All That and a Bag of Chips (7 page)

Craig stuttered, “Venice, I-I really like you. I like you a lot and before we go any further, I need to know if you're protected.”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I double protect myself. I take birth control, but I also insist on condoms.”

He looked her in the eyes and said, “Venice, I know you've been wondering why I haven't made a move on you, huh?”

She looked down at her hands and replied, “Well, yeah.”

“Venice, I must confess. I've wanted you since the first day I laid eyes on you.”

“Really?”

“Really! You stirred feelings inside me that I've never felt before. Why do you think I didn't waste any time calling you up? Huh?”

“I thought you were just being nice, since you're friends with Galen.”

“No, I wasn't about to miss the opportunity to get to know you. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I need to find out what you want. Your brother told me that you were really tight with someone back home and that you were together for a long time. I'm just not sure if you're interested in a new relationship. You have to let me know.”

“I don't know what to say, Craig. Even though I've been in a long relationship with someone else, we agreed to cool it since we're separated. I've enjoyed spending time with you over the past month and I was beginning to think that you didn't want to be anything but friends. Look, Craig, I'm not going to lie to you. The guy I was with before coming to school is still very close to me and I do still have strong feelings for him. We were together for four years and we went through some serious drama that I don't care to go into right now. I'll always love him for those reasons. Maybe I'll explain it to you one day but, for now, Jarvis and I are just trying to deal with being apart. We've never been separated like this before and it's been hard. We
agreed not to try and carry on a long distance relationship. It doesn't change our feelings for each other, but we had to face the fact that we're only nineteen and we have to go on living whether we're together or apart.”

“Where is he?”

“He's going to Michigan State on academic and football scholarships.”

“Why didn't you go with him?”

“I was supposed to, but my paperwork was lost and you know how that can be. By the time they found it, it was too late.”

“Are you planning on transferring to Michigan State?”

“I don't know. It depends on how things go here at Dawson.”

Craig could see Venice was carrying some emotional baggage with her, but he wouldn't pry any further. He smiled and said, “Well, Taylor, I'm impressed. You didn't have to spill your guts like that, but I really admire you for laying your cards on the table. I appreciate it.”

“I just hope you're able to bear with me when it comes to my past because I went through some deep shit. Craig, I like you very much. I just want you to know that I want to have fun while I'm in college.”

He saw her eyes becoming misty and wanted to hold her and comfort her. Instead he smiled and said, “Okay, Taylor. I hear you. I guess that settles it. I've ruined the mood now, huh?”

She stood close, feeling the heat of his body. “You didn't ruin the mood, Craig, but it's getting late and I really should be getting back to the dorm.”

He stroked her cheek. “Can I get a rain check?”

Venice giggled. “Is that like a coochie coupon?”

She saw genuine concern in his dark sultry eyes when he said, “Look, Venice, I don't want anything to happen between us until you're sure. If you're still in love with your ex, maybe we should cool it.”

“Craig, let's just see where nature takes us. Okay?”

He hugged her to his chest and answered, “That's a bet. Now let me get you out of here.” Venice gathered her books. Craig pulled her against his tight chest. “Venice, I'm glad you came over tonight. I enjoyed our unexpected conversation and I want you to come back over soon. Okay?”

She wrapped her arms around him, feeling her body relax. “Sure, Mr. Bennett. I'd love to.”

He gave her a seductive squeeze, lifting her off the floor. Venice giggled out loud as he put her down. He quickly took her mouth again, which lasted for quite some time. Venice could tell she aroused him instantly and knew that he wanted her just as bad as she wanted him.

They released each other, she stomped her foot, and hollered out, “Mercy!”

Craig laughed. “Girl, let me get you out of here.”

Craig drove Venice to campus and told her that he'd talk to her later. “Good luck on your test.”

She smiled as he ran his fingers over her soft cheeks before he cupped her face with his hands and their tongues met one last time.

V
enice lay in bed, reminiscing about the night's events. She could still see Craig's sweet smile and taste the wetness his mouth left on hers. She lay there thinking about how good he'd felt against her body and how much she'd missed that feeling.

