The Side Effects of You Read online

  We all laughed.

  “Hell, he’d be happy to take me out in the curlers,” Josie joked. Her accent was still thick, and I loved to hear her speak.

  “You won’t think that after we are done,” Andrea said. She turned Josie away from the mirror and then removed all the rollers. When she turned Josie back to the mirror and did the reveal, she had to give Josie a tissue and then retouch her eye makeup.

  “You are gorgeous. Jayden is going to be blown away,” I said, admiring her new look.

  The bob was an excellent choice. She looked stunning. She paid Andrea, thanked her again, said her good-byes and hurried out. It was already five, and she had to fight traffic and then get dressed.

  “Andrea, thank you so much for doing this for her. She deserves to feel beautiful,” I said.

  Andrea grabbed a broom to sweep up Josie’s wavy strands from the floor. “Don’t we all.”

  “We do, and I know you’re going through a lot, but I suggest you hook yourself up a bit before we head out.”

  “I agree.” She smiled.

  After she cleaned her station, she sat at her booth, and we chatted while she made up her face and rejuvenated the curls in her natural hair. “Now you.” She patted her seat.

  “No, Andrea. I’m good.”

  “You are, but I want to edge you up to clean up your nape area and just put a few more curls on the top and enhance your makeup. You did well. Don’t get me wrong. But in the beauty world, there is no such thing as too far.”

  I sat in her chair, and twenty minutes later, I had a fresher look. She did a final cleanup and turned down the twenty I offered her for my twenty-minute enhancement.

  She locked up, and we went to a pub not far from her salon, where we had drinks and food. We made small talk, and then finally she told me exactly what had happened that was causing her so much distress.

  She blinked back tears. “Okay. Yesterday I found out my husband was having an affair.”

  An affair is easy, I thought. “Aw, Andrea, honey. Darling, an affair is easy. Thank God you didn’t find out something worse than that.”

  “That’s not the worst part, Samantha.”

  “Oh, no. Did he give you something?” It was the same awful thing. We were in the same boat. Now I could tell her. “I know exactly how you feel.”

  “No, he didn’t give me anything.” She paused and took a sip of her drink. “Is that what happened to you?” she asked.

  I froze.

  “Samantha, is that what happened?”

  I didn’t want to confess, but I had to. I nodded, and my eyes welled up. “I have herpes, and that’s why I have to break up with Ethan. Andrea, he is so great, and he is ready to be intimate, but I can’t tell him this. He is going to flee.”

  “Samantha, as horrible as it sounds, you have to be honest if you really care about him. And if he really cares about you, he won’t flee. You can have the virus and still have a healthy sex life.”

  “I wish that was true. I’m afraid to let anyone touch me.”

  “You have to talk to your doctor, Samantha. Trust me when I say I’ve heard it all. As a stylist, I hear it all, and I’ve known couples in which one person had it and the other wasn’t infected.”

  “How is that possible?” I was confused, and I wasn’t buying it. Charles had given it to me.

  “I don’t know, but you need to get more information, Samantha, and talk to Ethan. You can’t decide for him. You don’t know how he’ll react. He may head for the hills, and if so, he wasn’t the one, but he could stay and figure out what works for you two. Talk to him.”

  Everything she had said made sense and sounded good, but doing it was another story. I was terrified.

  “I don’t know, Andrea. You are the first soul that I’ve told.”

  “Well, since we are sharing our worst-case scenarios, the worst thing about my husband’s affair is that it’s not with another woman.”

  “I’m confused.”

  “No, you’re not. It’s exactly what you are thinking. It’s with another man.”

  My mouth dropped. I tried to shut it, but I was blown away. “Isn’t your husband the reverend or pastor or something of that mega church on the south side?”

  “Yes. Now you see why I’m so messed up right now. And what takes the cake is the woman who told me is the wife of his lover. She recorded them. If or when this gets out, imagine the impact it’s going to have on our children’s lives. On my business, everything, Sam. I’m mortified. I wanted out of this marriage, God knows I did, but not like this.”

