Go, Girl

She was most certainly getting it together. Just look at me, she thought, gazing at herself in the mirror, in the tight, red dress, admiring her newfound figure. One hundred and twenty pounds down, though outwardly, she would only admit to losing eighty-five. Trying to get the truth out of her about the amount of weight she lost was almost as challenging as trying to figure out how she lost the weight.

She would never tell anybody about the grueling procedure she had undergone to minimize the size of her stomach. It’s not like it was gastric bypass, she thought to herself, though the excruciating pain she was in for a month afterward felt like she had experienced major surgery. She blamed her absence from all of her usual social activities on that heel burr she had removed during the summertime, even showed up to work wearing a foot brace for effect. Nonetheless, folks around the office were constantly talking about how it seemed as if Jasmine’s body had melted in a matter of months. Even more, folks were talking about how she always gave different answers for her chosen weight loss method. Nonetheless she seemed oblivious to the gossip, and Jasmine strutted into her cubicle in the office as if she were on a catwalk. Her co-workers were amused, but saluted her because the child had been so heavy. Now maybe she would find her a good husband.

Jasmine had finding a husband at the top of her to-do list and recently she had trimmed off some of her criteria. She had tried finding a husband in her church, but church was becoming a tapped out resource. She had seen the men in the church for years, and all of the eligible men were either widowers or just unattractive—not an option for a young, fit thing like herself, but she was getting anxious. She hadn’t had a steady man in her life since Jerome dumped her five years earlier. That’s when her weight had started to get out of control again. She was fine for a few months afterward, but then her body started getting hot from missing the touch of a man. She hated herself for it, but she allowed Jerome to continue sleeping with her for months after he had dumped her. He had moved on to a new relationship but continued to mercy fuck her until she had gained about forty extra pounds. After their last fuck, she laid in his bed satisfied, drenched in sweat, wondering if she could talk him into taking her back, especially if she did all the things that he said were a problem for him before. She had decided she was ready to take his advice: she would move out and get her own place, she would work out on a regular basis and follow a diet plan, and she would give him head on a regular basis. She was feeling good, sexy and sated, as she lay there thinking about them fucking in her own place. After all, she was 30 years old—it was time.

She was just about to tell Jerome her epiphany when he came out of the bathroom with the oddest look on his face. He just stared at her, shook his head and said, “You are just too damn fat. I can’t do this anymore.” Jasmine felt like she was reliving the day he broke up with her. She wasn’t going to let him see her cry though, so she gathered her things, got dressed quickly and left without saying goodbye. When she got to her car, she broke down in tears, not because of what he said, but because she realized how little respect he had for her. After that, she took care of herself--until she met Manuel, the neighborhood gardener.

Manuel, was definitely not her type. He was short and chubby, but what he did have going for him was an affinity for Jasmine’s body. She couldn’t see him on her block without him shouting a compliment or whistling. One day she took off from work and when the house was finally empty, she took a long hot shower and then got in bed to handle her business. She was just about to reach her orgasm when she saw a shadow cast against her wall. She looked out her bedroom window, and saw Manuel just staring at her. She couldn’t see where his hands were, but from the look of things, he was handling his business too. Instead of being frightened or turned off, Jasmine was stimulated, and sauntered over to the window to unlatch it. Manuel stared at her nipples like they were stars from heaven and before she could say a word, he had grabbed one of her breasts and was sucking on it for dear life. Fearful a neighbor would see, Jasmine helped him climb inside her bedroom and it was on. Manuel made her feel like the sexiest woman in the world. What he lacked in size he made up for in bedroom knowledge and he fucked Jasmine every which way but loose that day. From then on Jasmine changed her work schedule to the second shift twice a week, and found herself fucking Manuel all over the house. It stayed that way for almost five years, until she got the phone call she had been dreading. Her cousin Vivian was getting married and wanted her to be a bridesmaid.

Jasmine and Vivian had been in tacit competition since childhood. Although Vivian was 3 years younger, she seemed to do everything that much faster than Jasmine. Vivian finished college first, lost her virginity first, and now, she was getting married first. Jasmine was more than pissed—she didn’t even have a man to bring as a date to the wedding. However, she was determined not to be the biggest bridesmaid there. It was then she decided to call the clinic she passed by everyday on the way to work that advertised about their creative weight loss methods. Whatever they were offering she was doing.

And now as she looked at herself in the mirror, she was glad she had stuck with it. Vivian might have a husband now, but she don’t look as good as me, she thought to herself. Jasmine was sure that everything would come together now that she was down to a size 6. She noticed how much attention she was getting from men these days, even younger ones who laughed when she told them honestly she was 35. She couldn’t stay out of the mall, and was slowly watching the savings she had put away to move dwindle down to pay for her new wardrobe. She didn’t worry about it though—she just knew that at her size she would find a husband and he would her move into her own place.

After the wedding, Vivian tried to hook Jasmine up with several of her husbands’ friends, but somehow the situations never went anywhere. Jasmine didn’t know what was wrong with those men. She figured they were players or gay since they didn’t take interest in her. She flirted hard with them and although she went on one or two dates, they never called back. One friend, Jonas, really caught her eye because he was right up her alley. Tall, and dark, with an athletic build, she approached him about setting up that first date. He was taken aback, but accepted her offer since she seemed so eager. On that date, she knew he didn’t have much home training when the check came and her pushed it towards her. She tried to play it cool when he told her since she had asked him out, he assumed she was paying for dinner. Jasmine figured if she had to pay for the meal, she was definitely getting some dessert from Jonas afterward. She fucked him as hard as she could in the restaurant parking lot and he had cum so hard, he busted the condom. Jasmine couldn’t understand why she had never heard from him again until she had a conversation with Vivian two weeks later. She was embarrassed, but again played it cool—she figured Vivian was jealous.

“Jas, I am not trying to pry in your personal business, but Jonas came by and told us about your date. Girl, what are you doing fucking a man you don’t know on the first date? Is that how you are getting down these days?”

“Vivi, I am grown ok? I don’t need you checking up on me!”

“I wouldn’t be if he hadn’t come over, telling us how you were acting with him. I was so embarrassed! Jonas is a gentleman!”

“How are you embarrassed? Girl please, Jonas and I are two adults, just having a good time. We’ll probably go out again this weekend.”

