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Simply Aubrey

He grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her face to his. He wrapped his lips around hers and kissed her. Aubrey tried to fight him but she weakened and kissed him back. She felt herself unbuckle his pants, but she did not stop herself. Salim hurriedly unbuttoned her shirt, and she pulled his shirt over his head. She wanted to fight him, but she also wanted him. As they fell onto the couch, she slapped him hard. He hesitated for a moment and then pulled her closer to him. Closer to his manhood. She gasped as he entered her hard and fast. Aubrey couldn’t remember whether she had locked the front door but that did not matter. The man that she loved and searched for so desperately was shifting his love in and out of her quivering love pool. She sunk her fingernails into the flesh of his back pulling him deeper. Deeper into the pool. She wanted him to drown in it. As his body began to tremble, she felt a tingling sensation race up her spine and her back arched. Her breath stuck in her throat and she held to him tightly. He lay still on her breasts that were still wrapped in her lace bra. Her legs twitched and shook as she tried to catch her breath. She had just made love to a man that had left her and returned without a warning. She tried to piece together how she should feel, but the good feeling racing through her bloodstream from the sex wouldn’t let her. Aubrey decided to relax her mind and enjoy the time that Salim expected to stay. She let her fingertips walk up and down his bare and moist back. He gently kissed her shoulder and neck. She had not felt this way in months. She no longer felt alone. This tall, chocolate-covered man loved her. His breathing became steady and he slightly snored. She smiled at the realization that he was asleep. She stared at the ceiling and let out a sigh of relief. She closed her eyes and relaxed.

But that wasn’t the beginning.

This love affair began on a cloudy day in April years ago. Aubrey Toussaint lay in her bed covered in pillows and soft linens and daydreamed about the day she had met her husband Salim Toussaint. She smiled as she reminisced how nervous they had been on their first date. Now, she lay in their bed alone. He was gone. Aubrey sighed. He had been working longer hours at his job at the community center he owned. She grabbed his pillow and pressed it against her face. She inhaled his scent. It had been a long time since they had spent time together. He never made it home in time for dinner anymore, and he was long gone before she awoke in the morning. All she was left with was a pot of cold coffee. She tossed the pillow to the side and stretched. She loved her husband more than the air she breathed and she couldn’t imagine life without him. She just wished their relationship was like it was when they were just dating; exciting, fun, and fulfilling. Aubrey was younger then. But her looks hadn’t faded. She was a tall, slender woman with dark hair that flowed to the middle of her back. Freckles covered her nose and upper cheeks. Her dark eyes were bold and stunning. Salim had once told her that that feature alone had made him fall in love with her. Salim was a handsome man. He had played football in college and was a regular at the local gym. Aubrey loved when he embraced her with his strong arms. She always rested her head on his brawny chest and became lost in his heartbeat. They were perfect together. They made each other laugh with ease, and they had a love for giving back to their community. Aubrey was a teacher at an elementary school in the neighborhood. They both loved children although they had none of their own. Due to a mishap during an abortion Aubrey had when she was younger, she couldn’t bear children. The moment that the fertility doctor announced that fact to the hopeful couple their world crashed. Curses bounced off the walls for weeks because of their dismay. They weren’t angry at each other. They were upset at the cards they had been dealt. The arguments, the breaking of dishes, and the tears lasted until they were exhausted. Aubrey and Salim realized they were fighting over something that neither one was at fault of.

Aubrey checked her cell phone. She had no missed calls or messages. She sighed looked around their spacious bedroom. They were not rich but they brought enough income home to be comfortable. They purchased their home two years after the nuptials. Aubrey lifted herself from the bed and slipped on her slippers. It was Saturday. She didn’t know whether her husband was at the gym or at the center. She shrugged. She had stopped worrying herself about his whereabouts months ago. She almost didn’t care. Truth was if she ever found out he was unfaithful, she wouldn’t be a law-abiding citizen. Aubrey walked into the kitchen and found a half eaten bagel and a pot of lukewarm coffee. She wondered what he had decided to wear today. She imagined him in a fitted t-shirt and jeans. It was the weekend so she knew he would be casual. She picked up the half eaten bagel and took a bite. She poured herself a glass of orange juice and headed to their den. The thought of cold coffee wasn’t appetizing.  The blinds were still closed so she knew he hadn’t come into that room that morning.  As she walked towards the windows to open the blinds, she noticed Salim’s briefcase was in the same spot he had left it last night. He never went to the center without it. Aubrey frowned. Maybe he was at the gym. She glanced at her watch. It was after ten. Salim didn’t like crowds of people and preferred to work out alone. He wouldn’t be there this late. Just to feed her curiosity she went back to their bedroom. She opened their closet doors and found his gym bag. Aubrey frowned again. Where the hell was her husband? Aubrey took another bite of the bagel. She picked up her phone and dialed his number.

The phone rang over and over and over. No answer. Aubrey’s face twisted into a grimace. Where the hell was her damn husband? She let his outgoing voicemail play but did not intend to leave a message. What did she need to leave a message for? Caller I.D. had been invented years ago. He knew who was calling him. His wife of three years. Supposedly, the love of his life. Aubrey stormed out of their bedroom and headed back to the den that also served as their office. She attempted to calm herself down. There had to be an explanation, she rationalized with herself. The possibly of him being hurt came to mind and hit her heart. Sit down and breathe, she told herself. Her mind was spinning. Numerous scenarios raced through her thoughts. It was too early for such drama. After twenty minutes and ten unanswered phone calls to Salim, Aubrey convinced herself that her husband was okay and he had somehow misplaced his phone. He would be home soon and explain the entire situation to her. A distraction was necessary. The clock read close to eleven. Maybe a good movie was on Lifetime. Aubrey shook her head. It would be just her luck it would be a movie about an unfaithful man playing. Or maybe an unexplained disappearance that was found to be a murder. There were ungraded test papers that needed to be attended to, but she knew her focus wasn’t there. A long, heavy sigh escaped her full lips. How did her world get flipped upside down in a matter of minutes? Aubrey opened her eyes and realized she had been on her couch doing some type of crazed breathing exercise. No. She was not going to lose her mind over an unanswered phone call. Well, it had actually been about fifteen unanswered outgoing calls to her husband. Finally, her concern converted into anger. Oh, Salim was going to get an earful when he returned home. That was it. Aubrey stood from the edge of the couch and headed back to their bedroom. Her mind had been made up. She was going to shower, get dressed, and do something. She just hadn’t decided what exactly that was going to be.

The water was steaming hot. At first, it stung. Just as the thought of Salim committing adultery had. The sound of the water and the thick mist it created calmed her shaken nerves. Aubrey washed herself until her fingers and toes wrinkled up like raisins. She turned the water off and exited the tub. She wrapped herself in an oversized towel and entered her bedroom. And there he was. Salim was sitting on the edge of the bed they shared with his face in his palms. Aubrey hesitated. What was should she do now? Curse him out for not answering her calls and having her scared? Or ask him what the other woman’s name was? No. Neither was the correct answer. She could tell by the slump in his shoulders that something was not right. Aubrey approached her husband slowly and called his name.

