Walk a Straight Line (7 page)

Oh, this was not smart—and he knew it.

Gina exhaled against his ear, and he shivered.

“Gina.”
Keith emphasized her name to signal his genuine agony.

“Keith,” Gina whispered back. “Do you want to . . . ?” She trailed off, not completing the question.

He released her and stepped back. Her question hung between them. Keith wrestled with himself. Gina was ready. He saw it. He reached his hand up and moved his head lower.
I just want to feel what her lips feel like pressed against mine . . . That's all. Then I'll go,
Keith thought.

At the precise moment that their lips were about to make contact, Keith's cell rang. They both jumped apart, feeling like two schoolchildren caught in the act.

Gina shook her head to clear it, and she regained control of her faculties. Keith saw the rejection before she voiced it aloud. “Keith, I can't do this to Michael. He's good to me, and he deserves better.”

Keith's phone rang again, and he let it ring. “I'd better go . . .” He said, albeit reluctantly.

“Yeah,” Gina agreed. “It's for the best.” Her tone belied her words.

Saturday evening, Colleen opened the door to her home with as much dread as an inmate returning to her cell, which was exactly how she felt. She had seen Terence's car in the driveway. She thought he'd still be in church. But he was probably waiting for her. He couldn't very well show up to church without his lap dog on his arm, could he?

“Welcome home, Colleen. I've missed you,” Terence said, as she stepped through the door.

Colleen hung her head, not saying a word, but she hated him.

“I knew you would come back,” he said amicably. “The Lord showed me that you would come to your senses, and when better than today? His day.”

Colleen merely bit back a retort. She was not going to say anything to him at all. She felt Terence's arms encircle her waist and literally bit her lips to keep from telling him not to touch her. She felt his lips on the back of her neck, and soon, he started nibbling all over. Colleen stood still and let him.

She could hear his breathing escalate as his desire grew. He quickly undressed her and turned her around to face him. Colleen almost said something when she saw the look of satisfaction on his face. She desperately wanted to wipe that look off his face.

“You're mine,” Terence told her. “I'm glad you're home.” Then he crushed her to him and started to kiss her. When she remained unresponsive a minute later, Terence stopped and looked at her.

“Why aren't you responding?” he asked, but to Colleen, it was a subtle command.

She looked at her husband.
You know why!
She wanted to scream those words at him. But she didn't. Instead, she lifted her arms and brought them around his neck. Then she moved her hips against his before reaching up to kiss him. She felt Terence relax and allow her to do her thing. Colleen kissed him until she heard Terence groan. She took the rest of her clothes off and then said, “Take it; it's yours.”

Colleen's statement made him feel strong and invincible, but she was appalled that he became turned on at her declaration. He gripped her arms, and his breathing labored as his passion rose. With another guttural groan, he deepened the kiss and his hands roamed her body. Colleen responded, but she didn't return the sentiment. Not after what he'd just put her through.

As he kissed her, he whispered, “As much as I hate to admit this, I think your time away has definitely been good for you. I like this woman before me. You're willing and compliant, and everything I could ever want.” He looked up at the ceiling with appreciation. “Thank you, Lord.” Terence bent his head to kiss her again. Feeling his sweat on her forehead, it was all Colleen could do to keep from screaming.

She rolled her eyes and stifled a sound of utter disgust.
Was he seriously thanking God, right now?
She squeezed her eyes tight to keep from crying. Then she felt Terence pull away to look at her. Colleen quickly transformed her face to look like sheer bliss. He must have bought it too, for Terence continued his ministrations. Colleen felt used, but she did not stop him. She purposely let out a moan, and another for good measure. Terence had no clue that she was faking it, and she would, until she figured out what to do.

Lord, if you're listening, help me through this. Please, help me,
Colleen prayed. Immediately, she felt doubt attack her. Was God hearing her? Would He answer her prayer?

 

 

That was Gina's first thought when she woke up that Sunday morning. Colleen was at the forefront of her mind. She called her without delay. Terence answered the telephone. He was as sweet as sugar before handing the phone over to his wife.

