Talk a Good Game

by Angie Daniels

  “I promise,” he said and I felt his lip quiver and thought he was about to cry, but then he slid his tongue inside my mouth.

  God had truly put this together.

  28

  JANELLE

  “What’s that—?”

  I had just stepped out the shower onto the heated ceramic flooring when I heard a bed squeaking like someone was fucking. I wrapped a thick robe around my body then slowly opened the door, expecting to see my man jacking off or something.

  Imagine my relief to see Kaleb sitting on my chaise lounge watching television. “What wrong?” he asked.

  I listened again and sure enough there was that sound again. “What’s that squeaking?”

  Kaleb said like it was no big deal, “Oh, that’s CJ rocking.”

  “Rocking? Like he does in his chair?”

  What the fuck? I tied the robe tightly around my waist, then stepped out the room. I moved down the hall and stood outside CJ’s room with my ear to the door. Sure enough the sound was coming from inside.

  I hurried back to the master suite. “It sounds like he’s fucking.”

  Kaleb didn’t even bother to look up from the television screen. “Nah, that’s how he goes to sleep. It’s soothing.”

  Really? “No, it’s crazy! That boy is thirteen and he still needs to be rocked to sleep.”

  Of course that pissed him off. “You always got something slick to say.”

  Ignoring him, I hurried back down the hall and flung CJ’s door open and stared in horror. The television was on so I could clearly see him up on all four, rocking back and forth, with his head on the pillow and his eyes closed.

  “CJ!”

  Kaleb stormed down the hall. “Jae, leave that boy alone.”

  “Nobody wants to listen to that shit. Christopher John, quit rocking!” I cried. He moved around on the bed, mumbled something that sounded like, “yes ma’am” then went back to sleep. Cussing under my breath, I shut his door and padded past Kaleb and went back to our bedroom.

  “I guess now you’re gonna make fun of him.”

  “Make fun? Whatever,” I mumbled, under my breath.

  Kaleb glared at me itching for a fight, but I just ignored him and reached for my lotion and spread it on my body, seductively of course. One thing about me, I know how to defuse a bomb.

  “You want me to oil your back?”

  Bingo! I grinned. “Sure.”

  Kaleb walked over and took a seat on the bed beside me then reached for the bottle of spearmint scented lotion and started spreading it on my back. “Look… I know you act like that, because you care about CJ and me.”

  Actually the thought of a thirteen-year- old dry humping his mattress gave me the creeps, but I wasn’t going to say that out loud.

  He kissed my back, shoulder, and breasts then lifted one leg and nudged at my opening. I rested my hands at his waist and thrust my hips forward, causing his length to slip inside.

  By morning I was hearing that damn rocking again. I waited until we were down at the table eating breakfast before I brought it up. Nothing worse than bitching on an empty stomach.

  “Kaleb, the boy needs help,” I insisted.

  “What the fuck you mean my son needs help?”

  “I tossed my arm in the air. “I mean… all that rocking. He can’t go through life like that.”

  “Ask my parents.” He waved his hand blowing me off. “I used to do the same thing when I was a kid. He’ll grow out of it.”

  That was hard to do, since I had yet to speak to his parents. Kaleb and CJ had been by to see my mom several times.

  I couldn’t believe the way he was blowing it off like it wasn’t a big deal. I hated to ask the next question but I did it anyway. “Was he abused as a child?”

  His fork stopped midair. “What?”

  “I mean he acts like he’s either been abused or just slow.”

  “Fuck no!” Kaleb shoveled eggs in his mouth and scowled. “I only beat his ass when he needs it, but other than that you know I punish him by taking away his video games.”

  I can’t understand why he gets so defensive when I question the way he raises his son. “Then maybe he has some other issues.”

  “You sound just like my ex-girlfriend. She was always trying to say CJ acts like he’s retarded.”

  That’s because he does.

  I shrugged and said innocently, “Maybe he’s slow.”

  Kaleb slammed his hand on the table. “My son is an honor roll student!”