He looked up. He didn’t know what pained him more; the situation he had just endured or the look on his wife’s face. Salim watched silently as Aubrey walked towards him with tears welling in her eyes. He never intended to worry his love. He had felt his phone vibrate every time she had called, and it took every ounce of his being not to answer. The fact of the matter was he had kept a secret from Aubrey since they had begun dating. Well, she never asked so he never told. Technically, did that classify as a secret, let alone a lie? All of that did not matter. The woman that he adored was standing in front of him smelling of scented soaps covered in a towel. If he didn’t have so much on his mind he would have taken that beautiful woman right then and there. The thoughts of making love to his wife were interrupted by Aubrey’s soft voice. She was standing right in front of him with a genuine look of confusion.

Honestly, Aubrey was lost. How was she supposed to feel when her husband, who had just been missing in action thirty minutes ago, was in front of her with a demeanor of hurt and fatigue? She touched his cheek and looked him in his eyes. Answers were necessary. Right now. Salim didn’t move her soft hand. Truth be told, it was exactly what he needed. He placed his hand on hers and motioned for her to sit beside him. At that very moment her heart dropped. Aubrey’s emotions were on a wild rollercoaster and she desperately wanted that ride to end. Still wrapped in a towel, she sat beside her love.

“Baby, stop looking like that.”

Aubrey’s face jerked back as if she had been slapped. “What am I supposed to look like, Salim?”

He sighed. His wife was right. “I know you want to know where I’ve been.” He began to speak but he wouldn’t look her in her eyes. “I have a half-brother by my mother. She was young and she gave him up for adoption.” He stopped to keep his emotions under control. His mother had passed away six years ago from breast cancer. The wound had yet to heal completely. He took a deep breath. “I met him after Mama died. His name is Phillip.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about him?” Aubrey interrupted him. She was confused beyond measure, but she knew there was more. The way her husband’s shoulders slumped as if the world were sitting upon them was a giveaway.

“I didn’t know.” Salim bowed his head. “I didn’t know. Phil told me he was out of work and needed some help, so I let him stay with me. This was way before you and I met. It worked out for a few months. It was perfect. I finally had the brother I never knew I had.” Another heavy sigh. “Things started to come up missing. At first it was little things. Then the grill, the microwave…well the day the gold watch Mama gave me for my graduation came up missing, I knew what was up. Phil was strung out on heroin. We had a huge fight and I kicked him out. Told him I never wanted to see him again.”

Aubrey sat in silence. She was trying to make sense of it all, but it was too much at once. The least that she understood was why Salim was upset. She could sort of wrap her mind around his reasoning for not telling her about his estranged half-brother. But what did Phil have to do with her husband not answering his phone this morning?

Salim continued. “Phillip was dating a girl named Brittney Cooper when we lived together. She called me this morning.” He paused and inhaled deeply. “She had to identify his body last night.” Another pause. “He overdosed a few days ago in a rundown motel.”

Aubrey did not know what to say. She sat there in silence while her mind raced wild. She couldn’t possibly fathom the way her husband felt. She had siblings but they were alive and well. Without another thought, Aubrey gently grabbed her husband’s head and placed it against her chest. Her fingers gracefully ran through his soft curls as he cried into the towel still surrounding her bare body. They didn’t speak a word as Salim cried and his wife rubbed his back. Finally, Aubrey lifted his face and wiped the tears from his cheeks with her nimble fingers. She looked into his eyes and whispered. “It’s going to be okay, love. It hurts now, but your brother is at peace. No more drugs. No more pain.” She kissed his forehead and lips softly.

Salim nodded. His wife always knew when to speak, and what to say when necessary. She was right. But his spirit was being torn apart by regret. He should have been there for his brother during his time of need. He should not have died alone in some filthy motel bed. The last words he spoke to his brother had been replaying in his head since the news escaped Brittney’s lips. He had been so cruel to Phillip. Now, it was time to plan his funeral. Salim was the only family he had left. Mama had passed away years ago, and no one knew who Phillip’s father was because she never told. This was definitely an unexpected expense, but money was the least of his concerns. He wanted his only brother to forgive him. It was far too late for that.

Aubrey stood. She knew when her husband needed to be alone with his thoughts. Arrangements needed to be made. First, she was going to get out of this damp towel. She kissed his forehead and walked to their dresser. She needed to put on something quick. She would make her husband lunch and a pot of tea. Phone calls needed to be made. A heavy sigh escaped her lips. Visitors were bound to come. She dropped her towel onto the floor and began to apply lotion to her dry skin. Before she could slip on her panties, she felt her husband standing behind her. His warm breath tickled the back of her moist neck.  Salim turned her around and fell to his knees. He pulled her body towards him gently and buried his face in her stomach and wrapped his arms around her waist. Aubrey froze. The only thing she could do was run her fingers through his hair as he cried like a newborn baby. Once he had stopped, Salim looked up at his wife with reddened eyes. Aubrey wiped his face with her palms, and stared at him. The bond they had was one of a kind. If her love was in despair, it was her duty to make sure she made that come to an end quickly. Aubrey loved her husband dearly and hated to see him distraught. After awhile, he stood to his feet and kissed her. She kissed him back completely exposed; towel and underwear on the floor. Salim admired her body for a moment as if he had never seen it before, and then laid Aubrey across their bed. Before she knew it his clothes were off. He covered every inch of her body with butterfly kisses. Chills ran up and down her spine, and she tried to control her body from jerking and shaking but was unsuccessful. His strong hands grabbed her waist to keep his love from moving away from his exploring tongue. Moans escaped her vocal cords. Just when Aubrey thought she was going to explode he entered her swiftly, but gently. She arched her back and allowed him to give her all of him. Her attempts to muffle her screams by biting her tongue failed. She grabbed a handful of sheets tightly to keep her sanity. That didn’t work either. Finally, he flipped her over on her stomach and she clenched her teeth on a nearby pillow. His wife could hold it back no longer. She screamed the loudest scream ever and her body quivered. Salim soon after collapsed on her back. He moved her long hair and kissed her back as he tried to catch his breath. Aubrey faintly smiled. She was exhausted but indeed satisfied.

She exited their bed and took another shower. Aubrey quietly laughed as she attempted to get dressed again. Hopefully, her husband would leave her alone this time. After successfully getting dressed and doing her hair, she headed to the kitchen to make her husband something to eat and a pot of hot tea. Of course, the situation with his brother was still on her mind. But if they were both emotional wrecks nothing would get accomplished. She made a few calls to family members and advised them not to come until later that night. Some of his family was not as cooperative. His aunt, Benita Jones, would be there in two hours. Aubrey yelled up the stairs and told her husband to get in the shower. Benita and Aubrey got along. She was just a stubborn woman, and ever since Salim’s mother had passed she had been a tidbit overprotective. But she showed Aubrey respect as Salim’s wife.

Salim pulled a shirt over his head. He didn’t know what had come over him. But as he watched his wife standing in their bedroom naked rubbing sweet smelling lotions on her soft skin, he wanted her. He wanted to release his frustration. Salim smirked. What better way was there? Thoughts of his brother still lingered in his mind. He probably would never forgive himself for kicking Phillip out into the cold, lonely streets. Salim’s heart hurt. What was done is done. He joined Aubrey in their eat-in kitchen. She placed a chicken salad sandwich in front of her husband. She asked if he wanted chips or salad. He declined both. He honestly wasn’t hungry but he knew his wife would fuss until he ate something.

The doorbell rang.

