Robin answers “Hello Lena.” “Hey, Robin. How is Tamisha doing?” “Everyone is fine including Tami. How are you doing? And before you answer, Fahim told the family what’s going on between the two of you. Is that why you are calling?” “Yes and to check up on my daughter. Since you brought up Fahim’s name, I need your help. I’ve been trying to contact him, and he’s not returning my calls. I was thinking of flying out to New York to see him. The thing is I don’t have the address to his home. I can get the addresses of his restaurants online but what I have to say doesn’t need to be heard by other people. Can you help me please?”
“If I can be nosy Lena, why do you need to speak with Fahim face to face again? I believe you said enough when you talked with him before and broke his heart. You hurt him with your rejection of his love for you. He told us all you are pursuing a romantic relationship with another man. I don’t know if I can help you with what you’re asking. I don’t want to see someone I love hurt all over again. He’s been through enough pain.”
Lena didn’t expect to hit a roadblock with Robin or hear her disapproval of how she’s handled things with Fahim. She sighs and says “I didn’t mean to hurt Fahim, Robin. I love him. I love him so much my heart aches. I handled everything all wrong. I realized the mistake I made when he mentioned this morning he was going back to the dating scene. His words were like a brick thrown against my head knocking some sense into it. I understand what I told him was uncalled for and if I could take it back, I would.”
“Robin I don’t have to explain to you what my life was like when Wayne and I were together. I survived what he did to me, and I’ve been scared ever since to give me heart and my love to another man. Fahim found a way to get into my heart, but I wasn’t ready to face the truth of it. I know now who and what I want Robin. It’s Fahim, and I need to tell him, looking at him eyeball to eyeball. I never want to hurt Fahim again. I only want to love him always.”
Robin wasn’t convinced. She asks “What about Gerard, your white boy toy? How does he fit into the equation, Lena?” “That’s the thing, Robin, he doesn’t, and he’s not by boy toy!” she states vehemently. “I don’t know why Fahim calls him that. I was using Gerard as an excuse not to face the truth and what is in my heart. We are only friends and that all it will ever be. I’m having a meeting with him shortly to tell him just that and hope it doesn’t ruin our friendship.” “Lena you really hurt Fahim. I’m giving you fair warning you hurt him again, you will not only have to deal with me but the whole Zavala family. I’m going to call Fahim and have him contact you. You can ask him for his address yourself. He can tell you then if he wants to see you or not.”
Lena wasn’t expecting this kind of interference from her friend. She asks “Do you need me to cut Tamisha’s visit short and I come pick up my daughter?” Robin gets angry. “Why would I do that Lena? The children have nothing to do with this. I don’t have a problem with Tamisha, only her mother. You can pick her up on Saturday like we originally planned.” “If you say so, Robin. Tell my daughter I love her.” “Hold on you can tell her yourself.” Several seconds later “Hi Momma. How are you?” “Hey, baby. I’m good, but I’m definitely missing my favorite daughter.” “I’m your only daughter” Tamisha giggles. Are you enjoying yourself, Tami?” Lena asks now concerned after her conversation with Robin. “Oh yes, Momma. I’m having so much fun. Do I have to come home Saturday?” “You don’t miss me Tamisha? I really miss you. It’s been very lonely without you here. I’ve been waiting to decorate our Christmas tree so we can do it together.”
“We’re going to have our very own tree, Momma, like a real one?” Tami asks. “Yes, my love we will have a real tree.” “Can we buy some gifts for all my new friends and Gran Gran and Auntie Zel?” “Yes sweetie we can do all that together when you get home.” “Okay, Momma. I miss you, and I can’t wait to see you. Is my room still there? I’ve been gone away a long time.” Lena frowns at her daughter’s question before answering. “Now why would your room be gone, Tamisha Renee? You will always have a room here in our home.” “Okay, Momma. I love you, and I will see you soon.” “I love you too baby,” but Tamisha didn’t hear her words. Lena could hear her in the background saying “My Momma, and I are going to get our Christmas tree when I get home,” and she hears her voice fade as she’s walking away.
