Give Me One Good Reason...

Give Me

One Good Reason…

AVIS P. RAINES

AuthorHouse™

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Bloomington, IN 47403

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Phone: 1-800-839-8640

© 2012 Avis P. Raines. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 2/15/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4685-4364-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4685-4363-6 (e)

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

I Am Woman

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

To my Readers

About the Author

I Am Woman

As women we go through more than our fair share of pain in this world

You dream of endless possibilities when you’re a little girl

But once you reach adulthood, things all together change

Those Illuminating visions of being that someone from your childhood, aren’t exactly the same

Being degraded by the men in our lives; who claim to love us the most

Right down to that best friend who stabs you in the back, now tell me; which is worse

Then something traumatic happens to you and now you’re stuck in time

Wishing you were eight years old again, when the world was much better and people were kind

So you shed tears, you run as fast as you can, just to get away from it all

Then you discover that mentally, you’ve taken an excruciating fall

So to bounce back you turn your eyes to the hills, for that much needed help

Asking the Father for that strength; that you just can’t find yourself

You clear your life of those people and things that are toxic to you

Allowing the Father to take control, because you know what He can do

All of a sudden a brand new you emerges from this shell

Finding life so much easier, after having gone through hell

Now you can lift your head, throw your shoulders back, and put a smile on your face

Because the Father has wiped the tears from your eyes and removed your scars without leaving a trace

To:

From:

Date:

For every tear you cry, you’ll laugh twice as hard

Messages

Thank you

Every morning I wake up and turn my head to the sky

Thanking Him for the many Blessings that have been bestowed upon my life

There is no other in this world that could ever compare to you

I want to say, thank you Father, for all that you do

Thank You

Thank you Mommy: Della B. Evans ( Aug. 2005)

Thank you Daddy: Curtis L. Roundtree (Aug. 2009)

My siblings: Derrick, Victor, Luther, Oscar, Andrew, and Tonya: I thank and love each of you.

Special thanks to the women who inspired this book, my girlfriends. I love you guys so much.

My Joy: Dwight Lane Sr.

Jacqueline Jackie Evans is a beautiful African American young lady, in her late twenties from the hood. She grew up in Miami, Florida, in the heart of Liberty City. Her mother raised her and her sister Tonya on her own. She taught Jackie and her younger sister Tonya to respect others; as well as themselves. Although; Jackie was raised in the hood, she never took on that hood mentality and neither did her sister. Jackie was one of those girls’ that all the boys wanted to get with, but never did.

After finishing high school, she went to a local university and received her degree in business administration with a minor in film production. She’s now an event planner at Starz Production and Promotions. She’s worked with so many people in the entertainment industry and still does to this day.

Jackie’s a Diva. She’s classy and very down to earth. She’s such a giving person and she loves her family and friends. She has a heart of gold. She’s eccentric in a lot of ways and has her own style. She has such sex appeal, but at the same time, she’s shy and reserved.

Jackie’s a full figured woman. She has a little bit of everything; thighs, hips, butt, legs, and a whole lot of breasts. She’s well proportioned, not to mention she’s almost 5’8. When she’s in heels, she’s around six feet. When she walks into a room, she definitely gets noticed.

Jackie’s a real sweet-heart, but don’t cross her, because when she’s through dealing with you, trust me, you’re gonna miss her presence and personality. She and her friends are close like sisters. They have such a tight bond.

Jackie is always putting others before herself. She’s just has that kind of heart. She’s always doing something for somebody. That’s just in her nature.

Jackie was a workaholic who recently started enjoying life about three years ago, when she lost her mom to a massive heart attack. She realized that she had to make those special moments happen. She started dating Anthony Warren a few months after she lost her mom.

Jackie thought she had the perfect relationship with her boyfriend Anthony. They had been dating for over two years and living together for the last five months of their relationship, until Jackie found out that Anthony had cheated on her. Jackie didn’t bother asking who it was with or the details of the affair; just knowing that he cheated on her was enough. After she found that out, she ended the relationship and Anthony moved out, since it was Jackie’s house.

It’s been about six weeks now since Jackie and Anthony’s breakup. He apologized to Jackie over and over again, but Jackie wasn’t going for it. She figured that, after being with him for over two years and then he deceived her like that, it’s over.

This weekend Jackie is going out with her girlfriends; Kay, Sandy, and Stacy, finally. They had to do a lot of convincing to get Jackie out of the house. Jackie just felt like she wasn’t ready to go out after the break up, but they talked her into it.

