Secret Indiscretions (13 page)

“I don't give a shit about what any of these people might try to do, or the police, for that matter,” Vivana said. “They haven't walked in my shoes and none of them know the kind of hell you've put me through over the last few days.”

“What're you talking about?”

“You've been avoiding me!” she shouted. “I thought you might be trying to get back with your wife. But
noooo
, your cheating ass is trying to get you some more pussy on the side. You're a bitch-ass mutha fucka.”

Johnny took a deep breath. “You need to calm the fuck down 'cause if you say one more word, I swear to you . . .”

“What?” Vivana yelled, standing so close to his face she was breathing on him. “What're you gonna do except threaten me?”

“I'm walking away from this bullshit.” Johnny adjusted his tie and tried to straighten out his clothes. “Now I know without a doubt that I'm making the right decision. Your ass is crazy, and I don't need this bullshit and drama in my life. You and I . . . we're done.” He turned to walk away.

His words made Vivana's heart race faster than it already was. He was breaking up with her, and although she was mad enough to kill him, she also didn't want to be without him. “Why did you do this to me, Johnny?” she asked.

Johnny began to walk away as if he hadn't heard a word she'd said, and that only made Vivana feel even more desperate. “I always gave you exactly what you wanted and needed. I pleased you in every way I could. And I made sure that whenever we were together I gave you my undivided attention. You had it all, so why did you have to go out and screw another woman?”

Johnny turned around and faced her. “I wasn't screwing that woman. She was a client. We were here conducting business.”

“Business my ass! You two were in there fucking.”

Johnny paused for a minute and scratched his head. “How did you get here anyway? Have you been following me?”

Vivana avoided his question. “How could you do this to me?”

“How could
you
fuckin' do this to
me
!” Johnny spat back. “I came here to show a client a potential rental unit, and here you come from out of nowhere, acting like a damn crazy woman. Man, this shit is for the birds. I'm out.”

Johnny walked out the door with Vivana fast behind him. Once they reached outside, she noticed him surveying the surroundings, probably checking to see if the woman he'd said was his client was anywhere in sight. There was no sign of her, and he looked relieved, but Vivana didn't care.

“I don't ever want to see you again,” Johnny said as he walked toward his truck. He stopped and faced her. “Forget that you know my name and lose my number.”

Vivana felt as though the wind had been knocked out of her, and even though they were standing outside in the open, she felt closed in as she fought for air to breathe. “I can't lose you,” she sobbed. “I can't.”

Johnny didn't say a word. He continued to walk until he reached his driver's side door.

“Johnny, please!” Vivana moaned as if she'd been struck by a sharp object.

“Calm down,” he hissed in a low voice, looking from his left to his right. “You're gonna cause a scene.”

“Just listen to me, please.”

“Stop it. It's over.”

“You were avoiding me, baby, and I didn't know what was going on. I went to the Whole Bean Café to get some coffee, and when I saw you come out with that woman, I lost it.”

Johnny shook his head. “Did it ever occur to you that she was a client? That I was conducting business with her?”

Vivana searched his eyes, and felt lost in the hypnotizing seduction of their brownness. He sounded so sincere, as if he was wounded by her accusations. Her mind raced trying to determine what was real and what wasn't. Maybe it was only business like he'd said. “You two were coming out of that vacant unit, Johnny. There's only a bed and a table in there,” she said. “It's where we first hooked up, so why would you take her there?”

“Operative word is vacant, Vivana. Vacant! That unit has been sitting empty for months and I've been trying to rent it for my client. I got the opportunity to show the place and I took it. This is business.”

“Why were you two in there for so long?” she asked.

Johnny drew in a deep breath. “At this point I don't owe you an explanation, but because I'm a good brother, and because I have nothing to hide, I'll tell you.” He paused, pulled out a folded wad of documents from the inside pocket of his jacket, and looked directly into her eyes as he held it in front of her. “This is the agreement she signed for me to represent her as her real estate agent.” He opened the documents and quickly flashed them in her face. “She's a professional and meticulous woman and she had a shitload of questions that she wanted to ask me about everything under the sun. I wasn't going to rush her because I believe in providing quality service, so it took us a while.”

Vivana listened carefully to everything he'd said. She had to admit it was all very plausible, if not actually believable. But she also knew what she'd seen at the coffee shop. The way they'd been acting appeared way too friendly for a business meeting.

Johnny shook his head. “Vivana, this is really fucked up. I've been so busy trying to juggle work, you, and home; how in the hell would I have time for anything or anyone else?”

“Men find time to do whatever it is that they want to.”