  “Well, I’m no expert, and trust, I’m not a Bible-thumper, but God has a way of bringing us out of bad situations.”

  “Yeah, you say that, but did you want herpes to be the way out of your marriage?”

  My face was cracked. She was right. Worst-case scenarios were so unnecessary. “Point taken. I’m so sorry, Andrea.”

  “I’m sorry too. I have no idea how you feel with something like that, and I truly, truly hope that Ethan is the one to stand up and love you beyond that. I will pray for you, Sam.”

  “Thank you, Andrea. I feel so much better to have told someone, and you were the right person to tell. I never stopped to think of him not leaving. I mean, if I tell him, he may stay.”

  “Yes, he may. Don’t make decisions for others, Sam. I wish Jeremiah had told me the truth, so I could have removed myself from this situation a long time ago. I stayed, smiled, pretended, and put on this false image like I was happy, when the truth is he stopped sleeping with me over two years ago. I feel like a fat fool.”

  “Don’t feel that way, Andrea. You did exactly what you thought was best. Don’t blame yourself for his indiscretions. And don’t even go there. You are gorgeous, and I know you know it.”

  “I know, Sam. I’ve never been insecure. I just want to punch him in the face.”

  “Child, don’t. I punched Charles when I found out, and that bastard pressed charges on me.” We both laughed. “Yes, girl, and they handcuffed me and everything. I spent nine hours in lockup.” We continued to laugh at my experience.

  We spent another couple of hours encouraging one another before we finally parted. After talking with Andrea, I decided to tell Ethan the truth. When was the question. I planned to tell him, but I didn’t have a date in mind.

  Damn. Why did this condition have to be the side effect of my being with Charles?

  Chapter Fifteen

  Josephina

  I gazed at Jayden across the table and couldn’t help but smile.

  “I can’t believe how amazing you look. That haircut is so sexy on you,” he said, complimenting me again.

  I blushed. I enjoyed the compliments and the attention and realized that I had never been romanced or even out on a real date. This was a real date, and I was beaming.

  “Thank you, Jayden. It was a risky move, but I’m happy with my decision.”

  “As you should be, because it’s a gorgeous look on you.”

  “Please, stop making me blush.”

  “Seriously, you just kicked gorgeous up about ten notches,” he joked.

  We both laughed. I knew the compliments were appropriate, because I did look good. I hadn’t looked this good ever, not even on my wedding day.

  “So, shall we order?” he asked.

  “Give me a moment. I’ve been so busy enjoying our conversation that I haven’t given dinner much thought.”

  “Well, I’m leaning toward the steak and potatoes. I’m definitely a meat-and-potatoes kinda man.”

  “Really? I am more into Spanish dishes. I don’t know how to prepare many American dishes.”

  “Well, I’ll have to teach you. And you can teach me how to make Spanish foods.” He smiled.

  “I’d like that.” I smiled back.

  The server interrupted us just then. “Are you ready to order?”

  “Not yet,” Jayden replied. “But we could use some spinach dip to start.” He looked at me. “And you? Do you want
something different?” he asked me.

  “No. Spinach dip is great. I’d like wine, though.” I turned to the server. “What would you suggest?”

  “Well, if you plan on having chicken, I’d say a nice crisp white. If you prefer steak, an aged red,” the server replied.

  “Well, I’m pretty sure it will be chicken, so white it is.”

  “House?” the server asked.

  “No. What are your brands?”

  The server named their brands, and Jayden made a choice for me. He ordered himself a drink, and then we went back to the endless compliments, smiles, and jokes. I was having such a good time, I didn’t want the night to end. By the time the table was cleared and I declined dessert, I had had three glasses of wine, and I was feeling good.

  “Are you ready to go?” Jayden asked me.

  “No, but it’s getting late. I just don’t want this to end. I haven’t had a date in ages, and I’m just really enjoying your company.”

  “Well, we can head back to the hotel.”