Aubrey looked at the oversized clock on their kitchen wall and frowned. Aunt Benita shouldn’t be here yet. Salim said nothing as he ate his sandwich. She wiped her hands on a dish towel and walked towards the door. Truth be told, Aubrey was displeased that someone would come over unannounced especially at a time like this. Aubrey threw the door open to find a petite woman standing in front of her. She was extremely small and her eyes were sunken. She looked nervous and bowed her head. Aubrey assumed the woman was probably one of Phillip’s drug addict friends. The question that baffled her more was who the little boy was standing with her.

Aubrey stood there for a moment. The little boy favored Salim a little. Aubrey finally remembered her manners and spoke. “Hi. My name is Aubrey.” She was speaking to the frail woman but her eyes never left the small child. He was handsome but she could tell he was timid from his posture.

“Hi. I’m Brittney. This is my son, Ryan.” The woman spoke.

Aubrey beamed a smile and released the tension in her shoulders. “Oh my! Hello. Come in.” She stepped aside and allowed them to enter her home. She closed the door behind them and led them to the living room. “Honey, Brittney is here!” She yelled to her husband. Aubrey told them to have a seat on the couch. Aubrey didn’t know much about Brittney other than the fact that she dated Phillip, but she figured that Brittney felt some way about his death. Salim finally joined them. He gave Brittney a hug and affectionately rubbed Ryan’s head. Aubrey was a little confused.

“Would you like some hot tea?” She asked Brittney. Brittney declined. “How about you, cutie? Would you like something to drink?” Ryan didn’t say a word. He simply shook his head. Aubrey knew it would take some time before he felt comfortable enough to speak. She took her husband’s hand and sat on the loveseat.

“Aubrey, remember I told you about Phil’s girlfriend, Brittney? This is their son, Ryan. I told them to stop by when I saw them earlier at the morgue.” Salim noticed the slight look of confusion on his wife’s face.

Aubrey finally understood. “Oh, so that handsome young man is my nephew!” She smiled at Ryan hoping he would smile back. He didn’t. “How old are you, Ryan?” No answer.

“He’s six.” Brittney answered.

Aubrey nodded her head. She could never imagine losing her father now. Let alone at the age of six. This was probably one of the saddest days of this young boy’s life. No wonder he didn’t want to talk. Aubrey decided to learn more about Brittney instead. “So do you all live around here?”

“Well. I was staying in Coral Gables, but now that Phil’s gone I’m going back to Boston to stay with my grandmother.”

Aubrey had been to that part of Florida before so she knew where Brittney was referring to. Coral Gables wasn’t that far from Tamarac, Florida. “I’m so sorry about your loss. I can tell he meant a lot to you.” Aubrey knew if she ever lost Salim she would lose her mind. She definitely wouldn’t be as cool, calm, and collective as Brittney. This woman sitting before her had to identify the dead body of the father of her child. That had to be tough.

“We’ve been apart for two years but he was a great father. He loved Ryan so much, and their relationship meant a lot to me.” She looked over at her son, who still had yet to even make a noise.

“It’s crazy that he never told me that he had a son.” Salim spoke up. “We lived together for six months and he never brought Ryan to the house. I just don’t understand.” He shook his head. Aubrey reached over for her husband’s hand quietly and gently squeezed it. She knew he was still trying to cope with the death of his half-brother.

“That was a rough time in his life, Salim. He had lost the mother he had been searching for ever since he found out he had been adopted. I believe that’s when his drug habit got out of hand. He was devastated. There were a lot of unanswered questions that haunted him.” Brittney’s tone was flat. Aubrey couldn’t understand how she wasn’t breaking down at the mere mention of her ex-boyfriend. Has this woman even cried, Aubrey wondered.

“That’s understandable.” Aubrey said and Salim nodded in agreement.

“I just wish he had told me so that I could have been a part of Ryan’s life.” Salim stated.

“And you still can, baby. We can spend time with him before they head to Boston.” Aubrey attempted to cheer him up.

“Yes. We aren’t leaving until the funeral, Salim. Ryan probably needs you the most right now.” Brittney offered.

Salim stared at Ryan with tears welling in his eyes. “Man, he looks just like Phil.” Aubrey squeezed her husband’s hand tighter.

“Baby, I think I left my cellphone upstairs. People are probably calling. Can you get it for me, please?”

Salim got up quickly. “Yeah, I’ll get it.” And he was gone. He knew Aubrey had sent him on this mission to give him a moment to cry and pull himself back together. They both knew he didn’t want to break down in front of Ryan. They had to be strong for him.

“So how did you meet Phillip?” Aubrey asked once Salim had disappeared up the stairs.

Brittney smiled for a brief second. The first display of emotion Aubrey had seen from her since she found her on her doorstep. “I met Phillip at a jazz lounge out in Boston.”

“Really?”

“Yes. He was performing. Phil was a great singer.”

Phillip seemed to have so much going for him. What made him turn to drugs? And how in the world did he end up overdosing in a rundown motel room? Aubrey wished she had met her brother in-law. He sounded like an interesting man. “Wow.”

“That night it seemed like he sung to my soul, and he left the lounge with my heart.” Her eyes became cold. “It just wasn’t meant to be.”

Aubrey could tell something had happened between Phillip and Brittney, and it wasn’t good. “Are you all hungry? I have some chicken salad left. I could whip up a couple sandwiches.”

“No, thank you. We are about to leave.” Brittney stood up and Ryan followed suit.

Aubrey didn’t even attempt to hide her look of confusion. Did she offend Brittney? Why was she leaving so soon without an explanation? “Oh. Well, let me get Salim so he can tell you goodbye.” Aubrey quickly exited the living room to get her love. Maybe he could convince Brittney to stay a little while longer.

It was the day of Phillip Morris’ funeral. The week had been emotionally draining for not only Salim but his wife, Aubrey, as well. The couple hadn’t seen or heard from Brittney since she rushed out of the house with Ryan in tow. They were extremely worried about them. Salim had hoped to spend some time with his nephew before he moved away to Boston. He never mentioned it but Aubrey was fully aware that her husband was disappointed and hurt. The funeral had been nice and simple, and Salim and Aubrey got a chance to meet Phillip’s adoptive parents and some of his old friends. She wouldn’t tell her love but she was extremely upset that Brittney hadn’t been by to see them and even had the audacity not to show up at the funeral. Aubrey was convinced that Brittney was using some type of drug, and she was close to calling child protective services. But she didn’t want to jump to conclusions, and she didn’t want to start kicking up dust especially at this difficult time in her husband’s life.

The repast was held at Salim’s community center.  Salim and Aubrey sat at a table with Phillip’s adoptive parents; William and Sharon Poole. They entertained their guests, but Aubrey and Salim had barely spoken a word to each other. They remained at each other’s side and held hands occasionally. She was actually used to the silence and it didn’t bother her. Salim was barely at home when she was there, and when he was home he was in the office working. The holding of hands was more of a façade for their guests. They loved each other very much, but their relationship had gotten to the point when words were unnecessary. Their marriage was almost a routine. Aubrey tolerated it but she was not happy about how their relationship was going. She missed the days when they went out on the town for dinner and attended occasional wine tastings. She missed the nights they would spend wrapped in each other’s arms laughing and talking about any and everything. She sighed. This was the first time they had been out of the house together in months. She wondered where they went terribly wrong. Had she changed? Was Salim simply bored with her? A million thoughts of how to rekindle the flame in their marriage raced through Aubrey’s head while she sat next to her husband, who was engaged in a conversation with one of Phillip’s old band mates. Everything came to an abrupt halt when she noticed Brittney and Ryan entering the room. Numerous emotions rose in her chest. Aubrey didn’t know what to do or so say to the small woman. First, she wanted to see what her husband’s feelings were. She leaned over to her husband and whispered in his ear that Brittney was there. Salim’s head jerked as he searched for her. Once he spotted her, he excused himself from the table and headed her way. Aubrey watched as her love spoke to her.

