And The Story Goes ... Episode IV

          Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to continue on this straight path. I want to thank You for sending me someone to love and understand me. Help me to stay normal and desire him like he desires me. Please God, I ask for forgiveness for my thoughts about women. I don’t want to be gay; for I know it is not Your will. You know my heart. I don’t want to go to hell. Please strengthen me with your love; in Your name, Amen.  

As Karen finishes her prayer she looks over to see Brad is not on his side of the bed.  With the bathroom door open, it was clear he wasn’t there either. Taking solace in the quiet, she considers calling Sophia. After all it was Sophia who helped her realize she couldn’t possibly be a Christian and a homosexual. She showed her the scriptures in the Bible, where God condemned homosexuality. Prior to their chat, Karen’s intimate relationships were with women without thought. She did what was natural for her and usually treated people well. It was the meetings she attended with Sophia that further curtailed her free flowing relationships with the same sex. The attendees pointed out how her behavior with women was inappropriate and unnatural; and that it originated from deviance not love. Fearing God’s wrath and wanting to live right, Karen repented and asked for forgiveness while the other meeting participants prayed for her cleansing. Feeling like a weight had been lifted; Karen left the meeting with Sophia. It is the promise Sophia made to help Karen through the ex-gay process that prompted her call.   

          “This is too much Sophie.”

          “What’s too much? Who’s this? Karen?” Sophia asks trying to get her bearings.

          “Yes it’s Karen. This Brad thing doesn’t feel right.”

          “What do you mean? Did y’all argue?”

          “No, nothing like that; it’s just that we slept together and I don’t feel right. He didn’t do anything wrong. He was sweet, but I just don’t feel right cuz.” Karen declares hoping her cousin will understand and provide a resolution.

          “I do wish I could talk to you about this now, but I can’t. It’s just that I’m on my way to an intervention right now. I understand you’re feeling bad and it’s probably because you’re fornicating. You’re not supposed to be sleeping with Brad. Y’all aren’t married and you’re feeling convicted. Do you want me to pray with you?”

          “I’ve already prayed and I still feel conflicted.”

          “That’s conviction dear heart. You can never have too much prayer. The Bible says pray without ceasing Karen. I promise I’ll help you through this tomorrow. We’ll put it on the altar of prayer tomorrow. Is that okay?” Sophia poses, more as a statement than a question.

          “Sure” Karen murmurs’ holding back her tears, and the call ends.

*******

“I think I’ve had the Patriarchs before, I’ll try the Reserves. Have you tried them yet?” Shaun challenges.

“But of course” Toni retorts, again using a British accent.

“What is with you talking like that? We’re talking about cigars not a spot of tea. You’re a butler now?” Shaun teases.

“Yea you think you’re funny, but let me start talking about Andi and I’m sure you’ll stop that laughing. But seriously; I got the lady-in-waiting part in this new play. I’m supposed to have a British accent so if I sound Scottish I have some work to do. Can you run lines with me?”

“Congrats on getting the part T; you go! I’m so proud of you! Now what do I have to do to run lines? Pass me that lighter girl.”

Toni exaggerates a few curtsies and thanks Shaun while lighting her cigar. Pleased about Shaun’s willingness to help her learn lines, Toni meanders on Shaun and some of their history. She’s always so encouraging. No matter what I do, even when she doesn’t like it or agree, she’s there for me. She’s the only one who understood my decision to change careers. As a Civil Engineer, with seemingly the right connections, I was on my way. I became a civil engineer for my family. My dad and brother are Civil Engineers, my mom’s an Architect and it’s rumored that my great great granddad worked on the Panama Canal. My brother was a consultant for the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland. Is it any wonder why I was ashamed about wanting to pursue acting full-time? But Shaun wouldn’t let me swim in my pity party. She gave me a big speech about choices, then stood there with me when I told mom about my acting aspirations. How many people would stand by me like that? Not many.

Shaun’s prettiness is above average standards. When entering a room, her Amazon stature of five feet eleven inches usually commanded attention. Her natural thick black tresses, extending just past her shoulders, sported big curls. Her skin, rich like moist brownies, makes me think of the chocolatier: Godiva. Ah chocolate, some chocolate would be nice right now. Do I have any strawberries in the fridge?  Hmmm -- chocolate, strawberries and Shaun’s here too. I think this will be a first.

