Sharing the Sheets (17 page)

As much as I didn't want to believe it, I had to find out. I walked into the bedroom sniffling. I picked up my phone off the floor and started to walk to my office. I scrolled through my contacts searching for our lawyer's number. I opened his contact information and punched in his fax number on my office fax/printer. I placed all the papers in the fax then pressed start. As the fax was connecting, the lawyer's direct line was being dialed.

“Marlon Chapel speaking.” His voice was calm.

“Hello, Marlon, how are you? It's Regina Clay.”

“Hello, Ms. Clay, what can I do for you? It's been awhile,” he greeted me.

“You should be receiving a fax any minute now. Do you have some time to stop by? There's a lot that may happen and I need your expertise.”

“Okay, can you hold on a minute?”

I heard him call out to his secretary to retrieve the fax. In a few seconds he returned to the line.

“Ms. Clay, is this what I think it is? Is Mark being—”

“Are the documents real? Is there any way you can find out if the court date is actually a real court hearing?” I bombarded him.

“Tell you what, Ms. Clay, I'll stop over in about an hour or two and then I will be able to answer all your questions.”

“Thank you, Marlon, I'll see you then.” I hung up the phone praying he would have only one answer: it was all faked. I closed my eyes and silently prayed for just that.

An hour and forty minutes passed as I anxiously waited for the lawyer. I paced back and forth waiting and playing every scenario there would possibly be in my head. Finally, the front desk phone rang. I hurried to pick up. “Hello.”

“Hello, Ms. Clay, I have Marlon Chapel here to see you.”

“Please send him up right up, thank you.” I shuffled quickly to the door and opened it. It felt like eternity, but in a few seconds he arrived walking off the elevator smiling.

“Hello, Ms. Clay, how are you?” He extended his hand.

“Oh, Marlon, I hope I will feel much better after our conversation. Please come in.” I returned his smile with a handshake.

“Okay then.” He walked in and took a seat at the dining table.

“Can I offer you something to drink?” I took a seat opposite him.

“No, thanks,” he said looking around.

A few minutes passed before I realized he was waiting for Mark to enter the room. “Mark is not here so—”

“He's not?” he interrupted.

“Is that a problem?”

He tilted his head a bit and rubbed on his chin as if he was having second thoughts of disclosing whatever information he found out.

“Marlon, there shouldn't be any problem. I'm practically his wife.” I hated to remind him.

“You're absolutely right, but I do think he should be here.”

“Well, depending on what you tell me I'm sure you will have ample time to go through it all again with him face to face. Shall we get on with it?” I was short with him.

“Of course. The documents are real and the court hearing is on the docket for the scheduled date. Now, I can also tell you the woman making the paternity case is a well-known defense lawyer so this may become very dicey.”

“Why, doesn't she get the same treatment as any other paternity case?” I was concerned that Mark would not get a fair trial.

“Yes and no. Because of her ties to the law community this could all be very one-sided or it can be fought word for word by the book. That's why I need to speak to Mark. He has to tell me what happened and if this is at all possible. I'm sure you guys have spoken, but I do need to speak to him. The court date is literally around the corner and I need to prepare my case.”

“Is there anything we should do in the meantime?” I asked knowing Mark should be here.

“Well, no contact with the woman and if she does decide on contacting you or Mark please give her my number. Mark and I have to sit down as soon as possible.”

“Thank you, Marlon, for taking time out and meeting me. I'm sure Mark will contact you once he returns.” I stood up indicating our conversation was over and it was time for him to leave.

“Okay, I guess I'll be on my way, Ms. Clay.”

I walked him to the door and thanked him again.

There were a lot of thoughts running through my mind, but I couldn't let it control my actions toward Mark or Amanda. Yes, they did something unforgivable, but the outcome didn't have to suffer. Mark's son shouldn't miss out on his father because his mother didn't make the right decision.

It felt good to shut Regina's ass up. I was sure she was balling her eyes out right now. Crying over how she could never top me on this; having his kid was the best decision I ever made. There was only one thing left to do: show undeniable proof. His son stayed with my sister in North Carolina at the moment, but he would be here soon enough.

My sister always had my back no matter what; we were blood. There was nothing I wouldn't eventually tell her. I knew I would have to let her in on everything once she arrived, but in the meantime I had to get Tony for what he took part in. Diana shouldn't be hassling me for any more money; she was paid in full first thing this morning. She handed me the flash drive and the hard drive of her personal computer. But I did one better. If she thought I wasn't going to take the hard drive at work she was a step behind me. Her office computer was replaced before she even sat at her desk this morning.

My private detective got me Tony's full name and address. I didn't know what to expect if he was confronted, but there was no way I was about to let him go that easy. I hopped into a cab reciting his address to the driver. It didn't take long before the cab arrived in front of his building. There wasn't any doorman and the neighborhood was a little sketchy. I handed the driver an extra fifty and told him to hang for fifteen minutes, and if I didn't return it was okay to leave.