Brittney wore a pair of black pants that showed her panty line and a black shawl over a gray camisole. Aubrey assumed the woman didn’t have formal attire. Ryan was wearing a pair of jeans and a collar shirt. His face was sad but he was still precious. Aubrey wanted to go to him and plant kisses all over his face until he finally smiled. She frowned. She had always wanted to give her husband a son, but she couldn’t. Her back stiffened and she cocked her head slightly to the side when she noticed Salim’s posture had changed and his hand movements were becoming more aggressive. Aubrey quickly excused herself from the table and joined her husband. The Salim and Brittney stopped talking when she approached, and Brittney rolled her eyes. Aubrey inhaled a deep breath before speaking. She wanted to choose her next words wisely.

“Hey, Brittney. We missed you two at the funeral and the burial ground.”

“Honey, Brittney was just telling me that she didn’t get to the burial site until after we were already gone.” Salim said stiffly.

Aubrey was confused. “Was it a transportation issue? We had plenty of room in the limo.”

“No. It wasn’t.” Brittney stated.

Aubrey could tell by Brittney’s stance and the tone of her voice that she was irritable. But Aubrey was the last person she wanted to have an attitude with. “Is there something wrong, Brittney? You never brought Ryan to the house to see us this week, you missed the funeral, and you show up to the repast late. What’s going on?”

“I came here because I can’t take Ryan with me to Boston.”

Aubrey was speechless. She looked up at her husband and noticed the look of disgust on his face. Brittney must have already told him the news. Aubrey cleared her throat. “Salim, take Ryan to our table and make him a plate. I know William and Sharon would love to see him.” Salim took Ryan’s hand and walked away. “Brittney, I think we need to talk, but not right here. Come with me.” Aubrey stated firmly. She was not asking permission. Brittney sucked her teeth but followed Aubrey out of the banquet room and into Salim’s office. She closed the door behind them and sat on her husband’s desk she had bought him for their last anniversary. “Brittney, I know something is going on, and I believe it has something to do with your relationship with Phillip. But what you are doing is not only affecting your son but also Salim, his brother.”

“What do you know?” Brittney spat. “You know nothing about Phillip or our son.”

“I’m not saying that I know you. What I am trying to say is I want to get to know you. I want to help you. Me and Salim want to help you.” Aubrey was sincere but still confused about where Brittney’s aggression was coming from.

“Help? Oh, now you want to give help? Fine! Take my son!” Brittney was yelling and had burst into tears.

“What? Why can’t you take your son with you?” Aubrey asked hesitant in approaching the volatile woman in front of her, but offered a tissue for the tears streaking her face.

Brittney snatched the tissue from Aubrey’s fingers and snarled. “You know nothing about us.” She roughly wiped her eyes and nose. “You know not a damn thing about what I had to deal with. Phil used to punch me in our kitchen. Shit. He hit me whenever he damned well pleased in any room in our home. Do you know how much I had to invest in cheap makeup to cover up the bruises from my friends and family? No, you don’t.” Her face became reddened and her eyes widened. “My son watched his father beat me. With every ounce of my being I tried to fight back my tears because I knew Ryan was looking. And you know what? Phil only hit me harder when I didn’t scream and cry. I hated him. And I guess it was some curse that my son looks just like him.”

Aubrey was speechless. What could she say? Her feelings of anger and disgust had disappeared and she was left looking like a complete fool. If Brittney was telling the truth, how could she expect her to display any type of emotion after the death of Phillip? She wanted to embrace Brittney but she was too late. The damage had been done.

Brittney continued. “I can’t stand to even look at my own son. You don’t have a clue how that feels. Do you?” Tears flowed from her eyes and soaked her shawl. “The only reason I went to the morgue and burial site is because I wanted to make sure he was dead. I wanted to prove to myself that he could never hurt me again.”

“Did he ever hurt Ryan?” Was the only question that Grayce could muster.

“No. He loved his son. Frankly, I believe he loved him more than me. Maybe he thought Ryan was some new beginning of himself. I really don’t care. I refuse to relive those moments of waking up to slaps on my cheek every time I look at my baby. I’m not taking him with me. I really don’t care who takes him. I know Sharon likes to take care of other people’s kids.” She sniffed and wiped her nose like a cocaine addict. Yes. Brittney was obviously high but there was definitely truth to what she was saying.

“No, Brittney. He can stay with us. We have no problem keeping our nephew. And I’m so sorry that you had to go through that. I had no idea.”

Brittney twisted her mouth and cut her eyes.

Aubrey had never been a victim of domestic violence and didn’t know anyone that had. She would never understand what Brittney had endured. But one thing that she did know was that she didn’t want Ryan growing up confused about his identity like his late father had.

“When I leave here, I’m not coming back.” Brittney was sincere and Aubrey could tell by the look on her face.

Aubrey was trying desperately to make sense of everything and plan out her next move. The main objective was to make sure Ryan was taken care of. But she was also aware that Brittney needed help. If she didn’t get the assistance that she needed she would end up just like Phillip; dead and cold in some cheap, musty motel. Aubrey inhaled deeply. She could handle any type of challenge thrown her way. She handed Brittney another tissue empathically and stared at her. Brittney wouldn’t look her in her eye, but that did not matter. Aubrey spoke clearly and firm. “I have no way of knowing what you have been through with Phillip or any other man in your life. I know I would never leave my child regardless of the situation. Do what you feel you must, but never look to me for respect. Yes, I sympathize with you because of the circumstances but whatever you went through with that man should have no bearing on how you feel about your son, your flesh and blood.”

Brittney opened her lips to speak. Aubrey raised her hand to silence her. She had heard enough.

“I am pretty sure that Salim had no idea what his brother did to you in front of Ryan, and at this point in time I’m not quite sure how I will tell my husband. But that’s none of your concern. I am going to check on our guests, Salim, and yes, your son. You take as much time as you need to reflect upon life and decide what you need to do. But I will say this; every child deserves to have their mother in their life.” With that Aubrey left her husband’s office with Brittney sitting in a chair looking dumbfounded. She was completely disgusted, confused, and saddened. She threw open the back doors to the building and stepped into the evening air. The lukewarm air caressed her skin and she looked up at the auburn sky searching for tranquility. Her mind was racing and her heart was pounding twice as fast. How bad did Phillip abuse Brittney for her to despise the fruit of her loins, the life she carried in her womb for however long? Aubrey would’ve sold her soul and her brand new Audi A-8 to become pregnant and give her love a child. It wasn’t her place to judge but she just couldn’t bring herself to understand Brittney’s rationale. She inhaled the cool air and closed her eyes. Everything would work itself out. Brittney was under the influence of her drug of choice and she would eventually realize she was wrong for deserting her responsibility. Aubrey stood outside for what seemed like an eternity. The streetlights had come on. Surely, her husband was looking for her. Then again, he may not have been. He never called when she stayed out late speaking with her students’ parents. She shivered. How could she take care of another person’s child when she couldn’t even revive her own marriage? What if the union between Salim and herself didn’t last? What would happen to Ryan then? Would Salim be able to take care of a troubled child on his own? Aubrey’s heart was heavy. Ryan had watched his mother being battered by his own father. This child was definitely scarred and needed counseling. His father had overdosed, and if his mother abandoned him now how would he react? He was only six years old. Aubrey glanced at the sky for a moment recited a brief prayer and re-entered the building.