*******

“Hey lover,” Kennedy greets answering her phone.

          “I love it when you call me that,” Cyan divulges beaming.

          “I’ve missed you.”

          “I’ve missed you too and I can’t wait to see you.”

          “I was wondering if you’d be able to get away. I know you can’t always move things around. Kennedy returns knowing they’ve had confirmed plans.”

          “Of course I can, I’ve been looking forward to this. It’s not me who has trouble fitting people in; that’s you. You know you’re a trip.”

          “Well Cyan”

          “I should’ve known it’d be something,” Cyan butts-in not letting Kennedy finish her statement.

          “Hold on lover – I just want to push the time back a little just in case I’m late. I probably won’t be late, but I didn’t want you to spend any time waiting.”

          “Can’t get away?”

          “I have a quick work related stop and then I’ll be on my way. Did you hear that lover or shall I speak a little slower?”

          “I heard you baby. You have a work related stop and then you’ll be on your way to me. I’ll see you then,” Cyan closes.

          “Looking forward to it,” Kennedy assures before pressing end on her Blackberry.

          Not wanting to hang up first, Cyan waits for the dial tone and suspects Kennedy’s work related stop has more to do with a coworker than an actual deliverable mandated by her corporate responsibilities.

*******

          “Can you talk?” Brad inquires his heart wrangling with emotions.

          “Not really; Jennifer’s upstairs sleep, but you never know. Are you okay?” David quietly examines.

          “Yeah, just missing you is all. I just left Karen in the bed.”

          “You’re not alone, I ache for you. Let’s meet at the gym in the morning?”

          “I can be there by seven.” Brad acknowledges realizing he won’t feel whole until then.

          “Okay, see you at seven.”

*******

          Performing another mirror check before heading out to Andi’s place, Michelle gives herself the thumbs up, grabs her House of Dereon purse and heads towards the door. As she grabs her keys from their holder, the knob on the front door turns and opens, “Hey babes, thank God I got outta there early. You’re headed out?” Mike imparts debatably, glancing down at his watch, and then back at a startled looking Michelle.

 *******

Stay tuned and find out what happens next, Monday (5/03/2010) …

And The Story Goes ... Episode III

     David at six foot five inches fits most comfortably in a king sized bed. There, looking over at his wife, his mind turns to Brad. Brad, his lover who went with him on his last business trip to California; Brad, the man who made love to him throughout their entire stay; and now he lie here with Jennifer desperately wanting to be beside Brad. He’s probably with Karen. She’s been a needed distraction to elude any questions about Brad and me. I wish they weren’t together.

      Brad and David met when they both played on the University of California - Berkley’s Tennis Team. Coach wanted David to work on the velocity of his serve and paired him with Brad. The attraction was immediate for David as he saw a man his same height in view. Brad’s brown hair lying flawlessly like Zac Efron’s and his sapphire eyes linked with David’s and that practice began their courtship.

*******

     “Sounds like a bootie call to me.”

     “Don’t be sarcastic. Who cares about the time when you’re trying to save souls?” Sophia exclaims nodding her head in agreement affirming herself.

     “Oh I see; souls can’t be saved during daylight hours?” Gabriel poses looking on disapprovingly.

     “Could you come off your throne for a moment? I’ve tried to meet with this young lady on more than one occasion. Each time she has cancelled. So when she asked if I could meet her at night because other times present issues, I said yes,” counters Sophia.

     “Did you say throne? Funny you’d go there. It’s YOU not me who has decided to traipse over a newbie’s house on a crusade even though you know you haven’t completed the counseling course. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

     Preparing to refute Gabriel’s opinion, Sophia steps back on her left leg while lifting the index finger on her right hand to vehemently defend when Jane walks up sophisticatedly dressed cap-a-pie and gives her opinion about tonight’s meeting.

     “What a great fellowship. The testimonies are so moving and give me encouragement in my own spiritual walk.”

