Fight to Love - (Chapter 27 plus Chapters 1 - 26)

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 1

The alarm clock on the night stand buzzes loudly and she reaches over to silence it quickly. It was 6 am and she could hear the television playing music videos from the living room. Clouds of smoke billowed through the cracked bedroom door. Trina slowly sat up and cringed with pain. Her whole midsection felt like it was on fire. She eased out of the bed and walked slowly to the closet to retrieve her black skirt and beige pinstriped shirt to wear to work. Quietly, she removed her undergarments from her dresser drawer and entered the bathroom to shower. As she lifted up the over-sized t-shirt she wore to bed, she revealed the dark purple bruises on her midsection. Some of the bruises were old, and some were from last night. She couldn’t bare to look at herself so she turns to start the shower. As the steam starts to rise, she slips inside to bathe and collect her thoughts. Gently, she washes her body with her washcloth and soap, paying careful attention to the sore areas on her ribcage. The shower provided some relief, she thought, as she grabbed her towel and dried off. Feeling exhausted and slightly dizzy, she puts on her pink robe and sits down.

For about five minutes, she just sits on the edge of the tub staring into the large mirror above the vanity. Her eyes are tired and the dark circles make her look older even though she's 24. Her tattered satin bathrobe covers the bruises on her chest and stomach. He messed her up bad this time. She's glad he didn't hit her in the face because she needs to go to work today. She can hear her neighbor above her stomping across the floor and yelling at her children to get ready for school. All of her neighbors would yell and scream at this time of the morning, and the walls were so thin, she was used to it by now. It was the hood and the apartment building was run down and old. She starts to unwrap her scarf and the tears start flowing again. She tries to hold it in but she starts to moan because her heart just can't take it anymore. He had mentally and physically abused her to the point that she had lost herself. She used to be so happy and free spirited. Never had she felt so depressed and alone. All her mind could focus on was how not to piss him off. The slightest annoyance would send his fists flying. Suddenly he bursts through the bathroom door. "What the fuck are you crying about now?", he yells, glaring at her as she grabs the shower curtain to prevent her from falling backwards into the tub. "Nothing… Jay.. I'm…I'm OK.", she stutters, wiping her tears away. He flings open the medicine cabinet and grabs her Percocet prescription that she had filled from the last beat down he gave her. "Well get your dumb ass up and let's get outta here. I got a lotta shit to do today Trina.", he barks as he crushes the pill on the bathroom sink and leans over to snort it with a dollar bill that he pulls from his jean pocket. She stares at him through the mirror in fear as she slowly rises from the side of the tub. He looks at her in disgust and walks out the bathroom slamming the door behind him. She looks down at the sink and notices the residue from the pill. She thinks to herself how the pain might stop if she tries it. Instead she combs out her wrap and drops the robe on the floor, rushing to get dressed as she hears Jay grab his keys and head out the door. Trina examines herself in the mirror closely. She was beautiful and physically fit. Her caramel skin was smooth and her dark brown, shoulder length hair was as beautiful as silk. By any standard, she was at least a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. She gazed at herself, wondering how she got caught up in this horrible relationship with Jay. His loud cursing from the parking lot breaks her gaze and she finishes dressing quickly.

By the time she makes it down the apartment steps she sees him backing her Corolla out of the parking space. He was so impatient and always intimidated her by yelling and rushing her every morning, as if he had a job to go to. She runs around to the passenger side and hops in. She thinks to herself: It's going to be a long ride to work. He has the music blasting the entire time. A mixture of Nas, Jay Z and Biggie. She just stares out the window blankly thinking about that new guy at work. He started last week and works in the adjacent office. She buttons her shirt up, fearing that he might see her bruises when he stops by to say good morning. This guy was like no other guy in her building. He was courteous, well dressed, well spoken, tall and very handsome. She closed her eyes and tried to envision his smile in her mind. He was nothing like Jay. He was so attentive to her and always a complete gentleman. She could almost smell his cologne as she daydreamed about him. She slowly opened her eyes and looked around to see how close they were to her job. Then, out of nowhere, she feels the side of her face stinging. Jay had just slapped her, again. "What the fuck are you looking at!?!?!", he screams into her face as they sit at the stoplight. His eyes were bloodshot red and the veins in his forehead were bulging out. In shock she stammers, "What the hell are you talking about?" He grabs her by the shirt and pulls her closer to his face and with a clenched jaw grumbles, "I know you better not be lookin at that nigga in that car! Bitch I will fuck you up if I catch you looking at another nigga! Do you fuckin understand me?". And she pulls back while answering softly, "Yes Jay." She sinks back into her seat to adjust her shirt and comb her hair back into place. Even though her anger was building inside, she dare not let Jay see her emotions. She watched him light a cigarette and turn up the radio even louder, as if to drown out her feelings. He was unshaven and his braids were so old they were becoming fuzzy and puffy looking. Trina wasn't attracted to him at all, not like when they first met. His dingy white t-shirt and blue jeans were his every day uniform. She remained silent for the rest of the ride, resenting him for the abuse he subjected her to.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 2

After another fifteen minutes of loud music and wreckless driving, they finally pull up at her job. Trina pulls down the sun visor to inspect her face and compose herself. She wanted to make sure her face wasn’t red because she could still feel it stinging. "What time you get off today?", Jay asks. She replies, "I don't know, I will call you around five and let you know what's up." Before she even has a chance to close the passenger side door he yells, "You better call me or your ass will be catchin the bus!". He pulls off in her car, music blasting, as she stands outside her building watching him ride down the street. If it were any other guy, she would have not allowed him to take her car. She felt so disrespected, but did not want to anger Jay, in fear that he would abuse her even more. She decides to stand there for a moment, to gain her composure. He always made her feel so disheveled and insecure. Trina looked down to make sure that her bruises were covered and everything was in place before heading up the steps to her building.

"Hey girl!", a voice shrieks behind her. She turns around to see three of her female coworkers entering the building. They brush past her, laughing loudly. She was always their inside joke. "Hey.", she slowly responds as she follows them inside. On the elevator, she felt them all staring at her as she was the last one to get on. She could feel their eyes inspecting her from behind. Even though they were the hood rats of the office, they were always trying to tear her down in some way. "Trina, why your man always driving your car? He ain't got one? That car used to be your pride and joy!", Valerie asks while popping her gum. Valerie was the ugly vulture of the group. Trina didn't turn around but answered, "His truck is in the shop." The elevator reaches their floor before they could ask any more questions. She jumps off and rushes to her desk. She could hear them laughing behind her. She didn't care though. She had her new coworker, Derek, on her mind. She wanted to get to her desk and freshen up with some lip gloss and perfume. She knew he would be by soon to use the copier and get some supplies out of the supply closet behind her cubicle. It was something about him that made her heart skip a beat.

And then, like clockwork, she heard his voice saying good morning to everyone as he walked down the long corridor of desks and cubicles. She spritzed herself with Victoria Secrets Love Spell and pretended to be engrossed in her work. She was intently listening to the conversation he was having with Valerie. She was such a flirt and a trouble maker. The sight of Valerie's bloated, pale, acne scarred face revolted her. "So when are you moving to our office honey?", Valerie asked. She could see the top of Derek's head as he leaned into her cubicle. "I really don't know Val, I just started here so it may take a while.", he answered with a deep velvety voice. "Well when you do, I want you near me. I could show you some things.", she laughed with her high pitched voice. "All right now...", he replied as he walked away, heading in Trina's direction.

She felt his tall dark body lean over her desk and say, "Well good morning Ms. Williams." His voice always made her feel so excited inside. She couldn't help but raise her head and smile while greeting him with, "Good morning Mr. Williams." She loved the fact that they had the same last name. She loved the smell of his cologne. He wore everything from Cool Water to Usher. He stooped down and looked directly into her eyes asking her, "Can you hold the ladder for me while I get this paper?". She thought he would never ask. She didn't want to seem to eager, so she finished typing her sentence and answered, "Sure. No problem." This moment was everything she had fantasized about. She wanted to be needed and respected by a man, especially Derek. He was her complete fantasy and definitely a prize catch. He looked sharp in his dark grey three button suit and black, polished Kenneth Cole loafers and light grey shirt and tie. His dark brown skin was the color of a Hershey bar and his hair was neatly cut close, tapering at his neck.

As she got up, she could feel him standing close behind her as she walked towards the supply closet. She glanced over her shoulder to see if anyone was watching them enter. Everyone was seated and talking across the cubicles, so they slipped in together and he closed the door behind them. The butterflies in her stomach were going crazy. His cologne filled her nose as he climbed up the ladder to reach the top shelves where the paper was. She held the ladder steady as his weight rocked it a little. "Don't make me fall!", he laughed. "Oh I won't let you down like that.", she replied while studying him from head to toe. As he descended with the paper, their eyes met. There was an awkward moment as they stood there face to face. She felt her heart pounding and was afraid that he could hear it. Her throat tightened as if she was about to stop breathing and then he touched her hand. He dropped the paper and gently grabbed her waist and pulled her closer. "What would you do if I kissed you?", he asked, still looking in her eyes. She was so shocked that she couldn’t even reply. He smiled as he moved in closer. She slowly closed her eyes and felt his lips touch hers. She felt like she was floating. His tongue parted her lips and she felt her knees tremble and weaken. He placed both hands around her waist and pulled her even closer as he kissed her even deeper. His mouth was sweet and minty and she loved the taste. She felt his large hands caressing and massaging her butt. "Derek.", she whispered as he began kissing her neck and unbuttoning her shirt. "Yeah?", he responded while struggling with the buttons. "Let's not do this here.", she said, grasping his hand, afraid he would see her bruised chest. "Ok. And I'm sorry. Are you okay?", he asked while she buttoned her top button. Then there was a sound at the door, and it opened to reveal Valerie standing there with her hand on her hip. "Oh! Well excuse me! Am I interrupting?", Valerie asks as she walks in and stands between them. "Interrupting what?", Derek quickly responds as he grabs the paper and walks out laughing. Trina follows quickly behind leaving Valerie in the supply closet alone. She sank back into her chair at her cubicle watching Derek walk back down the corridor. He never looked back and she was sure that Valerie was still standing in the closet trying to piece it all together. She was the office’s troublemaker and loved to gossip and spread rumors.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 3

As the day drags on Trina realizes that she will not be leaving work on time. It was already 4:45 pm. She picks up her desk phone and dials Jay’s number to let him know that’s she’s running behind schedule. He doesn’t answer. She calls again and it goes straight to voicemail. Frustrated, she pulls out her cell phone and calls him again. It goes straight to voicemail. She stares into the small mirror hanging from her cubicle wondering where he could be and what he was doing. He never answers her calls. She decides to text him to see if he will call her back because she did not want to ride the bus home again. It was too damn hot for that. After all, it was her car. She felt so used and frustrated by the whole arrangement. And after this morning’s fling in the supply closet with Derek, she felt like she may have some other options. Trina knew she was a pretty girl and she had a nice figure. It was just something about Jay that drew her to him initially. As she waited for him to call, her mind began drifting back to the memories of when they first met.

She met him a year ago at Open Mic Night down at Lucky’s Lounge. She had been a few times before with her girlfriends but had never seen him before. The emcee introduced him as Jazzy Jay and he walked up on stage with swagger. His braids were fresh and done in an intricate pattern that only a professional could do. His chain and watch shimmered under the stage lights. He was tall, chocolate and thick, like a guy that loved to eat. His Polo shirt and Air Force Ones indicated that he was not a local country boy. His style was very hip-hop. He had a nice freestyle that moved the crowd. He seemed confident and comfortable on the stage, making eye contact with the cheering audience. She watched from the bar as he descended the stage, shaking hands and giving dap. He came right over and asked, as if he knew her, “So what do you think?”. Trina sipped her apple martini slowly and said, “It was cool.”. He motioned for the bartender and asked him to bring her another martini and two shots of Patron for him. They talked and drank until last call about his potential record deal with No Limit Records and how he was going to be the next biggest thing. As she had guessed, he was from the north – New Jersey. He had a fast talking style and loved to brag about his money and rapping skills. And even though he tried his hardest to tag along, she left the lounge with her girlfriends that night, leaving him her number. He called her the next day with horrible news. He said had been robbed that night of his cash and jewelry and could not afford to stay another night at the Motel 6. She reluctantly allowed him to spend the night on her couch that day. She heard about New Jersey dudes and how they like to run game, so she was being cautious.

