Birdman of Greenville Part 5

BIRDMAN OF GREENVILLE PART 5

DEEDEE'S STORY

PREAMBLE RAMBLE: This is the only way I can talk to the people who read my stories. First, I want to thank everyone who read the first 4 parts. Three of the four parts were my highest-rated. I thought part 3 would do well, but not as much as the other 3. Yes, Alex's story ended in part 4. After writing that, I wanted to continue. Nothing I came up with excited me. I've started 4 stories, including an interesting Badman story. I haven't had the motivation to finish them. I put everything I had into Birdman, and truly wondered if I could do better.

I decided to revisit some parts of Birdman. This is DeeDee's story, which tells her motivations and how and why she got to the place she was at the end of the story. Some people felt she got the short end of the stick.

Some things may be slightly different. The age Chelle had her child. I didn't make the ages match up between Charnae being born and how old Chelle was when she got pregnant.

I have used parts of the chapters, which have been expanded to show DeeDee's motivation and thoughts.

Some parts are copied from the original story with views from DeeDee's standpoint.

I do plan on a version from Tracy's viewpoint. I might tell Ellie's story. We'll see what the future brings.

I hope you enjoy the story.

***oooOOOooo ***

"Brother Alex, it's good to see this beautiful day," the Pastor said as he shook Alex's hand. "Sister DeeDee, always good to see you. Alex, when are you going to lock this pretty woman down?" he asked the question many had been asking. DeeDee darkened in embarrassment. Over the last several months, that question had been asked more and more. She saw Alex seemed dumbfounded about how to answer that question. They have never talked about marriage. Alex had been divorced for several months after finding his wife cheating on him, literally finding her.

They had been together for more than a year. She thought about their relationship and the quandary she found herself in. It all started that one rainy Sunday when a bright red Mustang convertible pulled in front of her house. Looking out the window, she wondered who it was. The surprise of seeing Chelle step out of the passenger door, followed by a White man getting out of the driver's side, stunned her. White men weren't normally in this neighborhood, at least for anything good. He didn't fit the description, as they say.

She wiped her hands on a dish towel and walked into the living room. Chelle introduced him as a coworker. He was an okay-looking guy for a White man. She invited him to stay for dinner. Her first thought was to wonder why this White man was giving her daughter a ride home. What was his motive?

"So, how long have you been working at Elwood's?" She questioned Alex as they ate.

"Only three weeks." He answered after swallowing a piece of the stuffed pork chop.

"That's a mighty fancy car for a man working at a barbecue joint. Is that all you do?" She interrogated.

"I bought that on the way here. I traded in my old car and got a good deal." He explained.

"Hmm, it must have been a good deal."

"Momma, you don't need to question him like he's wanted by the FBI. He's a nice man. Gonna help me get a scholarship." Nichelle interjected.

"And just how nice has he been to you?" She pressed. She gave Alex an evil look. She didn't know any man who did something like that for free.

"Momma, that's uncalled for. Mr. Alex has been nothing but a gentleman. He didn't have to give me a ride home today. But he did because he didn't want me to get wet. He's always telling me I can do better and be more than I am. For Charnae and me. You need to apologize to him!" She argued.

She was ready to rebut Chelle's comment when Alex said. "No, there's no need to apologize. I would want to know about this strange man bringing my daughter home as a parent. I respect that. You see so many parents that don't care about their children. I would have thought less of her if she didn't question me. Wait until Charnae gets older. You'll see what I'm talking about."

That comment put this man in a different light. He talked the way a man with children would. The rest of dinner was very nice. He explained a little about why he came to the city. She could tell there was more to his story. After he left, she asked Chelle some questions. "So, what's up with this guy? He doesn't seem like the kind of guy to work at Elwood's. What's his story?"

"Like he said, he moved here from Greenville. Yeah, working in a restaurant isn't his thing, but he does a good job. He's funny and smart. People like working with him." She explained.

"Why did he move here?"

"It's personal. I don't want to tell his business. Before he told me, we thought he had done something bad. I figured he robbed a bank or stole money from the Mafia, since he was driving that fancy car. He looks like an accountant. He used to work in an office."

DeeDee let it go. Something about the man caught her attention. It had been several years since she had been interested in a man romantically. Unknown to Chelle, she had had several sexual encounters over the years. A vibrator can only do so much. Working in the hospital helped, since so many single men worked there. She didn't spread herself around like a lot of the girls who worked there, especially the CNAs. She usually kept a partner for several months before moving on.

