He Couldn't Let Go

By DioneWon

ACCOMPLISHED WELL KNOWN ENTREPRENEUR WITH SUPERB ACCOLADES, life takes an abrupt turn as a brief encounter with a particular woman who penetrates his thoughts. The explainable attraction he felt instantly resonant feelings suppressed years before. His charismatic manner attempts to gain favor, only to find her elusive toward his gesture. Startled yet intrigued he's compelled to find out more about the mysterious woman. Once her identity is revealed he uses a business endeavor to obtain an audience. Convinced shes linked to his future, although current circumstances state otherwise. As this revelation materializes it provides a glimpse into the idea of fulfillment, visualizing life with love. Transforming this career driven, pretentious party man's world into a different dimension, devoted now to creating this reality.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 21, 2013
• ISBN: 9781483632247

DioneWon

DioneWon the eldest is five siblings resides in Canton, GA where she was born and raised. Originally a psychology major at Brewton-Parker College in pursuit of wanting to be a social worker transferred after one semester to (AIU) American Intercontinental University for a degree in media production. Looking for a different career path, she developed and taste for writing after completing a writer’s course at the university while exploring the many facets the program offered. Having to withdraw from the school some time later before receiving her degree due to a medical illness DioneWon still continued to horn her craft in writing; she also got a full time job to support herself. Using these obstacles she turned her passion towards writing her first novel.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Happy Life

Tonya, refreshed and rested, sat at the hotel room desk thumbing through her schedule. She had finished her 9:00 a.m. conference call that lasted nearly two hours, so at eleven, she was still not dressed. Instead of dressing, she picked up the phone and dialed another number.

Hi, Laura, is Allen in?

Yes, Tonya, I’ll patch you right through. The line switched to satellite radio.

Good almost afternoon, I’ve been waiting to speak to you. I thought I was going to have to come and hunt you down.

Sorry, handsome. I was in meetings all this morning, and I got back from that club around 3:00 a.m. Are you busy?

Never too busy for my wife. Did you get the flowers?

What flowers—

A knock on Tonya’s hotel door interrupted her conversation. Hold on, Allen, someone’s at the door. Tonya walked over to the door, and a gentleman dressed in a bell servant’s suit smiled and handed her a crystal vase of a dozen white orchids in full bloom.

Thank you! Tonya shut the door and pulled the card from the beautiful bouquet. She walked to the table and set the vase down, smiling. Flipping the card to see the sender’s note; To a beautiful woman and a wonderful wife. Love, Allen.

The flowers are beautiful, Allen, thank so very much. When will you be home? Tonya sighed.

My flight leaves 3:00 p.m. tomorrow. Just one more day.

Tonya played with her tone. That’s great. I think the studio heads will like the club for the movie. I met one of the owners last night. I have to send the paperwork over to the club for the look over.

Well, I know they will have no problem signing anything. You are a master at contracts and legal issues, Allen said, showing his support.

Well, honey, I have to get some other things done. Let’s say we touch base around dinnertime.

That will be good. Be a good wife.

I will. I love you, Allen. Tonya put the cell phone on the table and walked to the bathroom, as she was about to wash her face, the hotel phone rang. Tonya ran over to the phone. Hello?

Mrs. Allen, this is front desk. You have a package.

OK, I’ll be right down, oh, I also need to send something off this afternoon. Can you get me a messenger to pick it up around 2:30 p.m.?

Yes, Mrs. Allen that will be no problem.

Tonya hung up the phone and proceeded to get ready.

*     *     *

Good afternoon. Someone called my room and said that I had a package here.

Yes, one moment. After completing her task at hand, the clerk turned around and reached for the maroon satin pouch. It was wrapped in a cream string.

Tonya pulled the string, and the pouch unfolded like a napkin. There was a small card inside the pouch, and Tonya read the card. Taking the apology that you owe me, the card read.

Who delivered this?

It was brought by a messenger, and the card also came with a car. Everything came after you finished your conference call this morning, Mrs. Allen.

Tonya walked outside and was greeted by a black-suit-dressed man who held the door open.

