Games

by Wanda B. Campbell

  “What are you talking about?” she asked, although she knew.

  Jason took a sip of water. “LaShay, I’ve never seen you as relaxed and happy as you were in California.”

  “That’s because I was at home and in familiar surroundings.”

  “Or was it because you were with the person who gave you that silver heart around your wrist?” he asked flatly.

  Shay nearly choked on a tortilla chip. She drank some water and tried to come up with an excuse, but changed her mind. She had rededicated her life to God and now she needed to take responsibility for her actions.

  She looked him in the eyes. “Jason, there is someone that I have cared about for a very long time. But until last weekend I wasn’t sure anything would come of it.”

  Jason looked hurt and angry. “Then what were you doing with me?”

  “Like I said, I didn’t think anything would come of it. I’m still not sure, but I have to give it a fair try.”

  Jason laughed in her face. “Now you want to be fair. What about me? Have you been fair with me?”

  “No I haven’t, but remember you’re the one who insisted on this relationship. I am sorry, I shouldn’t have agreed knowing my heart is with someone else.”

  Jason glared at her. “Sorry, I bet you are. Like I said before, I’m a grown man; I don’t need you to feel sorry for me.”

  Shay turned away from his hot stare. Her head snapped back at his next question.

  “Who is it?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “What’s the name of this person that you can’t let go of?” Jason clarified.

  “That’s not important,” Shay answered, shaking her head.

  “To me it is. I want to know who owns the deed to your heart. I want to know who I have been competing with all this time.”

  “I am not going to answer that,” she answered with finality.

  Without warning, Jason reached for her arm and snatched the silver heart from her wrist.

  “What are you doing? Give that back,” Shay screamed, ignoring the stares from the restaurant patrons.

  Jason read the inscription on the back of the heart. His concentrated facial expression left no doubt for Shay that mentally he was replaying the names of everyone he’d met over the weekend. There was only one that started with the letter “B”.

  “Brian? You are in a relationship with Brian?” Jason threw the heart across the table at her. It slid off the table and landed in her lap. Shay sat speechless, looking at everything but Jason.

  “It all makes sense now. He’s perfect for you, tall and dark. What kind of game were you playing with me in front of Brian? Were you using me to make him jealous? Hanging on to me while wearing his heart around your wrist?”

  “Jason, I—” Jason cut her off and raised his hand as if he wanted to strike her. He slowly lowered it and clinched his fist. “You have worn this heart every day since Christmas. You could have told me then about you and Brian instead of parading me around like the village idiot to your family! This explains why your own mother didn’t know we were dating, but I guess we really weren’t dating. You were just using me.”

  Shay wiped the tears that rolled down her cheeks at a steady pace. She wasn’t afraid of him hitting her, just sorry that she’d hurt him.

  He looked at her with so much disgust; Shay figured he had more regard for a two-day-old wad of gum than for her. “I bet you’re not pure as the driven snow either. I bet you’ve slept with him. As deceitful as you are, you probably had sex with him while I was asleep in the guest room.”

  “No I didn’t. Jason, I never told you I was a virgin, you assumed that.”

  Jason shook his head and smirked. “I’m glad you’ve decided it’s time for you to have a relationship with God, because you definitely need Him.” Jason stormed out of the restaurant and left her holding the broken chain.

  With heavy steps, Shay returned to her apartment and phoned Taylor and Leah on three-way and gave them a recap. They’d texted her three times already wanting updates.

  “No he didn’t snatch the chain from your wrist!” Taylor exclaimed.

  “What else did he do?” Leah asked.

  “He told me I needed God and left,” Shay answered, still remorseful for the unnecessary hurt she’d caused Jason.

  “If he put his hands on you, he’s going to need the father, son and Holy Ghost to save his life.” Taylor smirked.

  “If I tell Brian about Jason breaking the chain he gave you and raising his hand to you, he’d be on the next plane to Boston,” Leah added. “I should text him.”

  “Don’t you dare!” Shay warned. There was no way Brian and her male family members would let Jason get away with what he’d done, even if she was the one in the wrong.

