Chapter 7
The rush of the week had Fantasy moving faster than she wanted to. She’d had no clue when she boarded the express flight to Chicago that this assignment would have so many layers. It was originally planned that she would interview Monica Kinkaid, the lady who was dismissed from her upper-management position at a leading car company because she refused to change her hairstyle. She had decided to start growing dreadlocks a few years ago. While they were short, and looked like what could be passed off as a short twist hairstyle, they had been acceptable, but once they hit her shoulders and took on a trendy life of their own, she was called in and asked to make a change, or else.
This was a story her news director wanted her to do. There were a few other people available but he decided that Jordan would do the best job. She wanted to be offended, but the other writers were white and she was, of course, of color.
Fantasy, aka Jordan Alexander, didn’t argue the point, because it was actually a story she was interested in doing. Sure, she was in touch with her inner beauty and didn’t see anything wrong with other women, or men for that matter, expressing themselves through their hairstyles, but she was still holding to her salon-straight hair with no desire to go nappy. Power to Ms. Monica, she figured, for her liberated hair style.
“Hey, Nana.” Fantasy walked through the lobby of the elegant Sutton Place Hotel and glanced up at the glass ceiling that reflected a glitter of sparkling light everywhere she looked. It was already Friday and she hadn’t had a chance to reach out and touch anybody.
“Hello, Fantasy. I’ve been waiting for you to call. I even told your grandfather that we would likely get a call today. You never go the entire length of your trip without calling us,” Pearl said to her granddaughter, more relieved than she knew.
“You know I would call. I’ve just been so busy. It’s been a whirlwind from the time I stepped off the plane. I had no idea this assignment would be this involved.”
“You can handle it. There’s no doubt in my mind that you can. Sometimes things get a little difficult. Just dig deep. Nothing worthwhile comes without hard work.”
Fantasy thought about what her grandmother was saying. All that she had accomplished was afforded by the hard work she had put in for years and her continuous effort to stay at the top of her career. She’d jumpstarted her goals by using a little of the money she inherited from her mother to buy the house and to educate her son. Even then, there were mixed feelings about how it came to be and what she gave up to have what her mother called, “more than enough wealth.” Fantasy went above and beyond trying to erase the memories of her not-so-pleasant growing-up years and, over time, success became an adrenaline rush.
It was decided early in her career that Fantasy Delight Whitman wasn’t exactly a suitable name in the worlds of journalism. She adopted the professional name Jordan Alexander and became well known in all the right circles. She was at the top of her profession. Valerie Whitman may have had other ideas for what her baby girl would become, but her daughter’s future included the wonderful world of media. That was a far cry from being a chip off her mother’s block. No, Fantasy Delight Whitman, aka Jordan Alexander, ended up as a journalist for one of the largest news syndicates: an ultimate gig that provided enough revenue to cover all of her needs and plenty of her wants. Plus, it provided a lavish existence for her best half, Kameron.
Fantasy used her card key to gain access to the presidential suite. This was just one of the many company perks. They made sure that she was comfortable wherever they sent her to complete an assignment. She guessed they were trying to make sure she had some of the comforts of home.
“I know. I just get a little frustrated sometimes. I just don’t want to lose sight of what is important.” She wasn’t sure why she just said what she’d said; working hard at her profession had always been important. Until lately.
She removed her peep-toed black pumps and walked farther into the suite. Fantasy was dressed in simple black slacks and a sheer overlay periwinkle blue widearm blouse with a black silk cami underneath. It was extremely hot outside, and she had pulled her hair back in a side twist and secured it with several pins and a black hair clip with rhinestones. A few curls fell loosely on both sides. For jewelry she wore pearl studs, and an illusion chain with a single suspended pearl teardrop that nestled itself between her ample bosom.
“I’m sure you will do well. You always do.” Pearl took a seat at the kitchen table and wiped it with the towel she was holding, even though there wasn’t anything to wipe. “You make me so proud.”
Fantasy blushed as she sat down on the loveseat. “I know, and I never grow bored of hearing you tell me so. Did Kam call?”
