Three Is A Crowd Read online

  She couldn’t see it but Jersi’s face was a mixture of annoyance and anger. It was the same thing every week and she was over it. Over four years had passed since she and Blake had broken up but Talena just couldn’t seem to let the shit go.

  “Girl, fuck Blake! I don’t know how many times I have to say it before you finally get it. I see his bitch ass all the time and ignore him. You need to do the same,” Jersi replied.

  “Four years later and that nigga still ain’t over you,” Talena said.

  “Too bad because I’m over his ass,” Jersi noted as she blew smoke from her mouth.

  “I think you should at least talk to him,” Talena said.

  “And I think you should just let it go. We talked a long time ago and both of us said what we needed to say. It took me a while to get over what happened between us but I finally did. Blake is married with kids now and I’m good on him,” Jersi countered.

  “Fuck that bitch and them ugly ass kids,” Talena snapped.

  “Don’t do that to the kids. They’re innocent,” Jersi replied with a giggle.

  “I hate that hoe. She’s been a pain in the ass from day one,” Talena said referring to Mariah.

  “Oh well, that’s life,” Jeri shrugged as she continued to smoke.

  “I just don’t see how you’re so nonchalant about everything. Don’t get me wrong, she did me dirty when she messed with Damien, but she fucked all over you when she got pregnant and married Blake,” Talena argued.

  Yep, of all the bitches in the world, her ex had not only gotten Mariah pregnant, but he ended up marrying the bitch too. They had three year old twin girls and Mariah now lived in the house that Jersi was once asked to occupy. Only two months after the last Thanksgiving that they spent together and he started fucking with Mariah behind her back. Jersi saw the changes in him but he swore that nothing was going on. Since he was a pre med student, she believed him when he told her that he couldn’t come visit her because he was studying all the time. Even when she came home on the weekends, he was sometimes nowhere to be found. Imagine her surprise when she found out that he had not only cheated on her but he had gotten another woman pregnant too. It hurt Jersi even more to know that Mariah was that woman. Knowing the kind of family that he had, she wasn’t even surprised when she learned that they had gotten married. They barely knew each other but that didn’t matter to his mother. She had to keep up appearances.

  Jersi went into a deep depression and almost flunked out of college. It was so bad that her mother had to come stay with her for a few months just to get her through it. All the weight that Jersi was trying so hard to lose dropped off in no time. She actually felt like she was losing her mind and she probably would have if her mother wasn’t there. A whole year was how long it took to get over it but she was thankful that she did. A whole year of praying and asking God to remove the pain and she was finally able to see him and hear his voice without breaking down. Now, it was like she never even loved him at all. Their families still hosted gatherings at each other’s houses and Jersi went to them all. Mariah hated when she came around but that was something that would never change. It took two years before Jersi and Blake finally discussed what happened and agreed to be cordial with each other. Their families were together too much and they didn’t want any animosity between them. Blake wanted more than a friendship but Jersi wasn’t having it. He made his decision when he chose Mariah and now, he had to live with it.

  “You seem to be more upset than I am. I cried for an entire year behind that bullshit. I’m fresh out of tears now,” Jersi replied.

  Truthfully, all the love that she had for Blake turned into hate a long time ago. For a while, Jersi wanted revenge but she decided to let it go. Sometimes, those feelings of catch back resurfaced but she tried hard to shake them off. She would have loved to make both Blake and Mariah hurt the same way they’d hurt her. If it weren’t for her mother talking her out of it, she probably would have.

  “I am upset because that bitch keeps winning. She’s always going after somebody else’s man,” Talena fumed.

  “Girl let me get off this phone. I need to take a shower and make a few runs for my mama,” Jersi replied.

  It was Saturday and Thanksgiving was in a few days. It was her parents’ turn to host the dinner and Dena was driving her crazy. Her mother was still having the food catered but she wanted to make a few of their favorite desserts. Dena hated going to the store around the holidays so she left that job up to her daughter.

  “Okay. Call me later. Maybe we can hook up and go to the hookah bar,” Talena replied before she hung up.

  Jersi didn’t feel like being bothered with her, so that was a call that would never come. Over the years, the two of them had gotten a little closer. Jersi knew that it was because of their mutual hate for Mariah but she liked spending time with her sister. She just hated when Blake and Mariah became the topic of their entire conversation. Talena had finally gotten her own apartment and she worked from home taking reservations for a hotel. She still visited Tabby a lot and Mariah was there just as much to see her father. They always bumped heads and that would probably never change.

  “Now what,” Jersi sighed when her phone rang again. She smiled when she saw Ariel’s number and she wasted no time answering it.

  “What are you doing cousin bestie? I’m bored as hell and Mike is working a double,” Ariel said referring to her boyfriend.

  “I’m not doing a damn thing either. Carter just left and I’m about to hop in the shower,” Jersi replied.

