Cynthia came into the room to join us. She wiped her hand on an apron and nudged her head toward the kitchen. “May I speak to you for a minute, Kayla?” she said.
“Sure.” I followed her into the kitchen, where she was preparing a meal. Whatever she had in the oven smelled delicious. I could tell it was something sweet. I’d definitely try whatever it was, especially since I’d lost so much weight in the past few months. My curves were starting to disappear and this was the smallest I’d been since college.
Much shorter than I was and a bit on the chubby side, Cynthia stood in front of me. She gave me a piece of paper and showed me Cedric’s phone. “This woman called four times for Cedric. She didn’t want to leave a message, but she sent a text telling him to call her, once he was better. I just thought you may want to know this. Also, another woman left a message for him. It was very sexual, and I assume she doesn’t know what happened.”
I took the phone, and sure enough, one of the numbers belonged to Evelyn. I guess she must have figured out that Cedric wasn’t really dead. I thanked Cynthia for the information.
“No problem. Mr. Thompson has been asleep for most of the day, but the last time I checked on him, he was up watching television. I think he’s starting to feel better, because I heard him laugh when speaking to Jacoby. You have a very loving son, but sometimes he walks around here in a daze. I ask if he’s okay, and he says that he’s fine. I think this whole thing with his dad is kind of troubling him. But it’s good that he’s been here for his dad. They seem to like each other’s company, and all in all, you do have a good son. Your husband, however, is a little demanding. But that’s okay. I know how to deal with him, and when I offer him my fist, he laughs.”
“Thank you for the information, Cynthia. I think Jacoby will be fine, and he is a good kid. I wouldn’t have him any other way. As for my husband, good luck with him. That’s why I’m paying you extra, because I know he’s a force to be reckoned with.”
We laughed and Cynthia agreed.
“Now, what’s for dinner?” I asked. “If you made some more of that delicious lasagna you made the other day, I’m staying.”
She lifted her finger and switched it from side to side. “Listen, girlfriend, I may be an Italian woman, but I also like to experiment with soul food. I’m cooking a delicious pot roast, mac and cheese, candied yams, and greens. My cherry cobbler is in the oven, and I can’t wait for you to taste that.”
“I think you may have to leave the soul food to me, but we’ll see. Let me go talk to Cedric. The conversation that I have with him will determine if I’ll stay.”
I walked past the great room where Adrianne and Jacoby seemed to be enjoying each other’s company. As I slowly made my way up the stairs, I stopped to take a deep breath. I wasn’t prepared to look face to face with Cedric since he’d been shot and today was no different. But after I paused, I continued up the stairs and into the bedroom. I was pleased to see him lying on his side, sound asleep. The TV was on, and I turned to see who the person was on TV yelling. It was a commentator on ESPN, talking about sports. I couldn’t believe that his foolishness had caught my attention. So much so that when Cedric called my name, I barely heard him.
“Kayla,” he called again. I turned and saw him adjusting himself to sit up in bed. “Do you mind helping me with a few of these pillows? Bring me some of those pillows at the bottom of the bed so I can prop myself up.”
Just because I didn’t want to come off as bitter, I did what he’d asked. I fluffed the pillows and placed them behind him. He appeared comfortable and smiled. “Thank you. And if you would please get me a glass of water, I would appreciate it. I think Cynthia has an ice bucket over there. My glass is right here on the nightstand.”
I didn’t budge. I folded my arms and stared at him. “I don’t mean to be rude, but let me say this to you. I am not starring in a role for Diary of a Mad Black Woman, so, therefore, you won’t find me around here washing your tail, cooking and cleaning, feeding you or massaging your back for you. It pains me to fluff your pillows and get you a glass of water, simply because I don’t appreciate all that you’ve done to me. I don’t have to recall everything you did, but just so you know, the baby is a hard pill for me to swallow, Cedric. So was the affair with your receptionist, and let’s not talk about all of the others. I’m here to make sure you’re being taken care of by Cynthia. Also to see about my son, and to make sure the bills don’t get behind. If there is anything pertaining to the bills that you would like for me to take care of, please let me know.”
