Chapter 7

Clearwater, Florida, USA ... one month later

As the old saying goes, “If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.”

Senora Brenda proved to be a nice woman who loved to get down and dirty and Jake was her obsession. Her husband was in hospice and days away from kicking the bucket yet there she was in a brand-new condominium that she had just purchased for Jake.

It was located right on the beach. It had all the bells and whistles with the latest technology and nice furniture. The condo also had a delightful view of the ocean which put Jake’s mind at ease as he sat on his white leather recliner looking out the glass doors with Brenda in his lap.

He let her tire herself on his cock. As soon as she nutted, she kissed his full lips, “My Jake, ay papi, estoy muy feliz.” She rose to her feet. He smiled as he watched her walk away and heard her footsteps carry her out of the sitting room.

He stood and walked over to the glass door, slid it open and stepped out to the balcony, and watched the waves as they crashed onto the shore. Nyla would love this view, he thought.

Moments later, he felt a soft hand on his back, “I’ll see you in a few days. I have to be at my husband’s side. I hope you understand.”

He nodded, “Of course.”

She kissed him and left. Jake smiled. He obtained a new place to stay. A condo with three bedrooms right on the beach. He also had two other cougars that loved to spoil him. Senora Maribel purchased him a brand-new car. And Senora Luz kept his wardrobe up-to-date.

It wasn’t a bad gig after all but there was something he wanted more than those things.

London, England

They were at the studio. Three songs had been added to the record. Nigel was pleased with all the attention his label had been getting. It helped take his mind off of his love life which seemed to be stagnant.

“Great job, Nyla babe,” he said to her as she stood next to Gio and Erick. Gio helped her put on her coat. It was still a little chilly and he had been spoiling her even more so since they got the news that she was pregnant with his child. Her due date was January 4th.

“What are you three up to tonight?” Nigel asked.

“It depends on what Nyla wants to do,” replied Gio.

“Come hang out at the house, the three of you.”

Nyla smiled, “I’m fine if my guys are fine.”

They agreed to go hang out at Nigel’s. As they were headed to the car, Gio received a phone call from his sister, “Big sister, how are you?” he asked.

“I’m doing great. Things are great but dad called. He’s concerned.”

His eyebrows furrowed, “About?”

She hesitated, “I know you and Miriam have this thing but ... you’re usually good about keeping things quiet.”

Gio gave his keys to Erick so he and Nyla could continue onto his car. Gio huffed, “What did she do?”

“I sent you a video. It’s all over social media news here that she plans to divorce you and marry some guy from Nigeria.”

His jaw nearly dropped, “Wait? What?”

“Her mother and father are here to meet with Baba.”

“Damn it. You know what, I don’t care. If she wants a divorce, she can have one.”

She sighed, “It’s not that simple.”

“Why?”

“You didn’t make her sign a prenuptial agreement. She can take out a lot of our family’s wealth.”

“She won’t do that.”

“How do you know? Did you know she was going to do this or have herself sterilized before she could give you a child? I swear.”

“I have a child on the way,” he blurted out excitedly.

She gasped, “With whom?”

“She’s a singer. In London. Well, she’s from the United States.”

“Well, this is good news why haven’t you said anything sooner?”

“Because ... she’s still married and also, she’s a Black woman. I need time to soften Baba up to this.”

“Jesus Christ Gio—”

“I know. I know.”

“You need to get back here. I’m sure Baba will want to have this conversation in person and bring the woman. I’d love to meet her.”

Gio smiled, “You’ll love her. She’s sweet.”

After the call ended, Gio made haste to the car where Erick was already seated in the driver’s area and Nyla was in the passenger seat. He got in the back.

“Is everything good, babe?” she asked.

He nodded, “Nothing for you to worry about my love.”

Erick looked at him through the rearview mirror. He knew that face. He could sense something was going on.

They arrived at Nigel’s place. Nyla was helped out of the car by Gio, “I’ll see you inside in a few,” he told her. She went inside.

Erick walked around to the passenger side where Gio stood, “What’s going on?”

“It’s Miriam. She’s telling people that we’re getting divorced so she can marry that Nigerian filmmaker.”