Who sent this car?

My boss gave me the assignment this morning, and I just know where to drive you to, miss.

Tonya got in the pearl-white four-door Cadillac. Where are we going?

To the spa, miss.

Tonya took out her cell phone. Hello? Hey, Tye, how are you doing?

Cool. I hear traffic in the background, where you?

That’s the reason I am calling you. I received a call at my room; they said I had a package at the front desk. I thought it may have been from Allen because he sent me flowers, but when I got to the front desk, there it was, a maroon pouch, and inside was a card, and a car was waiting outside for me. Do you know anything about it?

No, but it could be the studio saying thank you for a job well done. So stop being so paranoid and enjoy some pampering. You have just made a lot of money and a name for yourself. Oh, but please tell me, how is the lovely husband doing?

Tye! What do you know?

There was a brief pause over the line while Tonya waited and checked her surroundings while taking this ride to the unknown. Tye, I’m talking to you.

What, Tonya? OK or it could be from one of the owners of the club saying thank you.

OK, I hear you, and to answer your question, Allen is doing fine. You may be right, Tye. Anybody who would go through such a big thing to send me somewhere, I shouldn’t speculate.

Right, so sit back and enjoy your day of pampering, and call me later, OK?

OK, I will. Tonya put her phone in her purse and sat back in her seat and enjoyed the ride into Manhattan. Twenty minutes later, the car pulled up into the spa and the driver got out and opened the door for Tonya. I’ll be here when you are done to take you back to the hotel.

Tonya opened the oversized glass door to the all-brick building, and the smooth sounds of new-age modern jazz music echoed as Tonya entered the door. The ladies sat in the front and smiled at Tonya as she walked up to the front desk. Hi, my name is Tonya. I guess I have an appointment.

Yes, Mrs. Allen, we have been expecting you. Right this way. The small-framed lady walked from around the maroon desk and motioned for Tonya to follow her.

Tonya turned and followed the lady down the multicolored stoned wall where water ran down. This is so beautiful, and I love this style of jazz, Tonya said to the lady.

Yeah, it plays throughout the spa. It’s the XM satellite radio. The lady opened the door, and the smell of lavender floated out to Tonya. They walked into the room, and the lady stepped aside, allowing Tonya to pass by her.

Tonya looked around the room, at the oversized soft-cushioned leather lounge chair and the in-ground marble-stone spa jet tub. The heat from the tub created a mist in the air and in the oils and flowers that lay in the tub. Tonya walked over to the long leather table that looked oiled down and ready to be used.

I’m going to step out now. You can get undressed and get in the tub and soak for twenty minutes, and you will hear a soft bell to tell you to get out and then dry off and lie on the table.

Thank you, Tonya responded, smiling as the lady shut the door. Tonya began to undress and laid her clothes in the chair and took her caramel-colored body over to the tub, pulling her hair up into a twist so it doesn’t get wet. The tunes of Andre 3000’s Prototype played.

Tonya sank down inside the water and closed her eyes, letting her mind drifted to Allen and the last time they were together. They hadn’t made love before she left. She was thinking that it would be on when she gets home.

Twenty minutes later, the music went low and a soft bell rang, alerting Tonya that it was time to get out. Tonya pulled her body out of the water, grabbing the thick towel and drying off her body then walking over to the table and lying down.

There was a soft knock on the door, and a lady stuck her head in. Are you ready, miss?

Yes, I am, you can come in.

The small Indian lady pushed inside a small silver cart of bottles of oil. Did you enjoy your soak?

Oh my god! Yes, I did. My body feels like silk.

The lady took the towel from Tonya’s back and pulled it down to her hip line. Tonya adjusted herself and laid her face flat, closing her eyes.

The lady began to send Tonya into a world of nothing, leaving her mind spinning in silence, and then she drifted off to sleep. Two and a half hours later, Tonya heard the lady whisper, Your clothes are on the chair. Take your time getting up. And then the door shut.

