After what felt like hours of walking up and down stairs and reorganizing, all of our stuff was finally moved back in to the house. Rosalind had graciously refused to leave until she had cooked lunch and dinner so that I wouldn't have to lift a finger after this exhausting mess of a day. Avenger dove into my lap and placed affectionate kisses on my cheeks before running after X. I had just finished hang up my dress clothes in the closet when Huey walked in. I turned to look at him, but his eyes were downcast and he looked uncertain of himself; something I hadn't seen since I'd made fun of him after Cairo punched him in the nose when we were kids. Minutes dragged on before he finally found the words to speak.
"I talked to the attorney; all the papers have been shredded."
"Good." I put away my intimates. My hand shook as I picked up a familiar plum set of panties. A small smile found its way to my lips. I could feel Huey's eyes on me as I tucked them gently in the drawer.
"Did you want to talk about this?"
"I don't need your coddling, Freeman; I'm fine." My eyebrow tilted and my eyes narrowed. My voice was frosty at best to my own ears. His shoulders tensed slightly feeding off the tension swirling between us. I could almost feel our different auras crashing against each other. His, warm and inviting while mine was clipped and cool; a deadly storm brewed between the two opposing forces.
"Jazmine I—"
"I have somewhere to be, so if this isn't important, I'll speak to you later." I picked up the neatly folded pile of clothes lying on the bed and walked into the bathroom and shut the door with a firm click. I showered as quickly as I could to prevent my hair from frizzing into a massive lion's mane. I slipped into an ash gray pinstripe pants suit with a black silk top. Taking an extra half an hour to flat iron my hair, I pulled it into a severe French twist free of fly-aways. I rimmed my eyes with black eye liner and applied a deep cranberry lipstick. Glancing myself over in the mirror I was happy with my choices. Everything about my outfit screamed business, just as I needed it to. I walked out of the bathroom and was surprised to see Huey sitting on the bed waiting for me. His eyes widened slightly and his characteristic eyebrow rose.
"Business meeting?"
"You could say that." I flippantly tossed over my shoulder. I had no obligation to tell him where I was going. I grabbed a pair of expensive black pumps and an envelope clutch to complete my outfit.
"Will you be back by dinner?" His voice held an edge to it. I wondered if he was getting tired of the cold shoulder, tough luck.
"I plan to be, but you know how these little meetings tend to go." I raised my eyebrow and lowered my voice to emphasize meetings. His eyes sharpened and I silently dared him to say something to me. When he said nothing, I flashed him a smile and walked up to him. Wrapping my arms around his neck I pulled him into a hug and brought him down to my level. My lips hovered close to his ear; my breath cascaded over its shell.
"Don't wait up." I whispered huskily and walked out the door. I could feel his eyes follow the trail I had blazed. I smirked as I walked down the stairs; I was enjoying making him sweat.
I walked out the house after saying goodbye to Rosalind and X. Rosalind gave me a knowing smile, and I wondered if she knew what I was planning. I stepped into the black unmarked SUV that was waiting for me.
"Damn Jazmine! You sho' know how to dress that fine body of yours up." My demeanor broke and a smile took over my face.
"Thank you Ed, how have you been?"
"Well I'm a lot better now that I've seen that sweet ass of yours." My laugh filled the car.
"Knock it off Ed, she's married."
"Shit, that ain't never stopped me before." Rummy just shook his head at his compatriot.
"Hi Rummy." I smiled to the wiser of the duo.
"Hello Jazmine." He greeted me back. Riley entered the car then and we pulled off.
"You found what I requested?" I turned to Riley who was riding in the back seat with me.
"Yeah, I got it. You sure you want to do this?" I nodded to him.
"It's been a long time coming." I couldn't fight the smirk my lips formed. We drove to a middle class neighborhood apartment complex. Riley punched in the code to the gates and we drove around until we found the correct apartment number. Stepping out of the car, Ed and Rummy fixed their trench coats and waited for my signal. Ed, Rummy, and Riley were dressed in Mafioso style suits and followed behind me.
