RENT MY OH'S Page 3

  A week later, he called her over for a session. They went through the motions and she told him she wasn’t wet so she could see what else he was working with. That’s when he went in for the cure. She prepared herself for greatness because surely he had more to offer. Bossing her up would definitely allow her to weigh the situation better. He licked on her like his tongue hurt. He was officially wack as hell in all areas and she couldn’t understand how anyone could ever be with him after such an experience. When he called himself finished, he pulled out that little turd and told her to open her legs. She sighed figuring she would let him get his little nut off since he at least tried to eat it. When she told him to get the condom he searched his drawer and said he didn’t have any. That was her ticket to freedom and the last time she was in his presence.

  In the weeks that followed he still acted as though he had put it on her and even hinted that she should return the favor. As if! She politely brushed him off and blamed their demise on his rudeness. He continued leaving messages telling her that she could have whatever she wanted. He also pleaded with her by telling her how much he liked her and that he would do anything to please her. Sadly, he would never be able to please her. Considering his other flaws, she could not excuse the lethal combination. She stalled and ignored him until he finally gave up.

  “What are you getting into tonight?” Mariah asked snapping Jamie back into reality.

  “A girl from work told me about a karaoke party so I agreed to go. It’s somebody’s birthday. Do you want to go?”

  “Naw girl,” Mariah said. “Nothing but the devil in those places. I’ve got bible study tonight. I was going to ask if you wanted to join me.”

  “It’s just karaoke,” Jamie said, struggling not to roll her eyes.

  “That’s the disguise. They’ll still be drinking and playing lewd music. So basically it’s just a watered down version of going to the bar. I take Jesus with me everywhere I go and I don’t want to subject him to that atmosphere.”

  “Okay.” Jamie said, wondering why she’d even asked. Mariah was anti anything that didn’t involve praise and worship. She was a far cry from the person Jamie had met ten years ago.

  “Be careful,” Mariah said. “I’ll be praying for your safety.”

  Jamie could see the disdain in her eyes. Mariah took giving your life to the Lord another meaning. She didn’t only stop being of the world, she stopped living in the world entirely. She didn’t go anywhere unless it was church, entertainment for her son, or a necessity.

  Jamie wasn’t exactly sure how fly she needed to be for this party, so she went mid fly in a gray cape sleeved one shoulder top with her favorite Miss Me jeans. She walked into the club and sensed that somebody was low on friends. The party was all of fifteen people. She nursed her drink and a guy walked over asking if she remembered him. She didn’t and really didn’t feel like being bothered. She went on with her evening. After passing him on her way to the bathroom, it hit her and she remembered him. It was Kevin from years ago.

  Kevin

  Earlier that day

  “I want her out Kevin. She cannot continue to benefit from our family. She is no longer my wife or a part of this family.”

  “What about your girls Anthony?” Kevin asked.

  “I pay child support for my daughters. If she can pay you, she can pay to live somewhere else.”

  Their conversation basically ended because Kevin had stopped listening.

  Little did Anthony know that Kevin lowered the rent for Carrie. Anthony didn’t pay much in child support and Carrie didn’t make much at the cookie factory. Kevin didn’t care for the girl much himself but the kids were family and he would not put them on the streets. Yes, Carrie was lazy, trifling, and would never win mother of the year. But Anthony played a big part in her self destruction. Not only did he cheat on her in her face, he left his family for the other woman. Now, the other woman wasn’t younger or sexier. She just fulfilled him in a way that Carrie never could. She simply allowed him to have his way without question, just as any child desires. Kevin hung up once again disappointed in his little brother. He’d been disappointed from the beginning of this circus, but since he was now struggling to find himself in life, the disappointment was even heavier.

  Kevin reached for his bible and flipped in the old fashioned “jump out at me” way. Nothing. Come on Jesus, I gotta get ready for work. Lately, he was becoming more and more depressed about his path in life. To the outside world, he had it all. Right after high school he landed a job at the most prosperous company in the state. He was single, good looking, and childless. Along with this came the Range Rover and spacious home. The only thing missing was Kevin himself. The only child to graduate high school let alone college, a lot rested on his shoulders. He eventually realized that he was living his life for his family. He loved making them proud and being able to care for their needs. They saw this hard working, successful black man who had achieved his dreams before turning thirty. They looked up to him for advice and support. But he saw himself as a man who gave up his real dreams to live the American dream. On the outside he was everything they saw and aspired to be but he struggled with the person he was on the inside. He wanted to do and be so much more than the average but practicality had won out for the past ten years. Of course he attempted to let his creativity shine yet no one in his family supported his real dreams. He wanted to be creative, fun, and carefree. What was stopping him? He didn’t know the answer. Kevin flipped through his bible again praying for encouragement. Working in the flesh or flowing in the spirit jumped out at him. Something else to weigh on his mind.