  “Okay and so was Rain Man.”

  He looked at me with fury in his eyes. “Don’t you ever get tired of talking about folks? You ain’t all that.”

  I had no problem pointing a finger at him. “You might not believe this but I care about CJ. He’s a good kid and I hate to see him get teased. He’s at that age.”

  He reached for his toast and took a bite. “You’re right.”

  I looked at him and shrugged. “We just need to get him to recognize when he’s doing it and get him to stop.”

  Again, he nodded in agreement.

  I decided to slide in one other idea. “I also think he needs to see a therapist.”

  Kaleb shook his head. “No therapist.”

  I blew out a long breath and reached for a slice of bacon. “Let him make that decision. Ask him if he wants to see someone. You have no idea what he’s gone through or what he might be hiding. Can you honestly say if something has happened CJ would come and tell you?” I added between chews.

  A muscle ticked at his cheek. “CJ! Come down here!”

  Oh Lord, no wonder the boy is a bundle of nerves.

  He came racing down the stairs like he was falling. “Yes sir?”

  Kaleb looked over at me.

  I turned around and took his hand. “Um… CJ… I was talking to your dad about your rocking…” I immediately noticed how he tensed up. “I suggested you see a therapist. Someone you can talk to about anything that’s bothering you.”

  He flinched slightly. “Do I have to?” He had this blank look on his face while he rocked side to side. Damn, I was getting dizzy.

  “No son. You don’t have to.” His father gave me this I-told-you-so look.

  I rose from my chair put my plate in the sink, then moved over to CJ and draped an arm across his shoulders as I said softly, “There is nothing wrong with seeing someone just to talk to. Hell, I saw a psychologist when I was a child.”

  “You did?” he asked. “When?”

  I nodded. “Yep. When I was fifteen. I was going through some things after my father was killed. Mama was ready to put me in juvie.”

  His face relaxed somewhat. “What did y’all talk about?”

  “Anything I wanted to talk about.” I then leaned in close and said, “And anything you say is confidential. Your counselor can’t tell your dad anything unless you give permission.”

  CJ’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

  I nodded. “Really? That way you can feel comfortable to say whatever is on your mind.”

  CJ seemed nervous and hesitated for a moment before he looked at this dad then back to me. “Okay, I wanna see a counselor.”

  Checkmate. There might be hope for this kid after all.

  29

  NYREE

  “Ooh, I like this one!”

  I looked over at Janelle, who was standing at the end of the rack holding up a long wedding dress with way too much lace and I frowned, “Uh-uh. That dress will makes me itch.”

  She blew out a breath and returned it to the rack.

  We had been at David’s Bridal for over two hours and I still hadn’t found the perfect dress. Short, long, I just wasn’t sure what I wanted. I was certain Janelle was getting sick of me but I didn’t care. I could have settled for a simple white dress I had spotted at Dillard’s, but she insisted on buying me a wedding gown as a gift. So in other words, this was my time.

  I walked over to another rack of dresses that were strapless and more of my style and rummaged th
rough the selections.

  “Does Jeremy know when you’ll be leaving for Hawaii?”

  I looked away from a possible contender to grin at her. “He’s supposed to report the end of October.” I just loved rubbing it in her face. For once something good was happening to me. Janelle had the chance to meet Jeremy at lunch last week.

  “You know I hate you, right?”

  I laughed at that. “Why you say that?”

  Jae didn’t even try to hide the jealousy. “Because you’re getting everything you want.”

  “Yes I am, aren’t I?” I laughed and I’m not going to lie. It felt good. “Ooh! I like this one!” I pulled the gown from the rack so Janelle could see it.

  Janelle nodded in agreement. “That one would look good on you.”

  “Would you like me to start a dressing room?”

  I swung around with my hand at my chest. Damn where did she come from?

  “Yes, that would be great.” I handed over the dress to the perky blonde sales assistant and went back to looking.

  “What about this one?” Janelle held up a dress with a plunging neckline.