  “Please don’t tell Brian. I got myself into this and I can get myself out of it. Besides, Jason is right, I do need God.” Shay attempted to extinguish the fire.

  “I agree, but that doesn’t give him the right to destroy your property,” Leah instigated.

  “He was angry and hurt. I can buy another chain,” Shay rationalized.

  “True, but—” The rest of Taylor’s words evaporated once her father bellowed behind her. “Uh—Shay, my dad wants to speak to you,” Taylor said cautiously.

  Uh-oh, Shay thought. Before she could respond to Taylor, her uncle, Attorney Jonathan Simone cross-examined her like she was on the witness stand in a case he was defending.

  “What happened with Jason? Did he put his hands on you? Is he there with you?”

  Shay quickly told her uncle what had transpired and prayed he wouldn’t pursue anything. There weren’t any gray areas for the Simone men on the subject of disrespecting and abusing women.

  “Is that all?” Jonathan Simone didn’t sound convinced.

  “Uncle, I promise everything is fine. If anything changes, I promise you’ll be the first to know,” Shay reassured him.

  “I don’t like the fact that he raised his hand to you. It doesn’t matter that he didn’t hit you this time, he might the next time.”

  “Uncle, there won’t be a next time. I’m not going to see him outside of classes.”

  “Make sure you don’t.”

  Shay acknowledged the statement for what it was, an order and not a mere suggestion, and quickly complied. “Yes, sir.” She hung up the phone without saying good-bye to Leah or Taylor.

  Before the night was over, she received calls from three uncles and five of her male cousins. Each of them assured her they were only a telephone call away. Reggie called the next morning, after Julia left to take Josiah to preschool.

  “Thank you for not telling my mother,” she said to Reggie.

  “Shay, if this escalates any further, I’ll have to tell her and Brian. Someone will have to bail me out of jail.”

  Shay laughed. “I love you, Reggie.”

  “I love you, too. Be careful and young lady, no more games.”

  Shay left for class a short time later, feeling really blessed. She enjoyed her morning prayer time and although she’d created a mess, God showed his love for her through her family and because of that she knew everything would be just fine.

  Chapter 39

  Brian’s palm lingered on the horn longer than normal. Shannon had better hurry; he only had twenty minutes to make it to Wednesday night Bible Study on time. Less than a week ago, he’d told Shannon to drive herself to church, but this afternoon she’d called and said her car had broken down and asked him to pick her up. He didn’t feel good about resending so quickly, but he didn’t want to be the reason she missed a word from God, so he agreed this one time. By Sunday her car should be fixed.

  ***

  Inside of her apartment, Shannon practiced her damsel-in-distress act. Her Ford Focus had broken down numerous times, but today it was running just fine, except for the knocking noise underneath the hood. She’d deal with that later. Tonight she needed Brian’s company.

  After meeting the infamous Shay, Shann
on realized the only way she was going to win Brian’s affection was to escalate her plan. That was the only way to get Shay to back off. After watching Shay ignore her boyfriend and cater to Brian, Shannon’s intuition told her Shay held the same feelings for Brian as he had for her.

  Shannon had been carefully calculating a plan for two days. Before leaving out, she checked her bedroom one last time. She laid the black satin and lace camisole on her bed and turned out the lights. Game time was over; tonight she would not be denied.

  ***

  “Thanks for giving me a lift,” Shannon said, after climbing into the RAV4.

  He waited for her to fasten her seatbelt before pulling off. “No problem.”

  The small SUV soon filled with a familiar fragrance. Brian sniffed. “Are you wearing a new perfume?”

  Shannon smiled. “Do you like it?”

  On Shay I do, he wanted to say, but instead Brian shrugged his shoulders and answered, “It’s familiar, that’s all.”

  “Fond memories I hope.” Shannon began to casually stroke Brian’s arm, but stopped when he gave her a warning stare. With her long acrylic nail she brushed a lock of hair from her face. “Nice song,” she said and bobbed her head to the CD the rest of the ride to True Worship.