     “Yes mam; the Lord has certainly been good to us,” Gabriel affirms and glances towards Sophia

     “We’re glad to have you here. Love and support is vital and we need to be there for one another and our communities. What’s your name again sister?” Sophia asks engagingly.

     Clearing her throat she responds meekly, “Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude, my name is Jane.”

     Smiling with the compassion of older sisters, Gabriel and Sophia overlap each other trying to reassure Jane that an apology was not necessary and that she was welcome there.

     “We hug and love here girl. Don’t be troubled, I just wanted to make sure I called you by your name,” Sophia reassures.

     “Yea honey, you wanna hear us fumbling? We would’ve been saying sister girl or child and we might as well get it right now. Of course Sophia will probably ask you a few more times before it sticks. She has a lot of senior moments ya know?” Gabriel chides.

     “I know you’re not talking about memory. You have to excuse her Jane, she’s a former chiefer if you know what I mean,” Sophia winks.

     Looking puzzled Jane hesitantly shrugs her shoulders and looks over to the corner where two men and a woman are conversing. Recognizing Jane’s ignorance Sophia explicates in an exaggerated Lucille Ball whisper, “She used to smoke marijuana, back in the day they called it grass, or reefer; well now some of the rappers call it chronic.”

     “I’m familiar; I think I get what you mean.”

     Gabriel and Sophia begin laughing loudly at the sarcasm in Jane’s voice and she follows suit. As the guffawing minimizes, the woman that was speaking to the two men approaches. Each man’s eyes follow her scarlet pencil skirt and crop jacket with oversized buttons as the distance between she and them grows. Her blonde hair, uncharacteristic of a child born of two Filipino parents, was pulled back into a neat bun on the top of her head. Her light brown eyes, framed with liner and tastefully done shadow, popped as she peered at the ladies she was approaching. Stirring inexplicably, Sophia swallows hard and hopes her reaction is not outward. Gabriel tries to recall the name of the lady as she draws near. Jane smiles and extends her hand to the new guest and announces, “This is my friend Carmela. Carmela, this is Sophia and Gabriel.”

     “Nice to meet you both; I’m ready whenever you are J.”

     “Is this your first time joining us?” Gabriel inquires.

     “Yes it is.”

     “I hope that you’ve enjoyed it.”

     “I’ll just say, I feel enlightened,” Carmela responds.

     “That’s what we’re here for,” Gabriel declares feeling proud.

     “I’m sure you are. Groups like this are here to help people feel like they don’t belong. To tell us we’re undeserving and unequal. It’s all cloaked under so-called love. Beautifully done, I must congratulate you.”

     “Now wait a minute dear, you’re doing a lot of supposition,” Gabriel cuts-off.

     “C’mon Carmela, don’t do this here. These are really nice people,” Jane attests.

     “Oh really; and you know that because …? You don’t even know these people; not just nice, but really nice huh? That’s funny. Were they there for you when you were sick? Do they help you when you’re having financial issues? Of course not, they’re self righteous. Wake up Jane, chak-chak!” Carmela vociferates and walks hurriedly towards the exit.

     “I need to go. Please excuse her, she doesn’t understand. She’s going through a lot,” Jane offers then leaves wanting to catch up to Carmela.

     Temporarily speechless, Gabriel watches Jane’s exit and then frowns at Sophia and argues, “How could you just stand there?”

     As if in a movie, Sophia gazes at the action before her and contemplates, Carmela is stunning. She looks decisive about what she wants. I wonder if she and Jane are lovers. Or maybe they were lovers. There’s obviously something between them. Is Jane the femme? Clearly they’re both feminine looking but Carmela was so aggressive. Look at her run after Carmela. Hmmm, it is gonna be some fireworks wherever they are tonight.

     “Cat got your tongue or are you pretending silence is golden?” Gabriel touts.

     “What?” Sophia grills, coming out her day dream.

     “Did you not hear that arrogant heathen?”

     “Who Gabby what are you talking about?”

     “Have you not been standing here? Where have you been?”

     “Okay, whatever; all I know is that I need to get out of here. Can we pick this up later?”

     “Excuse me?” Sure we can pick this up later. Be safe and don’t you meet with that girl. Go another time and take someone.”

