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“Brandy.” He said holding her hand taking a walk downtown. “I want you to know that I haven’t been seeing anyone else since we’ve been dating.”
“I kinda figured Charles.” She laughed. “You tell me all the time.”
Their first date opened a door of making it a priority to see each other ever since. A few more basketball games, breakfast, lunch, and dinner dates. Along with surprise outings, usually initiated by Charles, when he was done with work and kid free. The man was falling fast and didn’t think twice about it. He wanted to be in Brandy’s company and made it clear within three months of dating it was time to make it official.
“I just need you to understand and TRUST that it’s only you I want.” He explained. “I get the feeling that you’re holding back because you’re unsure of how I feel. I know you’re protecting your heart, but you don’t have to protect it from me.”
It was more than a mere heart protection. Brandy was in a slump caused by the past. Keeping the details to herself, she allowed him to believe it was just that.
In an attempt to bring her guard down, Charles constantly reminded her of his feelings. The guard quivered. Some days she was all in while other days brought on hesitation. She wanted to be with Charles, but that fear of the other shoe dropping, lingered.
They took a few more steps in silence, adoring the crisp night air breezing by. His eyes were her legs counting the steps in black pumps and her eyes to the stars, they both hoped what they had was real.
“Are you waiting for me to say something?” She asked turning around mid-strut.
“Maybe.” He sneered.
“Charles.” She said stopping in front of him. “I’m not seeing anyone else and I only want you. You should know that by now. These last three months have been great. I wouldn’t be giving you all of my time if there wasn’t anything between us. Just be patient with me. I don’t like to rush into things.”
He planted a sensual kiss on her lips. She grabbed the back of his head, rubbing tiny hairs on his neck. Charles’ hands moved tightly around her waist as more confirmation that it indeed was authentic. That kiss sealed the deal. Their relationship was officially official.
After the bliss settled, fear arose within Brandy, realizing what was happening. It was time for her to come out of “scared to try” and maneuver into working on that guard coming down for Charles.
Am I ready? Is he ready? She thought.
The remnants of her past with Jay just wouldn’t leave her alone.
Charles called constantly, even just to hear her voice. Brandy never went to bed without a goodnight call when they weren’t wrapped in each other’s arms.
It only took a month for him to make his way into her panties, through her heavy encouragement. She tested him to determine if he’d change afterwards. Waiting around for him to “lose interest”. Charles only wanted more time with her. However, that confirmation wasn’t enough to calm the mixed emotions.
The rare breed of Charles displayed a good man at heart from day one. And through her guarded soul, he saw a woman whom he wanted to fall in love with.
Making the relationship verbally official helped swing things in his favor, allowing her to be open, shaking the guard. To return the kindness of his consistency, Brandy held up her end in equally expressing her feelings for him through actions. The intentions weren’t set on pushing him away with fear; she knew what she had and didn’t want to lose Charles to another woman ready to take her place. Although the determination to be a good woman was there, some days it could not compete with the suppressed hurt.
As she waited and waited, the monster never came. Charles wasn’t perfect; having those normal “man” qualities that drives women crazy. But all things considered, he was well above the rest.
________
The day of their six-month anniversary arrived on a rainy Saturday. The plan was for him to come over for dinner, champagne, and pampering. The medium level of precipitation set the storybook romance tone for the intimate anniversary celebration.
The morning was consumed with Brandy’s Brazilian wax, hair, and nail appointments. Shopping at the best stores in town to pick out gifts for him and expensive champagne. Lastly, candles to decorate the bedroom. Charles was in charge of making dinner since he always begged for an opportunity to show off his cooking skills.
Carrying bags inside her home, the cell rang with Charles’ special ringtone. She dropped everything on the sofa to catch the call.
“Hey baby! I’m all ready for you!” Brandy excitedly answered.
“Hey babe.” He said in a dismal tone.
“What’s wrong?” She asked unpacking the shopping bags.
“I have some bad news. Monica was called into work. There’s shortage of nurses and she can’t find a sitter at the last minute. Chase has to stay with me until she’s done with the late shift. I can’t do tonight babe.”
“What!?”
“Baby I’m so sorry. I really tried to get her to find someone else, but it was impossible. I’m on my way to get him now.”