"Ed, Rummy, after I'm in, stay in the car. Riley you watch the door, signal them if you think there's something up." All three men nodded to me. We didn't need to fear being seen or reported; Riley was jamming every electric signal within a 30 mile radius and Ed and Rummy had hacked the security cameras. In no time Riley had picked the lock and pushed it open, walking inside before me.
The living area was decent. It was not disgusting but it was not overly clean either. We heard the water running and walked towards the back of the suite. Riley walked into the bathroom while I picked up various trinkets on the dresser. My eyes caught the glimmering of sunlight on a picture frame. I disgustingly turned down the picture not wanting to see the smiling face at the MLK memorial. I picked up a simple diamond necklace and turned it over in my hand waiting for the action to begin. I grinned when I heard a muffled scream and kept my back turned when a thud resounded from the woman hitting the floor. Riley threw a towel at the naked and dripping woman then stood behind her. I placed the diamond necklace back into the jewelry box and turned.I relished in the fear I saw. Doe eyes wide and shaking looked between Riley and I.
"Hmm, how ironic, I'm the one approaching you this time." My eyes narrowed as I recognized the woman cowering on the floor as the one who had criticized me at the pool 3 days ago. I knew I had felt something twisted about that bitch; now I know why. She scrambled for the phone but Riley quickly pulled his concealed Glock on her.
"Ah ah ahhh, I wouldn't do that if I were you. Could make things a little more messy than they need to be." My voice resounded through the halls. I sounded like a classic movie villain. I almost felt bad for enjoying the torment I was enacting, almost. The woman set the phone down and clutched the towel to her otherwise bare body.
"Sit." Riley commanded her, and she responded quickly. I nodded to Riley; he handed me a spare gun and a file then went outside and closed the door. It was just me and her now. The look of relief on her face was comical.
"I wouldn't look so relieved; he was the only thing protecting you." Anxiety consumed her eyes and she began to shake. I took the safety off the gun and leaned against the dresser. Our eyes never left each other's. I allowed the silence to take over, causing apprehension to settle over the dark skinned woman. I brought my hand to my face and inspected my nails, giving the sun a chance to glint off my diamond wedding ring. The shift in her eyes was almost immediate; hate devoured the fear.
"What do you want from me?" She tried to muster some arrogance in her tone but we both knew her courage was false. She may hate me, but she knew who held the power.
"From you? I want nothing from you. I'm here to warn you." I paced slowly back and forth, flipping through the papers in the file. "Elyana 'Yani' Hadir. Pretty name, for a pretty face."
Her eyes widened and the color drained from her face. 'That's right,' I thought to myself. 'I know exactly who you are.'
"Freeman." She practically spat the name with venom.
"Amusing how you can say that name with such contempt, considering who else shares that name with me." Her eyes narrowed as I flashed a conceited smile. "Listen and listen well little girl, this advice might just save your miserable life one day. I will only say this once; Stay. Away. From my. Husband."
"It doesn't matter if you're his wife, he doesn't love you." Her retort was so fast I almost pistol whipped her teeth out. I kept my outside demeanor frosty and amused so she wouldn't see that she had struck a nerve.
"And you think he loves you?" She nodded; she was more like a desperate teenage girl than a grown woman. "That's absolutely rich. You poor disillusioned soul."
"We love each other!"
"No, you love him! Huey doesn't love you. You made yourself believe that he loved you. You didn't want to admit to your heart that you were just a booty call to him; you didn't want to believe that he could so easily toss you aside as he did. I understand really I do. It hurts, knowing that the person you care so deeply about, doesn't give a damn you." I shook my head softly; my eyes looked at her with faked, condescending pity and she bit her lip. Uncertainty was starting to seep into her. I could feel myself becoming more ruthless; I was enjoying bringing her pain. It felt good to drive a knife into the woman who had helped ruin my marriage. I would deal with Huey later, but for now, it was this witch's turn to be burned at the stake. The harder I stared at her the more her lips began to quiver.
"What, are you going to break down and cry? And here I thought you'd put up a little more of a fight. Fine, I'll make this quick."
