Mistress 2

By Gabrielle Taylor

Marcus and Stacy have gotten their relationship back on track. The new friends that they acquired last year are also getting their life together. However, Vanessa is home from the mental hospital. Troy and Kayla are moving on with their lives. Unfortunately, things are going to take a turn for the worse when Troy brings a new individual into his life. Rachel and Vincent are enjoying the fact that they have brought a life into this world, but things take a turn for the worse when an old friend want answers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 11, 2018
• ISBN: 9781387793112

Book preview

Mistress 2

Mistress 2

Copyrights

Copyright © 2018 by Gabrielle Taylor.

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-387-79311-2

This is a work of fiction.  Any reference to names, characters, places, events, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination.  Any resemblance to actual events, reals locales, persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

Acknowledgements

To God, all praise and worship goes to you.  Thank you!

To ALL my readers, especially those that reside in Oxford, NC, thank you for the love and support that you have shown.  You all inspire me.

Chapter One

Kayla was at a Mexican restaurant waiting for her friends to arrive.  She hadn’t seen them since her son was born.  She knew they were going to ask her a million questions since she hadn’t spoken to them in almost a year.  The problem with answering the questions would be holding her composure. 

Kaylllllllllllaaaaaa!  Lisa yelled as if they weren’t inside a public place.

Why the hell you come in this restaurant screaming?  You got these people looking at us like we’re crazy.  If I didn’t know you, I wouldn’t even think you had a PhD, Sky said with an attitude.

Is it a crime that I miss my friend?  Besides, my education does not define me.  I also don’t give a rat’s ass who stares at me.  I like the attention, Lisa said with just as much attitude as Sky.

It didn’t take much for Lisa to grab people attention with her attitude; but her looks also caught the attention of many others.  Her dark chocolate skin looked as if it had been made in a mixing bowl with organic ingredients.  The layered bob that she wore was cut to perfection.  He slanted eyes looked similar to an Asian.  Those beauties caught everyone attention.  Not to mention her slim thick frame on her 5’6 height was magnificent. 

Before Sky could respond, Kayla butted in. Hey girls.  I see y’all missed me.  Can I get a group hug?  That was Kayla’s way of defusing the situation. 

The women hugged, sat down, enjoyed some drinks, and had good conversation for about an hour before Kayla was asked the question that she knew was coming.

So why didn’t you answer our phone calls? Lisa asked.

Kayla knew Lisa would be the one to ask the question.  She always spoke her mind.  Even though most people hated her for that, Kayla loved it.

My husband cheated on me.  I didn’t know how to cope with the news so I shut everyone out.  I only communicated with my mom. Kayla stated with sadness and tears in her eyes.  However, crying was not an option.  She had done enough of that over the last several months. 

I don’t believe that.  Troy loves the ground you walk on and even a blind person can see that.  Whoever the woman is, she’s lying, Sky said with anger.

Kayla wished she was lying.  She even told herself that a little after she found out, but she couldn’t cover up the truth.  No, it’s true. He gave me the details a few months ago.

Details!  Lisa stated in shock.  I ain’t never met a man that cheated and gave details.  What kind of root did you put on him to get that information?

Kayla laughed at Lisa’s response.  That’s one of the reasons she loved her girls.  They always knew how to put a smile on her face.  I didn’t put a root on that man.  Troy has always been honest with me.

Well at least he was honest with you.  Sky stated sadly.  I haven’t seen or heard from my husband in years.

I know damn well you still aren’t stuck on that man.  Lisa said with irritation.  That man probably somewhere laid up with another woman and children.

Lisa, don’t do that, Kayla said.  She could understand how her friend felt.  Sky, I didn’t know you still were dealing with the fact that Darnell left you.

Kayla didn’t understand why Darnell left Sky.  She was sweet, caring, and beautiful.  Some people thought they looked alike.  The two of them had beautiful hair.  Darnell’s head was a crown full of dreads; while Sky wore a head full of natural curls.  They both had smooth caramel skin, hazel eyes and high cheekbones.

I would feel better about it if I got some closure, but I don’t think I’ll ever see him again. Sky stated.

Lisa wanted to be rude, but she decided not to.  Kayla, give us details.

Kayla described to her friends what happened.  When she finished they both were sitting with their mouths wide open.

Damn!  You should put that in a book, Lisa stated.

Chapter Two

Baby, are your employees coming by today?  I know you want to add more clientele to you list, Marcus asked his wife.

