Fernando

That’s what I missed the most without knowing it: the variety that comes with sleeping with different women. I don’t know how I lasted a year and a half without pussy. Without even the occasional scratch-n-sniff.

All for a woman who betrayed me; I can’t believe the years I wasted wanting her. Loving her. Waiting for her to realize I was the only man she’d ever need.

How could I have been so wrong? Did my feelings blind me to her true nature? It doesn’t matter. It’s over. And I won’t make that mistake again.

I send Twin a text before heading out the door‚ telling him what happened and that I’ll get with him when I get back from NY. He’s going to be beyond pissed that I didn’t confront Erika after everything we’ve gone through for her. That’s why I sent a text instead of calling.

I get Tia and me to the air strip where the plane’s waiting for us. During the flight‚ we talk about everything from sports to business to sex. She tries to subtly ask about Erika but I skirt her efforts easily. I’m not having that conversation with her.

Before I know it‚ we’re checking into our adjoining suites at a small exclusive hotel. She suggested adjoining suites. And though Tia travels the world‚ she seems impressed with the accommodations. She eagerly agrees to my proposal of shopping during the day and enjoying the night life as we separate at our doors to freshen up.

§§§

Tia

I can’t help but compare Donte and Fernando. Fernando carries his status with an ease that speaks of his natural confidence; he knows his place in the world.

Donte is so serious all the time. Too serious. He’s confident but it’s almost as if he’s had to work at it. And he always seems stressed.

I shouldn’t have let him come over last night. Except for the occasional roses‚ I feel like I’m simply his living sex toy. But a woman has needs as well. Not that Donte has been fulfilling those lately.

It’s been a couple of weeks since he’s made time for me. And‚ sure‚ Donte gave me a couple of orgasms last night but when he starves me like he does‚ very little effort is needed on his part to make that happen.

I’m not bitter just discouraged. I try not to demand a lot of his time because I know he’s busy working. And as I learned the other day‚ having sex with other women.

What about me? Aren’t I enough? I’d like to think of myself as a good person and a skilled lover but obviously Donte doesn’t see it that way. Maybe he’s one of those men who needs to have several women to feel successful. Maybe that’s part of the reason why he’s so stressed.

I need a change of pace. Maybe Fernando can be that change. I’m tossing my original plan. I’d like him in my bed before this trip is over. Hopefully a couple of times. It’s been a long time since Fernando and I were together.

I remember Erika glowing and struggling to walk properly the first time we met. Truth be told‚ after sleeping with Fernando‚ my gait was off for a couple of days as well. Apparently, it could have been a lot worse.

Donte has his moments but he’s never had me hobbling. The only time I come close to hobbling is when I do something special to Donte.

Erika couldn’t cross her legs without moaning. She was like me after my experience with Ryan Whitehall’s lovely twelve inches. I will never forget how he patiently coaxed my virginity from me.

I wonder what Ryan is doing? Maybe I should google his name and see what comes up. I would wear him out now provided he didn’t come in the first ten minutes.

I hate when men do that. They work so hard to get us into bed then act like it’s some kind of race. Whoever comes first wins. They need to learn control.

Donte has his faults but I’m glad that’s not one of them. He at least makes sure I’ve gotten mine before he goes for his. That is the way men should be because women can keep going after they’ve come; most men can’t.

Would I be seen as desperate if I seduced Fernando tonight? Reminiscing about Ryan has caused…unforeseen consequences. As a matter of fact‚ I wonder what Fernando is doing?

I quickly freshen up and slide on a sheath dress with a zipper that ends at the top of my behind. Since the dress is lined and fits me perfectly‚ thanks to my seamstress‚ there’s no need for undergarments. But I do need a hand with the zipper.

A strong male hand should do the trick‚ I think as I knock on our adjoining door.

§§§

Fernando

I’m in the middle of reading the text from Twin when there’s a knock on the adjoining door. Yeah‚ Twin’s livid but I’ll deal with that later. I lock my phone and set it on the bed before walking over to the door barefoot‚ buttoning my shirt.

It can’t be time already. I open the door to find Tia standing there looking like a million bucks.

“You look nice.”

“Thanks. Could you help me with my zipper?”

Not the old zipper trick. Carrera is slipping. None of his women seem happy with the services he’s providing. I’ll show her I’m interested but I’m going to tell her the same thing I told KiKi.

