Episode 50

Marsha and Jason stood at her Grandma Knox’s brownstone home. Marsha was surprised that her mother was not already outside waiting for her. Heck she always had something to say about something.

As her and Jason stood waiting Marsha tried to reassure Jason of what was about to take place. Again she had no clue that her mother, "Rickey" was going to be there or else she would not of went and would of not brought Jason. She had enough drama in her life, too much to have to deal with the extra stuff Ricky would bring to the table.

Ricky had been in and out of her entire life her grandmother had been her stability, her rock.

As Marsha continued to talk to Jason she saw her grandma walking to the door. Now of course most would say why didn’t she just walk in, well Grandma Knox didn’t play. She let you in and out of her house, and that was how it went.

“Sha Sha”’

“Hey Grammy,” said Marsha as she and Jason walked in the foyer.

“Well I wasn’t expecting to see you,” she said as she looked at Jason.

Marsha went to interrupt her grandmother to introduce Jason. But before she could her grandmother cut her off.

“Jay, it been a long time baby how’s you momma doing.”

Jason was confused on what Grandma Knox was asking. But nevertheless he answered the question.

“Ma’am she is fine.”

“and Ashley.” Asked Mrs. Knox.

Marsha was standing stunned, “ Grammy, how do you know his family, I hadn’t even told you his name.”

“Sha quit playing child, How you gon ask me how I know Jason? Like you would just bring a stranger up in my house please child, please.”

Marsha held her grandma hand, “No I am for real Grammy, I have no clue how you know Jason.”

Her grandmother sat at the Kitchen table, “Really.” She picked up her white with black trim coffee cup and took a sip. As she placed her cup back on its saucer she looked at Jason and said, “So do you know who I am?”

She signaled for him and Marsha to sit at the table.

Jason answered, “no ma’am.”

She placed up one finger as if she was excusing herself from church service. Within a minute she was back at the table with a book.

“So Marsha baby if he don’t know me and I don’t know him. Then how do you two know each other.”

“Well, we work together at the magazine.”

“Really, that’s it you guys work together?”

“Grammy this is really weird and so not why I am here.”

“Wow, excuse you. But would you like to know how you know Jason?”

“I already told you, Grammy.”

“Ahh no, Sha you have known Jason a lot longer than that.” She opened the photo album and placed it in front of them.

“Now I am confused,” said Jason.

As Marsha and Jason looked at the album and saw photos of a white little boy and a black little girl.

“Grammy okay that’s me but that it so not Jason,” laughed Marsha.

“uh Yes it is,” laughed Jason.

As they looked through the photographs they realize that they truly had a history in the friendship that went way beyond working at Tellinit. There were pictures that went from age one to about five were it looked like they were inseparable.

As Marsha’s grandamother turned the page of they album she said, “You two were even married once.” She pointed at the two of the them dressed in there Sunday clothes standing together at a park. “yeah, I remember Jason said that he would never let any boy’s hurt his Sha Sha, so he would protect her and be her husband forever.”

“Yeah right.” Marsha huffed. “This is crazy.”

“Well I have it on video Sha.” answered her Grandmother.

“You would,” said Marsha as she shook her head.

“Jason and his family used to live next to his when we live on the East side of Detroit. I think it was right when around your 6th birthday when I moved here to Canada."

There was a knock at Mrs. Knox’s door.

“I’ll be right back,” she said as she went to answer it.

Jason had a uncontrollable smirk on his face, he kept shaking his head and chuckling. Marsha and him had a past that both of them had forgot.

“Shut up, don’t say a word.” Marsha hissed.

“I ain’t say nothing.”

“You thinking it.”

“Oh so know you know me huh.” Jason questioned.

“un uh I am not playing Jay, Just leave what you heard here at this table.”

“Okay Sha Sha.”

………………………………………………………………………………………..

“Ding Dong,” the door bell sounded.

Dontay had just got out of the shower and put on a pair of black jogging pants. His chest was still a moist from the Aqua Boogie body butter he had applied to his skin.

As Dontay went to answer the door of his 2 story condo. He wondered who the hell was it. He had no plans for this morning.

When he got to the door he could see the shape of a female figure. Oh hell he thought. What did I get myself into now. Upon opening the door he realized that this was not just any woman, it was Ashley.

Ashley was a chocolate brown and stood about 5’7’ her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. As she stepped over the threshold of his door way. She took a card out of the ankle length coat she was wearing and handed it to him. She pointed for him to open it.

