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She took the silence as his reluctant agreement. She had always wondered why the two never had anything good to say about one another, the closest they had ever came to a relationship was simply tolerating one another for her sake. She remembered meeting Aisha in college,
She had also sent a picture one of her guides had snapped of her. She was looking out over a dense jungle with her camera bag over her shoulder. That was the one Connell had been gazing at when she came into the room. She had stood behind him and wrapped her arms around him, then peered around his massive back to get a good look.
Grabbing her cell phone she dialed a number she had thought she would never dial again. When a woman answered, Aisha reminded herself to be civil. She asked in what she hoped was a friendly tone, “Can I please speak to Max Giordano? This is Aisha, his ex-wife. It‘s very important.”
Taking a deep breath, she told him what she needed. “I’m in Zimbabwe, and I have to get to the states, fast. I literally don’t have time to wait around and deal with the usual crap with customs and security. I know you know people that can help me avoid any delays I would have if I took a commercial flight out. Jenny needs me Max, she’s dying.” He was silent for a moment, and her stomach clinched, fearing he would refuse to help her. “Tell me where you are sweetheart. I can have you out in less than an hour. And…I’m sorry to hear about Jenny, she’s such a sweet woman.“
Helen nodded but said nothing. She wasn’t pleased to hear the news though. Although she had never met the woman, she had certainly heard a lot about her, much too much. One night not long after they were married, Ben had told her one night (after one too many beers) about the huge crush he had had on what he called “an amazing black Goddess,” he had known in college.
She hung up with a thoughtful look on her face. The last time he had been this…nice to her, was back in college. Her mind wandered back to the incident, one she had over the years did her best to pretend had never happened. The images focused in her mind, and she could see them again clear as a crystal:
But not for long. She had stopped giggling when he leaned down and rested his forehead against hers. “I’ve always thought you’re beautiful, since the first day I laid eyes on you.” he had said, his voice nearly a whisper. “So many times I’ve wanted to tell you, but never had the…had the…” That’s when it had happened. Not finishing what he had been trying to say, he lowered his lips onto hers. That kiss had been so slow and passionate it had left her mouth burning. Up till that point no one had ever kissed her like that. She remembered not wanting to break the kiss,
He had looked so closely at her that she couldn’t meet his gaze. “Nothing happened? You’re sure about that?” Unable to answer, she had simply nodded and swallowed the lump in her throat. He had released his grip on her arm, and with a blank look on his face said, “You’re right, it was nothing. Just wanted to hear it from you, straight.” He gave her a curt nod of farewell, spun on his heels and walked away.
For some strange reason, maybe guilt, the incident had over time made both of them resentful towards one another, to the point of mild contempt. The rest of their days in college had been spent avoiding one another, never speaking, never even making eye contact.
Still chuckling, Connell got out and unloaded the children. Several people that knew him and Jenny stopped dead in their tracks and stared at them as Aisha scooped Shawn up from his arms. A few of them approached cautiously and asked about Jenny, nervously glancing at Aisha the entire time. Noticing the uncomfortable, curious looks, Connell took no offense and introduced her. “Everyone, this is Aisha, a close friend of the family. Her and Jenny’s been best friends since college. She flew half-way around the world to come visit.”
“She looks terrific, doesn’t she?” Startled, he had looked down to see Jenny smiling up at him. Returning her smile he had wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close, kissing her brow. “She looks alright, I guess. But you, in my eyes, are the amazing one. This was really nice of you too, throwing this party for her, she’s really lucky to have a true friend like you,” he had said, taking another sip of the Purple Jesus he had in his hand. She had looked at him, a strange look crossing her features,
She had given him another strange look, then a small, sad smile and said, “Oh, I bet you wish you were one of those half-naked buffoons with your hands all over her.” He had flushed and started to defend himself when she covered her mouth and giggled, “Oh, I was just teasing you, big baby. Can’t you take a joke?”
She had crossed her arms over her chest and teased, “Oh come on! I bet if you wasn’t madly in love with me you would be after her too.”