Trina thought she was helping him by letting him sleep on the couch for a few days. She asked him to leave each morning while she was at work, but he would always be waiting on the steps to her apartment building when she got home. And everyday he had a new excuse as to why she should let him stay another night. On the fourth night, while watching television together in the living room, she informed him that he had to go, no matter what. Trina explained to him that she was more comfortable living alone and that she could not support him, especially since he had eaten all her food. He began rubbing on her bare thighs as they sat side by side on the loveseat. He promised to pay her rent if she let him stay until the end of the month. He reminded her of his pending record deal and tentative performances with well known artists. She initially said no, but he continued to rub and beg, slowly moving his hands under her jean skirt. “Come on Trina, don’t be that way.”, Jay whispered in her ear. “You know I’m trying to do this music thing and you are the only one that I have supporting me.”, he continued to whisper while pulling her panties down around her ankles. She sat in silence, pondering her response, while wanting him to continue his please. In the blue glow of the television, he got on his knees in front of her and began kissing and licking her inner thighs while whispering, “Trina, let me be your man. We can help each other.” She still didn’t respond so he forcefully hiked her jean skirt up around her waist and began passionately licking her clitoris. “Trina, say yes baby.”, he would ask every few minutes. She was thoroughly enjoying him between her legs. She stroked his braids and admired how great he made her body feel. It made her feel sexy and in control. As her legs began to shake uncontrollably, she screamed, “Yes Jay! Yes!” He immediately pulled out a rubber and unzipped his pants. “So you gonna let me stay and be your man?”, he asked while rolling the condom on. She looked at his penis and it was nice and thick, better than what she had expected. “Yeah, come on.”, she responded. He pulled her up off the sofa and spun her around. She could feel him enter from the back and begin pounding her from behind. He kept calling her name, which she loved, until he came, about three minutes later. He pulled out of her and said, “Well it’s a done deal.”. He went into the bathroom, flushed the condom and went straight to her bedroom and fell asleep naked on her bed. She stood in her doorway watching him snore, satisfied at the time. Not knowing how their relationship would evolve over the next few months. Little did she know, all he had promised her was a lie. He never did pay the rent that month. And that No Limit Records contract he often talked about never materialized.

The loud heckling laughter brought her back to reality as she sat at her desk. “So now what?”, she smirked to herself while looking back into the tiny mirror hanging from her cubicle. She sat there thinking about how to get out of the situation. He had taken over her life. He beat her for senseless things all the time; like leaving the top off the toothpaste or not cooking dinner to his liking. And all the things he said he would accomplish never amounted to anything. He tells her that he’s at the studio all day and all night. He comes home reeking of alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana. His cell phone rings all night and he claims its producers wanting him to freestyle. So he leaves her home alone, sometimes not returning until the next afternoon. She chuckles bitterly to herself, “But you don’t answer when I call.” Fed up, she jumps up from her cubicle, grabs her cell phone and purse and races out the building to the pay phone across the street.

Once she gets to the pay phone, she digs deep in her purse for change. She anxiously inserts the quarter and dime and dials his number. On the first ring he answers, “Hello?”. “This Trina.”, she quips back, “I have been trying to call you. Where are you?”. She hears music in the background and a woman’s voice asking, “Who’s that?”. “Hello! Hello?”, Trina yells loudly into the pay phone. Then she heard silence. She stood there staring into the handset of the pay phone in disbelief. She dropped the handset and grabbed her cell phone from her purse to call him back. Again, it went straight to his voicemail. She could not believe how much she had tolerated from him. She stood there, under the blazing Texas sun, wondering how she would get home. And as the sweat began to form on her forehead and drip down her face and neck, she knew that she needed a real plan to get her car back and escape from him for good.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 4

She boards the hot and crowded bus, looking for a seat. Near the back she sees a familiar face smiling at her. "Kyle?", she says, hoping its him. "The one and only baby!", he says, scooting over to the window seat so she can sit next to him. Kyle was her gay boyfriend that she had known since middle school. He was as fine and sexier than most heterosexual men. His body was very muscular and toned. He was tall, with smooth medium brown skin. Kyle was dressed in a black fitted T-shirt and tan cargo shorts that revealed his huge calves. "Look at you honey!" Trina said as she sat down, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "You look great Kyle. How have you been?", she said, looking him up and down in approval. "I'm fabulous boo. But I need you to tell me why you look so tired and wore down.", he said, smacking his lips. A voice from behind them said, "Because she IS tired, she need to RE-tire." Trina and Kyle both turned around to see who was talking trash. There was a group of young girls sitting a few rows behind them. "Ummmm, does somebody have something to say to us?", Kyle said as his eyes searched the group for the trash talker. "I don't have shit to say to YOUR PUNK ASS but that trick right there better stay away from my man!", the pregnant one said, pointing her finger at Trina. "Who the fuck are you?", Trina asked, staring back at the pregnant girl. "I'm Jay's baby mama. And I would suggest you stop calling his phone.", the pregnant girl said, rolling her eyes. Her swollen belly bulged from the faded pink tank top she was wearing. She looked about 17 or 18 years old and about 6 months pregnant. Kyle and Trina looked at each other in shock trying to figure out who she was. "He got a baby mama?", Kyle whispered to Trina. "Well that's news to me, he's been living with me for a year.", Trina said as she turned back around to face the front of the bus. "Yeah I know, I been all up in your apartment. He ate my pussy real good in your bed.", the pregnant girl laughed as her friends gave each other high fives. The other bus passengers stared at Trina, waiting for her to respond. "Don't listen to that garbage Trina. You don't even know if that's true.", Kyle said, placing his hand on Trina's knee to reassure her. "Oh it's true," the pregnant girls friend said as they all got up to exit the bus as it stopped, "I was in your living room when it happened. I saw your pictures on the TV stand. Black leather sofas, right? With black and gold vases on the side tables? Right? Yeah, I knew it was you when you got on the bus." The group of girls continued to laugh and call Trina names as the bus doors closed and the bus began to pull off. "Trina.... he gotta go boo. Don't let him drag you down like that! He got these lil chicken heads in your apartment while you're at work. Oh no honey.", Kyle said while fanning himself with his hands. "I know Kyle. I am so done with him.", Trina said while holding back her tears. She clutched her purse tightly and they rode the next four blocks in silence.


"Well this is my stop babes.", she said, leaning over to kiss Kyle on the cheek. "Call me!", Kyle said as she stood up and walked down the aisle to exit. She stepped off the bus drenched in sweat, swearing to herself that this is the last time she will ride it home. Her shirt is sticking to her back and her pencil skirt feels tighter than ever. She still has a block to walk to her apartment and her Nine West stilettos have already betrayed her. All she can think about is getting home, turning the A/C on blast and talking a shower. Her mind was still racing about Jay's whereabouts and the drama on the bus. "Who was that girl? And how did they know what her apartment looked like?", she thought to herself. She was ready to free herself from the exhausting relationship but also wanted to play it cool. The last thing she needed was for him to punch her in the face again. She pulled her keys out of her purse as she climbed the stairs of her apartment building. When she reached the second floor she immediately noticed an eviction notice on her door. She snatched it down and quickly read it. She had three days to vacate the apartment. Jay had not paid the rent as he had promised. "What did he do with my half of the money?", she wondered. Trina quickly unlocked the door and entered her small apartment. She looked around and it was a mess. Jay's clothes and shoes were everywhere. The dishes were overflowing in the sink and the trash stunk like hell. She walked over to the thermostat and turned it to 60 degrees, hoping it would cool off quickly. She walked into the bathroom and sat on the side of the tub, dropping her purse and eviction notice on the chipped tile floor. She reached behind her and turned on the shower. She stood up and slowly peeled off her damp clothes. The reflection in the mirror revealed the bruises on her chest and stomach again. She felt so ugly that she could barely look at herself. She entered the shower and pulled the curtain closed. The cool water dampened her face and hair, then slowly started to drip down her body. The water pressure was weak and slow but she felt relieved and refreshed after washing her hair and body. As she got out the shower, she heard the front door open and close. She frantically stuffed the eviction notice inside her purse and wrapped a towel around her body. As she turned around, Jay had opened the bathroom door and was standing there looking at her.

"Why are you playing on my phone?", he asked Trina, staring at her with an intimidating look. "I wasn't playing Jay. I needed you to pick me up from work.", she answered, smoothing her wet hair away from her face. "Look, I told you that I had things to do today and you should have called me way before 5.", he said reaching past her to open the medicine cabinet. He took the whole bottle of Percocet and started to leave the bathroom. "So you knew I needed a ride, and you knew I was calling but you didn't even bother to call me back?", she asked him, staring at his back as he walked away. He kept walking, leaving the door open. She followed him into the kitchen and watched him crush the pills on the counter. "Jay... who... who was that girl you were with when I called?", Trina asked, leaning against the stove. He didn't answer and proceeded to sniff the powdery reside from the counter with a one dollar bill. "Jay...", her voice trembled and cracked,"I need to know what's going on with you." He didn't even look her way and snorted some more. Trina just stood there, with water dripping from her body and hair. She could tell he was high as he walked towards the living room. His leg brushed against the trashcan as he wobbled from side to side. Angrily, he turned and kicked the trashcan over, spilling its stinking contents all over the floor. Trina grabbed the broom and cleaned the mess up while he undressed to his boxers in the living room. She quietly went back to the bedroom, dried off and wrapped her hair. She heard him turn the TV on to ESPN so she decided to leave him alone. She began ripping the sheets off her bed in a rage. She hated the thought of another woman in her bed. She put new sheets on the bed and spritzed it with linen spray from Bath and Body works. Exhausted, she stretched across the bed, thinking about Derek. Trina fantasized how their life would be if he was her man. She stared at the ceiling thinking about his sweet kisses and the arousing smell of his cologne. She wondered what Derek was doing and if he was thinking of her as well. Almost an hour had passed and she slowly crept into the living room and saw Jay asleep on the couch. Now was the time, she thought. The perfect time to get her car keys and get out of there. And that's just what she did. She packed her duffel bag with essentials and quietly slipped out the door.

Trina hurried across the parking lot and jumped in her car. She hadn't driven it in such a long time. She cranked it up, adjusted the seat, and sped off without a destination. It felt good to be free, even though she didn't have a plan. Her phone rang and she looked down at it to see that it was Jay, calling her already. She wasn't ready to talk to him. She left the phone in the cup holder and it rang nonstop for the next two minutes. She checked her voice mail and listened to his threatening message. He said he would stomp her face in when she got home. Jay didn't realize that his stint was over. Trina was done with him, especially after the incident on the bus today. He didn't even know about the eviction. She started to drive downtown and planned to get a room at the Marriott that her girlfriend worked at. She could stay there until the coast was clear long enough for her to go back and get her TV, clothes and other personal belongings. She was scared, but tired of the drama. She called Naomi to see about getting the room. Trina was happy that Naomi was actually at the front desk when she called, so she jumped on 45 south and headed downtown.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 5

As soon as Trina enters the lobby, she spots Naomi behind the front desk. You couldn't miss a girl like her. She looked like a light skinned version of Monique the comedienne. And she acted like her too, always making jokes and laughing. As soon as Naomi laid eyes on Trina making her way towards the front desk, her whole face lit up. She dashed from behind the front desk into the lobby, squealing with excitement. "Hey bitch!", Naomi said loudly, giving Trina a long bear hug. "Naomi!", Trina gasped because Naomi was squeezing her so tightly. They had both worked at the same hotel a year ago, before Naomi got promoted to the front desk at the Marriott and before Trina started working for TicketMaster. "You are not gonna fucking believe who is in the Cigar Bar right now!", Naomi said grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the bar across from the escalator. "Who?", Trina answered with a puzzled look. "Mike Battle girl! He's in the private party room over there!", Naomi pointed as she and Trina peeked in through the doors. Mike was a basketball star from Trina's high school that was recently signed to play for the Houston Rockets. She watched him get up from his private booth and walk over near the dance floor where a few photographers began snapping his picture. He wore a light denim shirt, trimmed in leather, with a huge diamond bracelet and dark sunglasses. "Now listen to me Trina,", Naomi said, handing her a room key, "Take your ass to room 908 and get fierce bitch!" They both laughed and Trina took off towards the guest room elevators.

