All That and a Bag of Chips (15 page)

Venice asked, “What's wrong?”

“Nothing's wrong. I had a message from my old girl on the answering machine. She's coming to town for homecoming and for some reason, she thinks we can hook up.”

“Oh really?”

“Venice, Miranda is in the past,” Craig stated reassuringly. “She's not the nicest person and she can't show up thinking she's going to get with me. You don't have to worry about that.”

Venice responded with, “After what I did to you, I couldn't really blame you if you wanted to.”

Craig jumped up from his seat, pulled her to him, and said, “Look, Venice, I thought we said we'd let that go. I don't want to hear anything else about that. Okay? I'm not a revengeful person and I wouldn't dare do anything like that just to get back at you. Do you hear me?”

“Whatever you say. I just don't want to be mixed up in any drama this week, that's all.”

Craig pulled Venice closer to him and told her not to worry. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and said he was going to hit the showers.

Venice felt a little better, but she remembered what Galen had told her about this chick. He said she was a control freak. Venice decided to stay calm and occupy her mind with homecoming. Craig got out of the shower and told Venice he was going to call Miranda back and let her know that he already had plans. He called the number
back as Venice sat at the kitchen table. Venice asked if he would like some privacy and he told her she didn't have to leave the room.

The woman on the other line answered the telephone. Craig told her that he'd received her message. He went on to tell her that it was nice she was going to get to come for homecoming. However, he already had plans with someone else and wouldn't be able to hook up with her. From the look on his face, Miranda didn't take the news too well.

Craig said, “Why are you tripping like that? I thought you would've matured a little by now. I guess I was wrong.”

Venice could tell Craig was beginning to get pissed off.

“Well, Miranda, I see we still can't be cordial with each other, even after all this time, but I'm not surprised.” Craig paused, then continued, “Miranda, I don't want to argue with you anymore. This just proves that we were never meant to be and the best thing we ever did was calling it quits. Look, I hope you have a great time for homecoming.”

After that statement, Craig held the telephone down and shook his head. He put it back up to his ear and said, “Well, she hung up. Now maybe she's finally gotten the message.” He hung up the phone. “Miranda is crazy. She's spoiled and she's selfish. Venice, I don't want to talk about her anymore. Let's eat.”

Venice and Craig sat down and forgot all about the previous scene. Actually, they went on as if the telephone call never happened. Venice felt slightly better and less threatened by Miranda. Craig was apparently no longer under Miranda's control.

After dinner was over and the kitchen was clean, Craig asked Venice what was on the homecoming agenda for the night.

Venice said, “I think tonight is the frat and sorority auction.”

“Want to go watch it, Venice?”

“Not particularly. Those auctions are okay but I heard they get wild after a while. Some of the boyfriends and girlfriends just can't handle their significant others going out with other people. But, if you want to go, we can check it out.”

“No, we don't have to. I'd rather wait for the concert tomorrow night.”

“That's fine with me. By the way, I've already bought the tickets to the show. It's my treat!”

“Now, why'd you do that? I wanted to treat you to the show.”

“Well, next time it's your treat.”

They continued to talk as they watched TV. Craig asked Venice if she played backgammon. She told him she was an average player, so they went down into the rec room and played a few games. It was beginning to get late and they both had classes the next morning so they decided to call it a night. Venice showered, then went to bed. Craig told her goodnight. He was going to be up a while studying. He went downstairs so he wouldn't disturb her. Venice turned in for the night and fell asleep before her head hit the pillow.

 

As morning came, Venice realized
that Craig had been up all night working on some drawings. Or, was he avoiding her. Venice wondered if Craig still wasn't ready to get with her; especially after she had been with Jarvis.

It was seven a.m. and Venice's first class was at eight. She told Craig good morning and hurried into the shower. Craig had one class, which wasn't until one o'clock.

As Venice dressed, she told him to try and get some rest before his class. She gave him a kiss and told him she would see him around four o'clock. Venice wanted to go to her room to call Galen, but she didn't have time.

