The Joneses (6 page)

“Whatever.” I continued surfing online without looking at Hope. “What's wrong with your car?”

“I'm low on gas and I don't feel like going by the gas station.”

I looked up from my computer screen. “You got your nerve. You better dig into your pretty little pocket and buy your own gas.”

Hope frowned. “You're such a mean older sister.”

I threw the “talk to the hand” sign in the air. “Call me what you want, but you are not using my car.”

“Fine. I'll leave you to doing whatever it is you're doing.”

“I'm starting my own business. If you're nice, I'll let you be my assistant.”

Hope rolled her neck. “I don't think so.”

She left my room without shutting my door. I opened my mouth
to say something to her, but decided to ignore her and went back to my research.

After spending another hour on the computer, I'd found everything I needed to get started. Mahogany Event Planning was about to be in business.

I hit the print button, but a red flashing box filled my screen. “Ugh. I hate when that happens.” I was out of ink and I needed to print out the form so I could mail it in to register my business name.

I slipped on some shoes and rushed out to the office supply store. I wanted to get the form printed and in the mail no later than tomorrow.

“Excuse me,” I said, when my basket accidentally bumped into a familiar face.

“So, we meet again.” Tyler rubbed his leg.

“Sorry. I should have been looking where I was going.”

“I'll forgive you, if you'll have dinner with me.”

I couldn't think of an excuse. I did feel bad for hitting his leg with my cart. “Sure. Meet me at Copeland's. In fact, let's go now since I'm out.”

He looked at his watch. “Now? It's only four o'clock.”

“Now or never.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“The lady wins. I'll meet you over there.”

“Sure thing. I'll be on my way as soon as I pay for my stuff.”

Twenty minutes later, I pulled up in the Copeland's parking lot. Tyler stood outside waiting for me.

“I thought you stood me up.” He greeted me with a hug.

“No. I would have called you if I changed my mind,” I assured him.

It'd been awhile since I'd gone out on a date. Things with my last boyfriend didn't end well, and honestly it was hard for me to trust men after that experience. Tyler came across as a smooth
operator, so I knew I would have to keep my guard up with him.

“You're one of the most beautiful women I've ever had the pleasure of meeting,” Tyler said.

“Thank you.” I didn't know what else to say. Normally guys went crazy over Hope and her looks.

“I hope this won't be the last time we talk.” Tyler looked at me like I was Miss America.

“It doesn't have to be.” I tilted my head and batted my eyes.

“You have me at a disadvantage. You have my number, but I don't have yours. My phone's been glued to my hip waiting for your call.”

I laughed out loud. “I'm sure you get plenty of calls.”

He winked his eye. “But none were from you. You're who I want.”

“Tyler, let's cut to the chase. You're a handsome man. I can tell from how you dress that you're doing quite well for yourself. Finding a woman isn't a problem for you.”

“You're correct.” He looked around the room. “I could have any woman in here, but Charity, I have eyes only for you. You are who I want.”

The desire in his eyes made me squirm in my seat. I don't know if it's because it had been awhile since I had sex, or if he was just that doggone sexy. But at that moment in time, I wanted him. No, my body needed him.

I threw caution to the wind and found myself tangled up in between some sheets at Tyler's place. I didn't come to my senses until he had my legs shaking for the umpteenth time.

“I hate to leave, but I need to get home.” I didn't have to leave, but my body couldn't take any more.

Tyler stared at me with his big, brown, puppy dog eyes. “Don't
tell me you have a man waiting for you at home.” He placed his hand over his heart.

“No, there's nobody else. I have business to take care of, and I sort of let things get out of control.”

Tyler kissed me on my naked shoulder. “I'm glad you did. I hope I can convince you to see me again. I don't want this to end.”

“You're still glowing from the sex. Give it a day or two, and you'll forget all about me.” I held on to the sheet to cover my body. I located my underwear and slipped them on.

Tyler gently brushed his fingers over my back, causing my body to shiver. “Promise me you'll call me when you get home.”

“I promise. But, I won't be mad if you don't answer.” I stood up and put my clothes on.

Tyler put on a pair of jogging pants and walked me out to my car, bare chested. He snuck in a kiss while holding my door open. I melted as I slid behind the wheel. My car seemed to be on autopilot as I drifted down the street toward home.

I
'd been calling this dude for the last few hours. I'd never been stood up before. I waited at the Horseshoe Casino lounge and Tyler never showed up. I'd expected to see Charity in her room, but she was nowhere to be found. It's a sad day when she's out having fun and I'm stuck at home bored.

“I got love on my mind,” Charity sang as she passed by my bedroom.

“Hold up. Stop the presses. What is going on with you?” I rushed out of my room to confront her.

“Nothing. Just had the best evening of my life.”

“Do tell,” I asked.

“Let me take a shower and I might tell you. Then again, I might just keep it to myself.” Charity went straight to the bathroom.

She was glowing and singing so she must have gotten some. What's wrong with this picture? A few minutes later, I heard the shower come on and her singing loud and off key.

My phone rang. I rushed back to my room and answered. “It's about time you called me back.”

Tyler's raspy voice responded, “I can't always answer the phone. I was in a meeting.”

“Oh. Why didn't you send me a text message? I waited at the Horseshoe for two hours.”

“Business before pleasure,” Tyler responded.