“Are you sure? Because Jonas said that you all didn’t hit it off real well, aside from the after dinner entertainment you provided. He said he was so surprised that happened because you seemed a bit pissy at dinner.”

“Girl please, the man has been calling me everyday!”

“Why would he lie to us Jas?”

“I don’t know, probably embarrassed because he is so sprung already. Probably trying to throw ya’ll off the scent so you can stay out of our business!” Jasmine could see she was pissing Vivian off and that made her happy. Vivian took a deep breath and started again.

“Jasmine, look, we are not trying to be in your business. Trust me when I say we have enough of our own shit to deal with. But the way you are going about it will not get you a man. You might get one to fuck, but you won’t keep him and I know what you really want is a husband. Just slow down—men like to take the lead so when you meet one you like, let him call the shots.”

“I know all of that, Vivian. I’m older than you remember, so if you are grown than I am even more grown than you and I know these things ok?”

“Grown folks don’t have to say that they are grown Jas. Their actions do the talking. Just slow the fuck down.”

Jasmine left Vivian’s house beyond pissed that day. How dare Vivian try to tell her what to do? She had even offered Jasmine beauty tips, telling her that her weave was not the right texture and way too long. Jasmine knew right then she was tripping. A white woman had done her weave and white women were experts on weaves. They had been wearing them way before black women got a hold of them. Vivian was probably jealous--Jasmine noticed Vivian’s new husband checking out her new figure with admiration. She never did hear from Jonas again and decided to never date anybody Vivian recommended to her. Vivian would probably poison their ears with nonsense about her. Besides, she had found a new way to meet men, and right from the comfort of her own bedroom.

Readytomingle.com was the newest website allowing folks from all over the world to network. Jasmine was serious about finding her man and kept her searches to local members only. After posting her first professionally taken photographs online, she received so much attention, she was overwhelmed. She found herself checking her inbox every ten minutes at work, and without fail, she had received new messages. So many of these men were smart with good jobs, looking for a woman just like her, and so when one of them requested to see a picture of her that “revealed a little more” she did not hesitate and got busy posing in the nude in front of her full-length mirror. She took a few shots and thought she resembled those girls in the naughty magazines. Her body looked amazing to her on her camera phone and she quickly uploaded them to her personal page on the site. The response confirmed what she thought—she was hot and almost a celebrity on the site.

One man, in particular had taken a special interest in Jasmine, and that was the one who requested the photos in the first place. His screen name was Mr. 2Good2BeTrue but Jasmine knew his real name was Dion. He had asked for her number after she posted the nude pics, and they had talked everyday. She loved the sound of his voice, deep and sexy, and the things he said to her always lead to them having phone sex. She was afraid her parents would pick up the extension line and hear their conversation so she installed a separate phone line in her bedroom.

Two nights before, Dion had told Jasmine she was being a tease, talking to him like that, but not meeting him. Jasmine didn’t want to admit that she was nervous about meeting him—she was afraid of all of the questions her parents would ask. When he suggested they meet somewhere for coffee and conversation, she was all for it. There was so much she wanted to ask him: what his plans were for the future, was he a Christian, and was he looking for a wife. As she surveyed herself for the last time, admiring her new figure, she decided she looked just right for the date. And these new crotchless panties from Frederick’s of Hollywood are perfect, just in case I get lucky tonight, she thought to herself. With one last look, Jasmine grabbed her long trench coat to cover the tight, red dress, told her parents she was on the way to a girlfriend’s house, and headed out the door to her future.

Ménage à trois (Cycle 1)

She had to laugh at how she had gotten here.

Vicki had always had an adventurous side--during college, sex became an experiment and she figured she had tried every scenario at least once. At this point in her life, she still wasn't sure about settling down just yet--early thirties was still young, and she had tried marriage once before and it just didn't suit her. She had paid Gavin no mind all these years they worked together at The Gas Company. It was her part-time hustle, only two days a week, and she barely spent enough time in the office to get close to anybody. He was nothing special, just a cute guy working the switchboard like her, but he was full-time, clocking in and out 12-hour days, trying to make a way out of no way.

But somehow they had gotten here.

Vicki couldn't deny her attraction, at least not now. She knew she and Gavin both had attachments and that this situation was a set up for failure. But as she gazed at Gavin, his body snuggled so perfectly against hers, she knew if she wanted, she could get comfortable here. Gavin already made his proclamation and despite the odds set against them, he wanted them to be together.

Bzzzzz.

Vicki jumped out of her reverie quickly to check her cell phone. As she suspected, it was Marlina, Gavin's wife. It was 2 pm and they were suppose to be meeting in a few hours for Marlina to get her hair done, but Vicki knew she was going to be late getting to the shop. She sent Marlina a text message: Hey girl, can we make it for 5:00 instead of 4:00? I'm running a bit behind. In a few seconds, Marlina responded Yes, and Vicki rolled over to snuggle some more with Gavin. She felt guilty as hell, but good at the same time. At that moment, Gavin's cell phone begin to ring, and of course, Marlina was on the other end.

Gavin glanced at Vicki and she read the look on his face--he was feeling guilty too. He still loved and cared for Marlina, but felt weak when it came to Vicki. In the 7 years he had been married, he had not once cheated, not even when his boys had taken him to Starz that one night and got him pissy drunk. He had the finest stripper in the club give him a lap dance and he was so hard, it hurt. Even then he maintained self-control, thinking of the woman he had at home.

But lately, things between them had changed. He couldn't identify who was to blame as they both seemed distant from each other. Marlina had other stuff on her mind he could tell, but whatever it was, she was not sharing. Gavin felt paranoid about whatever was happening to them. Had Marlina found somebody else? That thought alone made it easier for him to give in to Vicki. Long lunches at work turned into calling off for the rest of the day, while they made love in hotels around the city. Each time he felt so guilty afterward, but Vicki's body was so right for him. Physically, it felt like they were made for each other. After the first time, Gavin was so taken with the experience he couldn't resist whispering in Vicki's ear, I was made to fuck you, and she responded in kind, merging her body deeper into his.

The sounds of their love making could be heard from the street.

