Color Blind

The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Colorblind Copyright © 2004 Jon Bradbury ISBN: 1-55410-198-0 Cover art and design by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: www.Extasybooks.com

Dedication To Laverne in Philadelphia, and all the beautiful ebony goddesses who inspired this work—this one’s for you.

Chapter One—Veronica Underneath me, my boyfriend Kevon groaned and exhaled, “Oh, man!” “Oh, baby,” I moaned, as I moved my hips slowly, trying to get more of him inside me. My white satin and lace camisole was bunched up around my waist as I rode Kevon. “Oh, man,” he groaned again—weakly. “OH, baby,” I pretended to shout passionately. “OH, man,” he really groaned, with a loud grunt and then a loud exhale. I kept on moving my hips, even after he came, pretending to like it. And then he promptly fell asleep, right where he was. So much for me being on top, I thought. If you must know, I read in some woman’s magazine that being on top could extend lovemaking and give the woman—me—a greater degree of control over both her orgasms and his, too. Yeah, right. Not with this guy, baby! How such an interesting man could be so—how shall I put this, disinteresting, is beyond me. 1

Jon Bradbury As his cock went flaccid inside me and he went into dreamland, I stared angrily at him and wondered what on earth I ever saw in him. He was a tall, raffishly handsome black man with eyes that just made me melt—at first. He was welloff, well-read, and well-endowed—too wellendowed, as I found out later. I also found out later he’s kind of a jerk, despite his urban sophistication. And I swear, he’s a terrible lover. Like the song says, he comes on all grabbin’ and clutchin’. Then he fucks me like I’m a piece of meat, comes inside me and falls asleep. Some women love a big dick. I do too, it’s just that, in this case, the wizard doesn’t know how to use his wand very well — and ‘foreplay’ is not a word that he understands. This cat just don’t know, baby! And he complains my pussy is too tight! This in the same breath that he’s in rapture about my body. I love to do power yoga, and it shows. At thirty I have no stretch marks and a firm body. I climbed off him and looked gratefully at the condom that had successfully contained him which was unrolled down to the serial number, and then some. I sighed quietly, but sadly. On another, more talented, more thoughtful man, this dick would have had me on my knees and thanking the Lord Himself. 2

Colorblind I carefully took off the condom and threw it in the trash. Then I covered him to his chest so I couldn’t see his offending organ any more. He never stirred an eyelash, didn’t even turn in bed. I looked at him, all sprawled across my beautiful brass bed, and smiled without affection. I looked at my alarm clock, its green numbers glowing in the dark. My boyfriend, asleep and snoring at ten-fifteen after maybe ten minutes of lovemaking. I crossed my bedroom and looked out the window at the moon. Then I went into the bathroom and closed the door without turning on the light, leaving the night light on. I slipped off my camisole and draped it over the towel rack. I looked at myself, naked, in the mirror, the shadows sensuously following my curves. I’m five foot four, with light chocolate brown skin, brown wavy hair past my shoulders, and brown eyes the same color as my skin. I have a slender, petite, curvy figure, with nice perfectly round breasts, a small torso, and a slim waist that widened into wide, curvy hips and a nice round bubble butt. Not bad for a woman who recently turned thirty, huh? My only really bad spot—in my opinion—is that I have a lot of hair around my pussy. Some women have, like, a nice little patch of hair just above their pussies, while other women have hair 3

Jon Bradbury all over their crotch. I’m in that category—I have a circle of curly black hair all around my pussy. I contemplate shaving down there on a regular basis, but I just don’t want to mess with it, on top of shaving my armpits and my legs. You hear me, ladies? “Veronica Moore,”—yes, that’s my name— ”Girl, you got yourself a real lemon of a man. Too bad you can’t make lemonade with him.” Believe me, I have tried. Oh, baby, how I’ve tried. And, on top of everything else, I hadn’t had any for eight months before I met Kevon. Trust me on this one guys, there is nothing worse than a woman who’s sexually frustrated. To say that I’m horny would be putting it mildly. I looked at my pussy again, all hidden underneath shadow and hair, and sighed. I wasn’t even close to having an orgasm. I wasn’t even wet. In the semi-dark, I put a towel on the toilet seat and sat down. I palmed my breasts, trailed my fingertips across my skin—arms, neck, shoulders, face, lips. I sucked and licked on my fingers, then across my nipples, down my tummy and up my thighs, until I could run my fingers through that circle of hair. I could feel that electric tightness. I closed my eyes and arched my back, not even bothering to imagine another man down there. I took my sweet 4

Colorblind time, and when I came, I just let the waves of orgasmic ecstasy wash over me. I inhaled sharply, exhaled, inhaled sharply again, exhaled. I opened my eyes and I realized I was crying. Crying for the loving I was missing. Somewhere out there was the one man for me. And the man in my bed wasn’t him. Kevon may have been an interesting man, but he was a lousy boyfriend, in addition to being a poor lover. I made up my mind right then and there that Kevon would be out of my life by the end of the week. Any excuse to break up with him would be perfectly fine by me. I dried my eyes, put my white camisole back on, and carefully climbed back in bed. My last thought before I fell asleep was that the next man I meet had better be able to treat me like a lady. **** In the morning, I stood before the mirror on my dresser, putting on lipstick as Kevon came up behind me. I concentrated on my lips, moving the tube of lipstick over my mouth slowly to get every curve and nuance of my lips—upper lip, back and forth, lower lip, back and forth, press lips together. This color of lipstick was a rose red color that went with the lighter brown color of my skin, and 5

Jon Bradbury was shiny. The shine moved with my lips as I smiled and practiced my hello. I smirked at myself, but the effect of my lipstick was both sexy and sensuous. My makeup finished, I put the tube of lipstick in my little purse and started brushing my hair. I tossed my wavy mane over one shoulder and brushed. I kept looking in the mirror. I kept hoping—wishing, praying, baby—that he would just go away! “Good morning, Doll,” Kevon said, carrying a bowl of cereal as he came into the bedroom— eating my cereal, using one of my bowls, without even asking! He was even talking with his mouth full—how disgusting! “Good morning, Kevon,” I said back. “What’re you eating?” “I don’t know,” he said blithely, “but it’s good.” “I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” I laughed shortly. Kevon just crunched his cereal. “You look nice, Veronica,” he said around his food. “Thank you, Kevon.” I smiled faintly. I had to admit, Kevon was right. I was dressed in a smooth, shiny black leather skirt—real leather, not imitation, with a satin lining—that came to just above my knees, a sky blue cotton top with long sleeves, and black leather pumps, plus a pair of elegantly small diamond-stud earrings. I was in 6

Colorblind my Little Miss Prim and Proper mode, as Autumn would say. I felt sexy. Truth be told, I felt like an Ebony Goddess. And then, of course, he had to ruin the good feeling. “Where you going, all dressed up, looking so fine?” “To work,” I said, making a face at him as I put my brush away. “Just where do you think I’m going at seven in the morning?” I quickly went from the bedroom into the living room, my skirt swishing emphatically with each step. “Just joking, Doll,” he laughed, looking down at me. Kevon is over six feet tall. Even when I’m wearing high heels, he still towers over me. “But you are looking fine.” “Like, what-ever, Kevon,” I said flatly, borrowing my best friend Autumn’s favorite phrase. When she said that, I forgot she was black. “I wish you could stay in,” he said, noisily crunching cereal. I made myself smile a little at his revolting display. “Me too,” I lied. “But shouldn’t you already be gone?” He suddenly put down his bowl and took my slender arms in his big hands and he pulled me towards him. “I still got time, Veronica. It wouldn’t take very long.” That’s the truth, I wanted to say. Instead I said, “Kevon, I’ve just finished getting ready for work 7

Jon Bradbury and I don’t want to do it over again, okay?” Kevon let go of my arms. “Whatever you say.” “Thank you,” I said flatly. I checked my arms. No bruises. I swear, that man doesn’t know his own strength. He drank down his milk in one long, rude slurp and said, “Oh, Veronica.” “What, Kevon?” “I’m gonna be going on a business trip today. I don’t know when I’ll be back, but I should only be gone a few days at the most.” “You just be careful and do a good job,” I smiled. I was smiling at the thought of him being gone for a day or two, but I was angry at him again. No consideration or respect as usual. Just, Oh, by the way, honey, I’m gonna be going on a trip and I don’t know when I’ll be back. “I’ll miss you,” he said over his shoulder. He didn’t even bother washing out his bowl, either! I didn’t entirely relax until I heard his keys jingle, saw him go down the stairs, and heard the bottom door open and close. “Oh, yeah,” I said sarcastically to the silence. “I’ll miss you, too.” Then, I made up the bed and washed out the bowl he had used before I left for work. This is the last time I’m cleaning up for you, Kevon. The milky water went down the drain in the steel sink, along with my current relationship. 8

Colorblind At work, everyone complimented my outfit, too—and then asked what the special occasion was! Can’t a woman wear leather on Thursday? But I won’t deny I wanted to dress nicely for a reason. I just hope that reason comes into the store today. And, to be honest, I won’t be choosy about his color. When I went to church last Sunday, I saw my friend Autumn with her husband, who was white, and gorgeous—and decided to take the preacher’s sermon to heart. I would widen my horizons, so to speak. If only for the variety, I was going to start dating white men. I would be colorblind. Autumn found hers—maybe I can find mine!

9

Jon Bradbury

Chapter Two—Bryan I was waiting for my interview appointment, reading a glossy magazine, when the secretary came over and said, “Mr. Edwards?” “Yes,” I said as I looked up. The secretary, Wendy, was truly lovely, with golden blonde hair brushing her shoulders, sky-blue eyes, and a figure to die for, and spoke with a soft, nasal voice. She wore an off-white blouse and slacks with white pumps and natural lipstick. Pretty, but not my type. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Morris is very busy with an urgent matter that can’t wait. He sends his apologies and asks if you might be able to come back after lunch?” I felt myself sink through the floor. Here I was, all dressed up in my new gray business suit, my new portfolio case containing all my drawings, and the interview that I spent all last night preparing for—was postponed. It was a quarter past eleven now. My interview was for eleven. “Okay,” I sighed. “When can I come back?” The girl smiled. “We come back from lunch at 10

Colorblind one-thirty, Mr. Edwards,” she said. “Well, thanks,” I said. “I’ll come back at onethirty.” I went back out the door, into the elevator, and took it down fifteen floors. I went into the lobby, out the front door, and down the steps. As I did so, I caught a glimpse of myself in reflective glass. I’m five-seven on a good day, small in stature, with blue eyes and short, curly light brown hair with a bald spot just beginning to show. Okay, I had a couple of hours before I could go back. I drove back to the office because I needed to catch up on a few things anyway. Our building was the same as any other office building, if a little older. It was a six-story brick building with big half-moon windows, and our offices occupied the entire top two floors. I pressed the button for the elevator and waited a minute. It arrived, I stepped on, pushed the button, and it whisked me to the top floor. The door swooshed open and I entered the foyer, then through big wooden double doors and into the office itself. The office was very relaxing—wood paneling everywhere, thick green carpeting on the floor, windows and skylights everywhere, a lot of open space, like one of those trendy chain bookstores. The secretary, brown-haired, green-eyed Teri Stroud, smiled at me and said, “Hi, Bryan.” If any 11

Jon Bradbury one person in the office blended in with the decor, she did. She looked nice in a loose red silk blouse and matching skirt, with matching leather pumps. “Hi, Teri,” I smiled back. “Any mail for me?” Teri shook her head. “There was some email. But no snail mail. I forwarded it to your station, honey.” “Thanks,” I smiled. I headed back to my cubicle. After ten years at the same firm, I was only a junior designer, which meant I only rated a cubicle instead of my own office, but at least it was a cubicle next to other junior designers. I took off my suit jacket and draped it across my chair. The office was quiet—it looked like everyone was out for their lunch breaks. I booted up the work station on my cubicle desk and looked at my email. I had quite a few messages but one tag stood out—Jackie Stewart’s. I clicked on that one and my blood ran cold. “Mr. Edwards,” I read the note to myself. “Please get back to me as soon as possible regarding your work on the Project. We need to meet. Thank you.” I typed back a message that said in essence that he needed to get with Kent, the project leader, or Ted, my immediate boss, that I couldn’t just meet him on my own. Company policy, you know. Then I clicked send. That done, I read the rest of my emails, which 12

Colorblind were thank you messages from clients. For some reason, I always have a lot of those. I returned messages on all those, then stood up and stretched. That had only taken twenty minutes—I still had most of an hour for lunch. Leaving my portfolio case on my desk and my jacket on my chair, I got up and turned off the workstation. I went downstairs to have lunch at the ground floor, where I scarfed down a soda and a French dip with Swiss and fries. I went back up to the office, where I put my suit jacket on again and got my case, then went back to my car and drove back over to Morris’ building. I had driven over a little early—it was still only one o’clock. I came out of the parking garage and looked at the neighborhood. There were lots of small businesses around. It was pretty quiet. I saw this aromatherapy shop, and since I had a little time still, I crossed the street and went inside. I looked around. The place was laid out like a salon or a boutique, you know, the merchandise all set out with precision. And the place smelled just wonderful. I had no idea what it was I was smelling, but I was getting calmer and more relaxed by the second. Having to wait for my interview was no longer a vexing subject. Sure, it was still on my mind, but it no longer irritated me. 13

Jon Bradbury I looked at some of the merchandise. I was staring at a foot massager and shaking my head at it when a voice said, “Hi, honey.” The voice was smooth and sweet, like maple syrup, with a touch of a subtle Southern accent. I straightened up and turned my head in the direction of that voice. The owner was a short, petite, and beautiful black woman. She had smooth skin on the pale side of chocolate, long wavy hair like black velvet past her shoulders, and eyes that matched her skin color. She looked intelligent as well as beautiful, dressed in a nice black leather skirt and a light blue cotton long-sleeved top with high-heeled leather pumps that matched her skirt. I have never seen leather look classier on any other woman. Even with the high heels on she was a little bit shorter than me. “Uh, hi,” I said hesitantly. She smiled and her whole face lit up, her eyes sparkling, her smile digging into her cheeks. “Can I help you with anything?” She wore shiny rose red lipstick on her full sensuous lips. And when she spoke, the shine moved. God, that was so sexy! Now this woman was definitely my type—a lady, from head to toe. “Uh, no, thanks,” I said. “At least, I don’t think so.” She had the cutest little cheeks, with high 14

Colorblind cheekbones—even dimples—and a cute little nose. Even the little laugh lines around her eyes were sexy. “Well, if there’s anything that you want to ask me about, just ask me.” I took a deep breath and said, “I did want to ask you what your name is.” The woman’s face, and voice, softened. “Veronica. My name is Veronica.” “Hi, Veronica,” I said as I reached out my hand. “I’m Bryan. Bryan Edwards.” She took my hand firmly. She had nice hands. “Hello, Bryan. It’s nice to meet you.” The smile was still in place. And she held my hand for a long moment. “Actually, I do have a question for you,” I said. “What’s that?” she asked, after finally letting go of my hand. “I could use something to help me go to sleep at night, you know?” She nodded, quite seriously. She turned and grabbed a little spray bottle off the shelf behind her, then turned back and handed it to me. “If you spray some of this on your pillows at night, it will help you fall asleep.” “What’s in it?” I asked curiously. “Lavender and vanilla. Helps you relax.” I nodded. “I’ll take it.” “Okay, let’s go to the register.” She turned around and I got to see how she 15

Jon Bradbury looked from behind—and what a behind it was. Her outfit showed off a lot, and she had a lot to show off—a narrow waist with wide hips and a round shapely butt, cute little shoulders, and slim, sexy legs and arms. Her breasts weren’t very large, but were large enough, round and full. I coughed as she went behind the register and put my purchase through. Even the way she typed was pretty, with nice slender hands and long fingers. I paid for it and she handed me a baggie with the bottle in it and said, “There you go, Bryan. Have a nice day.” I said, “I will, now.” I took the little baggie and stole a look at my watch. It was only one ten still. “I’m glad I came in here,” I said sincerely. Veronica smiled again. She was so beautiful when she smiled. “Well, I am too, Bryan. And I hope that you keep coming back.” “Well, Veronica,” I laughed nervously, “it depends on what happens today.” “And what’s that?” she asked, tilting her head thoughtfully, but sexily. “I was supposed to go in for an interview this morning, but the guy I’m supposed to interview with, had some business that couldn’t wait, I guess. So I got kind of got pushed back on his schedule.” 16

Colorblind “Do you think you have a good chance to get the job?” “I’ll tell you,” I said, chuckling nervously. “I spent practically all of last night preparing for this thing. I’m ready for the interview, at least.” Veronica laughed, her eyes twinkling. “I’m sure you’ve got it all sewn up.” I smiled. “Thanks.” “What do you do, anyway?” “I’m an architect,” I answered. “You design buildings?” she asked with raised eyebrows and wide eyes. “Yes,” I smiled. “Really?” She seemed impressed. “I really do,” I said. “Want to see my sketches?” She nodded, so I took out a few of them to show her. She looked at them, really looked, looking at every detail. As she went from drawing to drawing she seemed more impressed by the minute. “You know,” she said, “you are really good! If I were this guy, I would hire you in a flat second. And I mean that.” She gathered them up and handed them back to me. “Thanks,” I smiled as I put them away. I looked at my watch and it was one thirty five! I said, “I need to be going, Veronica. It was nice talking with you.” As I went to the door, she followed me. “It was nice talking with you, too. And I really 17

Jon Bradbury hope that you come back, whether you get that job or not.” I said, “You know what, I think I will.” “That’s good,” Veronica smiled. She pulled the handle and opened the door for me. “Now. You go down to that office, and nail that job.” “I will,” I nodded seriously. “Can I ask you one more thing, Veronica?” “Sure, Bryan. Ask away.” “Would you like to have dinner with me?” Her face got very soft then, and doe-eyed, her head tilted just a bit, those beautiful lips pursed slightly. But she said, “Bryan, you’re very sweet, but, but I can’t—” Ugh, not again! “Don’t say it,” I interrupted her as politely as I could. “Don’t go into a whole speech about why you can’t go out with me, and please don’t tell me I’m such a sweet little man. Just a simple ‘no thank you’ is enough.” “No, thank you, Bryan,” she said, a little sadly, I thought. With a burning face, I went out the door and down the sidewalk. I put that failure out of my mind as I climbed the steps and went back into the glassy office building’s lobby and found an elevator call button. I punched it angrily, waiting impatiently. The elevator seemed to take forever. But finally it dinged open and I stepped inside. I took a deep breath and pressed the top button. I hate it when a woman calls me sweet. I don’t 18

Colorblind know, it’s just the way some women say it. “You know, you’re a really sweet guy, but—” And don’t get me started about ‘sweet little man’. All of this crossed my mind as the elevator rose to the top floor. The elevator had a glass wall, so I had quite a view outside as it smoothly ticked off the floors. The elevator finally stopped at the fifteenth floor, and the door opened with a ding. I quickly walked into the foyer, then adjusted my tie and centered myself by taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly. Then I went inside. The secretary was still there, blonde and perky as ever. For some reason, her perkiness was a little irritating. I took another deep breath and slowly released it. My evil mood went away. As soon as I came in, she stood and held up her finger and then walked down the hall. Confident again, I took a seat and started reading another magazine while she click-clicked down the hall and disappeared inside a doorway. She soon came back and I could tell by her expression that I wouldn’t be getting an interview today. “I’m sorry,” she said. “He’s not finished yet—” My evil mood returned. I got up and picked up my portfolio. “Listen, Wendy. You can tell Mr. Morris for me that I didn’t call him, he called me. And when he’s ready to stop wasting my time, he can call me to set up another interview.” 19

Jon Bradbury I walked back out of the office again and took the elevator back down to the lobby. This time, not even the view could distract me. By the time I reached the ground floor again I was in as evil a mood as I ever got into. This was not a good day. The elevator door finally opened and I started to make a beeline for the exit. That’s when I noticed this pretty black lady coming in. She was about Veronica’s height in high heels, but that was the only similarity. This lady had shoulder-length hair that hung in dark curly strings, pale cinnamon skin and dark eyes. Despite her professional clothing—a tan vest and skirt and high heels, with rather large gold hoop earrings— she had a certain warmth about her. That probably had a lot to do with the abundant cleavage peeking from her vest, along with a white lace bra. Her eyes, big and soft, her lips, full and pouty, her lower lip slightly fuller, and a cute little chin, made her look adorable. I knew her by sight—it was Tommy’s wife, Autumn. Things were definitely looking up. She came right over to me. “Bryan, are you okay?” she asked me quietly. “Does it show?” I said, dryly. She said, “Did you know you look like you’re about to go postal?” I grinned, despite myself. “That’s about how I feel right now.” 20

Colorblind She broke through by touching my arm. “Do you wanna talk about it, baby?” “Do you want to hear about it?” She gave me this look and shook her head. “Don’t bullshit with me.” I chortled a little, inhaled and then let it out. “Well, I just wasted half of my day waiting for Tom Morris to interview me for this Intermediate Designer thing. If today was a bad day for doing interviews, I kind of wish he had called me, or had somebody call me to cancel. Now I have a bunch of work waiting for me at the office that I already should have finished by now!” “Feel better now?” she asked me, rubbing my arm, smiling. I laughed a little. “Yeah,” I smiled. “I do. Thanks, Autumn.” I could feel my evil mood going away for good. Autumn had that effect on me. She put her soft leather attaché case on the floor and held out her arms to me. “Come here,” she said. “What?” I said. “I’m not going back up to my office without a hug,” she smiled. “So, come here.” I put my case down too and accepted her offer gracefully. She gave me a strong hug, slipping her slender arms around my waist and rubbing my back with 21

Jon Bradbury her equally strong hands. Finally we both pulled back. “Did Morris say when you would get your interview?” “No,” I sighed. “That’s why I was so mad. I wasted half my day coming over here, then coming back over here, still no interview and I don’t even know if he even knows I was here!” She kept rubbing my arm after we’d separated. “Is it that bad at your job, you’re all stressed out over an interview?” “No, I don’t suppose it’s that bad. Or it wouldn’t be without Kent.” “Kent?” she said, smirking. “What’s really bothering you, baby?” I grinned. Autumn could always get to the heart of the matter. “I asked this girl out, earlier.” My voice trailed off. “What happened?” she asked softly. My smile turned bitter. “Like what always happens. Told me how sweet I was before she told me she couldn’t go out with me, for whatever reason.” Autumn gave me another strong hug. “I’ll bet she was pretty.” “Yeah,” I said. “I met her at the aromatherapy shop before I came over here.” “The one across the street?” 22