"You'll never be enough for Huey. What could a half-breed like you know about pleasing a man like him? You think you're so much better than me but you're not. He was planning on leaving you. He told me the day you begged to come back that he had signed the papers and that we didn't have to wait for Malcolm to grow up; we could be a family now before you came sniveling back." A snide grin settled over her ugly face. Her voice was more confident. I had to resist the urge to blow her head off; I couldn't leave any bruises less she go to the police. The old me probably would have shown a sign of weakness by now but I looked her dead in the eye as I smiled at her. She was grasping at straws, trying to get a reaction out of me. I had to admit she would have gotten one, had I not checked Huey's phone records and knew she was lying. Huey hadn't called her since before we went to marriage counseling.
"You really are stupid aren't you?" Her confidence faltered again. "Huey wouldn't leave me honey, I have too many friends in very high places that would ruin him. First off we had a destination wedding in California, which means half of everything he owns is mine. I would also get spousal support, child support, half of his retirement and his residuals. And the double standard in politics would have finished what I couldn't. Once the public found out he cheated on his perfect wife, his chances at office would be slim to none because public sympathy would go to me, his childhood sweetheart and mother of his child, over a thirsty tramp like you. You are beneath me. I have his name. His money. And his child. And you are left out in the cold just like every other pretty face who has tried to turn themself into a trophy-wife. Now I'm done playing word games with you. You are going to disappear from his and my life permanently. Should you even think about trying to contact him, well, it would be unfortunate for something bad to happen to you. Should you try to sell your "story" to the media, I have access to your bank accounts and a massive amount of contacts in the media who are raptors and would have a field day with you. And by the off chance that you should turn up to be magically pregnant, I have associates in Special Ops that know how to make an abortion look like a life threatening miscarriage." Pausing, I allowed the extent of my power to sink in before continuing. "I hope you had as much fun in our little discussion as I did." I pushed myself off her dresser, grabbed my clutch, and began to walk out the door.
"At least I know why he cheated." Her soft smug little voice followed me out the door. I didn't need to know why he did it, I didn't care. All she needed to know was that I was not someone to mess with. Riley rose of the couch and looked at me. I nodded to him and we walked out of the apartment.
"You ok?" I released a heavy sigh. It felt good to get that confrontation off my chest.
"I'm good." He nodded to me.
"Still think you should have let me rough her up a bit." Ed chimed from behind the wheel.
"We don't know who saw us and if they recognized us or not. Best to do it clean like we did. No finger prints, no bruises, no screams. Nothing that will put Jazmine in danger." Rummy enlightened his partner.
"A bullet to her brain wouldn't have been traced back to Jazmine either." The redhead pouted.
"No, but it will be much more enjoyable to think of her being miserable every time she turns on the T.V. and sees Huey and I together." I winked at Ed through the rear view mirror.
"True, true." Rummy smirked.
"Shit, I'm gone be miserable watching you on T.V. thinking how sweet you must look under all them clothes. You sure you don't want to give me a demonstration? Bet I could satisfy you better than your hater husband." I laughed. Ed was great for lightening up the mood for a moment.
"If I ever need someone, you'll be the first person I call, Ed." Rummy shook his head and playfully glared at me for encouraging Ed's behavior. Riley glanced over at me but chose not to say anything. The guys dropped me off at home before heading to grab a drink. I cautioned them against doing anything that might end up on the news as was per usual when those three got together.
The sun was just starting to set when I walked in the door. I kicked off my pumps and unrolled my hair, letting the straightened strands cascade down to my mid back. I took off the suit jacket and rolled my neck a few times before looking up to see Huey walking in from the family room.
"How'd it go?"
"Well, I believe the problem has been eradicated."
"Good to hear." We felt X's eyes watching us from up the stairs, waiting to see what we were going to do. Huey walked up to me certain and sure; I stayed where I was, a block of marble with no reaction. His hand brushed my cheek and weaved itself into my hair. As he pulled me closer I tilted my chin up but made no move to close the distance between us. He stared in my eyes, looking for what I could not say. Sighing he leaned down and kissed me. There were no fireworks; this was a kiss meant to appease our son. I wrapped my arms around him as he pulled away, completing our show.