     “Love ya sis. I’ll call you tomorrow. Oh and Gabby; her name is Kennedy,” Sophia finishes while scurrying off.

*******

     “Hey Girly”

     “Wassup Andi girl?”

     “Michelle, Michelle, it’s been an atrocious night.”

     “Why atrocious? Are you okay? Something happen to moms?”

     “First Shaun ragged on me at dinner, and then Kennedy told me I wasn’t worth her time when I asked her for help.”

     “That’s not cool. I thought Shaun was better than that. As for Kennedy, well you know how she rolls,” Michelle asserts. Andi is being her extra self as usual. I highly doubt either one of them did as she claims but the story should be full of adventure.

     “Exactly; I’m hurt and alone and nobody cares. Shaun dropped me off and didn’t walk me to the door or wait for me to get in the house before she pulled off,” Andi whines.

    “Would you like some company? I can be there in twenty; I won’t be seeing Mike tonight.”

     “Can you? I’d love to have you here.”

     “I loved the last time I had you there too,” Michelle acknowledges while evaluating if she needs a quick hit with the razor before leaving.

     “Great I’ll see you shortly,” Andi responds excitedly before ending the call.

 *******

STAY TUNED AND FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT, MONDAY (4/26/2010) …

And The Story Goes ... Episode II

          The aroma of vanilla assaults Vanessa’s nostrils as she looks over to the seven layer chocolate cake. That would be so good with butter pecan ice cream. I really outdid myself; I didn’t cook it as long this time. I wonder if that’s why it’s moister; it was kind of dry before. Yea, I’m gonna have me some of that. Nah, I can’t; cause I won’t stop, I’ll want more and then I’ll start feeling guilty. Well I could go to the gym and work it off—like that’s really gonna happen. What a joke, Vanessa contemplates chuckling aloud.

          “What’s got you laughing babe? Are you and your imaginary friend conversing again?” Kennedy questions interrupting Vanessa’s chocolate daydream.  “I thought you were getting coffee.”

          “I am getting coffee. I was trying to talk myself out of cutting some of that cake. Why are you standing up? Do you want a piece of cake?”

          I’m up because I’m tired of this phone vibrating on my thigh. “No thanks, chocolate and I have a some-timey relationship. I don’t know why you’re trying to talk yourself out of having some. Go ahead and indulge,” Kennedy declares then hastens toward Vanessa closing any gap between them and reveals, “I’m up because I want to be near you.”

Blushing Vanessa softens and sweetly whines, “oh okay honey.”

          “So you’re gonna have some cake now, right?”

          “I won’t be able to eat just a slice.”

          “Who says you have to?”

          “I’m going to remind you of that when I can’t fit through the door way and you’re trying to go elsewhere. I’m gonna say, remember when you told me it was okay for me to eat as much cake as I wanted.”

          Looking into Vanessa’s brown, almond shaped eyes, Kennedy’s hands glide down her shoulders to her hands and brings her close. “Not gonna happen love,” Kennedy assures then begins softly kissing Vanessa’s right shoulder moving towards her neck and whispers, “You know you’re my honey bear.” Feeling the tingle of excitement and forgetting about the chocolate cake Vanessa submits and finds Kennedy’s full lips exploring her ear. The heat from her breathe radiates, igniting sensations between her thighs. Subtle moans emanate and Vanessa stands at ease as if giving permission for her middle to moisten and indulge. Kennedy begins driving her pelvis forward as the coffee maker interrupts with percolation aborting the kisses.

          “I forgot about the coffee,” Vanessa breathlessly whispers.

          “You also forgot to tell me your monthly visitor had arrived,” Kennedy teasingly torts while making play jab motions towards the area where the Stayfree was securely locked in place.

          “Like that’s ever mattered to you before. Do you want cream in your coffee?”

          “You know what I want, but I’ll settle for cream in my coffee. Is it half and half?”

          “No, its French vanilla creamer, isn’t that the flavor you like? I got it after the time you brought me the vanilla coffee with vanilla cream. You said you really liked it right?”

