Just Can't Let Go

by Mary B. Morrison

  Looking up from my iPad, I scanned the faces of the people seated around the rectangular glass-top table. They all stared at me.

  My response was, “In a global economy where we service two-thirds of the world, let’s compare universal health coverage in other countries. Governments that provide health care to their citizens at little to no cost have proven those countries do not suffer, but prosper from having a healthier working population. In America, our banking industry will benefit financially from the working class poor when there are insufficient funds in their account to cover their insurance premiums and we charge them a fee. This could be a domino effect for other insufficient transactions. On a different note, more people will be healthier to work; therefore, they can afford to pay for their prescription meds, the pharmaceutical industry is some of our biggest clients. Overall, we will indirectly benefit from Obamacare.”

  Jordan asked the group, “How do we become more customer-friendly to those who maintain an average daily balance below twenty-five dollars and NSF fees cost them more than they can afford?”

  The guy seated across from me spoke. He always had an answer to everything. Usually jumped in with his opinion first. I wasn’t sure if he had to prove himself smarter than the rest of us. I resumed taking notes that might come in handy if his opinions ever backfired.

  I was happy when the workday ended. Didn’t have a chance to respond to Bing’s question last night. Hadn’t spoken with him all day. Standing in my office, I looked out over the city of Charlotte. My hometown. Never imagined I’d be back here. The skyline was amazing.

  A text chimed on my cell, I smiled.

  Are you hungry? If you have a moment, I’d love to take you to dinner.

  I replied, Famished!

  Great, what time should I pick you up?

  My condo wasn’t far from work, but I needed to shower and change clothes. I texted back, In two hours.

  A better idea would be to order in, relax, have great conversation and wine. If I were lucky, we’d make love for the first time. I sent him a message offering to eat at my place. He accepted, then offered to pick up dinner.

  Jordan tapped on my open door. “May I come in?”

  “Of course,” I said, placing my phone on my desk.

  “How do you feel about your first day?” she asked.

  “Good. Learning a lot about how we operate at the corporate level.”

  “I fought for you to be here, Blake. I saw how many times they turned you down. Now that you’re here, you need to be more assertive. At times aggressive. Or you’ll end up back in Atlanta before the end of the week. Have a nice evening. See you tomorrow.”

  Now I needed his companionship more than I wanted it. I prayed Bing would do more than hold me tonight. I got in my Benz, stopped at the liquor store for a few bottles of red wine. Less than twenty minutes later I was at my place.

  The hot water splattering all over my body felt amazing. I shampooed, then lightly conditioned my hair. Decided to let it air-dry.

  Choosing a comfortable casual white linen pullover shirt that covered my butt, I slipped into a pair of white lace boy shorts. Brushed my teeth. Applied light makeup and one coat of chocolate lipstick. Dabbed perfume behind each ear.

  I poured a glass of wine, turned on jazz, and relaxed on my sofa. I closed my eyes. The music was soft and low, the way Bing liked it.

  A ring from my cell awakened me. Sleepily, I answered, “Hey, are you here?”

  “At your door, my dear,” he said.

  Oh, wow. I hurried to the bathroom, rinsed with mouthwash. Didn’t want our first kiss of the evening to taste like alcohol. Opening the door, he smiled.

  “For you,” he said, handing me a bouquet of lilies.

  A waiter in a white jacket stood before a table covered with a white cloth. Plates with silver lids, glasses, a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket and a breadbasket were arranged.

  “Come in,” I said, smiling back at him. I felt like a young woman in love for the first time. “Smells delicious.”

  “I hope you don’t mind my taking the liberty of ordering for us,” Bing said.

  The guy in black pants and a white jacket rolled the cart inside.

  “You can leave everything as is. I’ll take it from here,” Bing told him.

  So excited to see him, I hadn’t realized I was half-dressed in front of a stranger. Sitting the flower vase in the center of the sofa table, I told Bing, “These are beautiful.” The roses on the dining table were blooming nicely. “Thanks.”