“Are you available now?” I asked. My sister couldn't be the only
one jolly. I needed me a chocolate fix and Tyler was just the man to fulfill it.

“It depends on what you have in mind,” Tyler responded.

“Invite me over and you'll find out.”

“So it's like that?”

“That and then some, if you catch my drift.” I licked my lips.

“The door will be unlocked. Just come on in.”

Tyler gave me his address and directions. I put a few items in my purse then knocked on the bathroom door.

Charity opened the door. “What?”

“Just wanted to tell you that I was going out. You can turn the alarm on. I won't be back until tomorrow.”

“Who is he this time?” she asked. She tightened up her robe and walked out of the bathroom.

“When you tell me who you're sleeping with, I'll tell you who I'm sleeping with.”

“There's nothing to tell.” Charity walked past me toward her room.

“Well, I'm out until the morning. Good night.”

Tyler lived in an apartment complex not far from where I lived. I knocked and then turned the knob as instructed. I was greeted by the flickering of candles and rose petals. I followed the rose petals to the bedroom. There was Tyler, nude and lying across the king-sized bed. He looked like he could be the centerfold for a women's magazine. My eyes scanned him from head to toe. I removed my clothes while walking toward the bed.

He licked his big, juicy, brown lips. “I see you found me without any problems.”

“You gave good directions.” I reached behind my back to remove my bra.

Tyler took his hand and stopped me. “Let me.”

Tyler pulled my lips on top of his. His hands removed my bra while our lips ravished each other. He gently pushed me down on the bed. His soft lips on my neck sent a chill down my spine. His kisses traveled down my body. He was awakening parts of me I never knew existed.

He gently tugged on my panties and pulled them off. He dipped his tongue into my cookie jar and made me scream out in pure ecstasy. He had my body singing its own songs. I was used to being in control, but Tyler was clearly in control of my body. A part of me tried to fight it. But, the more I fought it, the more intense the feeling got. Once I relinquished control, the floodgates of my desire filled his mouth and he lapped up every single drop.

With a satisfying smile and glistening face, Tyler reached over to his nightstand and picked up a condom. I tore the paper off and slid it on to his stiff, long manhood. Our eyes locked and he entered me with the precision of a skilled marksman. His tool was a perfect fit. Most young men couldn't go as long as Tyler. Tyler dipped in and out and ‘round and ‘round. He had me making all sorts of sounds. The bed rocked with the sway of our movements. Three condoms later, I laid on his chest in full bliss. A smile swept across my face as I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep. For the first time ever, I was in love.

M
y eyes were glued to the computer screen. It'd been two weeks since I had access to the company files. Thus far, I'd come across a few questionable transactions, but nothing that warranted me talking to my dad about. I would need to dig a little deeper.

“Knock. Knock,” my mom said, outside of my office door before walking in.

“Hi, Mom,” I said, briefly looking up from the computer.

She stood behind me. “How's it going? Find anything yet?”

“Not yet. But if it's something there, I'll find it.”

She went and shut the door. She eased into the seat in front of my desk. “Your dad's in with a customer, so we shouldn't be interrupted.”

“What's on your mind?” I asked.

She slid to the edge of her seat. “I've been doing some checking myself. I now know why you're not too concerned about not getting a monthly allowance anymore.”

I brushed the bottom of my chin. “I have nothing to hide. Everything I've done is legit. I told you I have clients.”

“Baby boy, I wasn't always the fine, refined woman you see now. I grew up on the streets. I know the game. There's a thin line between what's legal and what's not, and you've been on that thin line for some time now from what I understand.”

“You said all of that to say?” I asked.

“Boy, don't be getting smart with me. I can still beat your ass.”

“Whoa. Mom, it's not that serious. What's on your mind? Spill it.”

“Since some of your buddies are already in the business of eliminating people when they feel like it, I want you to make sure these families know about our services. We'll price match and offer discounts to avoid them going to one of our competitors.”

I laughed. “Mom, I'm an accountant, not an advertiser.”

“You'll be what I need you to be. I'm having brochures made. You just need to make sure they get out into the community. Give some of your associates some, or pay some kids in the neighbor-hoods a few bucks and get them distributed.”

“Have you checked with Dad about this?”

“RJ's is as much mine as it is his. I don't need to check with him about anything.”

“I don't think he's going to be too happy about these discounts you want to offer.”

“Also, a reporter wants to interview the family for a feature on the evening news. I will let you know the date and time. I will need all of you present. We have to show the city that the Joneses are a united front.”

I laughed. “Mom, you act we're the Ewings from Dallas or something.”

“We are the Joneses of Shreveport and we have an image to uphold.”

It wasn't that serious. My mom was too busy trying to fit in. I really didn't want to be a part of her plans. “I'll have the brochures passed out, but that's it. I'm not talking to my boys about doing anything else. I might be many things, but a criminal is not one of them.”

“Son, you are the company you keep. You might not want to admit it to yourself, but if you're doing business for any one of
your low-life friends, then you're just as guilty as they are in the crimes they commit.”

My phone rang. “That's one of my low-life friends now. Mom, I'll talk to you later.”

She stood up and pointed at me. “I'm counting on you.”

I didn't respond to her. I gave the caller my undivided attention. “Slim, what's going on?”

“I got my girl calling you on the three way. They got me, Man.”

I swiveled my chair around. “What you need?”

“Make sure my attorney gets paid. I need for you to give my girl a bank card for the account.' ”