Lena is about to hang up when she hears Robin say “Are you still there Lena?” “Yes, I’m here Robin. I will see you early Saturday morning, so I can get Tamisha, and we can begin our Christmas festivities.” All right. If you go the New York who is going to keep Tamisha?” “My Mom and sister Zelma are out of town and unavailable. I will check with Lovely or Lesa to see if they mind keeping Tamisha. If not, I will take her with me. She would love to see all the Christmas décor there. Don’t worry Robin. I will figure it out. Thanks for everything and I will see you on Saturday. I may even come by tomorrow and get her.” “You don’t have to do that Lena. We’re not upset with Tamisha and . . . .” Lena interrupts “but only with me right? You may not mean to show any animosity toward my child, but you never know when she may overhear whatever everyone is saying about me. I’ll be by to get my daughter tomorrow Robin!” Before Robin can respond, Lena ends the call.
Robin looks at her phone and back at Rodrigo who is sitting beside her on the sofa. “Lena is cutting Tamisha’s time short with us and coming for her tomorrow. I thought she is having a hot date the Gerard Conway. Isn’t that what you told us Fahim?” Fahim stares out the window wondering what Lena is up to and is she serious about having a relationship with him. “I’m going by what she told me. Either something happened, or she’s including Tami on their outing. Whatever it is doesn’t concern me. Lena isn’t ready to love me exclusively. It hasn't been but a few days and suddenly she’s figured out she’s loved me all along. I’m not buying it. Lena hurt me, mi hermana. Lena hurt me badly, and I’m not about to let her beat up on my heart again.”
Robin gets off the sofa and walks over to stand by her brother-in-law. “Fahim,” she says “hurt and pain is all a part of being in a relationship. I wouldn’t be here with Rodrigo if I gave up on him which I almost did few times. Lena may have gone about handling things wrong, but I believe her when she says she loves you. You may not understand how badly Wayne messed up Lena’s psyche. Yeah, she works, goes to school and takes care of her daughter but before you came into her life she wouldn’t let anyone wanting to have a relationship get inside that wall she built around herself.”
“Michael Gideon, Ivan’s friend, has tried to worm his way into her life. He’s consistently paid attention to Lena flirting with her, but she knew he’s married and if he was doing that with her and throw in what Wayne did, why she should put her faith or give her heart to another man. Lena knows what a playboy you were before you became interested in her. How was she to know all the attention you were showing her was the real deal? You never told her your true feelings until a few days ago. When she reached out to you today, and you said you’re returning to the dating scene, everything came together inside her head. Her heart and mind are finally on the same page. She loves you and only you, mio hermano. She wants to make a life with you.”
Taking a few deep breaths, Robin continues. “You need to quit playing games Fahim because I can tell you this and you better let my words penetrate that thick skull of yours. Lena will only try to make you understand for only so long. She will give up trying to make you see the truth. She will walk away, move on or give up on finding love altogether. You need to give her a chance to show you she means what is saying or I can guarantee you will lose her for good. I want to have a happy Christmas. You walking around looking all foul with an attitude just won’t cut it!” Robin returns to sit by her husband and cuddle leaving Fahim to stew in his thoughts.
CHAPTER 18
Lena opens her front door and lets Gerard inside. After taking his coat hanging it on the rack in the hallway, she heads with him following into her living room. Once they sit down, sh
e says “It’s good to see you again Gerard or should I call you Gerry?” “Gerry is okay,” he says nervously finding it odd she asked him that question. It’s good to see you too Lena, but once I tell you what I came over to say, you may not feel that way afterward.” “What is so dire you think will ruin our friendship?” presuming she knows what he’s going to say.
Gerry clears his throat and wipes his sweaty palms against his dress pants before speaking. “I’ve enjoyed the time you and I have spent getting to know each other Lena. I consider you a valued friend which I can honestly say since I don’t have very many of them. I try, to be honest, and open with the friends and women I’m involved with so here goes.
Monday was a special day for me. I met the most beautiful woman whose beauty is beyond perfect.” Lena looks at him with a stunned expression on her face hearing his words. Realizing what he said, Gerry backtracks saying “I’m not saying you aren’t beautiful Lena it’s just with this woman her beauty there is no comparison, and I was drawn to her. It’s like the universe said to me this is the woman you’ve been searching for Gerry. To make a long story short, I fell in love with her instantly. She must have felt the same energy between us because she put her trust in me not knowing my name or anything about me and came to my home where we made passionate, passionate love to each other. I can’t explain to you how much Tura Figest means to me.”