  I took the initiative, removed Bing’s blazer, hung it in the coat closet.

  “You deserve to be treated special every day. That’s why I hopped a flight hoping to see you tonight.”

  The least I could do was to offer. “I’ll set up everything. Make yourself comfortable.”

  He opened his arms. “Let’s not rush this moment. Reheating food is what ovens are made for.”

  I wasn’t going to question why was I so lucky. Laying my face against the softness of his button-up, I inhaled the masculine scent of his John Varvatos.

  “Yes, I’d be honored to be your woman,” I said, answering the question on his card.

  “Well, now that we’re official, I have a special dessert for you.” He tapped his wristwatch. “Can’t make any assumptions. Always have to be prepared. You have your passport with you?”

  “Of course I do,” I said, uncovering our food.

  Dinner was fabulous. We ate, sipped champagne, and laughed. Bing opened a fresh bottle of wine; then we retreated to my bedroom.

  “You mind showering together?” he asked.

  I was ready to see this man naked for the first time. I undressed him. Touching his watch, he pulled away.

  “It’s waterproof.”

  “Okay.”

  The black boxer briefs were fitted to his protruding manhood. That can’t be all him. My body jerked. His dick was huge. I worried if it would fit.

  “You can change your mind about my being your man,” he said, smiling. “Mr. Tasty is addick-tive. And yes, he’s massive.”

  My eyes stretched wide. I dried him off. He did the same for me.

  “We’ll take this slow. Don’t want to scare you off. Lay down and scoot to the foot of the bed. Now bend your knees and spread your thighs.”

  The sensation inside my pussy made me moan. Bing kissed my clit, then gave it one long, slow lick. I almost came. He pressed a button on his watch. A red light came on. He wiggled his middle and ring fingers, curved the pointing and pinky fingers outside of my vagina.

  “You ready for my spider man special?” he said.

  I nodded.

  He shook his head.

  I felt his fingers penetrate me. He played with my G-Spot. Faster. And faster. And so fast I screamed, “Ah!” and squirted on him in five minutes.

  He suctioned my clit. I couldn’t stop climaxing.

  I grabbed his wrist. “What is this thing?”

  “It’s a squirt watch. Are you ready for round two?” he said.

  Nodding, I only did so to see if he could outnumber Spencer and make me squirt back-to-back.

  Five minutes later, I drenched his hairy chest and the foot of the bed.

  Bing stared into my eyes, lifted his brows. Holding my breasts, I took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes.”

  CHAPTER 57

  Phoenix

  There was no way I could go home.

  I sat in my car outside of Ebony’s house hoping she’d open the door.

  The sunlight was fading. I’d never called or texted Alexis before. Had her number locked in ’cause Dev gave me her family contacts when I moved in with her. If I wanted to go home, getting Nya from Alexis was my greatest chance of getting in with Dev.

  Fifteen minutes turned to thirty, forty-five, an hour. The lights went out in Ebony’s living, then bedroom. A faint blanket of light covered the sky. She didn’t go to bed that early. She knew I was out here. After two years of being with Ebony, she still
turned on me.

  I scrolled through the A’s, selected Alexis’s name, pressed the telephone symbol. It rang three times. My heart pounded. I wanted to end the call. That would be the same as ending my relationship with Dev. Waiting, I took a breath.

  “Hey, Phoenix. What’s up?”

  She knew damn well what was up. “You have Nya?”

  “Come say hi to your daddy, Princess Diva.”

  The voice I heard of my little girl saying, “Hi, Daddy. I love you,” brought tears to my eyes.

  “You want Daddy to come get you?”

  “No.”

  No was not the response I was expecting. “Let me talk to your aunt.”

  “Okay,” she said.

  “Hey, Phoenix. Nya is in good hands. We’re about to camp out on my living room floor and watch Home. I need to microwave our popcorn. Bye,” Alexis said cheerfully.

  “Alexis, wait. You know why I’m calling.”