“He did. He phoned the day you left. Let’s see, what was that, Wednesday?” Pearl thought for a moment. “Yeah, it was Wednesday night. He talked to me and Matthew. I think they talked about that fishing trip. Kam will be coming home to go. Matthew is so excited that Kam is going along. That’s all he’s talked about for days.”
“Yeah, he told me he and Granddad were planning a man’s man weekend. Like we don’t want to go fishing.” Fantasy knew she didn’t. She knew her Nana didn’t either.
“Child, you know neither of us wants anything to do with hooking or catching no fish. Now, I’m one up on you because I can clean and cook them. You can only cook them, and that’s occasionally.” She grinned, thinking about the sight Fantasy made the first time she attempted to clean fish. She couldn’t even stand to touch the skin of the fish.
“All right. You got me. Is this the same fishing trip in South Carolina that the men of the church go on every summer?”
“Yes, they go every year. He goes because it’s an annual thing. Truthfully, he don’t care nothing about going with them old windbags, talking about what they used to do and lying about what they think they can still do. Girl, them old Viagra-taking men are a mess.”
“Please don’t tell me my grandfather is taking Viagra. That’s more information than I need.” Fantasy put her hand up. She didn’t even want to think about her grandparents still getting it on.
“I won’t say then. What I will say is that he keeps a smile on my face.” Pearl Whitman giggled like a young girl talking about her first sexual escapade.
“Nana, I’m done.” Fantasy laughed with her grandmother. “Listen, I have one last meeting, which includes dinner, so I have just enough time for a nap and to shower.”
“Okay, sweetie. Call me the minute you get back home.”
“I will. Love you. Kiss Granddad for me.”
“I will. Have a safe flight, and I’ll be praying for you,” Pearl added.
“I know. Talk to you tomorrow.” She lightly touched the end button on the cell phone.
Fantasy reached for the remote and turned on the television. Not wanting to take a nap with news of current events in the background, she stopped at a rerun episode of Sanford and Son. She hadn’t seen the show in forever. She curled up and relaxed against the cushion of the sofa and watched the familiar episode. She laughed at all the funny parts as if this were her first time watching it.
Looking down at her phone, she decided to check her e-mail on it to avoid walking over to the desk and waking up her computer. There wasn’t really anything to check on from her office. Her assistant had updated her a few hours ago. Really, she was wondering if Victor had sent another message. There had been a total of six messages since he responded to the initial one she had sent. Fantasy had wanted to respond to each and every one, but, remembering the rules of the game, she knew she should be slow in responding, as if too busy to do so. She wanted him to think that, and she wanted to show that responding was not a priority. In other words, she was playing hard to get. It must have been working, because when she checked out her Facebook account last night his last line was a plea to please get back to him.
Since the first response, she had also learned that he was overseas, stationed in Germany. A few of the messages came in the early hours of the morning, when he should have been asleep. Additionally, he had added his e-mail address, and office and house phone. Victor had given her every possible method to reach him. While he hadn’t really disclosed much about his personal life, his promise in one message was that he would share everything with her. The one thing he did make known was that he was no longer married to Sonya.
Deciding it was time to answer his messages, Fantasy opened the application on her cell phone, but then decided against that. She walked over to the desk and pulled the chair out. She tapped a key, and, while she waited for the laptop to come to life, she removed her sheer blouse. Fantasy stood up and opened the curtain slightly to allow a little more light to stream through the window. It was 3:00, and she looked below as people moved along the busy street. It was such a spectacular view from up where she was. Moving gingerly back to the chair, she rubbed her knee. The pain had nagged her worse than ever over the past few weeks. She’d take something before her nap.
Once she opened the Facebook account, she went directly to her messages, expecting to see just the message from early this morning. But it seemed that Victor had left a message less than ten minutes ago. That made her smile. Fantasy spoke out loud. “You are after me. Let’s see, what do I say?”
Fantasy read his message, which mentioned how busy he had been. He also said he was waiting for her response, and that he hoped she hadn’t regretted contacting him. It ended with another plea and his sincere desire to right the wrong. There was no way, in her opinion, that the wrong could be righted. The ball was in her court and she would determine how the game would be played.
