Coffee Champagne Cosmo & Mary Jane: The Beauty and Justice of Betrayal

By Zakiya Raines

Coffee Champagne Cosmo & MaryJane: The beauty and justice of betrayal, is a story of love and karma set in the heart of Manhattan. Nera is a beautiful, educated Black woman who is a dedicated wife and desperately wants to be a mother. She becomes unfulfilled, emotionally abused, and unloved in her marriage with her narcissistic older white husband, Gedeon. Gedeon is a high-powered corporate attorney who only cares about winning and himself. Gedeon's genuine and constant disregard for Nera's basic needs and emotional abuse leads her into the arms of Cosmo. His timing is almost too perfect. Cosmo is the enigmatic, new neighbor in their luxury fifth avenue Manhattan high-rise building. He is a fresh-faced celebrity who has recently moved to the US, from Scotland for a TV project. Cosmo is also the paramount of handsomeness, masculinity, and is kind-hearted. She thinks their meeting is by chance, but it turns out that it was anything but. Nera's marriage is childless and Gedeon wants it that way, unfortunately for Nera. Nera soon hears the call of Nature in Cosmo's arms, falls in love, and soon he is the father of her unborn child. Their affair and infidelity have led to something more, but Cosmo isn't who he says he is. Who is Cosmo, really?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zakiya Raines
• Release date: Dec 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215927601

Zakiya Raines

Hi, I am a highly creative person who enjoys making things. I love painting, writing, cooking, organic gardening and seeing and doing new things. To me, a book is a way to travel to another time and place. I looked for books with interracial romance at the core, with unfolding and realistic storylines, and struggled to find them. It's why I decided to write realistic, romantic suspense with a buildup of concupiscence over time. I like a natural progression between a man and woman, leading to trust and unleashed desires. I grew up in New York City and really enjoy city life, and all of its conveniences. I also love being in nature and escaping the city to relax. I love all animals and insects, and randomly, I love the smell of art shops and stationery stores. I hope you enjoy my books. I also enjoy feedback on my works, you can reach me on my website. :) It's my name dot com ;) Thanks for supporting me :)

Book preview

Coffee

Champagne

Cosmo

& MaryJane

Zakiya Raines

COPYRIGHT

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information, address the publisher.

Cover Art by Zakiya Raines.

All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission of the publisher, and author, except as provided by United States of America copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, or author at Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the address below: www.zakiyaraines.com.

Portions of this book are works of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and events are products of the author's imagination, and any resemblances to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Portions of this book are works of nonfiction. Certain names and identifying characteristics have been changed.

©2020 Zakiya Raines

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

MISFIRE

CELLO

BROWN OUT

SURNAME

MISFIRE

What are you here for today? Dr. Ogilvie asked.

We, or I, am here for a full blood panel.  Gedeon said as he looked in the direction of Nera.

Ok, so just a blood panel and a physical?  Dr. Ogilvie asked.

Yes.  Gedeon said and looked at the ground, and then at Nera.

Are there any ailments you have, that you’re here for today?  Anything you want me to check on? Dr. Ogilvie asked.

Well actually there is.  Gedeon said, reluctantly.  He looked at Nera, who never shifted her gaze from Gedeon.

Okay, what is it?  Tell me. Dr. Ogilvie asked, eagerly.

Ok, well, we have been having some issues in the bedroom.  Gedeon said.

What kind of problems?  Dr. Ogilvie asked.

I don’t know how to begin to explain.  Gedeon said.

It’s okay, take your time.  Dr. Ogilvie said, patiently taking a seat in his modern office.

I have a hard time...um...staying hard...and then...no matter what Nera does, I am not interested in stimulating myself afterwards.  Normally I would want to, excuse me, but... you’re a man, I would want to jerk off.  I don’t feel that way.  Gedeon said as though he was confessing.

How old are you now, Gedeon?  Dr. Ogilvie asked.

I’m 56 now.  Time flies.  Gedeon laughed, reluctantly.  He was trying to ease his insecurity.

How old are you? Dr. Ogilvie asked, looking at Nera.

I’m 39.  Nera said, with a half-smile.

Okay, we’ll do bloodwork and see what it says.  It happens, it’s much more common than you think.  Dr. Ogilvie said, laying eyes on Nera.

Is there anything we can do to help it? Nera asked.