Tonya slowly sat up and moved her body around to gain mobility and then slid down from the table and walked over to the chair. She noticed a bag placed alongside the chair. A brown-colored tailored fitting Brioni jacket and a light layered ruffled skirt laid in place of her other clothes. Lying beside the clothes was a pair of strapped shoes to match. Tonya picked up the jacket, and a card fell out, Tonya bent down and picked it up. For keeping you out in the cold. Not forgotten, Alex.

Oh my god, I can’t believe he did this. He has got to be out of his mind. Tonya put the clothes on and gathered all her things and exited the room, making her way to the front of the spa where all the ladies sat with all smiles as Tonya made her way up.

Have a great day! the ladies all said in unison.

Thank you, ladies, you have been exceptional today.

Hello? Tonya sings into the phone.

Hi, darling, the voice said.

Hey, Ma, how are you doing? I was just thinking to call you when I got back to the hotel.

Well, how are you doing today, babe? her mother inquired.

Actually, Mom, I’m doing great. I am on my way back to the hotel to pack for my flight tomorrow. I thought I would call Adam and see if he wanted to hang out with his big sister for dinner.

Well, sounds like you got it going on, honey. I was thinking about you, and so I called.

Thanks, Ma. I’m glad you called. Where is Daddy?

Oh, he’s out in the yard. He went to home depot to get stuff for the new fence. He saw this fence on the home improvement channel and started a new project. So how is it going in New York? I heard you say that you’re back to the hotel to pack? Did you get everything done?

Yes, I did. We found the perfect club, and they have no problem letting us use it.

That great, honey. I knew you would get the job done, and I’m so glad that you are coming home tomorrow. Have you spoken to Allen today?

Yes, I have, after my meetings. He seemed happy to speak to me.

Tonya, I want to ask you a question. Karen paused. When do you think that you and Allen will have kids?

Ma, please don’t go there today. Our life is complicated enough. It’s not smart to add kids. We have no time for kids in our life. Allen isn’t home half the time. Tonya let out a deep sigh. We have a hard-enough time trying to find a time to make love, let alone make a baby, Ma.

A baby would slow all that down. Tonya! You two would have to make time.

Tonya exhaled and leaned over to the window pulled out a joint and rolled down the window as Karen continued to talk. Ma! Please give me break. Did you call me all the way in New York to talk about a baby?

I’m sorry, Tonya, I got carried away. I just would love to see you enjoy motherhood. You are such a giving person. Karen cleared her throat. What time does your flight leave?

At 3:00 p.m., Tonya jerked out.

Well, babe, I’ll see you when you get home. Call me, OK?

OK, Ma. I love you, and tell Daddy I love him too.

The car pulled up beside the hotel, and the door opened, and Tonya got out and made her way inside and to the front desk.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Allen, you don’t have any messages.

Thank you, Tonya replied. Once Tonya got in her room, she poured herself a drink and walked over to the terrace and sat down and sipped on her drink and made a phone call.

Speak to me, the deep voice said after two rings.

Speak to me? What the hell is that, boy?

Hey, sissy, what’s up? Adam let out a firm laugh. You know how it is, sissy.

No, I don’t know how it is. You tell me. What have you been up to, Adam?

Nothing much. Studying and partying hard, that’s about it these days!

I called you to see if you wanted to have dinner with me tonight because I leave tomorrow.

Damn, Tonya, I would love to, but I have dinner with the dean, and I won’t get another chance until next semester.

It’s OK, honey. I’ll be back in New York maybe in a couple of weeks, and we can get together.

That sounds great, sissy, but I need to go.

OK, later. Tonya went over to the balcony to breathe in the evening Manhattan air. Feeling the fullness of her bladder from the wine, she went in the bathroom. While looking around the room to begin packing, the ringing of her cell phone cut into her attention from opening the suitcase.

Hello? Tonya answered, short of breath.

How was your day at the spa, girl?

It was wonderful, and I know who sent me.

Who?

Alex did. He sent me a beautiful casual evening jacket to wear like a shirt and this skirt that has ruffles one layer after another along with a killer pair of single-strapped throng heels.

That sounds like something I would love to do. So what are you doing now?

Trying to pack of all this shit tomorrow.