But Vicki knew it would only be a matter of time before this whole situation came to a head....
**********************************************************************************

At 5pm sharp, Vicki came through the doors of the salon to take care of her client, already seated at her station.
"Hey girl."
"Hey Vick. You look great, skin glowing and all. Did you get a facial?"
"Naw girl, just feeling good. How about you?"
"I'm doing well, just anxious to get here so you could take care of this head of mine."
"Yeah it looks like it is time for a touch up. I wish I could talk you into going natural. You have the greatest hair texture for it."
"Girl, please, I am not interested in trying to tame these kinks everyday. As long as there is Permacare, I'll be a straight haired girl."
"I hear you. So what's been going on?"
"Girl same ol' thing. Gavin and I are going through it. I'm pretty certain he is seeing somebody else. You sure you ain't seen no heifers around The Gas Company with him?"
"Girl, no I haven't seen anybody hanging around Gavin at the job other than me."
"Well...I guess that makes me feel a bit better, but you are only there twice a week. That gives him 3 other days to fool around, not to mention all of this so-called overtime he is doing."
"Marlina, if I were you, I wouldn't worry about it. You're being paranoid."
"I can't help it Vicki. I guess it's because I know where my head has been lately."
"What are you talking about?"
"You know what I'm talking about."
Vicki grinned to herself and finished applying Marlina's relaxer and then led her over to the washbowl. The look on Marlina's face said it all.
"I can't stop thinking about you Vick."
Vicki smiled. "I've been thinking a lot about you too. We had fun the other night."
"I want to do it again. Are you down?"
Vicki thought about the soap opera she was creating for herself. That's how she was able to deal with sleeping with a cheating husband and his cheating wife--she pretended she was acting and this was her award-winning role.
"Of course? When would be good for you?"
"Girl, I don't know. Gavin is starting to act like he suspects something, but I haven't given him one clue. I actually think he would be jealous if he knew about us", Marlina said, seductively rubbing Vicki's thigh while Vicki washed her hair. Vicki was glad she had chosen the last sink by the wall.
"We should have hooked up before you got your hair done. I'm going to feel bad sweating out your new do' cause I will have to charge you to get it done again", Vicki said laughing.
"Don't even worry about it. Every visit to the shop is a gift from Gavin's pockets."
Vicki felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Suddenly she didn't feel so guilty about Gavin.....

**********************************************************************************
"Damn girl, I gotta go back to my husband with a straight face--literally!" Marlina's new do was through after the sex session she and Vicki had. Vicki laid back and lit a cigarette--she was feeling pretty good too. For a newbie, Marlina was pretty damn good at giving head, and Vicki had enjoyed the 69 session they had. Still, she was no match for Gavin, his body being such a great match for Vicki. She listened to her cell phone buzzing on the nightstand beside her and was anxious to answer it. She knew it was Gavin, but she needed to get Marlina out of her house first. Marlina was looking awfully comfortable, no thanks to that fifth of Jack Daniels they had finished beforehand, but Vicki knew she needed to encourage her to get on home to her husband. The 20 minutes it took for Marlina to get home was all the time Vicki needed to get Gavin to leave his house and come to her. She ran her fingers through Marlina's hair. "It's good I brought my appointment book home with me because you definitely need to reschedule. But not tonight, cause I am tired. You have completely worn me out, and I have to get up early in the morning to get to The Gas Company." Marlina looked disappointed as she got out of bed and began getting dressed. "I'll have to explain to Gavin why my hair isn't done because he knew I was coming to see you today."
"Marlina, men don't pay attention to stuff like that."
"Gavin does."
"Well I am sure you will think of something. Tell him you got too busy at work and cancelled on me. I'll vouch for you."
"He probably won't believe me but that'll do." Marlina picked up her handbag, walked over to Vicki and kissed her. "I'll call you tomorrow."
"Ok then, take it easy, and please flip the lock on your way out. Bye!" Vicki waited until she heard the door snap shut before she eased out of bed. Poor girl, she thought to herself, just so damn open and naive. Vicki couldn't help it though--folks were attracted to her like metal to magnets, and she almost never said no.

She picked up her cell phone to check her messages and found six messages from Gavin in the last 2 hours. He's sprung too, she chuckled to herself, but I don't mind cause the sex is good. She sent him a text to entice him: I got a new position I want to try--see you in 20?

Vicki turned on her shower so she could jump in real quick and freshen up. She heard the cell phone buzz with Gavin's response. Again, all Vicki could do was smile.

Damn, she was good.

TO BE CONTINUED.....

Crush-Part I

I knew he had a crush on me. I had noticed him watch me walk down the hallway, licking his lips. I instinctively knew I had to have him.

I didn’t know much about him, except overhearing his comments in group conversations. He was a bit militant, a quality I admired, but he had a pimpish swagger about him. I knew if he was talking good game, I’d be down to hear it.

I was losing it for Amir, my second daughter’s father. We had had a strong love thang for awhile, especially after Amira was born. We had our little family, as my eldest daughter, Mia, called him daddy too. Her father was still in New York, fighting his crack addiction.

But lately Amir was becoming the third child in the house. Eating and drinking but not working. He couldn’t hold down a job for shit. He walked off his last gig, claiming the supervisor disrespected him. I doubted that since Amir was highly sensitive. Furthermore he didn’t understand how irresponsible that decision was. He actually wanted to argue the point with me until I reminded him the rent was due in a week. He saw the anger in my eyes, and packed his bag and left before I could put him out. Mia and Amira cried for a week.

My body was beginning to ache from missing his touch. His long, athletic body always accommodated mine in bed and I found myself feeling cold at night with him gone. I wanted to call him, ask him to come back, but my pride wouldn’t let me. I wasn’t into supporting any man.

Besides I kept thinking about…him.

Nasir. I loved his name. It was so unique, and it sounded like royalty to my ears. I knew he had kids too because he had brought them to the job a few times. With those kids, I knew a woman couldn’t be far behind. I crossed my fingers, hoping he was a single dad.

It all started after my co-worker Pam threw a game party at her house. Pam was quite the social butterfly, always throwing parties. I found out from her who all from the job was coming, and as soon as she mentioned Nasir, I knew I would be in attendance. I wore my tight jeans so he could get a good look at the shape of my onion. I never had much going on in the breast department, so I wore a sweater that accented my slender shape and showed up my booty. Chandelier earrings, lip gloss, and some amber oil completed my “look” for the night. I walked into Pam’s spot with the utmost confidence, and took a seat next to my intended.

