Choices

By Thomas A. Whiting Jr.

Jeff's life has been spiraling out of control for some time now and to make matters worse, he suspects his wife Lisa of 16 years to be cheating on him. How does he come to grips with the betrayal.

Lisa has gotten herself caught up in a love triangle that doesn't include her husband. She has been so focused on other things that it may have cost her the one thing she wants the most.....Control

Belinda has finally found the man of her dreams but there are things in her past that could cause her to lose him. Does she keep her secret and hope they never surface or does she finally come clean.

Like most people, Margret has made some wrong decisions in life but this time it may cost her in more ways than one. She only wants to finally find what she has been searching for......Someone to truly love and that will love her same.

They all have one thing in common that binds them together and that one thing is the choices they make. Right or wrong, they all have made a choice that will ultimately change each one for the rest of their lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481738149

Thomas A. Whiting Jr.

Author Thomas Allen Whiting Jr. hails from Montgomery, Alabama, where he is a local business owner, landscape design and graphics artist. Thomas serves his community through his tireless efforts to different community outreach organizations. He is the father to four beautiful children. This is Thomas’ second novel in a series of more to come. With this book, he proves he has staying power.

Book preview

One

Jeff

J effery, or Jeff as most people called him. Couldn’t believe what was going on in his life. How could his life have gotten to this crazy point? Lying in a hotel bed and not in his own bed. Never in a million years would he have expected this to be happening. Wondering where he went wrong, what clues did he miss? Was he so blinded by love that he didn’t see the signs? He had to be honest to himself and own up to the fact that he saw the signs but chose to ignore them. Or was it the simple fact that he couldn’t face the idea of having to tell his parents that him and Lisa may end up getting a divorce. He wouldn’t give them the entire details; he didn’t want to hear his father’s I-told-you speech. He knew sooner or later it will come out. But at that moment he couldn’t focus on that. He had to figure out what he was going to do about the cheating and constant lies his wife would tell about her where about. Use the same tired ass story of working late when he knew all along that she was cheating on him. He’s known the truth for a while. Just not sure how long it’s been going on. He wanted nothing else to do with Lisa but he knew that if he divorced her right now. He wouldn’t stand a chance of getting custody of their daughter Elizabeth. What judge in their right mind would award custody to him when he hasn’t had a job in the past nine months. It wasn’t that he was a lazy man. No not by a long shot. He just couldn’t find work. Times where getting really tough and companies where making drastic moves trying to save money. It didn’t help that Lisa pretty much threw it in his face whenever bills rolled around. Even though he wasn’t working, he tried to help out in other areas around the house by keeping things clean and in order; helping to lower the expenses by taking Elizabeth out of daycare and keeping her at home with him. He didn’t mind at all because that gave him time to spend with his princess. They both enjoyed the time they spent together. He would get up early every morning to cook them breakfast. Start on his to-do list for the day. As time passed, Lisa just skipped breakfast with them all together. That’s when the resentment seemed to start.

Jeff was brought back to reality when he heard the moans of the couple next to him in the other room. Passionate erotic cries he himself hasn’t heard in a while. Some things you just can’t drown out. He tried to think of something else but each moan of satisfaction this couple released just blocked any chance of anything else entering his mind. The closer they got to the end of their wild love making. The louder they got. It took turning up the television a few more digits just to damper the sound. He decided to get up and throw some water on his face. It was now or never he thought as he looked at himself in the mirror.

Just as he sat on the edge of the bed to turned turn off his laptop, he heard something that caught his attention that made him make a second choice.

Instead, he decided to go take a drive to a nearby jazz club down the street a few blocks away.

After paying at the door, Jeff took one of the stools at the bar and waited for the bar tender to make it to him.

Hey, how’s it going? What can I get for you?

A beer would do for now. Thanks

Sure. Any particular kind?

No not really. Just as long as it’s cold Jeff said as he hunched his shoulders up.

As Jeff waited for his beer, the announcer came on stage to introduce the night’s performer.

