The Worst Year of My Life

By Denise Marie Mottley

Denise has beaten the odds; A successful co-owner of two soul food restaurants and married to Curtis, the ideal man. You would think having a new baby would bring a bundle of joy, but it hasn't, especially when having more kids was not in her plans, and not knowing who the father is makes it even worse. Having her husband's best friend express his love for her, and also finding herself trapped in the middle of a lesbian love triangle, the perfect vacation called LIFE has now become a suitcase full of baggage, filled with DECEIT, ADULTERY, BIGAMY and MURDER made this the worst year of Denise's life.
After months of living a double life & loosing her faith in God, Denise realizes that no matter what she has done God is always faithful.
When you think God has left your side he is actually walking in front of you leading the way!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9781479788811

Denise Marie Mottley

Denise M. Mottley is the mother of two children; Dedrick Mottley & Percilla Doss. As a single parent she has been to the bottom and now she's on her way to the top. Denise was born & raised in Chicago IL. She now resides in Green Bay WI. Denise gives all the credit & acknowledgment for this book to God. Without God none of this would be possible. "They say God works in mysterious ways, but he is not a mystery to me. What a year."

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Copyright © 2013 by Denise Marie Mottley.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Rev. date: 03/05/2013

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Contents

Something New

A New Life, A New Day, A New Me!!!

I don’t know where to start; I guess I will start in the spring when it all began. Curtis and I were having a get together at our house with some of our closest friends. My sister and her girlfriend had already arrived. A couple of ladies that I use to work with were in town and my bestie from Illinois was driving up for the weekend. Curtis had invited six of his coworkers and Morehouse College buddies over.

It was around three o’clock and my sister Patty and a few other friends were sitting on the patio talking and laughing when I drove up from the grocery store. I took the bags in the house and started unpacking them when my bestie Ricki and her girlfriend walked in. She said hey diva, I turned and she gave me this huge smile. I hadn’t seen Ricki in almost a year. We both have been so busy with our careers and life changes. We felt that this weekend had to happen. She looked at me and said; damn this marriage life has you looking like a million bucks. I smiled Introduce me to Ms. Lisa. She turned around to look at her mate, Lisa this is my girl Dee. Hi Lisa nice to finally meet you. I am so glad you girls made it. So am I. Ricki did you see Pat and Nell in the back on the patio? No I didn’t, I’m going to go say hi. She grabbed Lisa by the hand and as they walked out the back door my husband Curtis walked up from the basement.

He gave me a big kiss and said Dee everything is all set up down stairs. Then he grabbed me by my hand and led me through the living room up the stairs to the master bedroom. He started kissing me on my forehead then down my neck. He started unbuttoning my shirt. I said honey we have guests here already. The party doesn’t start until eight; those are your lady friends that decided to arrive early. I laughed as he kissed my mouth and stuck his tongue in. My husband is a great kisser. We kissed while he massaged my breast. I don’t even no how he managed to get my shirt unbuttoned. He put one of my breasts in his mouth and I wanted to stop him but it felt to damn good. As he moved from one breast to the other he unzipped my Capri’s and slid his finger down my shorts. He fondled me and I got wetter and wetter. He brought his mouth up from my breast and started kissing me again. This is all mines. He motioned my hopeless body over to my side of our king size bed and he pushed me back on it. He pulled my Capri’s off; I had already slipped out of my Steve Madden flip-flops. Curtis stop somebody might come up here. He kissed me between my thighs as he put his face in between my precious place. He licked and sucked until I came in his mouth. He then pushed me up into the center of the bed. He started to put his man hood inside of me. I asked, Do we have any condoms? No. Then he inserted his hard cock in my special place. He made love to me like it was our first time. He had me moaning and screaming his name. We made love for two hours. He explored this body from head to toe. Then we dozed off in each other’s arms.

When I woke up I could hear loud music coming from the basement. I looked over at the clock, it was seven and Curtis was knocked out. I lie here thinking now why didn’t he put on a condom. He knows I don’t want any more kids. I have two adult kids and I am done. I am making an appointment Monday so I can take the steps to get my tubes tied. The only reason I have never gotten that done is because, before I met Curtis I was in relationships with females for most of my adult life. Hell all the shit I’ve done to this body in the past twenty years, popping diet pills every dam day, casually drinking; this poor body is not fit to carry a baby. Sometimes I feel like im being selfish because he has no kids, oh well. As I lay here I’m wondering, what was behind the sudden love making in the middle of the dam day with guest right outside. Could it be that Ricki and I dated years ago? Shit I don’t know what was up with him, but I do know that the sex was great! I shoved him; Curtis wake up the party is starting without us. He looked up at me and smiled.

We both headed to the bathroom at the same time. He reached for a towel to wash his privates. Let me do that. I wet the towel and started wiping him. He said, Aren’t you going to use soap? I continued to wipe him off. Then I got on my knees and started licking and sucking on my husband until I was in the same rhythm with him, as he moved his penis back and fourth in my mouth. I took it all, and after about fifteen minutes of him fucking my face I was ready for him to explode in my mouth. I thought to myself, be careful what you ask for because as soon as that thought ran through my head my little mouth was full of sperm. I crawled over to the toilet and spit it out. He lifted me up from the floor by my arm and kissed me oh so passionately. He washed his body and I stepped into the shower. A few minutes later he said I’m headed down stairs. I showered, put on a pair of tight fitting Capri Jeans, with a sexy little top and my cleavage was sitting up nice. I brushed my bald blond head then quickly made up the bed and headed down stairs.