Brandy paused. She couldn’t believe it. Those plans were made two weeks prior and the story of having to keep his son didn’t sit well with her.
“Brandy. Are you mad at me?” He asked. “We can get together tomorrow.”
“No. It’s fine.” She lied. “You have to pick up your son. I understand.”
She didn’t want to celebrate the next day. That lessened the excitement and meaning for her. Listening to his faint car radio and the traffic he encountered rushing to pick up his son, Brandy’s face sunk to the floor.
“Okay. Well um, just call me later.” She continued.
“I know you’re mad.” He sighed.
“I’m not. Honestly.” She replied trying to push out a smile.
“Tomorrow, it’s just me and you. I promise, I’ll make it up. I told Monica to have someone else on standby just in case she’s called in. I can guarantee this won’t happen again.” Charles pleaded.
Monica, his ex-girlfriend and mother of Chase. He thought she was the one, but her unrealistic relationship standards caused them to part ways. She cared more about how the public perceived them versus focusing on what they had together.
Remaining friends, they worked to give their son the best, despite having a broken home. Monica eventually moved on, marrying an electrician named, Tony. Needless to say, Charles was happy to receive the call that she’d met someone else, meant less drama for him.
“I really wanted to spend today with you, but things happen. It-its fine baby.” She replied, ready to end the conversation.
“Thank you for understanding.” He said relieved. “Like I said, I’m making this up to you.”
“Alright. Talk to you soon. Bye.”
Brandy hung up and turned off the phone. She didn’t want to hear from Charles for the rest of the day. Although she said everything was fine, the looming thoughts told her that there was a possibility of a huge lie. Jay cancelled dates all the time, which usually meant he was out with other women.
Following the memories of her ex, hypothetical scenarios of what Charles could be doing flowed. Along with the surge of Monica joining in on that imagination.
“I’m not stupid.” Brandy said to herself. “All this running around for nothing!”
Thinking that wine would help her to relax, she popped open a bottle. With the glass filled to the rim, she watched movies in the living room. The daytime rain turned into an evening down pour. The liquid relaxation, threw her deeper into bad emotions. Angry at the idea of Charles blowing her off and using his son of all people as an excuse.
“Something’s up. I haven’t heard from him since this morning and I know he’s out with that baby’s mama. Damn it! Just when I was beginning to fall for him this shit happens.” Brandy said aloud pouring another glass of wine.
She didn’t hear from him because the phone was powered off. In midst of trying to forget about Charles’ cancellation, that important detail was forgotten. Instead of simply turning the phone back on, she drove herself crazy with imaginations of him spending “family-time” with Monica and Chase.
“On our anniversary?!? Really!?!? Dammit!”
Popping bottle #2, Brandy contemplated on ending their relationship over this mishap. She didn’t want it to be over, but if he was going to play around, she’d rather be alone.
Just as she was about to grab the phone to contact Charles in a wine-filled rage, the doorman buzzed. Her man was on his way up to see her.
Looking through the peephole, she found Charles standing on the other side. Wet from running around with no umbrella. He’d rather chance catching a cold than to waste any time in getting to his lady. Showing up at that very moment saved their relationship. Still livid, Brandy opened the door with no hesitation.
“Hey babe! I just had to come see you today.” Charles breathed heavily, holding flowers and a gift bag. “I’m really sorry I had to cancel at the last minute.”
“It 9:30 Charles. Now you want to see me?” Brandy asked shaking the wine glass at him.
“I text you earlier and tried to call you.” He replied confused. “Monica’s mother came home early from a church function and volunteered to watch Chase. Is your phone dead?”
She then remembered turning off the cell. Not wanting to admit that to her man noticeably exhausted from running around the city.
Charles on the other hand, was in disbelief. He never saw this side of her. Brandy had gotten sassy with him before, but nothing that a soft kiss and reassuring words didn’t fix. He wasn’t expecting that type of demeanor, he told her the reason why things changed. Even gave Brandy an opportunity to express how she really felt. To him, they communicated about everything, coming to a mutual understanding. Making the effort to still find a sitter for his own son was supposed to win her over.
