All That and a Bag of Chips (11 page)

Venice said, “All right. See you later.”

When Venice entered the room, Monique couldn't wait to tell her what she'd missed. “Girl, you missed it! That heifer down the hall in 311 had some chick's man in her room last night. His old lady found out about it and those two got in a serious fight in the hall. The chick upstairs gave that heifer a serious beatdown, then almost whipped her man's ass. Somebody finally called the floor counselor
but by the time she got here, dude had left. Of course, that heifer in room 311 went to hide out in somebody else's room. She got exactly what she deserved. The counselor tried to find out what happened, but nobody told her what really went down. I'm glad she got what she deserved. That's not the first time she's been caught screwing around with somebody else's piece.”

Venice replied, “I told you that's dangerous business, trying to juggle men on the same turf. You can't do that because what goes around, comes around.”

Monique agreed, then went on to ask Venice how her night was. All Venice told her was that she had a good time and they just chilled.

Monique didn't believe her. “Girl, I know you're probably as raw as hell!”

“You're so vulgar! Just because I spent the night at the man's house doesn't mean we did anything.”

“Why not?”

Venice wasn't about to put her business in the street, especially with Monique.

“Forget it! Have you heard from Chanelle today?”

“No, but Jarvis called for you late last night.”

“He did! What did you tell him?”

“I told him you went out and that I didn't know what time you'd be in. He said he'd call you today.”

“Is that all? He didn't ask you who I was with?”

“No.”

“Okay. I'm going down to Chanelle's room. If he calls, tell him to call her room.”

Monique was headed to the shower, but replied, “Okay.”

Before Venice left the room, she decided to call Chanelle. As the phone rang, Venice reminisced about her evening.

Chanelle answered the phone, “Hello?”

“What's up, Chanelle?”

“You! What happened last night?”

“No, you tell me. I want to hear how you and Spoonie got along last night.”

Chanelle told her to come on down. Once the two of them got together, they shared their adventures from the previous night.

Chanelle asked Venice, “Did you and Craig finally do it?”

Venice wasn't ready to share that with anyone yet. She was still trying to deal with it herself, so she lied. “No! We had wine, watched TV, and just hung out. What about you, Chanelle?”

“Girl, you're not going to believe me, but I spent the night with him and I let him hit it! And I mean hit it! I don't know what came over me. I've never slept with any guy on the first date before. Spoonie was a perfect gentleman. I was the one who made all the advances. I guess all that stuff Monique said got to me. He's really a nice guy. I just hope he doesn't think I'm easy.”

Venice was sitting there with her mouth opened in shock. “Are you the same innocent Chanelle I grew up with?”

They both laughed.

“Venice, he kept asking me if I was sure this was what I wanted to do. I told him that if it wasn't, we wouldn't be there together.”

Venice was still in shock.

“Girl, he wore me out! Jeremy was nothing like that. I couldn't help myself. I felt like a wild woman. He's a great lover!” Chanelle fell back on the bed in laughter. “I'm still tingling. I can't wait to see him again!”

“Chanelle, you guys used protection, didn't you?”

Chanelle had this weird look on her face. “Well, no. I'm on the pill so I'm okay.”

“What about diseases, Chanelle?”

“I wasn't thinking about that at the time, Venice. I just made sure I was protected from getting pregnant. You don't think I've messed up, do you?”

“I hope not, but he should've known better also. You just met him and you don't know anything about him. Don't do that again if you guys decide to get together. Are you going to see him today?”

“He's picking me up this evening.”

Venice said, “I hope this works out for you. Spoonie seems to be really nice. But you still have to be careful, Chanelle. Just take it slow. I know you haven't seen Jeremy in a while and everyone gets lonely.”

Chanelle giggled. “Jeremy who? I know, girl and I will take it slow. Thanks for listening and I'll be more careful. I guess I was just hornier than I realized.”

The two chatted a while longer before deciding to catch up later.