Colorblind “Yeah,” I nodded. “Saw it, had a little time, so I went in.” Autumn gave me this strange look. “I can see why Veronica would like you. You look very handsome today.” “Thank you,” I said, self-consciously. Then, it hit me. “She likes me?” “Yes,” she nodded. “I just came from there and she told me all about you.” I didn’t believe her. “She’s got a boyfriend.” “That don’t matter,” she sang naughtily. I snorted derisively. “If it doesn’t matter then why did she say no?” “You mean she said no this time,” she corrected me. “I happen to know she’s having trouble with her boyfriend. She’s got it bad, baby. For you.” “Thanks,” I smiled. It was a real smile this time. “You made my whole day.” She smiled back at me. “Any friend of my husband’s is a friend of mine.” “I appreciate that,” I smiled. “I’m serious,” she said. “Call me if you need someone to talk to. My husband thinks the world of you, talks about you all the time. You’re my friend too, you know.” “He talks about you, too,” I grinned. She smiled at me and blushed. “You’re so sweet. I need to go. But I’m serious, do call me, I’d 23

Jon Bradbury love to hear from you.” **** I got back to the office quickly, despite the afternoon traffic. Fortunately my bad mood had been defused by Autumn before I got behind the wheel again. Her smooth easy West Coast accent and mannerisms put me at ease right away. That enabled me to get back to the office and finish all that stuff waiting for me on my desk. I was just sitting in my cubicle and congratulating myself for finishing all that crap, despite the day I had, when my phone rang. “Bryan Edwards,” I said. “Hey, dude, what’s up?” said Tommy casually. “Not much here,” I said, “other than it’s been a crazy day.” “I can relate,” he replied. “That must be why I haven’t been able to get you on the phone all day.” I chuckled. “Guilty as charged,” I said. “I’m sorry.” Tommy chuckled back. “Yeah, okay, so what were you doing all day?” “Taking care of business,” I said evasively. “Speaking of which, I bumped into your wife today. She says you think the world of me.” “Don’t let it go to your head,” Tommy chuckled. 24

Colorblind “Thanks,” I said dryly. “I’ll tell your wife you said that.” “Thanks,” he said. “I’m glad you got to see her. Can’t say the same for myself.” “Work got you down?” “Yeah,” he grunted. “And then some. As if I don’t already have enough to do, Stewart wants me to entertain some prospective clients tonight. And I was hoping to get home and be alone with Autumn.” “Stewart?” I asked. “Jackie Stewart?” “Yeah,” he said. “That’s him, that’s my boss.” “Your company is a major client of our firm.” Tommy grunted. “Way to go, dude. Congratulations. Makes it a small world.” “Yeah,” I agreed. “Sure does.” “So, what were you doing way over there at Autumn’s work?” “Seeing a man about a new job.” “You can’t be serious,” he said. “Jackie Stewart isn’t gonna be too happy to hear this, dude.” “Yes, well, I’m sorry,” I sighed. “I’ve been at this same firm for ten years and I am still a junior designer, Tommy.” “Dude, you gotta have some patience. If I know Stewart, he’s gonna shake things up at your work. He usually does, wherever he goes.” I sighed, frustrated. “Yes, well, one of the partners took a sketch from my desk and used it as 25

Jon Bradbury one of his own, and Stewart didn’t say a damn thing.” “You mean, he didn’t right away,” Tommy corrected me. “Stewart has style. He’ll probably talk to one of your senior partners about it. You’ll see. He’s not shy.” “I’ll believe that when it happens,” I mumbled. “It will.” I sighed. “He doesn’t even know me, Tommy,” I protested. “I’m just one guy.” “Oh, yes, he does,” Tommy replied. “He does?” I said, incredulously. “He does,” Tommy confirmed. “The first time he came back from an appointment with your company, all he did was rave about you and your designs.” Shit, I thought. “So, does he know why I’m leaving?” Tommy surprised me by chuckling. “The second time he came back to the office, he was ranting about one of your people. Some guy by the name of Kent, I think. Apparently Kent has a bad habit of coming on to his assistant.” I groaned. Long and hard. “Crap,” I observed candidly. “Yep,” he agreed. “I told you, he’s gonna shake things up.” “Well, he’s in the right place,” I replied. Tommy sighed. “I gotta be going if I’m gonna 26

Colorblind get with these people. Later, dude.” “Later,” I agreed. I collected my stuff and went out to my car for the drive home. I was just grabbing the door handle when I heard a voice. I turned and there was Ted Anderson, one of the partners. We worked together a lot because we didn’t have to tell each other what we were thinking. “Hey there, Bryan.” “Hey, Ted,” I said as I shook his hand. He was tall, with a full head of dark straight hair, a killer smile and bright green eyes. “Bryan, I’m going to hate losing you.” “Why do you say that? You haven’t lost me.” Yet, I thought. “You had your interview today and I know that Morris was hot to get you.” That was news to me. “There was no interview, Ted.” “What? How’d that happen?” I shrugged. “I came in for the interview. The secretary said he had some urgent business to take care of and could I come back later? I came back later and he still wasn’t finished with whatever it was he was doing. So I left.” “What did you say?” “I told his secretary—I didn’t even meet Morris today, Ted—I told her to tell him that when he’s ready to stop wasting my time that he could call me in for another interview.” 27

Jon Bradbury Ted shook his head. “There must have been some heavy hitters in his office for him to not even meet you in person. That man is reliable.” “Well, not today. You got me for a while yet.” I didn’t dare tell him that I was leaving because of Kent. Ted chuckled. “I wouldn’t bet on that yet, Bryan. You can count on Tom Morris. If he wants you, he wants you. Don’t be surprised when he calls you at home and wants to meet for drinks somewhere.” I had a hard time believing that Morris was really going to go so far as to call me at home to apologize for wasting half my day. He didn’t even bother to apologize to me in person, not in his own office. “I’ll believe that when he calls,” I said. “He will,” Ted promised. “Speaking of calls,” I said casually, remembering. “What else happened today?” he asked warily. “Nothing much,” I assured him. “I got an email from Jackie Stewart. He said he wanted to meet with me about the project. I emailed him back that he needed to go through you first.” Bells went off inside my head when I said that. Ted nodded. “Okay, thanks for telling me that. I’ll expect his call, then.” We shook hands again, he went to his car and I got in my car. I turned the key one notch so I 28

Colorblind could turn the radio on. The song playing was from Toni Braxton, singing about some guitar player tugging on her heartstrings. I went to turn it off, but kept it on instead. I leaned my head back, closed my eyes, and listened. Toni Braxton’s smooth, velvety, soulful voice sang to me and it reminded me of Veronica, of course. Veronica was pretty, and smart, just like I thought. And it didn’t matter a whit that she was black. Veronica was just my type. I just hoped that I wasn’t too brusque with her this morning. A thousand thoughts went through my mind, like, one, she was happily married or two, she had a boyfriend. Veronica was probably going to tell me that when I cut her off, which was why I did. She probably forgot all about me as soon as I left the shop. But I kind of had a feeling that she liked me. What if Autumn is right, she really does like me? Tommy married a sharp lady. Usually she is right. After Toni, two more songs played while I drove home. Vanessa Williams told me she’ll be dreaming, then Desree sang You Gotta Be, as I finally pulled into the parking lot of my apartment building and turned off the ignition. I quickly changed from my gray suit into a pair of khakis and a dark blue V-necked long-sleeved shirt—ahhh, much better—and started heating dinner. I was reclining on the couch, watching 29

Jon Bradbury something pleasantly mindless on TV when the phone rang, at about seven or so. “Hello?” “Can I speak to Bryan Edwards, please?” asked a pretty, but polite, female voice. “This is him,” I said. “Hi, Bryan, this is Wendy.” That made me sit upright from my reclined position. “Working late, aren’t we, Wendy?” Wendy moaned a little. “Yes. Please hold for Mr. Morris.” By the time my bare feet were back on the floor a new voice came on the phone, speaking rapidly. “Hello? Is that you, Edwards?” “Yes, Mr. Morris.” “Listen, I wanted to apologize for the way you were treated today. I did indeed waste your time and I deeply apologize for that.” His voice was totally serious. “I appreciate that, sir, but—” “I realize it’s late, Edwards, but could you meet me for drinks tonight? Any place you want, when you want—just name it. I’ll even pay the tab.” I looked at my watch. “Well, I guess I could meet you at the Blue Parrot at eight.” He had an unusual but direct style, I gave him that much. I was being charmed by a professional, and I knew it. I should ask Ted more about him in the morning. “The Blue Parrot, at eight o’clock. See you then, 30

Colorblind Edwards.” And he clicked off. Okay, I thought, at least I was gonna get a free drink out of this. A grin split my face as I found my rubber sandals and reached for the remote to turn off the TV. **** Forty-five minutes was enough time for a comfortable walk at an easy pace. I went in, right on time, came into the little waiting area by the door, and heard someone say, “Hey, honey.” I turned and there was Teri. Damn, she looked good, wearing an emerald-green slip-dress. “Hi, Teri. What’s up?” She smiled casually. “Not much, just waiting for friends.” She eased closer to me and rubbed my arm. “Would you like to join me?” I smiled. “Thanks, Teri, but I’m here on business.” Teri seemed taken aback. “Oh. Well, maybe when you’re finished?” I nodded diplomatically. “Sure. Maybe then.” She smiled warmly at me as I left the waiting area and went inside. Morris was waiting for me at the bar. Even in a golf shirt and casual trousers he still looked regal with his silver hair and keen eyes. He shook my hand vigorously and then led me over 31

Jon Bradbury to a table. We passed a booth table where two beautiful black women were sitting, dressed to kill, a double dip of sexy chocolate. I did a double take and I realized Veronica was sitting there with Autumn. Veronica was here! I dared to look her way. Her eyes went very wide for a second, and then a warm look of recognition crossed her face. Veronica nudged Autumn and she looked up, smiled, and finger-waved at me. She mouthed the words, “Good luck.” Veronica didn’t say anything but smiled and winked at me. That surprised me—pleasantly. Morris and I went to sit at a table that was close to one of the big-screen TV’s where a game was on, and he started talking to me about football! This was my interview? The waitress came over and he said, “What’ll you have to drink, Edwards?” I told him and he repeated it to the waitress. “Put it on my tab, sweetie.” The girl nodded and went off to the bar. Then he turned to me and started the interview—how long have I been in my current job, how did I like it, why did I apply with him, etc. I temporarily forgot about Veronica and Autumn as I focused on Morris. I gave him the standard bullshit about how I wanted a new challenge and all that. Ten years at the same 32

Colorblind company with little advancement does that to me. The waitress delivered my drink and then he said, “Okay, Edwards, let’s see your sketches.” I showed him every one of the sketches I had in my portfolio—my most current ones plus my early ones from drafting school; those drawn on computer plus those drawn by hand. He shuffled through them rapidly but didn’t miss a beat. He had some pretty smart questions. Finally he looked up at me and said, “Well, Edwards, I don’t want to waste any more of your time, so I want to offer you a job with me right now.” Shocked, I said, “Really?” Morris just grinned. “No time like the present, is there?” Why was I hesitating? I had a peculiar kind of inner conflict going on—what if Stewart really is gonna ‘shake things up’—but I took a sip of my drink, and said to Morris, “Make me an offer.” “The job that you applied for—Intermediate Designer—which you are well qualified for, in my opinion.” “Salary?” I asked, just curious to hear his answer. “Whatever you’re making now—we’ll double it. To start. All the benefits you’ve got now. You would start next Monday. What do you say?” My first coherent thought was, Holy shit. 33

Jon Bradbury Then I shook his hand and said, “I start next Monday.” Morris smiled and nodded. I gathered my sketches and put them away mindlessly. “I’ll see you next Monday then. Enjoy your drink.” He left and I was there with my drink, totally blown away. I got up and went over to the bar, completely on autopilot. “Are you ready to join me now?” Teri’s voice said.

34

Colorblind

Chapter Three—Veronica I hated to tell that sweet man no today. Such a sweet, nice man he was, little portfolio case, a little bald spot and everything, and he had such dreamy eyes and a nice smile. I liked him the second I saw him come into the store. There was just something about him. I was a little sad that I had to tell him no when he asked me out. He asked me so politely, too. I was so thrilled that he asked me. That’s why I was so sad to tell him no. Not only did I want to have dinner with him, but I kind of thought he was, well, hot. I don’t even know why I’m attracted to him, just that I am! One thing was for sure. Bryan was sweet, but he wasn’t so little. I thought about him all day after he left. I wondered if he got the job. I sure would love to see him again. I’m glad I was wearing leather. I could sense, and even better, see his eyes roving all over me, especially my legs and butt. Kevon was officially still my boyfriend, though — for the time being. Even though the man has no 35

Jon Bradbury skills as a lover, I shouldn’t be dating another man behind his back. I should be faithful to him while he’s gone—before I break up with him. But now that I’ve met Bryan, that’s going to be very difficult. Kevon has been gone the entire day. For the entire evening all I’ve done is enjoy the silence—a pleasant change from the darn phone ringing off the hook, and getting a gazillion messages from you know who. Why did I agree to go out with Autumn for drinks tonight? At the Blue Parrot of all places, too. That’s where people go if they want some action, so to speak. So much for my lofty motive of staying faithful, huh? I wanted to stay home and enjoy the quiet, but she and I have been friends for a long time now. We always go somewhere together, and tonight was no different. That was why I went to have my nails done, in a really long French manicure. Probably too long, about an inch past the fingertips, but, what the hey? I’ve always wanted to get my nails done, and Bryan was the best reason of all. Then I got home and I slipped off my pretty skirt and top, and peeled off my bra and panties. Once naked, I used the depilatory kit Autumn gave me on my armpits and legs. It was easy, just spray the stuff on and then wipe it off. God, that felt so good! 36

Colorblind Then I looked at the hairy bush between my legs and could not stand it any more. While I was still naked, I went into the bathroom and used the depilatory on my pussy hair. It was strange to see my pussy all nice and bare. I touched myself down there, tentatively. It sure felt nice and smooth. My new long nails—my sensitive, naked pussy—I had to stop myself, but I couldn’t! I slid two of my nails inside my pussy lips, no finger, just the fingernail. Oh Lord, that felt so—oh, God—damn—good! My fingers moved faster and faster and soon the bathroom was filled with my moans and gasps. I had a nice, satisfying, trembling, toecurling, shouting at the top of my lungs orgasm. I finally left the bathroom and went to my closet with a devilish smile. I took my mid thigh-length black leather dress with short sleeves and a V-neck off its hanger, and took my black high-heeled sandals out of the closet. In case you haven’t noticed, I like to wear leather, and all kinds of shiny clothes, too. For the right man, I’ll even wear latex! I probably wear leather a little too much; I even wear some leather clothes to work, mainly skirts. It’s not a fetish, not really—I just have a body made for leather. The dress slid on over my soft skin and, more importantly, fit very snug, snug enough to be 37

Jon Bradbury shiny and sexy. It fit tight enough to support my breasts by itself, but at least my nipples weren’t showing. The dress just molded itself to my body, without all that hair or a pair of panties in the way. I stepped into my black high-heeled sandals. Then I went to my makeup case, sitting on top of my dresser, and got out my favorite new lipstick, kind of a cranberry color. Veronica Moore, why are you doing all of this? I asked myself. New lipstick, sexy clothes— shaving your pussy? I suddenly realized why—Bryan. I was looking this way for some guy that I met earlier today and knew for maybe an hour, maybe two. I had no idea if he would even be in the Blue Parrot tonight, or even where he was in the whole city! But, I liked him, I really liked him. He was a good man, that much I knew. That no-good, soon to be ex-boyfriend of mine who couldn’t make me come even if I showed him how, couldn’t even hold a candle to Bryan. Upper lip, lower lip, both lips in one smooth sweep, press lips together. I was ready for my evening with Autumn on the town. But I smiled at myself in the mirror and said, “This one’s for you, Bryan.” I blew myself a kiss. The shine moved, then settled on my lips like a sensuous coverlet. As I put the lipstick tube in my purse, a car horn honked twice. I went out the door, locked it, 38

Colorblind went down the stairs and out onto the sidewalk. My friend Autumn Lauderdale waved from her car and I crossed the street. As I did so, the satin lining of my leather dress sensuously caressed my entire body and I became aroused all over again. I fell into the seat, smiled at Autumn, and buckled my seat belt. “Damn, girl, you look good enough to eat,” Autumn smiled. She was dressed to the nines as well, in a sparkling white slip dress and white high-heeled sandals that went just right with her light brown cinnamon skin. “Thanks,” I blushed. “You’re not looking too bad yourself.” Autumn smiled. “How’s my lipstick?” I looked at her and said, “You could use another coat.” So Autumn slipped on shiny caramel lipstick, moving the tube slowly across her lips, back and forth several times. Then she pressed her lips together. “Better?” I nodded. “Looking good.” We high fived each other. “This is really nice lipstick you gave me.” Then she took my hand and said, “I want my nails like yours, too, girlfriend. They’re gorgeous.” “Thank you,” I smiled. “But I have to let you in on a secret.” 39

Jon Bradbury “What?” she stage-whispered. “I bought the home nail kit at the store,” I explained, in that woman-to-woman tone we use when dispensing advice. “Keisha just put them on for me.” We both giggled as she slipped out into traffic. She said, “So, King Kevon decided to let you go out tonight—without him?” I smiled a little at her sarcasm. “Kevon is gone on a business trip,” I explained sweetly. “So he didn’t have any choice in the matter.” “And I’ll bet he told you this morning, right?” “Yeah,” I sighed. “What about Tommy?” I asked. “Tommy is working late again,” Autumn sighed. “Again?” I said. “Yes, again,” she sighed impatiently. “I swear, it’s getting so that I have to make an appointment with my own husband, Veronica!” “Why does he work so much?” Her sigh was less sure this time. “I don’t know, but his boss seems to like him. Tommy was personally chosen for his job.” Then she looked at me and said, “One thing I do know, is that I want to have fun tonight.” “You go, girlfriend,” I said, smiling. “That dress is pretty hot,” Autumn said as she stopped at a red light. “You must be having a bad 40

Colorblind time with Kevon.” I moaned, nodded, and rolled my eyes. “You should have been there last night,” I said. “He lasted maybe ten minutes. Including foreplay—or what he calls it.” Autumn rolled her eyes sympathetically. “No, thank you,” she shook her head. “Damn, but you do look good.” I smiled and blushed. “Thank you, Autumn. I feel good, too.” “I’ll bet you’re wearing that dress for Bryan.” Surprise jerked my out of my sexy funk. “How did you know?” Autumn laughed. “Well, I already know you’re horny,” she explained. “But when you wear two black leather outfits in a row, on the same day, that must mean you really like him, Veronica.” “You don’t know how much I like him,” I said, shaking my head. Autumn chuckled. “Yes, I do. I met Bryan at work today. And he was very frustrated about how this girl he just met was of course seeing somebody.” I looked down at my nails. “If I see him again, that won’t stop me.” “What were you going to do about Kevon, anyway?” “If you must know,” I said, “I’ve already made the decision to break up with Kevon. I just need a 41

Jon Bradbury good excuse. Any good excuse.” “You go, girl,” Autumn agreed as she drove down the street. We soon arrived at the Blue Parrot. Autumn and I came in the door and the room came to a screeching halt. We could barely even get to a table because the waiter’s tongue was almost dragging on the floor. Note to self: Never dress like this when you’re not in the mood for it. But I was. Sort of. Except that I felt kind of silly, coming in all dressed up like this. Who knew where Bryan was tonight in this whole darn city? We got to a table and sat down. The room returned to normal. We ordered dinner as well as drinks and had a nice meal and chat. Autumn ordered fettuccini alfredo with sliced chicken. I was also in an Italian mood and ordered spaghetti with meatballs. They brought us our food and we dug right in. We ate our dinner blissfully uninterrupted. I had whispered in the waiter’s ear that we would be ‘very grateful’ if he would keep the guys away from our table. I had slipped him a bill, too. No ‘gentlemen callers’ and no ‘complimentary’ drinks have come to our table. Then suddenly, through the corner of my eye, I saw Bryan! Bryan was wearing a sweater and khaki trousers. He looked so much more 42

Colorblind comfortable and sure of himself in these clothes. He didn’t look comfortable, or himself, in that fancy gray suit he had on this morning. He stopped at the bar and met this type-A older man, who seemed very intense and driven, not like Bryan at all. I used to work in an office, and I knew almost instinctively which executives not to work with. I nudged Autumn. She looked up and recognized him, too. She smiled at Bryan, waving a cutesy little finger wave, and mouthed Good luck at him. As they went to a table I smiled and winked at Bryan. He and the type-A man sat together. But the two men seemed to be just shooting the breeze, casually talking. They traded friendly small talk and the waitress brought Bryan a drink. That’s when Bryan took out his drawings. I realized he was finally getting his interview and I silently rooted for him. “Who’s the guy?” I asked out the side of my mouth. “That’s Tom Morris, of Morris and Warren. My boss.” “Wow,” I said. I looked at the two men, while the waitress came over, left, then came back. “It doesn’t look like they’re having an interview.” “Don’t be deceived,” Autumn replied in a 43

Jon Bradbury knowing tone. “That’s his style.” I nodded. I knew all about that. “Well, I hope his style can get Bryan this job. He showed me his sketches. He’s pretty good, Autumn.” “My goodness,” Autumn said matter-of-factly. “What?” I smiled, seeing her smile at me. “This is nice to see in you, Veronica,” she said quietly. “What’s that?” I said quizzically. “I’m glad for you. I’m glad for Bryan. You really seem to like him.” I realized the truth of that in a heartbeat. I didn’t even like Kevon any more. Now Bryan, on the other hand, I really liked. I looked over just in time to see him shake the older man’s hand, who got up and left. I saw Bryan mouth the words Holy shit. I tried not to laugh and choke on my food. Then he got up and headed for the bar. “Here’s your chance,” Autumn observed. She took a good look at him, looked at me, and stage-whispered, “He’s pretty cute, for a white boy.” We shared a feminine giggle. But I hesitated. I didn’t know what I was waiting for, but I hesitated just the same. A million thoughts spun through my head. What if he’s married? What if he doesn’t even remember me? What if I make a fool of myself? What if that woman he’s talking to at the bar is his girlfriend? Autumn made pushing motions at me. 44

Colorblind “Autumn!” I protested. “What are you doing?” “You just told me on the way over here, that you’re going to break up with Kevon, didn’t you?” “Well—yeah,” I said uncertainly. “But I shouldn’t, not until after.” Autumn reached over and took my hand. “Veronica, don’t you think you’ve kind of already broken that vow?” I looked away but didn’t say anything. “It’s pretty obvious that you like him,” she teased me. “Don’t you?” “Yes. I do,” I confessed. It was an easy confession. My heart agreed. “Well then, if you like him so much, what are you waiting for?” “I don’t know,” I said softly. “Listen,” she said. “It’s time I was straight with you—I know Bryan already because he’s friends with my husband. And with me.” So that was her game. “Were you trying to play match maker?” I asked. “Not at all,” she shook her head. “You two took care of that for me.” “What’s your point?” I sighed impatiently. “My point is,” she sighed, “if you like him—go tell him.” “But I’m scared,” I whispered. Autumn sighed. “Go say hi,” she urged me with a whisper. “You’ll never forgive yourself if 45

