Independent Women - the Complete BWWM Romance Series Boxset (10 page)

“Kalena!”

“It’s true.”

“Don’t say things like that; I didn’t raise you that way. A child is about to be here…”

“Outside of your marriage and it’s like you don’t care!”

“Of course I care! It hurts but there is nothing that can be done now. Your father is sorry for what happened and he’s trying to make it right.”

“How can you stand to look at either of their faces? I bet that girl is still sitting in the front row of the church, right along with you.”

“Why are you upset with me? I’m not the one that made this mess.”

“Because you continue to stay in it, how do you think that makes me feel? Look at the kind of example that you’re setting. Because of you I don’t trust men and I don’t even trust myself to make the right decisions. If that’s what love is all about, then you can keep it. I’ll stay unmarried until the day that I die if marriage means that I have to tolerate disrespect and embarrassment.”

“So that’s how you think of me? I stayed with my husband because of you and because I made a vow before God.”

“Don’t use me as an excuse and don’t use God as an excuse, either. The last time I checked, Dad vowed to be faithful and we see where that has gotten the both of you.”

“Okay, this conversation is closed. I was calling you to let you know what’s going on because your father couldn’t seem to do it.”

“Mom, you deserve better than this.”

“I know, but this is what I’ve got.”

Kalena felt defeated, “Tell Dad not to call me because I already know. He doesn’t need to call me ever again, I’m done.”

“Don’t be that way.”

“I’m sorry Mom, you may want to sit around and act like all of this is okay but it’s not okay, not by a long shot. So tell Dad that I know and that he doesn’t need to ever call me again. I love you. I’m going to bed.”

“Okay, Sweetie.” ”

“Goodnight.”

Answering the phone was a stupid idea; her mom never had good news for her. She was way too old to have a sibling. If her father were smart, then he would heed her warning because she didn’t have anything nice or good to say to him.

*

Tamika sat in the doctor’s office. She was shaking uncontrollably. How could she have been so stupid and careless? Why in the world would she sleep with a man who wasn’t her husband and why would she do it without a condom? It was the kind of behavior that other women were judged harshly for, and now it was her turn.

The nurse had already been in and taken a blood sample and a urine test. Now it was just a waiting game. It was torturous. Her mind was going a mile a minute and all she wanted to do was drink, but that wasn’t a possibility for her anymore. If the baby was Jin’s, then there was no way that she could pass the baby off as Reggie’s. He would probably be suspicious if his baby came out half Asian.

The room was so white and pristine, and the silence was driving her insane. Were the rooms soundproof? How long was it going to take for the doctor to show his face? After contemplating getting up and seeing where the hell everyone was, the doctor finally showed up.

“Good Afternoon Mrs. Robinson. Congratulations on the baby!”

She plastered on a fake smile, “Thank you.”

“Uh oh, what’s wrong? I thought that you would be happy.”

“I thought so too, and I would be under the right circumstances. I don’t know how to say this but is there a way to take a paternity test without my husband knowing?”

The doctor gave her a serious look, “Yes that’s very possible.”

She exhaled a sigh of relief, “I don’t even want to know what you must think of me right now.”

“I’m not here to judge you, that is not my job. This is more common than you actually think and it’s my job to make sure that you are healthy. Were you having sex with them around the same time or do you think that we will be able to establish this through a timeline?”

“I didn’t think of that. I guess that we would be able to tell if I knew how far along I am.”

“Alright, just wait one minute. I’m going to get the nurse to bring in the ultra sound machine and hopefully we can put this to rest and give you some peace of mind.”

“Oh my goodness,” Tamika said as her entire body began to shake.

“Oh no, Mrs. Robinson, we can’t have that. You have to calm yourself because that level of stress isn’t good for you or the baby. Breathe. Inhale for six full seconds and exhale for another six. Continue to do that until the nurse gets here. Do you need me to get you some water?”