Unable to control himself any longer, he had leaned close to her, the faint scent of musk from her skin more intoxicating than all the drinks he had that night combined. When his lips touched hers he had felt his heart flutter. Hungrily, he had devoured her mouth for a moment, and she returned it with equal ferocity. He had felt his member growing to an almost painful erection in a matter of seconds.
It was difficult remembering what she had said word for word, because all the while he had been feeling two emotions. One, relief that she apparently wouldn’t be telling Jenny about the incident, and two, at the same time feeling his heart sink as she broke his heart.
but..well, I know, I’ve always known rather, exactly why it is you and Connell have always avoided one another.”
“That night, I saw the two of you kiss. You had disappeared for awhile, and I got worried about you, since there were so many drunk frat guys around, so I sent Connell out looking for you. I waited a good while, and when he didn’t come back, I went looking for the both of you.”
Whether you realize it or not, neither you or Connell could look me in the eye for days, and more importantly, began avoiding each other like the plague. That said a lot about how much both of you cared about me, my feelings.”
There had to be underlying feelings between you and Connell for something like that to have happened to begin with, because, well, neither of you were ever the promiscuous type. You were, and always have been a lady, and Connell has always been as old-fashioned as they come.
Even though you’ll never convince me you didn’t have feelings for him, you did choose my friendship over any potential happiness
Well, that’s all it will take, it’s all I needed for peace of mind. I know, eventually, they’ll connect…Jenny thought in satisfaction. Smiling brightly, she placed both her hands on her cheeks and kissed her on the forehead. “That’s good enough for me, thank you so much Aisha.
“Oh, by the way, I’ve already spoken to Connell, and he agreed.” Jenny said, and laughed with genuine pleasure as she watched her friend’s jaw hit the floor.
It just.. hurts so bad. Every time I look at her, I want to die too, I don’t think I’ll be able to make it, Aisha.”
Several feet away and unnoticed by them, Jenny stood just inside the doorway, watching and listening to them through the screen door.
But something about her living in the house with Connell bothered her, and she would be glad when he finally pulled himself back together and began raising his children like a respectable widower.
Helen looked back out the window, completely unaware she was gawking. The man was gorgeous, and decked out in what looked to her like an Armani suit, a black one. The man oozed class and confidence as he made his way to the door. Before she could stop the words from coming, she blurted, “Man, your ex looks amazing”, then clapped a hand over her mouth as she turned and looked worriedly at Ben.
Max was unable to hide his disappointment, because despite what his ex- wife thought, she was the first woman he had ever loved, and still did. Over the years he had grown to realize that leaving her was the result of reckless and foolish youth. It saddened him that she had no place in her life for him anymore.
But Abby let her off the hook with a little negotiating. “Will you get me a happy meal? Then I can be happy and not mad, and I won’t need to say any bad words,” she said. Chuckling in relief, Aisha said, “Sure thing, honey.”
stood in silence for a moment, studying him as if considering his offer, then suddenly said, “I’ll be right back.” Turning on her heels, she rushed down the stairs, leaving him behind, and more worried than ever. OH SHIT, is his gun cabinet locked???? He thought, in a sudden panic. But before he could decide on a course of action he saw her coming back up the stairs, and what she was carrying, along with the maniacal look on her face, made him nearly pee himself.
In a panicked, last-ditch effort to diffuse the situation, Ben screamed, “Connell, you really, REALLY NEED to open the door!!!!!!” There was no answer. Positioning herself the way Ben had showed her, the proper way to cut down trees, she called in a sweet, singsong voice, “I take your silence as a NO!” Glancing back at Ben, she said, “Stand back dear, I wouldn’t want you to get hurt.“
Several whacks later, and there was a hole big enough for an adult to stick their head through, which she did. “Honey, I’m HOME!” she shouted,
In spite of the seriousness of the situation, Ben nearly burst into hysterical laughter. She’s mimicking Jack Nicholson’s character from “The Shining!…he thought.