Jackie, Kay, Sandy, and Stacy have been friends for years. Jackie and Kay have been friends for the past seven years. Jackie actually befriended Sandy through her sister Tonya and Stacy became a part of the group through Sandy.

Kay and her husband Barry are in the real estate business. They have one daughter, Arianna, but everyone calls her Ari, who is Jackie’s God daughter. Sandy is the principal at a school. She has two kids, a boy and a girl. Sandy’s in between relationships right now; with whoever she can get between her sheets that night. You see, Sandy got burned badly by her kids’ father and she said that was it for her. Stacy is a secretary at the school where Sandy works. She’s pretty quiet most of the time, but don’t let that fool you, she can be a hand full. Stacy doesn’t come around that much, because her husband is really jealous. He played the field when he and Stacy were dating and now that they’re married, he’s afraid that karma’s gonna come back and bite him in the ass, so he keeps a tight grip on her.

The girls decided to go to their favorite spot to have some drinks and do a little dancing, but most importantly, they wanted to get Jackie out of the house. She’s been working so much lately and had really buried herself in her work, since the breakup.

This was their night to let their hair down, get things rolling again, and get Jackie back into the dating scene. They were at the club for three hours or so. Jackie hit the dance floor a few times, had a couple of drinks, and joked around. She had a blast with her friends. She wasn’t even thinking about Anthony.

It was getting late, so they decided it was time to leave, but before they did, Sandy had to use the restroom. So the girls sat at the bar and waited for Sandy. While they were sitting there, who walks in but Anthony and his crew?

Chapter One

Jackie, don’t look, but guess who just walked in," Kay said.

Don’t tell me it’s Anthony? Jackie sighed.

And he’s coming this way, Stacy said.

Good evening ladies, the guys said.

Oh, hey, Jackie said acting surprised.

Ah…, Jackie, can I talk to you for a moment, please? Anthony asked.

Sure, I’ll be right back, y’all, Jackie told her friends.

You look nice, Anthony told Jackie.

Thank you, Jackie said.

How have you been? Anthony asked.

I’ve been good. You know me; always working. How are you? Jackie asked him.

I’m good; just missing you, Anthony replied.

Oh really, that’s a switch, Jackie sarcastically said.

Come on Jackie, you know I miss you, Anthony said grabbing at her.

Let’s not got there Anthony, okay, Jackie said to him as she pushed his hand away.

I tried to call you, but I see you changed your number, Anthony said.

Shit, you changed relationships, Jackie said to Anthony.

By this time, Sandy was done using the restroom.

Okay, y’all we can go now, Sandy said as she walked over to the bar.

As soon as Jackie is finished talking to Anthony, Kay said.

As soon as who gets through talking to who? Oh, hell no, Sandy said.

Sandy walked over to Jackie to break up their little session.

Um…excuse me, Jackie you ready to go? Sandy asked as she stood between them.

Excuse me, but we were talking, Anthony announced.

Did you hear what you just said, were, Sandy reiterated.

Damn you rude, Anthony told Sandy.

This; I already know, Sandy said.

Just give me a minute, Sandy; I’m coming, Jackie said.

Yeah, give her a minute, Sandy, Anthony repeated.

Sandy looked Anthony up and down, rolled her eyes, and then walked away.

Well, my number is still the same, you can call me sometimes, Anthony said.

I don’t think so, Jackie said.

Why not? Anthony asked.

Really, Jackie replied.

I don’t see why we can’t still be friends, Jackie, Anthony said.

Hah! Good night, Anthony, Jackie said and then turned and walked away.

Jackie left with her friends. She got in the back seat with Kay.

What in the hell was he talking about, Jackie? Sandy asked.

Saying that he misses me and there’s no reason why we can’t be friends, Jackie replied.

Shit, I can think of one right now, Sandy said.

Sandy, don’t be so insensitive. They were together for over two years, Kay said.

I know that, but Jackie deserves better. I know you love him Jackie, but what he did was dead ass wrong, Sandy told her looking at her in the rear view mirror.

I know, Jackie said staring out the window.

Okay, first stop, Sandy said.

Jackie got out of the car.

Thanks so much. I had a wonderful time, Jackie told them.