Trina threw her duffel bag on the bed and began unwrapping her hair. She felt nervous as she began to get dressed and wondered if Mike would recognize her. He was at least two years older than her and definitely a local superstar. She decided to wear a short black sundress that showed her breasts and legs off very well. As she stood in the mirror applying MAC concealer to cover the fading bruises on her breasts, she noticed that there was a mini-bar behind her. She grabbed the two tiny Bacardi bottles and twisted the tops off. She quickly drank both of them, popped a mint into her mouth from her purse and headed back to the Cigar Bar. As she passed the front desk, Naomi whistled her approval and gave her two thumbs up. Trina confidently opened the doors to the Cigar bar and waltzed in. She took a seat at an empty table and a waitress greeted her. "Would you like a drink?", the waitress asks. "Yes, Bacardi and Coke please." Trina smiled, already feeling the effects of the first two shots she took in her room. The bar was filled with a sweet smell of cherry cigars. The lights were dim and the sound of the Isley Brothers flowed through the surround sound speakers. It wasn't crowded though, just a few couples and older Black men sitting at tables, drinking and smoking cigars. She could see Mike and his friends in the booth on the opposite side of the bar. The waitress returned and placed her drink on a napkin and said, "Compliments from the gentleman in the blue shirt." Her heart melted as she looked over and he was smiling right at her with the prettiest white teeth she had ever seen. "Thank you.", Trina replied to the waitress as she walked away. Mike got up and started walking towards her table. "Oh my God!", she thought to herself as she sat up straight and smiled nervously. "Hello.", Mike said as she sat down across from her. "Hi, I'm Trina", she said as she extended her hand. He reached out and shook her hand while studying her face. "You went to Spring High School, didn't you?", he asked while admiring her breasts. "Yeah and I remember you Mike.", she said after taking a sip of her drink. He laughed and got up to sit closer to her. "Did you know today is my birthday?", he said looking into her eyes. "Really!", Trina smiled, "How old are you?". "The big two - six!", he replied as he ordered another round of drinks from the waitress. "Are you going to celebrate with me tonight?", Mike asked. "What did you have in mind?", Trina replied. "Well for starters, I have the penthouse suite and two bottles of Remy 1738 on ice. There's a nice jacuzzi with bubbles and rose petals... all ready to go.", he said winking at her. Trina was impressed with his charm and she couldn't help looking at his diamond bracelet as it shimmered on his wrist. "I mean... it's all good if you don't want to. It's just that I'm here alone tonight. I could use some company.... especially the company of a pretty lady like you.", he said while passing her the drink that the waitress just brought to the table. Trina was blushing from his compliment and decided that he seemed pretty cool. Besides, she was buzzing from the drinks and feeling kind of horny looking at his lips as he talked to her. Jay hadn't touched her body sexually in weeks. And after all the drama she had been through, she really wanted to relax and have a good time.

They both looked at each other and smiled as they finished their drinks. "You ready?", he asked, extending his arm for her to grab. She nodded and got up from the table, squeezing his arm as they exited the Cigar Bar. She felt like she was flying as the elevator took them up to the penthouse suite on the top floor. As they entered the marble foyer of the suite, she could see and smell vanilla candles burning in the bedroom. A warm breeze blew in through the balcony door and she could see the stars and the city lights. The lavish bathroom revealed the bubbling jacuzzi with floating rose petals. It was beautiful and she felt honored to be there with him. Mike took off his sunglasses and walked over to the living room and turned on the iPod player. "What you know about Jodeci?". he teased as he started taking off his clothes. His chest and abs were chiseled and his dark skin glistened in the candle light. He got in the jacuzzi with his black silk boxers on. Trina, feeling tipsy, just stood there and watched as he pulled out the Remy 1738 from the silver ice bucket and began to pour two glasses. "Well... are you getting in with me and signing Happy Birthday?", Mike asked, flashing his beautiful white smile. "I will get in, but I can't sing.", Trina said, entering the hot bubbling jacuzzi with her black sundress on. She takes the glass and starts to sip, knowing she's already drunk. She looks down at her breasts to see if the MAC concealer was still holding up. She was relieved to see that you couldn't tell that her body was bruised at all. "So where are my birthday kisses?" he asks, placing his drink on the side of the jacuzzi. Trina places hers there as well and straddles his crotch, placing wet kisses on his forehead. He groans and she could feel his manhood rising between her legs. He leans his head backwards and she starts licking his ears as the water bubbles around their bodies. His penis is fully erect and has escaped from his silk boxers by now. She can feel it pressing against her lace thongs. Trina was so turned on and intoxicated as he began caressing her nipples. As the music played, he teased her body into submission. His fingers pulled her thong aside and entered deep inside her. "I want you right now. Man, I would do anything to have you right now.", Mike said while massaging his fingers in and out. Trina pulled his hand away and rubbed the head of his penis on her exposed vagina. He groaned again with pleasure. She didn't want to stop but she knew they should use protection. She pulled away in a moment of hesitation and sat on the side of the jacuzzi, sipping her drink.

"What the hell did you stop for?", he asked in an irritated tone as she peeled wet rose petals from her skin. "I'm not gonna have sex with you. I barely know you. Besides, we don't have protection.", she said rolling her eyes. He stood up and got out, peeling off the wet silk boxers. Mike walked into the bedroom fully erect and came back wearing a condom. "What's up now girl? Let's do this!", he said while rubbing her arms and shoulders. "Mike... I want to... but, I just can't.", Trina replied looking up at him. He walked towards the entrance of the suite and returned with her purse in one hand and a stack of cash in the other. "Look, here is $2,500 in cash.", Mike said as he stuffed it into her purse, "I'm trying to fuck tonight. I need some birthday pussy." He threw the purse on the floor and got back into the jacuzzi with the condom on, leaning all the way back. Trina turned her glass up, swallowing the last few drops of Remy, and placed the empty glass down. She slowly immersed her body into the steamy water, pulling her thongs aside. Trina mounted his erect penis and slowly sat down on it as he moaned in pleasure. She rode him slowly and he grabbed her ass firmly, guiding her movements. Trina couldn't believe what she was doing, but that didn't stop her either. She continued to ride him. Then he rose up out of the water, and picked her up out of the jacuzzi with his strong muscular body. Mike carried her to the private balcony and pulled the wet sundress over her head. Steam rose from their naked bodies as he laid her on the chaise lounge under the stars. He climbed on top of her and thrust himself inside. Trina stared up at the stars as they twinkled in the dark sky, feeling the heavy weight of his body as he pounded in and out. At that moment she realized that she sold her body and soul. She laid there quietly as he grunted and breathed heavily on top of her. It was a sobering moment and she knew this was a mistake that she couldn't take back. She felt Mike's body shake then slump on top of her and she tried to push him off but he was too heavy and too drunk. "Mike.", she said nudging him, "Let me get up please." He rolled over onto his back and she sat up, realizing that he didn't have a condom on anymore. She stared as his penis as the cum dripped down slowly. "What happened to the condom?", she asked. "I took it off.", he said rolling over to his side as if he was going to sleep.

Trina's heart instantly dropped to her stomach. She felt sick and wanted to leave as quickly as possible. She picked up her wet sundress from the balcony floor and wrung it out. She walked into the bathroom and put on the hotel's bathrobe to cover her naked body. Trina bent down and grabbed her purse filled with money and her shoes. She walked out the penthouse barefoot, leaving Mike on the balcony in a drunken sleep. She took the elevator back down to her floor and entered her hotel room. Trina dropped her belongings on the floor and took off the robe. She laid in the bed, thinking about the stupid mistake she had just made.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 6

Trina woke up early the next day, sprawled across her hotel bed with the sun from the window shining in her face. She realized that she needed to get to work as early as possible and leave her supervisor, Mr. Towson, a leave slip. Trina needed the next few days to get her life back in order and to figure out how to get her belongings out of her apartment. As she showered and dressed, she feared a confrontation with Jay. She hoped that he wasn't still at her place. She decided to call Kyle to see if he could help. As she got on the elevator, she called Kyle from her cell phone and he agreed to meet her in two hours. When the elevator door opened into the lobby, she was startled to see Mike Battle. He was standing at the front desk with a white woman. She was young and pretty, with long blonde hair. Clinging to the white woman's long floral printed dress was a bi-racial little girl that looked just like Mike. Trina's heart started to race and she hoped that she could walk past them without Mike noticing her. She quickened her pace and reached the parking lot without incident.

When she reached her job, she parked in the adjacent lot and asked the parking attendant to keep an eye out for her car. Trina knew how crazy Jay was, and feared that he would come looking for her at her job. As she entered the rear entrance, she saw Valerie and the other girls standing at the security desk, flirting with the guards. Trina decided to take the stairs instead of risking the chance of them seeing her. She raced up the steps as quickly as possible, relieved to see that the office was completely empty. Almost breathless, Trina pulled out her keys and unlocked her desk drawer, emptying the contents into a box she had taken from the supply closet. "What are you doing here so early Ms. Williams?", a familiar voice asked. It was Derek, standing behind her with a huge grin on his face. "I need to take some time off Derek. I... I need to move.", Trina replied, thinking of how not to reveal everything that had happened to her. "Is everything okay? Why are you breathing so hard?", he asked as he helped her clear off her desk. "I just have a lot going on right now.", she responded, trying not to make eye contact with him. "Trina, you can tell me. I can probably even help you move if you need me to. What's your number?", Derek asked, pulling out his cell phone. As Trina locked the desk drawer back, she looked up at Derek with tears in her eyes. "Derek, I don't think us getting involved is a good idea right now. I have too much going on.", she said, grabbing her purse and keys. "Trina, I want to help you. I knew the first time I saw you that you were someone I wanted to get to know. Stop putting this wall up and let me help you. I'm not going to let you leave here without getting your number.", Derek said, stepping in front of her so that she couldn't walk by. Trina reluctantly took his cell phone from his hand and dialed her number. Her phone rang inside her purse as she handed him the phone back. "Let me help you with that box.", Derek said as he picked the box up from her desk. "It looks like you won't be back anytime soon, huh?", he said as they walked towards the back door leading to the staircase. "Everything is so crazy right now, I don't know.", she said, stopping at Mr. Towson's desk and completing her leave slip. They walked down the steps and out to the parking lot in silence. Derek placed the box in her trunk and walked around to the drivers side of her car. "I'm going to call you when I leave here Trina.", he said leaning into her window. "Alright Derek.", Trina said, forcing herself to smile as she drove away. As she exited the parking lot, she saw Valerie standing outside smoking a cigarette. Valerie had probably watched them the whole time they were outside. Trina was glad he didn't try to kiss her goodbye.

She wasn't even halfway down the block before her cell phone began ringing. It was a number she didn't recognize. She turned her stereo all the way down and answered the phone, "Hello?". It was Derek, asking her to slow down and wait for him. He had decided to follow her home and when she looked in her rear view mirror, she saw his dark blue Escalade speeding up behind her. "Aww shit!", she said to herself. Trina started to panic and needed to figure out her next move because she hadn't told Derek about Jay and she knew Kyle would be waiting for her outside her apartment building. "So you're just leaving work to help me?", she said to Derek in shock and amazement. "Yep! I have a little bit of vacation time and after we move your things, I'm taking you to lunch.", Derek replied over the phone. "Ummm.... okay.", she said, "Just...ummm... follow me because I...ummm... my friend is helping too. Ok?", Trina said as she struggled for an explanation. "Cool, I'm yours all day. Bye.", Derek said, still following her as they took the freeway back to Trina's apartment. As soon as she hung up, she saw Kyle's number appear on her caller ID and she answered it on the first ring. "He's here! Turn around!", Kyle excitedly screamed into the phone. "Oh my God Kyle! Where should I... what... shit!" Trina said, looking in the rear view to see if Derek was still behind her and he was. "Kyle... this guy is with me. This guy from my job.", Trina started to explain. "What the fuck were you thinking about Trina? You know Jay can't stand my ass... and you decide to bring a nigga he don't even know to the house?", Kyle said in a very upset tone. "It wasn't my choice, he's so pushy! He doesn't even know about Jay!", Trina replied, still watching Derek following her car. "You lucky you got a friend like me. I have a plan.", Kyle said. He explained to Trina over the phone that Jay was outside of the apartment building, sitting on the stairs. Kyle planned to go and buy some weed from the guy on the corner and pretend to come and look for Trina, as if he wanted to smoke with her. Kyle knew Jay was a dope fiend and would smoke with anybody, even if he despised Kyle for being gay. Kyle would lure Jay to the neighborhood park two blocks away and smoke some blunts with him to keep him occupied while Derek and Trina moved her things out.