“Yes, most men do, and we've had this discussion before.”

“Only because you've given me reason to bring it up.”

Johnny rubbed the hairs on his chin. “Do you honestly think I'd be stupid enough to cheat on the woman I'm cheating with? What kind of man do you think I am?”

Vivana was silent.

“Vivana, I'm trying to conduct business, not screw around. And in case you didn't notice, that woman's a little too old for my taste.” He hesitated, and then zeroed in on her breasts as he spoke. “I like my women like I like my fruit, fresh and ripe.”

Vivana's eyes softened as she looked at him. “Baby, do you promise nothing was going on between you and that old heifer?”

“I already told you the deal, Vivana. Like I said, I have absolutely nothing to hide. If I was only here to screw that woman, why would I have a signed contract in my hand?” he asked, holding up the documents again. “And why would I bring her to the place where we first got together?”

“Men screw around all the time.”

“But I don't. I told you, you and me . . . this is a first-time thing. I'd never cheated on my wife until you came along.”

Vivana looked into Johnny's eyes again and noticed the slight shift that could only mean he felt as hurt as he sounded. A placid look framed his lips, which told her that he was sincere. In that moment she forgave him, and she felt terrible for what she'd done. “I'm sorry,” she eked out.

Johnny looked away and lowered his head. “I can't do this anymore, Vivana. After what happened here today . . .”

“Please don't, Johnny. I'll make it up to you, and this will never happen again.”

“I know it won't because we're through. You showed me a side of yourself that I didn't know was there. I can't have that kind of drama in my life.”

“I only did it because I was so hurt, and upset, and the thought of you being with anyone else made me lose it.” Vivana knew she needed to play on Johnny's sympathy and convince him of how hurt she was, so even though she hadn't cried over anything since she was a teenager, she dug deep down into her emotions and willed a tear to fall from her eyes. “I love you, Johnny.”

After appealing to him a few more times, rubbing her body against his, Johnny agreed to meet her tonight at the Courtyard where they'd rendezvoused last week. Vivana knew she'd just dodged a bullet, and now she was going to do everything in her power to make sure nothing like this ever happened again.

An hour after she left Johnny, she drove to B&B Electronics, where she purchased an array of digital equipment she was going to need for her next project. Vivana prided herself on the fact that she was more than just a mere contract IT specialist, she was a seasoned hacker, programmer, and Internet sleuth, and now she was going to put her training and knowhow to good use. She smiled as she thought about how she was going to ensure that Johnny Mayfield would be hers, and she knew the only way to make that happen was to keep a closer eye on him.

J
ohnny sat at his desk, tilted his head back, and took a long swallow of the Hennessey he'd poured into his glass. He let the smooth taste of the brown elixir roll over his tongue and slide down his throat as he enjoyed the warm feeling it sent through his body. He reached for the ice wrapped in a towel that he'd set on his desk, and firmly pressed it against the knot that had formed on his jaw. “This is fucked up,” he said as he thought about what Vivana had done.

He'd known last week that he needed to end things with his increasingly erratic-acting mistress, and after this morning's incident, there was no doubt in his mind that he had to find a way to break off their affair as quickly, and in as pain-free and drama-free a way as possible. But in order to do that, he had to develop a plan, and in order to develop a plan, he needed help. He took another long swallow of his drink, followed by a deep breath of frustration that caused him to shake his head. “Thank God she didn't recognize Charlene,” Johnny whispered aloud. This was one time that he was glad she worked from home and never immersed herself into the community. “I need help.” He picked up his phone and called Bernard.

“What's up?” Bernard said in an unusually upbeat voice.

“You sound like you just hit the lotto,” Johnny joked.

“Nah, man. What I got goin' on is better than hittin' the lotto.”

“What's better than money?”

“Two things. First off, I got a promotion at work. You're talking to the new director of security at Crane Technical Community College.”

Johnny's lips formed a smile. “Congratulations. I'm happy for you, brother!”

“Thanks, man.”

“You deserve it. You're a hard-working man and you've made big changes on that campus.”

“I appreciate you saying that, and it's good to be acknowledged.”

“No doubt,” Johnny said, and then paused. The sound in Bernard's voice was one that Johnny had never heard, and if he didn't know better he would say that his friend sounded almost giddy, which made him wonder about the second part of Bernard's good news. “Okay, so, the promotion is good and everything, but it ain't better than the lotto,” he said with a chuckle. “If your ticket hit, you wouldn't even need that job. So what's your other news?”

“The love of a good woman.”

Johnny paused again. “What the hell? . . .”