“I didn’t realize it was love until we parted ways without getting each other’s contact information. We did set up a time though to meet again on Monday, but I miss her so much now. I knew you, and I had this date planned, and I don’t want to string you along. Plus if I did keep our date somehow it would feel like I was cheating on Tura. I don’t want you to think there is a chance for us to become romantically involved Lena. My heart belongs to someone else now and always. When Tura and I do see each other, I’m not letting her get away from me again.”
Lena smiles at Gerard and says “Well if I was to tell you I’m also madly in love with another man and that you and I will only be friends, you’re okay with that right?” The sadness in Gerard’s eyes leaves, gleaming instantly with happiness he’s so relieved. He says “Man who would have imagined this strange sequence of events happening between us. If I can locate Tura, it would make the holidays for me happy and complete.” Lena’s smile widens seeing the love Gerry has for Tura expressed on his face. “What if I can make your wish come true? How would you feel my friend?”
Gerry stares at Lena confused and asks “How can you do that, Lena? Do you know Tura Figest?” “I believe I do Gerry. She’s my best friend” she answers. “Tura told me today all about you, but we never put it together you were the same person I’ve been casually dating because I always call you Gerard and never by your nickname. Once we compared notes and she mentioned your last name and the tattoos on your arms it all came together.”
Lena notices Gerry facial expression change again from agitation mixed with confusion. She tries to calm him by saying “Before you get all weirded out, Tura never knew Gerard/Gerry were the same people. She’s been so bombed out not being able to see or talk to you.” Still confused Gerry mutters “Tura is your best friend! Well, I’ll be damn!!! This universe we live in works in mysterious ways. Will you tell me how to find her, Lena?” “Well turn around Gerry, and you will see me” Tura announces as she leans against the doorframe of Lena’s living room. She is biting her lip waiting for Gerry to react.
Tura didn’t have to wait long. Gerry quickly turns to see where the sound of her voice came from. He blinks several times when he sees Tura standing there to make sure he isn’t dreaming. When she doesn’t disappear, he rushes toward her lifting Tura into his arms kissing her passionately. She kisses him back just as aggressively both forgetting Lena is in the room watching their arousing embrace.
The lovers never said a word to each other but let their body language speak for them. Lena begins to feel uncomfortable watching the intimate scene. She is about to clear her throat to let the lovers know she’s still in the room when they kiss each other again passionately before unlinking their lips but staying tightly attached to one another. Tura turns to Lena and says “I believe I won’t be doing a girls night with you after all. Gerry and I have things we need to discuss privately. You okay with me bailing on you?” “I will be fine, Tura. If I were in your position, I would be doing the same thing.”
Lena turns her attention to Gerry and warns “Tura is my best friend, a part of my family. You hurt her in any way, you will be dealing with me, Gerard. And the both of you need to start using protection before you end up having a house full of beautiful babies.”
Gerry grins from ear to ear his happiness displayed on his face excited to be once again with Tura. “Lena, you don’t have to worry. This beautiful princess will be my queen very soon if she will have me. I love Tura with every beat of my heart. When we weren’t together, I felt like a part of me was missing. I was so lost.” “Aww, Gerry I felt the same way. My life didn’t feel complete like something was missing. I know it’s only been a day and a few hours we’ve been apart, but it seems like it been forever since I last saw you. I was going to stop by your place when I thought you were home from work today. I couldn’t wait until Monday to see you again. I love you, Gerry Conway. I can’t wait for us to learn all about each another; to make passionate love with all the time and if we end up with a passel of children I won’t care because they will come from the love we have for each other.” “I concur” Gerry quickly replies. He kisses Tura with so much raw emotion Lena knew without a doubt the two of them were destined to be together.
Several minutes later she watched from her open front door as Gerry and Tura pull out of her driveway in their cars and wonders if she will be as happy as they seem to be.
