“Hello ladies,” Kenya joined the table. “So, what ya’ll talkin’ about? Hot tamales, I

hope.”

Not wanting to get into the whole spiel again, Temi quickly changed the subject. “I was just about to ask Sherica who she was seeing these days. You know, we’ve been so concerned with my love life lately, that I forget that you guys are going through stuff too.”

            “Hmm, that’s because our shit’s boring as fuck.” Kenya waved to their usual waiter to bring her a martini.

            “Mmm… you must be speaking about yourself on that one, Kenya. My shit’s hot,” Sherica laughed. “Girl, we just got a new doctor at the hospital, and he is HOT, girl!” 

Temi smiled at Kenya and raised her brow. “So,” she began without looking at Sherica, “how long’s he been married?” She then gave Kenya a wink.

            “I don’t know. Maybe ten years,” Sherica was flipping through a menu.

Temi shook her head and Kenya put her hand on her hip and gave Sherica the ‘what the hell’ face. But Sherica didn’t notice. In fact, Kenya must have stayed in that stance for a good while before she shouted Sherica’s name.

            “Damn, girl, what you yellin’ for,” she closed her menu. “You act like I’m across the room or some shit.”

            “You know, Sherica, sometimes I can’t with you,” Kenya put her hand in Sherica’s face and Sherica knocked it down. “I mean, here’s Temi. She’s my girl; she’s yo’ girl, and her man cheated on her with some other ho.” Kenya paused a moment to let the information sink in. “Now, don’t you feel bad for always being the other woman? The ho who breaks up happy families?”

Sherica rolled her eyes, then she patted Temi’s arm. “Temi, you know you my girl, but let’s not get shit twisted… Kenya, no happy man cheats. If yo’ man wuz happy, he would stay at home.”

            “That’s such bullshit,” Kenya spat at Sherica. The next thing Temi knows she’s in the middle of a verbal war between the two women. In the beginning she tried to stay out of it, but as Kenya and Sherica became louder and louder, she had no choice but to break it up.

            “Hey! Hey!” She stood between them. “Kenya, the only way Sherica will understand where you’re coming from is to experience it for herself.” Then she turned to Sherica, “What Kenya’s sayin’ is that marriage isn’t always happy, and in those unhappy moments, mistakes can happen. If the mistake is big enough to weaken the trust between two people, the relationship may never recover. It’s not a matter of someone not being happy at home, it may just be a momentary lapse in judgement.”

            “I know all about those,” Temi heard Facundo’s voice behind her, and before she could turn around, he was kissing her cheek. “Hey, baby.”

            “Hi,” she turned her head to face him, and he took the opportunity to kiss her on the mouth. Temi wasn’t sure how she was feeling. She had been so angry and hurt yesterday, could she forgive him today? And if she did, would they have to revisit his jealousy with other men? “Ladies,” Temi pushed the questions from her mind, “this is Facundo. Facundo, this is Kenya, and this is Sherica.”

            “Well, heeeyy, Facundo,” Sherica held out a limp hand signaling he should kiss it.

            “Bitch,” Kenya slapped her hand. “He don’t wanna kiss yo’ hand.” Then turning to Facundo, “Baby, it’s nice to meet you, here, take my seat so you can sit next to yo’ girl.”

Facundo thanked Kenya and sat down next to Temi. He couldn’t help but notice how uncomfortable she seemed, and it hurt. All last night, he thought about what she said, and couldn’t quite understand why he was so threatened by the idea of her hanging out with a gay man. It really was ridiculous. He only hoped that once he met Thom, he’d get passed it. He moved an arm around Temi’s waist and pulled her to him, “Are you my girl,” he whispered.

The begging in his voice did not go unnoticed, but she wasn’t sure what to say. So, when Tahleeah and Carlos entered at that very moment, she couldn’t have been happier.

            “Facundo!” Carlos held his arms out wide.
            “Oye primo como te va,” Facundo jumped up to hug his cousin and slap him on the back.

            “Bueno,” then Carlos put an arm around Tahleeah, “Nosotros somos buenos.”

            “Tahleeah, eres hermosa como siempre,” Facundo then hugged Temi’s friend.

            “Hola, Facundo. Gracias.”