Salim looked around for his wife. Aubrey had disappeared with Brittney forty-five minutes ago. He was fully aware of his wife’s temper and he prayed that she had somehow controlled her emotions while speaking with Ryan’s mother. He had followed Aubrey’s instructions, and his nephew was under the care of the only grandparents the young boy knew. Salim sat motionless as he watched his love finally reappear. He could tell by her posture and the pink hue in her cheeks that she was upset. Aubrey didn’t come to their table. She stood like a graceful statue in the threshold. She was staring intently at something. Salim’s eyes raced around the room trying to figure out what had caught her gaze. And there she was. Brittney walked over to the table where Ryan, Sharon, William, and Salim sat. She spoke briefly to the Poole’s without even glancing at Salim. She grasped her son’s hand and led him to an empty table nearby.

Aubrey watched as Brittney knelt in front of Ryan. Brittney spoke for a moment. Ryan nodded his head. The interaction only lasted a few minutes. Aubrey caught the eyes of her husband. She could tell he was exhausted and worried. She quickly returned her focus to the interaction between Brittney and the small child. Salim did the same. With a quick kiss on her son’s forehead Brittney left, passing Aubrey without a word. The salty tears and their tracks on her face didn’t stop her from leaving the repast without her firstborn son.

It had been a few weeks and Salim and Aubrey were still getting used to having a child in their home and life. Helping with Ryan’s homework and transporting him to and from school had been added to Aubrey’s list of daily duties. She didn’t mind at all. Aubrey enjoyed the fact that she no longer had to eat dinner alone. Ryan still didn’t say much but at least he was there. Salim’s workdays seemed to get longer. Aubrey sensed that he was still upset about the death of Phillip. Their conversations were short and he no longer held her at night as they slumbered. He had replaced her with an oversized pillow. When they made love it was unexpected and rough just as it had been the morning Phillip’s body had been identified. Aubrey’s heart was slowly being swallowed by uncertainty and anguish. She loved her husband dearly and she wanted to help him but she didn’t know where to begin. She figured she would give him space and eventually he would come to her when he was ready. She was thankful for Ryan because he kept her preoccupied. She had always wondered what life would be like with a child. It was everything she expected yet nothing like she desired. She had always envisioned dinners filled with laughter and chatter, and weekends in theme parks and movie theaters. Instead, it was simply her and Ryan. Salim was always conveniently busy at work. It seemed as if his work with the youth was more important than spending time with his wife and nephew. Aubrey did all the things she enjoyed doing with her father with Ryan to make up for his uncle’s absence. She took him fishing or to the local park on the weekends. Saturday nights were spent watching rented movies and eating popcorn and candy. Aubrey had grown fond of Ryan. He was beginning to open up to her and speak more but only when they were alone. They had an unexplainable bond. A bond Aubrey had been craving since the day she and her love had tried to conceive a child.

Salim pulled into the driveway of his home and stared. The curtains were closed and the lights were off. He sighed and rubbed his fingers through his hair. He was fully aware he had been emotionally and physically distant from his wife. He didn’t intend to hurt Aubrey. Every day that had passed since his brother’s death he had been enduring a civil war within himself. He blamed himself for Phillip’s demise. And every time he looked into Ryan’s face he felt he had not only failed his brother but also his nephew. Yes, he was now the young boy’s caregiver but he could never replace his biological father. Had he had been there for Phillip, he would be here now to take care of his son. Salim knew of Brittney’s cocaine addiction and her abandoning Ryan was not a surprise. He never said a word, but he was proud and admired how his love had stepped forward and took care of Ryan as if he were her own. Some nights he listened to her leave their bed to check on him. He heard their whispers. He was too consumed with his job and his inner demons to even hold his wife at night. He didn’t get much sleep. He would lay there hugging a damned pillow thinking of his brother and what he should have done. Visions of his brother’s cold, lifeless body on the morgue table haunted him. He felt like a complete failure. How could he explain to his wife that not only had he failed his only brother, but also his nephew and mother? Yes, their mother had been deceased for years, but he knew his mother would have expected him to have Phillip’s back regardless of the circumstances. His head jerked as the light in his bedroom lit up the closed curtains. Aubrey was awake. Most likely she was searching for him. He sighed again. He loved that woman beyond measure but he felt less of a man. He knew she would never force him to speak to her about his inner turmoil. But he knew if he continued to ignore her, he would only hurt her more. He grabbed his briefcase and exited his car. He entered their home. It was silent. He didn’t turn on any lights. He quietly sat his briefcase in their den and headed up the stairs in the dark. He headed up the stairs and inhaled deeply before he entered their bedroom. Aubrey wasn’t there but the light was on. A confused look covered his face as he searched the room with his eyes. The bathroom light was off so she wasn’t there. He undid his tie and sat on the edge of his bed. He knew his wife was not far. Seconds turned into minutes, and after thirty minutes and no sign of Aubrey he called her name. No answer. He didn’t want to yell too loud for fear he may awake Ryan. He shook his head. His wife didn’t believe in not sleeping in the same bed regardless of disagreements. One time she wept when he attempted to sleep in their guest room after a big fight. She would be back. Salim proceeded to remove his clothes and get ready for bed.

Just as he was about to turn off the lights, Aubrey appeared. She was wearing a satin robe. It was open and revealed the deep purple lace lingerie she was wearing. She looked at her husband without saying a word. She didn’t crack a smile. She simply stood there and looked into her husband’s eyes. Salim’s heartbeat quickened.  She looked stunning even with her hair tied up in her silk scarf. Aubrey proceeded to walk towards Salim barefoot. He didn’t move. He watched his wife move in awe. This was the beautiful woman he had decided to share his life with. This was the woman that he refused to embrace at night. Any other man in his right mind would call Salim foolish. She touched his cheek gently.

“Hi, Salim. Are you okay?”She spoke softly.

He inhaled her scent. She smelled of her soft perfume and merlot. She had been drinking. For a moment, he wondered why he hadn’t noticed the kitchen light on. But his thoughts were interrupted by her lips on his own. She tasted warm and bittersweet. She didn’t allow him to answer her question. She continued to kiss her love and he gently removed her robe. All of his worries seemed to disappear. He only wanted to give his love the attention she had desired. He touched her buttermilk smooth skin softly. She moaned in their kiss. He grabbed the nape of her neck firmly. He never wanted Aubrey to stop kissing him.

Aubrey opened her eyes and looked over at her husband’s pillow. He was gone. His side of the bed was cold. She sighed. Nothing had changed. She turned over and glanced at her clock. It was seven in the morning. Aubrey rolled her eyes. It was Saturday. Why couldn’t he just take one day off and spend time with his family? A single tear escaped the corner of her eye and slid down her face. Anger and disgust rose into her chest. She was not going to allow this to continue another day. It had been almost a month since Phillip’s funeral. Maybe he wanted to leave her. The thought stealthfully forced its way into her mind. No, Salim would never do such a thing. Aubrey embraced herself as if she were cold. Did she honestly believe her husband wouldn’t leave her? Men do leave their wives. No. She was not going to let that damned idea take control of her. She quickly removed the sheets from her bare body and got out of the bed. Breakfast needed to be made for Ryan. She definitely needed a distraction and she needed it now.