“Yes please,” Tamika said as tears streamed down her face.  She took a few deep breaths and tried to focus on that, instead of everything that she worked for possibly coming to an end. Soon the nurse brought in the machine and it was show time. Prayers that hadn’t graced her lips in years began to silently come from her mouth. ‘God please let this turn out okay. I promise I’ll take my butt back to church and get my life together.’

It was uncomfortable as he probed around inside of her.

“Ah, there the baby goes,” he said as he pointed to the screen. “It looks like you’re about 10 weeks.”

Tears of joy welled in her eyes. That meant that it was Reggie’s baby. “Are you sure?”

“Yep, I’m pretty sure. I hope that’s a good thing.”

“That’s a very good thing,” she laughed.

“Sure you wouldn't like to do a test to be sure?” He asked with an inquisitive look on his face.

“No no, that will be fine. I am definitely sure.”

Then reality hit her like a ton of bricks. Was she sure and was it a good thing? Reggie wasn’t her biggest fan currently and they discussed waiting to have a baby. Would that put the final nail in the coffin? One thing was for sure, it was going to make or break their relationship.

#Chapter2

“I was wondering how you would feel about having a baby.”

Tamika

Crystal sat in the Stone Park Café across from Nina and enjoyed the conversation. Nina wasn’t considered to be one of her best friends but she was always easy to hang around with, as long as you didn’t have a man to steal. Crystal was very much single and she didn’t plan on getting tied down anytime soon, so she was safe.

“So you went through his phone and found that he was being trifling, huh?” Nina said.

“Girl yes, he thought his ass was slick too. I don’t have time for the bullshit. I work too damned hard to tolerate a man that doesn’t mean me any good. I can’t lie, I really liked him and I hated to have to give up the sex.”

“Some things never change! You’re always chasing the D.”

“It’s the only thing worth chasing, other than money. I swear I would be a lesbian if I didn’t enjoy sex so much.”

Crystal had just given Nina the complete rundown about her last relationship. She was involved with a womanizer. He was everything that Crystal wanted and so much more, but he wasn’t faithful. Her friends, Tamika and Kalena, warned her about him and she didn’t want to believe it at first, but later discovered that they were telling the truth. It hurt but she could handle it. After that experience, she decided that she was done with love for a while, maybe forever.

Love was a hassle and it made you do stupid things just for the company of a person who didn’t give two shits about you. She was done with being a fool for love and only wanted to have fun. Dating for love was fruitless.

“You’re something else,” Nina laughed.

“You used to be just like me until you met your boo. How are the two of you doing, anyway?”

“Girl it is tiring! I’m with him almost every night while he DJs and I don’t know if I can continue to turn up the way that we do. Going to work in the morning is tough; I’m too old for this shit.

“You’re only 30 so cut it out.”

“Shit tell my body that, but I’ve gotta make sure that those little girls at the club know that he has a woman. I have to keep everyone’s hands off my man -- the white ones, the black ones, the Asian ones, it’s exhausting!”

“If you have to work that hard, then is it really worth it?”

“I see what you mean but he’s a really good guy. Usually it’s just me tripping over stupid stuff, he only has eyes for me and I think it’s cute. He’s so damned sweet.”

“Awww, I’m happy that you’re happy.”

“Thanks, girl. So how are the other girls doing? I tried to call Tamika, but she hasn’t been answering her phone and I haven’t heard from Kalena.”

“They’re doing alright, just really busy with work. Tamika is busy with Reggie of course, and Kalena is dating someone, finally”

“It’s about time! I was thinking that she didn’t mind being single.”

“Well, you know how hard it is for her to trust people.”

“She still isn’t over that? I told her that I wasn’t interested in his ass, he kissed me. It’s messed up that she doesn’t believe me, but there’s nothing that I can do to prove to her that I’m telling the truth.”

“These things take time. Kalena’s stubborn and I believe you. Now do I think that all of it between you and him was entirely innocent? I don’t, because there is a reason he kissed you, but you’re flirtatious in general.”

“I can admit that. I’m flirty by nature and I was flirting with him a little, but so was everyone else! He was a little cutie with the biggest dimples, I didn’t think the little asshole would pucker up and kiss me. That’s a line that I wouldn’t cross with one of my friend’s boyfriends.”