Hello, Victor. Sorry for my delay in responding. I’ve been extremely busy. In fact, I’m out of town for work. I was so pleased that you took the time to respond. Honestly, I believed that you had forgotten me, although I had not forgotten you. There is so much catching up we need to do and I’m looking forward to it. There is no need for continued apologies; we were both young then and life has unfolded well for both of us. Let’s let bygones be bygones. I’ll return home on Saturday, and once I’m settled I’ll contact you with a possible time that we can chat by phone. Until then, Fantasy
She smiled to herself right after she hit send. Something stirred in her that was tied to her sense of rightness. But she was focused on creating a false illusion for Victor. She would fake that her sole purpose in contacting him was to become friends again. After he was hooked with that, she would say she still remembered what they shared, and then she’d tell him that she was still in love with him. At that point, her plan was to open up and allow him to fall madly in love with her. Once they entered the head-over-heels part, she’d end things and shut off all communication with him. For that reason, she would share as little of her life as possible and stay disengaged. It wouldn’t be easy to accomplish her goal; however, it would be necessary.
Turning off the computer, Fantasy finished undressing and slipped on a Victoria’s Secret nightshirt. She set her cell phone to ring at 6:00 and called the desk to arrange a backup call at 6:15. Derrick Stedman, the CEO of the company, would be meeting her in the hotel restaurant at 7:30. This would tie the entire assignment up with a bow, and at the conclusion she would be able to put everything together and have it all ready to run by next week.
She pulled the lightweight cover and sheet back and slipped inside the bed. There was another episode of Sanford and Son coming on and her plan was to watch it in its entirety, believing that sleep would not come quickly. Her thoughts reflected on the first night she spent with Victor. Fantasy turned on her back and closed her eyes, and it began.
“So tell me, Fantasy, when are you going to let me take you out?” Carl questioned, looking at her with a hound-like look on his face. He was a cute guy and just as popular as the other members of his clique. She just never fell all over him like just about every other female in their circle.
“No time. I don’t do one-nighters, and, from what I hear, that’s all you do,” Fantasy replied, and sucked her teeth.
“You heard wrong. I’m a good guy. It’s the brotherhood that catches a bad rap. I’m probably one of the best guys in the fraternity.” Carl was pleading his case.
“Hold up, frat. You act as if I’m not sitting here. I know you’re not going to put me down with the rest of them,” Victor interjected, not at all pissed but just clearing up what his friend had said.
“Victor, you know you’re my boy. And you’re one of the good guys, but need I remind you that you are off the market, bro? Sonya got you on lock, so you are not capable of playing.”
Fantasy looked directly at Victor and narrowed her eyes in disbelief. Their initial icebreaker had been their walk a month ago. That’s when he’d confessed that he liked her. Since that first time, they had hung out off campus numerous times. Victor had also shared that he was breaking it off with Sonya. Now, here was his boy, Carl, informing her that it hadn’t happened.
“I don’t believe any of you guys. I’m sorry to say I’m connected in any way. From this point on I’m going to do my best to separate myself. Victor, I expected more from you.” She stood and walked away, knowing that he was fully aware of what she was saying.
“Fantasy, you know me better than that.” Victor’s eyes were saying more than his words were sharing. “Don’t let this boy fill your head.”
“Whatever. I’m going to bed.” Fantasy left them both there.
Two hours later she heard a light knock on her door. She was barely asleep, but she knew it could only be Victor. She opened the door and there he was.
The first thing he did was apologize for what Carl had said. “Hey.” Victor closed the door behind him, not wanting to be seen. “I had to come up and tell you that Carl was just tripping.”
“Really?” Fantasy folded her arms across her chest, partly because she was upset and partly because she was trying to cover her chest. She wore a sleeveless ruffled-bottom baby-doll gown with matching panties. It was a Friday night, and since she was going to wash her hair the next day she hadn’t bothered to tie it up or roll it. It hung loosely around her head, and she was hoping that it looked presentable at that moment, since she hadn’t even taken the time to check it out in the nearby mirror.