Her mind wandered to Jarvis. He was still able to say the things to her that made her fall in love with him in the beginning. He had an unbelievable spell over her and when she heard his voice, she couldn't help but want to be with him right then and there. Was she making a mistake hooking up with Craig? Was she jeopardizing her relationship with Jarvis? Only time would tell.

Venice turned over and saw that Monique had left a note that Joshua had called. It was late but she needed to talk to him. Venice dialed his number and Joshua answered, “Hello?”

“What's up, dog?”

“What's up, girl? Where have you been?”

“You're so nosey but, if you must know, I've been over Craig's house.”

Joshua laughed and asked, “Well, did he hit it?”

“No, but I thought we were going to do it. He stopped and wanted to have a serious conversation.”

“About what?”

“He wants to be with me and wanted to know if I used protection.”

Joshua laughed. “Dang! Dude must be pretty cool to talk about that kind of stuff before trying to hit it. What did you tell him?”

Venice told Joshua everything that was said between her and Craig. Joshua admired Craig for being responsible and told Venice to go ahead and give Craig a chance. He also told her to go slow because he knew that she was still in love with Jarvis and that Jarvis
was still madly in love with her.

Venice sighed. “I don't want to lose Jarvis. But, I really like Craig. He's so nice and he seems to understand what I'm going through with Jarvis. I don't want to jeopardize my relationship with Jarvis.”

“If you and Jarvis are meant to be together, you'll find your way back to each other. In the meantime, girl, kick it! You're only nineteen once.”

“I guess you're right. So, what's going on with you? Are you ready to come down here for homecoming and pick out some apartments?”

“Hell yeah! Cynthia's still tripping about me coming. I keep telling her that I promised you and that I'm just coming to check out some apartments.”

Venice yawned. “I can't wait for you to meet him.”

Joshua laughed. “Are you still going up to Jarvis' homecoming?”

“I have to. I promised him. I'm going to have to explain to Craig that it was prearranged.”

“Yeah, it was prearranged before you met him. If he likes you as much as it sounds, I'm telling you now, Venice, he's not going for it. That man ain't about to let you go up there to your ex. You know once you and Jarvis get together, you're going to end up giving him some. Where does that leave Craig? You better call him and let him know you can't come.”

“I'm not going to cancel. A matter of fact, I'm so horny, I can't wait to go.”

“See, you're playing games already. If you want this guy, you better not go up there messing around with Jarvis, cause you know he's crazy when it comes to you.”

“I just don't know what I'm going to do. I miss Jarvis. Lord! That man knows how to make me scream!”

“All right, don't say I didn't try to warn you. Have you told Craig the whole story on you and Jarvis?”

“No, but I did tell him that I have strong feelings for Jarvis for reasons I didn't want to get into right away. He suggested we might need to cool it. I just think that if I tell him, he may not want to be with me.”

“So what if he finds out before you tell him? He'll really be pissed at you. I'm a man. I know. We don't like surprises.”

“I asked Galen, Sidney, and Chanelle not to mention anything to Craig about the situation.”

“Okay. Well, I know it's late and you have class tomorrow. I'll talk to you later. Keep your head in the books and Bryan said don't forget our tickets and hotel reservations.”

“Okay, goodnight! And Josh, thanks again. Love ya!”

“Love you too, girl. Goodnight.”

They hung up the phone and Venice was asleep within minutes.

 

Venice woke up hoping that
she didn't ruin her chances of making a decent grade on her literature exam by staying out late drinking the night before. She was still tingling from the affects of being with Craig. She was also preoccupied with the conversation she'd had with Joshua. She hurriedly showered and dressed to make her way to class. Monique was still cuddled up with her teddy bears, snoring like you wouldn't believe. As Venice entered the classroom, she could see some of her classmates still going over their notes. She realized that she wasn't the only one who needed a little more time to study. Anyway, she said a small prayer while the professor passed out the test and instructed them to begin. As Venice went over the questions, she found the answers coming to her easily. Then she remembered how Craig had quizzed her the night before. It seemed that everything she'd studied was definitely on the exam. Venice breathed a sigh of relief as she finished the exam and turned it in to the professor.