I buzzed apartment 3E.

“Who?” a stuffy-nosed voice asked.

“Delivery.”

“From who?”

“Is this Tony Lyles?” I asked nervously.

The door buzzed and I entered making sure to slam it behind me then headed to the elevator.
Here we go!
As I entered the elevator I pushed the third-floor button on the panel. There was no turning back now. I got off the elevator and walked down the hall. The door was slightly open. I knocked before I entered.

“You can set it on the table over there. I'll be right there to sign,” Tony hollered from the back.

I looked around his apartment littered with empty takeout containers and beer bottles as I walked into the living space. There was a nicely framed picture of a familiar face surrounded by crumpled tissues.
Regina?
This was her Tony! I guessed right when I was at Regina's condo.

“You're not . . . What are you doing here?” He walked out bare-chested and with gym shorts on.

“You know Regina?” I held the picture in my hand.

He was confused. He had no idea I already knew his troubles. I couldn't help but to laugh. I not only fucked her man, I apparently fucked her boyfriend as well. I chuckled to myself. The laugh on Regina just doubled.

“Give me that!” He snatched the frame out my hand. “You don't know her. Listen, I don't know how you got my address, but I'm not on the job anymore. I did you as a favor for a friend.”

“You also helped in creating a video to blackmail my ass. Now I need all the footage. So hand it over and I'm out your face.”

He walked away and returned with an SD card. “Here, there's nothing else Diana has on you.”

“Can I let you in on a little secret?”

“You can leave, that's what you can do,” he suggested.

“If you want Regina back maybe you shouldn't give up so quickly. Her man is probably kicking her to the curb right now after finding out that you were fucking her in his bed!”

“How do you know Regina?” he asked anxiously.

“Let's just say I know her better than you think. How I know her doesn't really matter. By the looks of it, you're the only one with a broken heart.” I waved my hand around his dirty-ass living room.

“Get out!” he shouted from sheer embarrassment.

“They always say to get over someone the best way is to get under someone else.” I winked at him, hoping to comfort his broken heart. This would be just another stab into Regina if I could get Tony again.

“Why are you still talking?”

“Listen, Tony, when we, umm, got together it was under your motives. Now that your motive has been paid in full I would like to offer you another deal under less malicious intentions. You can't deny that it wasn't good.”

“I'm listening.”

“You being who and what you are, I'm willing to offer you an appropriate fee for your services and an added bonus: access to Regina.”

“After what you told me about putting her shit out on blast I would be a fool to believe she'll still have anything to do with you. Stop while you're ahead and leave. I'm not going to make any deal with you even if there was a chance of me getting back Regina. I wasn't born last night!”

I stepped closer to him and gently stroked his bare chest. It would be a shame if I couldn't get him as much as I wanted. “Are you sure? It's not like you're making any money right now.”

He pushed my hand off. “Just because I once got paid to fuck you lonely ass bitches for money don't mean I'll be a fish on a hook at any amount.”

“Oh, so you have a plan?” I knew he had nothing and only had one skill: fucking.

“What the fuck do you care? Look I've about had it with you. I don't want to force you out physically, but if I have to, trust me, I have no problem in doing it. So, are you leaving on your own or what?” He placed his hands on his hips.

He tried his best to be firm, but when his manhood was standing at full attention it was hard to believe he wanted me to go.

I looked down to his crotch. “I don't think you really want me to leave.” Getting what I wanted was never hard. I dropped to my knees and pulled his shorts down. I took him all in. I felt his body relax and his hands moved to the back of my head.

“Yeah, take it all,” he moaned.

I slammed my mouth against him causing him to squirm. I sucked harder and jerked my hand faster allowing my spit to drip through my fingers. The wetness formed the perfect glide. He enjoyed every movement my hand made. After his moans became louder I stood up licking my lips.

I wanted what I had that night with him. He knew how I liked it. I smacked him across the face and pushed him to the sofa. His face turned slightly red, but there was a smile brewing.

He pulled my hair hard. “Is this how you want it?” he whispered in my ear.

Instantly my nectar surged. He ripped my blouse open and tugged at my skirt. I had no panties on as usual. When he stuck his hand between my legs my body quivered, wishing he would have his way with me.

“Yes, slap it for me,” I groaned.

He tossed me to the other side of the sofa and dove in head first for my flower. He spread me open and nipped at my clitoris. Teasing chills passed through me, feeling the heat from his mouth. His teeth lightly pulling at my clit. It drove me into a fit. I begged and pleaded for him to dig into me, but instead he continued to torment me. I couldn't hold back anymore. I started to squirt all over his face. Tony opened the floodgates ingesting all of my juices and pinching at my nipples.

“Yes, yes. Please, please give it to me.”