Yes.  Tim and Meka are going to come by.  We need to work on a few back drops for maternity shoots.  Stacy stated while putting their two month old baby in his bassinet. 

Do you want my mother to come over and watch Carter while you get some work done?  Marcus didn’t want the baby to be a distraction to his wife.  He knew she was ready to get back to work.

I think he will be fine.  Besides, Meka and Tim love to play with him.  Stacy said while heading to the kitchen to prepare some bottles for the day.

Marcus was glad that they were going into another room.  He wanted to have an important conversation with his wife and he did not want to upset her while she was dealing with the baby. 

Have you heard anything from Vanessa?  Marcus asked his wife while paying close attention to her reaction.

Stacy began to feel uncomfortable at the mention of her best friend.  No, I haven’t.  I just hope she’s getting the help that she needs.

Vanessa had been admitted to a temporary mental institution.  Her mother Judy felt like that was the best decision after discovering that she had went months without taking her medicine.  She also had slept with several different people and has no clue who the father of her son may be.

You know that she comes home at the end of the month?  Marcus asked.

Instead of verbally responding, Stacy shook her head up and down rapidly. 

I was thinking we should look into moving into a new home and selling this one.  Marcus was waiting for some type of response.  When he didn’t get one, he continued.  There’s a few houses located between your office and the hospital.  I also looked into some daycares close by.  What you think about that?

Stacy continued preparing bottles while she talked.  That was her way of avoiding eye contact with her husband.  She knew that if she let him see her face, he would be able to tell how worried she actually was.  I like this house and the neighborhood.  Why should we move?

Marcus couldn’t believe his wife was asking him that question when they were having this conversation due to her crazy friend.  We both know how Vanessa has the ability to pop up on people.  That’s how we ended up in that messy situation anyway.

You’re right.  We can go look at some places this weekend.  Stacy wasn’t interested in moving, but she knew she had to say something to make her husband feel better.

Before Marcus could respond, they heard the front door.  That instantly made Stacy feel uncomfortable.  When Marcus noticed how tense she got, he knew that they had to move.  That automatically let him know that she was more worried about Vanessa than she put on.

Girl, where’s breakfast?  I’m hungry as hell.  Tim stated while sitting at the kitchen table.

Why didn’t you eat before you came?  Where is Meka?  Stacy asked with a smile on her face.  Marcus could still tell that she was uncomfortable.

I’m right here.  I was trying to play with the baby, but he is knocked out.  Where’s breakfast?  Meka asked while taking a seat next to Tim.

Fine! I will whip up something real quick.  Stacy said while washing her hands.

Once Marcus noticed that his wife was going back to normal, he kissed her and headed out the door.  He felt comfortable leaving her and their child at home knowing that other people were there.  The two of them being home alone while Vanessa was on the loose gave him an uneasy feeling. 

Chapter Three

Rachel was sitting on a bench in the park while waiting for Veeta to arrive.  She came to that park for the food trucks.  Veeta thought they were meeting there so Rachel could walk during her pregnancy as a way of making the delivery much easier.

Hey, Rachel.  How long have you been waiting on me?  Veeta asked as she walked up.

Not long, girl.  Rachel stated while taking a break from her cone.

Why is it that every time we meet at this park, I arrive to see you eating something?  Last week it was a hotdog.  Week before last it was a funnel cake.  This week you have an ice cream cone?  Veeta said while laughing.  What will it be next week?

Rachel laughed with her friend.  She knew she was now catching on to why they had to walk in that specific park at least once a week.  I don’t know.  I’m hoping the hotdog truck will be here.  I had a bad craving for some chili cheese fries the other day.

You should’ve told Vincent to grab you some.  You know that man will do anything for you and that unborn child.  Veeta could see her friend felt a little uncomfortable with her last statement.  I hope I didn’t offend you?

Girl, no.  Rachel said while rising from the bench.  She knew her friend wanted to ask more questions due to genuine concern.  She just didn’t want to have the conversation near the people standing around the food trucks.

I’ve been meaning to ask you about how Vince is doing since the loss of his daughter? Veeta asked.  She was genuinely concerned about Vince, but she was more concerned about her own friend.

He’s fine.  He just doesn’t want me to do anything that has the potential to harm the baby.  I’m six months and he wants me to stop working. I don’t want to though.  Rachel said like she was hiding something.

Why not? 