Jon Bradbury you don’t.” Autumn was right about that, definitely right. So I intended to take a chance on Bryan. I reached for my mirror and lipstick, since I was finished eating, and applied a generous coating. Then I took Autumn’s hand and tugged her along. She resisted my tugging. “What are you doing?” “Let’s go congratulate him together,” I suggested. “Stop stalling,” Autumn said dryly. “He’s your friend,” I reminded her. “Yes, but I’m not sweet on him,” she said back. “Yes, you are,” I said back. “I saw that smile.” “Veronica, come on, already,” she said. “I need you with me,” I said, tugging her hand. “In case he doesn’t remember me.” Autumn raised one eyebrow. “I don’t think that will be a problem, Baby.” “Quick, Autumn, put some lipstick on.” So Autumn put on a thick coating of caramel lipstick, then got up with me and we went over to him, Autumn following behind me, holding my hand like we were little girls. “Let’s go rescue him from the redhead,” she said with all seriousness. I was a little nervous. No, a lot nervous. Bryan looked so cute I wanted to hug him, but instead I simply put my hand on his back just as the 46

Colorblind redheaded heifer was offering him a drink. Right away he turned around and his face just lit up. “Veronica. Autumn. Hi!” “Hi, Bryan,” I said warmly. Thanks to my high heels I could look right in his eyes and smile at him. “I’m so glad to see you again.” “I’m glad to see you guys, too. How could I not be glad to see two such beautiful women, so beautifully dressed?” We smiled. “Isn’t he sweet?” I asked Autumn. She nodded. The redhead stood there, totally forgotten and steaming silently. She was looking rather offended. “So, what’s up, Baby?” Autumn asked him, squeezing his arm. “What are you doing down here?” “I just had my interview,” he said, sipping his drink thoughtfully. “We thought so,” Autumn nodded. “Did Morris call you at home?” “Yeah,” Bryan nodded. “How did you know?” Autumn smiled and shrugged one shoulder. “I know Morris.” Bryan nodded and took another sip of his drink. “He called me at seven and wanted to meet. I told him here and he agreed.” “And?” I pressed him. “I got the job,” he grinned. “He’s gonna pay 47

Jon Bradbury twice what my current job pays me!” “Congratulations, Bryan,” Autumn smiled, giving him a warm hug and a soft kiss on the lips. Then she pulled back and let me have my turn. “Oh, Bryan,” I smiled, “I’m so proud of you!” I pulled him towards me, wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him full on the lips, then hugged him. “I knew you would get the job!” Autumn just stood there and watched us. She looked content, happy. “At least my preparation paid off.” He grinned and said, “It’s nice to see you, Veronica. You look nice.” He took my hand and said, “I love this manicure, too.” Those words made my whole night. I had, after all, done all of this just for him. “Ohhh, Baby, thank you. You’re so sweet!” Spontaneously, I hugged and kissed him again. I pulled back some, my arms still around him, our faces maybe an inch apart. And I said in a sultry tone, “Ask me again, Bryan.” I knew he was confused, when he said, “Huh?” “You asked me out for dinner, earlier today,” I reminded him, running my shiny new fingernails through his hair. “Right,” he said. “And you said no.” He sounded very confused now. “I know,” I said softly, nodding. “Ask me out again, Bryan.” 48

Colorblind “Seriously?” “Uh-huh,” I nodded. “We can celebrate your new job.” “You’re not playing with me, are you?” I pulled back a little more to give him some space, touched his arm and said, “Does it look like I’m playing with you?” My eyes were half-closed, but my painted lips were slightly parted. I had the whole bedroom-eyes thing going on. He took a gulp of his drink and stared at it. Autumn squeezed his arm and made her eyebrows dance. Bryan laughed nervously. “Okay, okay.” Then he looked up at me again and said, “Would you like to have dinner with me, Veronica?” “I would love to have dinner with you, Bryan! When?” “How about tomorrow night?” he smiled. “Say about seven-thirty?” “That would be lovely,” I smiled. “Where would you like to take me?” Hello! I didn’t realize what I’d just said until it was halfway out my mouth. Now there’s a really loaded question. Autumn covered her mouth, with a surprised look. “Well,” he shrugged, “how about here?” I nodded. “That would be fine.” “I’ll meet you here tomorrow night, at seventhirty.” 49

Jon Bradbury “That sounds great,” I said warmly. I gently pulled him to me and gave him a third serious hug and rubbed his back. One thing I loved about his sweater, I felt so safe and comfortable in his arms. Hugging him was becoming addictive. And then I felt him caressing my back. Oh God. I thought I was hot before. Now I was really becoming aroused. When I felt his hands brush my butt, I gently pulled away, or tried to. Lots of men have gotten slapped for trying to pull that sort of thing. But when Bryan’s hands slid down my lower back and brushed my leather clad butt, I just became wet as a used wash rag. It was as if my pussy just came to life again. But, back to the moment. I meant to pull away from Bryan completely and step away, but I started kissing him again! I kissed him softly and slowly, my lips were barely touching his, a satiny whisper. My tongue was dancing softly inside his mouth. I knew everyone had to be watching us by now, if they weren’t before, but I didn’t care. I only wanted this man in my arms. Autumn was looking excited. I winked at her as I gently stopped kissing Bryan. “I can’t wait to see you again, Baby,” I whispered, when I finally pulled away, with my hand still on the side of his face. He whispered back, “Me too.” 50

Colorblind I just wanted him to keep on holding me. But I felt him starting to pull away from me. So I smiled at him, kissed him again, then pulled back, to give us both some space. Both mental and physical space. He drained his drink and said, “Good night, Veronica. See you tomorrow night.” “You have to go?” I pouted sexily. I didn’t want him to leave! “Yeah, I’m afraid so,” he replied thickly. “Gotta go to work in the morning.” “Can I walk with you to the door, at least?” He smiled. “Sure.” Autumn returned to our table as I securely hooked my arm through his and I walked with him to the door. “Oh, by the way,” he said casually. “What, Bryan?” “I wanted to apologize for this morning. I was rather brusque with you and I—” I stopped him with a touch. “Don’t be sorry, Baby. I knew just how you felt.” “I was afraid I was rude to you.” I shook my head. “Not at all, Bryan. Don’t be sorry for expressing your feelings.” “Nobody’s ever said that to me before,” Bryan said, sounding surprised. “I appreciate it when a man is straight with me,” I explained. 51

Jon Bradbury We finally got to the door. I let go of him reluctantly. “I can’t wait for tomorrow.” “Me too,” he grinned a foolish grin. “Good night, Bryan,” I said softly. I watched him walk out the door and gave him a cutesy little finger wave. As I walked back to our table I saw guys going Damn and then look towards the door with jealous looks. I sat back down at the table with Autumn. We both squealed as Autumn said, “Ooo, you go, girl!” Then we clinked our glasses together. **** Some people have the worst timing! Who should call me on the day of my date with Bryan? Kevon. Yes, exactly—Kevon. About fifteen minutes before I was to get off— about four forty-five—the phone next to the cash register rang. I picked it up and said, “Thank you for calling. This is Veronica speaking.” “Veronica!” said the voice. I wanted to groan. Kevon was back again. “Veronica! Can you come and pick me up at the airport?” I let my silence answer for me. “Veronica, you gotta come and pick me up,” he pleaded with me. 52

Colorblind “And why is that?” I asked him. “You think I sit around waiting for you?” He whined, “I’m tired and I don’t feel like driving myself. Come on.” I hated to hear Kevon whine like a little boy. I looked at my watch. Four-fifty. Plenty of time to go pick him up, get back to my place, change clothes and get spiffy, and meet dear Bryan at the Blue Parrot. I was wearing black slacks and a white shirt with white sneakers—casual Fridays at work— and I definitely did not want to have dinner with Bryan dressed like this. I had only been thinking about him since I watched him walk out the door of the Blue Parrot last night. And I had an outfit laid out for him that I couldn’t wait to get into. It would be easy. “Okay, okay,” I said, placating him. “I get off in ten minutes. Take it easy, I’m on my way, okay?” “Thanks, Doll.” **** I should have known the traffic was going to be awful. It was, after all, Friday afternoon. As I neared the airport, it just got worse. It took me almost an hour before I finally got into the airport! Getting a parking space near the terminal was another story. And another half an hour. 53

Jon Bradbury Damn, six-thirty! Took me another twenty minutes just to find Kevon. Another half an hour was wasted leaving the airport. The little resolution I made with myself was back in the forefront of my mind. I should have told him I couldn’t come pick him up because I had a yoga class tonight. But that’s not ‘til tomorrow. And he knows that. “Did I upset your plans, Doll?” he said tiredly. I guess even he could figure out why I was looking at my watch and shaking my head, which surprised me. He hadn’t even noticed the beautiful manicure that Keisha had done for me. The girls at the store did, though. They had raved over my manicure. And so had Bryan. Dear Bryan. “Why would you think that?” I said, rather sarcastically. I finally pulled up to his large house, that he’s never even invited me in to. Even for dinner. And he probably never would have, knowing him. And right now, I’m willing to bet he never will. “Well, I’m sorry if I did,” he said, as if he was doing me a favor! “Would you like to come in? I could really use a back rub, Doll.” “Would I like to come in?” I echoed him angrily. It was already seven-thirty! I was late for my date, thanks to him, and he wanted me to come inside his house and give him a back rub? I snapped at him, “Get your damn stuff out of my 54

Colorblind car, Kevon!” “What’s your problem?” he asked warily. I never curse, unless I’m angry or upset. And let me tell you, I was definitely angry. “What’s my problem?” I echoed him again. “Yeah, what’s your problem, Doll?” he asked me. His tone suggested I was just being a bitch. “Here I am, fresh in from a trip, and I all I get from you is an attitude.” Oh, I had an attitude, alright! “Oh, really?” I asked him. I decided to fill him in! “Yeah, really,” he said smugly. “My problem,” I emphasized that word, “is that you call me out of nowhere, expect me to drop everything for you. I get no respect, no consideration, no nothing. You can drag your sorry ass out of my car, take your sorry-ass stuff out with you, and while you’re at it you can go drag your sorry-ass self out of my life!” It felt good to say that! “You’re breaking up with me?” he mumbleasked. He was finally getting it! “Yes, I’m breaking up with you,” I said with a somewhat softer tone. “Kevon, I had plans tonight that I am totally, completely late for, thanks to you. I just hope I haven’t totally offended my friend. I’ve received absolutely no consideration 55

Jon Bradbury from you in our relationship and I don’t think I can have that in my life anymore. Just please, go.” It was seven-forty now. Kevon didn’t say anything else. He just got out, got his big black garment bag out of the back seat, and slammed the door closed. And then he walked away. I sped away, and didn’t look back. By the time I got home it was nearly eight! I went upstairs, slammed my door closed, and sat on my couch. Then I got my little black phone book out, found the number for the Blue Parrot and dialed quickly. “Thank you for calling the Blue Parrot,” said a voice. “How may I help you?” “I need to page someone,” I said quickly, trying to stay calm. “Certainly,” the voice said. “What’s their name?” “Bryan Edwards.” I looked at my watch. Eightoh-five. Dammit! There was no way I could explain this to Bryan—no way at all. I had asked him to ask me out to dinner again, and here I was, standing him up without so much as a word of explanation. I must have sat there like five minutes, literally on the edge of my seat. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but nobody is answering the page.” “Thank you,” I said bleakly. I hung up and felt the first of many tears. 56

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**** I did a lot of crying over the weekend. Some of it was due to frustration, because I couldn’t call him. I didn’t have his phone number. But mostly because he was such a sweet man, and he let me into his heart, and then I failed him. I told him I would be there, expressed interest in him, I even gave him some physical affection. Some very public, very physical affection. And then I stood him up. I failed him. Pure and simple. Sunday morning, I spent a lot of time in bed. I didn’t want to get up and start the day. But today I had to go to the supermarket for a few things, after I went to the late morning service at church. I finally got out of bed and I went to the windows against the far wall. I looked out the window for a long time. At the trees swaying. Children playing in the park. I sighed heavily. I even considered getting rid of my new nails, but I kept them anyway. I finally went from my bedroom into the living room, still in my pajamas. I ate some breakfast and tried to feel better. But I felt more tears going down my cheeks. I wiped them away as I put on a white T-shirt and jeans with flip-flops. I didn’t even bother to put any makeup on, and I left my 57

Jon Bradbury hair an untamed mess. I tried not to cry but tears ran down my cheeks unabated as I drove to the cathedral and parked, then flip-flopped across the parking lot. The bells were already ringing. “Hi, Baby. How did it go?” Autumn asked slyly, coming in the door behind me. “It didn’t,” I said, shortly and tearfully. Then I turned around to face her. Autumn was, as usual, looking beautiful in a canary-yellow flower print sundress and matching high-heeled sandals. Her happy mood vanished when she saw my face. “What happened, Veronica?” she said, dismayed. “I thought you liked him!” “I do,” I sobbed anew. “That bastard Kevon couldn’t drive himself home from the airport, so he calls me out of the blue and asks me to pick him up and it took me forever and by the time I got home I was already late,” I said in one long tearful burst of words, sobbing for good measure at the end. “I tried to page Bryan but he was already gone.” I just sobbed, uncontrollably, burying my face in her shoulder. I heard Autumn make a sympathetic noise. “I hope you broke up with Kevon like you said you were going to.” “Most definitely,” I said firmly, calming down some, wiping my tears away as I pulled away from her. “That man has upset me and my personal life for the last time, Autumn.” 58

Colorblind “Good,” she said heartily. “Now, about Bryan—” “What about Bryan?” I sniffed. “He probably hates me!” “Look, Veronica,” Autumn said in a strong, motherly tone, “all you can do is explain what happened. That’s all you can do. If you really like him, and he really likes you, then you should try to explain, and he might want to give you another chance.” I just sniffed, “Yeah, ‘if’ is right.” “You do like him, don’t you?” “Well, yeah,” I sniffed again. “Well then, go after him and apologize!” “Okay,” I said, wiping my tears away and sniffing, finally smiling some. “I’ll apologize Monday. I promise.” But then I sobbed again. “What now?” Autumn laughed a little. “I don’t even know where he works!” I sobbed. Then I laughed too. “But I do,” she said sneakily. “What do you mean?” I said irritably. “You forget, he just got a job where I work. And I’m connected.” She gave me all the details of where his office would be located. “Thanks,” I smiled, finally smiling a real smile.. “You go, girl,” Autumn’s motherly voice said, gently. Then she turned and said, “Veronica, you’ve met my husband, Tommy.” 59

Jon Bradbury “Yes,” I smiled. “Hello.” Tommy was cute, with very dark hair and blue eyes. And white. I shook his hand and smiled. I looked at Autumn. She just winked and nodded. “I must say, I can see why Bryan would like you,” he said. I blushed. “Thank you, Tommy.” “I talked with him Friday night,” Tommy said heavily. “He was really pumped up about seeing you.” I nearly cried again. “Yes,” I said, hanging my head. “So was I.” “Well, at least you broke up with what’s his name, Kevon,” Tommy observed. “That’s the first good thing I’ve done all week,” I declared. “And the first good thing you can do this week is apologize to my friend,” Tommy said. “He hasn’t called all weekend, and I can imagine why.” “Please don’t,” I said, almost in tears again. “I already feel bad enough.” “We’ll make things right on Monday,” Autumn said. She gently put her arms around my shoulder and we went inside the church. We took our seats just in time. “How do I know he’s even gonna listen to me?” I whispered as the priest began his sermon, in his quiet smooth baritone voice. “I’m so afraid.” 60

Colorblind “Leave that to me,” Autumn whispered back. “Guys, quiet,” Tommy whispered respectfully. I quieted down and listened.

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Chapter Four—Bryan Dude, I can’t believe this! Two incredible events—getting that job, and getting a date with a beautiful woman—all in one night, too. I liked Veronica a lot. I didn’t know her at all, but based on my first impression, she seemed like a woman I wanted to see more of. She was smart, as well as pretty. And that outfit she had on—oh, my God. Leather from head to toe. It felt wonderful to hold her, even more wonderful to be kissed by her. I could feel everybody’s eyes on us. I was somewhat embarrassed, but she just made me feel comfortable. Autumn made me comfortable, too, but in a different way. There aren’t very many women who can do that, but these two can. I left the Blue Parrot walking quickly, with an idiot’s grin, but I didn’t get home until nearly ten. I changed clothes and fell in bed, but sleep didn’t take me very quickly. It had been a long day, sure, but the last couple of hours were very exciting indeed. I sprayed my pillows with the spray bottle I got 62

Colorblind this afternoon—ages ago, it seems like—and then lay back down again. The lavender scent calmed my mind and slowed my brain. I began to get very sleepy. Veronica was right, it does help. **** I went to work the next day and before I reached my desk people were shaking my hand and telling me they would miss me so much. All day this continued. Even through a big meeting, the partners all told me that they wished me success, but that if it didn’t work out there would always be a place here for me. With Kent sitting nearby, that was not a comforting thought. The whole day went by in a blur, with meetings and idea brainstorming sessions and all that, which used to bore me, now made me excited. After all the meetings, I went over to my desk and started to put my things in a box. I kept getting interrupted by people coming over to say goodbye. Including Kent. Over-dressed as usual, in a charcoal-grey three-piece suit, his oily presence slithered its way into my cubicle. He wore his sandy blond hair a little longish, and a reptilian glare was in his blue eyes. “Can’t take it, huh, Edwards?” he gloated. 63

Jon Bradbury “No,” I said glibly. “I just got burnt out asskissing certain people.” Kent drew back as if I had thrown water in his face. “You know something, Edwards? You just don’t have the stomach to get ahead.” “Not at all,” I shook my head as I put another item in the box. “I just don’t have the stomach to deal with you.” “You think working for Tom Morris is going to make you better than me?” “Nope,” I said smugly. “But definitely richer. Goodbye, Kent.” Before I could get to my car and go home, I had to do a little sleight of hand. It made me a little sad to be leaving the company when I realized how many people were there at the party. Including Teri. Todd, my intrepid boss and supposed friend, made me stay late and then ambushed me with this surprise party. Once or twice I tried to leave early. Teri stopped me with a mischievous look on her face. “Why do you keep trying to leave, Bryan? Got a hot date or something?” I grinned back at her. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. And I’m gonna be late if I don’t get away from here.” “She must be a pretty woman,” Teri said. “You look about ready to burst.” “She is,” I replied. “And I am.” 64

Colorblind Teri smiled and adjusted my tie. “I think,” she said slowly, “that you deserve to be happy, and it’s about time you’ve met someone. Even if she is black.” “What?” I said. “Sorry,” she said, looking away from me. She finished adjusting my tie and said, “You’d better get back to your party.” I left as soon as I politely could, pretending to go to the bathroom, and sneaking out. But before I did, I left a note on Teri’s desk. I was home free. Or so I thought. I went to my desk to get my box of stuff, and my phone rang. I temporized as it rang. Finally, at the third ring, I picked it up. “Bryan Edwards,” I said, looking around. I probably looked comical. “Dude, what’s up?” Tommy Lauderdale’s voice said. “Hey, Tommy,” I said enthusiastically. “You called just in time. I was almost on my way out.” “I wanted to congratulate you,” Tommy said. “Autumn told me last night you got that job you wanted at Morris and Warren.” “Thank you,” I grinned. “I appreciate that.” “Packing your things?” he asked. “Yeah,” I sighed. “Took me a little bit but I did manage to pack my things.” “How do you feel about this?” 65

Jon Bradbury Tommy was good at asking questions like that. “I just need a change, Tommy.” “I hear you,” he agreed. “But I still think you’re making the wrong move.” “Maybe,” I conceded. “But you should try being in the same company for as long as I’ve been with no advancement.” “Good luck, Dude,” Tommy said. “At least my wife will be there to make sure you don’t muck it up.” I chuckled. “Well, Tommy, I must be going,” I said. I could hear Tommy grinning. “Yeah, I’d be in a hurry too if I were still single and had a date with a woman like that.” “How did you know?” I asked. “Dude,” he chortled. “I was there, I saw her all over you.” I grinned myself. “Yeah, well, so was I, and I still don’t believe it.” “Be careful with these black women, Bryan,” Tommy said, mock-cautiously. “How’s that?” I asked. “Once you go black, you can never go back,” he replied. “Is that what they say?” I grinned. “Believe me, I’ve been married to one for nine years and I’ve never even looked at another woman.” 66

Colorblind Something went click. “If you were there, why didn’t you—” “Come over?” he asked. “Yeah,” I said. “We could have celebrated.” I heard him sigh. “That’s what Autumn said. But I was entertaining a possible client for my firm. Strictly business.” “Oh,” I said. I looked at my watch. Seven! “Well, Tommy, I really gotta go now. Thanks for calling.” “Hey, no problem,” he said back. “Good luck with your date, Dude.” “Thanks,” I grinned. We hung up and I quickly picked up my box and left. I got in my car, put the box in the seat next to me. Then I quickly started my car and pulled out of my parking space. I was going to miss that parking space. I quickly looked at my watch as I pulled out into traffic. Seven-ten, shit! I drove home as quickly as I dared. At my place, I quickly put away my box of stuff. I looked at my outfit of a white shirt and blue tie, blue slacks and coat, and decided it could not do, so I rapidly changed clothes. I put on khaki trousers, a collarless white shirt, and a beige vest. I shaved with a little electric razor, and decided it would have to do. Then I went out the door and drove quickly down the street, whistling jovially. **** 67

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I went inside to the Blue Parrot and sat at the bar to wait for Veronica, still whistling. The bartender ambled over and asked me, “Want something to drink, buddy?” I said, “Yes, definitely.” I ordered. “Thanks, man,” I said. I tried to act cool, but let’s face it—I was pretty excited. I was trying to not to shift on my barstool, or look too much at my watch. Guys I remembered from the other night saw my grin and wished me good luck. I sat there, drinking my drink slowly, or trying to. It was difficult to contain that much excitement. I finished that drink and ordered another one. Then my excitement began to fade a little bit. When someone you’re waiting for hasn’t shown up yet, you begin to wonder. After my third drink, I looked at my watch. It was eight! Shit. Should’ve known she was full of it. Not only was she not going to show, she had never planned to. I got up and left quickly. This was my major disappointment of the day. The universe always evens things out. **** All weekend long I moped and pouted around my apartment. 68

Colorblind The prospect of making nearly sixty thousand a year only lifted my spirits until I realized that I would be near Veronica. I shouldn’t have taken that job. Big mistake. I was watching football Sunday afternoon when my phone rang. “Hello?” I said. The quarterback got creamed by someone twice his size. Ouch. “Hey, it’s me,” Tommy’s voice said. “Hey,” I said. “What’s up?” “Just calling to make sure you’re okay,” he stated. “What’re you up to?” “Watching the game,” I smiled a little. “Visiting team is catching all sorts of hell.” We shared a good chuckle. “Speaking of hell,” he said casually. “I would ask how you like chocolate pussy, but I won’t.” “Good,” I snapped. “Cause I never got any.” “I know,” he said quietly. “That’s why I’m calling.” “Yes, well, she obviously never intended to show up,” I said crossly, not really wanting to talk about it. “So it’s kind of a dead subject. Like this quarterback.” “You should know I was just at church with Autumn,” he said. I could hear the same game on his TV. “Man, you’re right about the QB. But wrong about Veronica.” “How’s that?” I asked. 69

Jon Bradbury “I’ll spare you the gory details,” he replied. “But let me just say that Veronica was very upset about how she missed her date with you.” “Huh, right,” I said sarcastically. “Look, I already raked her over the coals,” he explained. “So go easy on her.” “Why?” I asked. “The girls have something planned,” he chuckled. “Might as well just forgive her now and get it over with.” “No, man, she’s gonna have to earn this one.” “She was still in tears when Autumn and I met her,” he reminded me. “She’s already earned it, Dude. Go easy on her.” “Yeah, yeah, okay.” **** Bright and early Monday morning, I drove over to my ‘new’ office building. And my shiny new job. I went over to the Human Resources office on the first floor behind the lobby, and filled out the usual paperwork. My new manager met with me and told me to take a lunch break and then he would take me upstairs to show me where I would work. So we ate a quick lunch. Then we went down to the elevator and up to the ninth floor where I was welcomed warmly. And then they showed me my office! A whole 70

Colorblind room to myself! I shared one secretary with five other designers and an office of assistants, but hey, it was better than working in a cubicle. I settled in quickly. By two I was unpacking my things. I still couldn’t get Veronica off my mind. I wished badly for a chance to talk with Autumn. I needed a female friend to talk to, even more than I needed to talk with Tommy. But first I had to unpack. With a grunt, I picked up my box of stuff and put it on the desk. Then my phone rang. I jumped, then picked it up. “Bryan Edwards.” “Hey there,” a voice said cheerfully. “It’s Autumn.” “Hey,” I said back. It was nice to hear a friendly voice. “How’s it going?” she asked me. “Well,” I said appraisingly, kicking back and putting my feet on my desk. “I’m unpacking my things on my desk, in my very own office.” She laughed. “Feels good, doesn’t it?” “Yeah,” I sighed, stretching. “Are you okay?” she asked me, friend to friend. “Does it show?” I said sadly. “A little,” she admitted. I sighed a frustrated sigh. “Veronica told me what happened,” she said in a low voice, sounding as frustrated as I did. “What did happen, anyway?” I asked, a flash of 71

Jon Bradbury anger coloring my voice. “I waited for her for half an hour—I got stood up in front of everybody!” “Bryan,” she sighed. I quieted down. “I’m thinking you might be wrong about her.” “I just wanted you to know beforehand that Veronica is going to visit you today. Please have an open mind, okay?” “Okay,” I promised. “An open mind.” “She really does have a good explanation,” Autumn said. “But I have to let her tell you herself, Baby.” “Okay,” I sighed. These ladies had a plan. I got to unpacking.