"Ugh! I wish I could have been there!" Cindy set down the paint tray and brushes; the only thing I would allow her to carry.
"It wasn't very eventful. I loosely threatened her and that was it."
"I know but you said she cowered beneath you! That means you must have been very intimidating and that is something I have been dying to see!" I shook my head at my best friend and continued to arrange the brushes and fill the trays with the colors I needed. Riley had helped me tape out the room so all that was left was to paint.
"I'll admit, it felt pretty damn good." We smiled at each other.
"Yeah my girl put that home wrecker in her place! You have everything you need?" Cindy stood in the doorway rubbing her back as I spread the tarp down over the carpet.
"Everything, now get out." I laughed at her pouty face. I was not incurring the wrath of my brother-in-law for her incessant curiosity. Once Cindy left I fell into a peaceful rhythm painting while listening to some of my favorite alternative bands on my iPod. I painted the entire room the elegant mint green color than left the room for it to dry. It would take about 2 hours to dry, and then I would go over it again with another coat and leave it for a day or more to dry completely. I walked into the room next to the nursery where Riley had placed the furniture that needed to be repainted to match the nursery scheme. I spent hours getting lost in fantasies and day dreams. Painting was so calming to me; the way a brush stroke felt like flowing water was soothing and hypnotic. I made sure the dresser and bookshelf were painted perfectly with no lines or runoff then left them to dry as well.
By the time I had finished painting the second coat on the wall, I had worked myself into a melancholy mood. Thoughts of when X was born danced around my head. I thought about how Riley was treating Cindy during her pregnancy; the joy that bubbled through them and encased everyone around them. Unconsciously my hand rubbed the curve of my lower abdomen, remembering the feeling of being pregnant and the rose tinting that had taken over my world for those sometimes wonderful, sometimes never ending, 9 months. 9 months when my husband loved me and all was right. 9 months of calmed fears and silent comfortings. I was startled when a drop of water fell to my hand. I was mystified to find myself crying. A deep yearning swirled in my stomach. It was like my biological clock was ticking again. Now was not the time to be thinking of another baby. Then again, when would be? I was getting older and so was X.
I was 30 years old; if I wanted another baby now was the time before my age could put the baby in danger. X would be 6 next month and I didn't want such a big gap between my children. I wanted to have a relationship to his siblings similar to his father; I didn't want him to have the childhood I had.
In college Huey and I had decided that we didn't want just one child. Being an only child was a hurtful and damaging experience. It was very lonely to not have someone to share things with for the first 10 years of my life. I was always the outsider in Woodcrest, and even when I met Huey and Riley, and later Cindy, I still felt unwanted. I was blessed with everything in the world, but all I wanted was a true friend to understand me, the way Riley and Huey despite their disagreements stood up for each other. Cindy and Riley were two sides of the same coin. And though many times Huey's demeanor and criticisms were hurtful, I latched on to him because at least with him I didn't feel so alone; being ridiculed is much better than being ignored.
I walked out of the nursery. The resting place for love and excitement and new beginnings was no place for my morbid thoughts and hauntings. I wanted a baby, and Huey was going to give me one.
I scrubbed the paint off my hands and out of my hair, relaxing as the warm water ran through my hair and washed the remaining conditioner out of my hair. I spent a few more minutes gathering myself for the conversation I was going to have with Huey tonight. I put on my emotionless armor and steeled myself. The condescending demeanor I had used with Yani would rub Huey the wrong way; to get what I wanted I needed to approach this like a business meeting. I wore a silky pajama set that practically danced over my toned body, and left my curls down to air dry. Presentation was everything, and presenting desire was my best option for hi. Owning an art gallery had showed me how to read people and appeal to them. Huey liked to feel like he was in control, and I would let him believe he was when I walked in the room, but as soon as I spoke it would be a whole different story.
I walked into his study, where he had just shut off his computer and was about to rise from his desk.