I’ve always been independent.  I don’t want to feel like I’m depending on a man.  Rachel said while putting shades over her eyes.

Veeta knew Rachel was holding back, but her suspicions were confirmed when she put the shades over her eyes.  Rachel, Vincent has taken good care of you since the day you met him and you didn’t ask him to.  What’s really the problem?  Veeta stopped walking and grabbed her friend by the arm, forcing her to look at her.  Don’t lie to me either.

Rachel decided to continue walking before she began to talk.  If I sit in that house, all I will think about is him being with Tisha.  I know Vincent has been faithful to me since we’ve been married.  Unfortunately, my mind will lead me to think otherwise.  Rachel was now glad she had the shades over her eyes, since they were beginning to water.  Like what if he is still communicating with her?  What if he thinks about her more than me?  Does he regret marrying me instead of her?  I mean the list goes on.

Veeta could tell that her friend was getting upset, but she also had a feeling that Vincent wasn’t cheating.  Rachel, I don’t believe Vincent is thinking about any of those things you just mentioned.  If anything, he’s regretting the fact that he put himself in a situation that almost caused him to lose you.  Besides, if he wanted to marry her he would’ve.

I know, but I often get this feeling that she’s going to come back around.  Rachel said in a calm tone.

Well you don’t seem worried about it. 

That’s because I know Vince would never let anyone harm me or his child.  I also think he learned his lesson when I left him.  I just hate that it’s a gut feeling.

‘I’m not going to tell you that your intuition is wrong, but don’t let it get to you.  Like you said, Vince wouldn’t let anyone hurt you."  Veeta stated with comfort.

I know.  Rachel said.

The two women walked a few more laps in the park before they realized it was time for them to head home. 

I’m glad we had this talk.  I feel a lot better.  Rachel said while leaning in to hug Veeta.

Me too.  I’ve been meaning to have this conversation with you for a while now, but every time we get together Neicey is around. Veeta said while pulling away from the embrace her and Rachel were sharing.

You know Neicey wouldn’t tell her brother about the conversations we have.  Rachel said.

I know, but I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable.  Veeta said.  You’re my friend and he’s her brother.  Therefore, she will always have his back and I will always have yours.

I know.  Rachel stated with a smile on her face.  She loved the fact that she had a true friend.

The two women said their goodbyes and headed home.  

Chapter Four

Kayla walked into her home to see suitcases packed.  She was a little confused seeing that those bags weren’t at the door when she left home that morning. 

Troy!  Kayla yelled. 

Shhhhh.  Troy whispered walking into the living room.  I just laid Titus down.

Oh, I’m sorry.  Kayla said while taking a seat on the couch.  What’s with the bags?

Troy knew she wasn’t going to like what he was getting ready to say, but he knew this was best.  I feel like I’ve overstayed my welcome, so I’ve decided to get my own place. Troy said while taking a seat next to her.

Where did that come from?  You’ve been a great help to me and Titus.  Kayla said with a confused look on her face.

Kayla, I’m his father.  I’m supposed to help you. Troy said with an equally confused look.  Besides, you’ve made it clear that we aren’t getting back together.  We’ve been sleeping in two separate rooms since I moved back in.  I also know that you’re probably ready to start dating.  There was a hint a sadness in the last sentence.

Kayla decided to let Troy move back in after his first visit with Titus.  She could tell that Troy missed his son.  She also felt bad for letting her emotions get in the way of her child having a relationship with his father.  Troy was also a great help to her and Titus.  When it came to feeding and changing him during the night, they had a set schedule.  Kayla loved that.  Especially since those few weeks she didn’t have Troy around were tiring.  She wondered if her life was about to go back to her doing it all by herself. 

I actually haven’t thought about dating.  Kayla decided to address that comment first.  She really hadn’t thought about dating.  Maybe if you wouldn’t have cheated on me with another woman, than I would’ve considered working on our marriage, but-

You don’t have to explain.  We’ve discussed this several times.  Troy didn’t mean to interrupt his wife, but he already knew their marriage was over.  I also decided that I no longer want to hold you hostage, so I went ahead and filed for a separation.

Kayla had a look of shock and confusion.  Why did you do that without consulting me first?

I thought we were on the same page.  I apologize if I offended you.  Troy said while moving closer to rub Kayla’s back.

When Kayla realized that he was being sincere, she calmed down.  I understand.  So where are you going to stay?

I signed off on a house today.

"Really?