O
ver the next two weeks, the girls went to class, shopped at malls, and talked to their significant others on a daily basis in preparation for homecoming. Craig and Venice double dated with Spoonie and Chanelle a few times. Venice finally told Chanelle about what had happened between her and Craig the night after the game. She apologized for not telling her sooner. Chanelle was a little hurt, but understood when Venice told her that she was trying to deal with her emotions and just couldn't tell her right away. Chanelle accepted her apology.

Venice began attending church with Craig on a regular basis. She still hadn't told Joshua about the progression in her relationship with Craig. She was beginning to have feelings of guilt. She didn't expect Craig to be so wonderful and she was having unexpected thoughts about him.
I guess these are the regrets
C
raig was talking about
.
Am I falling in love with him? I couldn't be
.

Sleeping in the same bed with him was beginning to feel safe and natural. Whenever he came near or touched her, her body craved for him. They made love at every opportunity. Craig's co-op kept him out of town a lot so Venice was always ready and excited to see him on the weekends. Sometimes she found herself nervous about Jarvis and about his homecoming, which was coming up at the end of the week. Venice had to make a decision, quick. She had been hanging out with Craig for several weeks and was getting really content with their relationship.

Jarvis called to confirm her visit for the weekend. She told him she'd see him Friday afternoon. For some reason, even that felt awkward. It had been two months since they were together. Venice worried that Jarvis would figure out that she had been with someone else.
Jarvis knew her inside and out and would know something was different. Jarvis' dad setup Venice's flight for her and Jarvis planned to pick her up from the airport.

On Thursday evening, Venice phoned Craig to let him know that she wouldn't be able to see him on the weekend because she was going out of town. He didn't question her, which was a slight relief. Venice figured he was so caught up in his work that he didn't think to quiz her. Craig had a lot of projects he had to finish before Monday, but he said he would still miss her. He told her to have good time and to call him when she got back.

Venice felt guilty as she hung up the phone. She didn't exactly lie to him. She just didn't tell him any details. Her main concern was the possibility of him questioning her when she got back.

It had indeed crossed Craig's mind that Venice was probably going to visit her ex. He wondered how long it would be before he had to deal with it. He wanted a serious relationship with her but, like most men, was afraid to completely open up to her. He realized that once they started having a physical relationship, there would be no turning back. He really did want it all.

Chanelle came into the room just as Venice began packing. “I guess this means you're going, huh?”

“Don't start, Chanelle.”

Chanelle sat down on the bed. “Have you told Craig where you're going?”

“I told him that I was going out of town for the weekend and that I'd see him Sunday.”

“He didn't ask who you were going to visit?”

“No, but when I get back, he'll probably ask.” Venice stopped packing for a moment. “What the hell am I doing, Chanelle? I've fallen in love with Craig! What am I going to do?”

“Don't ask me! I just hope you realize you're playing with fire. How are you going to be in love with two men? How did you let this happen?”

“I don't know. Just keep it to yourself. You, Joshua, and Galen are the only ones who know where I'm going to be. Galen's tripping about it, too. He told me not to put him in a situation like this again.”

“I can't blame him. You're his sister and Craig's his boy.”

“I didn't expect to fall for him like this. It slipped up on me. Well, I can't worry about it now. I've told Jarvis I was coming. Now, I'm packed.”

Chanelle asked, “Are you going to need a ride to the airport?”

“No, I'm going to leave my car there. Pray for me, girl. I hope I know what I'm doing. Maybe this weekend can help me decide what I really want to do.”

“I hope so.”

The flight wasn't very long and when Venice stepped off the plane, she immediately spotted Jarvis waving. She ran over and gave him a big hug. He picked her up off the floor and gave her a kiss, which brought emotions flooding down on her. They hadn't seen each other for about two months and he really, really looked good. His smile made her melt and his touch made her weak. His faded jeans were molded to his athletic frame and women definitely noticed him.

He said, “Girl! I thought you'd never get here. You're looking as fine as ever. Turn around so I can see if you've still got that big booty.”

“Jarvis! You haven't changed a bit. I can tell you're still taking care of yourself.”