“Don't start,” Bernard said, “'cause there's nothing you can say that's gonna bring me off this natural high I got goin' on. Last night Candace and I reached a new level in our relationship. I popped the question, man. I asked her to marry me, and she said yes.”

Johnny raised his glass to his lips and finished the rest of his drink in one long gulp. He knew that Bernard was whipped, but he had no idea that his friend was crazy, too. He was at a loss for words so he sat on the phone in silence.

“Another round of congratulations would be nice,” Bernard finally said.

Johnny shook his head. “Honestly, I'm just stunned. I mean, you've only known Candace for what . . . six months?”

“At this stage in my life, and after all the shit I've been through in relationships, I know what I want and I definitely know what I need. Candace has improved my life in more ways than I can tell you, and she's made me a better man,” Bernard said with conviction. “She's given me balance and a sense of peace that I've never had. She supports me and believes in me. She encouraged me to go to the VP of my department and demand the promotion I just got. She's the reason I'm in this position. She makes me feel like I can do anything, and with her by my side, I know that I can.”

“Just because she encouraged you to ask for a promotion, that doesn't mean you have to marry her,” Johnny urged. “I respect what you're saying, but as you know, marriage is a big step.”

“And I'm ready to take it.”

“Sounds like you've got your mind made up.”

Bernard laughed. “Man, I still haven't heard congratulations from your ass. You ain't hatin', are you?”

“No. I'm not hatin' the fact that you're happy, I just think you're rushing in. You're my boy, and I don't want to see you make a mistake.” Johnny's words were only half true. It was a fact that he loved Bernard like the brother he'd never had, and that he wanted to make sure his friend was making the right decision for the right reasons. But it was also a fact that he didn't care for Candace, which was a big part of why he wasn't thrilled about Bernard's news.

Johnny didn't like that Bernard had changed so much since becoming involved with Candace—and not in a good way. From the day Bernard had met the woman, Candace had transformed him from the fun-loving, party-going player whom Johnny had always known into a dull, sit at home, hen-pecked shell of a man that Johnny now barely recognized. He could remember a time, not too long ago, when Bernard used to run the streets with him, hang out all times of the night with him, chase women with him, and was down for any kind of mischief they could get into. But Candace swooped in and changed all that.

These days it seemed all Bernard wanted to do was make himself available at Candace's beck and call. If he went out for a night of dancing and fun, it was with Candace. If he went to the movies or even a sporting event, Candace was there. If he went to a restaurant, she was sure to be sitting by his side. Everything he did revolved around that woman, and in Johnny's experience, it wasn't healthy to make your woman your world. One woman could consume a man and that's why Johnny preferred to spread himself around, between several.

“Why can't you just be happy for me?” Bernard said. “Everybody else is encouraging and positive about my relationship with Candace except you. What's up with that? You're supposed to be my best friend.”

Johnny had to brace himself to keep from falling out of his chair after hearing Bernard's remark. He thought it was a damn shame that his friend had turned as soft as a piece of cotton, sounding like a whining little girl—all over a woman. He didn't have time for Bernard's drama because he had drama of his own, which drew his mind back to the reason he'd called Bernard in the first place. He wanted advice about how to handle the situation with Vivana.

Even though Bernard had lost the ability to make good decisions in his own life, Johnny knew that when it came to advising others about their problems, his friend was always spot on. And right now, Johnny was desperate and he needed help. So he put his feelings aside about the fact that he thought Bernard was making a huge mistake, and sweetened up so his friend could help him.

“I'm happy for you, man,” Johnny said, lying through his teeth. Although what he'd just said was a lie, his next statement was heartfelt and true. “I just care about what happens to you, and I want what's best for you.”

“Candace is what's best for me.”

“Okay, well . . . congratulations.”

“That sounds about as sincere as a damn three-dollar bill.”

Cotton ball!
Johnny thought. This time he mustered the strength to sound genuine. “Bernard, if you're happy, I'm happy for you. And that's the truth.”

Bernard paused for a moment, then cleared his throat. “Thanks, man.”

“I got you.”

“So does that mean you'll be my best man at the wedding?”

Johnny fought the urge to cuss, and was proud of himself when he managed to pour out a “yes” while sounding scarily convincing. He wanted to applaud himself for being such a good liar, but he had to focus because it was time to get down to business. “While you're planning a walk down the aisle, I'm planning an escape route.”

Bernard coughed. “You're gonna ask Geneva for a divorce?”

“Hell, no! I have no intentions of leaving my wife. I'm talking about Vivana.” Johnny proceeded to tell Bernard about what went down an hour ago, but he was sure to leave out the fact that the woman he was with was none other than Councilwoman Charlene Harris. He knew that Bernard would hit the roof and never let him hear the end of it for pulling a respected member of society into his drama.