As she mixed pancake batter and began to fry potatoes, her doorbell rang. Her best friend for over a decade, Jaime Graham, had come to spend the day with Aubrey and Ryan. Aubrey had completely forgotten about their plans. She greeted her friend with a bright smile. She was ecstatic. Jaime would keep her mind from wandering. She followed Aubrey into the kitchen and sat at the table. Aubrey attended to her potatoes on the stove.

Jaime was tall and slender. Her hair was auburn and she wore it in a pixie cut. It complimented her golden brown, oval face. Her almond-shaped eyes were hazel. She was every sense of the word beautiful. She was extremely smart and determined. She owned a small boutique in the city and modeled from time to time. Aubrey and Jaime were raised in the same neighborhood and even attended college together. There was nothing that could destroy their friendship.

“Where’s Salim?” Jaime searched around the room with her eyes.

Aubrey shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess he’s at the office.” She tried to sound unconcerned but her friend knew better.

“Oh. He’s working on a Saturday?”

“Yes, Jaime.” She bit her bottom lip. Her frustration seeped from her lips.

“He has always had a passion for kids. I commend him.”

Aubrey desperately wanted to change the subject. She felt her emotions getting the best of her as she continued to whip the pancake batter roughly. “So, how did your date go last night?”

It was Jaime’s turn to roll her eyes. “Girl, I’m done with dating these men. Don’t get me wrong! I love the free meals, movies, and shows. But I always seem to find something wrong with them.”

Aubrey sighed. She loved Jaime very much but she feared her best friend would never get married.

“For instance, the guy last night was sexy. I’m even going to say he looked delicious. But Aubrey, he has the worst table manners ever!”

Aubrey burst into laughter. “What did he do?”

“Number one: he eats like a hyena. He chews with his mouth wide open, and he even had the audacity to blow his nose at the damn table!”

They both laughed until tears formed in their eyes.

“Yes! I’m done.”

“Did he at least have a nice personality?” Aubrey was still moving around in the kitchen preparing breakfast for her nephew and best friend. Unfortunately, Jaime didn’t know how to cook. She wasn’t even trusted to pop popcorn in the microwave.

“The vision of his chewed steak and vegetables, and the sound of snot being blown into his napkin overshadowed his personality and looks.” They continued to laugh and talk while Aubrey finished cooking.

Ryan finally appeared just as she was scrambling eggs. Jaime was munching on a fresh salmon cake. The ladies greeted him warmly. He still needed a little more time to get familiar with Aunt Jaime but he spoke. He walked over to Aubrey and hugged her waist. She kissed his forehead and asked him if he had brushed his teeth. He nodded. She told him cartoons were on in the den and breakfast was almost ready. He smiled and ran off in his Spiderman pajamas and slippers.

“Check you out!” Jaime beamed. “You are such a natural.”

Aubrey blushed. “You think so?”

“Yes, girl. If I didn’t know any better, I would think Ryan was your son.”

Aubrey smiled.

“So, you and Salim have signed adoption papers, right?”

“No.” She shook her head. She had thought about it, but Salim was never around for them to sit down and have a serious conversation about it.

“I’m only looking out for your best interest. You are here raising that boy, and building this bond with him and his mother could easily come and take him away. I know for a fact you would be crushed if that were to happen. And Salim may not be around much, and he may not say anything, but he would be devastated, too.” Jaime couldn’t be any more right.

Aubrey simply nodded her head. She didn’t want to think about losing Ryan, but she knew they needed to be proactive.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to rain on your parade.” Jaime frowned.

“No, you’re right. Salim and I haven’t spoken about it.” They hadn’t spoken about anything in days. She felt herself sadden. What would she do if she lost Ryan? Or Salim? She knew she wouldn’t be able to bear it. The sound of Ryan’s laughter in the next room brought her out of her hole of despair and placed a smile on her face. She yelled that breakfast was ready and told Ryan to wash his hands. She heard his slippered feet scurry across the hardwood floors.

“I’m so hungry!” Jaime stood up from the table and grabbed a plate. She knew she had upset her best friend, but she hadn’t meant to.

Aubrey laughed and rolled her eyes. “For someone that is always hungry, you would think you would learn how to cook.”

Jaime stopped. “Why would I do that when I have you?”

Salim sat at his desk wondering what his wife and nephew were doing. After an incredible night with Aubrey, he had every intention to change his ways. But here he was sitting at his desk on a Saturday morning with a cup of coffee and cold, wheat toast. He rubbed his head roughly. He was mentally fatigued. It seemed since the death of his brother the series of events in his life were going by extremely fast. He couldn’t keep up with everything that was happening. In a matter of days, he had buried his brother and became the caregiver of his nephew, Ryan. Now, he was staring at pictures of Shariq Scott. He had recently been enrolled in his afterschool program. He had never actually spoken to the child.  Salim was rarely involved with the children on a regular basis he was too busy taking care of the many duties it took to keep his business afloat. But he was examining this picture of the seven year old boy for reasons unrelated to business. Shariq had bright, hazel eyes and dimples. He looked like a smart, well-behaved kid. He sighed heavily. The voicemail message left on his business line played in his mind on repeat. Although he had deleted the message as soon as it ended, he remembered every single word verbatim and the sound of her voice. Her voice made his skin crawl and goosebumps rise on his forearms. The sound of her melodic voice brought back memories. Memories he didn’t mind reliving mentally. He felt guilty for even sitting there reminiscing. He was committing adultery in his thoughts. He loved Aubrey but he couldn’t bring himself to tell her everything that was troubling his heart.

There was a knock on his door.

He inhaled deeply as she opened his door slowly and entered his office. It was if she was moving in slow motion. The way she entered his office was graceful and flawless. His heart dropped. Camille Scott was standing in front of him wearing a jean vest over a screen tee, and jeans that looked as they had been painted on her shapely legs.  Her curly hair covered with a beret fell to her shoulders. Her eyes sparkled as she caught his gaze. Salim was stunned. He hadn’t remembered Camille looking this beautiful when they had ended their engagement seven years ago. She smiled at him and her dimples made him lose his train of thought. Damn this woman. She still had a hold over his heart. His eyes quickly diverted to the framed picture of Aubrey on his desk. His wife would kill him if she found out he was with Camille alone. The fact that he hadn’t told his love about this meeting was enough to break her heart. He regained composure. He stood and gave her a quick hug.

“Hi, Camille.” He motioned for her to sit in the chair in front of his desk.

“Hi, Salim.” She sat and looked around his office. She didn’t even flinch when she saw the large wedding portrait of Aubrey and Salim on the wall. She smirked. She had something Aubrey didn’t and she was going to finally prove that to Salim.

“How have you been?”

“I’ve been well. I’m booked for a few photo shoots in town for the next month or so. How are you?” Camille was a successful model and stylist. Her busy career had been one of the major reasons their relationship had failed.

“I’m good.” He was becoming nervous and irritable. He felt like Camille was up to something. She was conniving. Yes, she was beautiful but devious. “I got your message.”