Did you get the paperwork sent over to the club?

Yes, I did, and they will get them tomorrow, so as soon as they get them back to me, I’ll fax them right over to you.

Well, girl, as usual I love having you here in my city. I wish you would move here, but having you come every now and then is good. So I’ll talk to you when you get home, OK? And I love you, Tonya.

OK, girl. I love you too, and be good.

Tonya continued to pack then later ordered dinner and made her evening call to Allen. Hello! Good evening, honey, how are you doing?

I just came in the house from taking the dogs out, and was about to head in the office. What are you doing?

Trying to finish packing and waiting for my food.

Well, I’m glad that you called me before you settled down for the night. You get some rest, and I will see you at the airport.

Tonya noticed Allen’s eagerness to rush her off the phone but decided not to use the moment to engage in an argument. Tonya reluctantly said I love you Allen.

Love you too, Tonya.

Tonya finished her meal. After then she prepared herself for bed. Tonya opened the laptop and brought the rest of her business to a close before going to sleep.

Chapter 2

The Return

Tonya was awakened by the sound of the hotel phone ringing. Tonya rolled over and looked at the clock. Nine thirty. Hello? She answered in a raspy voice. No answer. Hello, is anyone there?

Is this Tonya Allen?

Yes, it is, and who’s calling?

Alex is calling.

Tonya put her hand on the receiver. Oh shit! Why is he calling me? she whispered.

Are you still there? Alex asked.

Ah, ah, yes, Tonya replied quickly. What can I help you with, Alex?

I know that you are leaving in a couple of hours, and I just wanted to apologize for the other night at the club.

Don’t worry about it, Alex, but I do want to tell you thank you for that trip to the spa. I have never had that kind of experience before, but there is something I need to tell you. I’m married, and I’m sorry that you went through all that for me.

I know that you’re married, Alex replied with no guilt.

Tonya sat up in the bed, pulling her hair out of the ponytail.

I know you’re married to a doctor and you’re a freelance producer.

How did you know all of that?

I am the other partner at the club. I know you were at the club for business, not just to be out. But don’t get me wrong. I am definitely attracted to you. Maybe one day you and I will get to meet under different circumstances.

I don’t know any other circumstance there could be, but thank you for everything. After I get the paperwork back from you and your partner, I will be able to get everything approved by the studio, and then the contracts will follow out to you. So let’s say we have a phone conference on Tuesday.

A brief pause. That will be fine, Alex replied in a relaxed tone.

OK then, until then. Take care, Alex. Tonya hung up the phone and sat at the edge of the bed, looking puzzled. Let me get up and get me together.

Two hours later, Tonya was dressed and packed ready to leave for her flight. The bellman came to the room and collected her luggage. Tonya made her way to the car. Tonya called Tye on her way to the airport. Hello! Hey, girl, how are you doing?

Chill. Are you on your way to the airport?

Yes, I am. Alex and I spoke this morning before I left the hotel.

What did he say?

That he was attracted to me and maybe we’ll get the chance to meet again. So I went ahead and told him that I was married, and I changed the subject to the papers. But the funny thing is I don’t think he cared what I said.

The car arrived at the airport. Hey, Tye, I’m at the airport. Let me call you when I get back in Atlanta.

OK, girl, I’ll talk to you later.

Tonya boarded the plane and began her journey back to Atlanta, using the time to think about what she was going home too, thinking about the five years she and Allen have been married. Tonya was turning twenty-nine, and her husband was forty-three years old. Tonya met Allen when she was twenty-two years old and a junior attending Spellman College. They dated three years and married when Tonya was twenty-five, ready to begin her career she fell perfectly in the lifestyle of wifey to the prominent Dr. Allen, head of a cosmetics-surgery clinic for the last ten years. Tonya graduated and went to work for Turner Network and after four years turned freelancer and has been working for herself for the past three years.

An hour and forty-five minutes later, Tonya arrived in Atlanta. She collected her luggage and made her way to find Allen. They embraced tightly.