Cedric let out a dry cough and then he wiped his mouth. He reached for his glass on the nightstand and reached out to hand it to me. “My mouth is dry. There is ice in the ice bucket and water in the bathroom. Would you please take care of that for me?”
I stood my ground. “No. I will let Cynthia know what you need, and since you’re paying her well, I’m sure she will abide. Now, if there is nothing else pertaining to your finances, I’m going to go.”
Cedric didn’t say anything else, so I moved toward the door. When he called out my name, I halted my steps.
“There is one thing,” he said then lightly chuckled. “No, two. Be sure to put aside some money to buy my baby some Pampers when he or she arrives, and buy yourself a wig, too. Your short haircut looks as bad as that attitude you got, and don’t come here again until you figure out how to sympathize with me regarding this situation. Yes, I created a mess, but don’t you stand there being all innocent and shit, like you’re so gotdamn perfect.”
This bastard had my blood boiling. Yet again, I was the one to blame for his fuckups. I wasn’t sure when he was going to fess up and take responsibility for what he’d done. I already admitted to how hurtful my lies about Arnez being Jacoby’s father may have been, but I wasn’t going to take the blame for anything else. I marched over to the bed and poked at his wounded chest. He squeezed his eyes, revealing that he was in a little pain.
“Buy your own baby Pampers, and you can keep on paying for all of those hoochies’ pussies too. I have lost all respect for you, Cedric. A huge part of me wish . . . I wish you would’ve died!” I choked back my tears, realizing how difficult it was for me to say that to him.
He appeared stunned too, and this time around, his voice softened. “Don’t worry about my finances. All I want you to do is sign those divorce papers and free yourself. After you do that, I assure you that you’ll feel a whole lot better. Now leave so I can get some rest. I’ve had enough arguments with you. Quite frankly, they’re not worth my time.”
I took a hard swallow and tried to gather myself to say something else to him that would hurt. Instead, I stormed toward the door and slammed it behind me. When I reached the bottom stair, I looked into the great room at Jacoby and Adrianne.
“Tell Cynthia I’m not staying for dinner. I hope the two of you have a great time at the movies. When you get home tonight, Jacoby, please call me.”
“Will do, Mama. Holla tonight.”
I left, feeling on edge. Every time Cedric brought up those damn divorce papers, it upset me. Every time I saw him, I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs and punch him a thousand and one times. But the truth was, for me to allow him to upset me like this, it proved that I still loved him. There was something inside of me that didn’t want to let him go. I didn’t want any of those other women to have him either, and I hated myself for still having feelings for him—no, for loving him. The hold he’d had on me needed a retirement date. I needed to retire him, but unfortunately, I didn’t know how long his hold would last.
I was so wound up that, almost an hour later, I found myself following Evelyn as she made her way to the grocery store. She parked and hopped out of her car as if the paparazzi were waiting to snap a picture of her. She removed her shades and tossed her long hair from side to side. She was so busy trying to make sure everyone noticed her that she didn’t even see me coming up from behind her. I tapped her shoulder. She swung around and frowned at my p
resence. Catching her off guard, again, I slapped the mess out of her.
“I’m not going to keep having these conversations with you,” I said, pointing my finger near her face. “Stop calling my husband and leave us the hell alone.”
I walked off, but this time, Evelyn came after me. I’d known her for many years, so I already knew that she didn’t know how to fight. She was too worried about not looking cute, but that was the least of my worries.
“Your ass is going to jail,” she shouted then slapped her hand against my back. “You’re not going to keep slapping me and getting away with it!”
I turned around and grabbed her neck. I squeezed it as hard as I could, causing her to weaken and almost melt close to the ground. She squeezed her eyes and scratched at my hands so I would loosen my grip. I did and that was when she grabbed her own neck and rubbed it. She was doubled over, trying her best to catch her breath.
“I swear.” She kept choking. “Yo . . . you are so in trouble. I am pressing charges today!”