Her smile faded quickly. “Yes.” It was her turn to be uneasy. She wasn’t sure how Salim would react. Their breakup had been very bad to say the least. She had chosen her career over a lifetime with him. “I figured since I was here doing some work I would bring Shariq to meet his father.”

“But why would you wait until now?” When Salim had played the message, all types of emotions had been evoked. He was confused, enraged, and hurt. His ex-fiancée, Camille, had returned to inform him that they had a son. She was four months pregnant when she had decided to pack her bags and leave her engagement ring on their nightstand. Originally, she had intentions of aborting the pregnancy, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. By the time she had made up her mind, it had been too late. She had broken Salim’s heart and he had moved and changed all of his contact information.

“I don’t know. I guess it was fear. I didn’t know how you would react.” Tears began to well in her eyes.

“It’s been seven years, Camille!” Salim raised his voice.

She lowered her head ashamed. “I know, Salim. I was wrong.”

He shook his head. That’s all she could say to him? He rubbed his head and tried to gather his thoughts. Everything was spinning. How was he going to tell Aubrey about Camille birthing his first son? His barren wife would be crushed. No. He was not going to tell Aubrey anything until a paternity test was taken. He inhaled deeply choosing his next words carefully. “I’m disappointed you would keep this kind of information from me. You and I having a child is greater than what was going on between us at that time. Regardless of what happened to our relationship, I would have taken care of my son.” As soon as those words escaped his mouth, Ryan came to mind. His nephew had been in his home nearly a month and he had been absent from that young boy’s life. He felt horrible.

“I know you would have. I know you would be a great father. I’m sorry it took me this long to tell you, but it’s better late than never, right?” Camille offered with tears running down her bronze cheeks.

**

Aubrey glanced at her watch and frowned. It was well after noon and Salim still wasn’t home. After breakfast, Jaime had headed to the park with Ryan and Aubrey to fly kites. Afterwards, they stopped at an ice-cream parlor for banana splits. The day had begun with smiles and giggles. But as Aubrey pulled into her driveway, her heart saddened and she felt sick to her stomach. Where was her husband? Their marriage had already been estranged prior to the death of Phillip. But it seemed like he had become a complete stranger. It was such a cliché but she really felt as if she was sleeping with a stranger. She sighed and exited the car. She put in a Disney movie for Ryan. She knew it would only be a few minutes before he fell asleep. He was already yawning. Aubrey was so stressed she felt as if she needed an afternoon nap as well. Instead, Jaime joined her in the living room where she poured them both a glass of pinot grigio.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?” Jaime took a small sip of wine and gently placed her glass on the table.

“Nothing.” Aubrey lied. She sipped her wine and ran her fingers through her hair nervously.

“Aubrey, I have known you forever. I know when there is something wrong with you.”

She was right. “I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, Jaime. He’s never home anymore. I’m pretty much raising Ryan by myself! I thought having Ryan would bring us closer.” Aubrey continued to drink.

“Who said you were doing anything wrong?”

“No one. “

“Honey, you are doing nothing wrong. You and Salim are just going through a rough patch in your marriage that is all.”

“Do you think he’s cheating on me?” Aubrey blurted. She didn’t want an answer. Or maybe she did want her friend’s opinion.

Jaime’s eyes widened and she took another sip of wine. “No! I don’t think he is. I believe he’s just having a hard time adjusting to everything.”

She nodded her head. Maybe she was right. She continued to drink until the glass was empty.

“Maybe you should tell him how you feel.”

“How? He’s never here.”

“Go to him! Put your foot down and tell him you need to talk.”

Aubrey wiped the tears from her face. It was time to quit the pity party and attempt to save her marriage. “I will.”

“Matter fact, Ryan is sleep. I think I can handle one slumbering child on my own.” Jaime smiled. “Go, surprise Salim now. I’ll watch Ryan.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes! Don’t take all day! Babysitting is not my thing.” She laughed.

“Okay.” Aubrey rose from the table and raced up the stairs. She missed her husband and she would do anything within her power to get him back.

She looked over herself once more as she exited her car. She had decided to wear a simple sundress and flat sandals. She grinned. Arguments were bound to end with a little lovemaking. She even picked them up a couple sandwiches from the nearby diner. As she walked to through the parking lot, she noticed a car she had never seen before. She stopped abruptly. It was a bright, red Mercedes Benz parked in the visitors’ parking. Butterflies swarmed in her abdomen and her knees became weak. Who was there with Salim and what were they doing? She stood there for what seemed like an eternity. She didn’t want to walk in on her husband having an affair. But how was she so sure he was having one? She wanted to jump in her car and drive back home. She wanted to lie in her bed and cry. Aubrey couldn’t move. Her heart wouldn’t let her leave and her common sense wouldn’t allow her to enter that building. Maybe she was overreacting. The car could possibly belong to a man. Her husband was most likely meeting with a sponsor about an upcoming event. She sighed. She was standing there looking like a complete fool about to have an anxiety attack for nothing. Salim loved her more than anything and he would never jeopardize their marriage. She shrugged and walked towards the building with their lunch in hand.

“I want a paternity test.” Salim firmly stated.

“Of course.”

“I’m serious, Camille. I want it done first thing Monday morning.”

She slanted her eyes. She didn’t appreciate him barking orders at her. “I have a few things I need to attend to Monday morning.”

“I don’t give a damn. Make time to get him to the clinic at this address.” He handed Camille a business card to a clinic that sponsored the center.

“Salim, you don’t have to talk to me in that manner.” She stood to her feet. “Yes, I kept you from your son, but you will not sit there and talk to me however you feel.” Tears formed in her eyes.

This woman standing in front of him he had once loved and adored. She was possibly the mother of his child. How could he make such a stunning woman cry? How could he speak down on a woman he had once called his Queen? He relaxed his broad shoulders. “I’m sorry.”

“No. Perhaps, this was a mistake. I never wanted to tell you, but I felt as if Shariq deserved to know who his father is.” She placed her face in her palms and wept.

Salim stood from his chair and walked over to her. He wrapped his arms around her. “Don’t say that. I’m glad you told me.” He rubbed her back as she shed tears on his chest.

“I’m so sorry for what I did to you.” She moaned.

“It’s okay. That was years ago, Camille.” He continued to hold her gently.

“I thought you hated me. That’s why I didn’t tell you sooner.”

“I could never hate you.”

Aubrey stood there quietly. The door to Salim’s office had been left ajar. She listened to the voices on the other side. She heard a woman’s voice and muffled noises. She couldn’t distinguish who the woman’s voice belonged to. But she was ready to find out. Anger boiled under her fair skin and her fist balled. She swung open her husband’s office door. He was standing there with another woman in his arms. Her faced was buried in his chest. He was the first to notice Aubrey’s presence.

“Baby.” He stuttered as he released the woman.

The woman looked in Aubrey’s direction shocked. Aubrey had never met this woman but had seen pictures of her. She was more gorgeous than the photographs portrayed. What was she doing here? Aubrey threw their bag of turkey sandwiches and aimed it at Salim’s head. He was so shaken he couldn’t even dodge what was coming in his direction. The bag smacked him in his face.

“What the hell is Camille doing here?” Aubrey roared.

*

“I think I should leave.” Camille reached for her purse quickly.