Uhm, aside from medication, not really.  But let’s see what the bloods say.  Dr. Ogilvie said to Gedeon.  Gedeon watched Nera for a signal of what she was thinking.  Dr. Ogilvie walked out of the room to get the nurse who was going to take Gedeon’s blood.  The nurse came in with the butterfly needle to take vials of Gedeon’s blood.  The dark red liquid filled up each vial and the nurse placed them into a plastic bag with a paper sticker, with Gedeon’s information on it.  The nurse left the room with Gedeon’s blood and Dr. Ogilvie walked back into the exam room We should have the results in a few days, it’s Thursday, so by Monday.  I’ll call you.  Dr. Ogilvie said and extended his hand to Gedeon.  Gedeon shook his hand with a smile and got up off the exam chaise.  Nera waved and walked towards the door.  Gedeon walked behind Nera and followed her to the main desk, to take care of the bill for services rendered.  The receptionist placed a receipt with charges on the desk and Gedeon read it.  Gedeon took out his wallet and put a debit card on the counter, to pay for the visit.  The receptionist put the paid receipts on the desk and Gedeon signed them.  He took his copies, folded them, and put them into his breast pocket.  Nera walked towards the front door of the office and waited for Gedeon.  Gedeon helped Nera open the door and they walked out towards the elevator bank.  Gedeon pressed the white upside-down triangle and it lit up.  What did you think of Dr. Ogilvie?  Gedeon said.

I thought he seemed professional.  Nera said and remained quiet, as they walked to the garage to get their car.  The entire ride was silent as they rode back downtown to their high-rise apartment building.  Gedeon drove into their building parking lot entrance and parked in their appointed parking spot.  Nera got out and walked in front of Gedeon to the elevators.  Gedeon followed Nera as the doors of the elevator opened and they went from P2 to 24.  Gedeon exited the elevator doors as the number 24 came on the screen in the elevator.  Neither one of them made a noise in the silent, grey, and white carpeted hallway.  Nera followed Gedeon as he took out his keys and put them in the single lock on their apartment door.  He held the door open for her and shut it behind her as he took his coat off. 

Do you have anything to say about the appointment? Gedeon asked.

I already told you, at the doctor’s office.  Nera said.

That’s all?  You didn’t say anything.  What about what he said? Gedeon asked.

What else should I be saying?  Nera asked.

Never mind, forget it.  Gedeon said.

Okay, I don’t know why you are angry at me.  I haven’t said anything.  Nera said.

Well, he said it’s normal. Gedeon said.

Okay, and what does that mean? Nera asked.

Maybe this is just what it is.  Maybe we just need to live with it. Gedeon said.

Wait, what do you mean?  I am hearing that you are saying that I should just deal with it.  Is that what you’re saying?  Nera asked.

No, but it’s normal.  Gedeon said.

Yes, and my body is normal too.  If the roles were reversed, I wouldn’t expect you to go without sex because I suddenly lost the use of my vagina.  Nera said. 

Well, I’m not 21 anymore.  Gedeon said.

Okay, we know that.  I am 39 and ovulating, with a reproductive system.  I too, am a human animal with needs, wants and desires.  Nera said.

I understand that.  But also, we need to have intimacy.  I was reading something about that.  You need to be more interested in intimacy.  Gedeon said.

Intimacy?  Since when?  I’ve never heard you concerned about intimacy before in all our years.  You have never been concerned with spending time with me for years at a time, or listening to me and now you are concerned about intimacy?  That is interesting.  I want sex, it’s that simple.  My body has needs too.  Nera said.

I understand what you are saying about your body.

Do you?  Well, I would like to know what you are planning on doing about it.  Nera said.

Well, we have to see what the tests say.  It could be diet; it could be a bunch of things.  Gedeon said.

Okay, and what if none of those things are the problem, for argument’s sake? Nera asked.

I don’t know, a friend told me that you can only take Viagra like once every two weeks, and I don’t really like taking pills.  Gedeon said.

Oh, you don’t like the risks of taking pills.  Oh ok.  Nera said.

I am not against them; I just don’t like them.  Gedeon said.

I am feeling like you are not caring about my needs as a woman.  What I am looking for is not changing because of what is going on with your body.  My body chemistry is still the same as it was and is not dependent on your body chemistry.  My needs are not being met and I don’t hear you talking about that.  Nera said.