“Sonya and I have been at it. I mean, she’s been going off on me and I’m telling her every day that it’s not working, that we aren’t going to work. It would have ended by now, but she was talking some crazy suicide stuff and I just didn’t want to hear it. So, I’ve just been keeping my distance.”
“So you really think Sonya is going to kill herself if you break up with her?” Fantasy asked him.
“You don’t know Sonya like I do. She’s capable of anything. But I’m going to tell her soon. I have to. Fantasy, I love you.”
Before Fantasy had a chance to say anything else, Victor came close and kissed her lips softly.
“I could get lost in your kisses.” Victor stood in the center of the room, holding her tightly. Before he said anything else, he claimed her lips again. This time the kiss was deeper than before.
The room was dim, and only the light from the corner shined through the curtained window. Her roommate had gone home for the weekend. Victor had known that Fantasy was alone from a conversation he’d heard her having earlier with one of her friends she was signing in. When he’d gotten off duty, he made his way to her door and hoped that she would let him in. He wanted to just look at her. Just be in her presence.
He had kissed her before, but it had never been like this. It was never that soft; his mouth had never been that warm. When he pulled away all she could do was look up at him.
Victor never took his eyes off her, but moved with her toward her bed.
Before she knew it, the backs of her legs hit the bed and she fell back. Still, their eyes continued to be locked on one another, and he fell lightly on top of her.
They kissed until neither of them could breathe. The entire room seemed to spin on some axis that Fantasy could not even explain. Her head was spinning along with the room and everything from her neck down was ablaze. At intervals Victor paused and told her how good she felt and how very much he loved her. He even promised that they would be together forever. He said he wanted her to be his wife. He wanted her to go with him after his basic training.
She fell more in love with him as he shared so much with her. She believed every word, so when it came time for the next logical step in their relationship, Fantasy knew she was ready.
“I want you.” Victor could hardly get the words out. His rock-hard anatomy was pressing against her thigh.
She felt it and knew even without looking or touching that it was big. She had to tell him that she was a virgin and that all her talk about being experienced had not been true.
“Victor, I want you, but there is something I need to tell you.” Fantasy swallowed, not wanting to turn him off or have him think she was a tease.
Victor slowly placed one finger over her lips and then kissed her softly again. He opened her mouth with his tongue and didn’t stop until their tongues mated. “I already know, and I love you. I want the gift you are offering and I promise I won’t hurt you.”
She relaxed and allowed him to take full control. He continued to kiss her and caress her. She wasn’t even sure she remembered when his clothes hit the floor, but right after he removed her gown and the panties, they were both under the sheets. Again, he promised not to hurt her, and once he moved on top of her and shifted his weight so as not to be too heavy, he looked down into her eyes. Fantasy held on to him for dear life, and while she looked up into his gentle eyes, it happened. Her mouth opened wide as she felt the sudden pain that lasted for a few minutes, and then the pain left and the pleasure began.
It went on for hours, but each moment was more intense and more passionate than the moment before. She didn’t know love between two people could be like this. She didn’t know it could feel so good.
From the cracked doors of the house her mother ran she had watched sex happen in the rooms and it never looked like this. The sounds and words held no romance, and the ladies who were like family to her never held on to the men who were in bed with them. It was, as they told her, work.
What she felt for Victor at that moment was special, and she wanted to hold on to him and never let him go. The thought of protection had not been discussed, and, after it was all over, she realized that he had not used anything either. The chance of getting pregnant in her young mind was impossible the first time around. And so what? Victor loved her and she loved him. What could possibly go wrong?
Snapping out of the memory, Fantasy opened her eyes and her heart ached. She wasn’t sure what ached more: her heart or her body. She had remembered every moment of that first time. Her reflection down memory lane just acknowledged that it was still intact; his words, all of his promises. She thought of that night and the wonderful cloud she had been on during the days that followed. She remembered the heartbreak when the promise was broken.
There was another reason why that first night was so vivid in her mind. It was the night that Kameron had been conceived.