We played a round of Taboo, while getting drunk off of some homemade wine Pam had brewed. I pretended not to notice the 3 blunts sitting on the coffee table. Pam was not shy at all. Getting drunk with co-workers was one thing, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable letting them all know I smoked weed. Apparently it wasn’t bothering folks, because they all sat at attention when she lit the first blunt. I watched to see if Nasir would hit it—and he did. His lips had me as I watched him exhale. He handed it to me, but I played shy. I hadn’t smoked since college and this California weed was suppose to be the strongest there is. He chuckled, his already slanted eyes looking even more closed as he got high.
“You want me to hotbox you?,” he asked.
“What is that?”
Again he chuckled, and by now I felt like an idiot. He placed the blunt between his lips and inhaled while beckoning me closer to him. I moved in and he met me halfway, placing his lips as close to mine as possible without us kissing. I opened my lips slightly to catch the smoke he exhaled toward me. The whole experience was erotic—I was wet between my thighs and he knew it. Two more hotbox hits and I could’ve had him on Pam’s couch.

I was open, drunk and high, grinning from ear to ear in his face. I looked at my colleagues laughing and smoking and noticed a couple of them looking at me and grinning. A few of them knew of my crush, but suddenly, I was paranoid. I got up to leave.
“Hey girl, where are you going”, Pam asked, as she approached me, with a huge smile on her face. “We are getting ready to hit up The Lounge in Hollywood.”
“I don’t think so Pam. I don’t know you all that well. You might be trying to set me up. I need my job.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The wine and the weed. You might be trying to make me lose my job!”
“What? Now you got me paranoid. If I had known you weren’t cool with it, I wouldn’t have invited you. Now I feel set up.” Pam shot me a dirty look and went to go get her coat from the closet. “Let’s go ya’ll, she is killing my buzz. See you on Monday, Kenya.”

I stood there, feeling kind of crazy. The weed had been strong. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Nasir approaching me. I didn’t want to face him because I felt out of place. “Hey Kenya, what’s wrong? You’re not a smoker are you?”
“Is it that obvious? I mean, I did in college, but that has been awhile.”
“Well look, I can skip The Lounge. What do you feel like doing? I don’t think it’s cool for you to be alone, considering your condition.”
I looked over at Nasir. Damn, even high as a kite, he was sexy. I grabbed my coat. “Give me one second Nasir.” I walked over to Pam. “Pam, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable in your own home. I just got nervous…and paranoid.” Pam broke out in grin, leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. “Girl, it’s cool. We will never smoke together again though, I know that much! Have fun tonight…the both of you,” she smiled and both Nasir and I and we all filed out of the door of her apartment and onto the street.

Nasir followed me to my car and kneeled down by the driver’s side door as I slid in. I looked at him and smiled. “So, what you want to do?,” he asked again. “Honestly Nasir, I want to go home.”
“Are you sure? I was hoping that this evening would lend itself to us getting to know each other better. I mean, you’re the main reason I came to this function.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I mean, I’m sure you’ve noticed me watching you around work. I’m not all that discreet about it.” I tried to control my lips from breaking into the widest smile ever, but he definitely had my ear. I decided to take a chance. “You want to go get something to eat?”
He gave me what appeared to be a sigh of relief. “Sure. You driving?”

************************************************************************

I awoke the next morning feeling sticky and satisfied. For a moment I completely forgot what had occurred, but a deep breath and roll over brought me back. Nasir. Damn, I could scream his name from the rooftop. NASIR!!!

Nasir, with the dick that don’t quit.

He was nothing like Amir. His body was pretty imperfect, with his little round beer belly. And he wasn’t nearly as big as Amir, but dammit if size don’t matter. This man fucked me so right last night that I really don’t know what to do with myself right now. My head is all over the place, but one thing is certain: I gotta have him.

TO BE CONTINUED...

The Masochist

Damn. He was calling again. It had been three months since she had last heard from him on a consistent basis. Now he was blowing up her cell phone like they were a couple. Every message was the same—him sounding way too cool, considering the amount of phone calls. It was never urgent, he was just calling to say hi and see how she was doing. But she could hear it—the eagerness, the longing, and the insecurity that always called out to her. She was the only one who could soothe him in moments like this.

Veronica was at a loss. She had told herself she would take no more after the last go round with Nigel. She had done all she could to get him to see her; and yet, she watched him acknowledge and appreciate every other woman in his midst. When she dropped that excess 45 pounds, he started bringing her around his friends, but he never introduced her as anything else but Veronica. She could hear him saying this is Veronica, never, my girlfriend, my lady, my woman. Just simply Veronica. He would move whenever she tried to sit close to him, or embrace him in public. He acted as if he were embarrassed.

But now he was calling again and Veronica longed to reach out for him. She hated the pleasure she felt from just being around him. It was sadistic, and in truth, she wanted so much more for herself. But Nigel was smart, funny, and fine. The only man to give her multiple orgasms until it hurt. He had an extremely bright future ahead of him, working as an entertainment lawyer for one of the biggest firms in the country. He wasn’t even 30 yet and he was making big money. Veronica wanted Nigel all to herself.

She silently cursed herself as she flipped open her cell phone to call him back… ************************************************************************
“Hey.”
“Hey.”
“How are you?”
“I’m fine. And you?”
“I’m doing great for the most part. Lost a client today. Gabriella of all people.”
“What? Why? She was one of your first clients—and your friend.”
“I know, I know, but lately she’s been a real pain. Her last project didn’t meet her expectations, and I feel like she is taking it out on me. I don’t know--I can’t explain it.”
“Nigel, you aren’t making much sense.”
“We got into an argument and she went completely off on me. She was totally inappropriate.”
“What do you mean?”
“She had that “mama” tone in her voice, telling me where I went wrong and what I should have done to protect her best interests. That’s what I’ve been doing these last 5 years! She turned diva on me and I just know I don’t want to be put in that situation with her again.”
“So you ended your business relationship?”
“And our friendship ultimately. She thinks I’m an asshole now. I honestly don’t care though. I feel a lot freer.”
“It sounds like you do care. But it’s whatever…”
“Let’s not talk about her anymore. It’s not helping. What’s up with you?”
“Nothing. Working and writing. Aside from Gabriella, what’s happening with you?”
“A lot actually. I’m on a serious hunt for a condo. I must move by the end of the year. I have an appointment to go see one in about an hour. You wanna come with? I’d love your opinion about it.”
Veronica sighed. It was the same routine. “Sure.”
“Ok, I’ll be there in about 30 minutes.”
“I’ll be ready.”
“Thanks Veronica.” ************************************************************************
So that’s why he was calling. Gabriella. The woman Veronica knew he really loved. The woman Nigel might have had a chance with had he not been so afraid to tell her how he felt. If only Nigel himself knew for a fact what it was he was feeling. There was only one problem with Gabriella. She was married.