The truth of the matter, he wasn’t lying. Monica WAS called into work and couldn’t find anyone else to watch their son. Throughout the day, Charles called around to Monica’s relatives to do him a favor in trying to salvage the anniversary date.
“Umm is everything ok?” He asked. “Can I come in baby?”
“Yea.” Brandy said with an attitude.
Leaving him in the doorway to wipe his feet on the welcome mat, she went into the kitchen to gather her thoughts. Which was hard to do because the wine had taken over.
“Baby. What’s wrong?” Charles asked closing and locking the door.
“I’ll let you figure that out.” She replied slamming the wine glass on the counter.
Charles walked over into the kitchen, placing the roses and gift bag on the counter. He held his woman from behind, kissing slowly on her neck. Anything he could do to calm her down.
“I got you roses and a surprise baby.” He said.
“Umm...ok...thanks.” She replied unmoved.
Releasing her, he leaned against the counter gawking at the angry stance in a sexy pant suit.
“Sooo are you going to tell me why I’m getting this attitude?”
Charles wasn’t happy with how Brandy was acting. However, he felt it would be better to remain peaceful and figure out the real issue instead of fighting back.
“On our six-month anniversary, you just HAD to cancel on me? Are you sure you were where you said you were?”
“Wait what!?!? That’s the issue?! Me picking up my son. You’re mad about that?! Charles snapped.
He didn’t want to cancel and felt guilty, although the reason behind it was important. Still refusing to stoop to her level of bad vibes, he pulled out his phone and began scrolling through messages between him and Monica. After finding the evidence for Brandy to see, he tossed the exposed phone on top of the roses and walked into the bedroom.
She picked it up which revealed that her man was right all along. While skimming through the texts, the anger turned into embarrassment. She created an entire situation about him lying and it was the total opposite.
Once again, it hit her that she wasn’t dealing with another Jay. Charles never gave any reason to second guess what he said. Brandy just didn’t want to give him the benefit of the doubt, instead surrendered to the negative thinking.
“Charles! Babe!” She called out.
He turned on the TV instead of answering her.
“Lemme make it up to you.” She suggested, rushing into the bedroom. “I’m sorry baby.”
Brandy didn’t give him a chance to respond. Immediately kissing his neck while rubbing his shoulders. He didn’t give in at first but after he felt nibbling on his earlobe, he couldn’t resist. Charles didn’t want a fight. But he didn’t like the fact that he had to prove himself to her after all the effort he’d put in since their first date.
“Your ass has A LOT of making up to do.” He said before kissing her lips.
“I know. I’m sooo sorry. Please forgive me. I just got wrapped up in wanting this day to go perfect and you cancelled so I just...”
“Went to the worst-case scenario instead of believing your man.” He sternly interrupted.
Brandy looked to the floor in shame. They shared a lot with each other, but she never told him about the tumultuous relationship with Jay. The reason she was so insecure in the first place.
“Just let me take care of you tonight. You hungry?” She said looking him
“No, I made dinner for me and Chase. You?”
“I’m full of wine.”
He pulled her head up from the floor to meet his eye contact.
“You need to eat.” Charles said with a straight face, noticing the glaze in her eyes.
“Guess I can order a pizza or something.” Brandy smiled.
“Go take care of that then you can come back and take care of me while you wait on food.” He commanded.
His tone and demeanor turned her on. Knowing he meant business about making things up. She hastily agreed because rift was caused by jumping to conclusions. Charles was gentle towards his lady, but he wasn’t a pushover.
Some men can be more patient than society gives them credit for. Chopping up weird behavior to “women just being women” so that’s what he did. However, if Brandy kept up the “crazy woman” act, it would only be a matter of time when she’d push him to a point of no return.
As promised, Charles was “taken care of” in the bedroom. Then a few more times after the pizza came. The rain stopped and there was only the sounds of leftover drops falling from trees outside of the window. The two laid in bed holding each other glaring off into the moonlight.
“Please forgive me.” Brandy said breaking the sensual silence.
“I love you Brandy.” Charles whispered. “I’ve loved you since the moment we locked eyes on our first dinner date.”
And just like that, their relationship went to the next level. No man had ever told “I love you” first. By him saying those words without any pressure from her, he meant it. Charles confessing his love made her feel comfortable enough to talk about the deep-seeded issue. The issue that needed to be dealt with before walking into this next step. Deep down, she wasn’t prepared to lose him. But she didn’t know how to control the fire within; slowly burning at the hole in her heart.