Lena sighs wishing she hadn’t let her insecurities get in the way of being with a great man like Fahim. “Well, Lena,” she says out loud “you’ve always been unlucky in love. I guess your holiday wish won’t be coming true after all. What the hell am I going to do with myself? My best friend has abandoned me, and my other friends are all booed up. And I’ve lost my mind standing here talking to myself.”
She remembers Tura giving her the tickets to attend the fraternity party at Club Latoya’s. Since Ivan owns the club, she wonders if he and Lesa will make an appearance. Sitting down on her living room sofa, she grabs her phone off the coffee table and dials Lesa’s number. She hears “Hi Lena. I haven’t heard from you in a minute. How are you and your precious daughter doing?” “Hey, Lesa. Tamisha and I are doing well. How about you and Ivan?” “Girl, Ivan and I are great. Loving each other more and more every day.” “I’m so happy for you both. The reason I’m calling is to see if the two of you will be at the club tonight. I’m invited to the Christmas party being held there, but the person I was going with had an unexpected change in her plans. I still want to go, but I don’t want to be there alone.” “I’m sorry Lena. Ivan and I have other plans for the evening. Shady is managing the club tonight. You might check with Laria to see if she’s going and if not see if she may want to go with you.” “Okay, I will do that. Tell Ivan I said hello and I hope you both enjoy your evening.” “I will and we will” Lesa replies with a chuckle. She asks “Are you still attending the Stewart Christmas dinner?” “Yes. Tamisha and I will both be in attendance.” “All right, we will see you both then.” “Okay, Lesa Bye.” “Bye Lena.”
Lena scrolls through her phone until she finds Laria’s number and waits for her to answer. “Lena” she hears Laria say sounding out of breath. “What’s up with you chick? I haven’t heard from you in a minute.” “Hey, Laria. I’m just chilling. With my hectic schedule, I barely have time to sleep. How’s Mr. Dale and Ms. Mable doing?” “Daddy is taking it one day at a time. The doctors still can’t pinpoint what the problem is. We keep praying and hoping they figure out why his body is breaking down. Mama, well she still doing what she does. Nothing has changed on that end.” “I will keep them both in my
prayers Laria.” “Appreciate that Lena. So what up?”
“Girl, I’m supposed to be attending the Delta Sigma fraternity Christmas party at Club Latoya’s tonight with Tura. Her plans changed but she gave me the tickets, and I don’t want to go by myself. I was wondering if you want to go with me?” “I would love to go Lena. I heard it gonna be off the chain. I can only stay a couple of hours though. I got my last mid-term exam tomorrow before Christmas break.” “That’s cool” Lena replies. I just need to get out of the house for a while. You want to ride together or meet up there?” “Let’s meet there around ten. Is that cool with you?” “Yeah sound good to me. Thanks for hanging out with me tonight Laria.” “No problem. Don’t worry about having to pay for anything. I got the hookup!” Laria says with a chuckle. Lena response is to laugh. “All right, Laria I’ll see you then.” “Peace out Lena. With a smile on her face, she heads upstairs to decide what outfit would bring her some attention tonight.
CHAPTER 19
Fahim can’t believe how his day has gone as he sees the realtor's lips move reciting her speech describing another property site for his upcoming restaurant project. Mandaria sees her client’s mind is occupied elsewhere and asks “Mr. Zavala would you like to reschedule viewing this location? I’ve noticed your focus seems immersed somewhere else today.” “I’m sorry Mandaria. I don’t mean to be wasting time like this. I would appreciate if we could reschedule if at all possible.” “No problem Mr. Zavala. Since you won’t be making any decisions on any particular location until late January, we can reschedule and revisit the day after New Years. Does that work for you?” “Yes, it does and thank you for being understanding.” “Again not a problem. I hope everything works out for you okay.” “So do I. I will give you a call right before New Year’s confirm what other sites you have available for us to check out.” “Sounds like a plan. I hope you enjoy the holidays Mr. Zavala.” “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family as well Mandaria and thanks again.” Fahim heads out of the spacious building getting into his rental Toyota Highlander with plans of heading back to his brother’s home.
Hypnotic Magnetic Seduction Page 9