Erick chuckled, “That’s a bold move.”

“Yes. Now our parents are going crazy. Why didn’t she talk to me about this first we could have planned it out better?”

“Miriam is a selfish bitch. You know that.”

He nodded, “Yeah, I know but this wasn’t smart. I’ll have to go to the states to answer to my father about all of this.”

The biggest issue was the money. He knew their parents would try to convince Miriam to stay in the marriage. He would have gladly given her the divorce. He wanted to be in London with the new family that he created.

“This could be a good thing,” said Erick as he touched his chest, “tell your father that you have no interest in the company or his money. You have us. We have the label. Nyla’s doing great. You’re her manager and you have your art. We’ll be fine.”

Gio nodded. But it wasn’t just that. Some appearances had to be maintained and Miriam was making both families look bad. “Let me call her and find out what the hell she’s up to.”

Erick left him to make his phone call. It rang a few times. As soon as he heard her voice his blood started to boil, “What the entire—”

“Oh, calm down. This is what we both want anyway.”

“Not like this, Miriam, and what about—”

“He’ll be fine. I heard that he fucked the little redheaded farm girl while you were visiting his mom anyway. Look, let’s meet a day before we speak to our parents and convince them that this is a mutual decision. I won’t ask for alimony or any shares in your father’s company.”

This gave him some relief, “Fine. I’ll be there on Saturday morning. Let’s meet at my sister’s.”

“I’ll see you there.”

He had a plan in mind. It was simple ... tell their, parents, that they were no longer happy together and wanted different things. He knew once his father was aware that Miriam could not give him a child, he’d be okay with a divorce and once he assured him that she would not ask for money, he would not question their motives.

Her family might protest since they stood to lose more. Her family’s company relied heavily on the partnership. The Manzini’s were a huge manufacturer of car parts and had a great logistic system that kept their customers’ needs supplied at all times.

If the two separated, the Clarkes would possibly revert to having to pay full price to have their goods made and shipped.

Gio sighed as he entered the home. Nigel was his friend. He was faced with having to tell him what Miriam had done.

When he stepped inside, he saw Nigel along with Nyla and Erick. They watched a video. He heard the audio. It was Miriam’s voice. His heart sank. “Well, I guess she’s finally made up her mind,” he said.

Nyla touched his shoulder, “I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t be.” He turned to see Gio, “My good friend Gio told me that woman was nothing but a cunt and I convinced him to marry her so I could have access to her even if she wasn’t my wife, and now look, she’s fucked us both.” He laughed loudly and then screamed, “Fuuuck!”

It was silent for a moment. “I’m going to go for a drive,” they watched as he stormed off. The door opened and later slammed.

She had not heard from him in weeks. Decidedly, she moved on to a nice young man that lived nearby. He was of average build, not overly muscular but with enough muscles to make a woman bat an eye. His hair was brown, wavy on top, and trimmed neatly on the sides. He wore glasses over his soft brown eyes. It was their third date; he was hoping to be invited into her home but he was okay with taking it slow if that’s what she wanted.

As he pulled up to the house where she lived after a nice dinner and a walk, Emily noticed a car sitting in the driveway. Gorge spoke, “Looks like you have company.”

She knew the vehicle; her heart skipped a beat. “George, thanks for the great evening.” She said as she kissed his cheek and left his car hurriedly. Moments later, George drove off.

Emily stepped to the driver’s side and tapped on the window. The window lowered, “Hello there beautiful,” he said with a smile.

She huffed, “What are you doing here, Nigel?” she asked somewhat annoyed.

“I came to see you,” he replied as if he expected her to welcome him with open arms. She rolled her eyes and headed to the house. He left his vehicle and stopped her at the door, “Em, please,” he pleaded.

She witnessed the hurt in his eyes, “What has the queen done this time?”

“I don’t want to talk about her. I just want to talk about us. Do you think there can be an us?”

“Don’t fuck with me, Nigel, I swear—”

His mouth covered hers, and her cold exterior melted within seconds as they clumsily nearly fell indoors kissing and pawing at each other clothes. “I love you so much Nigel,” she confessed.