My eyes snap open at 7:00 am sharp as usual. I don’t have to look at the clock to know it’s 7. I’ve been waking like this long enough to trust my body’s internal clock. I pull the comforter off me, slip out of bed and begin my daily routine by making my bed. Pillows perfectly aligned, sheets pulled tight, and comforter folded just right. I nod when I see the finished outcome. I walk to my bathroom for the next part of my routine, brush my teeth, wash my face, and shower. I grab the outfit I put together last night and get dressed. Hair and makeup are last on the list; I complete my look, with a high ponytail, light makeup, and nod approving my work. By now, it’s 7:30 am. I walk to my kitchen, the coffee machine turns in every morning at 7:25 am, so my coffee is ready by the time I get there. I pour myself a cup in my usual mug, sugar, and a bit of cream, and then I stand by the counter and sip it.
“I have to visit grandma today,” I note myself as I take another sip of my coffee. I smile. It’s been a month since I’ve seen her. I’ve been too busy finishing the Klein hotel project. I’m an interior decorator, mostly doing hotels and corporate buildings. I worked for a huge firm for the first 4 years after college. I started Marshall’s Design 2 years ago, and it’s been doing quite well. Thanks to my connections with Gianna and her father, who is a real estate investor.
I finish the last drop of my coffee, take a sponge and a drop of dish soap, wash it, and put it in the dishwasher to dry. I make my way to the living room, grab my keys and head for the door. The drive to my office is the same as usual, mundane but pleasant. Once I get to my building, I scan my id, nod my head to the receptionist and make my way to the elevator. The door opens on my floor; I share the floor with a dental and a law office. I walk to the door and pull it open. Amber, a cute little redhead, my assistant, and fellow designer, comes running up to me.
“You’re here, Mr.Fennuchi called; he’s worried about the budget for his office. The statues are over 500k, and he’s complaining...I don’t know what to do? This is what he asked for...He asked for three of them...”
I step in and close the door; this is her first solo design project, so she’s a little frazzled as can be expected; I was probably like that my first time. I walk to my office, and she follows, still rambling; I enter my handbag on my desk and turn to her.
“Amber, first thing.” she stops and turns to me.
"Huh?"
“Take a deep breath.” She stops, then inhales and exhales.
“Okay, Mr.Fennuchi is a fusspot, but he knows what he is asking for isn’t cheap. You have to be firm with him and show him the value.”
“But..” but she begins, and I know when she gets like this, she is hard to calm.
“But nothing, do you trust your vision?” She nods, which makes me smile.
“Then finish your work.”
“He’s worried that it’s not you. He wants you to meet him for lunch.” I frown; that man has been nothing short of annoying since we signed the contract.
“Fine, set a meeting at Luciano’s at noon today.” She breathes a sigh of relief.
“Thank you.”
“No need to thank me. I believe in you, so I’ll be telling him to trust you or find another company. I will not have my employee's work quality questioned.”
“I have the best boss in the whole world.” She says before she hugs me.
"That you do. Do I have any other meeting today?"
“No, no meetings for the rest of the day.”
“Great, I’ll visit my grandmother after lunch. Call me if something comes up.” She nods, then turns to leave. I spend the next couple of hours working on room designs for a new hotel I just commissioned. The new owners are young and loaded, so there isn’t a cap on the budget. These projects are my favorite when I can let my creative energy flow without restrictions. After completing the outline, I glance at the clock it’s 11:40 am; I need to leave if I’m going to make it downtown by noon.
I grab my purse and quickly made it out of the building. After a 15 minutes drive, I pull up to Luciano’s Italian fine dining. I walk through the door; the Maitre D greets me.
“Ms.Marshall, who are you meeting today?”
“Fennuchi party of two.” He smiles at me and then leans in to check his guest book.
“Ah yes, Mr.Fennuchi is already waiting; follow me.”
“How’s Joan and the baby?” I ask as I follow him. I designed his wife’s nursery, one of the few residential projects I take on each year.
“They are lovely; thank you again for agreeing to complete the nursery. Joan loves it”
“It was my pleasure doing it; thanks for asking me.”
“You are too humble, Ms.Marshall.”, your table,” I grin as he turns to leave, but my smile quickly falls when I turn to face the smiling old man before me.
“Mr.Fenccuhi…” I mumble bitterly as he quickly gets up to pull out my chair. I push him away as gently as I can and frown.
“Thank you, but I’m fine.” I quickly take a seat, and he follows suit.
“So Mr.Fen…”
“ Call me Aldo.” He instructs with a grimy smile. I already know where this is probably heading, but I’m praying that I’m wrong.