From the first time Veronica heard her name, she knew Nigel had it bad for her. Talented and beautiful, Gabriella was the lead singer for the band Home Grown Soul. When Veronica first heard her music, she too, fell just a little under Gabriella’s spell. She was beautiful and talented, but unpretentious. She had a smile that lit up a room, and a joyful personality. Nigel always mentioned her, how bright she was, her opinions on things, just anything. He spent so much time with her, Veronica didn’t see how Gabriella had time for her husband. Nigel never said much about her husband, except to say he didn’t think he was that smart. Whatever the case, Gabriella loved him, and had no intention of leaving him, that was clear. That was the point that seemed to itch Nigel’s ass the most. How could Gabriella deal with such mediocrity in his presence?

But Gabriella hadn’t been married when she and Nigel first met. She was dating her soon-to-be-husband, but marriage wouldn’t take place for another 7 years. She and Nigel had both been young and at the beginning of their careers when they first met. As always, Nigel didn’t think much of her at first—he had a tendency to underestimate people, women especially, but in spite of it all they became good friends. Gabriella had seen to that. She found a place in her life for Nigel and made a place in his for herself. By then, he wasn’t sure what he felt. All he knew is that when he was around her, he wanted all of her attention. If he didn’t have it, he would have to leave. It was all or nothing.

On a few occasions he had tried to mark his territory: little touches here and there, random comments, unexpected gifts, eventually becoming her personal and business lawyer. He even got drunk one night and flashed her—but all of it was in fun to Gabriella. She loved Nigel dearly, but something about his personality put her off. He liked to throw temper tantrums a lot, call folks out on their shit, but he had the hardest time taking it. From that she discerned how insecure he was. Nigel had some growing up to do and she knew she couldn’t coddle him in the way he seemed to need.

Unbeknownst to Veronica, Nigel had shared intimate information about his feelings for Veronica with Gabriella. Gabriella knew that Nigel did indeed love Veronica, but he wasn’t in love with her. She behaved in the manner that Gabriella never could: submissive. That alone made Veronica the prototype of a perfect woman to Nigel. But there was only one problem with Veronica. Nigel wasn’t attracted to her.

As Veronica sat and waited for Nigel to arrive, too many thoughts ran through her mind. She knew now he was only calling because he had lost Gabriella, to his own devices undoubtedly. Gabriella didn’t do or say something he wanted or in the way he wanted—and for him that would be the breaking point. Foolish pride, Veronica would say to him, your foolish pride will be the end of you. He had always been regrettably impulsive. And now he was coming back home to Veronica, to what he was familiar with, what he was accustomed to. Where he felt in control because he knew what he felt with her and no matter what, Veronica let him retain the upper hand, something else Gabriella didn’t do.

Veronica sat and thought about it all as she waited for Nigel’s arrival. She had endured so much in her life and this was one situation she wanted to have a happy ending. She lost her entire family to a fatal car crash when she was 3 years old. Her grandpa had raised her to see her enter college, but had passed before Veronica finished. The shock of losing grandpa had extended Veronica’s college time by two years. She didn’t bother to participate in graduation—there was nobody to come and see her walk across the stage anyway. When she finally returned home to Los Angeles, and to the empty house that had once been occupied by grandpa, she sat in the kitchen for hours trying to figure out what move to make next. The first move she did make when she was able to peel herself off of her seat was to call Nigel.

Throughout it all, he had been there, and now that she was back home, she wanted him to make a life with her. She longed for him to move in, but she refused to bring it up, wanting him to come to the decision on his own. What could she do with an entire house all to herself? Until he recognized that he was needed there, Veronica settled for his sleepovers. He would spend the night, making love to her satisfactorily, although clumsily. She surrendered herself to him so, allowing her passion for him to set her nerve endings on fire. She loved the smell of his sweat on her, and nothing turned her on more then to watch him fuck her. He was working hard for her benefit, to make her cum. After sex, she would sleep with her limbs wrapped around his, clinging tightly to him. She never wanted those nights to end. She pretended this was their life.

Nigel never slept comfortably those nights. He despised how clingy she was, physically and emotionally. He solidified a relationship with her because she complained he was using her and he had no intention of really hurting her. But that information was kept between the two of them. It was easy to tell Veronica what to do, both in and out of bed—she was so eager to please. That annoyed Nigel to no end. He recognized the benefits of being with her: the house, the companionship, a sense of security, but she wanted it too bad. He could look in Veronica’s eyes and see the longing behind them. His friendship with Gabriella made for a nice juxtaposition to his “relationship” with Veronica. He was attracted to Gabriella’s spunk, her ability to give it right back to him. She was fearless, to the point of pissing him off, but it turned him on. Many nights with Veronica were spent imagining she was Gabriella, submitting to him, getting fucked with no mercy. He had to bite his tongue to keep from calling out her name.

But Nigel was feeling tortured. There was more to the story than he had shared with Veronica. It wasn’t just Veronica’s attitude of late—but more because it felt to him that Gabriella refused to acknowledge him as anything other than a friend. It had to end with Gabriella. Watching her in the arms of another man, a lesser man in his eyes drove him crazy. He had ended it all with Gabriella because he couldn’t have her. She was beyond his control and dealing with her day after day was beginning to take its toll on him. She had called him out one time to many—and he wanted desperately to fuck her senseless, to shut her up. But he knew he couldn’t, even if given the chance. He felt dominated by her, overpowered, and intimidated. He tried to make her understand why he was pulling back, why he had to let go, but the words were never right. He never said what she wanted to hear. He was at a loss and decided to just let go, but not without sending her one last gift.

He knew their paths would cross again, it was inevitable, and he imagined seeing her in the necklace he had made just for her. She loved diamonds for they were her birthstone, and he thought the necklace he designed was perfect for her. He could see her smile, her star shining, though she did not have a smile on her face when he brought her the gift. It would be the last time either of them would see the other for a long while. He just knew that when she opened the box, it would all become clear. She would understand then why he had to let go, how it had been the best thing for them both. Until then he did what he felt Gabriella had done the day she got married—he settled. He called Veronica relentlessly, waiting for her to call him back. He knew she was pissed and that it would take a bit more time for her to respond this go round. But he needed to recharge. He knew he could find what he needed in her.