“Damn, that's some wild shit,” Bernard said. “But I'm not surprised. I knew she was trouble. Fuck that plan about easing out of this slowly, you gotta cut this shit off now. That woman is dangerous.”

“Who you tellin'? When she walked up and cold-cocked me, and then jumped on ol' girl, I knew she was crazy for real. I've been jammed up in some sticky situations in the past, but that was when I was young, in my twenties. I'm too old for this shit now. Grown women fighting and carrying on . . .” Johnny poured more Hennessey into his glass as he spoke. “You're exactly right, I need to cut this off now.”

“Before someone ends up six feet under.”

“I need a plan because I've seen what happens when I cut her off cold turkey. The next thing I know she'll be popping up at my house, and I can't have that.”

“No, you can't,” Bernard agreed. “And your first line of defense is to defuse and then dismantle.”

Johnny perked up, ready to listen to what his friend had to say. Despite what Bernard had said about Candace being the reason behind his promotion, Johnny knew that Bernard had earned that promotion because of his good judgment and strategic thinking, and it was that thinking that was going to help him develop a plan.

“You don't need to piss her off any more than she already is right now because she's holding most of the cards. So even if you don't want to see her crazy ass, you need to fake it—until you can quickly remove her from your life.”

“I'm already on it,” Johnny responded. “As soon as I realized how truly crazy she is, I pulled back from break-up talk because I knew that would only send her completely over the edge. I even told her that I'd see her tonight.”

“Tonight?”

“Yeah. After she showed me what she's capable of, I didn't want to chance what she might do next. So when she asked if I'd meet her tonight, I told her I would.”

“Okay, good point and good move.”

Johnny rubbed his swollen jaw. “But when I think about it, maybe I shouldn't go. Maybe I should play up my injuries like they're more serious than they really are.”

“I thought you only had a swollen jaw.”

“I do, but she doesn't have to know that. As far as she's concerned I have a broken jaw and whiplash.”

Bernard laughed as though someone had told a joke. “Man, are you sure you didn't hit your head on the floor, 'cause you're talkin' like you got brain damage.”

“This isn't funny.”

“I know it's not. This is some serious shit and you're talking crazy.”

Johnny breathed hard. “Listen, it's the perfect way to ease out of this situation and make her feel so bad and guilty about hurting me that she's too ashamed to even dial my number.”

“A woman who will stake you out like a detective, and then whup ass like a prize fighter, all in broad open daylight, has no shame. That plan's not gonna work.”

“I guess you have a point.”

“And, I have a news flash for you. If your jaw had been broken you wouldn't have been able to move your mouth well enough to have a conversation with her. I'm not even gonna address the whiplash.”

“I can't see her tonight. I just can't do it.”

Bernard paused and then sighed. “Now that I think about it, you're right. You shouldn't do it. But I do know what you should do.”

“What's that?”

“Come clean with Geneva. Tell her everything, and pray to God that she'll forgive you.”

Other than announcing his engagement, Johnny thought what Bernard had just said was the most ridiculous thing he'd heard in a long time. But instead of giving voice to that thought, he kept his opinion to himself and carefully guarded his words. “That's not gonna happen. Give me another choice.”

“Wait a minute, hold up. Just give it a thought.”

“I'm not even gonna entertain it. I have no intention of ever telling Geneva.”

“Then take it from me, if you want to keep your wife, you need to stop fuckin' around with all these side chicks who can't hold a candle to a good woman like Geneva. You need to come clean with her, beg like hell for her forgiveness, and then go to couples counseling if you have to.”

Johnny wished he had more Hennessey in his bottle because if he did, he'd pour himself another glass. “I can't believe you, man. What you're talkin' is crazy.”

“No crazier than what you're doin'. Trust me, you can't keep this up. You're already coming to the end of your rope, and today was a sign of that. I've been down the road you're traveling and I'm telling you now, get off because it's only going to lead you to a dead end.”

“Telling Geneva that I've been fucking another woman is like offering my head up on a platter. She'll never forgive me.”

“The type of woman she is . . . she will, if you come to her in honesty. But I can guarantee you she won't forgive you if she actually catches you.”

“I'm not gonna get caught.”

“How're you gonna explain the golf ball you said you have on the side of your face?”

“I'll think of something,” Johnny said as he shook his head and rubbed his jaw. He sighed and let a moment pass before he spoke again. “I'm not going to tell Geneva.”

“All right, suit yourself. Since you're determined to do this, here's my advice.”