Crystal mentally checked out of the conversation because her loyalty was to Kalena first. You don’t flirt with your friend’s man at all, even if it is just a part of your personality. Nina didn’t mean any harm by it, but that was beside the point. What happened hurt Kalena and that’s all that mattered. She wasn’t going to continually make Nina apologize, but she wasn’t going to entertain the conversation any further.

A man at the table over from her caught her eye. He looked to be about 5’10, a medium complexion with red undertones, and handsome. The attraction was mutual because he was stealing glances every now and then.

“Uh oh, did you spot a cutie?” Nina asked.

“Nope. I think that a cutie spotted me.”

They giggled for a bit and the guy got up from his table with his friends and walked over.

“Hello ladies,” he said in a silky smooth deep voice.

“Well hello hello,” Nina said quickly.”

He gave Nina a quick disinterested glance and nodded at her before turning his attention to Crystal. He’d won 100 cool points in her book.

“Hello, I must admit that I’m glad you came over here.”

“And why is that?” He asked.

“Because I was enjoying my view, but it’s better now that I have a close-up.”

“I see that I’m going to have to be careful with you, you’re the kind of woman who will have a man all twisted up.”

“In more ways than one,” she said with a wink.

“I’m Corey.” He extended his hand to her for a handshake and she took it in her own. His hands were smooth to the touch, making it hard for her to want to let go.

“I’m Crystal.”

“Crystal I’m almost off my lunch break, would it be possible for us to exchange numbers?”

“I think that can be arranged, Take out your phone, Corey,” Crystal said suggestively. She felt like a complete skank, but it felt so good. It was important for him to know just what her intentions were so that things wouldn’t get too serious. She already envisioned him having her legs up in the air.

He grinned as they exchanged numbers; he looked really handsome in his suit and tie. It was tailored to perfection and showed off his athletic frame; thoughts of what he looked like naked consumed her brain.

“Use my number soon because I may not be available if you wait too long,” Crystal warned him.

“Trust me; I’ll be calling you ASAP. I’m looking forward to getting to know you.”

“I’m looking forward to getting to know you too, biblically.” She said it without flinching and he almost choked on his own saliva.

“You’re wild, girl.”

“You have no idea.”

“Can I find out?”

“Call me and we’ll see.”

She looked down at his pants and saw that a bulge was forming there. Her tongue darted out and she licked her lips instinctively. He turned quickly and headed back to the table with his friends.

“Damn girl,” Nina said, “You almost scared that poor man away, I’m surprised he didn’t cum in his underwear.”

“He wanted to,” Crystal laughed, “I can’t wait to get a piece of that. Hopefully, he’s sane so that I can fuck ‘em and leave ‘em.”

“Oh my goodness, you need therapy,” Nina laughed, “And I thought that I was crazy.”

“You are crazy, but I may have you topped this time. My hormones are out of control and I need to let them roam free.”

“Just do it safely.”

“All day every day, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m not dying over penis.”

“Good. Have fun with him and don’t hurt him too bad.”

“I make no promises. Did you see that huge bulge in his pants? His dick is huge.”

“How could I not see it? He almost put our eyes out with that thing.”

Crystal laughed, “So tell me…”

“I already know what you’re going to ask, “Yes his dick is big, it’s not a color thing…trust me. He knows how to work the stick and he has more than enough.”

“Who knows, after this one, I may venture outside of my own race for a little bit,” Crystal said.

“Do what makes you happy, life is too short.”

“That’s the plan.”

*

Tamika laid across her couch, feeling sorry for herself. It was a long day at work and being around Jin didn’t help. Was she supposed to still want him? She felt disgusted with herself for having sex with him while being pregnant with Reggie’s child and for still wanting him.  He did his best to try to avoid her, but it wasn’t possible. He was still her mentor and her supervisor. The desk in her office would never be viewed the same way again. They never had sex on it, but she sure wanted to. Each time he was around her, she wanted to jump his bones but that wasn’t in the cards for her anymore.