“Do what you wish. Besides, I have money for a lawyer; how about you? Probably not, and trust me when I say it will be your word against mine. But if you want to resolve this little matter, and stop having these abrupt conversations, then leave me and my family the hell alone. The choice is yours.”
People going into the grocery store had stopped to look. But no one was about to interfere when it came to two black women going at it. I saw one lady reach for her cell phone, so I pushed Evelyn one last time. She stumbled, but managed to stay on her feet. I walked to my car and listened to her numerous threats. All they did, for the time being, was make me laugh. I felt as if I’d gotten some kind of satisfaction.
Chapter 5
Trina
Maybe it was just me blowing things out of proportion, but Keith had me a little hot the other night when Evelyn stopped by. All of a sudden he seemed to perk up, and every time she got up from the table, I saw him gaze at her ass. I saw his eyes drop to her cleavage, and his comment about Bryson’s taste in women rubbed me the wrong way. And then to imply that Bryson would be interested because of her smile, that was an insult to my intelligence. Really? That’s the real reason I was mad, in addition to Evelyn’s snide remarks.
Then again, like I’d said, maybe I was tripping. Evelyn was a nice-looking woman. What man wouldn’t give her a double look? There was a time when I had her on my to-do list too, so I guess I could give Keith a pass. That night, however, I didn’t give him a pass. I went to bed, while he and Bryson stayed up playing cards. They invited two more of their friends over, and by the time they all left, it was almost four in the morning. Keith came to bed that night, drunk and looking for some action. I was in no mood, and as horny as I was, I had to diss him for giving Evelyn too much attention.
I had been spending so much time at Keith’s house that my poor little apartment was being neglected. Kayla had removed the majority of her things, and it had been a few weeks since I’d last heard from her. I wondered how she was, especially since Evelyn had called to tell me about another incident between them at the grocery store. I told Evelyn that I didn’t want anything to do with what was going on between her and Kayla. I also reminded her that calling Cedric wasn’t the brightest thing to do. She accused me of making her reach out to him, but it was the only way she would believe that he was alive. I figured she regretted the abortion, even though she hadn’t yet admitted it.
For the next few hours, I stayed home and cleaned up. My apartment was a mess. Kayla didn’t help me clean up while she was living here, and it was apparent that she was used to a maid cleaning up the big house she lived in with Cedric. I mopped the floors, washed the dishes, and took out the trash. I also cleaned the bathrooms, but as soon as I plopped down on the couch to rest, Keith called.
“Are you coming back over tonight?” he asked.
“Not tonight. I’ve been cleaning up all day, and I’m kind of tired. I’ll stop by tomorrow. I’m going to the grocery store first, so let me know if you need for me to pick up anything for you.”
His masculine, sexy voice transmitted through the phone and right into my ear. “All I want is my woman and some juicy oranges. A loaf of raisin bread would be good, too, but nothing would satisfy me more than being with my lady right now.”
I took that as a hint that Keith didn’t want to be alone tonight. He definitely knew how to put a smile on my face. He also knew how to get me to change my mind.
“How badly do you want to see your woman? She’s tired, lazy, and a little groggy. She may not be good company tonight, but after she gets her beauty rest, she will feel so much better.”
“Truthfully, I love her even more when she’s tired, lazy, and a little groggy. Can’t be up all the time, and trust me when I say I can handle it. Besides, the last time I checked, she rests pretty well when she’s with me. Right in my arms and sleeping like a newborn baby.”
I couldn’t deny that. So instead of staying home, I told Keith that I would stop by the grocery store then come to his house.
Within the hour, I was at his place. Two bags of groceries were in my hand, and I unlocked the door with the key he’d given me. The downstairs lighting was dim, but when I looked up the staircase, I saw a light on in his bedroom. I could also see a sliver of light coming from the kitchen, so I made my way to it to put up the few groceries I’d had. As soon as I reached the kitchen’s doorway, Keith startled me and crept up from behind. He slipped his arm around my waist and unhooked the button on my jeans. A burning candle was on the kitchen table, along with two plates topped with Chinese food that smelled pretty darn good.