He flexed his muscular arms and said, “You know I have to, girl. Now let's get your bags and get out of here. I got us a room at a hotel near campus. I can't wait to get you there and do all kinds of nasty things to you.”

Chills shot through Venice's body when he described what he was going to do to her.

“Niecy, I've rented a car for the weekend since I'm not going to be able to get my car up here until after Christmas.”

They walked through the airport arm in arm. For the weekend, Venice was going to have to try not to think about her relationship with Craig.

Hell, men have been doing shit like this for years
.

After getting her bags, they proceeded to pick up the rental car and were on their way. Jarvis took her on a brief tour of the city before arriving at the hotel.

Venice asked, “What time do you have to be at practice?”

He gave her a devilish grin. “In about two hours. That'll be plenty time for me to do what I'm going to do to you.”

She closed her eyes and shivered at the thought. He was the king of foreplay.

After checking in to the room, Venice fell back onto the bed as Jarvis put her bags down. “This is a nice room. Thanks, baby.”

Jarvis took his jacket off and joined her on the bed. He didn't waste any time nibbling on her earlobe. “You know, you're a sight for sore eyes.”

Venice touched his face. “You are too, baby.”

They gazed into each other's eyes for a moment as if they needed to recapture something lost. His lips were inches from hers when he whispered, “I love you, Venice.” There was no time for a response. He leaned down and hungrily kissed the lips he thought only belonged to him.

Damn! This man knows how to make me feel good
.

Venice wrapped her arms and legs around him as his tongue found its way back into her warm mouth. He kissed down her neck and continued to her breasts, even though the soft material of her blouse covered her. Taking his time, he savored on the softness of her body. She squirmed and moaned as his fingers worked her like a magician. They hadn't made love in two months and she hoped that she'd find all the answers she searched for. Jarvis started slowly unbuttoning her blouse. Venice hurriedly pulled his shirt over his head and threw it across the room. He rolled over onto his back, pulling her on top of him.

“Have you missed me, Venice?”

Planting small kisses on his neck and chest, she answered in a sultry tone, “Oh, yes.”

“How much have you missed me?”

Venice looked him in his eyes, massaged his desire, and said, “This much.”

He smiled as she lowered her mouth and tasted him.

“Oh! Sh-h-hit, Niecey!”

Jarvis closed his eyes and let out a loud groan as he watched himself appear and disappear. He shivered as he found himself grabbing a handful of her hair. Venice continued the sensual pleasure until he could no longer stand it. He slowly rolled over on top of her, pinning her gently into the mattress. He stared at her for a moment and she smiled into his loving eyes. It only took a couple of seconds for him
to strip her remaining clothes. They began to taste each other more passionately as he flicked his tongue over her hardened nipples.

Venice was almost screaming when she said, “Come on, Jarvis! I can't wait any longer!”

Jarvis didn't let another second go by before pushing himself between her thighs. He entered her silkiness with unexpected ease. He noticed but was too caught up with pleasure to address the issue right then.

“Damn, Niecy, I missed you more than I thought I could! You feel so good!”

Venice felt the same way and tears built in her eyes as his hands explored her body. His lips found her breasts again as his hands stroked her intimate area with tenderness. He licked her up and down as she arched her back and moaned uncontrollably to his touch. His strong, muscular frame reacquainted itself with her soft, firm body.

Venice held onto him as tight as she could until all she saw were fireworks. Jarvis was the only one she'd never protected herself with, but she'd always been on the pill. They'd promised each other that if, God forbid, they ever slept with anyone else, they'd definitely use protection.

Jarvis continued to make love to her with the intensity she was accustomed to. He whispered his undying love into her ears, which caused her to tremble even more. He pushed his hips in and out of her moist body more vigorously and possessively. Venice thought her heart would burst out of her chest when his fingers delved inside to her inner core. She screamed and unintentionally scratched his back as he thrust his body even deeper. Venice admired the tattoo of her name on his bicep as he ran his tongue from her neck down to her navel. She had his name tattooed on her left shoulder blade. Her parents weren't happy with her doing it, but there was nothing they could do about it after the fact.