“I love you too baby.” Brandy responded, holding him tighter. “I’m just scared.”
“Scared?” Charles scoffed. “What are you afraid of?”
“Being hurt. Look, my last relationship didn’t go well. It started off nice. Well I thought things were nice, but I overlooked a lot in the beginning. I found myself in a situation where I was taking care of him, being disrespected, unhappy, then he hurt me bad.” She said starting to cry.
Brandy explained everything that happened with Jay. Going into deep details of the disastrous event helped Charles understand more about Brandy’s attitude from earlier in the day. The need for him to love her past that pain grew and he made it a mission to heal her.
“That night left a big burden on me and I can’t seem to get past...”
“Shhhh. Its ok baby.” He said, kissing her forehead. “I’m not here to hurt you. I just want to love you, okay? Can you trust that?”
She nodded. “Yes. I trust that.”
“Then stop worrying about what happened back then. It’s done. That’s over. I’m sorry you went through that. But you survived it and that’ll never happen again. I’m here now. And I LOVE YOU.” Charles said getting on top of her to start another round.
“Thank you for loving me.” She said before allowing him to take care of her.
Brandy smiled at her understanding man, then kissed him intensely. The patience he showed, melted her heart allowing the trust to override the insecurities that tried to tell her his love wasn’t real.
In Charles eyes, he saw a strong and beautiful person. A woman who was independent but deserved to be taken care of by man in the right way. Brandy was someone who would be a good woman to stand by his side. A partner. He knew she was the one. At first glance, he was done with the dating break and allowed the heart to lead instead of holding back like he did in the past.
The next morning, Brandy woke up before Charles. Watching him sleep peacefully in bed before getting the idea to do something special.
She arranged the anniversary roses in a nice vase then placed then on the dining room table. Standing back at her minimal décor smiling, Charles woke up searching for his love. Walking into the dining room, he didn’t say a word as he admired her standing in front of the table. It was as if he was mentally painting the picture of his woman being appreciative of the gift. Brandy felt his eyes, breaking her concentration.
“Good morning babe. Did you sleep well?” She asked looking at her half naked boyfriend.
“Oh Yea. You want to go get some breakfast? Or are you cooking?” He hinted.
Charles made his way to Brandy and held her. Before she could think of an answer, nostalgia set in while he showered her with kisses.
“I’m going to cook you breakfast.” She replied through the love-trance. “I think I still have some making up to do.”
“I guess that means I can get back in bed.” He whispered in between kisses.
“You sure can. I’ll let you know when it’s time to eat.”
“I could eat now.” He said turning her around.
“Charles! I need to cook you breakfast.” She flirted.
“I said...” Charles demanded lifting the oversized sports t-shirt exposing her naked body. “I can eat NOW.”
He picked Brandy up and walked over to the sofa. Placing her down softly. Getting on his knees, he ate “breakfast”. Her body froze, shook, then froze again. Charles wanted to make sure his lady felt passion both emotionally and physically. He took pride in serving his lady this way. Taking control of what was his and pleasing at the same time. She let out a big moan, expressing how well of a job he was doing. After she couldn’t take anymore, Brandy moved his head out of the way and stood up.
“Get back here baby.” Charles said. “I’m not done.”
“I need to feed my man.” She said walking into the kitchen.
“You were!”
“Charles, we’ll have plenty of time for that. Get back in bed.”
Instead, Charles stayed on the couch so Brandy could be in his viewpoint. The sight of his woman cooking for him, was sexy.
As long as I remember he loves me, everything will be okay. She thought to herself, preparing the table.
The TV was on his favorite travel series, but Charles barely paid attention to it. There was a show in the kitchen and dining room, with his favorite leading lady. Two unwatched episodes later, Brandy was ready to feed her man. Again.
“It’s ready babe.” She said placing a full plate on the table. “Come and eat.”
“Smells good baby.”
“You know. We could have plenty mornings like this. If you want.”
“Is that your way of proposing to me?” He teased.
“No silly! Just saying.” She smiled. “I wouldn’t mind getting used to doing this for you.”