            “Um, hello,” Kenya was snapping her fingers at the newcomers. “This ain’t Mexico or Spain. Let’s let the English flow.” Temi shook her head, smiling. Kenya could be such a mess.

The group of friends were chatting happily and nearly finished with their second round when Thom finally arrived. Flying through the dining area, he made a beeline for Temi, picking her up and holding her tight. Everyone at the table was left to stare… mouths open.

            “Thom,” Temi questioned as she eased out of his arms. “Are you okay?”

            “No, bitch, I’m mad at you,” he crossed his arms before his chest.

            “Okay,” Temi softened her voice as if she were speaking with a child. “Thom, why don’t you tell me what I did. Then, I can jump straight to the apologies.” She was trying hard not to smirk.

            “Girl, I thought we were kindred spirits, best friends, soul sisters, BFFs forever!”
            “Yes. And so, we are.”
            “Please!” He put a hand in her face. “If we were, you would have reminded me why I kicked Seth to the curb in the first place.” He had a point. “I don’t think I’ve ever met a queen as needy as that fool.”

Again, trying not to smile, Temi pulled Thom’s arms down and gave him a hug. She sighed. “Oh, Thom, I was going to remind you this morning over breakfast, but after seeing what you were working with; I couldn’t deny you such a pleasure.” Now, she was smiling.

Thom pushed her back, and she quickly wiped a smile off her face. “I know, right. He is a beautiful specimen.” She nodded. “You always know the right things to say.” Thom kissed her gently on the mouth then turned his attention to the others.

            “Sherica… I’m lovin’ that top girl. Flaunt those boobies,” he kissed their full-figured gal cheek. “Hey mama,” he moved on to Kenya. “Remember, now that Temi’s got a man, I’m free to babysit Saturday. You should go ahead and schedule that massage.” Then he looked to Tahleeah, but instead of speaking to her, he jumped to Carlos. “Oye sexy, quieres salir de aquí?”

            “Oh, hell nah, bitch. You speak Spanish?” Tahleeah was up and pushing herself between Carlos and Thom.

            “No, baby girl, I only know the important stuff.”

Carlos laughed. “It’s okay, baby,” he put one arm around Tahleeah’s waist and extended a hand to Thom. “Thom, I’m Carlos, it’s nice to meet you. Thanks for getting Temi out of lounging wear. I was afraid she was one step away from couch potato.”

            “Oh, please. Artie’s got style. She just needed reminding.” Thom looked at Temi and for the first time, he noticed Facundo. “Holy shit, you’re hot!”

Facundo gave Temi a confused look. “Don’t look at me,” she replied. “He’s talking to you.”

Thom sauntered over to Facundo, bent down, and whispered in his ear, “I give much better head than Artie.” Then he winked. “You remember that.”

            “God, Thom; you’re such a bitch.”

            “The bitch you love,” he took the empty seat across from Facundo.

            “Whatever. Where is Seth anyway,” she took a sip of her drink. “Wait.” She looked at him, fear in her eyes. “Thom, he isn’t at my place, is he?”

He rolled his eyes. “Hell no. I left him at home. He kept whining about how I was leaving him to meet up with the ladies.” Then looking at Facundo, “It’s terrible being so hot, isn’t it? I mean, we put out once and suddenly they want it all the time. It’s like they don’t understand that we need to eat and sleep too.” Thom ordered a drink and then looked at Temi. “Artemisia, don’t be a greedy ho. You don’t want to wear poor Facundo out, do you?”

The next hour was fun. Thom had everyone laughing, and Temi began to relax. Feeling the change in her, Facundo took a chance; he placed his hand on Temi’s thigh and when she didn’t move it, he began kneading and massaging. Though Temi was engaged in a heated discussion with Sherica and Thom over popcorn Jelly Belly jellybeans, she did notice Facundo’s hand on her thigh. And as it slowly moved upward… inward… her heartrate accelerated.

            “Nah, son, I’m with you,” Sherica gave Thom a hi-five. “The buttered popcorn ones are da bomb!”

Temi shook her head. Then, discreetly, she placed her hand on Facundo’s. She had to get him to stop before she lost control. She also knew she couldn’t look at him. Seeing passion in his eyes would shatter any resolve she had left. As it was, just the thought of his hands on her skin was making her hot.