“What about Abby??? Your daughter, REMEMBER HER??? She’s totally out of control, she won’t listen to anything I say, and she’s crying all the time, missing her mother! “ Tears began streaming down her cheeks, and she turned away, furious at herself for allowing it to happen. His silence seemed to anger her even more, and she spun back around and began pounding on his massive chest with her tiny, balled-up fists. “You big, dumb, BARE ASSED BABOON!!!” she screamed, nearly hysterical. “I HAVE PEOPLE SAYING I’M LIVING IN SIN WITH MY BEST FRIEND’S HUSBAND! I have to go town and see them look at me
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But, knowing full well the tension that had always existed between the two, decided against saying anything, for the moment anyway.
had grown paranoid, knowing that she was on that God-forsaken farm with that lout, Connell. He was no fool, the few times he had visited there while married to Aisha, he could tell the hick was taken with her.
The last item was a thick sheaf of papers that were held together the old fashioned way, with paperclips. It looked like a manuscript, and the title at the top of the page read: “Through My Sister’s Eyes“, by Jenny Riley. “She always wanted to write a book about your travels and adventures, using your pictures and letters.”
No wonder Jenny loved her so much, when she cares about someone she gives her all. And she’s a woman of her word too.
He set his empty cup down on the counter absentmindedly, and sensed, rather than felt, himself move towards her, as if in a trance. In his haze he was dimly aware he was becoming aroused once again, but at the moment he wanted nothing more than to snatch her up and find out if their first kiss so long ago had truly been as passionate as he remembered. With wide eyes, Aisha watched as he advanced on her. Oh God….he wants to…kiss me…she thought, and suddenly felt her stomach flip-flop. Her thighs began trembling, and demurely she clamped her legs closed and caught her breath.
“Where’s Aisha going, daddy?” Abby asked groggily, her gray eyes trying to focus on him. Standing, he lifted her in his arms and reached down to grab the blanket. “She’s running hon. Again.” he answered. “What?” she asked, obviously puzzled. “Never mind sweetheart,
Connell closed his eyes, savoring the close contact and listening to the lyrics as they flowed over him. He was unaware that Helen, Ben, Jonus and Megan had all arrived, and were standing on the porch looking at them through the screen door. Ben was amazed to see Connell was actually dancing, the only woman he had ever seen his friend dance with was Jenny. He was even more shocked that his friend was actually enjoying anything other than hardcore country music.
Aisha started to speak, but Helen held her hand up. With a knowing, woman-to-woman smile, she said in a low voice, “Girl don’t you stand there and even TRY to tell me nothing was going on, because I have never, ever seen him behave this way.“
“Uh huh, looked like more than that to me. But hey, if you want to tap-dance around doing the denial thing, go ahead. The only one you’re fooling is yourself…”
“How long do you think she’ll fight it? Knowing your dad the way I do, big fella’, he won’t give up till’ he gets her. She don’t know what she’s in for, does she?“
“Yeah, I knew it wasn’t my imagination. Well, I can tell you this. I’ve known him since we were in first grade together, and if he wants something, he’ll get it, eventually. Trust me.“
“Its alright, you can go to bed. After I give you this.” “Wha…? was all she could manage as his mouth descended on hers. She felt her legs begin to tremble and her stomach fluttered as his tongue invaded her mouth and he pulled her so close she felt as if she were only an ounce of pressure away from being crushed. In a haze she heard herself whimper as she felt herself getting wet, and suddenly her arms were reaching up and her hands caressing the back of his head before her fingers locked in his hair. Her tongue sought his with equal passion.
call. One phone call, and so much shit would rain down on you it would take you three lifetimes to dig your way out of it.”
“And that’s just my ex-husband I’m talking about.
“But we can be friends too, it’s all up to you! Make your choice, right here, right now. You can leave Jonus here, where he’s at peace with himself for the most part, or we can go at it tooth and nail. And you WILL lose.”
“Oh, Connell, please please pleeeeeeze come with me…” she begged. Caught up in the moment, she suddenly stood on tiptoe, wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his head down, then peppered his surprised face with tiny kisses. “We’ll have a great time, I promise! We‘ll even go to a Yankee‘s game while we‘re there, my treat.”
“Tonight, watching you, seeing other men look at you, wanting you, I wanted to take you in my arms myself and tell anyone who would listen that you’re MINE, my lovely, talented, sweet hellcat. All mine.”