  “And you know why I’m hanging up,” she said, ending the call.

  It was time for me to confront my deceptive ways. The infidelity, the betrayal, hit me hard. I’d hate Dev right now if shit were reversed. Maybe Dev plotted to kidnap Nya to make our breakup my fault. She was cozying up to Trés. He probably put this shit in my fiancée’s head to push me out. First it was my not having a contract. Kidnapping my baby girl, Trés had taken it too far.

  I hit Dev.

  My call rang once, then went to voice mail. I hit her right back. Same shit happened. I did it again. She declined my incoming call.

  “Fuck.” Where was I supposed to sleep?

  I went to Atlantic Station’s hotel, requested a room for one night.

  The receptionist said, “Sorry, sir. Do you have another card you can use?”

  Aw, hell no! I handed her a different Visa, an American Express, and the Black Card Dev had given.

  The receptionist shook her head. “I’ve seen this before. You must’ve fucked up really bad.” Then she smiled.

  “Bitch, this shit ain’t funny.”

  She whispered, “By the end of the night, you’ll see who’s the bitch. See that man at the bar. Third seat from the left. He’ll put you up if you let him put the head in.”

  I turned around. A cop was there. Didn’t need any more problems. What the hell. What did I have to lose? I went home. I was shocked when my key unlocked the door.

  Stepping into the foyer, something hit my nose. Felt like a spider. I swatted the white string dangling in front my face. It pivoted back toward me. I snatched it.

  Aw, man. This was the worst. At the end of the thread was Dev’s engagement ring.

  CHAPTER 58

  Alexis

  I laid my check for $500,000 on the coffee table in front of the two people I loved most.

  James picked it up.

  Chanel asked, “What’s that?”

  “A new start.” My voice was choppy. I looked at James. “I never loved you the way you loved me.” I paused.

  He wiped my tears. “It’s okay, sweetheart. You never knew your father and just when he opened up his heart, you had to lay him to rest.”

  Conner’s services were decent. James had given me five grand. I felt relieved knowing I’d done the right thing for Conner’s homegoing. Shaking my head, I told James, “Don’t patronize me. The inconsiderate things I’ve done are not okay. I used you for your money. That and you’re the freakiest man I’ve met.”

  James smiled.

  I lied to Chanel, “And you’re the wildest woman I’ve made love to.”

  The making love part was true at times. By the time I have my baby, I wasn’t sure my lie wouldn’t become the truth. Chanel was conservative, but she’d turnt up for James. Her willingness to please me is what kept me interested.

  James handed the check to Chanel. She stared at me, then asked, “Where did you get so much money?”

  “Inheritance from my father.”

  “The old dude was loaded?” James asked.

  I told him, “Very. That’s not all I’m getting.”

  Chanel asked, “Are you okay?”

  She was the consummate giver. Chanel would give her last to me if I were her woman.

  “I really didn’t know my dad. He was more of a stranger than kin. I’m cool. He actually left me two point five million.”

  “Damn! He was loaded like that?” James said.

  “I can only collect the remaining two mil, house, cars, and yacht if his grandbaby is born by December thirty-first.”

  “But that’s impossible,” Chanel said.

  “Not exactly,” I said.

  “I don’t care if he left you a billion dollars,” James lamented, “you’re not going to do anything to jeopardize the health of my child.”

  Could’ve lied and told him it wasn’t his. Trying to do right was hard.

  Chanel countered, “Our child. We all agreed that the three of us will parent Alexis’s baby.”

  James said, “My child is due on April first. My birthday. Alexis, we’re good. Maybe not two million good, but I’ve always provided for you.”

  During our discussion, Spencer texted, Did you hear the great news?! There is a God! The bishop dropped dead while giving a sermon against men being gay! Irony and justice under one roof! This is cause for celebration, Sis!

  I read his message repeatedly.

  James and Chanel became quiet.