The card read:

Hey Dontay,

I know it’s been a minute. But I have something I need to give you. From this point on I need you not to talk, just to do. If you are okay with this, take the CD of my pocket and play it. No questions.

Dontay stepped back with a curious look on his face. No questions, something she wants to give me. Dontay not being the scary type walk as close to her as he could, looked her up and down, put his hands in both of her pockets pulled her closer to him. And in his right hand he retrieved a CD which he went and put in his stereo. As he turned back toward Ashley she motioned for him to sit on the couch. Up and Down by Pretty Ricky began to play through his speakers. Ashley dropped her coat to floor. Underneath it she was wearing a black and white pin striped corset with a matching thong and stockings.

Dontay's nature began to rise. This was not what he was expecting. Ashley placed her finger over her mouth as she walked toward Dontay. As she began to dance for him Dontay attempted to touch her. He like the dance don’t get me wrong be he wanted her, all of her.

Ashley stopped him placing his hands back at his side. She then straddled him and began to map his chest with her fingers as she brought her hands up to his face. She pulled him in closer to her and allowed his mouth to enter hers. Dontay could no longer hold back his desire for her. As he kissed her he placed his arms around her lower back lifting her off the couch. As they continued to kiss he carried her up the 15 stairs the led to his bedroom.

Once they enter his room Ashley unwrapped her legs from around him, stood and then softly pushed him to lay on his bed. She whispered, “I want you.”

Episode 49

Trish and Jayden spent the morning making love and talking about Jayden's big win in Miami. Jayden was an excellent litigator and had been retained as general counsel for Anderson Incorporated (AI) about 3 weeks ago. Although not at liberty to disclose any information about the case, Jayden shared with Trish as much as possible about the big win. This was the final case for the previous employer which meant Jayden would be free to spend more time in Detroit since that is where Anderson Incorporated (AI) is based.

Jayden had only been practicing corporate law less than a year but as a trial lawyer had a flawless record, which is drew AI's attention to this young urban superstar attorney. They were on the losing end of Jayden's most recent case. It was during this case the position of general counsel was offered. They knew they were going to lose this case as did this witty attorney so a settlement was out of the question. It was Jay's impeccable record and unwillingness to give up that landed this new position. This new position landed a prime piece of real estate in the Anderson Place high rise and perks beyond Jayden's wildest dreams. There was nothing that AI wouldn't provide for their top level exec's and that is just what Jayden had become.


"You've officially been chopped and screwed, screwed, screwed, screwed, chopped, chopped and screwed. You've officially been dicked and screwed..." the sound of T-pain's voice filled the apartment. Trish jumped out of bed and followed the sound to her Blackberry. Once she found it she read the text.


"Just wanted to know u were ok. U left so quickly. Breakfast was nice I can't believe u remembered that."

Trish looked over her shoulders before responding to the text. "Yes I am fine, I am sry 4 leavin so quick had an early mtg. with my lawyer I am on my way 2 the gym. I will call u l8r. & how could I 4get....ttyl Smooches."

Trish asked Jayden to accompany her to the gym and Jayden gladly obliged. Jayden was about 5'10 with a slender yet athletic build and would never miss an opportunity to go to the gym unless work called. The pair of them exited the apartment and headed for the gym. Once they stepped into the hallway they were greeted by Mateo.

"Hello 7A how are you this morning" he asked the couple.

"Fine and you" they said in unison.

"I am great just great. You're about to get a new neighbor. Movers will be in and out of here today and tomorrow so on behalf of Anderson Park Place allow me to say please excuse the noise." and he tipped his hat to the pair and disappeared inside the apartment across the hall from them.
***********************************************************

Trinity went inside her apartment. Her hormones were raging out of control. She was so upset with herself as well as with Dice. The things he said penetrated her soul. Although she hated to admit it he made some very valid points. As she began a self evaluation she abruptly stopped herself. "I don't believe I let him throw me off my square. Wake up Trinity...that shit is over and done with! I don't owe him shit! I didn't do anything wrong!" she said as she gently slapped her cheeks. She attached the Velcro armband to her sleeve that would hold her ipod. As she headed for the elevator she flipped through her albums until she found The Emancipation of Mimi. By the time she got downstairs and to the front doors she had pushed forward to Shake u off. Before Mariah could hit the first note Trinity was gone.

