and a vintage black rotary phone. In the corner was a small cabinet, marked for special cases. Followed by the brown butter soft leather sofa he acquired from IKEA. Not to mention a nice view overlooking the skyline.
Maize scratched his head, sipped the Green tea latte, took a long drag from his last cigarette and reflected back to Zoe—the lovemaking—and managed to get Sandra off his mind. He looked out the window, admiring the view.
Suddenly the phone buzzed proceeded by the receptionist’s voice.
“Hamilton’s on Line 1.”
Maize slowly turned away from the stunning view, plopped on the edge of the desk, grabbed the phone and rested the receiver against his lips as if he was planning the next move very carefully. With one press of a button, Maize was connected with a man he considered to be an old dear friend.