  Kevin called off work. Calling off had become a habit lately. He promised himself last year that this would be his last year at this job. He was going to start his own business. He definitely wouldn’t make as much as he did at his current job but he would initially make enough to survive without all of the stress. No one knew of his plans because surely they would try to talk him out of it. Sometimes he tried to talk himself out of it. His last business plan didn’t go so well and he knew they’d bring that up.

  He was going crazy on one end and filled with terror/excitement on the other. What he really needed was someone to help him and be there for him. He was still healing from the last relationship but he admitted to himself that he was lonely.

  Anthony

  Anthony walked into his clothing store and smiled. He was proud of himself. He went from selling t-shirts at flea markets to owning his own clothing shop. His girlfriend Samantha ran the place while he worked part time delivering pizzas. No one knew he owned the place except his brother Kevin. He didn’t want Carrie to know because he knew she would bleed him for more child support. She needed to work just as hard as he did. She finally found a job last month but he didn’t expect that to last. She couldn’t keep a job which is why he left her in the first place. Each time she landed a decent job, she quit or got fired. He couldn’t be with a woman who wasn’t able to provide for him. If she couldn’t bring in the dough, she had to go. Luckily his current woman Samantha knew how to hold on to a job which allowed her to hold on to her man. He didn’t believe in the man being the provider. His money was his and her money better be his.

  “Hello sweetheart,” he sang.

  Samantha smiled from behind the counter. He knew she was tired. She worked third shift then opened the shop in the morning. He worked the second part of the day and didn’t have to worry about bookkeeping. Samantha knew her place. If it wasn’t for her hard work and income tax return, he wouldn’t have been able to open the place. Yet, she knew how to play the background and not talk too much.

  “Go home and get some rest sweetie,” he told her. “I’ll be home for dinner in a little while.”

  Samantha kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll have it ready when you come home.”

  “Did you cash your check?” he asked

  “Not yet,” she said. “I came here straight from work.”

  “Well,” he said. “
Get it cashed as soon as possible. I have some things I need to take care of.”

  “Okay baby. I’ll stop and get it cashed on my way home.”

  Anthony knew he was closing the shop a little early tonight. He had a few stops to make before he went home to peanut brain. One in particular would make his night. He mentally prepared himself for the mood swings. He’d handle it like he always did. His player card would never expire. It would even live on after he ceased to exist. Men and women wondered how he got his claim to fame. If they only knew that if you wanted things, you simply asked for them. It was surprising how much people would give if you asked. He definitely had what most people called “game”. He not only invented dreams, he sold them for top dollar. He made sure his chicks knew that if he didn’t get what he wanted, they didn’t get what they wanted. And they all wanted him for the sheer thought that they might not be able to have him. He knew his good looks played a huge role. What woman didn’t want a sexy man to lay up with? In this day and age, fine intelligent men were hard to come by. Women wanted to talk you to death and have you understand. He definitely understood, he just didn’t care. All he had to do was listen and then ask. In turn for his ear and a feel good moment, he could have whatever he wanted. “They just don’t make em like me anymore,” he told the mirror. He was the only cat he knew who owned a business and a Benz on a pizza delivery salary.

  Kevin decided that he had been a bit too lenient with Carrie. In fact, he just might be hindering her. He’d sit down with her tonight and remind her of her responsibilities then firmly let her know that she had to step it up. He pulled into the driveway only to see a black Mercedes winking at him. What the hell was Anthony doing over here? Rather, what wasn’t he doing? He almost jumped out of the car before he threw it in park. Anthony knew damn well that rent was due today but had the nerve to be over here in her pockets. Before he could reach the door it creaked open. Anthony was giving Carrie a passionate kiss goodbye.

  “What’s up?” he asked Anthony, not caring that he had broken the fake hallmark moment.

  Hey Kev,” Anthony said smiling. “I was just kissing my girl goodbye.”

  What-the-hell-ever, Kevin thought. He burned on the inside. Not because he gave a damn about Carrie but because he’d never actually caught his brother in the act. Anthony always claimed that Carrie stalked him and refused to move on with her life but here he was calling her his girl. Kevin just stood there.

  “What’s that look for bro?” Anthony asked after he shut the door. “You screwing her too?” Then he fell out laughing.

  “Naw man,” Kevin said. “I just came by to get the rent.”

  “Man, you know she ain’t got yo rent. She barely got food up in there.”

  Kevin knew that Carrie got paid today. If he hadn’t spent so long at dinner, he might have beaten Anthony over here. He shook his head. He knew Anthony was leaving with his rent money. This is why he couldn’t put her out. Anthony would never stop. No matter if Carrie moved or stayed, he would still be swindling her out of her money. He didn’t even seem to care that his kids might end up homeless. But at this point, Kevin was also pissed because that money belonged to him-not Carrie.

  “Man, why you keep doin this shit?” Kevin asked.