          Trying to avoid the vibration from her cell phone Kennedy ponders the possible culprits of all the calls within the past hour and the best way to leave Vanessa without incident.

          “Yes mami that’s exactly how I like it, that’s so thoughtful of you. You’re always so sweet to me. Do you have any Styrofoam cups?”

          “Why are you asking if I have a disposable cup? Are you leaving? I thought you weren’t leaving,” Vanessa insists.

          “I don’t want to leave; believe me I don’t, but I have some school work to finish. By the way is it cool to leave five dollars under Kate’s pillow since she lost her tooth today?”

          “Of course you can, she’ll like that. Let me get your coffee while you go to her room. Please don’t wake her. You know she won’t like you leaving.”

          “Roger that,” Kennedy replies making the salute motion as if a soldier then pivots and heads to Kate’s room.

*******

          Punching in the gate code to get entrance into the community Toni lives, Shaun reflects on the dinner with Andi. That girl just loves her some crazy. She seems unbelievably dissatisfied. First she enjoyed the restaurant now it’s boring.  After complaining the majority of the evening she has the gall to think I’m bringing her home with me for more crap. Then she decides that because I don’t want to be miserable the rest of the night, I’m going to be with another woman. Since when did we become exclusive? We’re dating. Now if I was trying to be all up under her, she’d want space. Mercy Lawd she’s a nuisance, but she is stunning; that’s probably part of the damn problem. Her thick eyebrows and Betty Boop eyes that look jet black coupled with a button nose, mascara model eye lashes and Niecy Nash lips; I might’ve passed, that night I approached her voluptuous coke bottle figure, had I known this type of drama was going to be a big part of the package.  

          “It’s too early for my morning paper and too late for drop-bys so this must be an emergency,” Toni muses and looks up to find Shaun standing frozen like a statue in her doorway. Cupping her mouth like a megaphone she teases, “Can you hear the words coming out of my mouth?”

          “Hey T, I’m sorry; I was zoning,” Shaun offers.

          “No problem chica, c’mon in, shall I get drinks, smoke or both?

          “Drinks were part of that horrific debacle earlier with Andi so let’s not do that, do you have any Perdomos?”

          “But of course,” Toni offers in a British accent. “I have Madura Patriarchs and Reserves. You know, you are one of only a few of my friends that smoke cigars. Which is your pleasure?”

*******

          Welcoming the curtailing of the conversation with Andi, Karen ruminates over the last year while stepping into the shower. I’m so glad to have clarity in my life now. No more drama with women. If it weren’t for Exodus International, I would still be on a merry go round. Not long ago I found women just as desirable and sensational as men. Thanks to my cousin Sophie, I have been delivered. The testimony I heard at that revival made me feel that change was possible. Who knew back then that I would be able to sever my relationship with Tammy? I was so overwhelmed and confused. The turmoil of loving her and knowing my family’s views used to tear me apart. Meeting Brad was a sign that I’m on the right path. We are so good together and my family seems to like him. I don’t miss the 
craziness with Tammy. Sneaking and hiding just to steal moments was hard on my heart and made me feel mentally erratic and off balance. In a way, Brad has been a stabilizer. He’s kept me grounded. I finally don’t feel like I’m drowning in a sea of emotions.     

          “You want some company?” Brad wispily inquires temporarily halting Karen’s trip down memory lane.

          “Absolutely,” she exclaims pulling Brad into the shower without first removing his clothing. Unsure, but energized he succumbs when Karen’s sudsy arms and hands begins unbuttoning his shirt. After the second button she rips the rest off and tosses the shirt over the shower curtain onto the bathroom floor. In one motion, before his shirt hits the floor, Brad loosens his sweatpants. While stepping out of them, Karen pushes him back and engulfs his lips. Using the back of the tub and the ceramic wall to post-up, he hoists Karen up with his athletic arms while she wraps her legs around his sculpted waist. Parting her opening was awkward at first due to improper placement but using the muscles in her thighs for balance, the subsequent thrusts invade her walls with perfection. Impulse and juices insist Brad plunge deeper as Karen moans, “yes, like that.” Trying to slow himself to prevent the finale and ensure her pleasure, he thinks about rain and how he doesn’t like rain; and then how it soaks his clothes which reminded him that his member was currently partaking in Karen’s wetness. His release came with euphoric pleasure and immediate guilt followed. “I’m sorry,” Brad whispers as Karen runs the shower head down the front of her body. After slowing the water speed, she lies back and spreads her legs on either side of the tub. She uses her right hand to open her lips and her left hand to grab Brad’s head and put him in position for cunnilingus. “All is forgiven dear,” she smiles.