“Since our dinner was ruined the other night, I thought I’d make it up to you. But first, you got to do a little making up yourself, if you know what I mean.”
I dropped the bags on the floor and stood as Keith unbuttoned my jeans and pulled them down to my ankles. As I stepped out of them, he lifted my tank shirt over my head, and in one snap, he unhooked my bra. I stood in my yellow lace panties and could feel his naked body pressing against mine. When I tried to turn around and face him, he wouldn’t let me.
“I need to work it out from back here, first. Then we’ll seek another position.”
While still in the doorway, Keith remained behind me. He massaged my tiny breasts together and placed a trail of delicate kisses along the side of my neck. My head was tilted and eyes were closed. I felt so lucky to be with him, and shame on me for acting so foolish the other night.
“Mmmm,” Keith moaned while playfully biting my neck. “You smell like Pine-Sol.”
I opened my eyes and couldn’t help but to laugh. “I told you I’d been cleaning up. You wouldn’t let me do anything else, but rush over here to see you.”
“That’s because I had something to give you. And as soon as you remove those panties, I’ma show you exactly what it is. I’m also going to be generous and let you feel it.”
I lifted my arms and placed my hands on the back of Keith’s head to rub it. “I like it so much better when you remove my panties. For some reason, when you do, my pussy tends to perform better.”
Keith massaged my tight abs, twirled his finger around in my belly button then lowered his hand to cuff my pussy. He pulled the crotch section to my panties aside and pushed two of his thick fingers into my heated pocket. Almost immediately, I straddled my legs and ground my hips, as if his fingers were his dick easing in and out of me. He made it feel that way, and my wetness caused a heavy buildup of cream on his fingers. I was so wet, but there was something in his touch that always brought out the best in me.
Aside from our moans, we could also hear my juices being stirred. Keith added another finger, and he worked them inside of me so well that I was now on the tips of my curled toes. I pushed my ass in his direction, and I could feel his hardness fighting back. It grew against the crack of my ass, and the more I felt his growth, the more I wanted him inside of me. I yanked his fingers from my insides, lowered my soaking wet panties, and hu
rried toward the kitchen table. While bending over, I reached back to spread my ass cheeks apart. My moist hole smiled at Keith, who in return, stepped forward and positioned his dick to enter me. He loved to tease me, but I was in no mood for foreplay.
“Put it in there,” I whined. “I want all of it, baby. Drive it all the way up in there.”
“As wet as you are, I may skid on the icy road and hurt myself. Something tells me that I’d better take it easy or else.”
“Yeah, well, something tells me that if you don’t stop teasing me like this, you will hurt yourself. I won’t take it easy on you, so you’d better take advantage of working this out from behind.”
“I love tough talk, baby. Bring it on.”
Keith assisted me in holding my ass cheeks apart, and then he plowed his dick far inside of me. He rocked me at a swift pace from behind, so fast that I had to reach out and hold on to the table. I felt every single inch of him gliding in and out of me, and the sounds of my pussy gushing echoed in the room. I did my best to keep up with Keith. Every time I pushed back, he answered with a long stroke that caused my legs to weaken.
“I know you ain’t going to sleep on me, are you?” he said, holding my waist to keep me on my feet.
“Noooo,” I cried out. “It’s just that . . . that your dick feels so good that I’m melting. I can’t help it that I’m weakening and melting like this.”
Keith snickered. I had to admit that it was pretty funny too, but it was the truth. I was melting right in his hands, and when the tip of his head shaved against my clitoris, it was all over with for me. I damn near fell to my knees. The orgasm I had was that damn good. Keith had to pick up my trembling body from the floor. He carried me upstairs to the bedroom and laid me back on the bed. I had finally calmed down. That was when he lay over me and wrapped my legs around his back.
“I say to hell with dinner,” he suggested. “Let’s finish what we started, and this time, I want you to hurt me like you said you would.”
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