It was no matter to Veronica. She was glad to hear about Gabriella’s exit because that was one less obstacle in her way. Whatever fears he had about Gabriella, she would support them, do whatever she could to keep herself at the helm. She, too, knew that his path would cross Gabriella’s again. They were definitely soul mates. But she would do what she had to in the meantime to make that situation less catastrophic for her when it did occur. She was going to have Nigel, and in the way she wanted. She knew he would never find what he wanted entirely in any one woman, but what she allowed him to have was what he needed most: power and security. She allayed his fears in a way only she could. And tonight, she would get him to allay hers—for the time being.

She heard his car horn honk outside. Veronica grabbed her jacket and stopped to say a quick prayer. Please Lord, let this be the time. Let this be the time he finally seeks total solace in me. Let him be so hurt that all he can do is confide in me. Let him find all the support and love he needs right here. Please Lord, let him not walk away from me again. Even if he does, Lord, I’ll understand. And I’ll still be right here, waiting. Lord, I know he is the one. Why else would you have put him in my life? I know you know best. My faith is in you, which is why he keeps coming back. He knows this is where he belongs.

But Lord, please let this be the time.
Let him see me, the real me, for the very first time.
Amen.

Veronica left the house with the biggest smile on her face for Nigel. It was all about him.

She was a woman with a plan.

Bridget: A Day in the Life of a Female Pimp - Tale I

"Hello?"
"Hi can I speak to Bridget?"
"This is she."
"Hi, this is Denikkae. Do you know who I am?"
"No."
"I'm Tay's baby momma."
"Okay."
"Yeah I saw the messages you've been sending my man."
"Oh really?"
“I saw your little email talking about you guys shouldn’t have crossed the line and you went too far."
"What are you talking about?"
"You think I’m stupid, I know ya’ll been fucking he told me everything!"
"Then you need to go talk to him. I don’t know you."
"You don’t know me either!"
"Okay so what’s your point?"
"How would you like it if somebody fucked your man?"
"It’s happened."
"So it’s okay?"
"I didn’t say that but you’re talking to the wrong person."
"No I’m talking to the right person you old ugly bitch!"
"I think your man would disagree with you there."
"Ooo, I’ma get you, you ugly bitch, you better watch your back!"
"Word? I'll be waiting." Click.

I get so tired of these weak ass bitches. Calling me day after day after day when it comes to their man. Actually I get more tired of the men than the women. The women are almost a comedy act.

I learned as a young girl that a woman has a lot of power in her pussy. At 16, I had a dude staked outside my house, stalking me after I let him pop my cherry. I had liked him a lot before then, but once he started acting all desperate and anxious, I was done. I knew right then that whatever I was holding between my legs was worth something and I would use it wisely.

I let one asshole get over on me. Just one, and after experiencing heartbreak, I knew that would be the last time I found myself that vulnerable to any man. He wasn't even my type, but he had the gift of gab and before I knew it I was falling for him. Unfortunately for him, he had a wandering eye and got way too comfortable in our relationship. If I hadn't caught him fucking my next door neighbor in my bed with my own eyes, I might not have ever believed he had enough game to cheat. It just goes to show you, even if the one you love ain't exactly what you want, there is always a hard-up bitch somewhere with her eye on him.

The gratifying part of ending that situation is that 8 years later, that man is still trying to get another piece of this. It won't happen, not in this lifetime or the next. I enjoy listening to him beg, trying to remind me of the good times. Whatever, man.

So this latest chick calling me has to do with this one dude, Tay. I won't even bother trying to pronounce her name since it's one of those made-up ghetto joints, just like her. Anyway, I met Tay at the gym probably about 2 years ago. I would catch him eyeing me on the squat machine, checking out my ass and all. I gave him my best "come hither" looks too, because his body was off the hook! He liked the fact that I wasn't trying to get into anything major, but just looking for a good time, but as usual, once he got a whiff of the good stuff, he wanted to keep me all to himself. He never lied about his baby mama situation, but I assured him as long as it didn't get out of hand, we would be cool. Now this bullshit. I'm a let Tay know he need to get a leash on that bitch cause she is out of line.

I don't usually go for men in relationships, in fact that is a major turn off. Having been cheated on, I know how emotionally taxing that shit is and the man involved is just being a selfish pussy. Instead of admitting to the woman he is using that he is bored silly and wants out, he finds his shit on the side. But honestly, dudes can be so dumb sometimes that I get pissed at the chicks that let it happen to them, over and over again. One time is forgivable, but after that, you are just auditioning to get played. Do you not see the signs? Unreturned phone calls, undisclosed locations, always kicking it with his homies/sister/momma or at the gym, working extremely late hours? If nothing else, that feeling that something just ain't right in the pit of your stomach should be enough of a clue. I mean these chicks would rather spend hours of their time trying to tap a dudes' e-mail account or figure out a voicemail password, then take the time to release him and move the fuck on. Nothing worse than a dumb female, especially when men are so easy to figure out.

Anyway, Tay's days are numbered. I don't care how his chick got my number at work--the point is she did get it, and for me that is the breaking point. He clearly can't handle his business if she is figuring stuff out like this. Granted, it took her two years, but her timing is perfect. I've had my fill of Tay anyway--I got my eye on Nathan now.

Boy, boy, boy. Nathan, my FedEx delivery guy who has been flirting with me all year. I never paid him much attention, cause he is a delivery dude--but I did notice that he was cute. Working from home, I see him at least twice a week, and he always had a compliment. I kept shooting him down though, answering the door without a smile, making him feel like he was wasting my time. Nonetheless, his persistence paid off--and he made a plan to catch my attention.

It was in the middle of this past summer, and Los Angeles was in some record breaking heat, over 100 degrees this entire week. Nathan came to my door with a huge package, some scuba diving gear I had purchased online for an upcoming trip to Antigua Bay. When he got on the porch, he looked so hot, sweat just dripping down his face. I was prepared to ignore him when he rang the bell--I have a note placed outside for all deliveries, but I couldn't help but notice him through the window once he sat the box down. He had his uniform unbuttoned no doubt thanks to the heat and I got a good glimpse of his chest. My mouth dropped to say the least, and I quickly headed to the door to sign for my package. I played it cool, though that boy had no idea the thoughts going through my head at the sight of that body.