*******

          Mentally mapping out the quickest route to Andi from Vanessa’s house, Kennedy perpends Andi’s many contact attempts and their ensuing conversation; the catalyst to this quick trip. Evasive and dramatic as usual, I won’t really know what she wants ‘til I get there. I don’t feel like her nonsense tonight; Then again, it’s kind of comical how she rakes me over the coals with accusations and innuendo then asks me dumb crap like “you miss me?” and tries to solicit dating advice from me. As if I should give anybody dating tips. I absolutely live by the age old saying, “people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones”.

          Hearing the date alarm from her phone, Kennedy is reminded that she wants to send some flowers to Vanessa. Dialing 1-800-flowers, she orders a bouquet to include tulips (Vanessa’s favorite flower). While holding for confirmation, she bears in mind the time conflicts with stopping over Andi’s place. I need to make sure I’m gone from there by 11:30 because I need enough time to get to Sophia’s by midnight. I don’t want to put her off again, we’ve already rescheduled twice. I need to just call Andi and tell her we need to hook up another time.

          Chuckling over the anticipated upcoming theatrics, Kennedy punches in Andi’s number. As the phone rings a third time a glimmer of excitement over the prospect of leaving a voice message arises and then Andi answers sweetly, “Hey you.”      

          “Hey Sweetie, well don’t you sound all cozy. Listen doll, we’re gonna have to do this another night; how about Thursday,” Kennedy inquires aware that yelling was about to commence.

          “What! You’re standing me up? This is BS and you know it! I thought that was you pulling up a minute ago. You cannot be serious. And what’s up with Thursday, that’s two days from now? ”

          “I’m not standing you up sweetie. Thursday is a better day because we won’t be rushed. It’s late and I have some school work to get done. Don’t be upset, we’ll talk everything out then.”

          “You’re always doing something like this to me. I won’t have time Thursday and I doubt you have school work; more like a person to do”, Andi declares with disdain.

          “I understand Thursday doesn’t work for you. Let me know what day does and we’ll work it out. I have a call coming in that I have to take. I gotta go dear, I’ll talk to you tomorrow; okay doll?”

          “Hell no it’s not okay! You better not hang up on me! Kennedy? Hello? Hello? You there? Oh no this B didn’t hang up on me.”

*******

Stay tuned and find out next week …

Is Shaun’s friend Toni just “a friend”?

How much does Brad know about Karen’s past?

Who is Sophia and what is she to Kennedy?

And The Story Goes ... Episode I

     “You’re certainly quiet over there. Are you enjoying the food?” Andi inquires.
     “Very much so,” Shaun replies holding her hand over her mouth as not to expose the masticating food remnants.
     “But why are you so quiet tonight? It’s not like we haven’t been here before. You’re over there tasting like it’s your first time. If you ask me, we’ve been here too much.”
     “I’m simply enjoying my food. I thought you liked it here.” Here she goes tripping for who knows what this time. For the record, it’s called savoring; I don’t want to wolf my food down. What in the hell is her problem now? Shaun thinks while gearing up for Andi’s next probe.
     “I do like it. I’m just saying we can do other things. You’re so preoccupied with your salmon; can you even hear me? Should I be jealous? You’re not even talking to me. What’s the point in going out if we’re not going to converse with one another? Where are we going once we leave here?”    
     “Are you finished your rant? I was listening; would you prefer I talk while you’re talking? I AM eating just as I thought you were. Was your lamb unsatisfactory? Is that why you’re sounding so up in arms? As for after we leave here, I’ll take you home,” Shaun declares while motioning the server over to the table.
     “Home, what!? It’s still early. Oh I see what’s up; you don’t want me over your house tonight!”
     “You need to lower your voice Andi. I’m not doing this with you.”
     “Oh not with me, but with someone I’m sure.”
     “Would you like the server to wrap up the rest of your lamb?”
     “Don’t ignore me!”
     “I’m not ignoring you babe. I just want to make sure we take your food if you want it. I’m going to get the car,” Shaun announces after leaving a generous gratuity.
     Shaun is so full of crap. First she stays on mute while we’re out and now she wants to take me home. What happened to us spending time together? She’s up to some BS, I’m sure of it. I wonder if Karen’s home; Andi considers.