Honesty is the key to avoiding hurt feelings. I’m not dealing with any of that woman-scorned shit.

I’m also not looking for a replacement wife. Just a few talented playmates. She does intrigue me but I don’t know. I slowly run my knuckle up her spine under the pretense of zipping her into the form-fitting dress. Her whispered moan gives her arousal away.

“You smell delicious‚ Tia. What are you wearing?”

“I’ve been told I am delicious and isn’t it obvious? Nothing.”

I’m not touching that one.

§§§

Erika

Fern is still not answering either of his phones. And Reese hasn’t called back even though I left messages yesterday and today. Are they cutting me off?

Doesn’t he want to know why I can’t marry him? I thought he’d demand answers. Maybe it doesn’t matter.

Apparently it doesn’t since the only people here are my parents. And they keep giving me their pity face. On top of that‚ I won’t have my little reminder of him because of The Curse.

“Mom‚ please stop looking at me like that?”

“Like what‚ baby?”

“Like you feel bad for me.”

“I do feel bad for you but my main concern is the baby.”

“I know. I was sitting here wondering how long I’ll be able to enjoy it before I miscarry.”

“What kind of attitude is that?”

“It’s the truth. You were the one who told me about The Curse.”

“I know‚ baby‚ I know. I only told you because I didn’t want you to be too upset if something happened to your first baby.”

“Well‚ I appreciate it. But this baby is all I have left of Fern. Once I lose it‚ I’ll have nothing.”

Tears freely fall from my eyes. Mom tries to soothe me while Daddy goes to get the car. It’s time to go home.

After four and a half hours of my parents’ eclectic mix of travel music‚ I’m ecstatic about being home. That is until I notice the king-sized bed and all the other gifts Fernando gave me placed neatly in one corner of my living room.

My heart drops to my stomach.

It’s only been a few days. What happened to a woman’s right to change her mind? Or the three-day right of remission?

I know I’m being silly but I can’t help it. Seeing all the beautiful things he gave me in the short time we were a couple overwhelms me. I miss him so much.

My clothes. He forgot my clothes because I don’t see them among the stuff. I’ll just have to go over there and get them‚ won’t I?

But first‚ a quick shower. With new-found hope in my heart and a little pep in my step‚ I walk down the hall to my bedroom.

My legs collapse from under me when I see the clothes I had no intention of bringing back lying neatly across my bed. All I can do is cry until I can’t cry anymore.

He hates me! This entire disaster is my fault. I should have gone to him with my questions but no. I kicked him to the curb like a pair of turned-over shoes.

I have to fix this but I don’t know how or where to begin. Getting a new car needs to be a priority. My feet aren’t going to get me far. I also need to figure out where to put all of this stuff. I’m not getting rid of anything.

I love his bed so I’ll give my bed to my sister. She’s always wanted it. It’s hard to believe Fern and I made love for the first time in that bed.

Why is it so hot in here all of a sudden? No‚ both beds stay. The new bed will go into the guest bedroom.

That means my home office will have to move. Looks like I have some major reorganizing to do. I love organizing and decorating.

Maybe that will take my mind off my problems for a while.

§§§

Donte

Damn‚ can a brotha get a call from any of his women? You’d think with three women someone would be begging for attention but my phone has been silent for days.

I should call Kim to see how her sista session went the other night. I haven’t heard from her since that night. She said she was going to call me later. Granted later can be anytime but it has been several days.

How much later can later get? I’ll call to see what’s up. Maybe she’ll want some company tonight.

“Hello‚ Donte.”

Damn‚ she sounds sexy when she answers the phone.

“Hey‚ beautiful. What are you wearing?”

“I’m wearing that pink cami and lounge pants set you love.”

“For real? A certain close friend of mine would love to see you in and out of that outfit tonight.”

“Sorry‚ you and your friend are gonna have to slow your roll. Aunt Flo is visiting this week so our friends can’t get together until next week.”

“What day are you on?”

“My second. Why?”

“I was willing to work with you if you were further along.”

“Though I appreciate the thought‚ that’s nasty and gross.”

Her laugh is sexy too.

“Well‚ there’s no rule that says you can’t play with me even if I can’t play with you.”

“You mean you get all the pleasure and I get nothing? Nope. When I’m out of commission‚ you’re out of commission‚ buddy. We both have to suffer through this week.”