“Mr. Fennuchi, I don’t believe that’s appropriate; this is strictly a business relationship.”
“You're no fun.” He chuckles lightly as I try my best not to roll my eyes.
“I’m not here for fun; I’m here for business. So you have an issue with how much Ms. Phillips is spending?” He waves his hands, signaling the end of that topic.
“Who cares about the budget? I’m rich.” I grit my teeth, my annoyance growing with every word.
“ you care, isn’t that why I’m here?” He frowns as if I’ve insulted him, but his frown quickly turns into a smile.
“ No, I wanted to have lunch with the prettiest gal in Texas.” I squeeze the glass of water I just took in my hands.
“You wanted to have lunch with the prettiest gal in Texas?” I feel my anger rising, but I’m doing my best to hold it in.
“Yes,” he reaches across the table to squeeze my hand, but I quickly move it out of his reach and rise to my feet.
“Mr.Fennuchi, the only service my company provides is interior design. I do not entertain my clients and certainly do not have personal time with them. If you are under the impression that I’m a perk that comes with the contract, let me clear it up for you. I am not. If you want to continue working with us, please contact Ms.Phillips. If you do not, please pay the 20% cancellation fee, per the contract.”
“Wait a minute. You can’t be serious.”
“Oh, but I am. Good day, Mr.Fennuchi.” I turn on my heels and leave. I sigh disappointedly but not surprisingly. I have met my fair of men like that who only see women as potential lays.
“Leaving so soon?” Steven asks as I approach him.
“Yes, the company was rather draining; I’ll see you next time, Steven; please give my best to Joan.”
“I will.” He says with a smile. I wave goodbye to him and head for the door.
I walk out of the restaurant and make my way to the car. I check the time on my watch; a minute after twelve, I might as well visit grandma now.
The drive over to the old folks' home takes about an hour. I arrive and head to the door greeting the friendly receptionist I’ve come to know during my visits.
“Brandi, good to see you; Mrs. Willows will be so happy.”
“Hey Abbey, sorry I haven’t been here in a couple of weeks. Work has been busy.”
“It’s fine you’re here now.”
“ How is she?”
“ Doing great; she’s even started knitting.”
“Really? She used to knit when I was younger, so maybe she remembers.” She smiles sheepishly at my hopeful face.
“ Okay, I’ll go take a look,” I reply, a bit disappointed. She nods and waves.
I make my way door the hallway and take the elevator to her floor. I knock on it gently, but it doesn’t make a difference. Grandma doesn’t answer; she never does. She has Alzheimer’s and doesn't remember who I am. Although she calls me by my mother/ her daughter in law name. I open the door slowly and enter the room, spotting her sitting before the television knitting.
“Grandma,” I say with a smile approaching her.
“Grandma,” I repeat, which makes her finally look at me. She eyes me for a moment and squints as if she is trying to recall, but after a couple of seconds, she gives up and returns her attention to knitting. I sigh; she’s still the same. I always hope that she will return to her previous self one day, but I should accept it.
Grandma raised me when my parents passed in a house fire at 13; while I suffered a lot in that house, none of it was due to grandma, who tried her best. She started showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease three years ago. My family decided they would rather stick her in a home than deal with her. Well, I’m no better than them since I’m too busy to take care of her.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been visiting gran; I’ll make sure to come out every week from now on.” She doesn’t respond to my words. I sigh and walk over to the window and open it. “How about we let some air in, grandma. Much better.” I walk over to her, admiring her handy work. From the looks of it, she’s making a scarf. I lean in closer.
“ Can you show me?” I ask, taking it from her; she grabs it quickly.
“ no!!l”
“Grandma, it’s me.”
“No,” she screams, then returns to her work. I sigh and head back to the window. I stare out at the beautiful landscape for a couple of minutes when my phone suddenly buzzes, that familiar tone that makes me moist between my thighs. I shuffle quickly to grab my bag. My heart pounding with anticipation.
“Tomorrow at 11 pm
Klein hotel at the rim
Rules
No eyes
No talking
No names
Rsvp yes or no.” I read the text from the anonymous number a single smile flashes on my face as I reply.
