Black Short Stories : What Are Girlfriends For?

MSSammie

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Dec 16, 2003
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What Are Girlfriends For?


I stared unbelievably at my boyfriend who was sitting in front of the television set. “Nothing but net!” he bellowed at the Philadelphia 76ers, after Allen Iverson hit a three-pointer. Tonight I wasn’t concerned with the game. Our two-year relationship was in trouble. We need to call a timeout so that we could discuss our next play.

A second later, Thomas screamed “Defense,” and jumped off the sofa after Marc Jackson blocked a shot.”Yeah! That’s what I’m talking about.”

I crossed my leg over the other, swinging it back and forth. Once I tell him, how it is. I thought, I’ll feel a whole lot better. Thomas didn’t bother looking my way as he leaned back in the sofa, tilted his head, and gulped beer. I rolled my eyes upward. On top of everything else, it was my birthday.

“Come on,” he screamed, throwing both hands up in disgust when the Milwaukee Bucks scored another basket. “Rebound.”

For the past month, Thomas had tried to persuade me several times to become his wife. The way I feel toward him at the moment, I’m sure more than ever what my answer will be.

I want to be with a man for whom I feel passion and love for. The passion has died out of our relationship. I will always love Thomas, but I was no longer in love with him.

The ringing of the telephone, snapped me out of my thoughts. Another interruption. The way the day was going it seemed I would never get around to discussing our relationship.

I rambled around in my purse, retrieved a pink cellular phone, and flipped it open.

“Happy birthday girl,” a female voice said over the line.

It was Shauna Wilson, my best friend and coworker. We both were accountants at Roger & Meeks. A successful firm in downtown Washington, D.C.

“It’s my birthday, but it’s not a happy one,” I vented.

“What is wrong?”

“I didn’t even get a card”

“Maybe he has something planned later,” Shauna was aware of the strained relationship between me and Thomas. I know she was only trying to make me feel better.

“Well, it looks like to me the only things he plans to do is sit, drink beer, and watch the playoffs.”

Shauna sighed. “I tell you what. This is your day. How about I take you out?”

“Shauna, I know what you’re trying to do, but it’s not necessary.”

“Nonsense. Get dressed. We’re going to Cecilia’s.”

I had to admit the idea of going to an upscale and classy supper club on my birthday, was just what I needed. I’d never been there, but Shauna boasted that the clientele was impressive among the African-American community.

“What do you say?” She prompted.

Instead of answering Shauna’s question, I asked, “Don’t you need a reservation to get in?”

“Don’t worry about that. I will handle everything. Just meet me at the club at eight o’clock.”

The dial tone sounded in my ear. I closed the phone and met Thomas’s inquiring eyes. “Who was that?” he asked.

“Shauna.”

“What was she talking about?”

“She wants to take me out for my birthday.”

Despite what was going on between us, I was hoping Thomas would say he didn’t want me to go. He didn’t. Without another word, he refocused on the game.

At exactly eight o’clock, I pulled the Volvo in front of the club. I looked out the window and saw a well-dressed couple get out of a Lexus, heading for the entrance.

I self-consciously ran my hand over my tan two-piece expensive pants suit, with matching pumps, that I purchased for my birthday. This is my day, I said to myself. Even though, Thomas’s actions had hurt me, I was determined to have a good time tonight.

A valet stood waiting, I tipped the young man and he sped away.

I stepped inside a set of massive mahogany doors affixed with brass hardware and found myself immersed in a grandeur of beauty. The golden recessed lights glistened against gold-toned fixtures, floor- to- ceiling- stained-glass windows, and green leafy plants near a man-made waterfall.

I thought about sitting in the breathtaking foyer to wait for Shauna, and watch the customers come and go, but curiosity got the best of me when the band ended a number, followed by applause and whistling in appreciation.

I peeped in the posh interior of the restaurant, dressed in shades of gold and cream. There were large pillars erect like military soldiers stood at attention. Customers seem to be enjoying themselves, laughing, talking, dancing, or sitting at tables with intimate little lamps.