No one was in the living room or dining room. The party was for damn sure on the lower level. I walked down stairs and greeted everyone. None of the ladies that were here from earlier gave me funny looks when I walked in. But I myself felt bad. I know Patty held it down for me. The ladies were at the card table playing spades and getting there bubbly on. I mean kicking it hard. A couple of my girls were sitting off to the side talking. My man was sitting at the bar having a beer. One of his college buddies name Percy was bartending and his sluttish girlfriend was all up in my mans face. Laughing and giggling.

I walked over to them. Hello Percy. Hello Denise, how are you this evening? I am great, ready to get this damn party started. I think they have started without you. I think you’re right! Percy can I have a Smirnoff cooler? Yes you can. He opened it and handed it to me. Curtis gave me a straw and a napkin to wrap around the bottle. He knows that’s how I like to drink my cooler.

I proceeded to walk into the T.V room. All Curtis buddies were sitting around watching a fight on our fifty inch flat screen. When I walked in most of them greeted me with a hug and kiss on the cheek. The other few were to busy watching the fight they just said hey. These were the nicest guys I’ve ever met. Great personalities, polite, kind, and not to mention fine as hell! I sat on the arm of one of the couches and in walks Curtis. He kisses me on the forehead and I whisper to him, Tell Percy, Michelle is not invited over here ever again. He smiled and said okay, you no she’s just a little tipsy." I gave him that; I don’t give a fuck look. Then I got up and went to the kitchen in the back.

I should have already had this food cooked, fucking with Curtis, literally. I pulled to bags of chicken from the freezer, the kind that’s already battered. I put my water on for my pasta. I got my grease hot and ready so I could fry my chicken. I took tuna and crackers out to the boys that were watching the fight. I took the girls some chips and a dip. They were having a good ole time. Talking shit to each other about the card game.

I walked back into the kitchen and this bitch Michelle is behind me. You have such a lovely house and husband. Now I did not let that inner hood creep out. I looked at her and said honey you really should eat something, I think you are a little wasted. Girl I am. I think I should go eat some tuna. I started frying the chicken and right about now im on my second cooler and feeling nice. Someone walks in behind me and covers my eyes. It’s definitely a man because his manhood is pressed up against my ass. I knew who it was from the cologne that he had on. It was Joe, Curtis best friend and college roommate. He was also the best man at our wedding.

I turned around and he kissed me just inches away from my lips. Hello Joe I’m glad you made it. He reached over to the table and handed me these beautiful roses. I was in the flower shop looking for the perfect roses to give to you tonight and I saw these, I said these are Dee. They were a dozen of yellow and purple roses. Thanks Joe. You’re welcome.

Joe walked out and Patty walks in smiling and shaking her head. (That’s my lil sister. we are a year apart but total opposites. She has been with Nell for like sixteen years. Damn she’s good. The longest relationship I’ve had lasted for only four years I think. Shit I don’t even remember. This is my first marriage so hopefully this is it!)

Why are you shaking your head and what do you want patty? Nothing, Percy and his Lil girlfriend left. So now I’m the bartender. I came in here to get some beers. They’re in the fridge. As she walks out with five beers in her hand she smiles and says nice roses. Racks, on Racks, on Racks, That’s our little inside joke.

I spent the next hour frying this damn chicken. In walks Curtis. You need a hand in here honey? Yea can you take the paper plates and pasta out? Hey Dee it sure does smell good in here. Can I help with anything? No thanks Joe I think we got it. Honey where are the napkins? While I’m getting the napkins to give to Curtis, Joe is looking in the cabinet. Dee I’m looking for a vase. That’s okay I found one. I hand the napkins to Curtis and he gives me this funny looking smile and walks out the kitchen. Dee I filled your vase with water. Now you can cut the stems and put your roses in here. Thanks Joe.

Everyone is sitting around eating. They are having a great time. Chris says Denise I didn’t know you could cook like this; I thought your sister was the famous cook. She is a great cook, that’s why you never see me in the kitchen at the restaurant. But I know how to get around in one when I have too. Yea I see.

When the guys were done eating they went to the T.V room to play poker. After being the DJ for three hours, I played cards and Ricki and I were partners. We joked about a card game we attended together a long time ago. I think we were laughing too hard because Lisa gave Ricki a lil nudge. We were all having so much fun. After we finally lost, I got up to go to the bathroom but someone was in the back bathroom so I went upstairs to potty.

It was getting late and I was ready for bed. I was planning to sneak upstairs and crash. Ricki and Lisa were sleeping in one guest room and pat and Nell was sleeping in the other. If any of Curtis boys were staying over he had better get them situated. As I pulled up my jeans the door opens and slowly closes. It was Joe sorry didn’t know anyone was in there. Im like bullshit! What is up with Joe? He has never disrespected me. He always brings me flowers. All the guys hug and kiss me on the cheek. But the way he kissed me tonight and now this. I should probably talk to Curtis. I feel a little uncomfortable.