“Yes”
I’m sitting in a dark room naked on a bed; not a sliver of light can be seen. This is what I agreed to, no sight, no sound for one night of mind-blowing pleasure. My heart beat rapidly as I wait for my partner. I’m getting used to blind sex, the name of the new kink in the sex world. You put your name in the pool and get matched with the most compatible love based on your interests. I hope they got it right for me because I’ve been looking forward to this for weeks since receiving the invite. My center is soaking wet just thinking of the things that will be done to it tonight. I bite my lips as I imagine a stranger fucking me brutally hard; it almost makes me cum. I wiggle my hips gently, trying to calm my pulsating vulva as the anticipation builds. Suddenly the sound of a door opening and then closing echoes through the room. It’s followed by the sound of his shoes clipping the ground, which sends waves of moisture flooding my thigh as my core gets more excited the cl
We provide a list when we sign up for this. It’s a list of names of your family and friends, so you are never matched with them. I ensure both my cousin's names were on that list, but not Giovanni Caputo. The color drains from my face as the possibility settles, my heart pounds loudly in my chest. Could I have slept with Mr.Caputo? I clench my thighs together like last night flashes in my mind. No, no, it’s not him; it can’t be him. Mr.C is goofy and corny; I imagine sex with him would be sweet and romantic. Last night was not sweet, nor was it romantic. Mr.C can’t possibly f**k like that, can he? My core moistens the more I think of last night. I grip the sink. “Stop it; it’s not him; it’s just a coincidence.” I jump at the sound of someone knocking at the door. “Brandi, are you alright?” My core throbs with just the sound of his voice; stop it, Brandi, it isn’t him. This is Mr.C, G’s father; you are not attracted to him. He is off-limits. “Brandi?” I inhale
Gianna and I are on her couch watching a movie, our usual Sunday routine. Her father usually joins us, but he’s avoiding her since she keeps pestering him about getting a girlfriend. I glad he isn’t here; I don’t need to distraction. I’m over trying to figure out if it was him or not; it happened once and will not happen again. I will have to update my list to add his name so that we won’t be matched in the future. I still feel guilty though, Gianna would kill me if she found out I slept with her father. Or would she? I know she had an issue with it when we were younger, but we’re both grown now. It’s just two consenting adults having sex; why should she care? “Gi, umm, do you still have an issue with your friends sleeping with your father?” “Huh?” She looks up at me with those innocent doe-like eyes and smiles. I avert my eyes and repeat the question, “Do you care if any of your friends have sex with Mr.C, you know, since you want him
Giovanni I grunt, stroking my shaft; my body vibrates as the climax hits, I pant, yanking it. F**k that was good; I haven’t been able to get last night off my mind. Her body tasted so sweet; she bent to will, gave me everything I wanted. I have fucked many women, but none who could take all of me so skillfully. No matter how hard I fucked her, her core clung to me tighter, drenching my shaft, begging to be pulverized. I can’t get her out of my head. This isn’t good, I’ve been doing this for five years, and I’ve never fixated on a snatch like I’m fixed on hers. Maybe it’s because I haven’t been participating in these activities too busy the last couple of months. Four months have passed since I had sex before last night; perhaps that is the only reason it felt so damn good. And that’s the reason why I currently have my cock in my hand, thinking of splitting that juicy snatch in two. CLICK I sit up immediately at the sound of the door closing. Did I hea
Brandi It’s 11:00 on Friday; I’m sitting at my desk reviewing room ideas for my latest project. My phone rings; I reach to pick it up. It’s Gianna. Since Sunday, I haven’t spoken with her the day I realized I not only fucked her father, but I wanted to f**k him again. Not that he’s interested, I wanted to entice him, make him want me. So I allowed him to see me practically naked, finger soaking wet, but he pretended as if nothing happened. I groan as I remember licking my finger; I must seem too childish to him. Of course, he doesn’t want me, the real me. He’s probably known me too long to get turned on by my little games. The phone rings again, interrupting my thoughts. I answer it quickly. “Hey, G.” “Brandi, want to meet me for drinks tonight?” “Me, as in you alone?” She sounds skittish; she always sounds like that when she’s plotting something. “Uh, Carlos will be there.” “And..” “Okay, and one of his friends, B, he’