Hey, honey, I’m so happy to see you. It’s good to finally have you home. I’ve missed you so much. Allen grabbed Tonya’s luggage, and they made their way out the door.

Did you drive, or did you have Richard drive?

I had Richard drive.

Tonya and Allen made their way to the car and started on their way home. Allen and Tonya shared an intimate kiss, with Tonya running her fingers in Allen’s wavy salt-and-pepper hair on the ride home and resting on Allen.

Where would you like to go for dinner?

I was thinking the Atlanta Fish Market, Allen quickly suggested.

The car pulled up to the house, and Tonya and Allen made their way in. Tonya sat her purse on the end table. It feels so good to be home. Seconds later, Tonya was attacked by her dogs as they came rushing through the kitchen, racing each other for her attention.

Tonya, why don’t you go and take a shower and get yourself ready to go eat dinner?

Tonya agreed and climbed up the spiral staircase into her bedroom and stood looking around the room that she hasn’t seen for a week. Feeling more relaxed, Tonya sat on the edge of the oversized king-size sleigh bed and took her shoes off and undressed. Once in the shower, Allen came up, undressed, to join her.

Hey! Honey, you joining me for a shower?

Allen slipped into the cave like shower stall. I want make love to my wife. I haven’t made love to my wife in weeks, and I am in need of some of her love. Allen pressed his body against hers and stroked her back and turned her to face him. Tonya leaned back against the smooth stone wall, her breath ragged with anticipation.

Allen pinned Tonya’s arms above her head as his body pressed firmly against hers, touching as much of her as possible. The water beat on their body like a vibrator pouncing on multiple G-spots, pushing the excitement before the lovemaking. Allen rolled his hands down the sides of Tonya’s body, breathing his intensity for her down the seam of her back. Tonya wrapped her arms around Allen’s neck, and they exchanged a husband-and-wife kiss that led them into lovemaking, adding steamy moans and groans, giving each other love and affection.

I missed you so much, Allen, Tonya said, as Allen moved further inside Tonya, bringing her closer to her climax.

I missed you too, baby, Allen responded, moving faster.

Slow down, baby, she moaned, trying to extend the moment.

Moments later, Allen shuddered with his orgasm and removed himself from her, leaving her body swollen and pulsating on the brink of ecstasy and disappointed. Tonya’s heart was heavy as she was brought back down to her reality that things hadn’t changed since she had been gone. Closing her eyes and finding her secret place, Tonya brought herself to completion, her climax dampened by the painful feeling of missing a husband.

Tonya showered and washed her hair and put on a casual pinstriped Chanel suit and applied some mousse to her hair, wearing a wavy, curly look as it hung halfway to her waist. Tonya came out of the bathroom dressed to find Allen putting his watch and wedding band on.

Are you ready, Tonya? Allen firmly asked.

Yes I am, Allen.

Good, ’cause I already called and held a table.

The Reality

At the Atlanta Fish Market, Allen and Tonya arrived at the restaurant and waited to be seated.

Good evening, Dr. Allen. You two look wonderful tonight. Your table is ready. The host led Allen and Tonya back to their usual table, and they sat down.

Would you like your usual drinks?

Yes, Allen responded.

The host left the table to retrieve their drinks.

You look very handsome. So what have you been doing for the past week that I have been gone?

Well, between work and the golf team plus planning for the trip to Miami for the doctors’ convention—and I have to talk to you about that also—it was fairly busy. How is your mom? I saw her yesterday. She asked about you and wanted to know when we’re coming over for dinner.

I will call her tomorrow. Tonya said, adjusting her chair as she saw the waiter returning with the drinks and appetizer.

What do you mean, Allen that you’ll talk to me later about the convention?

Well, you know we are supposed to be going to Hawaii.

Yes, Allen, Tonya says shortly.

We are going to have to postpone the trip for a couple of weeks.

What? Allen, I have been waiting all year for the trip. Between your schedule and my schedule, we were finally going to be able to get away.

Dammit, Tonya, Allen said very sharply. I know how long we have been planning for the trip, but the convention has been moved up, and instead of in one month, it is going to be in two and a half weeks.