  Another text came from Kendall, Alexis I guess you’ve heard the bishop is deceased. There were no other provisions or restrictions. You can collect the remaining two million dollars and take possession of everything else now if you’re willing to split 50/50 with Spencer. I can start the process. You guys can have your seven-figure check in four weeks tops.

  I was speechless. I texted back, What if I don’t want to share?

  A third text came in from Devereaux, Would you like to join my cast of Sophisticated Side Chicks ATL? Yes, I’m serious.

  You’ll have to wait and have the baby by 12/31, Kendall responded.

  Placing my cell on the table, James picked it up, read, then handed it to Chanel.

  The three of us sat in silence.

  Becoming a millionaire and being offered a career in television, within seconds my future had become uncertain.

  Now that money didn’t matter, did I want James and Chanel? James or Chanel. Did I want to have this baby? Or get an abortion? Did I want to share my empire with my brother?

  Truth was, I wasn’t sure if I’d change. I was certain I needed to give my brother a hug.

  Excusing myself, I took my phone from James. “There’s someone else who needs me right now. I’ll call you guys later.”

  I got in my Lexus and headed to find my brother to give him a hug and, if he needed, a shoulder to cry on.

  CHAPTER 59

  Blake

  Focusing on my business and personal relationships, in that order, was refreshing.

  Jordan stuck her head into my office. “Busy?”

  Yeah, right. She asked as though I was supposed to tell my boss yes. “Come in.”

  She sat on the arm of the chair directly in front of me. “What are your goals for corporate?”

  I knew the answer. In my profession I always had a goal. Once I achieved it, I’d set another. Wasn’t sure why she’d asked? Some folk wanted to test you. Find out if your objective was to take their position.

  “First, I’d like to learn all I can about my job. I’ve noticed there isn’t an expert consultant in-house who can advise department heads on cross-functional crisis management. I’d like to master the major functions of other positions.”

  I stopped there. Jordan was frowning like she’d never considered that.

  “Blake, your input over the two weeks you’ve been here has been refreshing. I’ll take your aspirations under consideration. Why don’t you wrap up early. Enjoy your weekend. I’ll see you Monday morning.”

  “Thanks,” I said, shutting down my computer.

  I secured my laptop i
n my desk drawer. I could check my work e-mail account on my cell. There was nothing I needed from my corporate condo. I didn’t wait for Bing’s driver. I got in my Benz and headed straight to the airport, to take the next available flight to Atlanta to see my man.

  I texted Bing, Got off early. On my way to Hartsfield.

  His response, Great! We can depart sooner. Send me your flight information. Make sure you have your passport.

  I was getting used to this. Dating this man, my passport stayed packed. I called the airline, forwarded Bing my details.

  I was expecting Bing to meet me at baggage claim on the Delta side. He was at the gate with a lavender rose in hand.

  “How was your flight?”

  “Not nearly as amazing as you.”

  “You ready for an adventure?” he asked.

  Smiling, I thought about the four orgasms he’d given me. Jokingly, I told him, “The question this time is, are you ready.”

  “This weekend will really be a surprise,” he said. “Hurry, we have to make it through customs so we don’t miss our flight.”

  Excited, I told my guy, “I love you.”

  I really did. The way he packed my bags, planned our trip; for once in a relationship I always expected good things. Racing to take the train to get to our terminal, we dashed to our gate, I wished I’d worn flats. Next time I’d pack a pair in my purse.

  He held my hand the entire time. That was another thing I appreciated about Bing. He never left me behind. Arriving at our gate the sign read, LONDON.

  “You’re taking me to see the crown jewels?”

  “The crown jewels do not compare. I’m taking you to a groundbreaking ceremony and gala. My assistant got you evening attire that even the queen would approve of. Since you are officially my woman, nothing is too good for you. And you may as well see what I truly do for a living.”

  When first-class passengers were called, we boarded. I group texted my daughters and Brandon, Going to London for the weekend with Bing.

  Brandon replied, My gaydar was way off on that one, honey. Buy me something and bring me back a tall handsome man with an English accent.

  Mercedes wanted to know all my flight information.