  “That’s the thing. I don’t want my staff or my girls seeing me with you. Jayden, you are still a hotel guest. And how can I set an example if I’m breaking the rules?”

  “I’ll tell you what . . .” He stood. “Come. Let’s go. I’ve got an idea.”

  “What?”

  “Just come with me.”

  I got up and took his hand. We walked out to his car and drove back toward the hotel. When we were almost to the hotel, he turned left into my competition’s parking lot.

  “Jayden, you don’t have to do this.”

  “I know, but I want to. After I get us a room, I will drive you across the street so you can get your car, and in the morning we can go back in different cars. We can walk in through different doors, separately. I just don’t have a place to invite you to yet, but next week I will be looking. And once I’m settled into my own place, then we are good.” I guessed he detected the look of uncertainty on my face, because he said, “This will work, Josie. No one will suspect a thing, baby. I promise.”

  I shook my head, afraid it wouldn’t work, but I was down with his plan. He went inside the hotel and came back with two room keys. He handed me one, then drove across the street and let me out five spaces away from my vehicle. I drove back to the other hotel and met him in the room, which was actually a whole suite.

  I looked around the suite. “Wow. This place is nice. Not as nice as ours, but nice.”

  “I agree,” he said and moved close to me. He stood right in front of me, and I knew what that meant. “Can I kiss you?”

  “Yes,” I whispered.

  I finally found out what he tasted like, and it was good. We both had liquor on our tongues, but he still tasted good enough for me to keep right on kissing him. I started to undress, and by the time I was down to my panties, I was feeling a little nervous, but I wanted what was in front of me. I wanted to feel him inside of me. We fell onto the bed and when he sucked on my tits, it felt so new. I hadn’t had a man treat my body so well, and I enjoyed his warm mouth and sweet caresses. He moved his hand down to my center and played around in my cookie. I wanted more. I wanted Jayden, and I wanted all of him.

  “I want you inside of me,” I panted.

  “Yeah? You wanna feel me inside of you, baby?” he said and continued to please my nipples.

  “Yes. Push it inside of me. I can’t wait any longer.” I squirmed. My pussy was soaking wet. It had been so long since I had had a man, and I wanted the one who was teasing my nipples with his magic tongue.

  “Hold on, baby,” he said. He got up and undressed, then pulled out a condom. I removed my panties, and my hand made its way to my center. I stroked myself while I watched him put on the plastic. His dick was beautiful, and it matched his height, long and lean. He knelt in front of me, and I rolled my body up against his as he entered.

  “Ahhh, ahhh,” I moaned.

  Having a man inside of me was foreign to my sex-deprived body. I needed this. I wanted this, and I enjoyed it. Jayden did me over and over, and in every position imaginable. I collapsed onto his chest when we were finally done, and he held me all night long.

  The next morning, when the wake-up call came, I didn’t want to move, but I had to get back to my hotel to work. I peeled my body from his, and that was the first time I wished I could call in and take the day off. Dragging ourselves, we both dressed without showering. I had time to go back to my apartment, shower, and put on my work attire.

  “Can I see you later?” he asked before opening the door.

  “Not tonight. I don’t get off until ten.”

  “That’s okay. I can see you then.”

  “Are you sure? I know that is late,” I said.

  “I know, but I can’t go without seeing you.”

  “Well, when I get off, I’ll walk over to Sammie’s.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” He kissed me, and I walked out of the suite first.

  When I got back to my apartment in the hotel, my baby was already up for school.

  “Ma, where have you been?” she asked as we stood in the living room.

  “I was out, baby. No biggie.”

  “But you’ve never stayed away all night.”

  “I know, Angelica. I had a few drinks, so I stay with a friend.”

  “Okay, Ma. I’m going to go and get ready for school.” She went into her bedroom, and then my problem child walked into the living room.

  “Wow. The dress worked, I see. Looks like you had fun,” she said.

  “That’s none of your business, Ana.” I headed to my bedroom.

  “Okay,” she said smartly.

  I knew that that troublemaker was up to something. She was a daddy’s girl, and I knew she reported back to her father exactly what went on in our house.