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Chapter Five—Veronica Monday morning, I was a free woman—on a mission of love. I had no messages from Kevon on my machine to erase, and I didn’t have to chase him out of my apartment. I showered, slathered on bodywash and shampooed my hair. I was afraid to see Bryan today, simply afraid, despite Autumn’s reassurances. I had no idea how he would react. I got out of the shower and rubbed lotion on my wet skin. I let my hair go its naturally wavy way, brushing it until it shone. My skin all soft and moisturized, my clothes just slid on. A lacy white bra and panties. Shiny, thigh high silk stockings. A white long-sleeved cotton top. Then a semi-shiny chocolate brown leather skirt, nothing too daring, knee-length, pleated, with a little slit in the back. I pulled it up, reached behind me, zipped the zipper and snapped the closure. The leather molded itself to my figure, fitting snug but not too tight. Then I stepped into a pair of matching white leather highheeled sandals, my best new pair, with three-inch 73

Jon Bradbury heels. Powder and lipstick that matched my skin tone, then mascara. I stood back and looked at myself. I looked sexy, but soft—apologetic—I hoped. I shook my head. Here you go again, Veronica, I thought to myself. Primping yourself for another man. And this time, there was nothing in the way. I threw a few items in a little tote bag for my yoga class and then I was out the door to work. **** I swear, I thought I would never get away! It was like today was just not the day to be apologizing: the traffic was horrific, the overcast sky started to sprinkle a little bit, and the store was busy today! The perfect “Manic Monday” that The Bangles sang about. Well, at about two in the afternoon the store finally quieted down. I saw some envelopes the boss had left and saw a good cover story. I turned to Shayna, the afternoon girl, and said, “You’ll be okay in here while I go drop these in the mail?” “Sure, Veronica, go ahead.” So I went out the door and down the street. I went down maybe two blocks and saw a tall, modern office building across from where I stood, a tower of reflective glass. As I said, the traffic was just impossible today. I had to wait like ten 74

Colorblind minutes just to cross the darn street. The sign on the corner was a big one. It said, “Morris and Warren, Architecture and Design.” I climbed the steps and went into the lobby. I looked around and I saw a directory on the wall. Someone was posting a new name on the sign. Finally the guy pulled away. The new name was Bryan Edwards. On the ninth floor. As usual, Autumn was very accurate. I walked over to the elevator and punched the call button. I got off at the ninth floor. In the hallway, I got my little mirror and tube of lipstick out of my purse and applied some more chocolate lipstick. I took a deep breath as I walked across the marble floored hallway, inside the glass doorway, and into the carpeted office. I couldn’t believe how quiet it was in here. It had been quite a while since I had been in this or any office. There was the noise of people typing away at computers. Phones chirping politely. People speaking softly. Air conditioners puffing away. It was still pretty quiet. I went across to the brown-haired secretary, who was dressed in a prim blue skirt and blouse and sitting at a big desk along the right hand wall as I came in. She smiled and said, “Hi. Can I help you?” “I’m trying to find Bryan Edwards,” I sort-of whispered. “Let me call his office and see if he’s in,” she 75

Jon Bradbury smiled and sort-of whispered back. “Thank you,” I smiled. The woman daintily pushed four buttons on her phone. “Bryan? It’s Barbara. Yes. There’s someone here to see you.” “I’m Veronica,” I said helpfully. “Her name is Veronica. Should I send her in? Yes, Bryan.” She hung up and looked at me. “Bryan will see you now. Just go down three doors and it’s on your left.” “Thank you, Barbara.” The woman smiled and nodded. I went across the plush carpeted floor, along the left wall, down three doors. My leather skirt swishing back and forth made the most noise. I found a wooden door marked, “Bryan Edwards.” I almost knocked. Five times I reached up to knock, but my hand stopped short of the door. Finally I took a deep breath and knocked. “Come in,” sighed a voice. I opened the door and went in. Bryan was looking distracted, absent-minded. The saddest thing was that there was no hope or excitement on his face like there was last Thursday. His office was impressive, I have to say, and it was large, too. The entire opposite wall from me, was a floor-to-ceiling smoked glass window with quite a view. Directly in front of me, coming in, 76

Colorblind was a large desk with a comfortable chair behind it. A computer and a telephone sat on the desk, along with a name-plaque. Otherwise it was cold and bare with no personality on it yet. Along the entire length of the left-hand wall was a bookcase. Behind me was another large window with venetian blinds. A cardboard box sat on the desk. “Hi, Bryan,” I said softly. I closed the door behind me. “Won’t you have a seat?” He gestured to a chair next to the door. “Thank you, Baby,” I said quietly. I sat and attractively crossed my legs. The chair was really comfortable with thick, cushy padding, but I was very uncomfortable. Bryan went behind me and closed the blinds. Then he picked up his phone and said, “Barbara? I’m in a very important conference right now. Please take a message if anybody calls. Thanks.” Then he hung up and looked at me, his arms crossed over his chest. “Well?” he said shortly. “Well, what?” I said, trying to stay calm. “Autumn told me to listen. So, have you come to raise my hopes again?” “No, Bryan, of course not,” I said sadly. But that’s what I had done. I had hurt him so badly my heart was breaking just to watch him. 77

Jon Bradbury “No?” “No,” I said, shaking my head. He looked at me. “I was really looking forward to seeing you, you know?” “I know, Bryan,” I said sympathetically. “So was I.” “Were you, really?” he asked, not looking at me. “Yes, I was, really,” I said a little defensively. “You were being so sweet—” “I get frustrated, being so sweet and having nothing to show for it.” I didn’t know what to say to that at first. My throat was too tight for a little bit. I swallowed. “You were first on my list that night,” I said with a high, throaty voice. “I should have kept you there. I’m sorry, Bryan.” “So tell me,” he said in a bitter voice, “why did you stand me up, anyway?” He started unpacking and arranging things on his desk, still not even looking at me. I took a deep breath, then poured out my whole story again in one long, painful sentence. I was nearly in tears when I finished. My voice cracked. “You gave me your heart and I failed you.” Finally I sobbed, “I’m so sorry, Baby.” He finally looked at me and slid a box of tissue across the desk. “Here.” “Thank you,” I sniffed and smiled, taking a 78

Colorblind tissue out of the box, brushing his hand with mine on purpose. “What happened with your boyfriend?” A neutral tone this time. “I broke up with him,” I said, drying my tears. Good thing I wear waterproof makeup. “I was going to anyway. Friday night was the last straw.” I saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “You broke up with him for me?” I smiled. “Well, no, not exactly. I broke up with him because he ruined my plans with you. But he was always doing that — ruining my plans with other people.” “That doesn’t sound like a very good person. I wouldn’t do that.” I smiled. His sweetness was coming out again and I saw my opening. “I hope you would do this—would you give someone a second chance? Someone who is so sorry she hurt your feelings but she didn’t do it on purpose and she wants so much to make it better?” I spoke rapidly. I was practically pleading. “What about your boyfriend?” “Ex-boyfriend,” I reminded him. “And he used up all his second chances.” Bryan just nodded. “Now Bryan, how are you at second chances? I’ll do anything to make it up to you. Just name it.” He looked at me shyly, as he slowly took more items out of the box. 79

Jon Bradbury I said softly, “What, Baby?” Bryan finally said, “You could...you could start with a...a hug.” I quickly got up, walked around his desk. “Come here.” I held out my arms to him and I gave him a soft gentle hug. I wrapped my arms around his neck and rubbed his back, and then I kissed him lightly on the cheek and then on the lips. He put his arms around my waist rather hesitantly, but once he did he didn’t let go. Eventually I slowly pulled back some, smiled at him, and said, softly, “There now. All better?” He nodded and smiled somewhat. “I was really looking forward to the other night, Veronica.” His voice still sounded disappointed. “So was I, Bryan,” I said softly. “Now that I know why you didn’t make it, I guess I can— let you in again.” That was all the opening I needed. “I appreciate you going that far. I know you must feel like you’re taking a big risk—letting me in again.” He looked surprised. I smiled reassuringly. He smiled back. I felt his hands caress my back and then my waist. Oh baby, I thought, don’t stop. I rubbed my nose and lips against his, smiling. I was getting dangerously close to really kissing him, right in his own office, when I took a deep breath, gently put my hand on his chest, and said, “Bryan, how would you like to come to my place 80

Colorblind for dinner tonight?” He nodded. “Sure, I would love to. If you’re sure you want me to.” I nodded. I was sure, most definitely. “I really do like you, you know,” I said solemnly, like a child. “I want to make it up to you.” Bryan finally smiled a real smile. “I know. And I like you too.” “I know,” I said softly. “I want you to know that you can count on me. I’m not so flaky I would go through all that hugging and kissing I did on you the other night, to get a date, and then not show up for it.” “I know I’ve met a good woman,” he said. “I know I’ve met a good man,” I smiled back. I wrote my number down on a note pad for him, with my name underlined. And then I kissed the pad, leaving a lip-print. “All I ask is that you call before you come over, so I know to expect you.” “Sure,” he nodded. “No problem. Although, I don’t know what I should wear.” “Casual is fine. No pressure, Baby.” Bryan nodded. “And when should I call?” “Call me at six-thirty,” I told him. “Okay,” he nodded again. “Why so late?” “I have a yoga class after work. I won’t be home till six-fifteen at least.” “Okay,” he nodded. “Now, I need to get back to work. I’ll see you 81

Jon Bradbury tonight.” I started to leave. But Bryan said, “Hey, Veronica.” I turned back to him. “What, baby?” I said softly. “How did you find my office, anyway?” I smiled. “Woman’s intuition.” With a little bit of help. I walked out of his office. When I got back to the shop, Shayna didn’t even ask where I had been. I guess the smile on my face was enough. **** At the yoga studio, I rapidly stripped off my pretty work clothes and put on my yoga clothes. I had a smile that just wouldn’t quit. I felt light, more like light-headed. As I dragged a mat to a clear space on the floor, a voice said, “Judging by that look, I’d say he listened.” I turned and faced Autumn. Then I gave her a big hug. “Yes,” I laughed, exhaling in relief. “Yes, he did.” “See, I told you,” she smiled. “Yeah, you did,” I said, biting my lower lip. “What’s wrong now?” Autumn said, her hands on her hips. “Nothing,” I said. “I just hope tonight goes okay.” 82

Colorblind “Let’s concentrate on class, shall we?” I agreed. I still had to really try to concentrate, excited as I was—about Bryan. He was coming to my apartment! The class seemed to take forever, and when it was over, I just ran out to my car and drove home. The traffic was surprisingly light though, and I got home with enough time to shower and change. Once home, I quickly stripped off my sweaty yoga clothes and showered, then brushed my hair, and sprayed on some perfume. I slipped on white cotton thong panties and a white cotton bra with half-cups. Then I put on my favorite lavender sweater with my favorite pair of jeans. I even found just the right color of lipstick to go with my sweater. I ran my hands through my hair. I hoped I looked okay. Damn, baby, I haven’t been this nervous about a man in a long time. I wanted to make it all up to him so bad. Pizza sauce! Oh, Lord, I have to find the pizza sauce if I want to make him pizza! It’s bad enough I forgot to go to the supermarket on the way home and buy some hamburger. Now I’m gonna have to make mushroom pizza. I was desperately searching my pantry when I heard the phone ring. Oh, lord, I hope that’s Bryan!

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Chapter Six—Bryan To say the least, I was a little ambivalent about Veronica. She seemed genuinely and sincerely sorry for standing me up the other night. But I was hesitant to put my heart on the line again. I felt so comfortable in her presence. My first impression was right: she was intelligent and didn’t seem like a woman who played games. But I had been wrong before. I was torn, conflicted. Too scared to take a chance, too scared not to. But I had said that I would give her another chance. I picked up the piece of paper and looked at it longingly. I drove home from work, my brain serene. There wasn’t any harm in going to her apartment for dinner, I thought. I quickly took off my suit, pulling on a pair of khakis and a black longsleeved shirt. No harm, I thought, in keeping my word. I turned on the TV and tried not to look at my watch. Finally, it was time. I took a deep breath, crossed my fingers, and dialed her phone number. I counted off one— 84

Colorblind two—three rings. I was just about to hang up when, at the fourth ring, a breathless, hurried, “Hello?” came through the phone. “Hello? Veronica?” “Bryan?” “Yeah,” I smiled. “It’s me, Bryan.” “I’m glad you called,” her voice said breathily. “Are you okay? You sound out of breath.” “Yes, I’m okay. I was just looking for something and had to run for the phone.” “Ah,” I said, to stall. Her slightly heavy breathing was more than slightly erotic. “So,” she said, “are you going to come over or did you just call to chat?” “Of course I’m coming over,” I said calmly. “I said I would.” “I live in a converted building with an intercom, you need to press the top right button for my place. I’ll buzz you in. I’ll be waiting, Baby.” “I’ll be there in a few minutes, Veronica.” “See you soon, Bryan.” **** I never got any place so fast! As I drove over it suddenly occurred to me what she had done, and what Autumn had done, 85

Jon Bradbury too. No woman had certainly ever apologized to me for standing me up on a date, or bothered to track me down to do so. Or dressed to the nines like Veronica was. And I had to admire the teamwork between her and Autumn. Woman’s intuition, indeed. A little chip in the armor around my heart fell away. Armor that I didn’t even realize was there. I parked my car and easily found Veronica’s apartment building. I went across the street to a quaint two-story white wooden building. The architect in me gave the place a quick, thorough inspection. I went up to the screen door and pressed the top right button like Veronica said. “Bryan, is that you?” Her voice came through loud and clear and sweet. She sounded a little nervous, too. “Yes, it’s me,” I said. There was a buzzz-clack and the door popped open. I pulled the door open all the way and went inside the doorway. I went up the stairs and Veronica was there waiting for me, standing in the doorway. She seemed kind of frustrated about something. “What’s wrong?” I said humorously, trying to be funny. “Did I come at a bad time?” She looked away bashfully, and then back at me, smiling faintly. “No, Baby, of course you didn’t.” 86

Colorblind She looked beautiful in a roomy lavender sweater and snug blue jeans, small pretty feet bare, her long fingernails perfectly filed. Her hair trailed softly past her cute little shoulders and down her back. And she smelled great, like fruit or something. “Come here, you,” she said, and gave me a nice, warm hug. Her hair and her skin were so very soft. She opened the door further and motioned me inside. “Come on in.” I followed her inside. The room was a converted apartment, the walls covered with cute floral wallpaper. Directly in front, in a corner, as I came in, was a small intimate kitchen space. Next to that was a little dining table. Against the far wall was a big couch with lots of fluffy pillows and a coffee table. Over against the far wall on my right was her entertainment center. In the back was the bedroom. The door was open and I could see a big brass bed with soft flower-print sheets and a big fluffy comforter. It was a very feminine, very pretty apartment—much like its occupant. “What’s wrong?” I asked her again. She was biting her lower lip, obviously trying to remember something. A little tear escaped and ran down her smooth cheek. “I was gonna make pizza for you,” she sniffled, “if I could find the darn pizza sauce!” She 87

Jon Bradbury started to cry. “I have been a nervous wreck all day! I could hardly even concentrate on my yoga class because I wanted tonight to be perfect so I could make it up to you!” Now it was my turn to comfort her. I took her hands and held them and squeezed. “Veronica, look at me.” She looked up at me. “There’s no reason to be nervous.” “No?” This single word was delivered like a child was saying it. “No, because I’m here now and there’s nothing to worry about.” Suddenly she hugged me. When she pulled back she was smiling. “Now, go dry your tears,” I said. “And don’t worry.” “Thank you so much, Bryan,” she said softly, her voice noticeably more calm. “The pantry is there on your left if you want to look for the pizza sauce. I could have sworn I had some still.” She turned and went to the bathroom. I, meanwhile, didn’t find any pizza sauce but something better—three little cans of tomato sauce. She came back into the kitchen, her makeup touched up, and I asked her, “Where’s all your spices? And a little pot?” “What are you gonna do?” “I’m gonna show you my own pizza sauce recipe.” “You design buildings—and cook, too?” She smiled and shook her head playfully at me, her 88

Colorblind hands on her waist. “What am I gonna do with you, Baby?” “Could you hand me that saucepan, please?” I grinned. She found her can opener and I dumped the three cans of tomato sauce in the pot. Then, the magic. Finally I got a little spoon and said, “Here. Wanna taste?” She took the little spoon and said, “Hmmm, here goes.” She put the spoon to her lips and drew back slightly. “MMM! That’s good sauce, Bryan.” “Thanks,” I smiled. She set the oven and got out a pre-made pizza crust and I spooned some sauce on it. Then Veronica put on cheese and mushrooms, lots and lots of mushrooms. “I hope you don’t mind vegetarian pizza,” she said as she looked up at me. I looked at it and then at Veronica. “This is vegetarian? It’s just mushrooms.” “I like mushrooms,” Veronica smiled, enunciating each syllable. “It’s still vegetarian, Bryan. There’s no meat.” “Just as long as there are no onions,” I smiled. “I hope you don’t mind.” “Sure,” she smiled back. “No onions. No problem. I hate onions, too.” “Are you a vegetarian?” I asked casually. “No,” she shrugged. “I just felt like making 89

Jon Bradbury mushroom pizza.” She turned and put everything back in the fridge. “But I still hate onions.” “What else do you hate?” I asked her. She smiled. “Let’s see. I hate rap music, men who think they’re God’s gift to women, men with bad taste. Let’s see; rude people, mean people.” She put the pizza in the oven and straightened up. “What about you? What do you hate?” “Well,” I smiled, “I hate when smart women pretend they’re stupid just to get some guy’s attention, people who drink a lot, people who are just interested in what a person looks like, rap music, these cutesy boy bands.” Veronica laughed. “Come on, let’s go sit for a bit while the pizza bakes.” She set the timer and put it back down. And then she took my hand and led me to the couch. **** So there we were, all cozy on the couch together. “So tell me, Bryan,” she said, “how long have you been an architect?” “About ten years,” I said. “And I went to drafting school and had to apprentice for two years before I was even allowed to design a single building. So it’s been a long road,” I sighed. “What about you?” “Oh, I’ve always been a new-age kind of 90

Colorblind woman,” she smiled somewhat. “For years I loved to mess around with essential oils, that sort of thing. I even went to school for it. Then I got the job at the shop.” I asked, “Have you done anything before that?” Veronica smiled and said, “Yes, actually, before that I was a secretary.” “A secretary?” “Mm-hm,” she nodded. “A legal secretary, would you believe.” “That’s why you look so good in those nice clothes you wear,” I said, grinning. Veronica laughed. “Old habits die hard, Bryan. That’s also why I love to wear casual clothes like these.” The timer dinged loudly. She patted my knee and said, “Come on, Baby. Dinner’s ready.” “Yes, mother,” I said as I got up, reluctantly. The couch was comfy and soft. She laughed. “If you behave and mind your manners,” she said to me slyly, “there’s even dessert.” “And what’s that?” “A surprise,” she said sexily. She got the pizza out of the oven and let it cool a little bit. Then, smiling, she got two small candles out, put them on the table and lit them. “Perfect,” she gushed. “Now, let’s eat. I’m starving.” After dinner, Veronica got up and said, “Would you like to see your surprise?” 91