Joe is tall dark and fine. He and Curtis has had there own Construction Company for eight years and these guys have plenty of money. I am surprised no one has scooped Joe up. Patty told me that he has beautiful woman with him whenever he comes to the restaurant. He better watch his self because he knows that Curtis does not play when it comes to me.

I washed my hands and as I walk out Joe is standing in the kitchen and Curtis walks toward me with this shitty look on his face. Joe goes in the bathroom and Curtis says to me. What is going on? What do you mean! We will talk when you come to bed im going upstairs. Aw shit! Now I have to stay up until his boys leave. I go back downstairs. Thank god they are putting on there coats. I gave the girls hugs and walked the guys to the door. I guess Joe left after using the bathroom. Joe must be crazy!

I walked into the bedroom and Curtis was watching the sports channel. I took off my clothes and climbed in bed. I figured I would start the conversation first to try and get the upper hand especially since I didn’t do shit. I am laughing in the inside. This is bullshit.

Curtis do you trust me? Yes and It’s not you, It’s Joe. Listen, I trust you 100 percent. He is my friend, I know him and I don’t like how he looks at you. You may not see it but I do. I watch how he looks at you when you enter a room and when you leave. Dee it’s like he is mesmerized by you. Sometimes I get the feeling that he thinks that you are his wife. Something else, why is it that he never brings a date when he comes over. He has never brought a female with him when we all go out for dinner. Never!

Why does it seem like you’re upset with me Curtis? I’m not. I’m going over to see him tomorrow and talk to him. I think if this is how you feel then you should talk to Joe, maybe you’re wrong. That’s what I told my husband but before tonight I never felt this way about Joe liking me. Another thing, he has a picture of you and him that was taken on our wedding day enlarged and on his desk. Yea we will have a long man to man talk tomorrow." Curtis kissed me goodnight and we went to sleep.

The next morning I woke up Curtis was not in bed. I could smell breakfast cooking in the kitchen. Patty is getting it in. I get up wash my face, brush my teeth and throw on a pair of jogging pants and go down stairs. I could smell the Maxwell House brewing. I need a cup. I could here Ricky and Lisa talking and loud Nell cracking jokes.

Good morning girls. I walked in the kitchen and kissed patty on the cheek. Good morning Dee I need two Excedrin. I laughed as I walked to the bathroom to get them for her, anyone else? Nell says nope im all good. Lisa says no thanks. I know Ricki doesn’t like taking pills.

We all went to the dining room table to eat breakfast. Has anyone seen my husband? He left around nine. He said that he was going to the gym, Nell said. Dee what was up with Joe last night Patty said? You got me. Curtis is supposed to talk to him today. That’s probably where he is now. Ricki said I knew it, I watched how he was looking at you. He has it bad." I just shook my head. That guy is hot he could have any woman he want, why would he go there with his best friend’s wife Lisa said? He has never done anything to take me out of my comfort zone when I’m around him, but last night something was off.

Good morning ladies. We all said morning. Nell nodded her head and said, what’s up man. Curtis walks over and gives me a kiss and heads upstairs. Patty said; go see what happened so you can tell us. You all are so crazy I said. We sat around for the next three hours talking. Ricki said its time to get this drive out the way and head back to the Chi. Yea I guess we should get going to Nell said. They got their bags together and I walked them to their vehicles. If I hear anything on the construction site about Curtis and Joe, I will tell your sister then she can tell you Nell said. Ha, Ha whatever Nell! Love you guys.

I watched as both vehicles drove away. I went in and started cleaning up the kitchen and in walks Curtis. He sits in the chair at the table and just stares at me. So where have you been I asked? I went to the gym then by Joes place. What happened? We discussed everything that you and I talked about last night.

He said he would never jeopardize our brotherhood. He said that I am a lucky man to have found you and he would never cross that line. He admitted that sometimes he looks at you because he wishes that he had a woman like you. What did you say Curtis? I told him that I know he has a lot of lady friends (as a matter of fact he had a young lady upstairs in bed when I got there) I asked why he never bring any of his dates around. What did he say? He does not bring ladies around family because he isn’t that serious with anyone for them to meet his family. He doesn’t want any young lady getting the wrong idea. Well I guess I could understand that. Do you feel better now that you talked to him? Yea I guess I’m cool.

Curtis I am so pooped, I just want to lie around all day. Well let’s just do that. We watched a football game on TV and I dozed off. When I woke up I could hear Curtis on the phone saying, I told you to stop calling me. I cannot come over there. I am with my wife. I will check on you tomorrow, but you have to stop calling me when you and your man get into fights. I am married now Kim. As he walks in the living room from the kitchen I sat up and looked at him. Who was that? Kim, she keeps calling me every time that fool of a man pisses her off. I don’t see why the hell she got pregnant by him. Aw she’s pregnant? Yes. How many months is she? I think a month. Its not yours is it? No! So when was the last time you saw her? Last month Denise. She was bleeding and she called me to take her to the doctor. You’re kidding me right? She found out that this is going to be a high risk pregnancy. They ran some test. I took her home and I left. I asked her not to call me again. Is this your fucking baby Curtis? I have been married to you for two years, how in the fuck could that be my baby. I got up grabbed my purse and headed for the door. Where in the hell are you going? You can go see what she wants now because I’m out. I walked out the door and told him to kiss my ass. He yelled FUCK YOU as I slammed the back door.