I decided to wait a little longer in the foyer. As I backed out of the door way, a long, hard body behind me halted me in my tracks. When I turned to apologize, the words fell dead on my lips. I groaned. The handsome man was all that and then some. Handsome. No that was an understatement. The word didn’t even begin to describe the man looking back at me with my mouth open. He reminded me of the basketball player, Chris Weber from the Sacramento Kings. A brother that was domineering on the courts and had a body that could give a sistah a work out.

Not tall like Chris, he was only around six-foot. He had on a white open neck shirt, with a matching black jacket and slacks. He was black. A beautiful smooth tone, with a face you never got tired of looking at, or touching. I licked my lips.

“I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?”

Still, it took a moment to find my voice. I felt like Diana Ross in “Lady Sings the Blues,” the scene where she first laid eyes on Billie Dee Williams. Like her, I was a goner.

“Uh, no.” I finally stammered out, wondering if he knew the effect his presence was having on me.

Three months. It had been that long since I’d shared my body with Thomas. Was that the reason I was so attractive to this stranger?

His face parted in a dazzling display of straight white teeth. “You sure you’re all right.”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

Without another word, he sidestepped me and went inside the restaurant, leaving his presence forever embedded in my mind.

“I’m sorry, I’m late,” Shauna said, rushing up to meet me. “I got held up,” she explained. “My man was worried about me coming out tonight.”

Blinking to clear my head, I stared at Shauna. Not sure what was said. I knew Shauna met a new man about a month ago. Who ever he was, she was being secretive about him.

“I told him it was your birthday, and nothing he could do or say would stop me from taking you out tonight.”Shauna led me inside the club, excited as ever. “My cousin, Malik sings here,” she boasted.

“Good evening and welcome to Cecelia’s.” The woman greeted us with a friendly smile. “My name is Kim.”

“Good evening.”Shauna spoke. “I believe you have a reservation for me. It should be under Robbin Greene. The birthday girl, I phoned about.”

Kim threw a fantastic smile.“Happy birthday, Robbin. We have your table ready for you. I hope you enjoy yourself tonight.”

Feeling both embarrassed and pleased, I returned her smile. “Thank you. I’m sure I will.”

“I’m here to make sure that she does,” Shauna chimed.

Kim beckoned for a waitress who escorted us to a table where we had an unobstructed view of the stage.

“I’m Mya, and I’ll be your waitress for the evening. I understand it’s your birthday. We’d like to offer you a drink and appetizer on the house.”

I arched a perfect eyebrow and looked at Shauna. “Thank you, that’s very kind of you.”The evening was getting off to a great start.

Mya handed each of us a menu, then proceeded to take our drink order. I ordered a margarita. Shauna ordered a pina colada. For the appetizer, I decided on buffalo wings.

“I’ll be back with your drinks and appetizer.”

It was the band’s intermission, and the soft sound of jazz music filled Cecelia’s with warmth and relaxation.

“I have to admit so far I’m impressed,” I said, looking around. “I honestly thought I was going to spend my birthday watching the playoffs with Thomas.”

“Come on, I wasn’t about to let that happen. Just wait. The evening gets better.”

“I can’t wait. I didn’t even get a happy birthday from Thomas. I don’t understand what’s going on with him. The past two weeks he’d watched the Wizards chase the championship ring with more passion that’s in our relationship.”

Shauna opened her menu and looked at me. “Things really that bad between you two?”
“Yes. I tried to talk to him. With the playoffs going. I don’t have a chance.”

“Maybe he knows what you want to talk to him about.”

“I’m sure he does. He has to know things are not the same between us.”

The waitress appeared with the drinks, buffalo wings, then took our dinner order.

“We haven’t made love in months.” I admitted, picking up the conversation again.

Shauna’s eyes widened, but she didn’t respond.

“I stopped wanting too. I’m tired of pretending, when the passion just isn’t there.”

Shauna face softened. “I’m sorry. I’m sure that must be difficult for the both of you.”

I took a sip of drink.”If it is, he has not mentioned it. He acts as if it doesn’t matter to him,” I looked in my drink glass as if expecting to find the answer to the situation between me and Thomas. “The relationship is over.”

Shauna raised an eyebrow. “You’re sure it’s over?”

“I’m sure.”

A sheepish grin spread across her face. From the expression on her face, I could tell Shauna was up to something. “What are you up too?”