Their breakfast convo consisted of making plans for the rest of the day and jokes about their loving making sessions the night before. And more “I love you” exchanges.
The next few weeks were smooth sailing for them. Brandy calmed down with the overthinking, while Charles remained consistent. He loved her...that’s all he wanted to do.
The mini anger episode on their anniversary was the first time she showed him what she was capable of, and not in a good way. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the last. The “I love you” was supposed to be reassuring. Not meant to serve as a temporary fix.
Things quickly changed one night sitting down for a late dinner at Charles’ place. Enjoying their meal, his phone kept blowing up. Brandy grew concerned, wondering who would be calling her man at 10 pm.
“I’m sorry babe.” Charles groaned. “Lemme answer this real quick.”
“Yea. Go ahead.” She reluctantly replied, in between chewing salad.
He left the room to take the call, and Brandy listened closely.
“Hello. Hey what’s wrong? Is it Chase?” He said hastily.
She became worried that Charles’ son was hurt. They only met once but they instantly clicked, making a lasting impression on each other. The thought of something being wrong broke her heart. Pretending to put away plates, she moved closer where she could clearly hear the conversation.
“Well why are you calling me if nothing is wrong with Chase?” He asked harshly. “He did what? Why? I didn’t know you guys were having problems.”
Brandy’s concern for Chase immediately turned into anger, thinking her man was being summoned by his ex. She stood in the kitchen feeling the rage build.
“He needs to hang up the damn phone.” She whispered.
The fact that he stayed on the line made prompted her to end dinner early. Charles’ plate was full of salad and steak bits, but she didn’t care. To the trash it went.
Catching a glimpse of her stuffing food in Tupperware, he attempted to end the conversation.
“Um look. Monica. Can we talk about this tomorrow? I’m sorry this happened but I’m in the middle of something. Is Chase asleep?” He peeked around the corner. “Good. I’ll stop by there tomorrow to check on y’all. Ok... Bye.”
Brandy didn’t notice Charles reappearing with his arms opened.
“Baby what’s wrong. We weren’t done.”
She turned towards him with a scowl.
“Oh yea! We’re done. You’re too busy to finish dinner. The rest is in the fridge. I’m going home.” Brandy replied rushing by him to put up that last container.
Charles followed her. “Please baby...I’m so...”
“Look!” She interrupted. “I understand that you two need to communicate about your son. I TRULY get that. But when it’s not about him, the phone needs to hang up ASAP!”
“Were you listening to my conversa...”
“Yes!” Brandy screamed. “I couldn’t help but hear it! So, what now she comes to you with relationship advice. Did you bother to tell her that you’re in one of your own? Of course not! Because the world stops for Monica. Look, she has your son. I can’t compete with that and I’m not trying to.”
“Baby please...You don’t have to compete.” He begged.
“I’m in the middle of something.” She mocked. “I’m just a something now!?!?”
“Monica is having trouble with her husband and I needed to know what was going on to make sure my son wasn’t in danger. And Yes! Monica knows about you. I told her that you met Chase. It wasn’t a problem.”
“Like I’d give a damn if it were.” Brandy scoffed.
“Don’t leave. Let’s finish dinner or just have some wine in bed or something. I don’t want to end our night like this.”
“Well you should have thought about that before you took the call.”
“How was I supposed to know that it wasn’t about Chase!?!? Hell, I ignored it the first few times because of you!” Charles raised his voice.
“Oh! So, I should be grateful that you considered me?!?! That should come naturally, and I don’t have to show appreciation for something that you’re SUPPOSED to do!” Brandy yelled back.
“Why are you doing this? It’s really not what you think!”
She ignored him and started washing pots. Prolonging the argument because she didn’t really want to leave.
“Hey, baby I’m sorry if me leaving the room to answer the phone looked suspicious.” Charles continued. “You know I love you. I’m not choosing Monica over you. I will never do that. Saying I was in the middle of something was not my way of hiding you. I just wanted to get off the damn phone.”
“Whatever Charles.” She dismissed. “Why is she calling you? Doesn’t she have friends of her own?”
“Monica knows that I’m not putting her before you. If I need to set certain boundaries, then I’ll do that ASAP. But please just stay.” He pleaded.