I do care, but there’s only so much that can be done.  Gedeon said.

Yes, such as me just living with it, like you said.  Nera said.

No, you misheard what I said.  Gedeon said.

I didn’t mishear a thing, don’t do that.  We are not doing that anymore.  You just told me to live with it. Nera said, holding up air quotes.

Okay, I shouldn’t have said that.  That’s not what I meant.  Gedeon said.  Nera just looked at Gedeon and continued taking food out of the refrigerator in preparation for dinner.

Well, I have to get cooking.  Nera said.

Okay, I am going down to the fitness room to work out. Gedeon said and walked away from Nera, towards the closet.  He walked in and emerged two short minutes later in fitness apparel.

Alright, dinner will be ready in about an hour.  Nera said as Gedeon walked towards the bench, adjacent to the front door, to put on his sneakers.

No problem.  See you in an hour.  Love you.  Gedeon said as he finished putting on his sneakers and walked out the front door to go to the gym.  Nera looked for her phone and Gedeon’s.  She took Gedeon’s phone and put it in the bedroom and shut the door.  Nera got her phone and went out on her balcony and called Candy.  What’s up girl? he answered, flipping his long wavy hair away from his face and putting the phone to his ear.

We just got back from the doctor. Nera said.

Oh! what happened? Candy asked.

The doctor didn’t say much.  We have to wait on the bloodwork.  Nera said.

So is there hope? Candy asked.

I don’t know.  His attitude is very much not caring about my needs.  I was trying to convey my needs without being crass, and he wasn’t getting it.  Nera said.

Well sounds to me like, wait, is he there?  Candy asked.

No, he’s in the gym, supposedly.  You know how he likes to pop up and eavesdrop.  I also put his phone in the bedroom, in case he’s listening that way.  You know I can’t trust that man.  Nera said.

Sounds to me like you need an arrangement. Candy said, clearly chewing bubble gum.

I know.  But I can’t say that.  I’d sound like a bitch. Nera said, laughing.

Well, if you ask me, he’s the bitch.  He’s eating a big slice of humble pie.  After all the years he treated you like shit.  Deleting messages, going on trips with bitches.  Please.  Candy said.

I know, I think of that too.  I wonder if this is his Karma.  On top of everything else, this is just more signs from the universe that our relationship is over.  Nera said.

"Yeah, I know how men think, I am one.  He was definitely lying to you when he said he didn’t know why all those messages and e-mails were deleted.  And all those times he said he wasn’t in the mood, but he was still looking at porn and jerking off.  He’s a selfish asshole.  Now he wants you to have sympathy for his supposed condition.  And on top of that, he’s trying to turn his body problem into a you problem." Candy said.

Yeah, but who would I even have a so-called arrangement with.  It’s not like I have any straight male friends who I’d want to fuck.  Nera said.

Well, you don’t know any now, but keep your eyes peeled, girl.  You look good.  Shit, if I were your husband, I’d be mighty scared.  And you don’t look your age on top of that.  He’s a dummy.  Candy said.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. Nera said.

I’m serious.  I’m not just blowing smoke. Candy said and Nera heard her front door open.  Hold on a second, Candy. Nera said.

That was a quick work out. Nera said to Gedeon, who walked back into their apartment door.

I forgot my phone.  Gedeon said.

Oh, did you?  I didn’t know that you took your phone with you to the gym.  Be careful it doesn’t get wet.  Nera said.

I’m expecting a call.  Where is it? Gedeon asked.

Where is what? Nera asked.

My phone, I left it right here. Gedeon said.

I put it in the bedroom.  Nera said.

Why’d you put it in there? Gedeon asked.

It seemed like a better place.  Nera said, as Gedeon walked to their bedroom, grabbed his phone, and walked towards the refrigerator.  Nera put the phone back to her ear. 

Oh, are you on the phone right now? Gedeon asked with a bottle of water in his hand.

Yes, I am. Nera said.

With who? Gedeon asked.

Candy.  Nera said.

Oh, tell him I said hi.  Gedeon said and walked towards the door, carrying the water bottle and his phone.

Gedeon says hi. Nera said to Candy, still on the phone.

Oh, hey Gedeon. Candy said as though he was on speakerphone.  He wasn’t.