They watched Jackie go inside the house and then pulled off. Jackie took off her clothes, threw them in the dirty clothes hamper, and jumped in the shower. She had forgotten how smoky some of those night clubs can be and besides she was sweaty form dancing so much. She got out of the shower, dried off, and put on her pajamas. She grabbed the remote from the night stand and turned on the television. She got underneath the covers and laid down. She could still smell the scent of Anthony. It was on the pillows. No matter how much she washed them and with what, they still had his scent. She took some of her perfume and sprayed it on the pillows to cover the scent. She watched television for about thirty minutes and then turned in for the night. She awoke this morning around six and decided that she would go to the beach and do a little jogging. She packed her cooler with drinks and headed to the beach. On the way there she received a call from her sister Tonya.

Good morning, Jackie, Tonya said.

Good morning, love, Jackie said back.

What are you doing, sis? Tonya asked.

I’m headed to the beach to do some running, Jackie responded.

You know I got a call from Anthony the other day, Tonya told her.

And………….? Jackie asked.

He asked me to try and talk you into going to dinner with him, Tonya replied.

Tonya, is that why you called me? Jackie asked her.

No, but I thought I would mention it, Tonya said.

Okay, what’s on your mind? Jackie asked.

Do you feel like watching your niece tonight; while my husband and I go out? Tonya asked.

I don’t see why not. I’m not doing anything else, Jackie replied.

Okay, we’ll drop her off around seven. Is that okay? Tonya asked.

That’s fine, Jackie said.

Okay, we’ll see you then, Tonya said and hung up.

Jackie made it to the beach. She parked her car, did some stretching, and hit the path. This was something that Jackie normally did when she had a lot on her mind or if she had a big assignment for work. This was her way of thinking things through. The fresh air helped her to open her mind and give her new ideas. After she finished running she stopped by the supermarket to do some shopping. She wanted to make sure she had all of her niece’s favorite little snacks when she comes over tonight. She left the supermarket, went home, and showered. She was in the kitchen making breakfast, when her cell phone rang. It was her best friend Kay.

Good morning, missy, Kay said.

Hey Kay, what’s up mama? Jackie said.

Nothing, I was in the neighborhood. I’m just calling to see if you’re up, Kay said.

Yep, I’m up, come on over, Jackie said.

She hung up and finished making breakfast. By that time Kay had arrived.

Good morning, honey, Kay said as she entered the house.

Good morning, Jackie said.

So, did you have a wonderful time last night? Kay asked.

I sure did, Jackie replied shaking her hips and snapping her fingers.

Girl, you so crazy, Kay said.

Would you like some breakfast? Jackie asked Kay.

Sure, thanks, Kay answered.

Jackie fixed a plate for her and Kay and they sat to the dining room table to eat.

So, tell me the real reason you’re here, Jackie said to Kay.

I told you I was in the neighborhood and I wanted to stop by, Kay said.

Uh huh…and how long have we been best friends? Jackie asked.

Do you know me or do you know me? Kay responded.

They looked at one another and laughed.

I know you were a little uneasy seeing Anthony last night and I wanted to come by and check on you, Kay said.

I’ll be fine Kay. I won’t lie. I’m still hurting, but I’ll get over it, Jackie said.

I just want you to know I’m right here for you if you need me, Kay said.

I know that, Kay, Jackie said.

How is my beautiful God daughter? Jackie asked Kay.

She’s fine, Kay responded.

I knew it was something when you didn’t bring her with you, Jackie said.

Like I said, you know me, Kay reiterated.

They talked a little more and finished their breakfast.

Well, let me get back home, before my husband starts looking for me, Kay said.

Tell Barry I said hello, Jackie said.

I will; talk to you later, Jackie, Kay said.

Kay left and Jackie washed the dishes and cleaned the house. She put away everything that she could possibly think of that was low enough for Allison to grab a hold of. Allison’s almost two, so she’s in that everything she sees she touches stage. Once Jackie finished child proofing the house; she decided to do some work for a couple of hours.

Being an event planner, Jackie gets the chance to go to all the after parties and set up the stage for performances; whether it’s a play, a concert, a music video, or an award show. She’s been doing this now for the past four years and she loves every minute of it.

Her job is so demanding and keeps her so busy, but she made time for her relationship with Anthony. That’s what you usually do when you want something; you make time for it. That was one of the reasons she was so hurt by Anthony’s affair. He knew she had a hectic schedule, but she never skipped a beat when it came to their relationship. He wasn’t lacking for anything.