“My mood is shot. Can’t even have dinner with my man. How am I supposed to know Monica knows or even cares that we’re together? And I don’t think you even told her I met Chase. No woman would be comfortable with that.”
“Monica’s married! It’s like you want to have a problem with us or something.” Charles said annoyed.
Brandy was stunned by his statement. She couldn’t believe that he was trying to flip things on her. But in actuality that’s how he felt. It didn’t dawn on her that it was important for him to know about any dispute occurring around his son.
“I don’t know Brandy. I don’t know what to tell you. My son comes first. I thought you understood that.” He said lowering his voice.
“So now this is on me?” She said folding her wet arms. “Ok yea it’s my fault. Fine.”
Brandy slammed the last dirty pot on to the counter, storming to the bedroom to grab her things. Charles stood in the kitchen for a minute to figure out if he wanted to follow her or just let her go. He genuinely felt bad about the argument over a phone call. As much as his male ego told him to let her leave, he didn’t give in. To him, his relationship was more important than pride.
“So you’re just going to leave it like that?” He asked entering the bedroom.
“Yes! I’m leaving. Call your baby mama back and you guys can have a heart to heart til the sun comes up. Matter of fact, call her over and YOU TWO can finish OUR dinner. I have no time for this tonight. Your attention is surely not over here with me.”
Charles grew impatient. All he wanted her to do was stay, so they could talk things out, rationally. Acknowledge her feelings and make things right. He needed Brandy to meet him halfway by calming down.
“Tell me what I need to do to fix this.” He said trying to hold her hand.
Brandy snatched away, ignoring his request.
“Brandy!” He yelled. “Cut this mess out. You’re being stubborn. Let’s talk.”
“Talk to your baby mama. I’m done here. Good night.” She smirked on her way out of the bedroom.
Making her way to the front door, Charles followed.
“Baby please stop it. Stop doing this.”
“No! Bye!” She said before slamming the front door.
The impact was so hard, two pictures of Chase fell from the wall breaking on the hardwood floor.
“I can’t believe this shit.” He said looking at the broken picture frames.
This time, Charles listened to his ego. He tried everything he could to stop her from leaving. Instead of chasing Brandy, he got a broom and dustpan to clean up the mess, disillusioned in how the night ended.
Sweeping slowly trying to figure out where things went wrong, Charles finished up and returned to the dining room. He took in the evening that started off romantic, ending in fury. The date was shot to hell.
I need to call her. He thought. Nah. She’s only going to argue.
Charles turned off the lights in the house and went to bed. Wishing his woman was beside him, he rubbed the spot where his lady was supposed to lay. Taking a few deep breaths, he closed his eyes to drift off to sleep.
Meanwhile. Brandy was expecting Charles to follow her. She sat in the car until she realized that he wasn’t coming. Cranking the ignition in anger, a replay of the argument popped in her head.
“I can’t believe he pulled this bullshit. Fuck Monica’s problems. I can’t help they didn’t work out. He’s MY man now”
She turned off the cell so that if he called, it would go straight to voicemail. That was a little vindication for him speaking with Monica during dinner.
“And for him to get his silly ass up and leave the room to talk to her. Please! That’s sign number 1 that you’re trying to hide something.”
Racing down the highway not worrying about the speed limit. Brandy was standing her ground by not allowing to be second to his baby mama.
“The hell is wrong with him. He’s NOT going to play me. I won’t be played again. I know the tricks. Jay used to...”
The rant ceased and thoughts of their relationship ending replaced the replay. Her worry kicked in but the anger was still here. Thinking that she was in another situation as Jay, but with a different type of man.
“I can’t waste another three years being hurt. I just can’t” She continued in a softer voice.
Pulling into the parking garage, Brandy didn’t wait to get out of the car to turn on her phone. Hoping to find voicemails and text messages from Charles, she found nothing. Her anger rose higher and that imagination of hers did as well. Thinking of how he must have called Monica over or even waiting until she was out of sight to leave and be by her side.
“Charles needs to know HOW to respect me. It’s time for a lesson.” She said to herself, getting out of the car.