  “I like that too,” I said and then my phone started ringing. I didn’t even bother to see who it was.

  “Is that Jeremy calling you again?” Janelle asked with a rude snort.

  I shrugged. “Probably. I’ll call him later.”

  Janelle shook her head. “Damn, that’s the fourth call. His ass sure is needy.”

  “You’re one to talk.” I gave her a hard look, because she knew I knew better. “He’s just excited about the wedding. That’s all.”

  She didn’t look convinced but like I said before Janelle can be such a hater. “How’s everything going with the whole kid situation?” She tossed quotation marks in the air.

  “Better. We were supposed to get the three teenagers last week, but they’re coming down for the wedding instead. And his oldest, Alexis, is hoping to attend as well,” I explained.

  Janelle narrowed her brow at me. “What about that little one?”

  I shook my head. “Jeremy is still tryna work that one out. He and her mother don’t get along too well.” I told her about how their relationship had ended when Jeremy discovered she had been screwing one of his good friends on the bowling team.

  “Girl, that’s too much playing!”

  “I know, right.” I pulled another dress from the rack and looked at all the beading at the bodice. But as soon as I saw the six hundred dollar price tag, I put it back. Sorry, but I just couldn’t justify anyone spending that much money for one day.

  “Have you told your job you’re moving?”

  I shook my head. “Nope. I thought I’d wait until after we’re married before I do all that.”

  She nodded and sucked her teeth. “I don’t blame you. Just in case you change your mind. Hopefully you can find a job when you get there.”

  I looked at Janelle. “I don’t know. I’m planning to transfer to the Hawaii Air National Guard and do my one weekend a month, but other than that, I might just enjoy being a wife for a little while.”

  “I guess,” she mumbled although she didn’t look the least bit convinced. I should have known she wouldn’t understand. One thing Janelle didn’t believe in was depending on a man to put food on her table. To me, marriage was totally different. There was nothing wrong with depending on my husband, at least, for a little while.

  “Here, try this one on.”

  I glanced at the dress Janelle was holding in her hands, and my eyes lit up. “Ooh, I like that!”

  “I think it’s perfect. Go try them all on, but I guarantee this one’s gonna look the best.” She dismissed me with an impatient fanning of her hand, then moved over to take a seat.

  “You need to be finding a purple dress if you’re going to be my maid of honor.” I stared over at her. As usual Janelle was looking fierce in a pair of skinny jeans, rhinestone stilettos, and a red blouse that hung off her shoulders.

  Her phone vibrated, and she reached down inside a cute red hobo purse and mumbled something under her breath when she realized who was calling.

  She didn’t even bother to look up as she replied, “I got this under control. You just go try on that dress.”

  I carried the gowns to the dressing room the sales assistant had started for me, and as I peeled off my clothes, I felt myself shaking. I still couldn’t believe this day was almost here. I was getting remarried.

  I love that man. I can’t explain why or how it happened, and I questioned it almost every day. Jeremy had so much baggage, yet somehow he touched something in my soul that I just never felt with any other man before. And for the last week, since we kissed and made up, he has been doing everything in his power to show me just how much he truly loves me.

  “You need some help?” I heard the sales assistant. She was standing on the other side of the door.

  Hell no. I didn’t want her to see me in my Spanx. “No, I think I got it.” I wiggled the dress Janelle picked out over my hips and gasped at my reflection in the mirror. Janelle was right. It was perfect. I turned the knob and stepped out of the dressing room.

  “Oh, you look sooo beautiful!”

  My eyes widened. “Mama! You made it.” I hurried over and hugged her round body.

  She wrapped me in her arms, then drew back and gave me a gappy-tooth smile. “I wouldna missed this for the world.” There were tears in her hazel eyes as she shook her head and said, “Your father will be so proud.”

  “I told you I had good taste,” Janelle said with her leg swinging, and that big I-told-you-so grin on her face. “My work here is done.”