Three weeks later Giovanni I walk into the Darkroom, the hottest underground sex club in the state. The club has a decent amount of patrons performing some sex act. Carina, a waitress, saunters over to me in a skimpy black number. “Business or Pleasure Big daddy?”I chuckle, amused; she always calls me this. “Business Carina, I see you finally got your breasts done, very tasteful.” she blushes and smiles, then wraps her arms around mine. “Thank you; my regulars love it. I’m sure you will too.” She winks at me. I smile, she’s been flirting with me since William hired her two years ago, but I tend to keep my hands off women who get paid for sex, not that I think it’s wrong; I just like the idea of a woman wanting me for me. “I bet I would; where’s William?” She pouts at my shuttle rejection. “You’re no fun as usual. Do you believe I’m too young to handle all that dick?” She grabs my trunk, which surprises me, but it instantly hard
Brandi I walk out of the club, annoyed. That man has been playing the same game for three weeks, which is why I finished his work early. The sooner I can get away from him, the better. But why did the room smell like Mr.C? Is he back? I know he flew to New York after showing up at my apartment that night. A night that has haunted my dreams ever since. I can’t stop thinking about him; all I do is masturbate to the memory of fucking him. I open the car door and slip in, the vibrator I’ve had in all pulsates in my car. That smell, I grab my nipples, pinching them as the vibrator works. Anyone can wear the perfume, but that’s his scent; I want him. “Giovanni.” I moan his name, grabbing the remote increasing the speed. It
Brandi “Your cousin?”Giovanni whispers. “Yes,” I reply, still annoyed we were interrupted and by that asshole no less. “Brandi, get out here now!” “You fucked your cousin?” He asked wide-eyed as if it’s a sin. I frown. I had no intention of telling him or Brandi, but since he already knows, I might as well explain myself. “He forced himself on me when I live
BrandiI sit in the chair waiting for the make-up artist to finish her work as my heart thunders in my chest. This is it. I’m getting married—I glance at the clock. Twenty minutes. I have been prodded, plunked, and tucked all morning, and now all I have to do is put on my dress and walk down the aisle to the man I love.“You’re still doing her make-up?” G asks as the door opens with a bang and she comes rushing in. She has been in a frenzy since this morning.“Hey, G. You look amazing,” I say as I admire the champagne, maid of honor dress she’s wearing. She stops and grins, then twirls to give me the full picture.“Don’t I—-wait. Don’t change the subject. Why is she still doing your make-up? It’s almost time.”“I asked her to change the eye shadow to something lighter,” I explain.“Oh, but we only have eighteen minutes.”“I’m almost done.” The make-up artist states.G paces back and forth. “How soon is almost? We only have seventeen minutes, and we need to get her dress on and do last
Meanwhile Brandi I pull the covers tight and reach for a handful of popcorn as I focus on the TV. After cleaning yesterday, I have been flipping between crying and watching movies and TV shows. Except for two hours today, G convinced to me get my hair done because the wedding is tomorrow. I hope it is tomorrow, but I’m still uncertain what will happen because I haven’t spoken to Tes since I told him he has until Sunday to figure it out. I don’t know what he’s thinking, even suggesting postponing the wedding. How could he think I need more time? I’m so angry and hurt, I want to hate him. I should hate him right now for putting me through this, but I can’t. I miss him. I ache for his arms holding me. I miss his smile in the morning. I miss our family. I sniff as tears stain my cheeks. “Are you okay? Do you need anything? Ice Cream?” Gia asks, pushing the tub of butter pecan to me. I sigh and grab the spoon and take a big bite. “Better?” I nod before taking another bite. “Your father
GiannaI pull in through the gate and look around, stunned at the lawn covered in furniture. What is all this? I wonder as I park the car. Are they moving? Neither Dad nor B said anything before this. I slip out of the car and grab my purse before heading to the door when I see Martha approaching.“Ms. Gia.” She says, smiling when she sees me.“Hey, Martha. Are Papi and B moving?”She shakes her head. “Mrs. Caputo woke up this morning, asked us to move the furniture outside, and started cleaning.” She explains.Mrs. Who? I furrow my brows when I realize she is talking about B. I guess she will be Mrs. Caputo in a couple of days. It feels so strange for her to marry Papi, but now I’m okay with it. Happy even, since he makes her happy, and they gave me two of the cutest brothers in the world. I smile, thinking of their chubby cheeks.“Ms. Gia?” Martha calls, pulling me from my thoughts.“Oh, B asked you to move them out?” She nods.“She was in a frenzy this morning about getting the hou
Brandi Twenty minutes ago I examine the sample of Birch wood on my desk. I like it, but I’m not in love with it like I am with the soft maple. I sigh. Why did the supplier have a shortage of the only wood I like? Well, it doesn’t matter. I have to choose one of these before the call. Shannon likes the ash, but ash is not durable enough and I want people to pass these on to their kids, not throw them out. I need another opinion. Maybe I should have had Tes stop by with dinner and help me decide. I pick up my phone to call him but hesitate when I remember how tired he was today. Tes is already stretched thin with taking care of the boys, last-minute wedding prep, and getting his company ready for his absence during our honeymoon. Although he never complains, I’m sure he is exhausted. His only being able to have sex once last night is proof. That man never falls asleep before going at it at least twice. It’s a good thing this project is almost complete. Once we’re done with picking th