Gina rolled her eyes heavenward and pretended to gag on the phone. She knew her gestures were childish and that they were futile, since Terence could not actually see what she was doing. But Gina felt better just doing it. The man just made her grit her teeth.

Colleen got on the phone. The two women chitchatted for a minute before deciding to meet up later for lunch. Gina rang off without asking her friend the question plaguing her mind, which was, “What's going on, Colleen?”

Michael called her five minutes after her conversation with Colleen. Gina felt a little remorseful. She hadn't thought about him even once since she'd last spoken to him. Her head had been filled with Keith. She'd gone to sleep with Keith on her mind, thinking about what almost happened, what would have happened if his cell phone hadn't rung. Gina knew, without a doubt, that she would have slept with him. Her body felt alive and sizzled around him.

Gina knew from Michael's message what he wanted. The problem was that she did not know if she could give it to him.

At about 8:30 that night, Michael swerved into her driveway. She opened the door to let him in. He was out of the car and up the steps in a flash. She didn't get a hello in before he kissed her like there was no tomorrow for all the neighbors to see.

Gina couldn't help her reaction to Michael's passionate embrace. She groaned. His body weight involuntarily forced her to take a step back. That was all the invitation he needed. Michael entered her home and without breaking the kiss, shut the front door behind him.

Gina did nothing to stop him either. She doubted she could have anyway. He was a man on a mission. She pushed at his shoulders to come up for air, but Michael wouldn't let her.

Before Gina was cognizant of his actions, all her clothes were at her feet. “Michael!” She pushed against his chest and stepped back. With a vigorous shake of her head, she sought to regain some semblance of control.

“Gina, you think way too much.” Michael's sultry look ignited her insides. Her inner woman awakened, and her resolve vanished.

Why should she fight this? Besides, what reason could she give Michael, apart from the truth, for not sleeping with him? They'd been dating for almost three months. She couldn't hold out forever.

“You're right.”

Taking that as capitulation, Michael enfolded her in his powerful arms. Gina liked this new bold, aggressive side. It was scintillating. Without breaking the kiss, Michael led her to the couch. He whispered, “I love you and it's time I showed you.”

Her knees weakened, but she couldn't repeat the words. Michael was too caught up in the moment to care.

While she responded, she thought,
Are you using Michael to forget about Keith?

Those words made Gina pause, but Michael was now sealing the deal, so to speak. He withdrew protection from his pocket and said, “Don't want any surprises for either of us.”

Gina looked up at the ceiling and wondered why she was allowing this to happen when she was not ready. Not by a long shot.

Michael panted above her, and Gina squeezed her eyes shut. Concentrate.
Get into it!

Before she knew it, he was done. Within minutes, he fell asleep.

Gina felt a tiny whimper of disappointment. She couldn't fault his skills, but . . . call her picky . . . this wasn't earth-shattering.

That sounded shallow. She yawned and felt sleep loom. She snuggled under his large body. Next time, Gina consoled herself, the earth would move.

Colleen waited for Gina at their usual booth at the Applebee's in Five Towns, at around four thirty in the afternoon. Gina was coming straight after work. Punctual, her Volkswagen came into view. Colleen waved her long arms to get Gina's attention.

Gina spotted her and gave a light wave. Then she headed her way. Colleen knew that Gina was shocked that she was already there, considering her penchant for tardiness.

“Hey, I can't believe you beat me here.” Gina hugged her before sliding into the far corner of the booth.

“I knew you'd say that.” Colleen chuckled and gave her a light kiss on the cheek.

The women ordered deluxe burgers, well done, with fries. They both ordered a mudslide. Once the waiter walked out of earshot, Gina confronted her.

“So, what's going on with you and Terence? Trouble in paradise with Shifty Eyes?” Before she could answer, Colleen saw Gina hold up her hand. “Sorry about that, I promised myself—no barbs—no shots below the belt. Colleen, I'm sorry. Please tell me, what happened?”

Colleen looked at Gina, who was being a good friend at the moment. “No need to apologize. It's okay. I need to talk to you.” She saw Gina sit up straighter, but still Colleen hesitated. She honestly didn't even know how to put into words the way she felt. Colleen did not know exactly how to voice her fears aloud. “Things between me and Terence are not going the way that I'd like,” she stated, simply.