Good evening to everyone. I hope you’re having a great time tonight. It is my pleasure to welcome to the stage one of our regulars. The outstanding and one of a kind, Margret Appleton

As the announcer finished his statement, the bartender came back with Jeff’s beer. As he turned around, he saw the most breath taking woman he has ever seen in his life. She was around 5'6" with caramel flawless skin. Beautiful dreadlocks, she was somewhat the combination of a Jada Pickett-Smith with Eyrka Bado vibe. Jeff couldn’t take his eyes off her. He tuned out everything around him and only focused on her and the music. She started her song out with words, no music.

As I close my eyes and wish this moment would never end. I inhale our love making. Letting it tickle my brain and take me back to what we just finished. Sending chills through my body as I get goose bumps from the pleasure of your tantalizing tongue action wondering who taught you so well. Hmmmmm

"Oh my God! It can’t be?" Jeff said as he locked in on Margret’s voice.

The audience started to moan and one woman yelled out. Good lawd girl, give me his number when you’re done. The crowd laughed as the band just as smooth came in with the music. Margret started to sing and Jeff is reminded of the epic tale of the sea creatures that would sing to the sailors and cause them to hear nothing else. At that very moment, that is exactly what state of mind he was in. He was engulfed in every note she hit, in the way she seem to make love to the mic. And for a brief second, they caught eye contact with each other. It was short to say the least but powerful.

After about two minutes you could tell that the crowd loved every bit of it by giving her a standing ovation. Yet, during all of it Margret displayed a humble quality. She gave a bow and thank you as she walked off the stage.

Was she walking towards him? Yes she was. Jeff started to sweat and get nervous. Wondering what could he say to such a beautiful and captivating creature? Then he gained his composure and senses remembering that he was a married man. Even if his marriage was on the verge of destruction he was married none the less. But he couldn’t help the attraction he felt towards this woman he barely knew. A feeling he’s never felt before. Not on the lustful, want your body type of feeling but that indescribable connection.

Hey Frank, may I have some water please.

Sure thing sweetheart. You were wonderful by the way.

Thank you

He’s right, you were excellent. is all Jeff could muster up to say.

Thank you. And you are? Margret replied as she reached out her hand to him.

Oh, I apologize. My name is Jeff. Jeffrey Alexander but everyone calls me Jeff. He replied back as he took her hand.

Is this your first time here? I don’t recall seeing you before.

Actually, it is. I’ve heard of the place but never really got the opportunity to come.

Well, it’s nice to meet you Jeff. I have to get ready to perform again. I hope you can stay.

Sure, I would love to.

Just as Margret was about to walk off; a tall well-built guy came up and blocked her from moving.

Hi baby the guy said as he stared at Jeff as if trying to send a warning of back off. She’s spoken for.

Can we talk? In private.

Margret let out a sigh and replied, First off, I’m not your baby and there is nothing for us to talk about. Why are you bothering me? You made it very clear where I stand in your life. I refuse to go thru this again with you.

Baby, I’m sorry for what I said. I didn’t mean it.

Just as Margret was about to say something else Frank walked over and simply laid a baseball bat on the counter.

That’s alright Frank. Sam was just leaving. Weren’t you Sam?

Sam gave it a few seconds thought and walked off. And before Frank could make a comment. Margret cut him off.

Don’t you start Frank I don’t even wanna hear it.

What? I wasn’t going to say a word. he replied with a smirk.

Yeah right.

Sorry about that, Margret said to Jeff.

It’s cool.

I hope you can stay for my next song.

I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Two

Margret

A s Margret stood behind the curtains building up her courage before going on stage. She parted them and noticed him walk through the door and up to the bar. It was something about him that caught her attention. She couldn’t pin-point what it was. She gave him a once over analyzing him. He looked to be around 6" maybe with a slim build. But a toned frame, a man who you could tell cared about his appearance. He knew how to compliment his body with the right stuff.