Craig said, “I'm going to lie down for a few hours before class. I'll see you this evening.”

Once Venice left, Craig said, “Damn, I've got to get over this Jarvis situation.”

Venice's classes that day seemed short. Everyone, even the professors, were caught up in the homecoming spirit. The campus was decorated throughout with the school colors. Everybody was buzzing about the concert that night featuring Tamia, Levert, and the O'Jays. It was a cool day and the game Saturday night would probably be very cold. Venice had to decide what she was going to wear. Chanelle had left a message on her answering machine about going shopping. Venice called her back and told her to meet her in the lobby at two o'clock so they could go to the mall. When Chanelle entered the lobby, she had a funny look on her face.

Venice asked, “What's wrong with you, Chanelle?”

“Let's go. I'm kind of tired so I want to get back and take a nap before the show.”

Venice noticed Chanelle was a little short with her. When they got in Venice's car, she asked again, “Chanelle, what's wrong? Is everything okay?”

Chanelle put her hand on Venice's hand to prevent her from starting the car. “Venice, I'm late for my period.”

Venice didn't know what to say as Chanelle burst into tears. “I can't eat, I can't sleep, and when Jeremy called me today, I almost started crying.”

Venice tried to remain calm. “Have you thought about buying a home pregnancy test?”

“I'm too scared! In a way, I want to know and in a way, I don't want to know. Venice, what am I going to do!”

“Does Spoonie know?”

“No way!”

“Don't worry, Chanelle. Everything's going to work out. I really believe you're fine, but you can't get yourself upset like this. You're throwing your body chemistry off.”

Chanelle agreed and the two left for the mall. When they got there, they got their minds off the problem and ended up having fun picking out homecoming outfits. Venice told Chanelle she wanted something new to wear to the concert also, but couldn't decide if she wanted a skirt or pants.

Chanelle thought it would be nice to wear a long skirt outfit for the concert and then get a pants outfit for the game. Venice was feeling the suggestion and picked out a straight skirt with a sheer overlay. It was a beautiful red with a short jacket. Venice already had shoes to match the outfit so that would save her a little money.

Chanelle picked out a short set with a double-breasted jacket. It was gray with the white pin stripes. Chanelle's muscular legs would definitely compliment the outfit with gray pantyhose and shoes.

The two friends continued through the mall before deciding to stop for a snack. They both ordered pizza and Coke.

Once they sat down, Venice said, “Chanelle, no matter how this turns out, don't look down on yourself. Accidents happen and I know you didn't mean for it to go down like this.”

“I know. I'm just going to have to pray about it and leave it in
the hands of the Lord. I'll tell you this. If I'm able to get out of this crisis, I won't ever take that kind of chance again. Oh, Venice! Jarvis called me last night.”

“What did he want?”

“You.”

“What did he say?”

“He said he feels like he's losing you and he doesn't know how to deal with it. He asked me if you were serious about Craig.”

“What did you tell him?”

“I told him that I didn't want to get in the middle of this, but that I do know that you love him and miss him.”

Venice grew sad. “What did he say?”

“He said that he didn't know what he would do if he lost you. He realizes you like Craig, but doesn't know how serious it is.”

“I really need to see him, Chanelle. He's my heart and I love him so much. I don't want to lose him either. I can't help it that Craig is so nice. This whole situation is a trip, but I can't see Jarvis like I want to. He said he understood.”

Chanelle said, “Venice, he probably said he understood, but his heart doesn't. I don't want to see any of you hurt, but this love triangle is eventually going to fall apart. I hate to see who's left standing. Craig must be hitting it correctly, because I've never seen you confused about Jarvis before.”

“Chanelle, it's not about the sex. Craig's just wonderful.”

They held each other's hand for a moment, then decided it was time to go.

I
t was concert night. Venice and Craig arrived early enough to get great seats. Craig knew Tamia was going to be looking good and Venice knew that Levert was going to have it going on also.