"How are you doing today?", he asked.
"Trying to stay cool. You?" I signed for the box.
"About the same though I am having less luck with that than you." He casually wiped some sweat from his brow. He was way too fucking cute, all sweaty and what not. I had to offer him a drink.
"Would you like some water or something? I have some bottles."
"I would love a bottle of water, thank you." I started to make him wait on the hot porch, but decided that would be cold-blooded. "Come on in, and I'll go get that bottle." I could see the relief on his face as he came into the entryway. Thank goodness for central air in the house.
I made my way to the kitchen and came back in a flash with the bottle of water. I handed it to him and noticed he looked a lot taller standing so close to me. He gulped the entire bottle down in a matter of seconds. "Would you like more?" I asked. "No, but thanks. You are actually my last delivery for the day. I'm headed back to the yard and then going home for a nice cold shower. But thank you again, I really appreciate the thirst quencher." I knew he was referring to the water, but the look in his eyes and his seductive smile were giving his words dual meaning. I gave him a smile back for the first time. "Damn, you've been keeping that from me for a long time", he said. "That makes the day even better."
"Thanks for the compliment." I needed to ask him something because I had decided that he was definitely my next victim. He was wearing a name tag, so I went with it. "Hey Nathan, am I always your last stop?"
"Yeah, Bridget, when I am on this route." I smiled, grateful that he had paid enough attention to my name when he made his deliveries. "Well, then I guess I'll see you again soon. Stay cool as you can in this heat."
"No doubt", he said and was back outside in the truck before I could get another look at that body.

He didn't stand a chance when he made another delivery two days later.

I purposely decided to take a dip that day because the weather was still the 100's, and I was just getting out of the pool when Nathan showed up with his delivery. I knew if he took one look at my body, it was over. Apparently, he felt the same because he had his shirt off when he came to the door. I heard him ring the bell and came to the door, still damp from the pool. Nathan gave me a long once over before he spoke. "Hey Bridget, got another package for you. I'm surprised I can even talk coherently--that bikini is killing me softly." I blushed, but gave him my "come hither" look--he got it immediately.

It was on.

We never left the entryway and the door stayed half open. If I had any neighbors that were voyeurs, they got served that day. Nathan was so good, big and strong like I like them. He picked me and managed to balance me with my legs on his shoulders while he fucked me relentlessly. It was effortless for him , like he did this every day. I made a mental note of that fact, but I made sure he got a good sampling of my juices. Whatever his situation was, I knew I wanted to have him come back for an encore performance.

I could have passed out in ecstasy when he let me cum and then flipped me upside down to taste me. The two of us were performers in the Cirque du Soleil that day and Nathan was most definitely the ring master. When he had his fill, he carried me through the house and found his way to my bedroom. I laid there and couldn't help but pass out. When I awoke, he was gone--but a note lay next to my face with his digits. I was loving the mystery around this man, and the power of his sex--but I knew I had to maintain control because he had taken over my entire plan that day.

I didn't see him or call him for a month afterward.

That month of silence and not getting to get back in this, put Nathan right where I want him : under my spell. Ironically he is a good guy--single, with a few women friends here and there, but no serious attachments. I got a feeling he would like to make me a permanent fixture in his life--I'm not sure how I feel about that yet. Right now things are coasting between us and I'm keeping it that way.

Besides, I'm always keeping one eye open....

TO BE CONTINUED...

Sleight-of-Hand

“Where are you going?”
“Out!” said Darnell, as he slammed the door behind him. He could be a heartless son-of-a-bitch. Brianna looked over at the clock above the mantel. It was 10:30 pm—she knew she wouldn’t be seeing Darnell again until tomorrow after work.

From the outside, it looked as if the Roberts had the picture perfect relationship. Two Mercedes Benzes in the driveway of a half million-dollar home in the exclusive Baldwin Hills section of Los Angeles. No kids just yet, and they both wore what they thought to be the finest of the current fashion trends. Brianna was the envy of her hair and nail shop for the large 2.5-carat diamond wedding ring she flaunted. Most of the women in the shops though Brianna had it all: a successful, charismatic husband, a house in the hills, an expensive car, looks and class. But Brianna was good at making things appear one way, when they were actually another. She was a talented illusionist.

What the ladies in the shops didn’t know is that for the last year, Darnell spent 5 out of 7 nights away from home, with no explanation as to where he was going or with whom. At first, Brianna would call his cell until he picked up and gave her some type of explanation. That stopped the night he returned home unexpectedly and beat her until she passed out. Darnell did not like to be questioned by anybody, especially Brianna.

The ladies in the shops also didn’t know that the 2.5-carat ring wasn’t the ring Darnell had originally presented to Brianna when he proposed. She looked at the ½ carat round diamond on the gold band that he offered and cringed. There was no way she was going out in public with that. After much hassle, Darnell agreed to get a refund for that ring and meet with some friends of Brianna’s parents who were jewelers. They would allow him to pay for the ring over time. When Brianna selected the five-figure diamond, Darnell smiled and handed over the money he spent on the real ring. In that moment, Brianna knew she was making a good decision in marrying Darnell because he would do anything for her. It would be six months before she discovered he wasn’t paying the ring off and ended up getting a job at the Macy’s counter in the Baldwin Hills Mall so she could pick up the tab herself.

That job, more than anything, was what Brianna didn’t want anyone to know about. She hated working retail because she felt it was beneath her. So often she had discussed her international education at the prestigious University of Cambridge, but she never discussed how she was dismissed after a year of academic probation. Even her closest friends didn’t know that she had almost finished her education at a small state school in Northern California but dropped out after her father’s untimely death.

She had met Darnell while up North, a thuggish young man who had gotten his real estate license while in prison. He had become a successful real estate agent over the course of two years and was well known for the shrewd negotiation tactics on the behalf of his clients. Unfortunately, Darnell had acquired quite a bit of debt prior to entering prison and still had folks to pay off. When he first met Brianna, he saw a young woman who could assist him in getting his real estate business off the ground, but in the end, she spent the money before he could make it. After three years of marriage, he had had enough, but wasn’t going to let her take all the money he had saved for himself. He opted to stay in the marriage, but he sought solace outside of their home.