“Thank you, Miss Taylor. I'll see you in class on Monday and have a nice weekend.”

“You too, professor.”

When Venice got outside, she felt good about her performance and decided to share her joy with Monique. When she returned to the room, Monique was finally dragging herself out of bed.

“Are you just getting in from last night?”

“No, girl. When I got in last night, you were knocked out. I had my Lit exam this morning. Remember? You couldn't hear me getting ready for class for all that snoring you were doing.”

Monique couldn't help but laugh. “I'm sorry, roomie. I must've been dog-tired. So… What did you and Mr. Bennett get into last night for you to get back so late?”

“You sure are nosy! But, if you must know, he cooked dinner for me and helped me study for my exam.”

She laughed. “Is that all? You mean to tell me he showed up unannounced from out of town and it wasn't a booty call?”

“I know it may be hard for you to believe it, Monique, but not every man is trying to get in your drawers. Craig's nice and he's a real gentlemen. If I'd had my way last night, it would've been a booty call! I think he's waiting on me to make the first move. I kind of like that. It lets me be in control.”

Monique said, “Girl, if I were you, the next time you get a chance to be alone with him, you should seduce him!”

“Well, sister girl, you're not me! Besides, I don't want him to think I'm easy.”

Monique gathered up her shower cap and said, “Whatever! I'm going to hit the showers. I've got class in thirty minutes. Are you done for the day?”

“Yes! All I had was the lit exam. Craig doesn't have class on Fridays. I might treat him to a movie or something.”

Monique smiled. “Well, if I don't see you, have a good time.”

“Thanks. I'll page you later to see what you're up to. I'm getting ready to go to the beauty shop. See ya!”

Venice drove to the beauty shop with Craig on her mind. She couldn't believe the conversation they'd had the night before. When she pulled into the parking lot, her beautician, Tamara, was waiting on her. Girl, I'm glad you're on time. I have a full day today. How do you want your hair?”

Venice thought for a minute. “I guess I'll just get it wrapped.”

Tamara giggled. “I'll have you out of here in no time.”

 

Galen was in class wondering
why Venice hadn't returned his page. He couldn't wait to see her, but he was trying not to be upset. One thing he'd told her was that if he ever paged her, she'd better return it. He didn't care what she was doing, where she was, or who she was with. Galen felt like he wasn't asking a lot. Besides, he was responsible for her while they were away at college. His mom and dad would kill him if something happened to her. Galen knew it would be a few hours before he would be able to confront Venice, so he tried to maintain his composure and concentrate on his classes.

When Venice made it back to campus, she ran into Chanelle who was also finished with her classes for the week.

“Hey, girl!”

“Hi, Venice! Ooh! Your hair's sharp, girl. Did you just get it done?”

“Yes, I only had one class today and I'm ready for the weekend.”

“What are you getting ready to do?”

“Nothing! Do you want to go watch the band practice?”

“Sure, it's not like I have anything else to do.”

As they walked, Chanelle asked Venice, “Hey, where's your man?”

“I don't know. He didn't have any classes today.” Venice paused a minute. “Chanelle, can I tell you something? But you can't tell anybody, and I mean
nobody
.”

Chanelle said, “Girl, you know you can trust me. We go way back.”

They found a spot to sit down to watch the band practice.

Venice said, “Well, you know Craig came in town last night unexpectedly and he invited me over for dinner. As a matter of fact, he
cooked
dinner for me. He also helped me study for my exam. Well, after dinner, girl, things started getting really hot! We started kissing and I thought he was going to try to hit it, but he stopped. I felt like I was ready, but I was a little nervous, too. Anyway, now I wish he would've kept going. He stopped himself and then we had a serious conversation about casual sex and protection; stuff like that. I told him I was on the pill, but insisted on condoms also.”