Allen, when did you learn about this? You are on the board.

I found out about it before you left.

Why are you telling me just now?

Because I didn’t want to ruin your trip. I felt it could wait till you came home.

The waiter returned to the table with their meal. Tonya hesitated before joining hands with Allen to blessing their food. Allen, I can’t believe you are telling me this and I have no alternative but to accept what you say because that shit comes first.

Tonya, calm down. Damn, you’re acting like some ghetto girl. It’s not like you’re not going to get to go to Hawaii. It’s just not now. I hate when I have to tell you things. You get so out of control.

Allen, I am not out of control, it just seems like nothing I plan ever goes like it’s supposed to, but something you have always comes first.

"Tonya, really, I don’t want to hear your over-the-top drama. It’s your first night home, and I don’t want to end the night with a big unnecessary fight. Can we just eat and enjoy the rest of the night?

Sure, Allen, I won’t say anything else about it.

They both began eating their meal. So how late will you be working tomorrow?

Maybe till five, but I have a golf game.

Tonya smirked at Allen and mumbled, Nothing ever changes.

So why do you ask?

No reason. I was just planning to go to the boat and wanted to know if you wanted to come.

You enjoy your weekend, honey. We’ll spend some time together during the week.

Tonya looked at Allen with such disappointment as Allen confidently finished his meal and sipped his wine. The waiter returned to the table to see if his service was needed then left.

What time will you be leaving in the morning? Tonya asked.

Around eight, I think. Why do you ask?

Please reset the clock for ten for me, because I want to stop by my mom’s house before I go to the boat.

Allen wiped his mouth and stood up from the table. I’ll take care of the check and use the restroom.

As Allen walked off, Tonya saw him grab his phone. Tonya drank the last bit of her wine and reapplied lipstick back to her soft pink lips, and she got up and put her blazer back on. As Tonya adjusted her blazer to her body then pulled her hair out, she saw Allen coming out of the restroom and approaching the waiter. Tonya made her way over to Allen, and men and women alike took notice of Tonya’s beauty, some smiling with admiration and some men wishing for the chance as she approached Allen.

Are we ready?

Yes, we are.

They made their way to the front of the restaurant, and as they walked to the valet parking, Allen’s cell phone rang. Hello? Hi! Hold on please. Allen reached into his blazer and pulled out the valet parking ticket. Tonya, will you go ahead and have valet get the car? I need to take this call.

Aggravated, Tonya grabbed the ticket and stood stiffly as Allen turned and walked away to continue his conversation. At the valet stand, the attendant took the ticket and returned quickly with the smoke-gray big-bodied Benz. The gentleman opened the door, and Tonya gave her tip to the attendant as she got in.

As Tonya got in the car, her cell phone rang. Hello? Tonya said.

Hey, girl, how are you doing?

All right, Tonya answered, not affirming her answer.

Well, I sound like I’m doing better than you. What is wrong?

This day went from good to weird to fucked up, and I just want to end it.

How did all that happen on your first day back?

Well, Allen picked me up from the airport, and then we went home, and I thought that we were going to make love, and it started out like that, but the son of a bitch got his and then got out, and so I had to finish the job myself.

Tonya, are you shitting me? He left you high and dry?

Hell, yeah! And didn’t even ask if I got mine. Nothing’s changed, Tye. So then we leave for the restaurant, and while we are eating, he tells me that the trip to Hawaii is going to have to be postponed. Tonya continued to relay the evening’s events. Then he told me to stop acting so ghetto. I thought my mouth would hit the ground. So as we finished eating dinner, and we were leaving out, his cell phone rings, so he sends me to get the car while he takes his call.

I’m sorry you’re having such a bad return home. Have you spoken to your mom?

No, not yet. I’m going to go see her in the morning before going to the boat.

Allen came out of the restaurant and got in the car.

Well, girl, let me go, we are leaving, Tonya said sarcastically.

OK, girl, take it easy. Call me later. And oh yeah, I’ll be sending the contracts over to the club in the morning, and we have a conference call on Tuesday.