Shauna placed her hand to her chest and laughed. “What makes you think I’m up to something?”

I joined in her laughter. “ I know that look when you’re up too no good.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

After a delicious dinner, we talked, laughed, and danced. I was having the time of my life.

An hour later, the festivities were interrupted when a spotlight shined on the stage. A tall, male figure came into view, accompanied by a sextet. After my eyes adjusted, I leaned back in the chair. It was the handsome man that I ran into at the door.

As he sung, I sat spellbound. His stage presence absolutely blew me away. Thirty minutes later, he ended his last number amid a thunderous round of applause. I looked over and found Shauna watching me closely.

“Isn’t he awesome?”

“Yes, he is.”I admitted.

Shauna looked back at the singer, taking his final bow.

“Do you know him?” I asked, feeling jealous that she could know him on an intimate level, on which I definitely wouldn’t mind getting to know him. Maybe, he was the man she has been seeing for the past month.

“Is he the man you’ve been seeing?”

Shauna bent her head forward. “You can find out yourself. He’s coming this way.”

“Good evening, ladies,” the familiar voice came from behind my left shoulder.

I took a light breath, turned, and looked into that handsome face again. “Hello, again.” I managed to say.

Shauna curiously looked from me to him. “You know each other?”

I watched him smile and my heart rate sped up. “Let’s just say we ran into each other. May I join you?”

“Have a seat.”

“Thank you,” he said, slowly sitting, his long body moving with ease. “Malik Hampton,” he extended a hand to me.

“Robbin Greene,” I said, closing my hand over his.

Malik nodded toward Shauna. “Cousin, it’s always a pleasure to see you.” He leaned over embracing her, then kissed her on the cheek.

“Same here, Malik. Today is Robbin’s birthday,” She happily chirped in.” So, I figured I’d bring her here to celebrate.”

“Good choice. I can’t think of a better place, food is good, music is fantastic,” his eyes raked boldly over me. “You get a chance to meet beautiful people.”

I returned his gaze with my own and agreed.

“How are you enjoying yourself so far?” Malik asked.

“So far, I’m having a wonderful time.”

He smiled again. “I’m glad. If I had known today was your birthday, I would have sung happy birthday to you.”

Inside my heart sang with delight. The thought of this man a stranger wanting to do sing happy birthday to me made me feel special.

“I’m glad you didn’t.” I said coyly.

“Why not? I’m a pretty good singer.”

“You’re a very good singer.”

“Thanks for the compliment.” Malik signaled for the waitress and placed an order for a scotch and water. “So tell me Robbin, why are you spending your birthday with Shauna?”

Shauna threw him a no-you-didn’t-look.

“No offense to you, Shauna,” Malik quickly added.

“What is wrong with me?” Shauna asked, trying to look as if her feelings were hurt.

“Nothing,” he swung his head around to look at me. “I just thought maybe Robbin’s man would have planned something special tonight.”

“I don’t want to talk about him,” I answered irritated.

Malik arched back in the chair. “Why not?”

I forced a smile and gave Malik a sideways glance. “Tonight is my night.”

“I hear ya girl.” Shauna jeered.

A faint smile flickered at the edge of Malik’s mouth. “I agree tonight is about you.”He leaned closer toward me. He was so close, I could feel the heat radiating from his body and smell the faint spicy scent of his aftershave. **** he smelled good. “Is there anything that I can do to make tonight more special?”

My heart thumped erratically in my throat. I could think of a few things, I wanted to suggest, to do with him, but the reply came out. “Like what?”

Malik ran his tongue slightly across the bottom of his lip. “Whatever you would like me to do.”

I couldn’t tear my gaze away from his. I swallowed hard. I knew I shouldn’t think what I was thinking, but for the first time in months, I felt alive, feminine, and desirable. “That’s a loaded statement.”

He cleared his throat. “How so?”

“It has many options.”

“That’s the idea.” Malik said with a grin. “I’ll tell you what. Why don’t we begin with a dance and let the rest of the evening unfold?”

“I like that option,” I put my hand in Malik’s, who helped me from my seat. “I’ll be back, Shauna.”

Shauna nodded.