“What do you mean?”

Colleen sensed that Gina was determined to keep her tone neutral and friendly. She battled with what to say, but Colleen needed to talk to someone. “Well, it's like . . . It's as if he wants to take complete control over my life.”

“What exactly do you mean?” Gina's tone became harsh, and Colleen read her body language. She knew where her friend's mind was going.

“Is he hitting you, Colleen?” Gina crooked her head, her anger displayed through her elevated voice and furrowed brows.

“No.” Colleen waved off the thought. “It's not like that. It's more like he gives me these requests that are more like demands, you know . . .”

“And, what happens if you don't follow them?” Gina queried. Then, she switched gears. “Honestly, it bothers me hearing you talk like this. Colleen, this is so not like you that I don't even know what to think right now.”

“I don't know . . .” Colleen bent her head as uncertainty gnawed at her insides. She bit her lips trying to pull out the magic words to dissipate Gina's anger and her fear.

“Well . . .” Gina summoned a patience she didn't possess, “can you tell me why he called my house looking for you twice? I called you so many times that I lost count, and I left several messages. I was really worried. And especially now since you're being vague.”

“I left. I went to a hotel to cool off. I didn't feel like being around anyone, you know. I just wanted to think . . . But . . . Terence called and canceled all my credit cards.” Tears filled her eyes. “I was so embarrassed when the concierge told me that my cards were all rejected. It was a good thing I still had my Visa bank card from my personal account. But for his spitefulness, I stayed away for three nights. I didn't go home till that Saturday evening—which is why I canceled our plans—but, of course, he was there.”

“I hope you told him off.” Gina's fury was transparent. Her teeth bared, and she growled. “What right does he have to do that to you? The man is unbelievable. I wish you'd come to my house.”

Colleen beseeched her. “I know I could've come to you, but I just wanted time to talk to God.”

Gina exhaled a huge sigh. “This is why you should have kept your job. I'm glad you took my advice and didn't close your credit union account. You need to leave that man right now and go back to work,” Gina demanded. “I wish he were here now, because I would certainly give him a piece of my mind. Imagine his gall to do something like that. He's a control freak, Colleen. This is a wake-up call, and you need to get out of there.”

“No,” Colleen said, “I'm not going to do that.”

The waiter came over with their orders.

Gina tapped her feet, anxious for him to be on his way so they could finish their conversation. As soon as the waiter was out of earshot, Gina jumped back to their conversation. “Did you just say what I thought you said?” she fumed.

“Yes, I did. I've been thinking about it, and I've decided to keep trying.” Colleen put her hands up to keep her friend from saying another word. “We've only been married for three months. I need to give it more time. I'm not trying to have a celebrity marriage. This is real life and marriage is work. I have to try.”

“What about him?” Gina pressed. “What's he doing to try? It seems to me that the only person who's trying is you. How come you're the only one changing? I mean, look at you, Colleen. You're different. Your hair . . . your clothes . . .
everything
is different.”

Colleen's spine stiffened. She resented her friend for pointing that out, even if those very concerns plagued her mind. Who did Gina think she was—her mother? And it was easy for Gina to talk that way, because she just had to breathe to get a man, while Colleen hovered in her shadow. Well, that was before Terence. Terence loved her, not Gina.

“I'm sorry that I'm not like you, Gina. I don't have men at my beck and call. But Terence loves me.
Me,
Gina. He wanted me, not you.”

Gina's eyes widened, and her jaw slackened. “What're you talking about?”

“You know. It's hard for me to find a man. Nobody ever liked me.” Colleen took a deep breath and sighed.

Gina swished her head from side to side. “Come on, Colleen. Quit the nonsense. You know that's just not true.”

“Don't shake your head at me. I know what I'm saying. And, yes, it is true. It was that way all through high school. You had all these boys going crazy over you. You always have. Who do I have now? Terence. That's who. So, excuse me if I want to keep him.”

“Colleen, you should not be desperate, trust me.” Gina moved closer to emphasis her point. “You don't have to settle for just anybody who's going to change you and make you into something that you're not.”