Jon Bradbury “Sure,” I said. My heart started beating rapidly at her soft voice. Veronica went into her bedroom, and came out with her lipstick redone, her lips shiny and smooth, and delectably kissable. Then she turned the lights down very low. She crossed the room over to her stereo and put in a CD. “It’s my own CD that I made,” she said as she pressed play. That’s when I noticed Veronica had a nice sound system—a regular stereo with a CD recorder unit underneath. Both were basic, nofrills units. But it looked like a slamming sound system. Whoever it was on there, it was soft and romantic Rand B. The sound of the music filled the room and transported us. By this time night had fallen and the room was softly lit by the candles on the dining room table. Suddenly I heard something and I looked out the window. It was raining. I didn’t have an umbrella but right now, I didn’t care. I went back to where Veronica was standing and waiting for me. She reached out her arms to me. In slow motion we gently enfolded our arms around each other and we slow-danced—held each other—for what seemed like forever, just slowly moving, feeling her skin, her hair, looking in her eyes. I rubbed my hands slowly up and 92

Colorblind down her smooth silky back and felt her bra under her sweater. I wanted to take it off. “Was this the surprise?” I asked quietly instead. “Mm-hm,” she nodded slowly. “Do you like it?” “Uh-huh,” I nodded. “A lot.” “Baby, shhhh,” she said quietly. I just held her closer to me. Three songs on the CD passed like this. I was beginning to like holding Veronica. A lot. “Bryan? Why did you look out the window?” she asked me softly, curiously. “It’s raining,” I said quietly. “Really?” she said. “Yeah,” I said. “See?” She looked for herself. “Oh, how romantic,” she smiled. We rubbed noses and lips together, smiling in the semi-dark. I didn’t even know the CD was finished until I realized there was no more music, just the sound of the rain hitting the window pane. We stared deeply at each other. I found myself looking at Veronica’s perfectly painted lavender lips and longed to kiss her. I figured, why not? Then I took a deep breath and I bent down slightly and kissed her, tentatively, just enough to feel her lips against mine. Another kiss, slightly heavier. Her lips were soft and smooth. 93

Jon Bradbury “Mmmmm,” Veronica smiled, in the slight pause between kisses. Then we were really kissing, soft warm kisses. I could feel her hand resting lightly on the back of my head and her other hand on my shoulder. Veronica pulled back slightly and said, softly, “Bryan? You don’t have to go home tonight.” She wasn’t asking a question. Her lips were parted slightly and her eyes were half-closed. My lips felt all warm and tingly. “Unfortunately,” I sighed, “yes, I do.” She frowned a little and I said, “I have to meet with my boss in the morning and I have to get up early.” “Would you like some of the pizza, then? After all, you helped me make it.” I nodded. “Thanks. I would appreciate that.” So she put some of the pizza in a plastic container for me. “Here you go, Bryan,” she said, smiling. “Stay dry, huh? I wouldn’t want you to catch cold on me.” “Thanks,” I smiled. I suddenly realized that we were standing there and staring at each other. Then Veronica took the container from me and set it down on the table. Smiling, she pulled me towards her and she kissed me again! This time her kisses were hot, still soft, but with some tongue. “Oh, Bryan, my baby, my sweet baby,” she 94

Colorblind whispered sultrily when she pulled away, running her long nails through my hair. I had to pull back and catch my breath. “Veronica,” I said breathlessly and maybe a little too quickly, “I would love to stay the night, but I really have to go. I’m sorry.” I grabbed the little plastic box and went to the door. “And tonight was perfect. You made it up to me and then some. Thank you.” Veronica smiled warmly and said, “You’re welcome, Baby.” “Have a good night,” I said, and kissed her one more time. “I will, now,” she said sultrily. Then I got the hell out of there, before I changed my mind. **** I rapidly drove home, a canary-eating grin all over my face. And a bulge in my pants. I could have had Veronica tonight. But I did have a meeting tomorrow, and I wanted to clear my mind and have no distractions. I was on cloud nine already, for having had a great dinner date with Veronica, but it was a little bit late and I wanted to get home. As soon as I came in the phone rang. “Hello?” “Hey, Bryan,” Autumn’s voice said. “How did it go?” 95

Jon Bradbury I couldn’t help but smile. “It went pretty good,” I said. “Didn’t Veronica call you?” “Not yet,” Autumn laughed. “She was pretty nervous, you know.” “Yeah,” I said, “I could tell. But it was fine. We talked, ate, kissed.” “Oh, really?” she said, her tone very inquisitive. “Kissing, huh?” “Yes,” I chuckled. “We kissed.” “Did she kiss you or did you kiss her this time?” “I kissed her this time.” “Ooooh,” Autumn said. Then she squealed, “I’m so happy for you, Bryan!” “Thanks,” I replied. “I have you to thank, Autumn.” “You can thank me by staying together,” her voice smiled. “Hey, is Tommy there?” I asked. “No,” she sighed sadly. “He’s still not home yet, and I’m worried.” “You want me to check on him for you?” “No, thank you, Baby,” Autumn said warmly. “You have a meeting with Morris.” “Yes, I do,” I said. I sneaked a glance at my watch. “I need to get to bed.” “Good night, baby,” Autumn said. “Oh, there he is.” “Tommy’s home?” 96

Colorblind “Yeah, he just pulled in. I’ll tell him for you,” she promised. “Thanks,” I chuckled. “Good night.” **** Man, talk about a weird day. Let me tell you what happened—you’re not gonna believe it. Neither did I, and I was there! I wasn’t lying to Veronica—I did have an early meeting with my boss. I did indeed want to stay there for the night. But duty called. Still, I came to work the next day smiling, with a jaunty bounce in my step. I was even whistling. The morning was lovely, the sky soft and clear after last night’s rain. I got to work, getting ready for my early meeting with my new boss. I was about to leave my office when my phone rang. “Bryan Edwards.” “Hi, Bryan,” Barbara’s voice said. “There’s a call for you on line three.” I groaned. “Who is it, Barbara?” “He says his name is Ted Anderson. Do you want me to take a message?” She knew where I had to go, and soon. I groaned again. “Go ahead and put him through, Barbara.” “Sure, Bryan.” “Bryan Edwards,” I said in my office voice. 97

Jon Bradbury “Bryan, how nice to hear your voice again,” Ted’s voice chirped. “Hi, Ted,” I said casually. “What’s up?” “Bryan,” Ted’s voice said jovially. “How do you like it there?” “Well, it’s my second day,” I said carefully. “I don’t really know.” “Oh, come on,” Ted said broadly. “You didn’t get lost or anything?” I smiled. “Yeah, I did. Having the same company all in one building kind of confused me a little.” We both laughed. “Let me get to the point, Bryan,” Ted said. “Yes, please do,” I grinned. “I have a meeting to go to.” “We want you back, Bryan,” Ted said simply. “We didn’t really know what a gem you were until you left. I couldn’t believe how many people showed up for your farewell party, frankly.” “Me, neither,” I replied evenly. “And what makes you think I’m going to want to come back, since I just left?” “Our associate partner, Kent, had a little falling out with one of our major clients,” Ted explained. “You remember the Internet guy, Jackie Stewart?” “Sure,” I nodded. “I talked with Mr. Stewart for a few minutes.” “Well, you remember that Stewart had a female assistant, right?” 98

Colorblind “Oh, yeah,” I said. “A beautiful blonde female assistant.” Not my type, though. “Yeah, that’s her,” he said quickly. “Jennifer Smith.” “Not that we were keeping track or anything,” I cracked. “No,” Ted agreed, chuckling. “So, what happened?” “Kent started hitting on her.” “Oh, no,” I groaned. “Oh, yes,” Ted replied. “Even worse, he wouldn’t listen to Stewart’s ideas about how he wanted the new building to look like, either. And I heard what Kent said, too.” “Ouch,” I replied. “What happened?” “Stewart was furious. He wanted Kent’s head. And then he demanded that you, be put in charge of the project. And I completely agreed with him.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Uhhh, okay, and?” “Bryan,” Ted said calmly, “Tricia hasn’t even started your final paperwork yet. She’s still out with a cold. Technically, you still work for us. You could be again by tomorrow morning.” “Ted.” I had to take a breath. This was turning my head upside down. “What’s it gonna take, Bryan?” Ted asked me. “Name it. Anything.” I was spared, no, saved, from answering that 99

Jon Bradbury question by looking at my watch. “Ted, dude, I gotta go. Can I call you back?” “I’ll be here,” Ted agreed. But before I could hang up, he said, “I know that Kent was trying to use your drawings as his own. Stewart called and told me everything. I was going to fire Kent anyway, but this was just the icing on the cake.” “I’ll call you back,” I promised. I hung up, a little mixed up, to say the least. I had no idea how on earth I was going to handle this. But the cat was already out of the bag. Maybe a solution would present itself. Fat chance. I left my office, went out into the hallway, and got into the elevator. It whisked me up to the fifteenth floor. I went inside the glass doors to the Inner Sanctum. There was a weird air in the office, more felt than perceived. I uneasily sat and picked up a magazine as Wendy gave me an odd look. I didn’t wait long at all this time. “Bryan?” I looked up. “Mr. Morris will see you now.” I went into Morris’s office. He was beet-red. I could tell he was about to tell me something he would have given anything not to have to tell me. “Have a seat, Bryan,” he said, gesturing to a chair. So I did. The chair was comfortable but I was definitely not. “Well, Bryan,” he sighed, “I was looking forward to this meeting to officially welcome you to the company.” His voice trailed off. 100

Colorblind “But?” I prompted him. “Instead I have to tell you that you’re being let out of your contract.” “Uh, excuse me?” I said lamely. I couldn’t believe this! I’d just finished unpacking my things! “I know, I know,” he said. He held up his hand as if he was reading my mind, knowing my reaction. “I was all hot to get you last week. But unfortunately, we are in a bit of a crisis. And I am afraid that your position was the first to go. I’m sorry.” “Uh, no problem,” I said flatly. “Ironically, that was why I had to delay your interview last week. The bean counters were in my office all day that day.” “Oh,” I said. That was all that would come out. “I wanted you to hear this from me, not from your manager,” he sighed. “But I’m not saving him any work. You’re just the first of many, unfortunately.” “Yeah,” I said, standing. I shook his hand and said, “Well, thanks, Mr. Morris.” “Don’t go yet, Bryan.” He handed me an envelope. “So that I haven’t completely wasted your time, here’s a check for two weeks’ pay.” I was pleasantly surprised. “Thank you, Mr. Morris.” He smiled and said, “Better go find out if your old company still wants you.” 101

Jon Bradbury Well, talk about solutions presenting themselves! I went back to my office and did just that. Forcing myself to slow down, I sat down and called Ted back. “Hey, Bryan,” the voice said semi-casually, “please say yes, man. Please.” “Make me an offer,” I said. “Associate Partner,” he said right away. “Jackie Stewart wants you as project leader. The only way we can do that is to make you an associate partner.” “What about salary?” “Bryan,” Ted sighed. “We can’t possibly hope to compete with Morris on that issue. We can’t pay you even close to what he’s paying you now.” “Not anymore,” I said flatly. “They’re cutting costs here. Me.” “Dude, that’s too bad,” he said. I could hear his grin. “Yeah, okay, Ted, just make me an offer.” “As I said, Associate Partner. Your own office, your own secretary.” “And my salary?” I asked again. I didn’t want to go back and get screwed. “Well, the best we can do is fifty. But that’s way up from the twenty-eight you were making before as a junior designer.” “I can live with that,” I said. 102

Colorblind “Great, buddy,” Ted said, all excited. “What happened with Kent, anyway?” “We offered him a lesser position where he wouldn’t have to work with the company themselves or be able to terrorize female employees. He told us to go to hell and I told him to go find a new job.” “Sounds like him—all or nothing.” “Yes, and it’s left an opening for you. We want you back, Bryan. We realized a little too late what a great architect you are, not to mention a great people person. I’ve been authorized to be generous. Will I see you in the morning?” “Yes,” I smiled. “You will see me in the morning.” “Congratulations, partner,” he said jovially. “And welcome back.” We shot the breeze for a bit, then we hung up. I spent the rest of the day re-packing the stuff I had just finished un-packing yesterday. I chuckled at the thought that the poor box must be getting confused. After I finished re-packing, I opened the envelope with the check inside that I had placed on my now bare (again) desk. I couldn’t believe how much it was. I was very excited when I left the office. Unfortunately, as I left I saw other people also leaving with boxes. That tempered my excitement a little. I had a new job at my first office to go to, 103

Jon Bradbury but most of these people weren’t so lucky. I wondered if Autumn was on the list, too. The first thing I thought of when I got home was to call Veronica and make another dinner date with her for tomorrow night.

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Chapter Seven—Veronica After I’d been home awhile, I’d changed clothes and went over to Autumn’s house to do her nails. She hugged me, and swept me inside and we sat on her couch. I did most of the talking. I was happy. But Autumn was very quiet. “Autumn, what’s wrong?” I asked her softly. “What makes you think anything’s wrong?” she said stupidly. “You were raving over my nails last week,” I smirked. “And now, I finally come over here to do yours and you’ve hardly said two words.” “Here’s two words for you—laid off.” “Oh, no,” I breathed. She waved my words away. “Oh, it’s alright,” I said. “But,” I prompted her gently. “But,” she sighed. “This will be the first time in nearly ten years that I won’t be working. I’ll be a housewife.” “Is that so bad?” I asked her. She smiled uncertainly, ran her teeth over her bottom lip. “No, it wouldn’t be so bad, Veronica. 105

Jon Bradbury It’s just a little sudden.” I patted her hand. “I’m sure you’ll get used to it,” she smiled. “There had better be some good soap operas on, that’s all I have to say,” she said rather flatly. I laughed. “Do you know what’s going on with Bryan?” she asked. “I know he got laid off, too.” “No,” I shrugged. “He just called me and asked me out. He sounded fine.” She smiled. “Well, that’s good. Because I know he got laid off too. He must have gotten his old job back, then.” I gave Autumn a hug. “Bryan and I are having dinner tomorrow night. I’ll find out then what’s going on.” She seemed to collect herself. “Come on,” she said. I had this irrepressible little smile, despite Autumn’s day. “What did Bryan do to you last night, Baby?” I giggled and she said, “Come on now, tell me all about it.” So I told her all about my little dinner date with Bryan. All about how I’d been so nervous, and how Bryan had to calm me down. After that, everything was just fine. “And he was so sweet and patient,” I said, “and even though I was practically begging him to stay, he never took advantage.” 106

Colorblind “Bryan said he kissed you,” she smiled. I blushed like a schoolgirl. “Yes,” I said. “Oh, Lord, can he kiss.” Autumn laughed. I blushed. “Well, I can’t wait to see him again.” “Do you think it’s safe to have dinner in public with him?” I laughed. “This time, I think so.” “Okay,” she said mock-cautiously. “But I think my nails can wait.” “Sure,” I nodded. “I understand.” I put my little nail kit away. “Just remember I’m here for you.” “Please don’t leave yet,” she said softly. “I can use a friend right now.” “Sure,” I nodded.

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Chapter Eight—Bryan The next morning I returned, like the prodigal son. It took me forever to figure out what to wear. I finally decided on a pair of khakis with a gray cotton Henley top and a navy blue sport coat. I meticulously combed my hair and brushed my teeth. I entered our big suite of offices on the top floor and it felt like coming home. But nobody was here—the office was completely empty! What the hell? Then Ted came over and said, “Bryan, welcome back.” He took my box of stuff and said, “Here, let me help you with that. I’ll show you to your new office.” I just said, “Uh, okay.” He led me across the empty office space and just blew right past my old cubicle. But before I could ask him what the hell was going on, he set the box down on a desk just outside a set of doors. The door said, “Bryan Edwards, Associate Partner.” I wanted someone to pinch me. Then he opened the door and gestured me 108

Colorblind inside with a flourish. I came in the door and found all the people at the farewell party standing around my new office applauding. I was a little bit overwhelmed when I suddenly realized it was everybody in the firm. I was soon kept occupied by hugs and kisses and enthusiastic handshakes and “Congratulations, honey!” and “Way to go, Bryan!” Soon the excitement settled down and I was left to my office. It was a big office, occupying one whole corner of the floor, with wood paneling on three walls and a big half-moon window behind me. Ted brought in my box of stuff and set it on my desk, which was huge, with a telephone and my own personal workstation. To my right was a huge bookcase, and over to my left in a corner was a couch and table. “Thanks,” I said. “No problem, Dude,” Ted grinned. He turned and started to go out the office, but stopped. “I’ve just got two pieces of advice for you.” “What’s that?” I asked. “You have a great staff that you already know. Trust them to know their jobs and you’ll do just fine.” I nodded. “And the other?” “Call me sometime and we’ll have lunch,” he grinned. 109

Jon Bradbury I grinned back. “You got it.” I started to unpack—again. I had maybe five minutes of solitude before I heard a knock on the door. “Come on in,” I said. Teri came in, dressed to the nines in a shiny red silk blouse, shiny black knee-length silk skirt and shiny black patent leather pumps. She was smiling happily. “I wanted to personally say how happy I am that you’re back, Bryan!” I smiled back. “Thanks, Teri. It’s good to be back.” “Oh, come here, you,” Teri laughed and held her arms out to me and gave me a big hug. I couldn’t believe how strong her arms were. “I have a surprise for you, Bryan.” “What’s that?” I asked warily. “I’m your new secretary!” Teri said, clapping her hands. “Isn’t that great?” I felt a grin spread across my face. It was no big secret that Teri and I were good friends. “Yeah,” I agreed. “That is great.” “So,” she smiled. “What’s the first thing I can do for you as your new secretary?” “Well,” I said slowly, “the first you can do is to have lunch with me today.” “Really?” Teri said, her eyes wide as saucers. “And the second?” “And the second?” I said. “Let’s get to work.”

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Colorblind **** All the rest of the day was spent settling in and meeting Jackie Stewart. I remembered the fellow on sight. I didn’t think he remembered me at all, though, because we had talked like maybe a minute. But apparently I had made a big impression. “Congratulations on your promotion,” Stewart said, grinning broadly, shaking my hand vigorously. He was shorter than me, slightly heavier and stockier, with short-cut gray hair. He looked sort of like Morris, but friendlier. “Thank you,” I said, grinning myself. “Yes,” he said, “now we can finally work more closely together.” “Finally?” I asked. “Why yes, of course,” Stewart said. “We both know you were the one producing all those excellent designs.” I was speechless, to put it mildly. “I heard you had some problems with Kent,” I finally managed to say. “Yes,” he agreed. “That fellow wasn’t very honest. I knew the sketches he was showing me were yours.” “How did you—?” “Know? I saw some of them on your desk and I could see who had drawn what.” 111

Jon Bradbury I nodded and shook his hand some more. “And what happened the other day?” “Well, we had a little personality conflict between him and myself. Namely, he was trying to push his ideas on us. And he was flirting with my assistant.” “So I’ve heard,” I said seriously. “Yes, Jennifer was mortified. What does Kent think an office is, a bar?” “Sometimes I think he does,” I said frankly. “I know he does,” Stewart observed sourly. Then he asked, “How do you like being Associate Partner?” I grinned and said, “I’m still pinching myself.” Stewart looked me in the eye and said, “Just don’t do anything different, Bryan. I’ve seen too many good men ruined by status. I realize you’ve worked hard and deserve this. I know you do. But don’t let it go to your head.” I nodded. Then Stewart grinned oddly. “Having said that, if there is anything I can do to make the relationship between our firms easier, let me know.” It was my turn to grin. “As a matter of fact, there is.” “I asked. Go ahead, tell me.” “Well,” I grinned again. “One of your people, Tommy Lauderdale, is a friend of mine, and I was thinking it would be a good idea to have him as your representative here at our firm.” 112

Colorblind Then Stewart grinned also. “That’s a hell of an idea, Edwards. Actually, he put in for a transfer. I’ve been working him too hard.” “Well, that’s kind of why I suggested what I did.” Stewart looked thoughtful. “It’s done,” he said. When I finally got off, it was seven. I looked at myself critically in the men’s room mirror. Here I was, looking all nice and casual, and asking Veronica to go all out. I also looked like I needed a shave. Well, I didn’t have much choice in either case. In my office I got out my little electric razor I had bought for just this situation. Five minutes later I looked human again. I drove straight over to the Blue Parrot. I went over to the little waiting area by the door and sat down.