            “Excuse me, ma’am,” Temi called to the waitress walking by. Will you send our waitress, I would like to settle up.” Thom gave her an odd look. It’s still early. Why leave now, she read the question on his face. She looked down and involuntarily her eyes darted, just for a moment, in Facundo’s direction. He smiled.

            “Mmmm, Artie’s right,” he stretched. “Gotta early workday tomorrow.”

The group settled their tabs; Carlos picking up Tahleeah’s and Facundo picking up Temi’s despite her protests and they left the restaurant. Outside, they said their goodbyes. Sherica, Kenya, Carlos and Tahleeah were gone first, leaving Facundo, Temi, and Thom alone.

            “Okay, obviously, you like her more than you like me,” Thom feigned his disappointment. “Your loss really. Anyway, don’t be half-assed when you do her. There’s nothing worse than an unsatisfied straight woman.”
            “Thanks, Thom.” Temi wasn’t sure how to take that comment.

            “You’re welcome, gorgeous.” Then being serious. “Artie,” he held her face in his hands and placed his forehead on hers, “I love you, and I am so stinking happy for you. Now, go and have fun.” He kissed her forehead. “Don’t worry about coming in on time tomorrow.”

            “Yes, sir,” she gave him a weak salute, and he was gone.

            “Come on,” Facundo offered his hand. “I’ll walk you to your car.”

The two of them walked hand-in-hand for a block and a half to where she parked. They didn’t speak. And in the silence the sexual tension began to vibrate between her ears. By the time they reached her car, Temi couldn’t take it anymore. She turned on Facundo and jumped up to kiss him. The force of her need knocked him backward and pinned him to the driver’s side door. Her hands were on his neck, her fingers tangled in the hair at his nape.

Surprised but highly aroused by her aggressiveness, Facundo met every kiss and cupped her bottom with his hands, drawing her hips closer. He wanted her… now. But this wasn’t right. It wasn’t the right place. A gentleman doesn’t take his lady in an alley like she’s some cheap whore. “Temi,” he croaked and pulled her hands from his neck bringing them down, between their bodies. “Sweetheart, not here. Not here.” He kissed her. “Meet me at my place.” When she nodded, he spun on his heel and sprinted in the direction of his car.

Temi stood mesmerized for a moment, gently bringing the tips of fingers to her now swollen lips. She had a feeling this wasn’t right, their relationship. Did she want him? Yes. Did he want her? Yes. Was this level of passion sustainable? She didn’t think so, and if it wasn’t… what would be left? She shook her head. “Not now, Temi,” she said to herself aloud. “Worry about that tomorrow.”

The next morning, Temi was awakened by what she now called Facundo’s magic globe, but before she had a chance to move, his hand moved over the swell of her bottom and then to her front making any thought of work, leave her mind. Slowly, and with skillful fingers, he brought her to the brink of ecstasy before bringing their bodies together in a rhythmic melding. In this, he was a master. He instinctively knew how and where she liked to be touched. He knew how to bring her close to insanity. However, as magnificent as he was in the moment, the afterglow would fade with time, it always did. But for now… in this moment… she couldn’t think of anything but… ahhhh. Yes. That’s it. That’s…

Despite an amazing start to the day, Temi couldn’t help but feel annoyed. She didn’t want to do anything. She didn’t want to take these phone calls, she didn’t want to have lunch with Thom, and she didn’t want to go to the gym later. Since she and Jordan split up, she hadn’t had any time to herself. At first, she’d been glad for the company, but perhaps now she needed time to think. Deciding she would do just that, she texted Facundo to let him know she’d decided to have dinner with her mother; she would meet up with him on Saturday. Then she finished her call, pushed her away button, and went to see Thom.

Thom knew as soon as he waved her in that she was out of sorts, so when she asked for the rest of the day off, he didn’t hesitate to grant her request. She did assure him that she would be at the gym on time and looked forward to it. He smiled in return, but never asked why she needed the time off. He just assumed she would tell him when she was ready.

When Temi was finally cocooned in her car and snuggly buckled in, she nearly cried. She placed her hands on her face and took deep breaths. Now that she was out, she wasn’t sure what to do. Then, all of a sudden, the image of Mr. Katz solidified in her mind’s eye. Turning over her car’s engine, she headed in his direction.