"We have some things to discuss." I used my 'no nonsense' business tone. He looked up at me and relaxed back into his chair.
"I was wondering when we would have this conversation. Jazmine—"
"You don't speak. You listen. I am here on my terms not yours Huey." His eyes narrowed; he never liked being backed into a corner. Oh well.
"Fine. What's on your mind?" He folded his hands in front of his chin and leaned on the desk. I crossed my legs and leaned back into the chair I chose to sit in, giving him an enticing view of my legs as the silk shorts rose further up my thigh.
"This agreement between us is strictly business. No feelings, no emotions. You pretend to be the loving family man and father that you used to be and I will play the devoted housewife. X will have no inkling that our marriage isn't a loving union between soul mates. Understood?" His gaze hardened but I could see a flicker of something close to admiration in his eyes. I could feel the heat rising up my body as his eyes slowly burned across my flaunted figure. Arousal clouded his wine colored irises.
"There's more you want to say." He prompted me.
"I only have one stipulation. You chose another mistress." His eyes widened slightly.
"You'd allow me to have a mistress?" He asked incredulously.
"If that's what will get you through this then yes, but that filth you have been dealing with stays away from my family. All of my family." I pointedly looked at him, letting him know he was included in said family. "Chose her wisely; make sure she knows that she is your mistress and will never be anything more. I would also dissuade her from having any feelings for you; feelings are too messy, especially when they cannot be returned. Or when the object of said affection refuses to return them." We sat in silence, both sizing the other up. Huey stared me in the eyes trying to figure out the angle I was playing; I revealed nothing.
"Will you have a man on the side as well?" I smirked. What he meant to ask was would I continue to sleep with Dane.
"That's quite frankly none of your business. I won't ask you about your mistress, you don't ask about my men." I paused letting the plural form sink in. His eyes sharpened but I gave no further details. "I will however tell you if I am sleeping with someone; it's only fair since I will know about your mistress."
"And for this privilege, what do you want in return?"
"Who says I want something?" I schooled my face in a mockingly affronted look. He smirked at my playfulness.
"Call it a well guided hunch. What's your endgame Jazmine?"
"I want a baby, and you are going to give me what I want."
"A baby? Don't you think now is a bad time to bring another life into this business arrangement of ours?"
"It's as good a time as any. We're stuck together for the rest of our lives, and we're working out the terms of our arrangement. I want another child Huey." I let down my armor for a split second. This baby was not going to be a bargaining chip; it was going to fill the hole left by my husband's betrayal.
"If you're sure you want to do this, then ok, we'll have a baby." The tension left his shoulders. I smiled at him but my smile was marked with a sadness to what we had agreed to compared to what we had promised each other ten years ago. His eyes mirrored mine; it was sad to think that we had started out with such big hopes and dreams, for them to be reduced to nothing more than a cold hard business deal.
"Should we get started now?" His tone was suggestive, but his eyes were haunted. I almost called him on it but remembered what I had said earlier; no feelings, no emotions.
"We'll do this on my time, Huey. Just be sure you're ready, whenever I demand." I gave him a sexy look and smile before rising and sauntering over to stand behind him. I ran my hands over his shoulder and down his arms, leaning into him so he could feel my breasts pressed to him back. I kissed his neck then lifted my head to his ear, staying far enough away that our skin didn't touch, but close enough for him to feel my warm breath ghosting over his ear.
"Lovely doing business with you, Huey."
"Same to you, darling." I tilted his head up and kissed him full-heartedly, sealing our deal. Pulling back, I walked to the door, exaggerating slightly every sway of my hips. I rested my hand on the door and threw him a seductive wink and inviting smile before walking out of the room. I had a hunch to stay by the door, so I hid on the other side of the wall where he couldn't see me.
"How do I tell you I'm sorry, for what I let our marriage become?" He whispered. I had never heard his voice so tortured, not even when Granddad died or when his friend was on death row. The brokenness of his voice pulled at my heart but I shook it off and walked up the stairs to our room with an anticipated yet sad smile. I was going to have another baby; I was getting everything I had made plans with Huey for, just not how I had planned.