  During Bible class, Brian sat in the front and took notes as usual. Since reconnecting with God, he’d acquired a thirst for the Word that could not be quenched. At times he wondered if the hunger was God’s way of calling him into the ministry. He placed that thought on the backburner, for now his desire was to learn more of the Word and how to incorporate it into his daily life.

  Shannon paid close attention to Pastor Reggie’s teaching on the book of Esther. For her it was confirmation of her next move. Her mind went into overdrive planning the event that was sure to change her life. If Esther could beautify herself to entice the king for a good cause, then so could she. Tonight she was going to seduce Brian and even if she didn’t get pregnant, she would make him think she was long enough for him to marry her. Brian, a noble man, would marry her even if he didn’t love her to keep his child from growing up without a father like he’d done.

  Shannon’s irritation became noticeable after Bible class while Brian conversed with Pastor Reggie.

  Julia noticed Shannon’s fidgeting. “Shannon, is everything all right?”

  “Yes, Pastor Julia. I’m just tired.”

  “Maybe you should head on home,” Julia suggested.

  “I’m trying to, but I have to wait for Brian. He’s my ride,” Shannon answered matter-of-factly.

  Reggie gave his son a disapproving look. “Brian, maybe you should take Shannon home before it gets too late. Call me later.”

  Brian knew he would get a speech from his father later so he ended the conversation and left. Shannon followed close behind.

  Brian pulled in front of Shannon’s apartment building and waited for her to get out.

  She gave him an innocent smile. “Thanks for the ride.”

  “No problem.” He never looked in her direction. He heard the latch open, and then he heard her scream.

  “Oh, my ankle! My ankle!”

  Brian turned the engine off and ran around to the passenger side. “What happened?”

  Shannon lay on the ground clutching her right ankle. “I tripped and twisted my ankle.”

  Brian tried to touch her ankle, but she screamed, “Ouch!”

  “Do you want me to take you to the emergency room?”

  “No! I’ll be there all night. If you could carry me up to my apartment so I can put some ice on it, I’ll be fine.”

  Brian had never been inside of her apartment and didn’t feel like it now, but he couldn’t leave her outside on the ground. He helped Shannon to her feet and carried her to her second-floor one-bedroom apartment. She wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head on his shoulders. At the front door she resisted his attempt to set her on her feet by squeezing his biceps and squealing.

  “Shannon, how are you going to open the door if you won’t let me go?” Before Brian blinked Shannon produced a silver key.

  “Could you open the door for me?” she whimpered and snuggled closer. “I don’t think I can walk.”

  Brian shook his head in disbelief at her sudden helplessness. Since he felt partially responsible for the fall for not assisting her out of the vehicle, he obliged. Balancing Shannon in one arm, he freed the other and unlocked the door. After kicking the door closed with his foot, Brian walked inside and sat Shannon down on the sofa.

  “See you later.”

  “Brian,” she whined. “Can you please get me some ice from the freezer? There’s a plastic bag in the top right drawer.” Shannon pointed toward the kitchen.

  Brian didn’t say anything, but hurried into the kitchen and grabbed some ice. He looked at his watch; he wanted to get home in time to call Shay before midnight on the East Coast. He returned to the living room area to find Shannon stretched out on the sofa.

  “Here’s the ice. Good night,” he said, then started for the door.

  Shannon threw her head back and moaned, “Brian, I don’t think I’ll be able to walk on my own until morning. Would you mind carrying me into my bedroom? Otherwise, I’ll have to crawl.” She winced in pain.

  Brian stopped midstride at the request and slowly turned around. He didn’t want to step foot into her bedroom, but she looked so helpless. Once again he obliged and quickly gathered her in his arms. That’s when he noticed her blouse was unbuttoned. She pointed toward the bedroom and arched her back, giving him a clear view of her cleavage.

  Brian walked into her bedroom and nearly dropped her on the floor. The red-and- black décor with unburned candles strategically placed around the room was a sure invitation to something he didn’t want to partake in. He hurried and laid her on her bed and turned to leave. Brian stopped in his tracks at her next request.

  “Brian, would you please help me get undressed before you go?”