She took off running in what appeared to be hyper-speed. She intended to clear that 982 acre island before she hit track 10. She attempted to get Dice out of her mind but it was very difficult for her to do. The more she tried not to think of him, the clearer she could see his face and hear his voice. This did nothing but push her harder made her run faster. Tears were streaming down her face as she rounded the statue of Schiller, the German poet and philosopher. And there was Dice 10 paces ahead of her.

Dice was running as if his life depended on it. He had taken off immediately so he had a nice lead on her. But she had always been faster than he, so he was not surprised when he heard her footsteps creepin up in the rear. He knew it was her, so he didn't turn around he tried to pick up the pace.

It was almost like a race they ran in silence together. Neither of them speaking a word to each other and each of them attempting to out run the other. Both were parched, but neither would stop for water in fear of giving the other the satisfaction of getting a lead.

As they approached the high rise Trinity slowed her pace and looked over her right shoulder for Dice. But she didn't see him. Before she could stop herself she turned all the way around and was running backwards. He was gone...vanished into thin air. She wondered where he was. What had happened. She was exhausted so she knew he was too. She stopped running and called out to him. But there was no response.

Episode 48

“SHE DID WHAT,” Terrance said loudly.

“Shh! Keep your voice down. Your baby is asleep,” said Casey.

She was telling him the story about Toya and her cheating husband.

“That’s crazy. Before she go to jail she can argue it was a “crime of passion,” Terrance said jokingly.

“That’s so not funny,” Casey said as she let out a chuckle and playfully punched him in the arm. “Thankfully, she didn’t cause too much damage. The bullet grazed his shoulder, and the home-wrecker escaped with a sprained ankle from abruptly “hitting the deck.”

They both laughed.

“Yeah, it’s funny now, but you were scared as hell when she came over your house with the could-have-been-murder-weapon in her hand,” Terrance said.

“You are absolutely right,” Casey agreed.

“So what is she gon’ do now?”

“Well, she filed for divorce a few days ago. She’s just waiting for him to sign the papers.”

Casey and Terrance were spending some much needed time together. They hadn’t seen each other in a few days. Casey is very excited about Terrance reuniting with Key Key. He knew she was coming back soon, that’s why he kept her room decorated just as she left it.

“How long is Keyshania staying over?”

“Hopefully for good. Her momma is thinking of giving me sole custody.”

“Seriously? That would be great,” Casey said with excitement.

“I know. Good thing it’s winter break, she’s not missing any school. The idea is to alternate weekends but I’ll have her full-time. Shana will be free to really rip and run the streets sans child.”

“Wait a minute. Did you say sans?”

“Yes I did. You think a brother like me ain’t up on words like that?”

“Check out my baby. You been reading the dictionary, huh?”

Terrance softly tackled Casey to the ground. She tried to get loose. She kicked and screamed.

“Be quiet, girl. The baby is sleeping.”

They shared a deep, passionate kiss.

“I love you Casey Thomas.”

“Ditto, Terrance Harris.”

Terrance mumbled to himself, “Casey Harris. That has a nice ring to it.” Speaking of ring, Terrance got up off the floor then helped Casey up. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a little black box. Casey, oblivious to what’s going on, was about to ask him why he was kneeling, until she saw the box.

“Oh my God…Oh my God… Oh my God… Oh my God…,” Casey said repeatedly.

“Casey, will you m….”

“Ding dong!!” The doorbell rings.

“Are you expecting someone,” Casey asked disappointedly.

“Oh, yeah! Shauna’s coming by to drop off some clothes for Key. Hold that thought. I’ll be right back!”

Terrance opens the door. “What the heck happened to you?”

“Why you worried about it,” Shauna said nastily.

“I’m not, really. Just the first thing you say when you see someone on crutches.”

“Uh! Well, if you must know, I sprained my ankle.”

“Doing what,” Terrance pried.

“Now that’s none of your business. Here are her clothes. I’ll call her tomorrow.”

Shauna hopped away and Terrance closed the door.

Episode 47

Chris couldn't believe what had just happened. I can't believe she was in this same damn hotel and with Jason. Oh what she thought it was okay for her to sneak and call me, while her boyfriend warmed up the car. What kind of shit is that? And what the hell did she mean she signed the papers? Before he knew it Chris became furious, the tip of his nose turned red and he unconsciously blurted out "That sneaky white muthaphucka has been screwing her the whole damn time!" At that very moment the lobby got extremely quiet and people began to whisper and stare. As a tall slender woman stepped from behind the counter and began to walk toward him, he realized that his inner thoughts weren't so inner.