Malik scurried around couples and shouldered his way through to the dance floor. He pulled me into his arms and we began dancing to the slow beat. I knew I was swept away when our bodies meshed together. I inhaled deeply as our bodies began moving in perfect rhythm to the music.

“I’m glad I ran into you, tonight, Robbin,” he whispered softly in my ear.

“I’m glad you did too,” I replied in a low voice, so low I didn’t know if he heard my response.

Malik tightened his hold on me. My breasts pressed heavily against his chest, his hands locked my hips to his, and the erect bulge between his thighs pressed into my burning, throbbing flesh. When one song ended, he held me closer on the dance floor until another song began.

“Why don’t we go back to my place?” He whispered in my ear, then nibbled on it.

A quiver surged through my veins.

He kissed my face and tenderly kissed my lips. As I looked into his eyes, all I could do was whisper, “yes.”

When we approached the table together hand in hand, Shauna’s face beamed with approval.

“We’re going to go and get better acquainted.” Malik explained. He planted a kiss on Shauna’s cheek. “I’ll talk to you later.”

Shauna’s expression made it clear. She understood the meaning of the statement. “Don’t worry about anything,” she whispered in my ear. “If Thomas calls, I will take care of everything.”

I knew Shauna would cover for me if Thomas questioned my whereabouts.

Thirty minutes later, Malik pulled into the driveway of his apartment complex. He got out of the car and walked around the vehicle to open the door for me.

Malik pulled out the key and unlocked the door. I walked inside the apartment on weaken legs. Malik followed me in, closing the door behind me. His hand automatically reached for the lamp light on the end table. He dropped the keys in a tray on the coffee table.

The spacious apartment contained a black sofa with matching love-seat. The mantel was covered with family photos, including one with Malik and a little girl, smiling cheek-to-cheek. Tan walls provided the backdrop for African-American paintings. African statues were scattered throughout the room. A wall unit shelved a TV, VCR, DVD, and stereo system. Next to it a large green potted tree added to the ambiance.

“Come on in and make yourself at home,” Malik replied, disappearing in the kitchen. He reappeared a few minutes later with a bottle of wine and two glasses.

Malik presented me with a glass of wine, then walked over and turned on the CD player. As Luther Vandross’s music set the mood, I found myself relaxing. I’m sure we both were aware of the sexual tension between us.

A moment of silence developed between us. I stared at him for a long, thoughtful moment. I knew what he was thinking, because I was thinking the same.

“Can I offer you anything else, birthday girl?”

That was it, the magic question, he slowly leaned forward and kissed me. The kiss sent spirals of ecstasy through me. His mouth covered mine hungrily. I knew he felt me shiver and simultaneously he inserted his tongue deeper, adding that exciting brand of intimacy I’ve never known before. Instinctively, I captured his tongue with mine. I heard myself purr as I tasted the sweetness of his tongue.

“You taste so good,” Malik whispered huskily. He reached up and traced his finger along the curve of my cheekbone. His gaze was intent, purposeful, and challenging. “I knew you would.”

I looked at him and couldn’t deny the desire I felt for him. “I knew you would too.”

Without another word, he took me by the hand and led me into his bedroom. He pulled me closer, his large hands pressing my hips securely to his. “We don’t have to do anything.”

“You’re lying, Malik,” I said softly.

“You may not believe me, but I’m really attracted to you.”

I locked my arms around his neck and placed a tender kiss on his lips.

“I’m serious, Robbin.”

I silenced him with another kiss. “Malik.”

Malik planted kisses along the nape of my neck, I closed my eyes and listened to the sounds of the intimate kisses, moans.

We undressed each other and gently he eased me down onto the bed. Malik’s touch, light, painfully teasing as his hands explored my breasts, back, waist, and my hips. Heat rippled under my skin as the flush of sexual desire I hadn’t felt for months coursed throughout my body.


My impatience to be connected with him grew to explosive proportions. Malik knew I was ready for him, because his fingers grabbed a condom from the night stand. I welcomed him into my body, together our bodies joined in exquisite harmony, soaring high until we reached the peak of delight, exploding in a downpour of fiery sensation.