I need to find a doctor, but how do I do it on such short notice? I pull out my phone to call Jorge my assistant.“Good Morning Boss. Are you coming into the office today?”“No. Jorge, I need a doctor.”“Oh, for what? Is Mrs, okay? My nephews?” He says, reacting as his usual dramatic self.“Fenice is fine, and so are the boys. I pulled my back last night and need to get it checked out. Can you find me a doctor? I need it today.”“I will be right on it.”“Thank you.”“You know. I had a problem once. I was in Colorado when my boyfriend at the time got a little rough. He was hitting it from the back. He can be a little rough.”“Jorge, is there a point to this story?”“oh right. So my back gave out. We were snowed in so I couldn’t see a doctor. I did yoga for two days. My back felt brand new by the time we left.”“So you’re saying I should try yoga?”“Exactly. I bet it will have you feeling brand new or you can go see those pill pushers who’ll pump you full of drugs and overcharge you.” I
GiovanniWilliam pulls into the driveway and sighs. We chased her as far as the traffic cameras could track, but we eventually reached a dead end when she took a back road with no cameras. She’s smart. I give her that and she is also striking to look at. I can see why William is enamored with her beauty, even though she is a thief.“What did she say to you?”“Huh?” I furrow my brows.“Brandi said she found you two together. Did she try to sleep with you?” He asks through clenched teeth. I can tell the thought of that pisses him off.“She walked in and pretended to be lost, then she fainted so I would catch her. I told her to drop the act and Fenice walked in. I don’t know if she would have tried.” My voice trails off as I see him getting noticeably angrier.“Don’t worry. You’ll find her.”“How many men will she have fucked and used by then?” His eyes flash angrily.“What does it matter?”“They are touching something that’s mine—” His voice trails off when he realizes what he’s saying.
I push the stroller towards the store about to go meet Amber and G, who invited herself last minute when she called this morning. “B.” I hear her call from behind. I turn slightly and see her coming fast, waving. “You brought them!” She squeals after seeing the stroller. “You wanted to see them. Here you go.” I push the stroller towards her and hand her their bag. “What’s all this?” “You asked me to bring them, so you’re going to look after them. I’m here to shop. Boys, your big sister will take care of you. Be nice.” I say, blowing each a kiss and then heading through the door of Hermes. “Wait. I don’t know.” I hear her behind me. “B, you can’t do this.” I sigh as she struggles to open the door while pushing the stroller. I roll my eyes and walk back to the door and hold it open while she pushes it inside. “Why didn’t you bring one of the nannies?” “They are off on weekends when Tes and I are free. You wanted me to bring them, so you’re the nanny today.” “What? All I wanted t
Brandi“Tes come on.” I fold my arms as I wait for him to exit the car. We went shopping, and he agreed we would each pick an outfit we wanted the other to wear and we get to choose the occasion it would be worn. He picked out a white dress and a matching lingerie set. The dress is to be worn to his birthday dinner next Tuesday and the lingerie for tonight. I picked an outfit for our date in the park. Dark washed jeans, a tight-fitting t-shirt with a black leader jacket, and combat boots. He has been complaining since he stepped out of the dressing room, but a deal is a deal. “Tes, come on,” I call again, growing impatient.“I don’t think is a good idea. I should go home and change.” He says, still sitting in the car.“We made a deal. You picked my dress and that string you want me wearing tonight. If you want to see me wear that tonight, come out of the car.” He frowns as he steps. I smile as I look at him. He does not know how good he looks, but I’m sure he’ll turn a few heads.“I
Brandi I take a sip of the shot, trying to pace myself because I already feel a little too good, and I know I’m on my way to being drunk for the first time in my life. I look at the shot and then watch as Gianna downs another one. Tonight reminds me of high school when she would get wasted, so I would have to take care of her. I guess some things never change. I put the glass down on the bar top. “No, no, no. What are you doing?” “I have already had five. You’re on your seventh.” “Eight. I brought you here to get drunk and party our asses off.” “One of us needs to stay sober and make sure nothing happens.” “We’re in Uncle Williams’ club surrounded by security. Nothing will happen.” “You never know-” “B, he’s gone. You can relax.” She says as she picks up and hands me the shot. She doesn’t say another word, instead; she turns back to the bar and orders more shots. I look at the shot in my hand as her words play in my head. I know she is talking about Colin. It’s true that in th