Damn that. Hence the beauty of having three women. Play the concerned lover.

“Would you like me to come over anyway and rub you down or something?”

Please say no. Please say no.

“No‚ I’m good. Thanks for offering. I’m gonna chill and curl up on the couch with this book I’ve been trying to finish for two weeks.”

“Oh‚ yeah‚ what’s the book about?”

“This guy who’s dating all of these women until they turn on him‚ seeking revenge.”

Shit‚ I hope she doesn’t get any ideas.

“Sounds interesting.”

Not!

“Yeah‚ I’m at the part where their plan starts to come together.”

“You’ll have to tell me all about it when you’re done.”

“I will.”

“I’ll let you get back to it. Talk to you later.”

Who writes shit like that? Probably some ugly‚ recently divorced woman who’s bitter because her husband left her for his 23-year-old secretary.

Anyway‚ on to girl #2: Tia. Miss Reliable. I can always persuade her to hook a brotha up. She’ll make someone a great wife. Is that someone me? The jury’s still out.

She’s accommodating and easy to please. She’s flexible as hell and plays all my freaky games. She doesn’t complain or make demands on my time.

She’s also smart‚ well-traveled and cultured. Damn‚ when I list all her attributes‚ Tia sounds perfect. Maybe there’s a reason she’s been with me the longest since Erika. Maybe she’s the one. Maybe not.

No answer at Tia’s house. Hey‚ she has a new message. “I am currently out of town and unavailable to take your call. Please leave a message and I will call you at my earliest convenience.” Beep.

I hang up speechless. She didn’t say anything the other night about going out of town. The message didn’t say how long she’d be gone. What kind of shit is that? Why didn’t she tell me?

Maybe it was a last-minute trip. Maybe she had a family emergency. OK‚ but she’s supposed to be more conscientious about these things‚ she’s a woman. We’ll need to discuss this when she gets back.

Moving on to our newest member: Renee Vega. I’m not sure if she’s hooked yet but I hope to work on it tonight. I could have sworn Renee said she was going to call when she got back from her trip but I haven’t heard a peep from her.

“Hola.”

She sounds different.

“Hola‚ Renee. I haven’t heard from you in days. I’ve missed you. What’s been going on?”

“I’ve had my hands full…” She sounds distracted. “Can I call you later? I’m in the middle of something.”

“Sure‚ no problem. I’ll talk to you later.” Before she hangs up‚ I hear her say‚ “You’ve been a bad boy‚ Armando.”

Who the hell is Armando? She doesn’t have any pets. Is she dipping out on me? Is everyone going crazy or is it me?

I don’t understand. Three women and no one is available. What the fuck?

Obviously another addition to the squad is needed.

§§§

Erika

While hanging up my clothes‚ it occurs to me that I haven’t tried Fern's parents. They’ve always been kind and treated me like family. I wonder how they’ll treat me now? I’ll be honest with his mom like I did with mine.

Maybe she can get him to talk to me. I don’t know. He is her only son‚ her heart and her favorite. She most likely hates me more than he does but I have to take this last chance to get to him.

“Hola‚ Vega residencie.”

“Hola‚ Maria. ¿Podría hablar con la señora Vega‚ por favor?”

“¿Puedo decirle quién llama?”

“It’s Erika. Please‚ tell her es importante.”

“Por favor‚ mantenga.”

That isn’t very encouraging. Maria’s tone changed when I said my name. Suck it up. You did this to yourself so you have to pay the piper. Fern's mom is the final word in the Vega household. If I can’t get through to her‚ Fern and I are finished.

After 15 minutes on hold‚ a familiar yet formal voice says‚ “Hola Erika. What could be so important you had to call me?”

Her sharp tone slices through me like a new knife. This is not a side of Momma Vega I’m familiar with.

“Momma Vega‚ I’ve made a huge mistake! I love Fernando with all my heart but he hates me. And I haven’t been able to reach him to explain.”

“Why didn’t you explain before you canceled the wedding? All the work your mother and I put into that wedding for you to cancel it on a whim. I don’t know why I’m even on the phone with you. I should hang up.”

“No‚ no! Please Momma Vega. I beg you please don’t hang up. Let me explain what happened.”

“You have five minutes and not a second more starting two minutes ago.”

That’s cold but I deserve it.