"Excuse me sir. Can I speak to you over here for a moment?" she asked



Chris nodded his head as if he were embarassed by his actions. He followed the lady into one of the confrence rooms all the while watching as she switched her coca-cola frame harder than necessary. When they entered the room Chris began to apologize but she stopped him.


"My name is Windsdee and I am the manager of this fine establishment. Was that your wife you were speaking with?" she asked while pouring herself as well as Chris a cup of coffee.


"Yes, yes it was. I would like to apologize for my behavior out there, that was so out of character for me. It's just been well... nevermind. Again I want to apologize for any inconveinance my outburst may have caused. "


"I'm sorry sir I didn't catch your name." she said with a grin that would light up a Christmas tree.



"Chris, Chris Clay" he said in his most professional voice while extending his hand.


"Nice to meet you Chris Clay. Would like cream or sugar in your coffee?"


"Yes please, cream til the coffee is beige and 6 sugars. Am I being detained until the police arrive?"



"Police?" Windsdee looked puzzled. "Who called the police?" she began to look over her shoulder as if the police were standing there. "Chris, may I call you Chris?"



"Absolutely and thank you for not calling them" Chris let out a sigh of relief.


"I asked you in here because I could see the pain in your face Chris. You appear to be a decent guy so I just thought you'd like to know that you are right. That other gentleman spends alot of time here with your wife. He picks her up & drops her off. It's actually his credit card on file that is paying for her room."

Episode 46

Terrance left the barbershop immediately so that he could spend more time with his daughter. Besides, he didn’t know how long Shauna was in town. She had a tendency to pack up and leave for days, weeks, months at a time. Her “new” boyfriend showered her with designer clothes and fancy getaways. Key Key is even reaping the benefits. She was wearing a matching earring, necklace, and bracelet set by Tiffany and Company.

“Those are very pretty earrings, baby girl. Where’d you get ‘em,” Terrance asked.

“Mommy’s boyfriend bought them for me,” Key Key replied.

Trying not to get upset, Terrance forced a smile on his face as he stroked his precious baby girl’s cheek. Terrance took Key Key to Red Robin, her favorite restaurant. She loves the Groovy Smoothie. After that, they went to Fairlane Mall and to Walmart. Shauna failed to provide an overnight bag, which means Key Key didn’t have a change of clothes nor pajamas.

“I like these ones, Daddy!”

“These,” Terrance questioned with his nose turned up.

“Yes,” she giggled.

Terrance had to admit that he was a bit surprised when she passed up Raven Symone’s line for the girl with the blonde wig.

“Daddy, this is Hannah Montana.”

“Hannah, who,” He asked with confusion.

“Never mind,” Key Key said.

“So, what do you wanna do next, Kiddo!”

“Umm. Let’s see. Can we go see granny?”

“We can do whatever you want,” Terrance said as he tickled her. “She doesn’t get off work until a little while later, so we’ll go see her then, ok?”

“Ok.”

“In the meantime, I have a stop to make.”

Terrance presses a button on his cell phone to access speed dial. The other line rings.

“Hey, baby! I miss you,” Casey said.

“I miss you, too, Sweetie.”

“What’s up,” she asked.
Not wanting to give away too much information, Terrance gave short answers.

“Ah, nothing much, just chilling.”

“Where are you?”

“On my way to see you, actually.”

“Really? Ok, well, I just walked in so let me change clothes.”

“No. No,” Terrance interrupted. “I’m coming to pick you up. I have a surprise for you.”

Casey says “Ok” and closes her cell phone. She goes into the bathroom, brushes her teeth, and finger-combs her hair. By this time her doorbell rings. She opens the door and is flooded with joy.

“Baby, meet my baby girl, Key Key.”

Episode 45

Marsha sat in Jason’s passenger seat frustrated. Chris knew how to push her buttons and had done so. How dare he say it looked like she had all the help she needed, because Jason had arrived. Jason was just a friend and only a friend besides for the kiss that had happened earlier this week. Nothing had ever gone down between them. And for the record on the day of that kiss she was separated from her husband.

As Jason pulled out of the hotel parking lot he looked over at Marsha.

“Are you okay,” Jason asked

“I’m breathing,” Marsha huffed. “My bad Jason, I was caught off guard with that situation with Chris I just need to get my head together.” Marsha adjusted her seat so she was reclined and she placed her scarf over her face.