Candy says hey.  Nera said dryly, looking at Gedeon, waiting for him to leave.  Gedeon walked out the door and into the hallway, to wait for the elevator.  Gedeon got onto the elevator and immediately unlocked his phone.  He pressed the square button at the bottom of the screen.  He knew that there most likely wouldn’t be much to listen to, seeing as how Nera put his phone in the bedroom, but he pressed the triangle in the middle of the screen and listened to the recording of Nera walking around the house, humming, and then placing his phone in the bedroom.  He listened to her voice murmuring from afar but couldn’t make out the enunciations and the words.  He put his phone into his arm pocket, zipped it and got onto the treadmill.  He wondered if Nera was onto him.  He knew he was guilty of all the things Nera accused him of, but he also believed that she didn’t have definitive proof.  Gedeon felt that if he kept a roof over her head and she didn’t have probable cause, he could continue doing whatever he wanted.  He got off the treadmill and took a break to check his phone.  There were 3 new text responses from Ilene.  Are we still on for this weekend? and then there were 2 more messages, that only contained pictures.  One was a picture of lingerie laid out on a bed and the next was a nude photo of Ilene in a salacious pose.  Gedeon immediately deleted those texts and wrote back Yes, can’t wait.  I told Nera that I am going on a business trip.  Gedeon wrote back and immediately deleted the messages.

ok. See you Saturday, as planned. Ilene wrote, with a kissy face emoji behind it.  Gedeon read her text and immediately deleted it.  He blocked Ilene again, and would unblock her when he was alone again.

Upstairs, Nera finished making dinner.  She took the Salmon out of the oven and had just finished sautéing the asparagus.  The coconut rice was ready as well.  Nera began eating immediately.  She didn’t wait for Gedeon to return.  He was late often, and so waiting for him meant that she may starve.  Nera ate the contents of her plate while watching Netflix.  As she placed her plate in the sink, Gedeon walked in the door.  Hey I’m back! Gedeon called out to Nera. 

Okay, dinner is on the stove. Nera called out from the bedroom, getting ready to head out to the supermarket. 

Did you eat already?  Gedeon asked.

Yes, I did. Nera said.

Really? Why? Gedeon asked.

Because I was hungry.  I said dinner was in an hour.  I looked around and you weren’t here after an hour, so when the food was ready, I sat down and ate.  Nera said.

Oh, I assumed that you’d wait. Gedeon said.

I don’t know why. Nera said, coldly, as Gedeon opened the kitchen cabinet and took out a clean plate.

This smells delicious. Gedeon said.

Thanks.  I am about to head out to the supermarket.  We are out of creamer. Nera said, as she went to put on her shoes and a light coat.

Okay, how long do you think you’ll be gone? Gedeon asked.

I don’t know, I’m only heading to Whole Foods.  Why are you so concerned about how long I’ll be gone?  Nera asked.

I don’t know, it’s just a question. Gedeon said, defensively.

Yeah, okay Gedeon. Nera said and walked out the door without a goodbye.

Bye. Gedeon said sarcastically as Nera slam-locked the door behind her.

Nera walked down the hall and waited for the elevator to come.  On the other side of her apartment door, Gedeon unblocked Ilene again and began texting her.  Ilene knew that he could only text for short bursts of time because he blocked her 23 hours of each day.  Ilene was fine with having crumbs of a man, she watched her own mother live her life as a mistress.  She figured if it was good enough for her mother, then it was good enough for her.  Whenever Gedeon texted her, no matter what she was doing, she stopped and texted him back.  Ilene felt obliged because in a way, she was.  Gedeon had helped her pay her rent from time to time, when she was in between jobs.  Let me see some more pictures of you. Gedeon demanded.

Of course, baby. Ilene wrote back and immediately after 3 pictures followed.  This time, Ilene had on a different outfit and had taken a piece of the outfit off in each one of the photos.  Clearly Ilene had nothing better to do than take pictures in her panties.  Gedeon wasn’t smart enough to realize it.  What kind of woman always had time to take pictures in their panties and never say no, or that they are busy?  Gedeon clearly wasn’t Ilene’s only special friend.  Gedeon sent Ilene an unsolicited picture of his soft phallus.  Ilene laughed when she saw it, but she couldn’t say that.  Instead, she rolled her eyes and said Wow, can’t wait to make you hard.  No woman wants to see pictures