“Oh, no! You are going to stay right here until I get some answers. What the hell is going on, Salim?” Aubrey’s eyes were wild and her fists were clenched. Anger boiled beneath her skin and she was ready to unleash havoc on her husband and his ex-fiancée. No words could express how she was feeling at this very moment. But she knew it wasn’t going to turn out good.

“Aubrey, calm down.” He moved towards his wife cautiously with his arms spread out in case Aubrey decided to pounce on Camille. He was scared. He feared what could possibly happen next and could only pray that it didn’t result in him losing his wife.

“Calm down? No. You tell me what the hell is going on now!” Aubrey threw her purse down. The contents of it spilled across the floor from the force.

“Aubrey, I simply came by to speak to Salim.” Camille finally found the courage to talk. She stood up straight and faced Aubrey.

Salim’s heart dropped. That was the last thing that was needed. He knew all too well that Camille could be a snake. “Camille, leave.” He stated firmly.

All of the emotions within Aubrey finally came to a head and she exploded. “I didn’t ask you to open your mouth, Camille. I was talking to my husband.”

“I don’t need your permission.” Camille sucked her teeth. This was her first time meeting Salim’s wife. She was extremely attractive although she was mad. Camille smirked. She still had something that she didn’t; Salim’s firstborn son.

Aubrey rushed to wrap her fingers around Camille’s slender neck to stop her airflow, but Salim was quicker and held her back. Aubrey kicked and screamed curses like a woman possessed by an evil spirit. Her husband held her tightly to keep her from causing bodily damage to Camille.

“Get out now, Camille!” Salim barked.

“We’ll talk soon, Salim.” She rolled her eyes at Aubrey and left the office.

Aubrey spit out a few more curses before she eventually found Salim’s cheek with her fist. He released her from the shock and held his face. “This is what you do to me? This is how you treat the woman that has stood beside you even at your weakest moment? I am your wife!” Aubrey screamed as tears streamed down her face. The anger that burned within wasn’t greater than the hurt that ripped at her insides. “Of all the people you could’ve been caught with, you chose Camille; the same conniving bitch that left you to pursue her career years ago.”

Salim was still rubbing his throbbing face. His wife could throw a punch like a professional boxer. “It was nothing. I wasn’t cheating. We were only talking.”

“You were holding her, Salim!” Aubrey ran her hands through her hair roughly. She didn’t mean to hit her husband and she didn’t want to do it again.

“She was crying.”

“I don’t give a damn!” She yelled.

Salim wanted to tell her the reason why Camille had been there but he knew that would only infuriate Aubrey more. He didn’t know what to say. He sat down and tried to gather his thoughts. They said nothing to each other for what seemed like an eternity. The silence was occasionally interrupted by Aubrey’s sobs.

Aubrey was confused. She was full of mixed emotions. She didn’t know what to do. Salim couldn’t even spend time with his nephew, but he could disappear off to meet his ex and hold her. Was he having an affair? If so, how long had it been going on? Her cries shook her body uncontrollably and she dropped to the floor. She loved Salim more than the air she breathed and would do anything for him. Her loyalty had been repaid with betrayal. She rocked back and forth and placed her hands in her hair. It had been a habit since childhood. Whenever she was distraught she would massage her scalp with her fingers in staccato movements. She didn’t know what to do next. Should she stay and talk to her husband? Would she believe anything that came from his mouth?

Salim hesitantly walked over to his wife. Nothing pained him more than to see her like this. He crouched beside her and wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. At first she struggled, but he wouldn’t loosen his grip. “I love you. Only you. I would never betray you.” He whispered into her ear. That only caused her to moan louder but she didn’t attempt to move away from his hold. Tears silently rolled down Salim’s face. They sat there rocking back and forth crying together. Salim would have lied if he said his wife was the sole reason for his tears. He had been harboring his emotions for months and his heart was beginning to ache.

Aubrey inhaled deeply. She wanted to go home. Her body was exhausted from the emotional strain. She still loved Salim, and she wasn’t quite sure whether he was telling the truth about his meeting with Camille, but she knew she wasn’t leaving. At least, not yet. She wiped her face roughly with her palms and aggressively maneuvered herself from her husband’s grasp. He said nothing as she slowly rose to her feet and straightened the hem of her skirt. She calmly picked up her purse and replaced its spilled contents. After a quick glance around Salim’s office, she inhaled again. She straightened her poise and looked at her husband. He was sitting on the floor with his face damp from crying. His look was saddened and resembled a puppy dog. Aubrey fixed her gaze on his eyes. “I’m going home. You might want to pick up something to eat on your way.” She stated stiffly.

“Okay. I’ll be home once I straighten up here.” Salim bowed his head.

Aubrey said nothing as she turned and left.

*

Aubrey lay across her bed fully clothed. She hadn’t bothered to remove her dress, and didn’t speak of word of what had happened at the office to her best friend when she returned home. Jaime could tell by her pink face and puffy eyes that it hadn’t went well. She had handed Aubrey a glass of wine silently. Emotionlessly, she grabbed the entire bottle as well and headed up the stairs. Aubrey felt so many different emotions that she was numb. She was tired of crying. Lying on her back, she watched her ceiling fan whirl around. The wine made her warm and lightheaded. Aubrey had never been a heavy drinker. She would only drink a glass of wine or champagne during special occasions or after a long, stressful day at work. So many different thoughts were racing through her mind. She knew she wasn’t going to leave her husband, but she also knew Salim needed to be punished. Such behavior was not to be tolerated in this marriage. She frowned. She was beginning to think like a grade school girl. She lifted her head slightly to sip from the wine bottle. She had grown tire of pouring the wine from the bottle into the glass. She figured she would just get rid of the middle man. Punishment? Salim was not a misbehaved pet or child. Could you really punish an adult? And what good would that do?

There was a soft knock at her door. Aubrey didn’t even move. She had locked it and she had no intentions of opening it. The knocks continued unanswered. There was a heavy sigh.

“Look, Aubrey. I don’t know what happened, but you can’t sit in your room pouting all day.”

Aubrey rolled her eyes. Why the hell can’t I, she thought.

“I ordered some Chinese takeout. Please come down and eat.”

No answer.

Jaime hadn’t seen her best friend act this way since college. Whatever happened during her visit to see Salim must’ve been devastating. She listened at Aubrey’s bedroom door for a few more moments. She wanted to at least make sure Aubrey hadn’t killed herself. Not that she was suicidal, but anything was possible in this day and age. She heard a few faint sniffles and a soft thud of a glass bottle being placed on a hard surface. Jaime exhaled with relief. Aubrey was alive. Most likely, she was drunk, but nevertheless alive. She returned downstairs to Ryan. She had managed to keep him occupied playing video games and watching movies. He was a good kid. He was worried about his Aunt Aubrey and asked Jaime what was wrong. Jaime had smiled and told him his aunt wasn’t feeling well but she would be better soon. To make him feel better, she even helped him make a Get Well Soon card. Jaime didn’t want any kids of her own, but Ryan was creating a shadow of doubt in her mind.

Aubrey jerked her eyes open. She hadn’t realized she had fallen asleep. She looked around. The streetlights from outside were pouring into her room. She sat up and looked over at the wine bottle laying on its side on her nightstand. The room seemed to spin for a moment. She was drunk. There were voices speaking downstairs. Aubrey turned on a lamp and slipped her feet into her fluffy bedroom slippers. She wanted to check on Ryan. She grabbed the bottle and unlocked the door. As she walked into the hallway, the front door opened and closed.