OK, everything sounds good. I’ll call you later.

Allen put his seat belt on and pulled off. Sorry to have you waiting so long, that was Steve, and he’s calling to check for tee-off time tomorrow.

On the ride back to the house, Tonya faded back to the thoughts she was having on the plane ride home about the life she and Allen shared. Tonya also remembered how many nights she spent alone while Allen claimed he was working or out of town on business. Tonya hated the assumptions of people that being married to a head plastic surgeon made life easier because of the status and lifestyle, but really it made it harder.

Tonya glared out the window, watching the flashes of light as they rode through the interstate. Zoning out and thinking about the time that she and Allen had their biggest fight and then she miscarried. Tonya thought to herself then that she should have left, but she always felt she had so much at stake and all that she had worked for. She felt like a failure. Tonya closed her eyes and laid back and lit up a joint.

I hate that you still smoke that shit. Grow up, Tonya!

Kiss my ass, Allen.

Roll down your window. I hate to smell that crap on my clothes and hair. Allen turned on the vents.

Tonya and Allen continued home, still not saying anything. Tonya went upstairs to the room and worked at her desk, and Allen stayed downstairs in his office. Tonya sat at her desk and reviewed all the contracts that Tye had sent to her for approval, and she happened to glance at the 32-inch plasma flat-screen TV and saw Alex’s video was on. Tonya turned her chair around and put her feet up the chair and for the next six minutes watched his video.

I can’t believe that I just watched that. Tonya sat with a blank look on her face. He is an attractive man, but still he has too much going on, and they are never satisfied with just one person. Tonya wrapped up the rest of her work and got up from the desk and went over to her bed and made herself comfortable for the night.

The next morning, Tonya was awakened by the sound of the phone ringing and looked over to find that Allen’s side of the bed hadn’t even been touched. Hello? Tonya answered the phone.

Good morning, sleepyhead. Are you up?

I am now, Tonya responded, as she looked over at the clock. Damn, it’s eight o’clock. What time did you leave this morning?

Well, around six this morning. I wanted to go running, plus I wanted to meet the fellows at the club for breakfast, and so I thought I would call you and wake you up since I didn’t set the clock.

Well, thanks for calling because I really need to get up. Tonya sat up in the bed, seeing Allen’s side of the bed untouched.

Are you going to the boat today? Allen questioned.

Yeah, I am, but I need to stop at the store and pick up some food for breakfast in the morning. I haven’t been on the boat in three weeks, and there is nothing to eat.

Well, have fun, honey, and I will see you Sunday night or Monday when you get home.

Tonya got up from the bed and headed to the bathroom and turned on the shower and walked in the closet to find something to wear. After picking a Tommy Hilfiger jumper, she got into the shower. Tonya began to masturbate in the shower to give herself her daily satisfaction that she had come to do for herself too often. Moments later, Tonya finished her shower and applied lotion to her body then applied her facial cream.

Tonya got dressed and went back to the closet and grabbed her Tommy carry-on bag and put some clothes in the bag for the weekend. As she was coming out of the closet, she heard her cell phone ringing, and she ran to the bed. Hello? she said, short of breath.

Were you running, honey?

Yeah, Ma, I was going to call you. What are you doing?

Well, your father and I were about to go work in the yard, and I remember you were back at home, so I thought I would call.

I was on the way to the boat, but I had planned to stop by the house on the way to the boat to see you and Dad.

Where is Allen?

The same place he always is, Mom—at work and then with his friends.

Karen gave no response because she could hear Tonya growing upset. Hey, would you like for me to come out on the boat with you today? Karen threw out.

Not today, Mom, but you can come out tomorrow. I would like to spend some time by myself today.

OK, sweetheart, I’ll see you when you get here.

OK, Mom. Tonya grabbed her keys on the nightstand and her laptop bag off the desk with her purse and keys she headed for the stairs. Tonya did a quick run-through of the house to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything and then set the alarm and walked into the garage. Tonya took forty-five minutes to make all her stops then made her way to her parents’.