Afterward, I laid in Malik’s arm filled with an amazing sense of completeness. I have never been so fulfilled, but I had to look at tonight for what it really was. It was nothing more than fulfilling a moment of physical desire.

The following morning, I awakened to Malik’s hard male body snuggled next to mine. I stretched and felt an ache in my mid-section, but it was a good ache. I eased undetected out of bed, found the bedroom, showered and dressed. As I came back into the bedroom, Malik sat up in bed, as I prepared to leave.

“You don’t have to leave,” he said as his gaze locked with mine.

“Let’s get real, Malik. We both know what last night was really about.”

“It doesn’t have to be that way,” he got of bed, naked.

My heart beat rapidly, as my eyes took in the beautiful specimen, I had the pleasure of enjoying last night. “Malik, last night was wonderful. I can’t remember ever having a more memorable birthday, but it can’t be anything else. I with someone.”

I couldn’t believe Malik wanted to see me again. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. It was a night for sexual gratification. A one night stand.

“Robbin,” he spread his hands apart. “I won’t push you, but if you ever need anything, I want you to call me.”

I stepped forward and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. “Thank you, Malik.”

Malik smiled that beautiful smile of his.

I gave his mid-section one last ogle. “For everything.”

“You are welcome.”

Malik drove me back to Cecilia to pick up my car. Reaching over me, he opened the glove compartment and withdrew a pen and pencil. He quickly jotted down his number and handed it to me.

I slipped the paper in my purse. I watched as Malik got out of the car, he came around and opened the passenger side door and extended his hand.

I meant what I said,” he held my hand as he walked me to my car. Pulling me close, Malik thrust his tongue in my mouth with a kiss that sent shivers to the tip of my toes.

“Bye Robbin.”

“Bye Malik.”

Malik waited until I drove off, before he strolled back to his car. As I pulled out into traffic, I wondered how Thomas would react if he knew I stayed out all night. I considered our relationship in jeopardy, but should have told him it was over, before spending the night with another man.

I let myself inside Thomas’s apartment. The place was quiet, except the soft humming of the air conditioner. Then I thought I heard what sounded like a giggle. I pushed the thought aside, Then I heard it again and my senses kicked into high gear. I headed slowly down the hallway.

“Thomas?”

“Robbin?” I heard him say from our bedroom, followed by sudden movement. A wave of apprehension swept through me. As I stood outside the door. Something wasn’t right. I took a deep breath and strode into the bedroom. I came to an abrupt stop and stared for what seemed like eternity as I absorb the fact that my best friend, Shauna was in the bed with Thomas.

I watched as she snuggled closer to him, not embarrassed that I caught them together.

“What is going on?”

“You see what is going on?” Shauna answered, pleased with herself.

I looked from Shauna to Thomas. He didn’t say a word. His response was to kiss her on the lips.

“How long has this been going on?” I asked.

“You already know the answer to that,” She said smugly. “For the past month, we’ve been seeing each other.”

I clenched my jaw to kill the sob in my throat. “How can you do this to me?”

“What about last night?” Thomas finally said. “Explain that.”

I didn’t have an answer. Tears swelled in my eyes and spun on my heels and ran out the door. A sourness in the pit of my stomach. It was obvious, I thought, settling behind the wheel of my car. Shauna had used my indiscretion to get away with sleeping with Thomas and there was nothing I could do about it.


:cool: (c) 2003
 
bravo

hi & welcome to destee MSSammie :wave:

it was a pleasure 2 read ur short story. it was believeable, well written, and had interesting characters i could relate to. it was a smooth ride all the way, & then u dropped a bombshell
:bomb: at the end. i liked the surprise (at least 4 me) ending.

i must admit, i'm curious how, or even if, these characters would continue to interact w e/o under these changed circumstances. looks like robbin has some tough choices 2 make.

thanks 4 sharing :toast:
 
$$RICH$$ said:
very very well written this was outstanding ...wow!
i want more please


I am glad you enjoyed "A Line In The Sand" and "What Are Girlfriends For?" Thanks for your very kind comments. There will in the future for "What Are Girlfriends For?"

I initially wrote it as a short story, but it seems that everyone who reads it wants a novel...*LOL*

So, I guess I have to extend it...

Thanks again...
 

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