As they pulled up in front of her building, the coast was clear. She let out a sigh of relief. Trina jumped out of her car and pointed to her building as she sprinted up the stairs. Derek got out of his car and followed her up to her apartment. When she opened the door, there was a stagnate smell of cigarettes and marijuana in the air. "Whoa!" Derek said as his eyes scanned the tiny apartment. It was completely trashed. There were empty McDonalds cups and bags everywhere, ashtrays filled with cigarette butts and blunt roaches, and a round mirror on the side table with a razor and powder residue on top. Trina felt completely embarrassed. "I didn't now you partied like this.", Derek said, looking down at the mirror and the ashtrays. "That's why I'm moving Derek. My cousin has completely taken over my place. Him and his friends are here all the time using drugs and I can't take it anymore.", Trina said, grabbing a box of trash bags from the hallway closet. "Can you grab my TV and put it in your truck please? I want to be out of here before he gets back.", she said as she stuffed the pictures of her and Jay into one of the garbage bags before Derek could notice. "Oh okay.", Derek said, still suspicious of Trina's explanation. "What about your furniture?", he said, as he paused in the front door, holding her 32" TV. "Fuck it. I'm leaving all this raggedy shit.", she replied, still stuffing her belongings into the garbage bags. After they had both packed their vehicles to capacity with garbage bags and the rest of her belongings, Derek asked, "So where are we taking all this stuff?" Trina thought to herself and said, "Let's just get going before my cousin gets back. I will call you from my cell." Derek followed her out of the parking lot and she called him when they reached the stop light. "What's going on with you Trina? Where you got me going now?", Derek asked impatiently. "I need to find storage Derek. I told you I had a lot going on. I'm sorry. I'm actually staying at the Marriott downtown.", Trina replied. "I have a unit on Westheimer. You can use it until you get back on your feet. Follow me.", he said, hanging up before she could respond.

She watched his Escalade pull out in front of her car and she followed him to the storage place. She was surprised how willing Derek was to help her. He loaded everything into his storage unit while she waited in her car. Kyle had just called to tell her that he had just left Jay at the park and that he was headed home. Trina felt blessed to have friends willing to help her. She was happy that she had gotten most of her stuff and wished that she could be a fly on the wall when Jay got back to the apartment to see that she had moved out. For the first time, in a very long time, she prayed and thanked the Lord for bringing her out of the hole that she dug. As Derek closed the storage unit and placed the padlock on the door, she started to see him in a new light. "Leave your car here and ride with me.", he yelled over to her. "I'm hungry! Let's go eat!", he smiled at her as she emerged from her car and walked over to him. He opened the door for her and helped her climb up into the passenger seat. Derek walked around the front of the truck and climbed into the drivers seat. "Where are we going?", Trina asked. "To my favorite spot!", he said with a smile, backing up and exiting the storage place.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 7

Derek and Trina sat inside the Red Cat Jazz Cafe listening to George Benson and drinking red wine. It was an intimate jazz restaurant in downtown Houston. Although it was hot and sunny outside, they were sitting in the back where it was dark and cool. Derek leaned back in the tall leather booth, admiring Trina as he adjusted his red tie. Trina was checking him out as well, he looked professional in his navy suit. Derek was the most handsome young brother in the entire building. She could remember his first day on the job. All of the women, young and old were buzzing about him, introducing themselves and flirting with him. Trina thought about how he walked all the way back to her cubicle that day, just to say hello. Sitting there with him now almost felt surreal. "Can I be honest with you Ms. Williams?", he said with such a familiar charm. "Of course you can.", Trina answered. "I had been thinking of a way to get to know you before I kissed you at work that day. I hope you don't think of me in a certain way because I am usually a man that can control his behavior.", Derek said, leaning forward to touch her hand as it laid on her purse between them. "Well I'm just glad Valerie didn't walk in ten seconds sooner!", she laughed, taking another sip of wine. "Now that I have you captive," he laughed, "I really would like to know more about you." Trina paused and asked, "What do you want to know?" Derek scooted closer and asked, "Well most importantly... do you have a man in your life?". "No.", she quickly answered. "Do you have a woman?", Trina asked, hoping he would say no. "No I don't. I have been in and out of relationships for the past three years, nothing real, just a lot of impostors. I'm really tired of the games women play. I know that I'm ready for the right woman." Trina looked at him as he talked, analyzing his statements, thinking that he may be judgmental of her if he knew her past. The waitress came and placed their entrees in front of them. Trina was relieved that the food was there, she felt the conversation taking a very serious tone. "How is your food?", he asked as she ate her Shrimp Alfredo. "It's great, the shrimp is really fresh. I usually order this when I get a chance to eat here.", she replied as she continued to eat. "So, Trina, may I ask what you think of me?", Derek said as he looked at her intently. "Honestly?", she said while suppressing a giggle. "Yeah.", Derek said, bracing himself for her response. "I think you're a player.", she said, looking at him straight in the eyes. "Wow. That's harsh. I'm a really nice guy. What makes you think I'm a player?", he said defensively. "I don't know Derek. I mean.... you're a very handsome guy, with a nice ride, good job... the whole package. I see the way Valerie and the rest of them flirt with you. I'm sure you get that everywhere you go.", Trina said while buttering her garlic bread. "I do. But that doesn't mean I'm a player. I'm done with those days of acting young and foolish. I thought you were the type of woman that could recognize that.", he laughed, looking down as his cell phone began ringing from its holster on his belt. "Excuse me for a second please while I take this call.", Derek said while getting up from the table.

She watched him walk away from the table as he headed towards the glass double doors. Trina wondered who he was talking to as she watched him pace back and forth. She sat there impatiently as he talked outside, not coming back inside until about five minutes later. "I am so sorry about that.", he said, rushing back to the table to accompany her again. "Is everything okay?", she asked, wondering why he looked flustered. "Well, not really. My kids mother wants me to babysit the twins tonight.", he said as he placed his phone back in his belt holster. "Babysit? Twins?", she said with a frown, "How old are they?". "They are 8 months old.", he replied. "Why did you use the term babysit as if they are not your children too?", she asked in an annoyed tone. "Oh my bad!", Derek laughed, knowing he had already made an impressionable mistake. "So what happened between you and her? Did y'all break up after she had the kids?", Trina asked, pushing her plate aside as she finished eating. "We were never in a relationship. She wanted to be, but I told her from the beginning that it wasn't like that. So when she told me she was pregnant, I didn't really know what to do or if I was the one that actually got her pregnant. You know how women do these days...", he said as he continued to eat. Trina had a million questions in her head. She wondered if he was even telling the truth. Derek sat silently eating his food and there was a long silence between them. Trina sipped her red wine slowly, staring outside as people walked by the glass doors. Finally Derek asked, "So I guess you're not into kids or date guys with kids, huh?". "Well I don't have any kids, or nieces or nephews, so I guess I would say I'm not experienced with them.", she replied after thinking carefully about her response. "Well I want at least two more. And I want to find a good wife - someone that's ready and willing to grow my family and someone that enjoys being well taken care of.", Derek said as the waitress returned to clear the table. "Do you think that you are the kind of woman that could love my twin boys and give me two more children?", he asked as he touched her hand again. She just looked at him, trying to absorb everything he just said. He scooted over until they were shoulder to shoulder and squeezed her hand. "Well... I don't know. I can't say that I'm that woman Derek.", she said slowly. "I think you are and you just don't know it. You aren't used to being treated like a queen and having a king take care of you.", he whispered in her ear. Derek opened the dessert menu and looked it over. He asked the waitress to bring them a huge slice of chocolate cake topped with strawberries. While they were waiting for the cake, Derek continued to caress her hands and talk softly in her ear. He told her that he wanted to take their friendship slow. Trina explained how important they would have to be at work. She knew that if their coworkers knew that they were dating each other that it would probably cause some unnecessary drama.They came to an agreement that their conversations at work would be short and sweet and if they needed to talk that they could call or text each other. When the dessert arrived, Derek insisted on feeding it to her. She enjoyed his attention as he swirled the fresh strawberries in the chocolate icing with his fork and slowly placed it into her mouth. While she ate, he told her how much he liked her almond shaped brown eyes and soft full lips. They took their time eating and talking, as if they were in their own world. Derek paid the waitress and left her a $20 bill on the table. As they stood up, he turned to her and said, "I really don't want you to go back to your hotel tonight." "If we're going to take this slow, I think it's a good idea if I do.", Trina laughed as she excused herself to use the ladies room.

When she came out of the stall, she walked over to the row of sinks and began wahing her hands. As she stood in front of the mirror, she made sure every hair on her head was in place. She had a good feeling about Derek, even though she was surprised to find out he had twins. She unzipped her purse to get her lip gloss and looked at the stack of money still inside. She started to think about how she was going to spend it. Trina knew she needed a safe place to live that wasn't near her old apartment. Jay would probably still be hanging out in that area, even after the eviction tomorrow. She definitely couldn't afford to continue living at the hotel. As she exited the restroom, she decided that she would check out of her room tomorrow morning and find an apartment. It was close to the first of the month, and there would be plenty available apartments that were close to her job. As she walked back towards their table, Derek wasn't standing there. She looked outside and saw him arguing with a woman. Trina stood there in shock, not really knowing what to do. The angry woman suddenly burst through the double doors yelling and acting like a fool. She was wearing a black track suit and a plain black baseball cap. She looked in her mid thirties, with very dark chocolate skin. And was she very short and stumpy looking with sweat dripping down her face. "Where is she?", the woman yelled, walking from table to table, looking all over the restaurant. Derek quickly came in behind her and attempted to grab her wrist and calm her down. "Sharon! Sharon! Aww come on man! This is embarrassing.", Derek pleaded with her. "I knew you were here Derek. You're so predictable. I just wanna meet her.", Sharon said loudly, still looking around. Trina just stood there, holding her purse. She wasn't sure what to do. Derek looked at Trina and motioned for her to follow them outside. He grabbed Sharon by the shoulders and ushered her towards the front of the restaurant while she resisted the whole way, constantly turning around to try to get a good look at Trina. Trina wasn't scared at all and she was sizing her up as she followed them through the glass doors. "I'm Sharon, Derek's baby mama!" the short woman blurted out as soon as Trina stepped outside. "Sharon! I need you to calm the fuck down!", Derek said as he backed Sharon up, away from Trina. "You have no right coming down here trying to embarrass me. I told you I would get the boys when I left here!", he said looking down at Sharon as he towered over her. The woman began to cry and speak incoherently. The twin boys were in the backseat of an old gray minivan that looked like it had been sideswiped in a car accident. "Please go home and take the boys with you. I will come get them after I take her home.", Derek said trying to get Sharon to calm down and stop crying. "I need time for me Derek! I need time for ME! These babies need you too!", she sobbed while the babies began to cry softly. Trina felt overwhelmed and was getting irritated by the whole situation. Sharon went into a rage as Derek turned and walked away. "You're not leaving these kids with me tonight! I fell for that one before!" Sharon yelled as she began unbuckling the seat belts that were anchoring the car seats. Derek and Trina looked back to see Sharon placing the car seats with the babies inside on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. The patrons and staff had gathered near the glass doors and had a look of disbelief on their faces. One guy had even pulled out his cell phone and began recording the whole scenario. Trina wanted to disappear. She could not believe this was happening as they all watched Sharon pull off in the minivan, leaving her children wailing on the sidewalk. Derek was angry and extremely embarrassed as he grabbed both car seats and headed towards his truck. She helped him secure one of the car seats as he secured the other in the back seat of his Escalade. The babies began to scream at the top of their lungs. "I don't have any bottles, pampers, pacifiers... nothing man! I don't have nuthin! Now I have to stop at Walmart.", Derek said as he jumped in the drivers seat and slammed the door. Trina reluctantly got in and said, "This is too much for me. I'm going to let you handle your business. You and your baby mama need to work this out.", Trina said as Derek put the keys into the ignition. He looked at her in disappointment and said, "What do you mean? It won't take that long to buy some stuff and then I will take you to get your car." "Umm, I'm really tired and I need to get back to the hotel and pack so I can check out tomorrow. I have money for a cab. It's cool.", she yelled over the babies screams. "Man... this is so messed up. I didn't want things to turn out this way. I am so sorry Trina. At least let me pay for the cab." Derek said as he reached into his suit pants and pulled out a fifty dollar bill. Trina looked back at the twins as they continued to cry uncontrollably. She wanted to get out of there as fast as possible. "Thanks for lunch.", she said as she took the money and opened the door to climb out. "Trina, I'm sorry.", Derek yelled out of his window as he watched her hail a cab and get in.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 8

Trina spent the next morning in the hotel’s Business Center, searching for apartments online. She found three apartments that were close to her job and set up appointments to view them. She was excited and planned to move in that day if any of them were move – in ready. Trina was also happy that her friend Naomi could join her because her shift was over in five minutes. As they exited the hotel together, the sun was shining bright and it was extremely hot. Trina wore a white sundress that nicely contrasted her tanned skin. Naomi had changed out of her hotel uniform into some extremely short and tight denim shorts and an orange tank top that revealed her huge breasts and bulging midsection. On the way to Trina’s car, Naomi struggled to pull the denim shorts out of her crotch. “Ugh, what is the problem with those shorts girl?”, Trina laughed as she watched Naomi pull and tug. She was the type of big girl that preferred to let it all hang out. Naomi loved attention, even if it was the wrong type of attention. “So what happened with you and Mike Battle?”, Naomi asked as she struggled to fasten her seatbelt. “We just chilled and had a good time, nothing serious.”, Trina replied as she slid her sunglasses on. “Did you get his number or what?”, Naomi asked. “Nope. I wasn’t feeling him like that.”, Trina said as she turned up the volume, blasting Ludacris’ newest CD. They laughed and joked the whole way to the apartment complex. It felt good to hang out with her friend Naomi again, she was so much fun to be around.