“Here’s the summarized version and I’m going to be candid.”

“Keep going.”

“I was scared.” Silence. Be brave. “I’m still scared. I didn’t know about the Vega family’s…the family’s…uh…the connections you all have until I had lunch with Donte the other day.”

“Donte Carrera?”

“Yeah.”

“Keep going.”

“He told me. All these years‚ I never knew.”

“What is there to know? We are who we are. Nothing has changed.”

“Yeah but see Donte’s family’s…uh…connections were the main reason I wouldn’t give him a second chance. So naturally my first reaction was to break things off with Fern.

“I should have talked to him but I knew he’d convince me everything would be OK. And I didn’t want to be convinced.”

“Vega men are very good convincers. Keep going.”

“I have so many questions but I’m afraid of the answers. My logic at the time was end things so there’d be no more questions.

“But I love him‚ Momma Vega. I love him too much to let him go and he hates me.” Tears wet my shirt. “I don’t know what to do to make things right between us. To make him love me again. I desperately want his love back.”

Between the sobs and sniffles‚ I’m sure I sound like an idiot.

“There there‚ niña. Fernando doesn’t hate you. He’s deeply hurt and feels you have broken his trust. Trust is very important. Once trust is broken‚ it takes time to repair. Believe me‚ I know from experience.”

“You do? What happened?”

“I won’t get into that but let’s just say I was young and foolish once too. The wound you made is deep‚ Erika. It’ll take time and a lot of patience on your part to heal it.”

“What do I do? I tried calling. And I’m not stupid enough to think he’ll let me in if I go to the house. I’m sure he’s already changed the locks.”

“You’re probably right. Do you really love him‚ Erika?”

“Yes‚ Momma Vega.”

“No‚ Erika‚ I mean really love him deep in your soul. To the point where you’re not sure you could live another day without him in your life.”

“That’s exactly how I feel. If it wasn’t for the baby…”

“Baby? Fernando didn’t say anything about un bebé.”

“I’m five weeks but don’t get excited. As far back as anyone can remember‚ the women in my family miscarry their first child. They’re usually fine for the rest.”

“Miscarry?”

“Yeah‚ we call it The Curse because doctors can’t explain why it happens. I even told the nurse not to tell anyone. Hoping against hope to keep the baby a secret so Fern wouldn’t be disappointed in me when it happened.”

“But the nurse told him‚ didn’t she?”

“Yeah‚ how…”

“And he already knew‚ didn’t he?”

“Yeah‚ how did you know?”

“It’s one of the life lessons his father taught him. Señor Vega told me when I was pregnant with each of our children. Even now he tracks my cycle.

“I have no clue why. Old habits die hard I guess. He also probably found out you didn’t want him to know.”

“Do you think so?”

“Sí‚ Fernando‚ like his father‚ has a way of learning things. That explains a lot. I didn’t understand when he told me you’d broken his trust. You didn’t seem like that kind of girl but now I understand.

“You’ve got to tell him about your family’s curse and everything else you told me. The vultures are already circling around him and after his self-imposed abstinence‚ I don’t see him lasting long.”

Dag‚ she knows about his self-imposed abstinence. That’s definitely not something I would have told my mom. Told you they were tight.

“He couldn’t sleep with someone else so soon. It hasn’t even been a week!”

“Why not? His sexual appetite has been renewed. And if he’s anything like his father‚ he’s almost insatiable.”

“You’re telling me. I don’t know how I’m going to keep him happy in that department.”

“You’ll find a way like I did. He wouldn’t have picked you if he didn’t think you could satisfy him.”

“So what am I going to do? I have to get him back before the vultures swoop in.”

“There’s a party in two weeks that Fernando will be attending.”

“How do you know?”

“It’s a special party. One of our friends opens up his home every year for a themed masquerade ball. This year’s theme is 18th century chic. Everyone is expected to come dressed in formal 18th century garb.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“There’s one important detail about this party. How do I say this? Oh‚ I’m just going to say it. It’s a very well organized sex party for the elite. That’s how I met Señor Vega‚ believe it or not.”

“Really? Momma Vega‚ I had no clue.”

“Yes‚ well‚ enough about me. I can get you an invitation and lend you my seamstress but the rest is up to you. You’ll have to outshine at least 30 other women. This party‚ to be frank‚ may very well be your last chance at getting my son back.”

§§§