Brianna would never admit it, but working at that Macy’s counter is what kept her sane. She often volunteered for overtime, because she didn’t want to sit at home and dwell on all the things that had gone wrong between she and Darnell. It had started so sweetly, and she couldn’t figure out at what point they had ended up on different pages. She supported Darnell, bragged on his accomplishments to others and did her best to make him look good. She watched her weight because she wanted to be his trophy, but he complained when she got too thin. She knew he had an obsession with the roundness of her ass and had even convinced her to try anal sex to appease him. She fought him at first, but gave in when he started spending nights away from home. After awhile, that was the only type of sex Darnell wanted to have with her and he was always rough, sometimes smacking her ass so hard, it would be bruised when he was done. When she lost the weight, she lost that precious ass and secretly she celebrated. She had suffered from enough hemorrhoids to last a lifetime, but she still wanted to figure out how to keep Darnell at home.

Poor me, she thought to herself as she sat staring at the back of the door Darnell had just walked out of. She wanted to pack up and leave him, but where would she go? Moving back home with her mother was not an option, and her brother had a family of his own. Besides, she didn’t want anybody to know what was happening between she and Darnell. Her body ached from being ignored by Darnell and she was longing for the touch of a man these days. Darnell didn’t even notice the new silk lingerie set she was wearing when he walked out. She wanted to get drunk, but she already knew that would only make her feel worse. She couldn’t call any of her friends; they would be suspicious as to why she was calling so late. She opted for the next best thing to take her mind off of her circumstances and put her to sleep.

She walked up the circular staircase to the master bedroom and entered her walk-in closet. She went to her special drawer and pulled out her tool of choice: The Tickler. She also went into Darnell’s porn stash and pulled out one of his DVD’s. She never really watched the videos, but listening to the sounds of people fucking turned her on. She popped the DVD in, checked the batteries on The Tickler, and climbed in the bed. As she started feeling her body heat up, she closed her eyes and though about Raymond.

Raymond Perrineau, though folks called him Ray for short. Ray had been her high school sweetheart and the first man she slept with. He was a country boy from Houston, and he had such southern hospitality. Ray would carry her books to class, send her love notes from across the room, and always brought her flowers when he picked her up for dates. Brianna was ashamed of Ray, his country accent, and his lack of fashion sense. She tried to keep their relationship a secret for a long time, but her friends always knew and didn’t understand why she tried to hide it. Ray was such a nice guy and he treated her delicately, always recognizing how sensitive she was underneath her aggressive exterior. He loved everything about Brianna, including her desire to elevate her social and economic status.

Ray wanted to marry her after they graduated and move back to Texas and start a business, but Brianna was not having it. She had accepted Ray’s proposal and ring, but never informed him of her own plans to attend college overseas. Raymond assumed that she was attending Texas Southern University with him and didn’t realize he had been duped until he was back in Houston. He was scheduled to pick up Brianna from the airport and sat in the terminal for 11 hours waiting for her to arrive. She never did, and he had to get the news of her college plans from her parents. Brianna laughed the whole thing off and justified that she had made the best decision if Ray was that naïve.

However, Ray had come to mind once Darnell had started leaving her home alone most nights. She couldn’t deny that he had been a generous lover, always making sure she was satisfied before he was took care of himself. She always felt like she could be free with Ray, he would never judge or find fault with her. But his goals had not been enough to appease her. She wanted way much more in life than a small business in Texas. But sexually, he had always been more than enough.

She lay back on her 400-count Egyptian sheets and imagined her hands were Ray’s rubbing her breasts until her nipples were at full attention. When she felt herself getting wet between her thighs, she grabbed The Tickler and placed it in between her legs. She rubbed it against her clit, imagining Ray’s tongue and how he could taste her for hours. Her body writhed under the stimulation of her toy, and she took it until she felt her orgasm building. Just when she was about to reach her peak, she pushed The Tickler deep inside of her, still thinking of Ray. He would climb on top of her, placing her legs on his shoulders, and without fail, he would always find that place deep inside her that made her back arch. She imagined him now, kissing her toes while they made love, rubbing her stomach while he watched her body wiggle beneath his. The sheer thought of Ray flicking his tongue across her nipples while deep inside of her made Brianna cum instantly. The Tickler had done its job.

She laid still in bed for a while afterward, thinking on her current situation. She wondered what Raymond was doing now, how his business was going. She was sure it had failed without her being there to help him out. He was so simple, she thought to herself, forgetting the memories she had just recalled of Ray. Darnell was a real man, who had provided her with all of the things she could ever want. I can make this marriage work she thought to herself and thought about the hamburger she would treat herself to tomorrow to get her ass back to the way Darnell liked it. No relationship was worth having if it was too easy and a man like Darnell was exceptional. Plus, she thought to herself, Darnell will never find another woman like me. I’m all he could ever want.

About THE STORYTELLER

For all of you visiting my world for the first time, I welcome you. I hope you enjoy your stay while here.

The idea for FOLKS' TALES first came to me on a regular day, when I was sitting back, gossiping with a friend. After we had discussed, analyzed, and broken the dirt down to its basest elements, I thought about how this "tale", this little piece of information encapsulated a glimpse into the worlds of the folks involved. Whether the story was entirely true or the figment of somebody's overactive imagination, it made good dish for my friend and I. The conversation that sparked was mentally stimulating--we discovered areas of the tale with which we could identify and others where the experience was totally foreign. Sometimes we found ourselves standing on opposite sides of the fence about the situation and the decisions made by the key players. Either way, it got us to talking about some things.

I then quickly thought back to my childhood and the stories I heard growing up and how they had shaped my life and some of the decisions I've made. I had an older relative that loved to remind me that young folks should try to learn from old folks' mistakes instead of repeating them. Sometimes the heads of the young are hard and they would rather learn the lessons through experience. I was (and still am to some degree) one of those hard-headed young people, but having the tales of my elders in the back of my mind often help me get out of a jam when I decided to learn through experience.

Well, I have finally made the decision to pay it forward. In FOLKS' TALES, you will find stories of the more dramatic nature that I have heard (and those that I will hear in the future) about the decisions/situations/experiences people find themselves in. As life is graphic, many of these stories will be as well--no censoring the good stuff here. Many of these stories will be entirely true, some will be figments of my overactive imagination--but whichever they are, they will certainly make for good conversation between you and a friend...and also between you and me, so leave comments when you get the urge.

Happy reading folks! And don't hesistate to leave me a tale of your own!

Much love-

Le griot AKA THE STORYTELLER