  I spun around and gazed in the mirror that was the length of the entire platform and just stared in awe. I was wearing a strapless mid length gown with beautiful beading at the bodice and a satin waist that flattered my curves. Looking at my reflection in the small dressing room was one thing but seeing myself from several different angles, I couldn’t believe how beautiful I looked.

  “Ree… it’s a beautiful gown but I thought we were planning a small wedding?”

  I looked at my mother’s worried expression through the mirror. “Mama, it’s gonna be small, but I still want to look fabulous.”

  “Mrs. Dawson, I don’t have any problem helping you plan a bigger wedding.” Janelle offered.

  I shook my head at her. “Uh-uh, I told you we don’t want anything big. That’s just a waste of money.”

  My mother waved her hand dismissively. “You let me worry about how I spend my money. It isn’t often when my daughter gets married.”

  “Mom, I’ve been married before.”

  She gave a rude snort. “Oh please! You went to the courthouse. I knew it was doomed from the beginning.”

  I saw Janelle was trying not to laugh. Neither one of them had cared much for Shane.

  “Mrs. Dawson, what do you think of Jeremy?” she asked.

  I rolled my eyes and noticed Janelle was trying not to laugh again. She was such a shit starter.

  Mommy had a dreamy smile on her face. “He seems like a really nice guy. Mannerable, so sweet, and God-fearing. I think Ree’s really done good this time.”

  I stuck my tongue out at Janelle. It meant a lot that my mother approved of the man I was getting ready to spend the rest of my life with.

  “I agree. Jeremy does seem nice…” Janelle began slowly. “But I just feel like he’s hiding something.” I wanted to smack the black off her, but I forced a smile instead.

  “No, you’re just too nosy. He doesn’t have to tell you all his business.” I said struggling to keep the sarcasm from my voice.

  “I didn’t say he did but even when I asked him simple stuff he didn’t want to tell the truth. What’s up with that?”

  My mom’s brow rose with curiosity.

  “Mama, that’s because he was tired of Janelle giving him the third degree.” Leave it to Janelle to try and stir up some trouble. “All that matters is that I know he’s the man for me. Wha
t he shares or doesn’t want to share with others doesn’t matter just as long as I know the truth.”

  Crossing her arms, Janelle leaned forward and said, “And? Do you know the truth?”

  The sales assistant came over, saving me from having to answer. “This dress was made for your body! You barely need any alterations.” She knew exactly what to say to guarantee a sale.

  I nodded in agreement. “I don’t need to try on the other gowns. I want this one.”

  She clapped her hands gleefully. “Wonderful! Let me go and get some pins for the hem.” While she scurried off, I looked in the mirror again and could already see myself walking down the aisle in this gown. I was going to be the talk of the town for sure.

  Mama moved over and took a seat beside Janelle.

  “Mrs. Dawson I hear you’re finally going to have plenty of grandchildren to spoil.”

  My heart nearly stopped. Oh no she didn’t.

  Mama had a proud smile on her lips. “Yes, I’m looking forward to meeting his three. They’ll be down for a week, right Ree?”

  Janelle’s brow rose. “Three chil—?”

  “Yes, Mama. They’ll be down for a whole week.” I said cutting Janelle off and then gave her the stink eye. I hadn’t had a chance to tell my mother there were five kids, instead of three. And I was planning on doing that on my terms not Janelle’s.

  “I’m looking forward to it.” Mama then pursed her lips and said, “I’ll have one foot in the grave by the time Nyree has a baby.”

  Janelle snickered and went back to texting on her phone, while I ignored the comment and focused on how good I looked in the dress.

  “And what about you Jae?” I heard Mama say. “I hear congratulations are in order for your engagement. When are you planning on making it official?”

  “Yeah Jae, when’s your big day?” I instigated, with a smirk.

  Janelle stopped texting and looked from me to my mom, then back to her cell and blew out a long breath. “That’s a good question, Mrs. Dawson. I’m in no rush. I figure we’ll focus on Ree’s wedding first then I’ll start planning mine. I definitely don’t want to steal the spotlight from her,” she added with a saucy grin.