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Chapter Nine—Veronica When Bryan left my apartment Monday night, he had no idea how much I wanted him, right then and right there. On the couch, even. When he kissed me it was like no other man had kissed me before, even though I kissed him first at the Blue Parrot. Well, the way he left my apartment so fast, maybe he did! I was so wet from those little kisses that I had to finger myself senseless to get to sleep. It was pleasant, not having to find my pussy underneath all that hair. And this time, I imagined Bryan down there! **** The next morning, when I got ready for work, I tried to pick an outfit that would easily go from work-day to night-play, because I had the eleven to seven shift. I got up that morning as cheerful as I’ve ever seen myself! I answered the phone with a perky 114

Colorblind lilting voice no matter who called. And I luxuriated in not only the physical space of my empty apartment, but of the mental space Bryan gives me. It took me forever to pick something. I finally used common sense. I put on a shiny purple leather skirt and matching belt with a lavender ribbed cotton top and purple leather high-heeled pumps. I thought that my day would never end! It just seemed to drag and drag. But finally, I was off. I practically ran to the nearest bathroom to redo my makeup, then ran out to my car and drove off. I found myself getting very excited as I went out to my car and drove over to the Blue Parrot. As a matter of fact, I could feel my hard nipples brushing against the soft cotton material of my top, and soft supple leather brushing against my skin. It didn’t help, I was so preoccupied this morning with thoughts of Bryan, and choosing a perfect outfit for our date, that I totally forgot to wear any underwear! Fortunately my skirt was almost knee length, and good quality leather. Little Miss Prim and Proper, indeed. Bryan didn’t know that I had been thinking about him ever since the other night at my place. I parked and I noticed that there were very few cars here tonight. At least Bryan and I wouldn’t 115

Jon Bradbury have to wait very long for a good table. A few strokes of my favorite shiny purple berry lipstick—upper lip, then lower lip, then both lips in one sweep, press lips together, then another couple of quick little strokes, and I’m good to go. I went inside and over to the bar. There was Bryan. He looked very handsome, in a rather casual outfit of a gray shirt, khakis and a navy sport coat. I gave him a nice, warm hug and a quick smooch on his lips. He smelled nice, like Old Spice as usual, and I stayed in his arms. “You look beautiful, Veronica,” he said. “Do you always wear leather?” “Yes,” I smiled. “Do you want me to stop?” I asked softly. Bedroom softly. “Hell, no,” Bryan grinned. “Thanks, Baby,” I smiled. “I sort of threw this together this morning.” “Well, if you look like this all the time, keep throwing yourself together.” I laughed. “Thank you, Baby.” He smiled contritely. “I have to apologize, Veronica,” he said. “What on earth for?” “I’ve been working all day and I just—” “Threw this together?” I finished for him. He smiled again. “Actually, I’ve been dressed like this all day and I haven’t had a chance to change.” 116

Colorblind I laid my manicured fingers on his lips. “Don’t apologize,” I whispered. “You’re here with me. There’s no reason to.” Bryan and I followed the hostess as she escorted us to a semi-private booth table, very private and very romantic. I sat and crossed my legs. “So, Bryan,” I smiled, “what are we celebrating?” Bryan sort-of laughed. Then he told me about his last two days. When he finished his story all I could do was take his hand. No wonder he wanted to be alone with me. “Congratulations,” I finally said sweetly. “You deserve it.” “Thanks,” he smiled. “When I came home from work yesterday afternoon, all I could think of was you, though.” “Awwwww,” I said. “You’re so sweet.” And I moved closer to him and kissed him on the lips. “But I have to let you in on something,” he whispered. “What?” I whispered back. “You have to promise not to tell Autumn and Tommy.” “What?” I said impatiently. “I got Jackie Stewart, that’s Tommy’s boss, to make Tommy the representative for his company at my company.” “What does that mean?” I asked. “It means he’ll have to work less hours, and be 117

Jon Bradbury able to spend more time—” I interrupted his speech with a kiss. “You are wonderful,” I smiled. “I try,” he grinned. “And you succeed, I have to say,” I smiled, stroking his blazer lapel. Bryan smiled and blushed and then he said, “Whatever you want—” I pressed my index finger on his lips and said, “I already have what I want.” “I meant on the menu,” he blushed. “But same here, too.” I picked up my menu and started perusing the selections. **** Bryan and I sat and talked and had a wonderful dinner and then there was dancing. The only disappointment in the whole evening, for me, was that I had to open the shop in the morning and I had to get up early. So I couldn’t offer Bryan a quick drink at my place before he went home. Wink, wink. But I had something just as good in mind! Before we left, I went to the ladies’ room to put on some more lipstick. This was one good night kiss he wasn’t going to forget, not for a long time! We went out of the Blue Parrot, my arm 118

Colorblind securely hooked through his. He walked me over to my car and then I reached into my purse for my keys. “Well, Bryan,” I smiled at him, “thank you for the lovely evening. I enjoyed myself very much.” He smiled. “I’m glad. I did too. This is the best night I’ve had in quite a while.” “And everyone showed up,” I smiled and laughed. “Yeah,” he nodded and smiled. “You did. I’m glad you did.” And then I held out my arms to him and gave him a serious hug, and a serious kiss, a lipstongue-and-all kiss that lasted about ten minutes. Then I just held him. I loved holding him and being held by him. I don’t know how long we stayed like this but I wasn’t in any hurry to pull away. I pulled back, meaning to say good night, but I started kissing him again! I finally managed to catch my breath, and say, “I so wish I could take you home tonight, but—” “You gotta get up early?” I nodded. “Uh-huh. I gotta get up early, Baby.” He smiled. “Yeah, me too. But how about we continue this sometime?” “Sure,” I smiled. “Just give me a call.” He nodded. Then he pulled away, reluctantly, I knew, because I didn’t want him to, any more than he did. I unlocked my car door, he opened it 119

Jon Bradbury for me and I got in. He bent down and I gave him another long kiss that nearly didn’t end, and he walked away with a smile on his face.

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Chapter Ten—Bryan Man, what a date! I went to work the next day with a broad smile on my face. When Veronica kissed me, so soft and gentle and so long, I couldn’t believe it. I had never been kissed that way. What a woman! Anyway, the next couple of days went by like nothing. Especially after Jackie Stewart said that he wanted to permanently retain our firm for his ‘future architectural needs’. We were stoked. In fact, we were going to have a little company bash this weekend to celebrate. And for me, it was a command performance. Associate Partner, you know. Fortunately it wasn’t black tie—just casual. And I was going to go in there with Veronica on my arm. I just had one more phone call to make. “Tommy Lauderdale.” Tommy’s voice answered. “Hey, Dude, it’s me,” I said. “Hey, what’s up, Dude?” Tommy said jovially. “I was just calling to tell you about a little party here at the firm this weekend.” 121

Jon Bradbury Tommy was quick. “Oh, I don’t do corporate parties, especially not on weekends. You know how much I’ve worked this week? And this is the first chance I’ve had to spend time with Autumn in days.” “Listen,” I said calmly. “It’s very casual, all you have to do is show up and stay long enough to talk with Jackie Stewart for a little bit.” “Stewart’s gonna be there?” “In the flesh,” I confirmed. “Bring Autumn with you,” I suggested. “Yeah,” he said. “But why, if we’re just gonna pop in for a minute?” I chuckled to keep from spilling the beans too early. “Because you make such a lovely couple ,” I said. “Veronica’s gonna come with me. The girls can bond.” “Just for a few minutes,” he promised. “But we will be there.” “Thanks,” I smiled. **** Saturday afternoon, I picked up Veronica and we drove over to the office. Veronica was looking lovely in a rather casual outfit of a short-sleeved, knee length, faded blue denim dress with white stitching, and white canvas sneakers, her hair gathered up in a hair 122

Colorblind clip, bangs framing her face. She looked beautiful, her face glowing. I was very casual also, wearing khakis, a black sweater, and sandals with white socks. I parked my car and we went into the lobby and over to the elevator. Veronica slipped her arm inside mine and said, “Nice building.” “Thanks,” I said. “But wait till you see the office.” Veronica just snuggled up closer to me. I was wishing the elevator would take a little more time when the doors opened on the top floor. And then we went in. Well, people were applauding me and Veronica, and the partners greeted me personally, as did Jackie Stewart. After the introductions were finished, I said to Veronica, “Let me show you my office.” She took my hand and squeezed it. I went over to my office and opened the door. We went inside and Veronica looked around and nodded and smiled as if to say Not Bad and then kissed me. Life was good. **** We had been at the party about an hour or so when I noticed Tommy and Autumn come in, holding hands, smiling, casually dressed. 123

Jon Bradbury I nudged Veronica. “Look who’s arrived.” Veronica went to go chat with Autumn, while I got with Tommy. He was looking pretty relaxed for once, in a blue hooded track suit and sandals, while Autumn wore a pink tracksuit with white sneakers with her hair also pinned up, although the shorts she wore with her hooded shirt were very short. “Hey, Tommy, glad you could make it.” “You were right. Autumn wanted to see Veronica when I told her she would be here,” he shrugged. “So here we are.” “Well,” I said briskly, “no matter why you’re here, I’m glad you are. Come on.” Together, we found Jackie Stewart. Stewart took Tommy’s hand briskly. “Tommy, good to see you made it.” “Couldn’t miss it,” he said, gesturing to me. “Mister Associate Partner.” The three of us shared a good chuckle. Then Stewart said, “I’ve got a proposition to run by you. If you don’t like it, it was Bryan’s idea.” Tommy chuckled. “What is it, already?” Stewart put his arm around Tommy’s shoulder. “Listen, I’ve realized I’ve been working you a bit too hard. So I want to offer you the position as the permanent representative to this firm. Steady hours, good raise. No trips, no entertaining clients. What do you say?” 124

Colorblind Tommy stood there, his jaw hanging open a little. “Yes. I say yes.” “Excellent,” Stewart grinned. “Have fun. Jennifer will have the paperwork on your desk Monday morning.” Then he drained his drink and went away. Tommy turned to me and took my hand in a strong grip. “Dude. You don’t know what this means to me.” I nodded. “Yes. I do. Go be with your wife.” I had the supreme pleasure of watching Tommy go to Autumn, and tell her what happened. They embraced and kissed passionately. Then the four of us got together and began talking happily. Autumn hugged me very tightly and said, “I really must thank you sometime.” “You’re welcome,” I nodded. **** A little while later I was talking with Ted, while Veronica talked with Autumn and Tommy. The way she held her glass of wine was so sexy, with her long fingernails and her hair all up and everything. She shot me a quick, beautiful smile. With an effort I turned my attention to Ted. “Well, Bryan,” Ted was saying, “Jackie Stewart is very satisfied. Keep up the good work. The senior partners are very satisfied with you, as 125

Jon Bradbury well.” “Thanks,” I said. I lifted my glass and said, “Here’s to a bright future.” “I’ll toast to that,” he said, and we clinked our glasses together. Suddenly I saw Ted look towards the door and stiffen. “What’s up, Ted?” “Better go get near your girlfriend,” he said shortly. He walked off and I went over to Veronica, wondering at this sudden change. “Would you like some more wine, Veronica?” “Yes, would you, please?” She smiled at me as I took her glass. We went over to the drink table in the far corner of the room and I turned and saw what had made Ted stiffen up—Kent. I kept a straight face, had Tommy pour some more wine into her glass and surreptitiously waved my staff over to where we were as I handed her the glass. Veronica gave me a strange look. I just squeezed her hand like, don’t worry. An explanation became unnecessary as Kent tried to muscle past the security that Ted had called. His hostile voice cut through the friendly conversation Veronica and I were having with Tommy and Autumn. He became loud and belligerent as security put handcuffs on him and practically dragged him out the door. The door closed. Regular conversation resumed among us. 126

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**** The party lasted until well after six. The sunset was lovely from the top floor. Tommy and Autumn left before we did, looking very happy. I drove Veronica back to her place. As she opened the street door, she said, “Would you like to come up, Bryan?” “Sure,” I smiled. She unlocked the bottom door, then we went upstairs to her apartment and she unlocked that door. Then we went inside. The first thing Veronica did was to turn and hug me. “Thank you,” she smile-whispered. “You’re welcome.” I shrugged, “It was a company party...” Veronica shook her head gently. “You were trying to protect me. From that awful man who tried to come in.” “Ah, yes,” I remembered. “That was Kent.” “And who was he?” I explained that Kent was the reason why I was interviewing for the new job in the first place when we met, and what happened with him. Veronica didn’t say anything while I talked, she just listened, but when I finished she just hugged me for a long time. Finally, she pulled back and said, “Why don’t you have a seat, and make 127

Jon Bradbury yourself more comfortable?” “Thanks,” I said. I plopped down gratefully. Veronica kicked off her sneakers and crossed her legs. “Ah, there we go.” “Feel better?” I asked playfully. “Would you mind giving me a back rub, Baby?” “Sure,” I smiled. I gently began kneading her small soft shoulders with my fingers, starting in and slowly moving out and then rubbing her arms. Then I went back in and began massaging her neck and hair. I had been waiting for this all week long, but at the same time I was ready to leave early if I had to. I didn’t want to seem too eager as my thumbs made little circles at the base of her neck. Then I began to lightly rub her back. Suddenly, in the middle of me rubbing her back, she turned around and started kissing me, using her lips and tongue and making us both moan. She took off her hair clip and let her hair down. I ran my hands through it as we kissed passionately. My hands moved down and grazed her heaving bosom, then I began to unsnap her denim dress—to reveal a white lace bra! She moved towards me, straddled me on the couch and whispered intimately, “I’m yours—if you want me.” I couldn’t believe this was happening to me. I 128

Colorblind just nodded, unable to speak. She stood up and started unsnapping her dress in a slow striptease, one snap at a time. She easily slipped her dress off one shoulder and then the other, and then she pulled it down around her arms and finally the dress was off, revealing white lace panties to go with her bra. She straddled me again in slow motion and finally our lips touched once more. We kissed, over and over and over again. Veronica playfully pushed me against the couch and rubbed herself against me as we kissed. We touched and kissed as the room went dark. Then Veronica got up, took my hand and led me into her bedroom. Smiling, she took off my sweater, running her hands and nails over my torso. I took her chin delicately in my hand and kissed her again. I found myself moving my hands down onto her breasts, gently squeezing them through the pretty lace, caressing them, touching her arms, her shoulders. I could see her nipples harden through the lace. I stopped kissing her only long enough to take off her bra and begin to seriously service her breasts, which weren’t very big, a perfect handful. She had the most beautiful breasts, perfectly round and full, her nipples and areolas like bullseyes of darker brown against her chocolate skin. I kissed her again, playing with them, then bent 129

Jon Bradbury down slightly to lick and suck them. I felt her hand press gently but firmly against the back of my head, and I heard her moan and say, “Ohhhhh.” Then I took her hands and laid her down on the bed. I raised her legs up and slipped her panties off. Then I got really close to that chocolate cream pie, which was clean-shaven—perfect. I spread her pussy lips slightly apart with my fingertips and pushed my tongue inside her. She gasped and arched her back, moaning. “Oh, Bryan!” Her pussy tasted just like that fruity perfume she wears, I swear. Soon she was so wet her pussy lips were pink and glistening and inflamed. “Oh, Bryan, fuck me! Please fuck me!” she yelled desperately. I couldn’t ignore an invitation like that. I took off my trousers and drawers, gently spread Veronica’s legs and moved in between. Veronica was breathing and moaning heavily as I moved on top of her. She put her arms around me, smiling, her eyes in serious bedroom mode. The smile became mischievous as I felt her hand on my manhood. I felt myself harden and swell in her fingers. Then her hand gently guided me inside her soft wet chocolate pussy. I gently kissed her as I plunged inside her with a wet sound. She made a soft noise. Her hands 130

Colorblind moved up to rest lightly on my back. Then I began to move, and her soft moans became loud shouts. Her pussy was so tight I didn’t know how long I could last, but I was determined not to come too soon. Her nails were suddenly digging in my back. I tried slowing down a little bit, or just inserting halfway, but soon I couldn’t help myself, going all the way in, moving faster and faster. Veronica’s shouts became louder and louder, her nails digging harder into my back. Finally just as I was about to come she inhaled sharply, and when she exhaled she gave out a loud “ohhh!” I grunted and came inside her. Her nails dug hard in my back and then relaxed. She inhaled again and then let it out with a softer “Ohhhh.” Then her breathing slowed. Finally she laughed and kissed me, ran her nails through my hair and said, “Oh, my sweet Baby.” We stayed like this for a bit. A welcome bit. Kissing and caressing. Not saying anything at all. Listening to our beating hearts. Feeling ourselves breathe again. Veronica said, “I love you, Baby. Let’s do it again, please.” I chuckled a little bit. “I love you, too.”

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Chapter Eleven—Veronica I lay in bed with Bryan the next morning, absolutely unable to move, safe and warm in his arms. I noticed my hand resting on his chest and saw that, even after last night, I hadn’t broken a nail. I was still naked, like Bryan. I was so peaceful, so still. Sunlight streamed in the window and across the hardwood floor. I was very satisfied. My lord, when Bryan began to massage me last night, I just about melted. I knew that I had to have him, right then and right there. I could not wait any more. When I kissed him, I was just about in heaven. And when we made love, oh my Lord. I don’t know how he did it, but he just reduced me to a quivering pile of womanhood who was only capable of uttering noises. Not real words, mind you, just noises. All I could do was lay on my back with my legs spread, dig my nails in him, and hang on for dear life. Never has a man reduced me to making noises in bed, not even Oliver. I don’t know how many times Bryan made me 132

Colorblind come last night. He kissed me for at least fifteen minutes, soft, light, tender kisses. He played with my breasts so gently, sucked on them just right. Lord have mercy. And then he licked my pussy. Licked it! Good thing I shaved it. That’s when I came the first time. And then, when he went inside me—Oh, my God! And that was just the first time we did it! I just sighed and pulled the blankets over us. I felt Bryan stir next to me. I looked up at him and smiled. “Good morning,” I murmured drowsily. “Morning,” he smiled back. “Did you sleep well?” I smiled slyly. I was astounded at the change in him. I could tell just in his face that last night had done wonders for him. For us both. “That was the best—sleep,” he grinned, “I’ve had in quite a while.” I laughed merrily. “Me too, Baby.” “I could use some more sleep,” he grinned. I pretended to stretch, but instead I reached for my lipstick and mirror on the nightstand, and put on some lipstick. Then I smiled and climbed on top of him. I kissed him real soft and slow for like ten minutes, then kissed my way down south, stroking him with my nails very lightly as I left lipstick prints down his tummy. I finally got to the promised land and began to run my hand up and down his already semi-hard 133

Jon Bradbury shaft. Bryan moaned. Then as he got fully hard, his cock getting long and hot in my hand, I took him inside my mouth and just went to town. I gave him a loud wet slurpy blowjob, to let him know I was enjoying it as much as he was. It was ironic, that while his cock was only about seven inches hard, he sure knew what to do with it! I straddled him while holding his penis and sank down on him with a moan. I rode him, his hands holding my waist tightly, my hands on his arms. We rocked together so good, so smooth, in such unison, our moans rising to a delicious fevered pitch, his thrusting timed just right with my dipping, the bed springs creaking faster and faster. “Ohhh, Bryan-An-An!” I yelled ecstatically as I felt an orgasm coming. I closed my eyes and arched my back and held on tight to Bryan’s arms. I kept on moving my hips on him as I felt waves of sexual satisfaction wash over me. After a little bit the bedsprings slowed and finally stopped squeaking. Smiling at Bryan, I slowly let go of his arms and let him lower me gently down onto his chest again. I went to take off his condom. But then I saw— he wasn’t wearing one! Instead of cuddling in his arms to enjoy the afterglow, I went to the bathroom. Bryan tried to follow me inside, but I had 134

Colorblind already closed the door. “Veronica, what’s the matter?” He sounded perfectly patient. He didn’t even knock or anything. But I was too busy douching myself right then to answer. And I don’t even know why I was bothering. I make a man wear a condom because I never know what diseases he might be carrying around, but getting pregnant is not an issue for me. Finally I got up and opened the door. “We just had sex without a condom, that’s what’s the matter,” I said, rushing past him out of the bathroom. While in there, I suddenly realized that we hadn’t used a condom last night, either, because I had a three-pack next to the sink—and the box wasn’t even opened! My mind just went blank as I digested this little stone-cold fact. Bryan’s expression grew stony. His voice did, too. “Excuse me, but I’m offended that you would even think that.” I suddenly realized what I had just implied. But before I could explain myself and apologize to him, he was putting his trousers and sweater back on and going for the door. “Baby, please,” I pleaded with him. “I don’t know what kind of man you think I am,” he said tightly, “but when you’re ready to trust me, you know where I work.” And he went to the door, opened it and closed it hard. I sat on 135

Jon Bradbury the bed and cried. Once again, I told myself, you keep playing head games with a man you love. Absently I slipped into a white terrycloth robe. And tried not to cry. Now that I’d had a chance to digest the image of the unopened box in the bathroom, I realized the thought of using a condom hadn’t even crossed my mind last night. Bryan was so good at making love to me that I didn’t want him to stop even for a minute to put the darn thing on. The fact that I had let that man inside me, without any protection at all, said a lot about him, and about how I felt about him. I loved Bryan. He was everything I had been looking for— compassionate, sweet, sexy, a good talker, a good listener, a good cook, and a perfect gentleman to boot. Why do I always keep pushing the good ones away? Maybe ten minutes after Bryan had left, the buzzer rang. I crossed the room from my couch and pressed the button. “Who is it?” “Veronica? It’s me, Bryan.” I pressed the buzzer to open the street door. I opened my door and watched Bryan as he came up the stairs. He was still wearing the same clothes. As he came in I said softly, humorously, “Back so soon?” “We need to talk,” he said seriously. 136

Colorblind “Yes,” I nodded. “You go first.” Bryan smiled ruefully. “I shouldn’t have left like that. I’m sorry, Veronica.” “No, I’m sorry, Bryan,” I said softly, contritely. “I should have been more clear.” “Well, here’s your chance,” he said calmly. “Last night, was beautiful, Bryan,” I started, taking a deep breath, and taking his hands in mine. “I don’t usually have sex with a man unless he’s wearing a condom. I just believe in protecting myself.” Bryan just nodded. “We did it twice. And that was just last night,” I chuckled. “Well, if I did something wrong,” he started to say. I pressed my index finger against his lips. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Baby. I suddenly realized that I never even thought to have you wear a condom because you’re the man I’ve been looking for, all my life. It’s you, baby.” I caressed his cheek with the back of my hand. “Does that sound better?” Bryan smiled and nodded. “Kiss me,” I whispered sexily. I stepped closer to him and put my arms around his neck. I felt his arms go around my waist as he pulled me towards him. And he kissed me. I felt his hands move around in front to untie the sash on my robe. I let him.