  “I told you before Kev, I don’t get money from that girl. She’s spending it on some other dude. I just came to see my girls.”

  Kevin lost it. “You know how our father did our mother and you don’t have a problem taking from your kids?”

  “Dog, don’t ever compare me to him,” Anthony snarled. “I’m a better father than he ever was. I spend quality time with my girls and whatever they need, I get it. You don’t have any kids so you can’t talk to me about how to be a father.”

  “Any fool can produce a child,” Kevin said. He was tired of Anthony throwing the father thing in his face. “I don’t need to be a parent to see that you’re not doing it right. You may run out and buy them things but you manipulate their mother right in front of them and you don’t even care if they have a place to live. Lil Antoinette was telling me how you’re supposed to be moving back in and how happy she’ll be when her daddy comes home. What kind of father drags his kids into his lies?”

  Anthony threw his hand at Kevin and walked to his car. “Get some business man,” he said. “I don’t take money from that girl. I’m not going sit here and defend myself to you. If she doesn’t have your money, put her ass out.”

  Anthony cruised home slowly. He was definitely the man. Samantha would have his dinner ready when he got home and Carrie had fully satisfied his other appetite. He pulled into the driveway and smiled. He had officially arrived in more ways than one. Everything was working out in his favor. At this point, he didn’t have to stress or continue making excuses. His women knew what was up. Of course there was a small lie here or there but for the most part, they simply played their role without complaint. His life was great.

  CARRIE

  Carrie jumped back from the window. What the heck was Kevin here for? She couldn’t hear their conversation but Kevin looked pissed off and Anthony stood in defense mode. She wished he hadn’t seen her on the porch. The last thing she wanted to hear today was his mouth about the rent. He’d asked her several times if she was giving Anthony her money. Of course, those were the times she didn’t have his rent money. As of now, she couldn’t even lie about not seeing him anymore. Although Anthony appeared to have left her for another woman, he was still her man. The other chick was the one getting played. Anthony came to visit every single weekend and he made sure his children had the things they wanted. He was only with Samantha because she was sick and promised that if he took care of her, she would leave him a small fortune. Carrie had to lay low and play along. She shuddered. She didn’t want anyone to die but Anthony told her that the money would allow them have a fantastic life and besides that, he felt sorry for Samantha because she didn’t have any family. Anthony told Carrie all about the plan and she helped him convince Samantha that they had their problems long before she came along. Once this was all settled Anthony was going come home to Carrie for good. He was going to make her an honest woman again. So far, Samantha seemed to be beating the odds by a long shot. She was supposed to be gone a long time ago but the new medication was keeping her strong. Soon, Anthony would be moving back home and the twins could have their father back full time. She took another peek out the window. Samantha’s Mercedes and Kevin’s car were both gone. Maybe he forgot about the rent and actually came by to see Anthony. She felt a chill and smiled. Anthony definitely knew how to erase any doubts she had. She had to keep giving Anthony money because Samantha couldn’t work and Anthony couldn’t get his hands on the real money until she died. His little pizza delivery job didn’t pay much and Samantha’s Mercedes was her only possession of value.

  Of course, she knew Kevin wouldn’t put her out. Anthony handled that. She just had to keep pretending to be the heart broken, jaded ex who was struggling to take care of two kids by herself. Kevin always understood.

  Kevin was so mad that he didn’t even want to see Carrie. Without being told, he knew she had given his rent money to his low down brother. He got home so fast that he didn’t remember making the drive. He sat in the car for a good hour pissed off at both of them. She didn’t care about the children either. How could a mother allow a man to jeopardize her children’s stability? He got out and slammed the door. Tomorrow, when he cooled off, he would lay down the law. This would be the last time he didn’t benefit from this fiasco. He would have a long talk with Carrie and let her know that she needed to give him whatever she had and if she didn’t have all of his rent next month, she had to go. The hour in the car made him realize that the kids never had to be homeless. They could stay with him if it came down to that.

  His cell phone rang. It was his boy Lexo reminding him about his birthday party tonight.

  “It’s gonna be off the chain my man with a karaoke theme. Booties shakin and coochie’s bakin. You read
y to get ya mack on?”

  Kevin was not in the mood but he had promised that he would come to the party. “Yeah man I’ll be there. I might be a little late because I still need to get dressed.”

  The last thing he felt like dealing with was a loud ass party. He checked the time. The later he got there, the earlier he could leave. His mood was heavy but at least he could throw back a few drinks to temporarily get his mind off of his scandalous brother. And just maybe he’d meet a woman with some sense tonight. If not, watching a few booties shaking was always a good distraction. He grinned and started getting ready.

  Samantha

  Samantha heard the Mercedes pull into the driveway. At first she didn’t mind letting him drive her car. She wanted her man to ride in style. But lately she noticed how smug he’d become. Nevertheless, she wasn’t the type of person who didn’t finish what she started. She would see this through until the end. She had to.