*******

     “You’re going to walk him again? Seems like we’re always taking him outside to do his business; he is spoiled rotten.”
     “We Karen? We—as in you and me?”
     “Okay Brad, it’s true, I don’t really take Spike out.”
     “Is that right?”
     “You got me there mister. Taking Spike out is not really a line item on my to-do list. Plus you like doing it.”
     “I like taking him out to run and play which is why we go outside so often; but I could do without cleaning up his mess. So what’s on Karen’s to-do list?”
     “I need to catch up on my reading and I have some papers to grade. Did you want to add something to my list?”
     “Yes, ME, I want to be on your to-do list,” Brad counters barely letting Karen finish the question.
     “Well that can certainly be arranged. How about I move you to the top?”
     Dropping the leash to the floor, Brad pulls Karen close to him leaving about two inches between their lips and whispers in a raspy voice, “Now you talking.” He looks at Spike sorrowfully, “Man I got to take care of mama first then we’ll go on our walk.” Just as he clasps Karen’s left hand with his right hand, her phone begins singing Andi’s ringtone.
     “I’m not answering it; I’ll call her back later.”
     As they reach the top of the stairs, Karen’s phone chimes Andi’s tone again. Brad sighs and proposes, “How about I take Spike for that walk and when I get back we’ll make sure our phones are on silent?”
     “No baby, I’m not going to answer it. I’ll call her tomorrow. She’ll be fine.”
     “Talk to that damn girl, she thinks everything is an emergency. You know she will keep on calling until she gets you. I’m going to walk the dog; now you go and counsel your friend.”
Brad gets his gray WVU sweatshirt while beckoning for Spike. With haste Spike runs to the door, and lets his owner fasten the leash. As they leave, Karen picks up her phone and affirms, “This better be an emergency.”
     “It is, I invited Kennedy over,” Andi confesses.
     “What! I thought you were having dinner with Shaun.”
     “I was, I mean, we did, but then we got into it, and she dropped me home.”
     “More like you started something and she wasn’t having it. You know how you do. Do NOT have Kennedy come there. You know where that will lead.”
     “It’s not going to lead to anything. We’re just friends now.”
     “Andi, are you forgetting who you’re talking to? That’s crap and you know it. Kennedy is your ex with whom you continued to blur the lines several months after the break-up. Remember how you acted when you saw her out with someone because y’all were still sleeping together?”
     “It’s not like that anymore. We’re both in relationships.”
     “Keep telling yourself that and maybe you’ll believe it. First of all, Kennedy is NOT in a relationship and she makes that very clear. You however, are in a relationship and don’t need the drama. Shaun seems cool; don’t blow it over exaggerated expectations. Even if you decide you don’t want Shaun, you’ve been down the Kennedy path too many times and it is everything except cool. She is high intensity, high drama. Sometimes I think you crave the drama.”
     “I can’t believe you said that. I don’t do drama Karen.”
     “Then why did you call her and not one of your other friends, a real friend?”
     “She is a real friend and I would have asked you but I knew you’d be up Brad’s ass.”
     Ignoring the insult attempt, Karen snickers and states, “The reason you didn’t ask me over is because I don’t do what Kennedy does for you; don’t screw yourself Andi.”
     “You know me, I’ll be fine.”
     “Yes I do know you.”
     “That sounds like her car pulling up.”
     “Well alright girl, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

*******

 Stay tuned and find out what happens next episode
 Who is Kennedy and what is it that she “does” to Andi?
        Exactly what intimacies Brad and Karen dive into once he returns home?
              Where in the world does Shaun go after dropping Andi off?