As they walked into the leasing office, Trina’s cell phone began to ring. It was Jay. She quickly sent it to voicemail. She knew that he was probably getting escorted out of the apartment by the Sherriff during the eviction. Her phone continued to ring and she finally got a text message saying, “You just got Jay locked up.”. She stopped in her tracks and showed Naomi the message. “What? Who is this from? He’s finally getting what he deserves!”, Naomi laughed. “It came from his phone. I don’t know. He probably got warrants.”, Trina said as she put her phone on silent. The woman behind the desk introduced herself as Kim and told them that she would show them the apartment that was on the second floor in the next building. They all shook hands and followed the leasing agent out of the office and to the adjacent building. The leasing agent was a tall black woman with beautiful black hair that fell past her shoulders. She wore a tan linen skirt suit with matching tan sandals. “Welcome to your new apartment!”, Kim said as she held the front door open for Trina and Naomi to enter. This place was so much better than her last apartment. It had a newly renovated kitchen with granite countertops. Next to the kitchen, there was a powder room for guests. The living room and dining room had modern lighting fixtures and a ceiling fan. The balcony had large sliding glass doors that faced a wooded area, making it very private. The bedroom had a separate bathroom that also had granite on the vanity and a huge garden Jacuzzi tub. “How much is this again?”, Trina asked Kim who was still standing in the front door. “This unit is $950 plus a security deposit of $300.”, she responded. “If it’s available to move in today, I will take it!”. Trina smiled at Kim. “This is nice girl! I could definitely see you living here. Can you afford this?”, Naomi asked while checking out the balcony. “Yep, let’s go take care of the paperwork.”, Trina said confidently as they left the apartment and walked back to the leasing office.

When they reached the office, there were several guys hanging out in the parking lot, playing loud music. They noticed the women and waved hello. Naomi waved back and began walking towards them as Trina and the leasing agent went inside. “Where are you going?”, Trina asked as she held the door open for Naomi. “I’ll be back!”, she laughed as she kept walking towards the group of men. Trina sighed and went inside to complete the application for the apartment. When she came back outside with her apartment keys, she saw Naomi sitting in a black Hummer, drinking a Bud Light. Reluctantly, she walked over towards the group and could feel the men staring as she approached. “I called you to see if you wanted a beer.”, Naomi said as Trina walked over to the passenger side of the Hummer. “Oh, my phone must still be off.”, Trina said while reaching down in her purse. She had four new text messages. All of the messages were from Jay’s number. As she read them, she realized that it was the pregnant girl from the bus. Her name was Jessica and she was asking Trina to help her get Jay out of jail on bond. He had a warrant for unpaid child support. Trina couldn’t believe what she was reading and that this girl was even desperate enough to text her and ask her for help. Trina didn’t even know that Jay had other children until now.

She dropped the phone back in her purse as she felt the guys moving in closer. “Hey, I’m Lee and this is my boy Brent and my man Dave.”, the driver of the Hummer said as he passed her a beer. He was a big fat guy, standing almost seven feet tall, dark skin with a bald head. “No thanks. I really don’t drink beer, but it’s nice to meet y’all.”, she said as Naomi looked at her with an annoyed look. “Don’t mind her Lee. She’s stressing and trying to move in.”, Naomi said taking a sip of beer as she sat inside the Hummer. “Oh, you’re moving in? Well welcome to the neighborhood.”, Brent said as he took off his dark sunglasses to shake her hand.. He was almost as tall as Lee, but slimmer and very clean cut. Brent had thick eyebrows that framed his face well, deep brown skin, a nice haircut with black wavy hair and piercing light brown eyes. “Are those contacts?”, Trina asked. The guys began laughing uncontrollably. “That was the same thing I asked, Trina.”, Naomi said while laughing too. “No baby girl, my mother gave me these.”, Brent said while smiling at Trina. “Are y’all ready to do this?”, Dave asked as he pulled the cooler of beer from Lee’s Hummer and began walking towards the apartment building. He was a short, chunky, light skinned guy with a short afro. “Your girl said that if we helped you take that stuff out your car, y’all would come over to my place for a little while.”, Lee said to Trina. “She did?”, Trina said while shooting Naomi an angry look. “Just for a little while Trina.”, Naomi said while looking at Trina with puppy dog eyes. “Alright.”, Trina said as she walked to her car to unlock it. Lee and Brent began unloading her things and taking it up to her new apartment. Dave had already disappeared with the cooler full of beer.

Lee lived on the ground floor of her building in a two bedroom apartment that he shared with Dave. “No wonder he can afford that Hummer. He shares this place with Dave! ”, Trina whispered to Naomi as they walked in and sat down in the living room. It was a typical bachelor pad with dark brown leather sofas, a poker table in the dining room and loud music blasting from the stereo. “Can I get you a ‘grown woman’ drink?”, Brent asked as he leaned over the bar next to the kitchen. “Sure, whatever you have.” Trina replied. Lee and Naomi sat across from her and he was already fondling her and licking her ears. Trina felt disgusted. She did not want to watch them make out. She decided to go and sit on the stool next to the bar as Brent mixed Grey Goose and cranberry juice for her. “So do you live in this complex too?”, Trina asked as she couldn’t resist looking at his beautiful brown eyes. “No, I own a house not too far from here, near the Medical Center area.”, he said while handing her the drink. It was strong and bitter, but she sipped it anyway. “Your girl is something else!”, Brent said with a surprised look. Trina turned around to see Naomi sitting on the sofa with no shirt or bra on as Lee was sucking on her nipples. Her orange tank top and bra were on the floor. “Naomi!”, Trina screamed. “Girl chill out! Let me have some fun, damn!”, Naomi yelled back as Lee continued to hungrily lick all over both breasts. “Oh my God! I can’t believe she’s going all out like that.”, Trina said to Brent with an embarrassed look on her face. “Lee loves big girls. They might be a match made in heaven.”, Brent said as Dave emerged from his bedroom. “Now that’s what I’m talking about!”, Dave hollered, holding a beer in one hand. Dave stood there and watched Lee and Naomi make out on the sofa for a few minutes. Naomi didn’t care who was watching, she was all about having a good time. She even got more into it when she realized Dave was watching. Dave came over to the bar and poured three shots of Patron and took them back into the living room where Lee and Naomi were still engaged on the sofa. “Let’s do some shots.”, Dave said as he tapped Lee on the shoulder. Naomi and Lee paused momentarily to drink the shots. Naomi’s breasts sagged and she sat there topless, taking the shot with one swift motion. Trina knew that she couldn’t stop Naomi from doing what she wanted to do, besides, Naomi was so much bigger and stronger than her. “Bring me another one.”, Naomi said, standing up to peel off the tight denim shorts, revealing a pink thong and a huge lumpy backside. “Whew…. That feels so much better!”, Naomi said as she climbed on top of Lee who was now laying in the middle of the floor. Trina watched in amazement as Naomi gave Lee and Dave a pornographic show. Naomi wasn’t ashamed of her size and felt confident and sexy. Naomi sat on Lee’s crotch as he laid on his back, while Dave continued to bring her shots of Patron.

Trina and Brent sat by the bar, trying not to become distracted by the whole scene. Trina didn’t want to spoil Naomi’s fun, but also didn’t want Brent or any of the guys to think that she was that type of girl too. By the fourth shot, Naomi had unzipped Dave’s jean shorts and was massaging his penis. Dave stood erect next to Lee and Naomi on the floor, enjoying Naomi’s sexual advances. Lee was still laying on his back with his hands gripped tightly around her thick waistline as Naomi continued to grind on top. “It’s time for us to go.”, Trina said as she got off the stool and began picking up Naomi’s clothes. “Damn! Why is this bitch cock blocking?”, Dave said as Naomi stopped massaging his penis. “Who the fuck are you calling a bitch?”, Trina said, standing firmly in place. Before Dave could respond, Brent had stepped between them. “Dave, don’t disrespect the ladies man.”, Brent said while looking down at Dave who was a lot shorter. Dave zipped up his pants and walked into his bedroom. “I don’t see no ladies, man. All I see is a fat horny bitch that was about to suck my dick and a stuck up bitch that need some dick!”, Dave said angrily before slamming his door. Naomi struggled to get her jean shorts back on, but simply couldn’t – they were way too tight and she was drunk. Lee laid on the floor, laughing at Naomi as she almost fell over trying to pull her shorts up. Trina tried to help her pull the shorts past her knees but it was to no avail. Frustrated, Trina helped Naomi pull the tight shorts back down and grabbed her hand to lead her out of the apartment. Brent held the door open as Trina and a half-naked Naomi left Lee and Dave’s apartment. He watched the friends climb the steps together and knew that if Naomi fell, she would seriously hurt herself. “Let me help you Trina.”, Brent said as he grabbed Naomi by the arm and guided her up the staircase slowly. “Thanks for helping us Brent. Your friends are some assholes.”, Trina said as she unlocked the door to her new apartment. Brent escorted Naomi in and sat her down on a pallet of comforters, blankets and pillows that were laying on the living room floor. Naomi landed with a thump and laid there with her body exposed. “Trina, my friends may be assholes, but your girl wanted it. Just think of what might have happened if we weren’t there.”, Brent said as they stood in the living room. Trina looked down in embarrassment. “Well thanks for helping us out. It’s nice to know there are some good guys out there.”, Trina said as they both walked back towards the front door. “See you around.”, Brent said as he left.

Trina closed the door and looked at her friend sprawled out on her floor. She shook her head in disappointment and covered her with another blanket. Even though she didn’t have any furniture, she was happy to be in her new place. She took a blanket and pillow from the pile next to Naomi and went into her new bedroom and spread the blanket on the floor. She laid down and took a long deep breath of relief. She could hear Naomi snoring from the living room and the music from Lee and Dave’s apartment that was still blasting. As she laid there, thinking about the text messages that Jessica sent about Jay, her cell phone rang. She took it out of her purse and saw that it was Derek calling. She didn’t answer it and knew that she would see him at work tomorrow anyway. It was time for her to go back and she knew that Mr. Towson would want an explanation as to why she didn’t give him advance notice of her absence. Trina decided that she would show Mr. Towson her new apartment lease and tell him that she had to move for emergency reasons. She took off her white sundress and laid back down on the blanket. Her phone beeped, indicating she had a text message. It was Derek and the message said, “Just thinking about your kisses. I miss you already. Call me.”. Trina placed the phone down and closed her eyes.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 9

Trina raced around inside her new apartment the next morning, frustrated because she couldn't find what she needed to get ready for work. Black garbage bags lined the living room walls, overflowing with her belongings. The light from the kitchen dimly illuminated the living room where Naomi laid motionless. Trina began pulling her shoes out of a bag and grabbed her toiletries from another. "What happened?", Naomi asked as she began to sit up and pull the comforter off. "Oh you don't remember?", Trina asked sarcastically as she pulled her flat iron out of one of the black garbage bags. Naomi sat in the middle of the living room floor with a confused look on her face. "I remember a little bit. Where are my shorts?", Naomi asked looking down. "Over there by the door. Me and Brent had to help you up the stairs, we couldn't get those tight ass shorts back on.", Trina said as she walked back into her bedroom. Naomi slowly got up and walked over to where her shorts were laying on the floor. "Do you have anything I can wear back home?", Naomi asked. She could hear Trina laughing in the other room. "I don't have anything you could fit, girl! You can wrap one of those sheets around you.", Trina said as she emerged from the bedroom buttoning her shirt. Naomi examined the pile of sheets and blankets, as Trina finished getting ready for work. As she stood in the bathroom mirror, flat ironing her hair, she could hear her cell phone beeping in her bedroom. She checked it and saw that Derek had sent her a text message that said: "Good morning Ms. Williams. I can't wait to see your beautiful eyes today."She stuffed the phone in her purse and headed back out into the living room where Naomi had fashioned a toga out of two pea green cotton sheets. They both laughed and headed out the front door. Naomi quickly followed Trina across the parking lot and jumped in the car as fast as she could. She was afraid that Lee or Dave would see her wrapped up in the green sheets.