  “Yeah, go wash your ass from all that casual sex I know y’all had,” Ariel laughed.

  “Bomb ass casual sex too bitch,” Jersi laughed.

  When Jersi graduated from college, she landed a great paying job with the IRS. Carter was already working there as a senior accountant and the two of them clicked immediately. He was recently divorced and wasn’t looking for a serious relationship. That was fine with Jersi because she wasn’t looking for a commitment either. They were attracted to each other, so they came to a mutual understanding. Sex was what they both wanted and that was all there was between them. No cuddling, staying the night or feelings were involved. It was straight sex and nothing more. Carter was also a great listener and Jersi loved talking to him. She valued his advice and he always kept it real with her. It had been almost a year since they became cuddy buddies and they never crossed the line with each other.

  “What’s on your agenda for the day?” Ariel asked.

  “Nothing much girl. I need to run to the store for my mama but that’s about it,” Jersi replied.

  “Come get me. I don’t want to be in here all day by myself,” Ariel said.

  “Okay. Let me freshen up and I’ll call when I’m on my way,” Jersi said as she put her blunt out in the astray.

  Over the years she had developed some bad habits and smoking weed was one of them. Draymond started her out as a way to relax when she was going through her breakup with Blake. Since then, Jersi was addicted and it drove their parents crazy. She was happy that they didn’t get tested at work because her and Carter both smoked like chimneys.

  Once she found what she was wearing for the day, Jersi went into her bathroom and started the shower. She dropped her robe and stared at her reflection in the mirror. She couldn’t remember a time when she was as small as she was now. Her stomach was flat and that was a first for her too. Being a size ten was new to her and she wanted to maintain her new weight. After her and Blake broke up, she had gotten down to an eight but she picked some of her weight back up. Now, she felt like she was the perfect size and she needed to join a gym to make sure she stayed that way.

  After taking a shower and getting dressed, Jersi grabbed her purse and excited her home. Her two bedroom, two bath condo was a graduation gift from her parents and she loved it. The house was a nice size and it was in a quiet gated community. It was well lit at night and her neighbors were friendly. As soon as Jersi got into her car, she called Ariel to le
t her know that she was on her way. When she hug up with her, the phone rang again and Dray was the caller.

  “Hey brother,” Jersi answered.

  “What’s up sis?” Dray asked.

  “Nothing much. I’m going get Ariel and then I have to go to the store for mama,” Jersi answered.

  “Y’all come get me. I don’t feel like driving and I’m tired of being inside,” Dray said.

  “Okay and you better be ready. I’m not trying to be waiting on your slow ass to get dressed,” Jersi replied.

  “I’ll be ready,” he assured her before he hung up.

  A few minutes later, Jersi pulled up to Ariel’s house. She smiled when she saw her cousin waiting for her out front. Unlike Dray, Ariel was always prompt and ready to go.

  “Hey cousin,” Jersi said when Ariel got into the car.

  “Hey boo. You look cute,” Ariel complimented.

  Jersi had on yellow and white joggers with the matching crop top. The color looked great against her chocolate skin as did most bright colors. Her hair was pulled back off of her pretty face and she looked beautiful without even trying to.

  “Thanks cousin, so do you. We have to swing by and pick up Dray,” Jersi replied as she got on the bridge.

  Fifteen minutes later, she and Ariel were pulling up to the gate of the condos where Dray lived. Jersi waved at the guard but she went to the side of the gate that was for residents only. Once Jersi entered the code, she drove through and parked in front of his house.

  “I wonder who’s coming with us today,” Ariel giggled.

  “What do you mean?” Jersi asked.

  “Are we hanging with Dray or Draya today?” Ariel questioned as they both laughed.

  “Oh, girl I don’t even know but we’re about to find out,” Jersi replied.

  She called her brother to tell him that they were outside. As soon as she hung up with him, another car pulled up right behind them with an Uber sign in the front. When Dray’s front door opened, she and Ariel watched as he walked out.

  “Dray!” They both laughed thinking the exact same thing.

  Dray walked out of his front door dressed in a pair of baggy ripped jeans with a button down shirt and some boots. A pretty woman with exotic features followed him out and over to the Uber. Dray pulled some money from his pocket to tip the driver before pulling the woman closer to him for a kiss. He lifted her off of her feet as he tongued her down with no shame. Once he was done, he opened the door and helped her get inside. When the driver pulled off, he walked to Jersi’s car and hopped into the back seat.

  “That bitch is fine as fuck, ain’t she,” Dray remarked as soon as he sat down.

  “I don’t understand how you do it. How do you switch back and forth like that so easily?” Ariel questioned.

  “His ass is just confused. He don’t know if he’s gay, straight or bisexual,” Jersi replied as she pulled off.

  “I don’t like to be defined by anything, especially labels. Why do I have to choose? I just enjoy people, both women and men. It all depends on what I have a taste for when I wake up. Yesterday I wanted sausage, but fish is on the menu today,” Dray shrugged.