Tonya pulled up in front of the octagon landscaped house, the grass modeling a museum of flowers, some big and some that make you remember what a day in the shady summer is like. Tonya parked beside the house, walking around the breezeway, and she could see her father standing in a bed of flowers.

Hey there, handsome! Tonya whistled, as she walked over to greet her father.

Hey there, baby girl. Your mom told me you were going to stop past on your way to the boat.

Tonya reached out to hug the six-foot-five light-skinned man. Where is Mom?

She is in the house fixing something to drink. So how was your time in New York, did you get the club?

Yes, I did, and I think it’s going to fit right in the movie.

I see you didn’t bring the dogs, James sarcastically threw out.

No, I left Sally and Sandy at home today. How are you feeling, Dad?

I feel good. I went to the doctor on Wednesday, and she said that I need to watch my sugar, but other than that, she said I am in great health. James patted his small belly.

Dad, you are so funny. I’m going to go in to see Mom. Tonya walked into the house and into the kitchen. Mom, are you in here?

Hey, honey! Yes, I’m in the pantry.

Dad told me you were in the house fixing drinks. Tonya and Karen exchanged a hug and a kiss.

I am so happy to see you. Karen pulled on Tonya’s shorts. Have you lost more weight?

No! Ma, I haven’t lost any weight. You always ask me that, Tonya said, pulling out of Karen’s grasp.

Because I don’t think you’re eating enough, Karen said, unfazed at Tonya’s reaction. You’re so small already, and you’re getting smaller. What size are you wearing, Tonya?

A size 6, Ma, why?

That is too small, Tonya. You should at least be a size 8.

OK, Ma, enough. What have you been up to? Tonya said, as she opened the refrigerator.

Nothing, really. Your father and I were thinking of remodeling the house because I wanted to put a sunroom next to the kitchen. And your father said that he wanted a greenhouse in the back.

Dad wants a greenhouse in the back and you want a sunroom? Tonya said, dumbfounded. Mom, this house is huge. Why do you need more room?

Because it’s what we want. Karen grinned and finished pouring the iced tea. Are you hungry, dear? Karen watched Tonya rifle through the refrigerator indecisively.

No, I’m about to go. I just wanted to come see you guys before I went to the boat. Besides, I haven’t seen you since I got back from New York. Tonya shut the refrigerator door and walked over to Karen and gave her a kiss on the forehead. Gotta go, Ma! I’ll see you later.

Call me later, honey, or maybe I’ll come out on the boat tomorrow, Karen called out.

Tonya pranced out the patio door and around to the house to her father, who was still in the front yard. You leaving now, baby girl? James asked as she approached.

Yeah, I need to get the food to the boat. Tonya walked over and threw her arms around James’s neck. I love you, Daddy.

I love you too, baby girl. Is your mother coming back out? I am thirsty.

Yes, she was pouring drinks when I was leaving out.

Well, have a good day.

Thanks, Daddy. I’ll talk to you later. Tonya got in the car and pulled out of the long driveway.

Twenty minutes later, she arrives at Lake Altoona, carrying the bags down to her green and white Fore Wynn boat. Tonya opened her purse pulling out a small set of keys and opened the white sliding door that opened to the cabin below. Tonya carried the bags inside, putting them on the counter. The top side of the stove had a microwave that sat adjacent to the TV. Tonya walked over, opening the door next to the cabinet and opened the door, revealing the tucked-away bathroom and placed a single carry bag on the sink. Tonya continued to open up the boat, making her way back up the deck where she saw a boating neighbor.

Tonya! I haven’t seen you in about three weeks, where have you been?

I was out of town for a couple of weeks, and then I got back last week. Been getting caught up, and believe me, I’ve been trying to get down here for the past week for some peace.

Well, it is good to see you. We had a wild party last weekend. Debbie is selling her boat here and getting a divorce then topping it off by moving in with her girlfriend.

Tonya took a step, letting her mouth drop open. Are you kidding me? Her girlfriend? When did that happen?

Yes! Tom said that she met the lady over the Internet, and they had been talking for months before she came out and told him that she wanted a divorce.

Oh my god, how is he doing?