"So did you get Brent's number?", Naomi asked while peering into the vanity mirror. "No, I think he was distracted by you and those pink thongs!", Trina laughed as they pulled out of the parking lot, headed towards Naomi's house. It was a townhouse in an older subdivision that she shared with her sister Nicole and cousin Brenda. "So what you gonna say to your folks when you come through the front door looking like the Green Giant?", Trina teased. "The same thing you told me about Mike Battle.", Naomi said as she looked at Trina for a reaction. Instead, Trina just smirked and they listened to the radio until they pulled up in front of Naomi's house. "Well I will call you later because I do plan on hooking up with Lee. He was a big ole bag of sexy - just how I like 'em. I need to go back over there and see what's poppin.", Naomi said as she wrapped the sheets tighter around her body and slowly got out of Trina's car. "Why would you want to hook up with a dude like that when he was about to let his boy get at you too?", Trina said watching Naomi walk towards her front door. Naomi turned around as she was halfway up the steps to her townhouse and said, "Did you ever think that I may have wanted to fuck both of them? I mean, I'm only 22 and I want to do everything I can before I settle down and get married.". Trina just waved goodbye as she pulled off. She couldn't believe that that's what Naomi really wanted. She figured that she was just starved for attention.

As she parked her car in the parking lot at her job, she realized that she had seven minutes to get to her desk before Mr. Towson would make his rounds around the office. She got out, slammed the door and rushed in the building. She stood alone as she waited for the elevator. When it opened, she was surprised to see Derek. "Hey!", he said while holding the door open for her so she could get on. "I was just heading down to see if you had gotten here yet.", Derek said as the doors closed. "I thought we were going to keep this on the low, Derek.", Trina said as she pressed the buttons for the 5th and 6th floor. "Oh I was just coming to see if your car was in the lot. I didn't plan on running into you like this. Besides, I have been calling and texting you.", Derek said as he moved a little closer. "I will call you in a little bit. This is five. Can you get off here so we don't walk in together?", Trina said. "Alright.", Derek mumbled as he exited the elevator. She got off on the 6th floor and walked quickly to her desk. Valerie and her friends were standing around Mr. Towson's desk as she walked by. They got quiet as she passed them and she could hear them whispering once she sat down at her cubicle. She unlocked her desk drawer and put her purse inside. She looked into her tiny mirror hanging from her cubicle and applied her lip gloss as her office phone began ringing. "Accounts Payable, may I help you?", she answered while putting the cap on her lip gloss. "It's me, Derek.", a familiar voice said. "What's up? I just sat down at my desk.", Trina whispered. "I just want to know why you're acting all funny towards me. Did I do something wrong?", Derek asked. "No. It's just... um... I will send that right over. Thanks!", Trina said, hanging up the phone as she saw Mr. Towson peering over the top of her cubicle. "Trina, is everything okay?", Mr. Towson asked in a concerned tone. "Yes everything is fine. I just had an emergency and had to take care of a few things.", Trina said. "Alright... I will need the Arena Stage account settled as soon as possible.", he said as he walked back down the long corridor of cubicles.

The rest of Trina's day went by quickly. She stayed focused on the accounts that had piled up on her desk in her absence. To make up lost time, she even skipped lunch and ate a granola bar that she had stored in her desk. The office was unusually quiet, except for the occasional outburst or annoying laugh by Valerie. Derek had made three trips to the supply closet behind her cubicle that day. And each time he walked past, Valerie stopped him for mindless conversation about his cologne, favorite foods and hobbies. It was pitiful how desperate she was acting. Derek always politely excused himself to continue the task at hand. He never stopped to talk to Trina and she was relieved, until she got a text message from Derek around 5 pm. "What are you doing after work?", the text message read. Trina quickly replied, "Get my new place together." Derek texted back, "I want to spend time with you today. I can help you." Trina sat back in her chair and thought for a minute. She thought it would be a good idea to have an extra pair of hands. She texted Derek back saying, "Meet me at Ikea on I-10." He replied with a smiley face and Trina smiled when she saw it. She began tidying her cubicle and prepared to leave. She thought about all the things she would buy at Ikea and was looking forward to meeting Derek there.

She waited for him near the front of the store. He smiled at her when he walked inside. "This is one of my favorite stores.", Derek said as he extended his arms for a hug. "Me too.", Trina said as she hugged him back. He grabbed her hand and they walked slowly through the store, touching everything and testing out the beds and sofas. Trina had bookmarked everything she liked in the catalog and asked a customer service representative to help her with gathering all of the boxes. Derek waited patiently on a nearby bench as she picked out colors and other options for each piece she wanted. Trina asked the young guy behind the counter for an estimate on everything she had compiled on the flatbed cart and the cost of delivery. Her total was over $2000.00 She cringed a little, knowing she didn't have that much money left. As Trina stood there examining what she wanted to put back, Derek walked over and asked the guy what the total was. He pulled out a credit card and asked the guy to ring everything up while Trina was still sorting through the items on the cart. Trina came over to the register and was extremely shocked when she realized the Derek was swiping his credit card. "I have money.", Trina said while nudging his arm. "This is nothing baby." Derek said calmly as he signed the receipt. "Just give them your new address and you will have it tomorrow evening. I even paid for assembly.", Derek said as he smiled at her with his pretty white teeth. "Are you serious?", Trina said, still in disbelief. Derek put his wallet back in his pocket and sat back down on the bench while Trina filled out the delivery information. As they walked out of the store together, Trina began to wonder why he would spend so much money on her like that. "Let's have dinner at my place Trina. You at least owe me that.", Derek said as he reached out to hold her hand. "Ok.", Trina replied and he pulled her closer and kissed her softly on her lips.

As she followed him home, she admired his persistence and willingness to spend money on her. Besides Mike Battle, no man had ever spent that much money on her at once. And unlike Mike, she could tell that Derek was serious about her. As Jill Scott played on her car stereo, she began to think about what would happen once she got to his place. Trina knew that he would try to have sex with her and she wondered to herself if she really wanted to go through with this. She parked next to his Escalade and he walked over to open her car door. He held her hand as he led her inside his apartment building. "Well.... this is it.", Derek said as he unlocked the front door and held it open for her so that she could enter. He reached behind her and turned on the lights. Trina was not expecting to find a lavish three bedroom apartment with dark hardwood floors. All of Derek's furniture was modern and minimalist. The living room set was a low profile black leather sectional with a matching recliner. The entire place was clutter free and very clean. "You have a very nice place Derek.", Trina said as she looked into the kitchen. "Thanks. Would you like some wine?", Derek asked as he pulled a bottle of Chardonnay from a wine chiller that sat next to his Cappuccino maker. "Yes, thank you.", Trina said as she was extremely impressed by the entire set up. As he handed her the glass, he took her other hand and led her into his bedroom. "Now don't worry, I just want you to be comfortable.", he said as he guided her to sit on a large leather ottoman at the foot of his king sized bed. Derek opened his walk - in closet and she could hear him opening and closing drawers. He came back out with a clean white T-shirt and a brand new pack of boxer shorts. "I want you to take a shower while I prepare dinner. I have clean towels and washcloths in the linen closet right here. I also have lotion and everything you need under the sink.", he said as he entered the master bathroom, turning the shower on for her. Trina watched him as she sat on the ottoman sipping the Chardonnay. He took off his tie and dress shirt and put them in the hamper next to the closet. "Trina... let me know if you need anything sweetheart.", Derek said as he turned the stereo on. The beautiful sound of Anita Baker's voice filled the air and the steam from the shower began to filter into the bedroom. Derek smiled as he exited and closed the bedroom door behind him.

"Wow.", Trina said softly as she placed her wine glass on the night stand. She carefully opened his nightstand drawer and saw Magnum condoms inside. Trina closed the drawer slowly and took a good look around the room. She walked into the bathroom, closed the door behind her, and locked it. Trina looked inside the medicine cabinet and every drawer inside the bathroom, looking for anything unusual. She was happy to see that he had Jergens lotion, Dove soap and a few other of her preferred brands underneath his sink. She grabbed a clean towel and washcloth and placed it on the glass shower stall. She was eager to undress and get in. Once inside the steamy shower, she was careful not to get her hair wet and washed her face carefully. Trina felt at home and took her time in the shower while listening to the music that played from the bedroom. When she finished her shower, she went back into the bedroom to dry off and apply lotion. She locked the door, fearing that Derek might come back in and see her completely naked. One she was dressed in his over-sized T-Shirt and new boxer shorts, she opened the bedroom door. Derek sat at the dining room table that was adorned with candles. "I hope you like red snapper.", he said while getting up to pull out her chair. "I made it the other day and had some left over.", Derek said as he sat back down. "This is nice Derek. I didn't know you could cook.", Trina said as she examined the plate filled with red snapper, rice and asparagus. They ate dinner together and talked about current events and people at the office.

After dinner, he poured her another glass of wine and offered her a foot massage. Trina couldn't resist and the went into the master bedroom and she sat on the edge of the bed. Derek sat on the leather ottoman and reached under the bed to get some type of massage oil. "I know you will enjoy this.", he said as he poured the oil on her feet and it began to heat up. Trina smiled as the warming sensation and Derek's hands began to make her feet tingle. Much to her surprise, he began sucking on her toes. Trina's eyes rolled back in her head as his tongue went in between each toe. Derek continued to suck her toes and lick her feet as he got down on his knees. His large hands began to smooth the oil on her calves, then her thighs. Trina's entire body was trembling with pleasure. She took the boxer shorts off and he poured the oil into her belly button and made it stream down to her vagina. He kissed her belly button with passion and followed the stream of oil down between her legs. Derek began tasting her slowly, licking her deep inside until she could feel his tongue penetrate. Swiftly, he grabbed her waist and flipped her body over, laying her on her stomach. Trina could feel the oil dripping on her buttocks, then Derek's long tongue sliding up and down her cheeks. He pulled her up on her knees and began licking her anus with a slow circular motion while massaging her clitoris with his right hand. Trina was completely turned on and was ready for more. "One second.", Derek said as he quickly undressed and grabbed a magnum condom from the nightstand. "Don't move baby.", Derek said as he pushed the leather ottoman up to the bed. He stood on top of the ottoman and carefully pushed inside of her. "Oh yes! Yes!", Derek moaned. "Is it in?", Trina asked in a confused voice as Derek began pumping quickly from behind. All she could hear was Derek moaning and screaming, "Yes!". Trina was on all fours on his bed, rigid, not really feeling much as Derek continued. Suddenly he stopped. "Did it come out? I don't feel anything.", Trina said as she looked back at Derek. "I came. But, but the rubber must be inside you. Hold still.", Derek said as she placed two fingers inside her, pulling the condom out. "What! It came off?" she said as she turned over and saw Derek holding the dripping condom in his right hand. Her eyes looked down at his penis and it was unusually small. No wonder she didn't feel anything. "That was great Trina.", Derek said as he started to put his boxers on. And Trina thought to herself how small and disappointing his penis was. She just nodded her head in agreement and began to put her clothes back on.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 10

The next few days passed by quickly and Trina kept in contact with Derek by texts and phone calls. She was not ready to see him again and definitely did not want to have sex with him anytime soon. He remained persistent though, and told Trina that he would not give up on her that easily. Every morning, he would leave her a hand written note that he slid inside her locked desk drawer at work. In the notes, he confessed his desire to be with her and told her how much he wanted to taste her body again. Trina told Naomi all about her sexual experience with Derek. She even told her how small his penis was, yet she admitted that his oral pleasure had surpassed any experience that she had ever had. Trina sat at her desk, watching the time move slowly as she thought about her plans for that night. It was Friday and she wanted to go out and have fun. Derek was not in the equation for the night, even though he kept texting her, asking her to come over. She decided that she would leave work early to avoid him. As soon as the clock read 4:45 pm, Trina quickly exited the building, taking the back staircase and rushing to her car.