I got in my car. I was pissed, didn’t no where to go. I didn’t want to go to Patty’s. I don’t like anyone in my business even if it is my family. I called Ricki and I got her voicemail machine. I drove around for about twenty minutes. Then I called Joe. "Hello Joe this is Dee are you busy? No what’s up? I need someone to talk to, is it okay if I come over? Yes come on. I wasn’t that far from his house. It took me about fifteen minutes to get there. He was standing in the doorway as I pulled up in my silver BMW. Joe has a really nice house. He had it built. It was a straight bachelor pad. Not a woman’s touch at all. But it was a bad ass crib. Glass every where, leather furniture, definitely a man’s stomping ground.

He walked out and opened my car door. Hey Dee, first your husband this morning and now you, what’s up? We walked in the house. Would you like anything to drink? I have wine or your favorite cooler. I know that you don’t drink soda, I have bottled water. I would like a cooler, thanks. A cooler it is. He sat on the couch across from me. So what’s going on? Did you know that Curtis was still in contact with Kim? Yes but its nothing to it. Why? Did you know that she was pregnant? Yes by some low life from Detroit. She called Curtis asking him to come over. He told me that he took her to the doctor last month. I asked him was it his baby. (My phone is ringing. I looked at it its Curtis.) I sent his ass to voicemail. Trust me Dee that is not his baby. I told Curt to stop talking to that trick. Dee he would never do anything to hurt you, let alone loose you. You are his world. I know I’m just so mad right now.

He got up and put his arms around me to give me a hug. Dee I want to tell you something. I just need to get this off my chest. Earlier when Curt came over I lied to him. I’m sure he told you what we talked about. Yea he did. Dee I am deeply in love with you. I have been every since Curt introduced me to you. The reason why I have not settled down is because if something was to ever go wrong in your marriage I want to be the man you come running to. I want to love you and take care of you.

Joe stop, I can’t hear this right now. I am sorry I just need you to know this. He leaned in to kiss me & the smell of his cologne made me weak. I kissed him back. It was like a five second peck. I stood up grabbed my purse and said by. Joe rushed to the door behind me and grabbed me by my wrist. I turned and faced him. He looked deep into my eyes and said, I love you and I will not stop until you are mine. You have me mentally and you didn’t even know. Well now you do.

I got in my car asking myself what in the hell just happened. Why in the hell did I go over there and now I no Joe is nuts. My phone rang again. Hello. Where are you, I have been calling you? I’m at Wal-Mart. When will you be home we need to talk? In about thirty minutes. Okay. Bye. I went to Wal-Mart grabbed a few items and headed home. I tried calling Ricki to tell her what had just happened. Now her phone was powered off. Bitch, I really need to talk to her. She’s my best friend.

I pulled into the driveway Curtis walks out. Do you need some help with the bags? Nope I got it. I walked in and hung my purse up. Took off my shoes and slipped into my slippers. I started taking the food out of the bags. He starts to help. Where were you? Riding around and then I stopped at the store. Dee I’m sorry for raising my voice earlier, I love you so much. He leaned over to kiss me. Where else did you go, I smell cologne on you. I saw Paula and Troy at the gas station and I gave them both a hug so maybe you smell Troy’s cologne. I love you Denise and I need you to know that I will never cheat on you. Kim is old news. I was just trying to help a friend out. You are the woman I chose to marry. So believe me when I say I want only you. Yes I pray that someday soon we will get pregnant. I want a son with you. Curtis let’s just forget about today’s drama and move on okay. Okay Dee.

Did you eat while you were out? No I’m not hungry, I just want to shower and get in bed. Do you have a busy day tomorrow? Yes, a meeting with pat and a realtor for that other property we are looking to purchase for the new restaurant. I have to sign payroll checks and then another meeting. What about you? Busy as hell, I don’t even want to think about tomorrow. I’m going upstairs Curtis, are you coming? I’m right behind you Dee.