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Jon Bradbury **** Late in the afternoon we woke up again, drowsily entwined in each other’s arms, me on my tummy, Bryan beside me. We fell asleep like that because this time we had done it doggy-style. I came so hard I didn’t make any noise—I just held on to the brass frame real tight as I felt the waves come. Then I collapsed on to the sheets and tried to catch my breath while Bryan rubbed my back. Making love with Bryan was becoming addictive. I felt Bryan move. “Hi there, sleepyhead,” I smiled. I rolled over on my side as he lay down next to me. “Hi,” he smiled back. “What time is it?” I turned and looked at my alarm clock. “Would you believe not quite four-thirty.” On a golden Sunday afternoon in late September. I felt like laying here all day. He stretched noisily. “It’s too bad everything closes so early on Sunday.” “Why?” I asked, curious. Bryan just smiled. “Because I could stay like this all day.” He stretched again. I smiled at him. “I don’t even feel like going to the store for dinner.” “That’s okay,” I smiled too, looking back at him. “You can stay here for dinner.” 138

Colorblind “I think I will,” he yawned. “Good,” I said. “I don’t want to let you go quite yet.” “Neither do I,” he smiled back. “I am so tired, I don’t think I could go anywhere even if I wanted to. How many times have we done it, anyway?” “Just today or counting last night?” I giggled. “Counting last night,” he guffawed. “Four, I think,” I laughed. I playfully punched him in the shoulder. I loved him more when he said, “I understand about the condom. I was a little bit surprised when you didn’t have me wear one.” I sighed. “Well, Bryan, there’s something I need to tell you.” “What is it?” he said quietly. And so I told him about the bug I caught when I was just a girl that rendered me practically unable to have children, due to scarring in my uterus and fallopian tubes. “So it’s not very likely that even doing it four times is going to make me pregnant. I hope that doesn’t change anything between us.” I was very much afraid that it would. But Bryan took my hand, kissed it, and said, “Veronica, what happened years ago doesn’t change how I feel about you right now.” “I love you, Baby,” I said warmly. “I love you, too.” 139

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**** After a little while we got dressed a second time, he in his sweater and trousers, me in my purple cotton pajamas and white ankle socks, and went into the kitchen. I boiled some pasta while Bryan made his mysterious preparations. After a little while my mouth was watering from smelling whatever was in there. I put my strainer in the sink, took the pot over, and poured the steaming pot of pasta in the strainer. “Bryan, that sauce smells so good,” I said as I took another sniff. “What’s in it?” Bryan smiled. “Well, this is a white sauce,” he explained, stirring. “Different than the pizza sauce.” I went over and lightly scratched his back with my fingernails. “I’m sure it tastes even better than the pizza sauce.” He turned his head towards me and I kissed him quickly on the cheek. Smiling, glowing from the inside, I went back to the sink and ran cold water through the noodles. I heard Bryan turn off the stove and come over to me. I looked up at him and smiled and suddenly he took my right hand. “What’re you doing, silly?” I asked him, laughing a little. 140

Colorblind “What’s this ring?” he asked me, playing with my right hand, and the diamond ring on my middle finger. “Oh, it’s a special ring that my grandmother gave me. I think it was her engagement ring. It was a birthday present.” Suddenly he took the ring off, and said, “I wonder if it fits here?” And he took my left hand, and slipped it on my middle finger. Then he looked me in the eye and smiled, “Perfect fit. It looks good there.” “Yes, it does,” I said, softly and slowly, realizing what he just did. “What are you doing, Baby?” “Asking you to be my girlfriend,” he said simply. I found myself saying, “I will. I will, I will, I will!” We laughed and hugged and kissed. Finally we let go of each other and I said, “Dinner’s ready.” **** The next day, I went over to Autumn’s house for an afternoon pajama party and to finally do her nails. Sitting at her couch in her peach satin pajamas, looking sleek and beautiful, Autumn grilled me about my “healthy glow,” as she called it. “Come 141

Jon Bradbury on, Baby,” she said, teasingly. “Tell Autumn all about it. I know you two finally did it. I can see it all over your face!” I smiled and blushed, in my own purple satin set. “Yes, we made love— “Oh, made love, huh?” Autumn interrupted me. “—Saturday night,” I continued, “after we came home from his company party. And Sunday morning.” “Oh! How many times?” she asked excitedly. “Four,” I said sheepishly. “Four?” Autumn’s jaw dropped. “Damn, girl.” “Tell me about it,” I smiled, blushing and cackling. We did a high-five. “I hope you used protection,” Autumn smiled. “Or is this the one you’ve always been searching for?” I showed her my ring in its new place as my answer. I didn’t mention that I had bought a home pregnancy test at the store and used it before I came over. It was negative. I didn’t know whether to be sad or relieved. Autumn was, for once, speechless, her eyes and mouth wide. I nodded. Then we squealed like little girls and hugged and kissed. “What about your healthy glow?” I said, smiling. “How many times did you guys do it last weekend?” 142

Colorblind Autumn breathed in, then out. Peacefully. “Only twice,” she smiled. “Because we went home and talked for hours. Sunday we went to the beach. It was so wonderful.” “Really?” I said, making my eyebrows dance. “How wonderful was it?” “Very wonderful,” Autumn sighed. “Veronica, we spent the whole weekend just being together. Sunday we went to the beach in Tommy’s old Chevy van and made love. There was nobody there but us, and it was so romantic.” “I’m glad you guys had such a good time,” I said, making my eyebrows dance. “Yes,” she sighed. “I just wish there was some way to thank Bryan for everything he’s done for Tommy and I.” That’s when I sighed. “Well, you know him better than I do,” I said. “I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Autumn smiled a strange smile. “I’ve known him longer than you, true,” she chuckled. “But you know him much better than I will.” I chuckled and blushed. “Just in a different way,” I smiled. “You’re right, I will think of something.” We both chuckled, and then she said, “Come on now, let’s do my nails. And I want them as long as yours.” I stared at her. “You sure?” 143

Jon Bradbury “Yes,” she urged me. “As long as yours. I want to surprise Tommy tonight.”

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Chapter Twelve—Bryan When I came into work Monday, I had a grin a mile wide. I know people must have thought I was on something. I’m just so happy I could burst. I know I’m love with Veronica because my moods keep oscillating between super happy and super sad. It didn’t even cross my mind that she’d let me come inside her without a condom. When she’d touched me down there I thought that was when she was putting it on. I was just as shocked as she was, or so I thought. But apparently it was a very big deal with Veronica. That’s why tried the stunt with her ring. I decided on the spur of the moment to try that. I didn’t know how she would react. I was afraid that she was going to laugh at me, but then she said “I will!” Can you say cloud nine, dude? And everyone at the office was saying how ‘nice’ Veronica was and how much they liked her. I just smiled and agreed with them, as long as nobody brought up the fact she was black. I didn’t care that she was black, and I wasn’t brought up 145

Jon Bradbury that way. And they were even happier when I said we were a couple now. Except for Teri. I don’t know what to do about her. Having finally broken the pussy drought, I was a happy man. It was even better with a woman who had the same feelings for me that I did for her. I guess that’s why they call it making love. While I was in my office, my phone burbled. “Yes, Teri?” “Bryan,” she said. “You have a call on line two. Your mother.” I silently cringed. I hadn’t been in my apartment all weekend, not since Saturday afternoon. Usually I’m pretty good at checking my messages and calling people back, but this morning I was too hyped to do anything of the kind. “Hi, Mom,” I said casually. “Hi, Bryan,” said the voice. I could tell she was slightly peeved. “Where have you been all weekend?” “Sorry, Mom,” I said contritely. “But I kind of got caught up in something.” “Really?” said my mother’s voice, with more than a hint of curiosity. “Do tell.” “Mom!” I laughed. “Actually, I’m glad you called.” “And why is that, Bryan?” 146

Colorblind “I wanted to tell you that I’m coming home this weekend,” I said. I knew I surprised her because she didn’t say anything. “We have a lot to celebrate and I want you to meet someone special.” “I hope this ‘someone special’ is female,” said my mom’s voice, wryly. “Oh, yes,” I grinned. “Very female, and very pretty, too.” “I’m sure she is, son. You usually have good taste.” “Well, I hope you like her because she’s special to me.” A long silence. “You bring her right on home.” “There’s more, Mom.” “Not too much more, son.” I grinned. “You’ll like this.” I told her about my promotion. “Bryan. You’re right. We do have a lot to celebrate!” We clicked off, and I left my office to meet with the representative from the Internet company—Tommy. After I’d updated him on what we had done so far with the project, I said, “Well, now I’ve done it.” “Done what?” Tommy grinned. “Besides Veronica?” “That too,” I grinned back. We chuckled and grinned and high-fived each 147

Jon Bradbury other. “So, how do you like chocolate pussy? Huh, huh?” “Words cannot describe being inside greatness,” I chuckled. “Told you, man, don’t get with these black women. The rest do not compare.” I hung my head in pretend-despair. “I know, man, I know.” “So, what else have you done?” That brought me back to reality. “My mom just called.” Tommy got somber too. “Your parents, huh?” I nodded. “Yep. This weekend, I’m gonna introduce my parents to Veronica.” “Well, I can say from experience not to expect anything.” “Why?” I asked. “Did your parents freak?” “Sort of,” he said. “But my point is, if their reaction isn’t what you hoped for, don’t be too disappointed. Whatever they might be expecting, a black woman is not it. That’s not racism, just their expectations for you.” I hadn’t thought of it that way. “Well, thanks Tommy. I’ll keep that in mind.” He shook my hand. “Good luck. We’ll be thinking of you.” Tommy had just left when there was a knock on the door. “Yes,” I said. Teri came in and dropped a pile of paperwork 148

Colorblind on my desk. “I just wanted to let you know I’m leaving for the day.” “Yeah,” I nodded. “So am I. It’s getting late.” “Good night,” Teri said rudely. “Teri, what’s your problem?” I sighed. “I can’t believe you picked a black woman—” “Over you?” I asked quietly. Teri looked away. “Yes.” I leaned against my desk and crossed my arms over my chest. “Teri, I expect you to be my assistant, not to comment on my love life and who I spend it with. Clear?” “Certainly,” Teri said, all polite again. Then she said, “I realize this is bad timing, but I need to take tomorrow off.” “May I ask why?” I asked neutrally. “My son is having surgery tomorrow. It’s nothing major, but I would rather be there with him.” I nodded. “Of course. Who’s gonna fill in for you?” “Ted already knows. He’s picked someone.” “Okay,” I nodded. “Thanks for telling me.” **** I got home from work a little late, like seventhirty. As soon as I got in the door, I called Veronica. 149

Jon Bradbury “Hi, Bryan,” her voice said sweetly. “I miss you.” I smiled. As soon as I heard her voice, nothing else mattered. “I miss you, too, Veronica.” “You want to come over?” Her voice was soft— seductively soft. “I have to come in early tomorrow. Otherwise I would, believe me,” I grinned. “After the day I’ve had, I could use another massage.” “Why, what happened?” “Oh, nothing, just a long day,” I said, not wanting to talk about Teri. “Okay,” she sighed. “What are you doing?” “Oh, just watching TV—and wondering if you can come with me to my parents’ house this weekend.” “Your parents?” She sounded distinctly anxious. “Veronica,” I said, “you have nothing to worry about. You’re my girlfriend, my mom already loves you.” I heard her laugh a little. “Okay, yes I can come with you this weekend.” “Good,” I smiled. “And don’t worry, my mom is a gem.” “I’ll bring my usual clothes,” she said, calm again. “That will be fine, I’m sure,” I said. “I’ll pick you up Saturday morning at 11.” “Okay, baby,” she said, sweetly again. 150

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**** The next day, I went into my office as usual, took off my jacket and draped it over my chair. I heard a knock. “Mr. Edwards?” I turned and there was a beautiful black woman standing in the doorway. She was about an inch shorter than me even in her high heels, slim and slender, her curly hair a glossy brown mane that went past her shoulders. She was wearing a brown argyle sweater, black leather miniskirt and high heeled sandals, with glossy red lipstick. Her makeup was a little heavy but very tasteful, and her long slim fingers were unadorned, with long natural nails. And her legs went on forever. The girl had to be all of twenty-four, if that much, and she had been at the firm for about three months now. “Are you filling in for Teri?” “Yes,” she smiled. “I’m Marla Duvall. I’ll be your secretary today.” “Hello, Marla,” I smiled. “Come on in.” She entered my office and stood by my desk. “And please, call me Bryan.” “Okay, Bryan,” she smiled. “Let’s sit on the couch for a little bit,” I suggested. She agreed, and when she crossed her legs, it was a beautiful sight. 151

Jon Bradbury Marla took my hand. “I just wanted you to know that I’m very happy you’re a partner now, so I can have a chance to work with you and be your secretary.” I stood up. So did she. “Well, I hope you get much more than today.” Marla blushed. “So do I,” she said. “I think you’re a brilliant architect.” “Thanks,” I grinned. “Now, what’s on the schedule for today?” I asked. **** About half an hour into the day, the intercom buzzed. “Yes, Marla?” “Bryan,” her voice sang, “you have an Autumn Lauderdale on line four.” I grinned at the phone. “Thanks, Marla.” I pushed the button and said, “Hi, Autumn.” “Bryan!” she said. “How nice to hear your voice.” “Not half as nice to hear yours,” I replied. “You’re so sweet, Bryan,” she said. “You sound pretty happy.” “I am,” I confessed, grinning foolishly. “Did you and Veronica have a good time last weekend?” “Oh, God,” I said reverently. Autumn laughed. “A very good time, Autumn. What about you and 152

Colorblind Tommy? I saw you two leave early.” “Oh, pretty good,” she said. I knew by her tone she was blushing brightly. “Actually, I’m glad you called,” I said nervously. “I need your advice.” “What, Baby?” she said, concerned. “Ask me anything you want.” “I’m taking Veronica to meet my parents this weekend,” I said, sounding anxious. “Just be yourself,” she said right away. “Both you and Veronica just be yourselves and you’ll be just fine.” “Tommy told me not to expect anything,” I reported. “I would have to agree with that,” she sighed. “Listen, Baby, your parents might take a while to warm up to the idea of you having a black woman as a girlfriend. It took my parents a while to get used to Tommy. Yours might, too.” “Any other advice?” I asked her. “No,” she chuckled. “Other than try to have some fun with it.” “Thank you, Autumn,” I said. “You guys are my best friends.” I heard her make a noise. “Oh, you. But you’re welcome anyway.” “I’ll let you know how it goes,” I promised. “Please do,” she replied. “We’ll say a prayer for you guys.” 153

Jon Bradbury “We might need it,” I grunted. “Thanks for calling, Autumn.” “Oh no,” she said. “Thank you.” “Why’s that?” I asked slyly. She moaned, “You don’t know how bored I am right now, Baby.” I laughed out loud, but she said, “Seriously, there is only so long I can watch Regis and Kelly in my PJs... “ “Pajamas, huh?” I said cautiously. “Yep,” she whispered. “Just a little satin.” “Shouldn’t you be telling Tommy this?” “Tommy and I had a wonderful weekend,” she said. “You guys must be pretty happy now?” “Oh, yes, after the party we spent the rest of last weekend just being together, Bryan. It was very nice.” “Good,” he said. “That was nice seeing you guys so happy.” “It was nice,” She sighed happily. “Did Tommy thank you?” “Yeah,” I replied. “He told me how much this meant to him.” “Well, Bryan, I would like to thank you more personally than that,” she said. I hesitated. “Uh, how personally are we talking about?” “You wanna come to my house and have a very satisfying lunch break?” 154

Colorblind “What’s for lunch?” I asked. “A surprise,” she said. “I’ll be over at noon. That okay?” “Okay, Baby,” she said. “See ya then.” She blew me a kiss and we hung up. When I came over, she answered the door in a white sundress and white high-heeled sandals, with freshly done long nails in a French style, her makeup fully done. She gave me a hug and a kiss. We sat down on the couch and she said, “I didn’t know you have a black woman as an assistant.” “I don’t, normally,” I said. “But my regular assistant took the day off and this girl filled in for her.” “How’s she doing?” I considered that. “Well she’s been with the firm about six months now. And I have to say that Marla is making my day run so much smoother.” “Is she pretty?” she asked me. “Don’t tell Veronica,” I said in starting. “But she is beautiful.” “My lips are sealed, Baby,” she promised. “Thanks,” I chuckled. “And she dresses well, too.” She smiled mischievously. “See, once you go black you can never go back.” I laughed. “Yes, in so many ways.” Then I said, “What’s this surprise you were talking about?” Autumn took my hand and led me outside, and 155

Jon Bradbury then directly across the street, to a similar white house with a similar green lawn. And a woman stood there, as if she were waiting just for us to come over. “Bryan,” Autumn smiled, “this is my friend Marie, she’s a real estate agent.” “Hi,” I nodded at her. Marie was a sensuous dark-skinned black woman with long dark brown straight hair. She wore a navy blue pinstriped blazer and skirt with matching leather pumps. She nodded and smiled back at me. “Hello, Mr. Edwards.” She took my hand in her beautifully manicured one in a firm professional grip. “Autumn told me you’re looking at houses. She wanted me to show you this one in particular.” Her smile widened slightly. “Seeing as how it is right across the street.” I looked at Autumn. “I wanted to thank you for getting my husband back,” she smiled sheepishly. “This was the only way I could think that would repay you.” “You know that’s not necessary,” I said quietly. “I know,” she nodded. “But it is a beautiful house. And right across the street.” I sighed. But I nodded to Marie. “Okay. Give me the tour.” Marie nodded and unlocked the door and led me inside. I had to admit, it was a beautiful house—two stories, an enormous living room and kitchen with a den on the first floor, and 156

Colorblind four bedrooms on the second floor. I had to admit, I imagined coming home to Veronica every day in this house. Suddenly asking her to marry me made perfect sense. I had been debating it all day. Marie took me back outside, closed and locked the door. “Well, Mr. Edwards, what do you think of it?” “The name’s Bryan,” I grinned. “And I’ll take it.” Now, I thought, all I have to do is ask Veronica to marry me. No sweat, I thought shakily. But first things first, namely my parents. **** Saturday morning, I picked up Veronica and put her overnight bag in the back seat with mine. I have to admit I was more than a little nervous. All I could think of to wear was my v-necked sweater with khaki trousers. I got back in and she kissed me. She was looking beautiful in a T-shirt and jeans and flipflops, her hair pinned up, hardly any makeup on. I could tell just by her quick kiss that she was nervous, too. I squeezed her hand and started off. About a one-hour drive later we pulled into my parents’ house in a quiet neighborhood with other similar houses, lots of big trees, and some yellow leaves strewn everywhere. 157

Jon Bradbury I turned off the ignition and said, “I forgot to tell you something.” “What?” she said softly. “You look beautiful,” I smiled. “Relax.” Veronica smiled bashfully and looked away, and then turned back to me. “Thank you, Bryan. I’ll try—but this is your parents.” “Relax, would you?” I smiled. “It’ll be fine. You won’t be alone.” She leaned over and kissed me. “Okay,” she sighed. “I guess I’m ready, Bryan.” I got out, went around, opened Veronica’s door, took her hand and helped her out. I held her hand tightly and we approached the door together. I looked at her hopefully, and rang the doorbell. My mom answered, all smiles. “Oh, Bryan! I see you’ve brought the lucky lady!” She turned to Veronica. “So good to meet you!” Mom opened the door and we came in and sat on the couch as my dad came into the living room. I’m sorry to say I inherited most of my looks from dad, including my dark curly hair, but he says I’ve got mom’s eyes. We are just about carbon copies. Well, he came into the room puffing his usual pipe. When he saw Veronica, a different look crossed his usual bland expression just for a second, and he said, “Bryan, my boy, I’ve been hearing good things about you.” “Thanks, Dad,” I smiled. I took a deep breath 158

Colorblind and said, “Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Veronica.” To my surprise, both Mom and Dad gave her a hug, Mom especially. Mom pulled back a little, looked at me, and said, “Bryan, why don’t you get your things and we’ll show you to your room.” I nodded and went back out to the car and got our bags out. I came back inside and Veronica and my mom were already talking like sisters. Dad took me to the spare bedroom and I plopped both bags down. We both came back out and Veronica was saying, “Excuse me, but it’s been a long drive. Where’s the bathroom?” “I’ll show you,” I smiled. I took her to the bathroom and then went back into the living room. Nervously, I said, “Sssooo, what do you think?” “We love her,” they both said, at the same time. “Really?” I asked. “Yes, really,” they both said together. My parents laughed to each other. “Bryan,” Mom said, “she’s a beautiful woman, inside and out. That counts.” “Son,” Dad said around his pipe, “you don’t know how much your mom and I have been afraid that one of these girls you knew in high school would latch on to you.” “You remember,” my mom smiled, “the trendy ones, with a lot of makeup on?” 159

Jon Bradbury I nodded and laughed. “Yeah.” “This girl is a breath of fresh air,” Dad said. “I never did like those girls, anyway,” I replied, laughing. I was beyond relieved. Her skin color wasn’t even being mentioned. “At any rate, Bryan,” Mom continued. “We thoroughly approve of Veronica.” “Yes, we do,” Dad said. He reached his hand out to me. “Congratulations.” I took it. “Thanks,” I smiled. **** The next morning, I put our bags in the back while Veronica talked with Mom. Dad was still sacked out. Last night we’d all gone out to dinner, laughed and talked and ate and drank and stayed up very late. I slammed the back door closed and I heard mom say, “Now you two have a nice drive back and do send me that recipe, Veronica.” “I will, I promise,” Veronica said. I went over and mom gave me a quick hug. “I wish you two could stay longer.” I smiled. “Me too, Mom, but we’ve both got to be in to work in the morning.” Veronica and I waved as we pulled away and drove down the street. As I pulled out I heard her make a noise 160

Colorblind that sounded like relief. After a few minutes of silent driving I said, “See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” Veronica laughed. “No, Baby, it wasn’t.” I turned the corner and she said, “You know what, Bryan?” “What?” I asked back, turning the next corner. She kind of played with her hair and said, “Your mom and I actually have a lot in common. You wouldn’t believe it. I don’t believe it even now.” “That’s great,” I said. “Because they both just love you.” Veronica reached over, took my hand and kissed it. “Good. Because I love you.” **** I had just got back from picking up my office clothes from the dry cleaning when my phone rang. “Hello?” “Hey, Dude,” Tommy’s voice said. “Hey,” I grinned. “Hey, you gonna catch the game?” I slapped my forehead. “Man, I forgot all about that!” “Wanna meet me at the Blue Parrot?” “Yeah,” I said enthusiastically. “See ya there.” We sat at a table before a big screen projection TV 161

Jon Bradbury and sipped at our beers. “Sounds like it went pretty well,” Tommy said. “You sound okay.” I chuckled. “Yeah, I have to say, it went pretty good, Tommy.” I signaled the waitress over and said, “Veronica is gonna send my mom a recipe for something.” “Wow,” Tommy said. “That is good. Didn’t go quite that well for us.” “I know,” I sighed. “But my parents seem like Veronica. That surprised me.” “Yeah, I can see how that would,” he said. “Autumn prayed for you guys like crazy. Must’ve worked.” We both laughed. “That would explain it,” I said. “Tell her thanks for us.” “Sure will,” Tommy said. “I understand that Autumn set you up with the real estate agent.” “Yeah, she did,” I replied. “Well, what happened?” Tommy asked impatiently. “I’m gonna get that house,” I said firmly. “Now all I have to do is figure out how to propose to Veronica.” Tommy chuckled and shook his head at me. “Marriage. This sure has gone quickly, hasn’t it.” “Yeah,” I agreed soberly. “Sure has.” “But you know Autumn is just tickled pink by this whole thing.” 162

Colorblind We both chuckled. “Yeah, I know.” “You know you’ve done something big for us, getting us our marriage back,” Tommy said in a quiet, serious voice. “The house was Autumn’s idea.” “The best way to thank me,” I replied, “is to just be happy together.” And we clinked our beer mugs together. The waitress arrived and I grinned, “You wanna get a pizza, Tommy?”