On the ride home, Naomi called to invite her to Grooves nightclub that evening. She was excited about going out with Naomi and rushed back to her apartment to shower and change. She decided to wear a yellow spaghetti strap tank top that was very low cut in the front with a tight pair of skinny jeans and yellow stilettos. She pinned her hair up in a cute ponytail and wore large gold hoop earrings. Trina quickly emptied the contents of her black purse into a gold clutch and rushed out the door. As she walked down the steps, she texted Naomi to let her know she was leaving. At the bottom of the steps stood Brent, as if he were waiting for Dave or Lee to answer their front door. "Hi Brent.”, Trina said as she walked by. "Hey Trina.", he said while banging on the door. As Trina walked to her car, she wondered if he was looking at her. She turned around and saw Brent standing there, looking down at his phone. She wondered if he was interested in her. Trina decided to turn around and go back, pretending as if she had forgotten something. As she walked by again she asked, "So what do y'all have planned tonight?". Brent looked at her and said, “Nothing much. Wassup?". "Oh I'm just headed to Grooves to meet my friend Naomi.", Trina said as she walked back up the stairs. She hoped that he would respond but he didn't. Trina unlocked her apartment door, went inside and stood there thinking. She couldn't figure out why he wasn't chasing her. With determination, she walked back out of her apartment and locked the door behind her. She could hear Brent banging on Dave and Lee’s door as she came back down the stairs. "So are you gonna stand here all day in this blazing heat? Or are you taking me to Grooves?", she said with a smile. Brent turned around and looked at Trina as if she had caught him off guard. "Nah, I'm not going to Grooves, but we can go have some drinks if you like. I'm not really dressed to go out." , Brent said. He was wearing blue jean shorts and a plain white t-shirt with some shell toe Adidas. "Ok, well let's go. I don't think your friends are home.", Trina said as she began texting Naomi with her change of plans.

Brent pulled out his keys and Trina followed him to a black Mercedes Benz. It was clean and very modest. He didn't even have rims on it, which was customary in the South. Brent opened the door for Trina and closed the door gently after she got in. He started the car and Trina was surprised to hear Maze and Frankie Beverly playing on the stereo. "Do you listen to old school music a lot?", Trina asked. "This is good music, not old music.", Brent laughed. "What else are you into?", Trina asked, hoping to learn more about him. "I enjoy travelling. My next trip is to Amsterdam. I plan to do some networking while I'm there too.", Brent said as he toyed with the GPS system. "What do you do for a living?", Trina asked. "I design websites for mostly urban brands. The last website I designed was for Baby Phat.", he said as they pulled up at Slick Willies pool hall. Trina heard her phone beeping and took it out of her purse. It was Derek texting her, asking where she was. She quickly typed, "I'm at home. Headache. TTYL", and put the phone back in her purse. She watched Brent get out of his car and walk around to open her door. They walked in together and sat at a small table for two. The pool hall was packed with people and the jukebox blasted the sounds of Rick Ross. There were several groups of people playing pool and drinking beer and the bar was packed with couples. "Would you like some wings?", Brent asked as he read the menu. "Yes, their wings are pretty good. And an apple martini please.", Trina said as she placed her menu back on the table. Brent got up and walked over to the bar to order. Trina checked her cell phone again and saw that Derek had texted her several more times asking if he could bring her some medicine, asking if she ate dinner, and asking if she wanted to go out with him tomorrow. She rolled her eyes and put her phone back in her purse as Brent returned with her apple martini. "Thank you.", she said as he handed it to her. "I'm still waiting on the wings and my Crown Royal.", Brent said as walked back over to the bar.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Valerie walking towards her. She was accompanied by her flunky co-workers, Kia and Joy. "Hey Trina!", Valerie yelled as soon as they made eye contact. "Hey.", Trina said unenthusiastically as Kia sat down in Brent's chair. "Someone is sitting there.", Trina quickly said. "Girl my feet hurt, so SOMEBODY can kiss my ass right now!", Kia said as Valerie and Joy laughed. "Who you here with?", Valerie said as she looked around. "Nobody you know.", Trina said as she hoped that Brent would stay at the bar a while longer. "Let me sit down for a second Trina.", Valerie said as she attempted to get Trina to get up. "No. And when my friend comes back, I need you to get up Kia.", Trina said as she crossed her legs. "Yo! Who is this bitch talking to like that?", Joy said. "That raggedy bitch better check herself. The sign says Slick Willies - not Slick Trina's. So I will sit here as long as I please.", Kia said, rolling her eyes at Trina. "Whateva bitch.", Trina grumbled. Joy grabbed the back of Trina's chair and dumped her out of it. Trina hit the floor and her martini tumbled into her lap. Brent rushed over to help her up. "What the hell is going on here?", Brent asked as he stared at Valerie, Kia and Joy. "Oh, this you?", Valerie asked Trina as she referred to Brent. Trina grabbed some napkins and began blotting her jeans dry. "Ignore these dumb hoes. Let's go Brent.", Trina said as she threw the wet napkins in Joy's face. As Brent and Trina turned to walk away, Joy grabbed Trina's ponytail and yanked her backwards. Trina fell back, breaking her fall with her arms as she fell on her butt. Kia turned the small table on top of Trina as Valerie and Joy stood there laughing. Brent pushed Valerie and Joy out of the way to help Trina up again. As soon as Trina got her balance she began swinging on Joy and Valerie who were standing there laughing. She hit them both in the face once before a security guard rushed over and helped Brent pull them apart. "What the fuck is wrong with you Trina?", Brent asked as he grabbed her arm and pulled her outside. "Those stupid bitches started it! They work with me and never liked me anyway!", Trina angrily screamed as Brent unlocked his car door for her to get inside. "Well let's go... the cops will be here in a minute.", he said closing her door and running around the front of the car to get in.

The first couple of minutes of the ride home were very quiet. Trina could tell that Brent was angry and disappointed in her. She felt embarrassed as she looked down at her wet jeans. She could feel her hair tousled all over her head. "I'm sorry Brent. This isn't me.", Trina said as she looked over at him. "Trina, I had my reservations about you from the beginning. And this just confirms that I was right.", Brent said. "Reservations? What do you mean by that?", Trina asked. "Man, I don't know. You just seemed like one of those females that has a lot of baggage. I could tell that by the way your friend acted. And who moves into a new place with garbage bags and no furniture?", he said. "Well aren't you being judgmental? You don't even know me Brent! And my friend Naomi is nothing like me! I'm not that type of girl.", Trina said slumping down in the seat. "And besides, I have furniture. I guess you're one of those guys looking for a perfect woman, huh?", Trina said as she looked at him for an honest answer. "Trina, I'm not looking for anything. You asked me out. I came over here to visit my friends. I had no idea you would be brawling in a pool hall. I don't like that type of drama.", Brent said as he drove into her parking lot. Trina sat there for a moment, thinking of a way to redeem herself. "Well I guess we got off to a bad start. I'm really sorry and I hope that I can make it up to you because I am truly embarrassed.", Trina said as she took off her seatbelt. "I'm sorry too Trina. It's just that I have dealt with drama queens in the past and I don't need that in my life right now.", Brent said as he got out of the car to open her door. Trina got out and they stood there face to face. "Can I call you sometime? Maybe I can make you dinner and show you that I am really a nice girl.", Trina said as she took her cell phone out of her purse. "Ok.", Brent said as he took her phone and dialed his number. "Ok bye.", Trina said as she took the phone back and headed to her building. "Can I walk you to your door?", Brent asked. "No thanks. You've been a true gentleman tonight. I hope that I can make it up to you.", Trina said as she climbed the steps. When she reached the top step, she saw Derek standing there. "I see you're feeling better.", he said as he angrily brushed past her. Trina just stood there and watched him walk across the parking lot, get in his Escalade and drive away.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 11

Trina woke up feeling lonely the next day. She laid in her new bed that Derek bought her, thinking about him and wondering if he was still angry with her. She liked Derek but was turned off by their last sexual encounter. Trina wondered if she could get past his shortcomings and be in a relationship with him. Feeling guilty, she reached for her phone and texted Derek saying, "Sorry about last night.". About a minute later, Derek called her. "Hello?", Trina answered. "Hey Ms. Williams. I'm sorry too.", Derek said in a humble tone. "I really miss you Trina. I was just trying to spend some time with you. If you want to date other people, I can respect that… just don't lie to me, Ok?", Derek said. "Aren't you dating other people?", Trina asked. "No. I am focusing on you right now because I really want you.", Derek said. Trina smiled as she pulled the sheets back, allowing the sunlight to shine on her tanned legs. "Can I see you sweetheart? Let's spend the day together.", Derek said after an awkward moment of silence. "Ok. Let me get up and get dressed.", Trina said as she sat up and headed towards the bathroom. "I will be there soon to take you to breakfast. Bye.", Derek said before hanging up the phone.

Trina raced around the apartment, trying to get ready as fast as she could. She showered and flat ironed her hair, curling the front into a cute flip over her right eye. The bright purple sundress she chose clung tightly to her body so she decided to take her panties off because you could see the panty lines. Trina lightly applied some soft purple eye shadow and pink lip gloss. She heard knocking at her door. Trina grabbed her gold purse from the night before and emptied it into her big black leather Coach bag as the knocking continued. "I'm coming!", she yelled as she slipped her black patent sandals on. Trina flung the front door open and Brent was standing there with two cups of Starbucks. "Good morning. Where are you going so early? I bought coffee.", he said as he walked inside. Trina stood at the front door. She was literally frozen and had to think of something quickly. "Thanks for the coffee but I am headed out to have breakfast with my friends.", she said as he slowly looked around her apartment. "And I'm not invited, huh?", Brent said with a smile as he handed her the cup of coffee in his right hand. "You are invited to Sunday dinner tomorrow at five. And I really have to go now… but thanks for the coffee, that was really sweet of you.", Trina said as she grabbed her keys from the kitchen counter. "Oh ok. You're welcome. I hope you can cook!", Brent said as he opened the front door and held it for Trina. "I can. You will be drooling, trust me.", Trina said as she locked the door. They walked downstairs together and Brent said goodbye as he walked into Lee and Dave's apartment. Trina pretended to walk to her car and was relieved that Brent was inside when Derek pulled up in his Escalade.

"Good morning Ms. Williams!", Derek said with a big smile as he jumped out of his truck to open her door. "Thank you and good morning.", Trina said as she climbed up into the seat. She appreciated his chivalry and enthusiasm for her. He was wearing white linen shorts and a baby blue Polo t-shirt with white Prada tennis shoes. His silver Movado watch matched his platinum bracelet and he smelled like Ralph Lauren's Polo Double Black cologne. "You look beautiful as always Trina.", Derek said as he looked over at her. "Thank you Derek. Where are we going?", Trina said, blushing at him. "A really nice restaurant called Noel. Have you ever been?", Derek asked as entered the ramp onto the freeway. "No. Where is it?", Trina asked. "Oh it's at the Omni Hotel in the Galleria area. One of my tenants works there.", Derek said as he opened the sunroof. "Tenants?", Trina said with a puzzled look on her face. "Yeah, I own a few houses in the area and I rent them out for supplemental income. The first house I owned was a foreclosure and my dad helped me fix it up real nice. I sold that one in eight weeks and used that money to purchase two more smaller homes that I rent. As the money comes in, I just buy more houses and rent those too.", Derek said. Trina was even more impressed than she ever was. Derek was smart and sexy and she couldn't take her eyes off him now. "So why are you working at TicketMaster", Trina asked. "Long story. But the short of it is, I have those little boys to take care of and I don't want Child Support calculating and factoring my investment income. I give Sharon more than enough each month and she doesn't need to know any more than that.", Derek said. "Does she always give you grief? She seemed kind of crazy to me.", Trina said, hoping she could find out more about her. "Sharon is delusional. She uses those boys to control me. I never should have trusted her.", Derek said shaking his head with disapproval. "I don't understand. What do you mean?", Trina said, reaching over to tough his hand resting on the armrest of his seat. "Sharon was my ex-girlfriends best friend. Her name was Carmen… I really loved that girl. It was Sharon that revealed to me that Carmen was cheating on me and just using me for my money.", Derek said. "Are you serious?", Trina asked as she pressed him for more details. "Yep. I was so hurt when Sharon took me to her place and let me in her apartment with Carmen's spare key. We walked in and found Carmen having sex with a white guy on the living room floor. Sharon wanted me from the very beginning and knew that I would break up with Carmen after seeing that. And I did. And I eventually ended up sleeping with Sharon a few months later. And the next thing you know…", Derek said as his voice trailed off. "Wow! That's crazy! I just don't understand why she went off on you like that. I mean, you are paying Child Support and everything, right?", Trina asked. "I have been giving her $950 per month out of my own pocket each month. Plus I buy those boys whatever they need when she asks. I just have a feeling that we will be in court soon. That's why I got the job, just in case.", Derek said as the pulled up to the Omni hotel. "Oh…. ok…", Trina said as she thought about the whole situation.