It was time to do her thing when the announcer came on stage. She said a quick prayer and walked on the stage as he finished. Normally, nothing else mattered. She usually blocked everything out and only focused on her song. But for some odd reason she couldn’t block him out. She decided if she just closed her eyes. She wouldn’t be distracted by him.

She felt herself getting into the song, she was in her zone. She felt that easiness and comfort fall over her like her favorite sweater. But that was quickly broken when she opened her eyes and was staring directly at him. And for a split second she lost her place. She smiled and played it off. She composed herself and got back into it. Giving the audience a part of herself. Sharing her passion of music, poetry and love.

The crowd gave her a standing ovation. It made her feel good to see people enjoy her talent. As she ended her thank you.

As soon as she started walking off stage she saw the one thing she was hoping not to see, Sam. Wondering why was he here. He clearly made his point earlier about them. She was not in the mood for him and his bullshit. She had had enough of his games and lies.

Margret saw out the corner of her eye that Frank had one hand on top of the bar counter and the other hand under the counter which meant he was either clutching his 9mm or the baseball bat he kept for rowdy out of control customers. It’s good sometimes when you have a brother whose 250 pounds of pure muscle she thought.

Sam finally left and Margret went back on stage to do one more song. But she knew Sam wasn’t going to leave that easy even though he knew Frank was ready to beat him down. Frank and Sam never really liked each other anyway. Frank tolerated Sam because her. Today was the same routine, just another day.

After finishing her last song, Margret noticed Jeff was gone. She wanted to get to know him better. Figure out what intrigued her so much about him. She decided to call it a night and turn in early. Grabbed her tips and headed for the door.

Good night Frank. Love you.

Do you need me to walk you out?

No, I’ll be alright.

Love you more sis.

Frank knew just as she did that Sam was outside waiting on her to finish. And sure enough he was leaning on her Suzuki GSXR 750.

I would appreciate it if you would remove yourself from my property.

He flashed that charming smile he always did in hopes of getting her to calm down and at least listen.

Just hear me out for a second please.

Look!

One minute please.

You have one minute starting now, go.

First off. I wanted to tell you I’m sorry baby. I’ve been under a lot of stress these past few days. And I’m sorry I took it out on you. You’re the last person I ever want to hurt.

You know what Sam, let me stop you there because I have had it with your lies and cheating.

Cheating? I’m not cheating on you baby. I promise.

Sam, do you see Bo-Bo the fool written across my forehead? Hell no you don’t. So don’t try to run that lame tired ass story on me. I already know you weren’t with your boys on Tuesday.

One thing she learned about Sam is that he was good at telling a lie. He could look her dead in the face and not even miss a beat. And sure enough, he didn’t change not one ounce of his facial expression.

Margret, how many times do we have to go through this.

Forty seconds

I’m not cheating on you. I wasn’t with another female. I was watching the game just like I said.

Margret didn’t have any real proof at first of him cheating. Just that hunch a woman gets when she thinks her man is up to no good. Her momma didn’t raise no fool.

Margret knew he was cheating. He knew how to cover his tracks so he wouldn’t get caught.

She needed to get away from him because she knew if she stayed any longer. She would end up giving in.

Move Sam. Your time is up.

Baby wait. Just give me another minute.

You asked for a minute and you had your minute. Now your time is up.

Sam blew out a sigh of air as he grabbed his temple.

Either you’re going to move or I’ll get Billy Boy to help you move. Your choice

No need to act like that. Can I come over later?

Yeah, to get your stuff before someone steals it from the curb she replies as she put on her helmet to leave.

At times like this, riding her motorcycle relaxed her. She was able to zone everything out. Nothing but her and the open road.

Margret needed to hurry up and get on the road because she needed to see things thru a clear head. She refused to go thru a relationship where she couldn’t trust the person she was with. As she got closer to the on ramp, the more her heart started to pump. She felt that serge of rush hit her and she felt her right hand squeeze the throttle adding more speed to her rush. Constantly watching the road ahead as the odometer went from one hundred six, one hundred twenty, one hundred thirty-five.

The