Storming through the condo pulling off her clothes, tears came to her eyes. Turning her phone off again, she placed it in her top drawer to keep it out of sight. Trying to find something to do to stop thinking about the possibilities of Charles consoling Monica, Brandy decided to go out. If he wasn’t going to give her any attention, someone else would.
Thirty minutes later, she found herself at a bar down the street, searching for attention. The guys that approached her were spitting images of Jay. She flirted, made small talk, exchanged numbers, and accepted drink offers from the no-good bachelors who only wanted to take her home. Although she didn’t go home with any, the way she gave her attention to them and not her man was disrespectful. As Charles laid in bed desiring to hold her, she was out engaging with other men who wouldn’t give her half as much as Charles gave.
The continuous fear of her man leaving, led her to the idea of getting a few “just in case” men.
For two days, the lovers didn’t speak. Charles tried reaching out with sweet text messages and phone calls but her thoughts of him not chasing behind her, resulted in stubbornness, ignoring the olive branches.
On the third morning of Charles’, Good morning baby text going unanswered, he couldn’t take it anymore. He needed to see and speak with his woman. Giving her enough time to get home from work, he came over and pounded on the door. Brandy was sitting in the living room texting one of her “friends” from the bar. The pounding on the door made her jump, dropping the phone. Afraid to answer, she ignored the deep fistful knocks until hearing a familiar voice.
“Brandy! Open the door! It’s me!” Charles yelled.
Relieved that it wasn’t a murderer, she walked slowly to the door smiling. Brandy was happy that her man finally showed up for her but didn’t want him to know. She took a few seconds to wipe off the smile, then answered.
“What is your problem?” She asked flinging the door open.
A staring match commenced until Charles responded.
“Damn can I come in?” He asked losing patience.
“Not with that attitude.” She replied, blocking the doorway. “What’s up?”
“Brandy let me in. We haven’t talked in two days and we need to. Why can’t we just work this out?”
Inside, Brandy was happy to be chased. Giving in, she moved aside, motioning him to come in.
“So...talk.” She said with a stone face.
It took a lot for him to hold back and regain his patience to take the high road.
“Look...” Charles sighed before continuing. “Brandy. I know it may have appeared that I was choosing Monica over you. But it wasn’t that. I was concerned about my son. Her husband came home in a drunken rage and started throwing stuff. They’d been arguing for the past month about finances and things escalated. I’m sorry for how it looked but all I wanted to do that night was be with you. Can you understand that?”
Brandy’s response was interrupted with the phone buzzing with messages from her new friend. She glanced over at the phone then back at Charles, hoping he didn’t get suspicious.
“Ok.” She replied. “I understand and I’m sorry for blowing up on you.”
“So just like that, it’s ok?” Charles asked waiting for her to argue. “Seriously?”
The phone went off again. She knew who it was and no longer yearned for the attention of another man. The man she loved was in front of her, doing just what she wanted him to do. Feeling bad about her actions, Brandy dropped the games.
“Uh Ye-yea. It’s fine. Hey I don’t wanna fight anymore either baby. It’s just...I dunno I...”
She paused trying to find the right words.
“I really need you to trust me Brandy.” He chimed in. “This can’t work if we don’t talk things out.”
“I know. I blew up on you and I shouldn’t have done that.” She said sincerely. “You know me. It’s not an excuse but please be patient.”
“I can be patient. But you have to STOP pushing me away like that.” He demanded.
The phone went off again taking her attention away from making up with Charles.
“You may want to get that.” He said pointing to the phone.
“No. The only thing I want to get is you.” Brandy smirked unbuttoning her blouse.
A smile suddenly appeared on Charles’ face. He moved in close, helping her undress. Once again, they were interrupted by the buzzing phone.
“Someone is really trying to reach you. Should I be upset?” He teased.
“Babe. Meet me in the bedroom.” She requested before giving him a kiss. “When I come in there I want you naked.”
“As you wish.” He replied walking into the bedroom, not realizing she was sending him away to check the phone.
As soon as her man was out of sight, she blocked the “just in case” guy. Happy to have fixed the problem before it became a problem, Brandy walked into the bedroom where she was greeted by a naked Charles.
Lying next to her sleeping man. The guilt set in.
How could I have done that? She thought. Hell, I’m turning into Jay. I can’t do that again. Charles is too good to me.