  I showered, dressed, and headed to the front desk, where I relieved my auditor. A little later Jayden stopped by the desk before he headed out.

  He smiled. “Good morning, Ms. Josie. I hope you have a good day.”

  “You too,” I said.

  He moved on, and I smiled on the inside. I liked creeping with him. Hell, the night before was the best night of my life. I tried to focus on my work, but I could stop myself from watching the clock for the rest of my shift.

  At ten o’clock, I raced out of there, ran over to Sammie’s, and found Jayden sitting at a table. He stood and greeted me with a kiss. Yes, I was falling head over heels for him, and I was happy about it.

  We sat and then he caressed my cheek. “How was your day?”

  “Long. I wanted to see you badly. Why didn’t you stop by the desk when you got in?”

  “I wanted to, but I decided to lay low. I don’t want to bring any attention to us, and since I’ve been dying to kiss you, I probably would have leaned in for one if I had seen you.”

  “Okay. I understand. I feel the same way. I missed you today.”

  “Not as much as I missed you,” he said. He leaned in for another kiss. Although I had never been a public affection type of woman, I didn’t care who was watching us or what they were thinking.

  “Get a room,” a voice said.

  I pulled back and looked around. “Sam, hey. How are you?”

  “I’m great. And I can see you two are cozy and comfy, making out in my restaurant.”

  “I’m sorry, Samantha, but I can’t resist this woman,” Jayden said.

  “Yes, Sam. I’m sorry,” I said.

  “Chile, please. Have fun. I’m just kidding. If you two want to be close and intimate, I recommend the party room. It’s empty and away from everyone. That’s where Ethan and I go to keep from grossing the customers out.”

  “Show us the way,” Jayden said, standing up.

  “Come on,” Samantha said. “I’ll send a server over to you guys.”

  We followed her to the party room, and as soon as she walked away, we tongue locked again.

  “Um, you are so good,” I told Jayden.

  “Me? You. I was in court to
day, and I promise you, I called my client Josie two times. I couldn’t get you and last night out of my mind.”

  “Same here. Now, I didn’t call anyone, Jayden, but every moment I was alone, I said your name out loud.”

  We kissed again. The server interrupted us and asked if we were ready to order.

  “I’m sorry. We are ready,” Jayden said.

  We ordered, and after I was good and tipsy, we went back to the hotel. I showered, eased out of my apartment, and crept into his hotel room. I knew it was a risky move, but I wasn’t worried about that. I let him do me even better than he had done me the night before, and after a nap, I crept back into my place before my daughter got up for school. The next night, we did the same thing.

  I was hooked on Jayden.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Andrea

  I waited for him to come in. It had been a few days since I’d learned he was a two-timing, gay-ass bastard. I wanted to kill him. I wanted to cause him bodily harm. I wanted to rush him, but when he walked in, I sat calmly at the kitchen island with a glass of wine and didn’t move. Yes, I had wine at 11:17 a.m.

  That was the first day I’d ever canceled an appointment, the first day since I’d opened the salon that I missed a day. I was grateful to have a father and a sister who cared for my kids if they were ill, and if I was ill, which was rare, I pressed on and did what I had to do to keep my clients happy. So I hadn’t missed a day. Until now.

  At the sight of me, his eyebrows vaulted to the ceiling. I guessed he thought I’d be at the salon.

  “You’re home?” he asked. “What are you doing home?”

  “Yes, I am home. I took today off.”

  “Why? You never take time off.”

  “To see you, Jeremiah. How was your trip?”

  “It was good, really good. We’ve discussed doing this quarterly versus twice a year.” He went to the fridge and then noticed I was drinking. “Wine again, and in the a.m.? What’s going on with you, Ann? You’re drinking like a drunk, and I will not tolerate that in this house. In this house, we will worship the Lord, not give in to Satan’s devices.”

  “And what else will we do in this house, husband?” I stood and got in his face. “Tell me, how is my drinking a sin?”