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Chapter Thirteen—Veronica Oh, my Lord. I’m in a relationship again—and I’m scared. Bryan’s a wonderful beautiful man. Who might be my soul-mate. That’s what scares me. I finally had some time to myself after I had done my laundry. It was just past six in the evening. Yesterday and this morning was finally catching up with me. In a big white sweater and a pair of jeans, I lounged on the couch listening to music. I held a pillow to my chest and looked at my hand. The ring looked strange there on a different hand and finger. But I was already getting used to it. Bryan’s mother was such a dear. Now I know where he gets those eyes of his. She’s the mother I’ve always dreamed of having. I know that sounds corny, but it’s true. I have more in common with his mother than I do with my own. And his father was a gruff, sweet old bear. I hope Bryan turns out to be just like him. They both already have a bald spot in the exact same place on their head. 164

Colorblind Suddenly my phone rang. “Hello?” “Hi, Baby,” Autumn’s voice chirped. “Hi, Autumn,” I smiled. “So, did they bite?” “No,” I laughed. I told her all about my meeting Bryan’s parents, who I was already calling Mom and Dad. “Hm, well that’s good. I know you were nervous. Bryan was, too.” I stared at the ceiling. “Oh, Autumn, I was beyond nervous, girl. More like scared to death.” We laughed a good laugh. “Speaking of scared to death,” Autumn said casually. “Yes?” I prompted her. “Oliver is hosting an exhibition of his photos Thursday night.” I sat up. “Did he finally get a night to present his pictures?” “Mm-hm,” Autumn said. “Would you believe that his photos are gonna be up for two weeks?” “Wow,” I said. “That’s wonderful!” “Yeah,” Autumn said happily. “And like I said, he’s about scared to death.” I laughed merrily. “Tell him I’ll be there. Can I bring Bryan too?” “Of course you can, just be there,” Autumn said. “You’re Oliver’s good luck charm, don’t you know?” 165

Jon Bradbury I laughed again. “Both of us are, Autumn. I hope you’re coming too.” “Of course I am,” Autumn replied. “Tommy too.” “Great,” I said. “When is it?” “This Thursday starting at eight,” she said promptly. “At the Avante-Garde Art Center. You know where that is.” I wrote it down. “Thursday at eight. Thanks,” I said. “And what’s the dress code for this little soiree?” “Casual but nice,” she said. “A nice suit would be fine but a tux would be overdoing it, you know?” “Thanks,” I said. I was already visualizing what I was gonna wear. “No problem, Baby.” We small-talked some more and then hung up. **** Monday evening after I got home from yoga, Bryan called me. “Hi, Bryan,” I said sweetly. “Hi, Veronica,” he said back. “Hope I haven’t called too late.” “That’s okay,” I replied. “You can call whenever you want.” “I keep my own hours as a partner, sometimes it makes for long days.” 166

Colorblind “Does that mean you can have an extra day off if you want?” “Yes, that’s right.” “Could you take Friday off, or at least come in later?” “Sure, why?” “Thursday night this friend of mine who’s a photographer is having his pictures exhibited and I would love it if you could go with me.” “Of course I will,” he said right away. “When does it start?” I gave him the details. “Hmmm,” he said. “The timing’s gonna be a little close, but I think I can handle that. I’ll just have to wear something nice to work.” “Just call me before you leave the office, and I’ll be waiting outside my apartment. Then pick me up on the way over.” “That’s a good idea. Sounds like a plan,” he said. “Great,” I smiled. “Wear that blue suit, would you, baby?” “Sure,” his voice said back. I could hear his smile. “What are you gonna wear?” “It’s a surprise,” I whispered sexily. “Okay,” he whispered back. Then he said, “Hey, I just got an idea.” “What’s that?” “Why don’t you bring your overnight bag with 167

Jon Bradbury you so we can have dinner at my place after the art show?” “Sounds great,” I replied. “Any particular reason?” “No particular reason,” he explained. “I just realized that I’ve been in your place but you haven’t been in mine.” I realized he was right. And then I also realized that he was inviting me to his place. All of a sudden, I felt warm and cozy. “Sounds good, Baby,” I said. “What are you going to make for dinner?” “It’s a surprise,” he said. I could hear his smile over the phone. “Okay,” I relented. “I’ll bring some stuff with me when you pick me up.” **** I must say my timing was great. I had just finished putting on lipstick when the phone rang. I put the tube of lipstick in my purse. “Hello?” “Veronica? You ready?” “Yes, I’m all ready for you, Baby,” I whispered sultrily. My bag sat on the couch with a few items in it, some of which were soft and silky. And had very little fabric. “I’m on my way. Ten minutes.” “Okay, Bryan,” I smiled. “Ten minutes.” 168

Colorblind And guys, was I ready. I had picked my fireengine red leather dress with short sleeves like my black one, and matching high-heeled sandals. But that wasn’t the surprise. The real surprise was what was underneath the leather—not a single stitch of underwear. I could get away with no underwear because the dress had a satin lining. I had never worn anything without a bra and panties before! Now, thanks to Bryan, this was becoming a regular habit. The light touch of the dress on my body was very sensuous. Plus, I had sprayed on a lot of the fruity perfume he liked. I took my overnight bag, went out the door and down the stairs. It was a warm evening for October and I was comfortable without a coat. He soon pulled up and I got in. I giggled as Bryan looked me over real good. “You like my outfit?” “Yeah, I do,” he said. I smiled a big smile. “You do?” “Yeah, I do.” I ran my hands through my hair and said, “Really?” “Really,” he smiled. “You’re beautiful no matter how you look.” I let a warm feeling suffuse my face and mind as Bryan put the car in gear and drove off. But one thing I had to admit, he also looked good in his blue suit. He wore a dark blue coat and slacks, with a lighter blue shirt but no tie. Bryan is just 169

Jon Bradbury about the only man I’ve met that could carry off that look every time. “How was your day, Bryan?” I asked him. He seemed pleased. “Pretty good,” he said. “Tommy and I are having a blast working together.” “Well, good,” I smiled. “And I got a new assistant,” he grinned. “A pretty black woman.” I cackled. “Black women everywhere you look. Now maybe you can keep your life straight, baby.” Bryan laughed and nodded. This was my man. My heart swelled with the pride of a woman for her man. It wasn’t until we pulled into the art center parking lot that he looked at me again. I just smiled at him. He parked and got out and went around to open my door. I put my hand in his hand and poured myself out. I ran my hands over him and looked him over too. “What?” he said. “Do I look okay?” “You look more than okay,” I said. “You look sharp in this suit, Bryan. Mm, mm, mm.” I kissed him and then I hooked my arm through his and we walked in the front door. I gave the doorman my name and he looked at his list as though I couldn’t possibly be on it and he was just humoring me. But he looked at me 170

Colorblind again with a slightly different expression and opened the door for us. I smiled my prettiest smile and sweetly said, “Thank you.” We went in and Oliver was the first person we met. Oliver looked the same as ever, taller than Bryan, long and lean, brown and handsome, with dreadlocks. I gave him a hug — he had to lean down a little — and said, “Congratulations, Oliver!” “Thanks,” he grinned. “I’m glad you’re here. Seeing as how without you, I never would have made it this far anyway, and you look sooo good.” I tilted my head at him. “Oliver, you are so sweet.” Bryan looked at me for a second and I said to him, “I gave him a nudge in the right direction. Like with you.” Bryan nodded and smiled. I said, “Oliver, this is my boyfriend, Bryan.” Oliver got this confused look on his face. “I thought you were with Kevon?” I nodded. “I was with Kevon. But we broke up. Didn’t you know?” Oliver grinned and shook his head, swinging his dreadlocks. Then he extended his hand to Bryan and said, “Nice to meet you, Brother.” “And you, also,” Bryan nodded. “Veronica told me you’re a photographer.” “That’s right,” Oliver nodded. “What sort of photography do you do?” 171

Jon Bradbury “Good question! I do a lot of black and white photography, mostly of places and people, outside shots, stuff like that.” Bryan nodded. I said to him, “Bryan, Baby, would you please get me a drink?” Bryan nodded and went off. I hated being sneaky like that. But I wanted to hear what Oliver thought of Bryan. When Bryan went through the curtain, Oliver looked at me and said, “When Autumn told me you were with a white guy, I thought she was playing with me.” My voice slightly curious, I said, “Oh, Autumn told you?” “Relax, Veronica. She also told me you were happier than she’d ever seen you. I believe her now.” I thawed out some. “Why didn’t you believe her in the first place?” “Sorry, Veronica. I just couldn’t imagine you with a white guy.” I smiled. “Well, Oliver, you’re just going to have to get used to it. I love him and that’s all there is to it. You should know love is strange.” Oliver nodded. The one before Kevon, we were over months ago, but he still has feelings for me. I don’t have feelings for him, though. I stopped having feelings for him a long time ago. I realized that I did love him, just not the way he loved me. 172

Colorblind “Yeah,” he sighed. “Guess it is. Why don’t you two go in? The exhibit begins in five minutes. Speaking of crazy love,” he chuckled, “Tommy and Autumn came in couple of minutes ahead of you.” I smiled and said, “Thanks, Oliver. We’ll find them.” I saw Bryan coming back with my drink. I hooked my arm through Bryan’s and we went inside the exhibit hall. There we bumped into Autumn. “Hi guys!” She hugged Bryan and kissed him on the cheek. Then she hugged me and said, “Damn, you sure know how to dress, Baby.” Autumn wore an ankle-length short-sleeved black dress with black leather high-heeled sandals. Tommy looked very artsy in a black turtleneck sweater, black trousers, and black shoes. He seemed to be having a lot of fun—Bryan and he were talking together and high-fiving each other. I was only slightly relieved to discover that Tommy and Bryan weren’t the only white people in the room. In fact about half the people there were white. I looked around and I saw quite a few familiar faces. I waved and said hi to a lot of them, and introduced Bryan to them as my boyfriend. I was a little nervous about that. The reactions were mixed—mostly friendly nods, but some of the people were actually a little bit cold to us! Like it was a crime for people of 173

Jon Bradbury different races to be together in a relationship! Autumn and Tommy were very pleased to see us together, and very supportive. That gave me courage. After a few minutes of socializing with the crowd, Oliver took the stage on the other side of the room. We all turned and applauded for him. “Thank you, thank you,” he said. “Thank you all for coming. Especially Veronica over there. Without her I wouldn’t be standing here.” I blushed as people politely applauded. “At any rate, I hope you enjoy my photographs, and if you have any questions for me, I will be circulating. Again, thank you.” More polite applause as we moved down the hallway to look at the photos. **** About an hour later, I was looking at a photo of children playing when Autumn nudged me. “What, Autumn?” I didn’t even budge from staring at the photo. She nudged me again. “Veronica.” Impatiently, I said, “What?” “Look, Veronica.” I looked and there was Kevon. And he had a woman with him. The woman was nearly as tall as he was, wearing a sleeveless denim dress and fishnet stockings with black high heels. I hoped 174

Colorblind that enabled her to reach him. I didn’t have even a hint of jealousy. Just then, Bryan came back over and said, “No, don’t tell me. That’s the old boyfriend, right?” I smiled and said, “Yes, that’s Kevon. The old boyfriend.” “Yeah,” Tommy sneered. “What an asshole.” Bryan nodded. “You want to leave?” I took Bryan’s arm and squeezed it. “No, Bryan. Seeing him here doesn’t do a thing for me, good or bad.” Autumn and I continued to expound on the photo of the children when Kevon came over. “Hi, Veronica,” he said slickly. “Hello, Kevon,” I said coolly. “How are you, Veronica?” He was trying to lay the charm routine on me. I reached over and took Bryan’s hand and squeezed. “We,” I said deliberately, “are doing just fine, Kevon.” Kevon actually looked shocked for a second. He said, “I’d heard you were with some white guy. I didn’t believe it.” “Why?” I asked with a definite tinge of hostility in my voice. “Because no white man can do for you what I can, as a black man,” he said with confidence and pride. People around him murmured agreement and nodded. 175

Jon Bradbury “Yes, well, let me tell you something, as a black woman,” I said, not holding back one bit. I was surrounded by Bryan, Autumn and Tommy. “I need a lot more than a big dick to satisfy me.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” he asked. The corridor we were in was dead silent now. I could see it in their faces that the women already knew what I meant. “Exactly what it’s supposed to mean,” I said frostily. “If you think that you can fuck me a few times and not even make me come and call it doing something for me, then this white man,” I squeezed my man’s hand, “can teach you a few things.” The women were trying not to giggle. Kevon’s date, or whatever she was, was just about ready to die on the spot. The men were thinking hard, I saw. “This sweet, decent man knows how to treat a woman,” I said, boring into Kevon’s pride—his most precious possession. “I don’t see his skin color any more, because he is everything I have been looking for in a man. So why don’t you go with this black woman who isn’t terrified of that schlong you’ve got and bang her with it?” People were actively giggling now, black and white, male and female. I felt sorry for Kevon, but only for a minute. I had tried to break it off with him politely, without 176

Colorblind bringing up embarrassing information. He got what was coming to him. I tugged on Bryan’s hand and took him further down the hall to look at more pictures. Autumn had a wicked grin on her face. “What?” I smiled. “What’s the grin for?” “Never mess with a black woman,” Autumn said to Bryan. She turned to me. “You had yourself a real bitch moment.” I laughed. “Thanks. I think.” **** Out in the main room, Bryan and I were talking as we slow-danced. “I, umm, I hope I didn’t embarrass you back there,” I said contritely. Bryan shook his head and smiled. “No, Veronica, not at all. In fact, I feel better now than I have since we met.” “Why’s that?” “Because I feel the same way about you—I’ve found the perfect woman, and I couldn’t care less that you’re black.” I felt a really big smile tug at my mouth. I kissed him, then I said, “Well, this perfect woman has a surprise for her perfect man.” “What?” he smile-whispered. I snuggled closer to him, put my arms around his neck, and whispered in his ear, “Try to find 177

Jon Bradbury where my underwear is.” I felt his hands move up and down my back and then around my sides, trying to find a bra through my dress. I smiled encouragement at him. Then I felt his hands move down my sides onto the curve of my lower back. I felt like I was floating away from all his touching and the leather rubbing against my skin. I exhaled a little and leaned against him, moaning a little bit. “I, uh, can’t find any underwear,” he said kind of shyly. “Was I not supposed to?” I nodded and smiled. “Uh-huh.” I kissed him, a hot kiss, and said, “What I would really like to do now is go home, so you can take this dress off me....” Bryan nodded. “Sounds like a good idea,” he said breathily. We said goodnight to Oliver. Then we stopped long enough to let Autumn and Tommy know we were leaving. Both of the men were grinning to each other. She hugged both me and Bryan, and winked at me and mouthed, You go, girl. We giggled and I tugged on Bryan’s hand and we left. I didn’t even say anything to the poor doorman, but I did wave at him. Then we were gone. We were halfway to his place when Bryan suddenly said, “I just need to make one stop and then home to my place.” “Okay,” I said. 178

Colorblind He pulled into the parking lot of a small mall. He looked at me and smiled. “Ten minutes, more or less. Be right back, Veronica.” I watched him get out and close the door behind him. After he left, I touched up my makeup, paying particular attention to my lips. Suddenly putting on lipstick turned into a sensuous preparation ritual—for my man. Bryan was gone for less time than he said. He got back in the car carrying a big plastic bag. The bag smelled wonderful and reminded me I haven’t eaten since lunch. “Baby, did you get Chinese food?” “Yep, sure did,” he smiled. “I love you,” I said impulsively. Bryan blushed a little and said, “Now—to home.” He started his car and drove off. I smiled at him because I got the distinct feeling he was rushing to get home. He drove faster than I’ve normally seen him drive. But he was still careful. Soon he was leading me into an apartment building. Down a quiet, softly lit hallway with hardwood floors. Then into a platform elevator. Up one floor. Halfway down another hallway. Inside the third door. ****

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Jon Bradbury Bryan’s apartment is huge. Wow. A high ceiling! Polished hardwood floors. Some rugs. Obviously well-used but comfortable furniture, a rather faded brown color, on the left. A TV was on the right. Way in the back, a cozy little kitchen was on the left. The one bedroom was on the right, across from the kitchen. Bryan started getting the little containers out of the bag and started setting the table. But I took his hand with mine, holding my bag with my other hand. “Excuse me,” I said sexily. He said nervously, “Uhh, aren’t you, uhh, hungry?” “Remember, I wanted to get home so you can take this dress off.” So he led me by the hand into his bedroom, the food on the table completely forgotten for now. He opened the door and turned the lights on softly. I looked around. The room was cozy, complete with a big bed, with flannel sheets and a thick blanket on top, and a dresser. Next to the bed was a nightstand, with a clock radio and a little spray bottle. I picked up the bottle and said, slyly, “Where did you get this from?” Bryan smiled and shrugged. “This really nice lady at the aromatherapy shop suggested that I buy that.” “Has it helped you any?” I asked softly. Bedroom soft. 180

Colorblind “Yeah,” he nodded. “A big help.” Suddenly I turned to him and started kissing him on the lips. I dropped my bag on the floor and just held onto him and returned his caresses, running my hands through his curly hair. Kissing all the way, he led me over to the bathroom. We halted just before the bathroom door. I kissed him passionately, with my tongue in full-on mode, luxuriating in his soft gentle caresses. He moved his hands up my arms, to my shoulders, and then he played with my breasts through my dress. He quickly slipped off the sleeves from my shoulders so he could feast on my suddenly naked chocolate mounds. Lord, I nearly melted. I sat down on the bed and he kneeled before me. I smiled at him and he pushed my dress up around my waist and I willingly spread my legs for him. I was already wet and breathing deeply, in that whole bedroom eyes thing, but I arched my back and called his name when I felt his tongue begin to lap against my femininity. “Oooohhh yeah, Baby,” I cried out loud as I pushed his head closer towards my pussy. I sat there, my back arched, one hand grabbing a handful of blanket while the other was grabbing a handful of his curly hair, exulting in the hot sweet rush of passion. Bryan never hurried. His tongue 181

Jon Bradbury was his only key to unlocking me, the only key he needed. Oh God, he was bringing me up with such delicious slowness, taking his sweet little time. Once again he was reducing me to a quivering pile of womanhood who couldn’t say anything coherent, just to hold on to something and make lusty female noises. Finally I came. I felt myself come, over and over again. I must have awakened the whole building. Finally he pulled back from my honey pot. I said, “Come here,” and took his face in my hands and kissed him so good. Then I said, softly, “Thank you, Baby.” He smiled. “It was my pleasure,” he whispered. I kissed him again, softly. “You are so sweet,” I whispered back. “Speaking of your pleasure—a tongue lashing like that should not go unrewarded.” And with that, I exchanged places with him. First, I stood up and pushed my dress back down, pulled it back up. Then I got down between his legs and very slowly unzipped his trousers. Giggling, I put my hand inside and rooted around. I heard him laugh too, until I found what I was looking for, then I heard him gasp. I gently brought it out and held it in my fingers. Looking up, I asked Bryan lustfully, “Do you mind if I stroke you up?” I ran my nails up his hardening shaft. 182

Colorblind Bryan gasped out “No.” “Do you mind if I stroke you down?” I teased him. I slowly stroked him with my fingers and nails. And then I took his super hard shaft in my mouth and sucked on him, fast, just the head. Bryan gasped out loud and started fucking my mouth. That’s when I just sucked him, the whole length, nice and easy. I felt his hips moving back and forth in time with my sucking. I heard him grunting and groaning. I moaned with him in my mouth. “Veronica, I’m gonna come,” he grunted. I just looked up at him and sucked faster. I wanted him to come in my mouth! I sucked and sucked, and he moaned and groaned, and I moaned more while I sucked him. I felt his manhood throbbing for release. Then I finally felt him explode in my mouth. **** After a little while, we both stood up and kissed. “As I was saying,” Bryan grinned, just like Cheshire cat. “Yeeessss,” I grinned back. “Make yourself comfortable before dinner if you want. Bathroom’s over there.” I went over and cracked the door open. A bathtub! I turned back and looked at him. “You 183

Jon Bradbury are in so much trouble right now,” I laughed. “A woman and a bathtub were meant to go together, you know that?” Bryan smiled. “Take as long as you want. Towels are there in the closet. Make yourself at home, Veronica.” I got my bag and went inside. But Bryan stopped me. “What?” I smiled. “I still haven’t taken your dress off,” he reminded me. I kissed him, then said, “My sweet Baby.” First I undid the catch on my high-heeled sandals. I kicked my shoes off—ahhhh, there— then Bryan helped me slip out of my leather dress. I felt his hands caress my bare skin. He helped me put my hair up. Then he massaged my neck and shoulders. Oh God. It doesn’t get any better than this. He closed the door and left me to my bath. While I ran a hot bath, I went to my bag and pulled out my bath gel. I poured some in and stirred. I luxuriated in the warm water and softening bubbles, thinking back over the last three or four weeks. I wasn’t exaggerating to the people in the art center, I really didn’t see his skin color any more. He wasn’t a white man to me, but my man. That’s what really counted. That his parents had accepted me as a woman, and not as a black woman, and as his girlfriend, also counted for a 184

Colorblind great deal. I climbed out and dried off, leaving my hair pinned up. Then I pulled out of my bag a special surprise for Bryan—a butter yellow satin and lace camisole that had super thin spaghetti straps and came to my calves, and had a very high slit up one side. I looked at the bed and was tempted to lie down and fall asleep, but you know how I get when I’ve been satisfied—I get hungry. My tummy growled and I went into the living room. Bryan was in the kitchen, reheating dinner as I came up behind him and slipped my arms around his waist. He had changed clothes too, in a pair of blue flannel loungers and a white T-shirt. “Well, don’t you just look too comfortable,” I smiled. He turned around and said, “I feel comfortable. And you look pretty.” I said, “Thank you.” We kissed and we went to the couch and sat down with our plates. I attacked my dinner. We sat and ate in comfortable silence. Then suddenly I had noticed what I had done with my ring, when I had put it back on—I had put it on the third finger of my left hand. I took a deep breath and said, “Bryan?” He looked up from his plate. “Yes, Veronica?” I lifted my hand slowly and wiggled my fingers at him. “What do you think of my ring here?” He took my left hand cautiously and delicately. “You really want to?” 185

Jon Bradbury I lightly, lovingly stroked the side of his face with my other hand. “More than anything, Bryan.” “I can’t propose like this,” he said. “Why not?” I frowned. “I would have to meet your parents before I proposed,” he said. “And you’ve already met mine, of course.” “You don’t need to meet my parents. They wouldn’t be as tolerant as the people in the art center tonight.” Bryan sighed and frowned deeply. “Because I’m white?” I nodded. “Because you’re white.” I took his chin. “Listen, Bryan. I wasn’t kidding when I said all that in the art center. We can be happy together, and let everyone else be their racist selves. I only want you.” Bryan suddenly stood up and said, “Well, there is one thing I need.” I said, “What’s that?” But Bryan had already disappeared back inside his bedroom. My heart skipped a beat when he sat back down on the couch and opened a little velvet box to reveal a gold diamond solitaire ring. Bryan took my left hand again and slipped the ring on my finger, and said, “Will you marry me, Veronica Moore?” I kissed him. “Yes. Yes!” 186

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**** In the morning, we went for a little drive. I had quickly learned not to ask any questions, because this was a surprise. My curiosity was about to get the better of me, especially when it became clear we were getting close to Autumn and Tommy’s house. When he pulled up to the curb directly across the street in front of a different house, I could not contain myself. “Would someone like to tell me,” I said, laughing, “what is going on?” That’s when Bryan suddenly produced a set of keys and dropped them in my lap. “Hope you like your new house, Mrs. Edwards,” Bryan said quietly. I started to cry. “Baby,” I said, my lower lip quivering. “I love you so much.”

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About the Author Jon Bradbury is a customer care associate for a national phone company, but what he really wants to do is write, and that is what he has done since high school, where his English teacher helped him discover this rare ability. Since then he has strove to be a better writer and man. His interests include movies and music, books and magazines, cooking and working out. He is currently single and lives in Reno, Nevada.

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