I was showering letting the warm water run over my bald head as I played back in my head what had just happened at Joes place. I jumped. You scared me. Would you like for me to wash your back? Sure that would be nice. A few seconds later I realized that he wanted to do more than just make sure my back was clean. We made love in the shower, it was mostly oral satisfaction. We got out and Curtis picked me up and took me to the bed. In my head I’m thinking how fine this man of mine is. He is strong, fit, and sexy. He laid me on the bed and turned me on my stomach. He propped me up and slowly inserted one of his fingers in the wrong hole. It took my breath away and it felt so good. It sent some kind of rush through my entire body. The more I moaned the more intense it was. He took his finger out and licked my ass hole. I could feel his hard dick on my leg. He pulled me up and back toward him and he stuck his dick inside my pussy. He fucked me so hard and fast like he was angry and proving to me that this was his pussy. He was not making love to me. He was fucking me and mumbling words that I could not make out. I wanted him to stop, but I didn’t no how to say that to my husband. I did not enjoy it nor did I cum. When he was done he kissed me, turned his back and he went to sleep. We never sleep with our backs to one another. I laid here thinking. We have had sex in that very same position and it was awesome, what the hell. Is he mad about earlier today? That has to be it. I can not sleep. I got up went to the kitchen to get a glass of water and I stood there in the dark. Today was the first time in the two years that I’ve been married that we have had an argument. I know that sounds crazy but its true. I have this strange feeling that after tonight it’s going to only get worse. My cell is blinking. Ricki must’ve returned my call. I looked at my phone; she and Joe had left a text message. Joe text said: I hope everything is okay with you. I need to see you when you get a chance. I love you Dee. I erased it so fast that I mistakenly deleted all my messages. He loves me; he is in love with me. What am I suppose to do. I need to talk to Curtis. He will snap the hell out. I shook my head and went back to bed. Curtis and I agreed when we got married that trust comes first. We agreed we won’t touch the other person’s cell. I’ll be dammed, if we did not have that rule and he came down stairs before me and read that text. God bless Joe. I woke up around eight. I heard Curtis in the shower earlier so it’s my time to get up. I smell coffee. These sheets smell like pussy and sex. I pulled them off the bed and took them down to the washer before I got into the shower. Good Morning honey. Good Morning. Would you like breakfast? I have time to whip you something up before I leave. No thanks, I’m going to just have some coffee and maybe a bagel. Patty and I might grab a bite after our meeting this morning. I went down stairs and put the sheets in the washer and on my way back up the stairs I glanced over at the roses Joe had given me. I smiled. They were still beautiful. I was half way up the stairs then I ran back down and put water in the vase. Can I have a kiss before I leave? I gave him a sweet I haven’t brushed my teeth yet kiss. Have a great day, see you later. I went upstairs to shower. When I stepped out my husband was standing there with my towel. Let me dry you off. I thought you had left. I did, but I wanted to know what time you would be home tonight, I want to cook you dinner. I’m thinking around six. I should be home between five and five thirty so I will get started cooking honey. I stood there looking at him while he dried my body. Dee I am sorry about last night. I know that I was to ruff. Please forgive me. It’s fine Curtis don’t worry about it. Okay, I love you and I will see you tonight. While I was putting clean sheets on the bed all I could think about was Joe. Everything he said to me yesterday, the text message that kiss. I got so horny thinking about how close he was sitting next to me on the couch. I retrieved my vibrator got in the bed and my juices flowed all on the clean sheets that I had just put on the bed. I cleaned myself up got dressed and headed down town to the realtor’s office. As I drove down town I strolled through my phone. My doctor’s number was not programmed in my phone. Shit. I need to get in there so I can get these tubes burnt. I laughed out loud as those thoughts entered my head.

What in the hell will I do with a baby. I am thirty eight years old. I am just getting my grind and my life on the straight and narrow. I am happy with my life. As I pulled into the parking lot I see Patty sitting in her trail blazer running her mouth on the phone. I bet she is talking to Nell. Curtis told me that Nell is always on her phone at the construction sights. He always says, I guess since she is family she thinks she can get away with that. I tell him that I don’t want to hear it. He’s always saying that’s your sister n law or brother n law whatever you want to call her. He says that I need to talk to her about that phone. I respond by saying she is your damn employee not mine. I get out of my car and I guess Patty notices me. She hangs up her phone and jumps out of her truck. She says to me in a very loud voice where have you been? The meeting does not start until ten. You were probably doing god knows what with that husband of yours. No, I was doing it all with Me, Myself, and I. You are so nasty. We both chuckled as we walked into the building. My name is Denise Smith and we have an appointment with Shanta Dunlap. One moment, I will let her no that you ladies are here please have a seat. Thanks. Before Patty and I could sit down, Ms. Shanta bounces from the back of the office and greets us with a big smile. Good morning how are you both doing on this beautiful Monday? We are awesome and you? I am fantastic Pat. We followed her to a conference room in the back. I was watching her. She was a striking young lady. Pretty, black hair, long brown legs, and a great personality. She is pretty damn hot. Patty whispers to me she has a nice ass. I smile and say I no! You ladies can have a seat and help yourself to coffee and doughnuts if you want. None for me I’ve already had two cups and another cup would only put me on nine hundred. (Not to mention the caffeine in these dam diet pills im taking makes me feel like I’ve already had four cups). None for me but thanks anyway says patty. Well let’s get down to business. We went over the asking price for the property. We did a lot of reading and asked a lot of questions. The meeting lasted for an hour and a half then we left to go and look at the property. Patty drove and I road with her. Shanta drove her two thousand and fourteen drop top Lexus. It was nice. Chatty Patty talked the whole ride there. How are you and Curtis doing Dee? We are good. What’s up with the Joe situation? Girl you wont believe me if I told you, and I really don’t want to talk about it now. Well since you don’t want to talk about that, how is my niece? She is good. I spoke with her Friday. I told you she is dating this young man named Chad. Is he white? Why? Because Dee, we have always said that Percilla would date white or mixed boys. I laughed. Yes he is and he’s a very nice young man. How old is he? He’s twenty one. He comes from a very wealthy family and he has been on the deans list for two years at Marquette University. I hope he’s helping Cilla study. Are they doing it? What studying? Funny, you know what I’m talking about Dee. She says no, but I took her to get birth control pills last year. I am so proud of my niece. You have done a great job with her. Aw thanks Patty. Let me tell you this. Curtis has been talking with Nell about you all having a baby. He wants a son so bad. What are you going to do? I am making an appointment to get my tubes burnt the fuck up. Dee you need to talk to him. If he finds that out it won’t be nice. I no, but girl can you see me with a damn kid? I cannot do any more kids! Starting over, who me. It’s been more than a fucking decade since I had a kid. Shit almost two decades. I know how you feel but you have some serious talking to do with your husband girl. You all need to make that decision together as far as getting your tubes, as you say, burned the fuck up.