The concert lasted about three hours and then sadly it was over. A lot of the concertgoers were headed to after parties, but Venice and Craig decided to go out for drinks and then head back home since it was a school night.

They went to a local restaurant and ordered appetizers and drinks. Galen and Sidney came in later. Craig invited them to join their table. After eating and sharing many laughs together, Galen and Sidney had to leave so that he could make curfew. Venice and Craig also decided it was time to go.

They arrived back at the house at about eleven-thirty. Craig, once again, told Venice he had a few more drawings to work on before morning. She solemnly told him goodnight and went into the bathroom to get ready for bed. Craig lit candles around the room so that he didn't have to turn on bright lights that might disturb her sleep. His drawing table had a small lamp on it so he wouldn't have to strain his eyes. He had another drawing table downstairs, but preferred to stay close to her.

When Venice reentered the room after taking her shower and saw the candles, she thought they gave the room a nice relaxing mood and the aroma was breathtaking. Craig had put on some soft jazz, which he liked to work by.

Venice expressed how much she liked the candles. “I love the candles. Just make sure you don't fall asleep before blowing them out.”

“You're right, or it'll really be hot up in here.”

They both laughed and Venice retired to bed, leaving Craig up to work.

“Is the music too loud?”

“No, it's just right. Thanks for asking.”

It wasn't long before Venice drifted off to sleep.

It was about one forty-five when Venice woke for no apparent reason. She opened her eyes to discover Craig on the computer with his back to her. She eased out of the bed and slowly crept toward him. Craig didn't realize she was there until she draped her arms around his neck and kissed it. He stopped working and pulled her around in front of him.

Venice straddled his lap and asked, “What are you doing up?”

Craig wrapped his strong arms around her body and gave her a kiss on the neck. She began massaging his shoulders and said, “It's late. Don't you think you need to get some sleep? I miss you.”

Craig looked into her desire-filled eyes, then traced his finger up her thigh. He laid his head against her chest and let out a deep breath. Venice could tell he was tired so she continued to gently massage his neck and shoulders as she felt his hands roam over her soft body. The heat she felt was so intense, she started to perspire. She looked into his eyes and, without saying a word, he started unsnapping her shirt. Once he opened her shirt and revealed the picturesque body he'd missed, he kissed her, then hungrily took her nipple into his mouth. Venice closed her eyes and shivered to the dance of his tongue around her swollen nubs. Venice tightened her grip as he ran his hands and mouth over her entire body. Getting up from the chair, he carried her over to the bed and laid down upon her. They looked into each other's eyes for a moment.

Craig said, “Taylor, you feel wonderful, baby. I've missed you.”

“I've missed you missing me.”

“I'm leaving it in the past, Taylor.”

Venice saw the desire in his eyes and knew in her heart, this man loved her.

With her arms around his neck, she licked his earlobe and whispered, “Come on, baby.”

“Hold that thought.”

Reaching into his nightstand, he pulled out a foil package to protect her. He crawled back over to her and once again ran his
tongue over her entire body. Venice felt extremely relaxed. She arched her back when Craig's tongue played with her navel. Finally, he pushed her thighs apart with his knee and positioned himself above her. His dark gaze met hers again as he covered her lips with his. She began to breathe heavier and felt her heart pounding in her chest as Craig slowly began to push himself deep into her.

It had been a long awaited pleasure, so he made sure he took it slow as he entered into her moist body. She wrapped her legs around his tight physique as he began to push his body in and out of hers. Venice moaned even louder as his breathing got heavier. The dark, curly hair on his chest was no match for Venice's tongue as she licked at his nipples. He sucked in air when the warm tip of her tongue met his chest.

Craig rolled over and positioned her above him as he moved his hands underneath her, stroking her softly and intimately. His strong hands pulled her even tighter to him as his fingers danced in and out of her love. When Venice sat on top of him, their gazes locked on each other momentarily.