Derek and Trina sipped on Mimosas as they waited for vegetable omelets and Belgian waffles at Noel, the hotel's restaurant. She couldn't help but think about their earlier conversation in his truck. Trina wondered if what Derek told her was the truth. "You said you didn't trust Sharon. Why?", Trina asked as she peered at him over her champagne glass. "Because she went through a lot to get me. She betrayed her best friend. Plus she is the type of woman that needs a man to validate her.", Derek said as he placed his napkin across his lap. "Are you sure those are your babies?", Trina asked. "Nope. And that's the thing. Carmen told me, before we broke up, how desperate Sharon was for men. I know she had other sexual partners.", Derek said. "So knowing all of that information, why did you sleep with her?", Trina said in a perturbed tone. "Honestly? Well… I was depressed and lonely after me and Carmen broke up. Sharon would always come over to my place and cook, clean, iron my clothes - you know, whatever I wanted. One night she offered me oral sex… and …. one thing lead to another.", Derek said as he looked at Trina from across the table. "But you kept sleeping with her Derek. Or are you saying it was only once?", Trina asked as she took another sip of Mimosa. "Hey, it was easy and stress free until she told me she was pregnant. Now, here I stand.", Derek said in a dismissive tone. "Now you can't get rid of her.", Trina said as she placed her napkin on her lap as the waiter served the omelets and waffles. "So what's your story Trina? Why won't you let me get close to you?", Derek asked as he began eating his food. "I'm just trying to figure out what I want right now. I'm too young to settle down.", Trina said. "Don't I treat you well and give you good loving?", Derek asked as he stared at her intently. Trina kept chewing her food slowly as she thought of a way to be honest with Derek. "You treat me very well Derek.", Trina said as she quickly took another bite of food. "But I don't give you good loving?", Derek asked as he put down his fork, waiting for her to answer. Trina searched for the right words to say. She didn't want to hurt his feelings. "I think that there is room for improvement Derek. Each woman likes to make love differently.", Trina said as she watched a sad look come over Derek's face. He looked down in his lap, and looked back up at Trina and said, "I'm not that big, am I?". "Well… it may have been the position we were in. Or, ummm, it's something we can work on Derek. Don't get upset about it.", Trina said as she reached out to hold his hand. "I'm not upset. It's just that I have had women tell me that before and if it's a problem for you - I would rather know now than later. I really like you and don't want to waste my time if size is a big thing for you. You know what I mean?", Derek said caressing her hand. "I understand Derek. Let's just take things slow.", Trina said. "Let's get out of here then. I want to go to the movies and then to the park since it's so nice outside. Then I have a special surprise for tonight.", Derek said as he left a one hundred dollar bill on the table. "A surprise?", Trina said as they walked out of the restaurant. Derek just smiled at her and escorted her to his truck, holding her hand the entire time.

Derek and Trina spent the rest of the afternoon together at the Movie Tavern watching Tyler Perry's newest release and another movie directed by Spike Lee. He spared no expense for her, ordering mixed drinks and appetizers during each movie and playing video games in the lobby after the movies were finished. They leisurely walked around the shopping plaza, going in and out of every store. Trina felt so relaxed with Derek and he was very accommodating to her, making sure that she was happy. "Are you ready for the surprise?", Derek asked after they exited the last store in the shopping plaza. "Yes!", Trina said excitedly. Derek took her hand and walked across the parking lot with her. In the distance Trina spotted a black stretch limousine and her excitement grew uncontrollable. "Oh my God! Is that your limo?", She asked while squeezing his hand tightly. "It's ours for the night. One of my good friends owns a limousine company.", Derek said proudly as they approached the limousine. The driver got out and opened the door for them with a smile. He was a handsome young black man, dressed in a black suit. "Good evening sir, good evening ma'am. My name is Thomas and I will be your driver.", the driver said. "Good evening.", Trina said as she got in the limousine and looked around. Derek shook his hand and quickly followed behind Trina. As soon as the driver shut the door, Derek began passionately kissing Trina on the lips. "Trina, I have been thinking about this moment all day.", Derek said as he reached for the bottle of chilled champagne and poured her a glass. They could feel the limousine pull off and the interior lights dimmed. Derek poured himself a glass as well and turned the CD player on. Trina smiled and giggled as Derek began to nibble on her neck. "Get naked for me baby.", he said as his tongue softly licked the inside of her ear. Derek slipped the straps of her purple dress down over her shoulders, then reached around to unhook her bra. Trina pulled her bra off and flung it to the floor of the limousine. Derek gently licked around her nipples as she leaned back into the leather seat. He slowly pulled her dress down and was pleasantly surprised to see that she didn't have any panties on. "You did that for me?", he said as he pulled down his white linen shorts. "It's all for you Derek.", Trina said opening her legs wide. Derek began licking her thighs and then began vigorously licking her vagina. "I won't disappoint you this time baby.", he said while inserting his fingers deep inside her. He watched her moan with pleasure as he moved his fingers slowly in and out while sucking gently on her exposed clitoris. "Derek that feels great.", Trina said while pushing his head deeper between her legs. Derek continued licking and sucking all over her wet vagina until she exploded with pleasure. Her legs and body shook as he climbed on top of her and thrust his penis inside her. "Where's the condom?", she asked as Derek began stroking her. "You're gonna be mine baby. Don't worry. Let me feel you.", he said as he pounded her harder. "Can you feel me now baby?", he asked as he lifted one of her legs and placed it on his shoulder. "A lot better." , Trina said as Derek continued to grind her. "I'm going to make you love me baby. You feel so sweet and good!", Derek yelled as he pulled out of her and came all over her stomach. Before she could sit up, he went back down between her legs and began licking her some more. "I love the way you taste baby. Can you sit on my face?", Derek asked as he laid on the floor of the limo on his back. Trina sat up and grabbed some tissues from the bar and wiped her abdomen clean. She slowly got on top of Derek and began riding his tongue. He was very talented and supported her body by grabbing her ass and guiding her pelvic strokes. She enjoyed his oral pleasure for another fifteen minutes before she climaxed. Trina climbed back up on the seat of the limo and looked down at Derek's naked body on the floor of the limousine. "That really was great Derek. You really made me orgasm that time.", Trina said as she began putting her bra back on. Derek smiled at her with pride. She felt the limousine stop as she slipped her dress back on. "Where are we?", she asked. "You're home baby. I hope you had a great time today.", Derek said as he began dressing himself. "I did. It was amazing.", she said as she looked out the window of the limousine. "Can I walk you to your door?", Derek asked as he slipped his Prada tennis shoes back on. "I'm OK. But thanks. I will call you tomorrow.", Trina said as she inched towards the door. The driver opened the door and Trina ducked back into the limousine to give Derek a quick kiss on the lips before she scurried across the dimly lit parking lot.

FIGHT TO LOVE – CHAPTER 12

Bright and early on Sunday morning, Trina found herself panicking at the grocery store. She walked up and down the aisles in a white tank top and blue jeans wondering what she would prepare for dinner that would impress Brent. She had already bragged about how great her cooking was, so she knew she had to show and prove. She had really dug a hole for herself this time and needed a miracle. Trina walked towards the Deli looking for a solution. She found a tasty looking rotisserie chicken that was prepackaged and ready to go. Trina added a bucket of potato salad, macaroni and cheese and baked cornbread to her basket as well. On her way to the cashier, she grabbed three bottles of Sutter Home Chardonnay. Her plan was to spruce up the food she purchased with some extra ingredients and hope that Brent would be impressed. She checked out her items with the cashier and raced home knowing that she needed to cook, clean and get dressed. On her way back she texted Brent a message saying: DINNER AT 5!.

Once inside her apartment, she immediately turned on Jill Scott's CD and got started in the kitchen. She decided to baste the rotisserie chicken in a honey, garlic and barbecue glaze to make it seem home made. She placed it in the oven to keep it warm while she spruced up the other items as well. Trina dumped the macaroni and cheese into a baking dish and combined sharp cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses to it. She covered it with foil and placed that in the oven as well. When she opened the potato salad, she noticed it was not dressed very well so she dumped it into a serving bowl and added a bit of Miracle Whip and sprinkled paprika and celery salt on the top. Trina smiled as she put the finishing touches on dinner. She was looking forward to seeing Brent that evening. She continued to prepare for the evening by sweeping, mopping, changing her bed sheets and lighting candles to fill the apartment with the smell of vanilla. Trina wanted to take out the trash to get rid of all the store bought containers that the food came in. She grabbed the bag and headed outside towards the dumpster.

On her way down the steps, she could hear loud music coming from Dave and Lee's apartment. The hot Texas sun beat down on her bare shoulders as she walked across the parking lot towards the dumpster. "Trina!", she heard a familiar voice calling from the distance. She stopped and looked around. She saw a familiar figure about 200 feet away, on the sidewalk across the street from the entrance into her apartment complex. Trina dropped the garbage on the ground, immediately recognizing the person as Jay. With adrenaline pumping through her veins, she made a dash for her apartment as she saw Jay trying to cross the busy street. She could hear him yelling her name in the distance as she leaped up the stairs. Trina made it safely into her apartment and slammed the door shut behind her. She bolted the locks and shut the lights and music off. Trina peered out of the peephole, wondering if Jay had followed her into the building. Her heart pounded fiercely as she wiped her sweaty hands on her jeans. She listened intently, trying to hear if he was still calling her name and wondering if he was assaulting her car in the parking lot. All she could hear was the music blaring from Dave and Lee's apartment. Suddenly a figure walked past her door. Trina felt her stomach turn upside down. It was Jay, and she could see him slowly walking up and down the hallway in silence. He passed her door three times before he left her view from the peephole. Trina felt trapped and wondered if he would wait around for her to emerge from the building. Helplessly, she sat on the floor, with her back against the door for another ten minutes, praying that he wouldn't knock on her door or figure out where she lived.

After regaining her confidence and deciding that she wouldn't leave the apartment until tomorrow morning, she got up off of the floor and turned the music back on. Then she headed to the bathroom and took a long hot shower. She used her favorite Victoria's Secret Love Spell shower gel and spritzed on the matching perfume when she got out of the shower. She felt more relaxed and at ease now. Wrapped in a pink towel, she walked into her bedroom heard her phone beeping. She had a text message from Brent saying: "I'M COMING HUNGRY!". Trina felt butterflies in her stomach and smiled as she sat on the edge of the bed. Her phone rang and it was Derek. "Hey Derek.", Trina answered. "Hello Ms. Williams. What are you up to today?", Derek asked. "I am chillin in the house today. Just gonna relax and get mentally prepared for work because I know there is gonna be DRAMA!", Trina laughed. "Why you say that?", Derek asked. "I saw Valerie and the chicken head squad on Friday and we got into it. I can't stand them hoes!", Trina said. "What happened?", Derek asked. "I don't feel like talking about it Derek.", Trina quickly responded, hoping he would not ask anymore questions. "Oh ok. Well do you need me to bring you anything? I can pick up dinner or something.", Derek said quietly, hoping she would allow him to come over. "Nah… I'm good. Thanks. I'm just gonna chill. I will see you tomorrow.", Trina said. "Ok… well….. see you tomorrow. Bye.", Derek said in a disappointed tone.

Trina spent the rest of the afternoon styling her hair and getting dressed. She decided she would dress casual but sexy. She wore a sheer white tight fitting Baby Phat tank top that showed her white lace bra underneath. The tiny, pink Victoria Secret shorts she wore showed very curve below her waistline because she didn't have on any underwear underneath. Her toes were painted the same pink color and she pulled her hair back into a ponytail and secured it with a white Scrunchie. She looked younger than her age with her hair pulled back. Trina poured a glass of Chardonnay and stretched across the living room sofa. She sipped slowly and enjoyed the delicious smells emanating from the kitchen. Her CD player played the soothing songs of Meshell N'Degeocello as she laid on her back, gazing through the sliding glass doors of her balcony. The sun was setting and a beautiful orange glow enveloped the living room. Trina could feel the warm sensation from the Chardonnay take over her body. Her eyes closed and she slept quietly until she heard a startling knock at the door. She sat up and looked at the time on her cable box, thinking it was probably Brent. She raced into the bathroom and gargled with Listerine before answering the door. Trina looked out the peep hole and saw Brent waiting patiently. She smiled as she opened the door and he walked in without taking his eyes off of her. Without a word he put his arms around her and hugged her. She could smell his Armani cologne and loved the way her head rested perfectly on his chest. "It smells good in here. Is the food ready?", he asked as he slowly looked at her body. "It should be. Have a seat and I will pour you a glass of wine.", Trina said as she walked into the kitchen. Brent stood there, watching her walk away. Trina brought him the glass of wine and he continued to stare at her intently as she brought the food from the kitchen into the dining room. "What are you looking at?", Trina said as she laughed. "I'm looking at you in those shorts. I can see all your goodies girl!", Brent said as he kept his eyes fixed between her thighs. "Come here.", he said placing his wine glass on the coffee table. Trina came over and stood in front of him as he sat on the sofa. He grabbed her waist and pulled her closer and proceeded to smell her vagina. "What are you doing?!?!?", Trina asked as she looked down at him. "Just checking.", Brent said as he laughed and sniffed loudly. "I'm clean!",