Jason knew that there was only so much that he could do. He wanted to make her feel like the women that she should. But he knew it was not his place and that was a struggle for him. Because he knew that he could give her what she needed. But he most surely did not want to be a rebound. If Marsha was feeling him then he wanted to make sure that her situation with Chris was one-hundred percent resolved. But at the same time he wanted her to know where he stood.

Once they crossed they Ambassador Bridge Marsha asked Jason to stop at the Mc Donald’s so that she could get an Hi-C orange drink. Once they pulled out of the drive-thru Marsha’s cell phone rang

“Ring Ring”

“Hello,” said Marsha.

“Is you coming or what?”

“Hello, Mother,” said Marsha as she adjusted her seat and rolled her eyes. “I didn’t know you were over Grandmas.”

“I’ma grown damn woman. You don’t have to know everything.”

“Um we got tied with customs we should be there in about 5 minutes.”

“We, who the hell with you,” asked her mom.

“Ma, you know I don’t drive across the bridge.”

“Whateva, you need to grow the hell up and quit acting scared all the damn time. Tell yo friend to hurry up I ain’t got all damn day.” Marsha mom hung up the phone.

Marsha immediately called her grandmother’s house phone.

“Hellooo Knox resident.”

“Grandma, why is Ricky there,” asked Marsha. Her mother’s name was Ericka but everybody called her Ricky. Marsha tried to separate herself from her mother for the most part, because of her mother’s life choices. When it came to her up bringing her grandmother was her rock.

“Baby I don’t know her and Ethel showed up about an hour ago. And when she saw the peach cobbler on the counter, she knew it was for you, since you the only one I make it for.”

“ooo,” Marsha moaned.

“Baby don’t worry about her keep coming on. I will see you and your friend in a minute.”

Marsha hung up her phone.

“Okay I know I asked this earlier, but are you really okay," questioned Jason.

“Ummmm? Nope. I would like to apologize up front for mother’s actions. This was a bad idea deal bringing you.”

“What’s the problem? I just drove you so you could talk to your grandmother.”

“My mother will come up with her own conclusions on why she believes whatever she wants.”

“So it’s like that,” asked Jason.

As they pulled in front of the house, Ricky stood on the porch with one hand on her hip and the other holding her cigarette.

Marsha looked at Jason then placed her hand across her forehead and said, “You have no clue.”

Episode 44

"Negro pleeeeeease! Get over yourself! Did you really think I was going to spend the rest of my life whining over you? All the love I had for you was released around the same time you exploded in that bitch! You know what, Dice I am sorry that is in the past I've moved on so I'm not even gonna go there. Thank you for bringing me dinner, how much do I owe you?" Trinity asked as she walked toward kitchen to obtain her purse.



"Oh wow so it's like that? You don't owe me shit Trinity!" Dice said as he turned towards the door. Just as he put his hand on the knob he spun around on his heels and said "you know what? You do owe me, you owe me the courtesy of listening to my side of the story. Can you extend me that? Ms. Reporter lend me your ear."



"What difference does it make now Dice? That shit is over and it was a looong time ago."



"That's the thing Trin, it wasn't that long ago. It has been exactly 7 months 2 weeks and 3 days since you ran out of my apartment and right down the damn aisle! You didn't even give us a chance."



"We had a chance Dice and you ruined it! You took away our happy ever after not me! You broke my heart and shattered my dreams. I never thought you'd be the one to hurt me, I must admit I began to believe the hype. I guess I thought I had the golden womb. Thank you Dyson Lee Knutt for the reality check." Her voice began to crack, she took her PF Changs bag and sat it on the kitchen counter grabbed her huge black Rocawear bag from the island and headed for the door.



Dice could feel the pain she was going through and started out the door behind her. "Trin I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I will spend the rest of my time here on the Earth trying to make it up to you. I love you Trinity I have loved you since the first time I laid eyes on you when you jogged past me. I made a mistake a HUGE one and believe me it still wasn't what you thought it was. Yes...I had sex with her, but you...you got married!!! You married him Trinity! Do you have any idea what that done to me? You stood up before God and vowed to love another man until DEATH DO YOU PART!!!! Til Death do you part Trinity. Now I'ma have to...you know what Mrs. Swanson this interview is over." Dice threw his sweatshirt over his left shoulder and pushed pasted Trinity and Mateo who'd just bent the corner with Trinity's Fed Ex boxes.