When she remained silent, Gina continued, “Colleen, you're an incredibly attractive woman. Everybody sees that but you. The only reason why you, quote, unquote,
couldn't get a man,
was because of your own low self-esteem.”

Gina's revelation floored Colleen. “Me? Low self-esteem?”

“Yes—you.” Her neck swung back and forth like a pendulum as she sought to get her point across. “You lack self-confidence, Colleen. All these boys in high school would ask me about you, but you were too busy feeling sorry for yourself to do anything about it.”

Colleen sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes. “You can say whatever you want to say, Gina Price. But I know better.”

“You know what, Colleen? I realize that nothing I say will sway you. You're going to think whatever you want to think—you're just plain stubborn. You're amazing, and I don't know what else to say or do to get you to see that. I guess you have to come to that realization on your own. I give up.” Gina's hands flailed in the air.

However, Colleen remained adamant. She refused to listen to anything Gina had to say. “You're only saying those things to make me feel better.”

Gina scooted her chair closer and touched her on the cheek. With tear-streaked lashes, she said, “I'm saying them because they are true, Colleen.”

Colleen shook her head. She just didn't see what Gina claimed she saw. She didn't note how her thick eyelashes and high cheekbones attracted a second glance from many men. She wasn't aware of how those same men had been entranced by her legs when she wore her high heels. Colleen didn't know how many men ached to touch her radiant hair and run it through their fingers.

No, Colleen saw a woman who was destined to become a lonely, miserable, dried-up spinster, just like her mother if she didn't make this relationship work.

Whenever she thought about her mother, Colleen became even more determined to make her marriage work. She was going to try harder to make Terence happy and to keep him. Nothing Gina could say would make her change her mind.

Determinedly, Colleen changed the topic of conversation. “So, enough about me. What's going on with you and Michael?”

“You mean Michael
and
Keith.”

 

 

Michael stopped. Someone was in his place. His eyes adjusted to the dark as he beheld the intruder.

Karen was asleep on his couch. He strode over, shook her awake, and demanded, “Karen, what are you still doing here? I thought I told you I wanted you gone.”

Karen sat up, wiped her eyes, and burst into tears. “Please, Michael . . . I have nowhere to go. Please . . . I'll do anything.” In desperation, she got on her knees and begged.

With quick reflexes, Michael pulled her to her feet. “Karen! Don't belittle yourself like this. Just leave with some dignity, please.”

Karen cried so hard that her shoulders shook. “I just don't want you to kick me out, Mikey . . . Please.”

Torn, Michael twiddled his thumbs as he contemplated. He took at her tear-stained cheeks and read the humiliation written on her face. He hated to see her cry and felt heartless. Unwillingly, her tears brought to mind a previous time when Karen had cried like this. It had been when he'd hurt her. Right before she tried to commit suicide.

Michael's heart leapt with fear. Karen had scared him senseless with what she'd done before. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if something happened to her. He couldn't take the chance for
that
to happen again
.
Michael reached over to Karen and comforted her. “Okay, Okay. Listen, I am going to help you. You can stay here for a little while longer. I'll help you find a job and get you on your feet. But then you have to leave, okay?”

Karen nodded and hugged him in a tight embrace. “I'm so glad you're going to let me stay, Mikey. Honestly, I have nowhere to go. I was desperate enough to . . .” She bent her head as shame engulfed her. Her cheeks were a bright red.

“Don't worry about it,” Michael urged gently. “Consider it forgotten.” He prayed that he had made the right decision. Gina could never find out.

How was he going to keep her away from his apartment until Karen was gone? That was going to be tricky. Gina had hinted about wanting to spend a night of luxury at his place, and he was anxious to accommodate her. He'd have to stall Gina for a little longer until he could get Karen out of his hair.

Michael thought. He could just put Karen up in a hotel or get her her own apartment. But, then he'd never get rid of her and he'd be stuck paying her way for life. What a nightmarish thought! He touched his chin as he debated. It's best if he kept Karen here in case she had some manic episode and decided to trash the place. Better his place than a hotel. He'd just let her stay here for now.

Maybe Keith would help him. He made a mental note to give his brother a call. He needed to get some help. Like yesterday.