Okay, that’s enough work for today, Jackie said.

It was now close to 4 o’ clock so she decided to take a little nap, before Allison comes. Allison needs her undivided attention. Besides; Jackie was tired anyway from hanging out with her friends last night and then waking up early this morning to go jogging. Jackie was sleeping and her phone rang. She answered it.

Hello, Jackie said.

Jackie, are you sleep? Tonya asked

Yeah, but I’m getting up right now. I just took a little nap. Are you outside? Jackie replied.

No, but we’re on our way, Tonya said.

Okay, I’ll see you when you get here, Jackie said.

Jackie hopped up and put on some clothes. Twenty minutes later Tonya and David arrived with Allison.

Come here Auntie baby, Jackie told Allison.

Allison leaped out of Tonya’s arms to Jackie.

She missed you, David said.

Auntie missed you too, Jackie told Allison.

Well, we’re gonna get going, Tonya told Jackie.

We’ll, make sure we don’t stay out too late, David said.

If you do that’s fine by me. Allison can stay the night and I’ll bring her home in the morning, Jackie said.

Okay, are you sure? Tonya asked.

You brought enough formula and diapers, right? Jackie asked in return.

Yeah, there’s plenty in the baby bag. There are some toys in there too. David where is the baby bag? Tonya asked.

Oh, let me go and get it out of the car, David said.

Wait a minute. While you’re getting her bag, put her car seat in my car, Jackie said.

Jackie grabbed her car keys and gave them to David, so that he could put Allison’s car seat in her car. After that, they left. Jackie went in her room and got a blanket, spread it out on the floor for Allison, and loaded it up with her toys. She sat on the floor and played with Allison for about forty-five minutes. It was not about 8:30 p.m., so she put all of Allison’s toys away, fed her, gave her a bath, and put her to bed. Tonya called to check on Allison and Jackie told her that she was sleeping soundly. She told her and David to have a good time and don’t worry about Allison, she’s fine. While Allison was sleeping, Jackie decided to cuddle up with a book. Jackie was into the fourth chapter when there was a knock on the door.

Who is it? she asked.

It’s Anthony, a voice said.

[What in the hell is he doing here?], she thought.

She went to take a quick look in the mirror, made sure her breath was fresh, and sprayed on some perfume. She’s mad with him and she’s hurting, but she still loves him, plus the fact that he’s fine as hell doesn’t help much either. She opened the door. When she opened the door, his cologne hit her hard. He was wearing Givenchy. He knew that was her favorite. Anthony knew exactly what he was doing. He came over to entice Jackie.

Hello, she said standing in the door way.

Hi Jackie; can I come in? he asked.

Hmmm…..let me see, she said.

Just for a few minutes, please? he asked.

She let him in and closed the door behind him.

I’m sorry that I just popped up, but I don’t have your number to call you and you didn’t bother to give it to me when I saw you last night, he said.

No, I didn’t, she said.

Jackie walked in the kitchen to wash the few dishes in the sink. Anthony followed her.

Jackie, I know I fucked up, he said.

She just let out this deep sigh and continued to wash the dishes.

I was wrong and I apologize, he said.

You told me that already, Anthony. What do you want me to do? she asked.

Take me back, he replied.

I can’t do that, she said.

And why not? he asked.

Because I can’t, she answered.

Anthony went and stood behind Jackie while she was washing dishes. He pulled her hair back to reveal the right side of her neck. He gave her a soft kiss.

Jackie, I love you, he whispered in her ear.

The kiss sent shivers down her spine. She hadn’t had any type of sexual contact with any one, not so much as a kiss, since her break up with him. Jackie could feel that he was erect. She turned around to face him.

What do you think you’re doing? she asked.

Showing you how much I miss and love you, he said while kissing her neck.

Jackie wanted to give in so bad. She could really use it, but after the way he hurt her, how could she? She cried day and night for almost a week. She even had to take a couple of days off from work to get her self together. He began to caress her breast. He started boning her up against the sink. She soon found her lips locked with his. She was thinking to herself, [what am I doing? I can’t let this happen.] Just as he was about to put her breast in his mouth; Allison started crying.

Thank God, she said.

Allison was her saving grace from making a huge mistake.

Is that Allison? he asked.

Yeah, she’s spending the night with me, she said as she left him in the kitchen.

She went in her room and patted Allison on the back. She fell asleep again and Jackie went back in the kitchen.