  When Brian turned around, Shannon was leaning back against the pillows with the hem of her skirt up past her thighs. Her blouse practically hung off her shoulders. Her blonde locks fanned her shoulders.

  “Shannon, I can’t do that.”

  Shannon lowered her voice to a seductive tone. “Please, Brian, I just need a little help.” Her legs opened and closed to every syllable.

  Brian closed his eyes and ran both hands over his baldhead. The cinnamon fragrance wafted from the candles and flooded his senses. At that moment, he understood his father’s warnings.

  “Shannon, I can’t give you the kind of help you’re looking for.” His cell phone rang.

  “But, Brian, I just need you to assist me in removing my skirt and nylons, then you can leave.” She lowered her eyelids and pouted.

  He looked at the caller ID and held his hand up for Shannon to be quiet. “Hi, Mom.” Brian turned his back to Shannon and she pounded her fists on the bed.

  “Hey, baby, how are you doing?” Alysse asked.

  “I’m fine, Mama.”

  “I know you’re fine,” she giggled, “I heard Shay was in town over the weekend.”

  “Brian,” Shannon whined from behind.

  “Hold on a minute, Mama.”

  Brian pressed the mute button on his phone. When he faced Shannon again her blouse lay crumpled on the floor. “Look, Shannon, I’m sorry about your ankle, but I’m not going to help you undress. You’ll be fine until morning, if not, call one of your family members to help you.” Then he left.

  Back inside the Rav4, Brian continued his conversation with his mother. “How’s Mark doing?”

  “He’s fine, we’re going for our yearly checkups tomorrow.”

  He activated the hands-free device and merged into traffic. “Mama, I’ve never known you to see a doctor regularly.”

  “Well, it’s time for me to start. Back up,” she said as if suddenly remembering something. “Tell me how things are going with you and Shay.” Alysse was excited. “Are the two of yo
u a couple yet?”

  “Not yet, but I’m working on it,” Brian answered honestly.

  “What do you mean, you’re working on it? All you have to do is tell her how you feel. That’s not hard.”

  “I’m flying out to Massachusetts for her birthday. I’ll talk to her then.”

  “Boy, you have two speeds: slow and stop. You get that from your daddy’s side.”

  Brian laughed at his mother. “Mom, I know you like Shay, but some things can’t be rushed. If it’s meant to be, Shay and I will be together when the time is right.”

  “I hope the time is right before I lose my eyesight and my hearing.”

  “Mama, you’ve always looked out for me, but this time I think you’re being selfish.”

  His reference to her having grown up in the foster care system was common, but she asked anyway, “Boy, what are you talking about?”

  “Mama, I know it’s important for you to have grandchildren and when the time is right, I will give you as many as Shay will allow.”

  Alysse gasped. “So you have decided you want to marry her? I knew it! I tried to pry it out of your daddy, but he won’t tell me anything.”

  Brian considered his mother’s question. In his heart, he’d always believed he would marry Shay, but this was the first time he verbally expressed his desire to anyone.

  “I guess I have, but, Mama, please don’t tell anyone. Give me the chance to tell her myself.”

  “Brian, you know I would never stick my nose into your business.” Alysse found her attempt to sound innocent comical and said as much.

  “Of course you wouldn’t butt into your only child’s business,” Brian said sarcastically.

  “How’s law school?”

  Brian talked to his mother all the way home and even after he got settled. He couldn’t remember when she sounded so relaxed and stress-free. Before he disconnected, he reminded her to call him after her checkup. He checked his watch once again. It was too late to phone Shay.

  Chapter 40

  Shay listened intently to the professor’s lecture. Although she used a tape recorder, she still took handwritten notes, mainly to distract her from Jason’s cold stares. She’d ended their relationship over two months ago, but he still treated her with resentment every time he glimpsed the silver heart around her wrist. Every chance he got, Jason would make nasty comments either to her or about her to anyone who would listen. She prayed Jason would eventually forget about her and concentrate on passing his final exams. She even hoped Rhonda would start spending time with him. Actually, the two had much in common.