We were laughing so hard when we pulled up to our soon to be, second soul food establishment.

We got out the car and I was checking out the neighborhood. Nice I thought to myself. Shanta unlocked the doors and we walked in. To my surprise this place was spotless. When we purchased our first restaurant we had to hire professional cleaners. This place is nice and it’s spacious. Patty walked to the back where the kitchen was located. Aw yea baby we want this! Shanta and I smiled. Shanta, can you get me the resident’s addresses for this neighborhood, at least about a six mile radius I asked. Yes I can do that Ms. Smith. I can fax that over to you later on today. May I ask what you need them for? I would like to conduct a survey. Send out questionnaires to the residents to find out how many would dine at a soul food restaurant, how often would they dine in or take out. I want to send our menu out also. This is why she’s the oldest sister Patty said, and by the way we want this place. Yea Shanta I think you can start with the paper work I said. Great, I will draw up the forms as soon as I get back to the office. As we exited the store Patty was so excited. She gave me a big hug and said I love you Dee. I felt all warm inside. Patty dropped me back off at my car. Dee when will you be stopping by the restaurant to sign the pay roll checks? I have a meeting at one o’clock. I will stop by after that. Okay, love you. Love you too Patty. I started up my car and pulled off. My cell rang, its Joe. What in the hell does he want? Hello Joe. Hi Dee how’s it going today? I am great. How did it go with the realtor? Good, how did you no about that? Curt told me about it. Did you get my text yesterday? Yes I did. I will be busy all week Joe what is it that you need to talk about? I would rather talk face to face. You don’t have to come to the house I can meet you somewhere. Joe I am extremely busy this week. Maybe some time next week. Are you coming to the basketball game Saturday? Yes I will be there cheering you guys on. I can’t wait to see your face. Joe I have another call I will see you Saturday. Okay. Bye. Hello. Hi honey what’s up? Nothing much I’m on my way to a meeting. Who with? It’s a new project that I am looking into. We will talk about it tonight during dinner okay. Fine! How is your day? Very busy, you have been on my mind ever since I left the house Dee. I feel really shitty about last night. I told you that it’s okay, really I’m over it. How are things coming along at the site? The damn water main broke so now we have to wait for the city to come out. Those bastards always take their sweet ass time. It’s gonna be a long day. Well honey they are radioing me I will see you tonight. Love ya. Love you to. I arrived at the property ten minutes early. I got out of my car and walked around to the back. The neighborhood seemed nice and quiet. It should be because the asking price for this place is a killing. My project. My very own building. It is a three story building that I plan on remodeling into condos. All upscale appliances, lighting fixtures, flooring, a bathroom to die for and windows that run from the ceiling to the floor. I want it to look just as good as my own home. I want it to be a place that is so spectacular that once you move in you won’t want to leave. I can’t wait to see the inside of this place. I want to see what I’ll be working with. I know a great inspector. He inspected our home when we purchased it. He will find everything that needs to be fixed. From the electricity to the plumbing he will let me know if this is a good buy or not. The owner arrived as I walked from the back of the building. Hi I am Mr. Paul. Hi Paul I am Denise Smith. He extended his hand. I shook it. Well I see you were looking in the back. Yes I was, but I am anxious to see the inside. I bet you are.

When I rented these apartments I rented to older couples. I figured that way it would be less maintenance. How long have you owned this building? Ten years. I lived on the first floor the entire ten years. My wife passed away last year so I’ve decided to move to Florida closer to my kids and grand kids. Ms Smith you mentioned on the phone that you were married. Yes I am. My husband owns a construction company. I wanted you to meet him but he couldn’t get away. I wanted to see the property. I will bring him by to see what he thinks. How long have you been married? Two great years! Are you happy? (What a question for a stranger to be asking.) Yes I am Mr. Paul. We walked up to the third floor apartment. I thought to myself, Yes I am happy. (Everything was perfect until yesterday. My husband has another woman thinking he should be taking care of her and her unborn child. My husband best friend is in love with me and I have not a clue why. Should I just fuck him maybe then he will forget about me. Maybe that’s all he wants. For all I know guys sit around and talk about their women and sex life with each other. Shit for all I no Curtis has told Joe that when we were dating we fucked on an elevator and got caught. Or that one night we went to one of there abandoned construction sites and had sex. Did he tell him how my ass was all bruised from the stack of bricks I was up against? Maybe he even told Joe about the time I sucked his dick on a red eye flight to Vegas a few weeks ago. Shit maybe Joe just wants to fuck me?) Yes Mr. Paul I am a blessed young lady. My sister and I are partners. We own a soul food restaurant downtown Depere. We are so fortunate that we will be opening up another one on the east side of Green Bay. I love to see young people out here prospering. You must be following the word of God? Yes I am, I always have. Well good luck to you. Hopefully we will be able to strike a deal soon. The apartments were really nice. I would pull all the cabinets from the kitchens and bathrooms. I would replace the toilets. Granite counter tops everywhere. I will have the best GE appliances on the market. I will have washer and dryers installed. One great thing was that all the flooring on each floor had been recently done. The floors shined so bright I could see my reflection on them. I hope Curtis likes it and backs me on this. I will not need his help financially, but I still would love his approval and go ahead. So when would be a good time for you and your husband to come back? I was thinking next Tuesday but I would have to check with him. You know Mr. Paul I’m sure that would work out so let’s shoot for Tuesday around ten a.m. Is that fine with you? Yes in deed. I shook Mr. Paul’s hand and thanked him for his time. I got back in my car thinking, I hope me and Curtis have a long happy marriage because I don’t plan on doing this again. I went and signed payroll checks. It was five when I left the restaurant. Patty had me helping out at the register. I was pissed. I had on my favorite Ralph Lauren two piece business suit and I had on heels. I don’t know why she is in that damn restaurant every day. We have two managers on duty all day.