He teased me for what seemed like hours until he finally climbed on top of me and slammed his ten inches into me. As Tony stroked his hand around my neck got tighter. The feeling of euphoria came over me and my body shook as I climaxed simultaneously. My body felt light as if I would float away like a helium balloon when my eyes closed.

Suddenly, the door buzzed, jerking me out of my euphoria.

“Who the hell?” Tony cursed. “I swear if you told anybody my address . . .”

The door buzzed again.

“Who?” Tony asked.

“Should hang around for the lady?” the groggy voice came through the intercom.

“Do you have someone waiting on you?” He turned to me and asked removing his finger from the intercom button.

“I can leave if you like. Do you want me to leave?” I spread my legs open.

He pushed the intercom button. “You can go.”

I was happy to hear his words. He was willing to play my game for now.

There was so much running through my mind as I slid the keycard into the slot to enter my hotel room. Was I a fool to still love her? Was I so blind? Was Amanda telling me the truth? Did I really have a son? Could I ever forgive the unthinkable? Another man slept with her in my bed, he was in my house. What man in their right mind would forgive her?

I felt exhausted; my body was weak. All the new revelations and the decisions I had to make gave me a horrible headache. It was obvious calling a lawyer would be my next step. Instead, I decided on a hot, steamy shower to calm my mind before calling him.

After my long shower I stepped out of the shower and wrapped one towel around my waist then took the other towel to dry off some more. I walked to toward the bed to pick up my phone off the nightstand. There were two missed calls, one from Regina and the other from the office. I called the office first.

“Hello, Connie, is there a problem?”

“No, not at all, Mr. Sands, I wanted to check on you. When I called Regina there was no answer.” Her kind heart was always uplifting.

“Thanks, Connie, I really appreciate it. I will be out of the office for the rest of the week so please reschedule appointments if necessary.”

“Are you not feeling well, Mr. Sands? Would you like me to schedule a doctor's appointment for you?” She was concerned.

“No, not at all. There's some personal matters that need my full attention. Things should settle down by next week.” I did my best to sound upbeat and not worry her.

“Okay, Mr. Sands, call me if you need anything.”

“I will, Connie, thanks again. Talk to you soon.” I pressed
End
on the phone screen.

As soon as I hung up my phone buzzed. It was Regina.

“Hello,” I answered.

“Mark, we need to talk this through and sit with Marlon. He stopped by.”

“How did he happen to stop by? Did you call him over?” Not only did she screw people in my bed, but it seemed like she wanted to handle my personal affairs as well.

“I faxed him the documents Amanda left you. I thought you would like to know if they were real moving forward,” she stated.

Did she do it for me or was she finding out for her own reasons?

“I found out because we both needed to know if it was true. For you to make sure if this was another trick she had up her sleeve. I needed you to know I was going to be there for you regardless. I'm going to stand by your side. I'm going to help you. We both will be there for your son.”

By the sound of her voice she was genuine and compassionate. I didn't want to go through this alone. I loved her, unconditionally, no matter her indiscretions. She was the only one in the world I wanted at my side.

“Mark, where are you?” she asked.

As much as I wanted her next to me, she had to understand her actions almost caused me to walk away. “I still need some time, Regina. I will meet Marlon in the morning and call you after.”

“I understand. I'm sorry, Mark. I am, truly. Good-bye,” her voice whimpered.

A few tears dropped from my eyes. Her apology was far from winning the trust I once had for her, but it was a start to reviving it. I wiped my eyes and dialed Marlon to set up a very early appointment. When I was done I crawled into bed and slept like a baby.

 

 

I woke up, feeling like a better man. I understood my wrongs and had the strength to forgive those for theirs. I left the hotel and hailed a cab to meet Marlon at his office. I replayed in my mind what I was going to say, but it was useless. I knew I made a terrible mistake and it was 100 percent possible Amanda could have mothered my child. As much as I didn't want it to be true, I couldn't fully deny it. I had to face it.

I paid the driver and got out the cab. I entered the building feeling embarrassed by the predicament I was in, but I had to shake that feeling off. I couldn't walk into this feeling like I was in the wrong. She was in the wrong. She kept my son away from me.
I missed some precious moments,
I repeated in my head on the elevator ride up to Marlon's office.

The elevator doors opened and I stepped out onto Marlon's office floor. I walked to the reception area and gave my name.

“Hello, Mr. Sands, Mr. Chapel is expecting you. Please follow me,” the young receptionist said.

She led me down a hallway and into a conference room to the left at the end of the hall.

“Can I offer you anything, Mr. Sands? We have fresh coffee, bagels, fruit, and muffins.” She gestured to the breakfast feast at the edge of the conference table.

“No, thank you,” I offered taking a seat.

“Okay, I'll let Mr. Chapel know you are here.”