  “You’re honest with everybody and that’s what I love about you. You don’t deal with nobody without telling them what they’re getting into,” Jersi said.

  “Nah sis. People get killed behind shit like that. I keep it real and they can take it or leave it. The men are easier to deal with than the women though,” Dray noted.

  “How so?” Ariel questioned.

  “A lot of women can’t fathom the idea of the man that they’re having sex with being with another man,” Dray replied.

  “I don’t understand,” Ariel said in confusion.

  “Sis, explain to your slow ass cousin what I’m trying to say. I really don’t have it in me right now,” Dray sighed as he replied to a text message on his phone.

  “A lot of women don’t like to get fucked by a man who gets fucked,” Jersi blurted out bluntly as Ariel’s eyes bulged in shock.

  “Basically,” Dray shrugged.

  “Oh, wow. I didn’t know that Dray was on the receiving end,” Ariel said.

  “I’m not a selfish lover sweetheart. I give and I take. That too depends on whatever mood I’m in at the time,” he replied honestly.

  Ariel was as green as they came and she didn’t know as much about Dray’s lifestyle as Jersi did. Her brother was one of the most honest people that she knew and he was very forthcoming whenever she asked him anything.

  “Do you think you’ll ever settle down?” Ariel asked him.

  “Only if I can settle down with one of each. Like I just said, I love the best of both worlds and that will never change,” Dray answered.

  “When did you start liking men?” Ariel inquired right as Jersi pulled up to the Whole Foods Market and parked.

  “I’m staying in the car but take this bitch inside with you. I don’t have time for the Q & A session,” Dray said while pointing to Ariel.

  “Come on cousin,” Jersi laughed as she got out of the car.

  “He’s much nicer when he’s Draya,” Ariel said as she followed Jersi inside.

  “Leave my brother alone and grab a basket. You drive him crazy with all the questions you ask,” Jersi replied.

  “I’m just curious about a lot of things. You know I’m dumb to that lifestyle,” Ariel replied.

  Jersi wanted to tell her that she was dumb to a lot of stuff but she kept that to herself. Ariel pushed the basket as they walked around getting everything that her mother needed. Dena had sent her a list and she wasn’t leaving until she got everything that was on it. Jersi wasn’t in the mood to be going to multiple stores just to pick up one or two things.

  “Where are all the workers? I need some help,” Jersi said as she looked around.

  She was on the baking aisle and the flour that her mother used was way on the top shelf. That was the last thing on her list and she wasn’t leaving without it.

  “Just get one of these,” Ariel said as she motioned to a few other brands that were on the bottom shelf.

  “Hell no. You don’t know my mama honey. She only uses specific brands or she swears her stuff won’t come out right,” Jersi replied.

  “You better get down before you hurt yourself,” Ariel said when Jersi climbed on top of the basket to reach what she needed.

  “Just hold the basket still,” Jersi instructed as she reached way up top and got the box of flour.

  “Be careful Jersi,” Ariel said as she steadied the basket.

  She saw what was about to happen before it even happened. Jersi lost her footing and was on her way to the hard tiled floors that was beneath them. Ariel screamed but there was nothing that she could do.

  “Ahh!” Jersi yelled as she flapped her arms helplessly.

  She was ready to feel the impact of her fall until a pair of strong arms caught her, sparing her the embarrassment and the pain. Jersi’s heart was beating a mile a minute as she held on to the muscular arms of her rescuer. His body was hard as a brick and he had to be as strong as he felt. Although Jersi wasn’t as big as she used to be, he was holding her in his arms like it was nothing. Her eyes were closed tight but she just knew that he was fine.

  “Are you okay?” He asked as he put her down and let her stand on her own.

  Even his deep, raspy voice was sexy and Jersi couldn’t wait to see his face. When she opened her eyes slowly, she was sadly disappointed at what she saw. He was indeed fine as hell but his face didn’t match his body. His fitted tee, jeans and boots looked great on his physique but he just wasn’t her type. Still, she was grateful for his help and happy that he was in the right place at the right time.

  “Yes, thank you so much,” Jersi replied with a sincere smile.

  “We can’t have you getting all banged up before Thanksgiving,” he replied flashing a beautiful smile of his own. His teeth were so even and white that they almost looked fake.

  “I know, right,”
Jersi giggled.

  “What do you need? I can get it for you,” he offered.

  The flour that Jersi had in her hand fell to the floor and made a mess. He was tall enough to reach the top shelf and she needed another one.

  “Can you get me that red and white box of flour, please?” She asked politely.

  “Yeah,” he replied as he reached up and effortlessly grabbed what she needed.

  “Thank you so much. I really appreciate everything,” Jersi said when he handed it to her.

  “No problem. You be safe,” he replied as she and Ariel walked away.

  “Girl, he is fine,” Ariel commented lowly.