Once I pulled up to pats house I saw that Nell’s car was not in the drive way. She must be working late. I forgot to call Keasha, Curtis’s secretary to see if his schedule is free next Tuesday. I called the office: Hello this is Smith and Mathew’s construction company can you please hold. Thanks for holding how can I help you? Hello Keisha this is Mrs. Smith can you please check Mr. Smith calendar for next Tuesday between ten and twelve and let me no if he has an opening. If so can you pencil me in and I will discuss it with him tonight. Please hold for one minute. Yes Mrs. Smith his schedule is open for those hours and I have penciled you in. Thanks so much Keisha, you have a great evening. You do the same Mrs. Smith.

I walked in the front door. My mom was in the kitchen. The door is never locked during the day, where they do that at? I guess when you move into a suburban neighborhood where the crime rate is zero you can do that. Since President Obama has served a second term the economy is sweet. Unemployment is at an all-time low. The crime rates in most of our big cities are down. Most importantly out Troops are home. Hey Ma. Hey Dee, I didn’t know that you were stopping over. I wanted to surprise you. What are you doing? Cooking, noodles I bet? Yup how did you know? I just laughed. While she ate I told her about today’s events and what has been going on with her oldest daughter. Not the Joe stuff though. I had been there for about an hour. Ma I think I’m going to get going because Curtis is cooking dinner. As I gathered up my things the door bell rang. I opened it and I’ll be damn it was Joe. Hey Dee I looked dumb founded. Come in Joe my mom said. I thought you would be here at five thirty. I was but I got tied up at the office. I was on my way out you all have a great evening. Ma I will call you later. Okay sweetie. Let me walk you to your car Dee. Joe I’m fine. I don’t need you to walk me to my car. He followed behind me and grabbed me by the hand. Stop avoiding me Dee. Joe cut it out before Nell pulls up. I don’t need this bull right now. Okay I will leave you alone for now. I will see you Saturday.

I walked in the house and it smelled so good. It was around six thirty. Hey Curtis it smells good in here. Sorry im late. One thing I can say about this man is that he can surely cook and he loves to cook for me. (He would rather cook a meal at home and have dinner parties rather than go out to eat. But he does spend his share of time at Patty’s soul food restaurant and he does not eat free. The food is just so damn good but I rarely eat there. I am too insecure about my body. I worked to hard for to long to look like this. Every one thinks that I am a dime. I think I am hot and sexy. I’m five feet five inches and a hundred and forty pounds. I’ve managed to maintain my weight for the past two years and when you have money you tend to look like a million bucks. I had spiraled downward after my break up with the last woman I was with. A woman I truly believed I would grow old and grey with. I started eating everything, drinking for the hell of it, destroying my poor little body. Look how life spins you. God helped me out of that hole. My bestie always called and encouraged me and I had not even told her what my issues were. Cilla was still living at home and she was also great. I got through it, over it, and look at me now.) That’s okay honey I was running a little behind myself. You have time to get comfortable and I got us a great bottle of wine that Keisha recommended. I kissed him on the cheek and turned to go upstairs. Honey don’t shower I was thinking we could take a bath together later. Okay sounds good. My body feels like I ran a marathon today. I guess with the excitement of purchasing a new restaurant and possibly buying a piece of property that I can call all mines. Well Curtis is my husband so it would be his also. Just like all that damn money he has in the bank, I have access to it.

I really don’t want to think about Joe tonight. What in the hell was he doing visiting my mother. Joe’s parents died in an airplane accident when he was in his second year of college at Moore House. He and his brother inherited like millions of dollars Curtis once told me. Every since he met my mom three years ago he has just adored her. But what kind of man intrudes on his best friend’s family just for the hell of it? It would be different if I had flirted with him or even given him the impression that I was the least bit interested in him. But I did no such thing.

I took off my clothes slipped on some booty shorts and a t shirt. Dinner smells so good I can’t wait to eat I’m starving. I washed my face and stared at myself for a minute. I am a Lil cutie. My skin is flawless, I have never worn makeup and my sex appeal is like a diamond in the rough. What I mean by that is I am a perfect diamond, but if you get me in a nasty situation I can be rough. Whether it’s a silly hoe being ignorant and I have to set her straight or some silly fool bothering my daughter or taking care of business in the bedroom. (A diamond in the rough, that’s me.)