“Thanks, again.” I waited a few minutes anxiously for Marlon to join me. It had been so long since I actually sat down with Marlon I forgot how he looked.

A well-dressed, short, balding, overweight white man walked through the conference doors. “Good morning, Mr. Sands, I only wish it were in better circumstances.” He extended his hand.

I gripped his hand still seated. “Thanks for seeing me this early.”

“It's only eight in the morning, that's nothing.” He took a seat opposite me setting a folder on the table.

“Well, I know you have copies of the document that Amanda Sutton served me yesterday.” I looked to his folder.

“Yes, Regina faxed them over to me that very day. I met with her yesterday briefly. Clearly now I can go through the details with you. Can you tell me how these papers were served to you, first?”

“She showed up at my office, but before she entered I stopped her at the door. I did grab her by the arm, not too hard, but thinking back now I probably shouldn't have done it. Anyway once we exited the building she said some harsh words and that moment I thought bringing her to my home was the right thing.”

“Why was that, Mark? Were you two lovers for a long time?”

“No, no, no. It was a onetime mistake, that's it. I told Regina the night before that I slept with her a long time ago and Amanda was using her to get closer to me, which Amanda told me herself. I figured we all needed to sit down just to have everything out in the open.”

“Were you thinking sitting down with the both of them they were going to become friends again?” His brow rose.

By his expression, that was a stupid move to put them in the same room.

“Forget that question, it doesn't matter. First, we have to address the DNA test. I had my secretary set up the appointment for today. I don't know how your day looks, but I'm sure you will make the adjustment. Now we won't know the results until it's read at the hearing. At that time I can ask for an extension to build a case. Now, I need you to be honest with the some important questions.” He rubbed his chin and prepared to write on a legal-sized notepad.

I shook the nervousness off and was ready for all his invading questions. “Yes, I can do that.”

“You know Amanda Sutton how exactly?”

“I thought we were friends. We met years ago through some college friends at a party. We kept in contact here and there. After we both were in our careers we continued our friendship with phone calls, e-mails, and occasional dinners. We were friends, so as friends do I confided in her to get a woman's perspective when Regina and I were going through something difficult in our relationship.”

“So you've been friends for a long time. Does Regina know her as one of your close friends?”

“No, she didn't. When I made the mistake of sleeping with Amanda I didn't contact her for over a year, maybe even a little more. Then I saw her one night at a client's party. Just by coincidence my client I sold the house to she represented as well. I didn't intend on Regina to find out anything about our previous relationship. When the client brought us together I pretended not to know her. Amanda followed my lead and did the same. Then a week later Regina was meeting her for lunch.”

“I see, and Regina never mentioned Amanda saying anything about knowing you?”

“No. If she was ever at the house, I left to do something or locked myself away in my home office. I didn't do dinners with her unless Regina insisted, which she did at times.” I felt like shit reliving this.

“And she never mentioned a baby to Regina or you?”

“No.”

He wrote on the notepad for quite a few minutes before looking up to me again. “Okay, do you intend to be in his child's life if you're the father?”

“Yes, I wouldn't want it any other way.”

“If you're not are you prepared to press charges and file a restraining order against her?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, I think I have some work to do and you my friend have an appointment. The young lady at the front desk will give all the information to you.” He pushed back on his chair and stood up extending his hand to me.

“That's it, nothing else?” I shook his hand and rose out the seat.

“For now. The main thing is the test, after we can build a stronger case.”

“You know she's a lawyer, right?” He didn't mention anything and honestly I was uncertain of his skill.

“Of course I do. Mark, don't worry about this. It will work out.” He stated with a smile.

His words didn't make me confident, but he was head of his firm and I was sure he didn't want his reputation to be tarnished in any way. I walked to the reception area and the receptionist handed me a manila folder with all the information in it. I thanked her and headed to the elevator to exit the building. I hailed a cab once I was out and headed to the appointment.

 

 

After waiting almost two hours to have my cheek swabbed and blood taken I was finally sitting in a cab on my way back to the hotel. Once I got into my room I ordered some much-needed lunch. As I waited for my lunch, I picked up my phone and dialed Regina.

“Hello,” she answered.

“I saw Marlon this morning and went to get the DNA test today.”

“It had to be done. Did he mention what was to be done at this hearing coming up?” She had every right to be concerned.

“He said we wouldn't get the DNA results until the hearing then he would ask for some more time to build a case.”

“That's it?” she asked sounding disappointed.

“The court date is a day from tomorrow. I would like you to be there with me.”

“Of course, Mark. Can—”

There was a strong knock on the door. “Regina, I'll see you at the hearing. We'll talk then, I promise.” I pressed End on the screen while opening the door.

“Room service, sir,” a bellhop announced handing me the bill to sign off.

“Thank you,” I said penning in his tip and my signature on bill.

I sat there and ate with my thoughts of the future filling my head.