She went back to sleep, thank goodness, she said.

Now, where were we? he asked.

None of that Anthony, she replied as she put her last dish away.

They went into the living room. Jackie sat on the couch and Anthony sat next to her. He tried to continue what was interrupted, but Jackie asked him to leave. He said alright and left, but before he left she gave him her new number. She still has a soft spot for him.

Whew! That was a close one. Thank you, Allison, she said as she closed the door.

Jackie locked up, fixed her a bowl of ice cream, got in the bed with Allison, and watched television. She watched a movie and when it ended she turned in for the night. The next morning Jackie dropped Allison off home and headed to have breakfast with Sandy. They met at this soul food restaurant on the south side of town.

Good morning Ms. Lady, Sandy said.

Hey Sandy, how are you? Jackie asked.

I’m good, girl, Sandy replied.

It is always so crowded in here, Jackie said.

Tell me about, Sandy agreed.

It’s a good thing you grabbed us a table, Jackie said.

Jackson’s is a restaurant on the south side of town. It’s a pretty nice place and it’s always packed. You’re bound to see somebody you know there. If you haven’t seen someone in a while and you’d like to see them; just go to Jackson’s. It’s a restaurant where everyone goes, not to mention the food there is pretty good too.

You know Anthony came over last night, Jackie said.

For what?Sandy asked with an attitude.

He said he wanted to see how I was doing, Jackie replied.

You didn’t, um…? Sandy hesitantly asked.

Of course not, thanks to Allison, Jackie replied.

What do you mean thanks to Allison? Sandy asked.

I started to, but Allison started crying. She spent the night with me last night, Jackie answered.

Well, thank goodness for Allison, Sandy said.

You’re telling me. I had forgotten how good his body feels up against mine, Jackie said.

You almost gave in, Sandy said.

There is no I almost in it, I gave in. We started kissing and grinding on one another, Jackie said.

So you did it? Sandy asked.

No, after I put Allison back to sleep, I asked him to leave and he did, but I gave him my phone number, Jackie replied.

Oh, okay, Sandy said.

I shouldn’t have done that, huh? Jackie asked.

Hey, you’re still in love with Anthony. That’s not gonna go away overnight. You were together for a while, Sandy said.

I know, right? Jackie said.

Just be careful, Jackie, Sandy said.

Trust me, I will, Jackie said.

The waitress came over to take their order.

How are you ladies doing this morning? My name is Teresa and I’ll be your waitress. Here are your menus, she said.

Good morning Teresa, they both said.

Can I start you ladies off with something to drink? Teresa asked.

I’ll have a cup of coffee, decaf please, Jackie replied.

I’ll have orange juice, Sandy replied.

Okay, you ladies can look over your menu and I’ll be right back with your drinks, Teresa said.

While they were sitting there waiting for their drinks, Nick walked in. Nick is Kay’s brother. He’s a firefighter. He’s tall, chocolate, handsome, and fine as hell. He has eyes you could get lost in, dimples deep enough to sink a ship, and the perfect lips for kissing. Nick is a ladies’ man.

Hey, Nick Jackie said.

What’s up Jackie and Sandy, he said as he gave each of them a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

We’re good, how about you? Sandy said.

I’m good, just came to get me some breakfast, Nick said.

You mean to tell me, that one of your many women isn’t catering to you today? Sandy asked.

Real funny, Sandy, Nick replied.

Sandy was always joking around with Nick. She’s such a big flirt. Nick is a sweetheart though. The night that Jackie found out that Anthony was cheating, Nick came to her rescue. She had gotten a flat tire on the highway and she couldn’t reach Anthony. And when she tried calling his friends to find out where he was, they were all singing the Ahhhh song like they were having their tonsils checked. So, she called Kay to see if Barry could come and change it, but Barry was sleep, so Kay called Nick and he went to change the flat.

Well, you ladies enjoy your breakfast, Nick said.

You too, they replied.

Teresa returned with their drinks and they put their order in. A few minutes later, their breakfast arrived. They socialized, had a few laughs, paid their tabs, and went their separate ways. Jackie went home to start making phone calls for a party that’s coming up in the next couple months for work. She just needed to confirm a few things before the event. For the rest of the day it was Jackie, her phone, and her computer; one call after the next. It was now time for dinner. Jackie decided to go out and get something to eat. She really wasn’t in the mood to do any cooking. Just as she was walking out the door her cell phone rang. She fumbled