He made her feel so intelligent, beautiful, and desired. All women craved that feeling and when they aren’t getting it at home regularly they’re more likely to stray. But that part of her life was over. It  was time for her to figure out a way to break the news to her husband and find out what kind of reaction he was going to have.

All she could imagine was him completely snapping and leaving her alone. He would probably have the divorce papers mailed to her. His recent feelings towards her were so cold and a baby wasn’t going to warm him up to the idea of her. The one time he had sex with her in  a long time resulted in a pregnancy, what were the odds? It was partially her fault because she’d been skipping days on her birth control pill. They were doing weird things to her body and she wasn’t having sex frequently so it was pretty pointless to her at the time.

She was caught by surprise when he snuggled up to her and fucked her from behind. He always knew what to do to get her in the mood. He would kiss her neck, gently roll her nipples with his fingers and press his huge dick against her ass. It didn’t take much to get her wet and ready for her husband.

An hour later Reggie came through the door and he looked exhausted, “Hi.” He looked at her with a mild interest. It wasn’t every day that she was lying down and looking pitiful. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing, Babe,” she lied as she sat up on the sofa, “How was your day?”

“My day was long; I don’t really feel like talking about it.”

“Okay, then we don’t have to talk about it,” she said quickly, “Are you hungry?”

“I am.”

“Cool, I’ll reheat the pasta that I made yesterday. It was so good and I know that you’ll like it because I had you in mind when I made it, I put jumbo shrimp in it.”

“Alright, reheat it and I’m going to get out of these clothes.”

Tamika quickly got up and headed to the refrigerator. She prepped the toaster oven and placed the food in there. She didn’t believe in using microwaves because the thought of nuking her food creeped her out. They only had one in the house because Reggie insisted on it, so they kept it on the bottom of the bakers rack and he used it every now and then.

Leaning her weight against the counter she tried to prepare to have the important conversation with him. Hopefully, he would take it well and see it as a blessing. Tamika wanted a baby so bad and now she finally had one. The circumstances surrounding it weren’t ideal,  but they usually never were.

20 minutes later, Tamika set the table and Reggie’s mouth was watering. It looked good just like she’d promised and he couldn’t wait to dig in, but Tamika had that ‘we need to talk’ look on her face and it was enough to make him sick to his stomach. Did she know the truth about him yet? He hoped not because he was still working on making things better. After a fork full, his eyes closed and the creamy texture danced on his palate. He always thought that Tamika missed her calling as a chef; she could cook her ass off. That’s one of the reasons that he married her. The other girls cooked noodles and Tamika would cook a three-course meal  with a George Foreman grill and a teapot. She had skills. Usually women as pretty as her didn’t know how to cook, but she was special and she wasn’t stuck up. It was a rare trait, so making her his wife was a no-brainer. All of his boys thought that he was foolish for getting tied down so soon, and Mimi thought that he was outright dumb.

He could only imagine how hurt Tamika would be if she knew the truth about his past. It was a part of him that he’d completely kept from her. There was no way that she would understand his background and history. She couldn’t relate to him, she grew up in an upper middle class home and she never had to worry about money like he did.

Reggie never had to worry about money either after he met Mimi, she took him under her wing and taught him all about the drug trade and she even taught him all about sex. He was her toy-bitch. Their relationship wasn’t traditional and that’s why he could never introduce her to Tamika, even when she insisted. Tamika was too good of a person to be dragged into his mess. Now he was back at square one with the loss of his job. Working for Mimi was complete hell and he didn’t have the security of being her lover anymore. She’d made it very clear that once he severed that relationship, it was over. Now she had another boy to take his place and he was back at the bottom of the totem pole. All shit rolls downhill so if anything went wrong, he was the one that was going to be responsible. It was a scary feeling, but it was what had to be done. He took pride in providing for his family and going back to the street gave him the funds to do so. It was great padding for his expenses because living off his savings was killing him. He wanted to tell Tamika the truth, but he couldn’t risk losing her over it.