I got the candles out and lit them around the sauna. I don’t think I could live without this tub. Hey sweetie is dinner ready. I am just waiting for the rice. I just poured you a glass of wine. Thanks. So Keisha mentioned that you asked her to block out my calendar for a few hours on Tuesday. I said yes with this huge smile on my face. What’s got you all happy? I want to buy a three story building. It is located on the upper south side of town. I went to look at the property today and it’s nice. I want this to be my own little project. I plan on turning all three apartments into condos. Remodeling and Decorating. I want the money that I made being co-partner with Patty to show for something. And also make a profit. I have enough money to flat out buy this building. I already no what type of counter tops I want in each kitchen. Slow down Ms interior decorator. Okay. When did you decide that this was something you wanted to do and why am I just hearing about it? Well I have always wanted to own my own building and I just wanted to find the perfect investment before I told you. Curtis did not say a word as he prepared our plates. So honey can you make it Tuesday. Of course I can. I already told Keisha to cancel all my appointments after twelve o’clock Tuesday. He set my plate in front of me and poured me another glass of wine. Maybe we could drive down to Chicago after I see the building and do a nice walk on the Magnificent Mile. I got up out of my seat and gave him the biggest hug and kiss. I love you Curtis I really do.

On my plate were crab legs, steamed veggies and rice. This wine has me hot and bothered if you no what I mean. I said after last night it would be a while before Mr. Curtis gets some of this sweetness. But now after all this talk. Well I guess we will just see about that. We talked about his hectic day, the restaurant, me visiting my mom. Then he turns my smile upside down when he tells me that his brother is having a dinner party for his wife’s promotion.

I can’t stand that hoe. Now Curtis brother Gregory is a great guy. He is a family man. They have twin boys and Curtis just adores them. That reminds me, I have to get my doctors number out of my phone book tonight and program it in my cell. But this hoe Tiffany treats him like shit. They have plenty of money. They live in this big ass house on the other side of town. I have always felt that she was a gold digger. She is a producer at the local television studio. Before she got pregnant Greg was going to leave her ass, but guess what all of a sudden she is pregnant with twins and he marries the hoe. Now she really thinks that weave is real. They need to stop sewing it in her head so tight and those bad ass twins. One of them broke my damn vase the last time they were over here.

Curtis new I was pissed that day. I told him the next time he wants to see his nephews go to their damn house up in the hills and take there bad asses to the park.

So the queen B got a promotion? Nice. Yea the dinner starts at seven this Friday will you be my date? Of course I will. Are you going to behave? Of course I am. Leave the dishes Curtis I will wash them in the morning. Dee, tell me again why you use our dishwasher for stuff other than the dishes. I told you we did not have a dish washer growing up so I like doing it the old fashioned way honey. Okay have it your way. Let’s get in the sauna and soak Dee. You go run the water and I will rinse the plates, wipe the table off and take out the garbage. Okay see you in a minute.

I love my water to be hot, hot. I dimmed the light and the candles made the room seem romantic. I did not wait for Curtis. The water was just right when I stepped in. I heard him down stairs on the phone probably talking to his brother. I don’t want to see that chic Friday. I try and avoid her at all times if possible. This water feels so good on my body.

Curtis came up a few minutes later. Who were you talking to? Greg. He wanted to know if we would be there Friday because Tiff is making up the guest list. Is the water still warm? Yes climb in. We just soaked in silence. All you could hear were the bubbles coming from the wholes in the tub. We both had our eyes closed sitting across from each other. I wonder what he was thinking about. Work the next day, maybe sex. Upset with his self because he was rough with me last night or that dam party Friday. I was in the tub with my husband and I was fantasizing about Joe Mathew’s. Why is this happening? I need prayer. His touch is so gentle. He smells of essence and he is so fine that he should be on the cover of Ebony magazine every month. I have come to realize that life is just a big old test. If you give in to temptation, if you bite from that forbidden apple nothing good will come of it.

I have a husband, a man I chose to walk down the aisle with. Who I promised to love, obey for better and for worse until death do us part. My husband is just as equally handsome and fine as Joe. But the devil is at my card game and it’s up to me to flush him out. I believe my hubby has fallen asleep. I want to go and get on top of him now because of the thoughts I’ve been thinking about another man.

Honey wake up let’s get in bed. He stepped out after me. I dried his entire body. I looked up at him as I dried his legs. He was staring down at me and at that moment I knew that I needed to tell him about Joe. We got in bed and the phone rings. He looks at the I D caller, its Ricki. Hello, hi were you asleep. No I was just getting into bed. What’s up? I was wondering if you didn’t have any plans this weekend if you could possibly drive to Kenosha. I need to see you and talk to you. Is everything okay Ricki? No, Karma is a bitch. I need to see you. Hmm okay. I am going to a dinner party at Gregory’s house Friday night. So you have to play nice with your sister in law huh? Yes, but I can head down there early Saturday morning. Is that okay? I will see you Saturday Dee. Okay. Goodnight.

What was that all about Dee? You are going to Chicago this weekend? What about my game Saturday? I am sorry honey but something isn’t right. I have never heard her sound like that. Well what did she say? Just that she needed to talk to me and it was important. Well that’s what phones are for. ("Yea tell that to