That was great Dan. I.....
He didn't know what she was going to say but decided he would leave nothing to chance. I don't want the woman I'm engaged to. I want you. Just so you know. The last thing Dan wanted was Keke to think she was just a fling.
And I want you.
Keke, before we get involved, I want to tell you something about me.
You can tell me anything, Dan.
I'm an alcoholic. I'm only twenty-six and I'm an alcoholic, but I haven't had a drink for three years. He looked at her face, desperately looking for any sign of disgust. I nearly dropped out of college because of it. I was drunk all day everyday. My father paid for rehab and since then I've been okay. I still get strong urges to drink, and I'm afraid I will fall back into my old habits one day. But so far I seem to be winning.
It all came back to her. Her father. Two bottles of vodka a day. A mother with black eyes and broken ribs. Sorry Dan. It was lovely. I'll do the work for you, but I can't have a relationship with you.
*
Britney knocked on the door and waited. Where the hell was he? She knocked again, this time, harder. Alright I'm coming, he shouted.
She was in Shelborne Springs a small town just outside Dallas. Witherington Crescent was a neat little street where the neighbors were friendly, and the lawns well looked after. It was the kind of place where dad washed the car on Saturday morning while mom baked apple pie, and the kids whizzed around on bicycles.
Jason held the door open for her, and she entered the house. Without saying anything he took her hand and climbed the stairs. If the neighbors had been more attentive, they would have noticed the bedroom curtains close.
After they had made love, he rolled his muscle-packed frame from her, leaned down and kissed her. You know Britney, you always were the best screw at school and nothing’s changed. You've still got it.
And you still full of the same old BS Jason Lopez.
How long now? I'm tired of waiting. I need you, babe.
I told you. We still need to sign the insurance papers. I've got it covered. Don't worry my darling. We'll soon be sitting on a beach in Grand Cayman. She looked at the man she had loved at school but rejected. You know I was such a fool to let you all those years ago.
If I remember, you didn't have much choice. When your dad sent you to rehab I tried to get in touch with you, but it was impossible. You know we had the world at our feet. We were supplying the whole school; nobody was a rich as us at that time.
When I came out of rehab my dad kept me locked up like a prisoner. When he introduced me to Dan, I took the opportunity. I mean it was better than sitting at home, and I hadn't got a clue where you were. You know, Dan's not a bad guy, but he's gotta go. When she'd stopped laughing she looked at the tattoos on Jason's body and tried to figure out which one was new. I don't know why, but when I orgasm I always seem to need a line afterward, she added.
Jason got out of bed and reached into a drawer in the cabinet next to the window. He pulled out a pack of cocaine and handed it to her.
That's my boy. You always give me what I want.
Janice looked at her watch. Where was Keke? It was gone ten, and she was never this late. When she heard a car pull up outside, she was relieved. My God Keke, you look awful are you alright?
Yes, I'll be fine. I'm just feeling a bit under the weather; that's all. Be an angel and make me some tea.
Janice looked at her quizzically. But you never drink tea. How about a nice strong coffee to get you up and running. The mention of the word coffee sent Keke rushing to the toilet.
You're not pregnant are you? Janice asked when Keke came back into the room holding a tissue. Keke looked at her. Twenty minutes later Janice was back at the office with a home pregnancy test. Keke went to the bathroom and shortly after Janice heard a scream.
After she had stared at the picture of Madam Tinubu for over an hour and wiped away more tears that she wanted to remember, she picked up the phone.
Hi Dan, it's Keke. Dan was sitting in his office reading an email from Johannesburg in which the union boss had apologized for the inconvenience and instructed his members to return to work forthwith. Just the sound of her voice made all those feelings reappear. But her rejection had been sudden and brutal, and it had hurt him deeply.
Keke, how's the investigation going? It's only three weeks to the wedding, and I'm getting nervous? Have you found what she's up to yet? he blurted the questions out one after another as quickly as he could.
Dan, I'm....pregnant.
Is it mine? Jesus Christ, what a horrible thing to say, Dan thought. Sorry. I'm just a bit upset after you know..... and I'm shocked.
Dan, it's yours, of course, it is.
There was a long silence. Well that's fantastic, really good news. Of course, I'll take care of your every need, and you'll never want for money, I'll make sure of that. What Dan wanted to say was: please let's be a family,' but he didn't want anymore hurt.