She knew what she looked like. Men approached her often. At work, the grocery store, church. It didn't matter if she was alone, with Charnae, or Chelle. It's been like that since she was young. That's what attracted her now-ex-husband to her. The then nineteen-year-old caught the fifteen-year-old's eye. A senior star basketball player, he wanted this young, inexperienced freshman. Some wondered why he wanted her. Most thought it was because she would be an easy lay. She was still a virgin, and she planned on staying that way. She had seen the trouble her mother went through raising her and her brother and sister. She was a young mother, having her first child, Delores, at 16. She was followed by Cherise at 18 and Ramone at 19. DeeDee promised herself she wouldn't follow that path.

Unbeknownst to her, Terrance had other ideas. He saw that thick ass of DeeDee's. He knew he had to have her. He was the nice guy all girls wanted. He was a nice guy until the night of regional championships. Of course they won, and Terrance was the top scorer. Colleges from around the Southeast were looking at him. He had a bright future as far as basketball went. It was one of the reasons DeeDee was starstruck.

After talking to recruiters and news reporters after the game, he took DeeDee to a house party to celebrate. DeeDee had never drunk alcohol before. She didn't drink liquor but had the punch all night. She didn't realize it was spiked with Gin. By 1 AM, she was feeling pretty good. Terrance took her virginity in the back of his car. That night changed her life. Two months later, she discovered she was pregnant. That night brought on another discovery. She fell in love with large cocks. While, the first time wasn't the best, considering her inebriated condition, while painful at first, she began to enjoy the fullness Terrance nine inch cock offered. Being inexperienced, she thought every man was blessed like Terrance.

Her mother, instead of being furious, took it in stride. DeeDee wouldn't be the only sophomore to have a child. The High School even had a daycare. She and Terrance talked, and like most of her friends, she decided to keep the baby. Terrance would go to college and offer whatever assistance he could, which turned out to be only more cock. She became pregnant the summer of Terrance's first visit from junior college, having the baby boy nine months later. Having two children under three precluded going to college. DeeDee got a job at the local hospital in the housekeeping department.

Terrance's bright future dimmed during a practice his first year. He spent his first year at a Junior college in Kansas, since he had bad grades. He was recruited to a small D1 school, Lipscomb in Nashville. While coming down after a dunk, his knee buckled, causing a torn ACL. His basketball career was over.

He came back an angry man. Not having any skills beyond basketball, he ended up working on the docks. He married DeeDee two years after coming home. They were both young and immature. They both loved their children. Living in a small 2-bedroom apartment, Terrance began to drink heavily.

Over time, drugs began to replace alcohol. His weekly paychecks were used to feed his growing habit. He would be gone from Friday to Monday night. Staggering in, drunk and high. DeeDee did her best with her children. Whenever she tried to get Terrance to help with bills or the kids, fights would start. Over the next several years, he became abusive. Not just towards DeeDee but the children. Neighbors called the police several times.

After four years of a turbulent marriage, Terrance was arrested for drug trafficking and gun charges. He spent the next eight years in and out of jail. Finally being sentenced to twenty years for manslaughter.

Unfortunately, his son followed in his footsteps. He's also serving time for drug charges. The only other hiccup in her life was Nichelle getting pregnant at nearly the same age as she did.

DeeDee focused on her job at the hospital. Her hard work was rewarded with not only raises, but promotions. She went from general housekeeping to becoming a supervisor. She was able to learn to clean surgical equipment, moving into that department. It gave her steady hours without the headache of supervising underpaid people. The best part of the job was not working weekends.

Her friends, relatives, and coworkers all tried to get her to date someone seriously. They didn't know about her sporadic encounters. The first was five years after Terrance went to prison, with a guy in the maintenance department. That was when she learned that all men weren't built alike. He was "only" six inches long, but very girthy. She enjoyed it, but it lacked something. The next year she hooked up with Bill, who was a friend of a friend. Again, he didn't match Terrence's endowment. He lasted a couple of years. He was married, so getting some strange once a month wasn't a bad thing to deal with.

Delores later learned that she was what they called a size queen. She loved the feeling of an oversized cock. She found that men with such an endowment rarely wanted to settle down with one woman. Why would they when so many wanted what they had to offer? She also found that they were few and far between. A lot of men had Big Dick Energy, without the big dick. Especially in the Black community.

She found married men were the best to deal with. They were happy with whatever arrangement she agreed to. People saw her as the devoted mother and church-going woman. She had joined the church ten years after her husband was sent to prison. That's how she termed things in her life. After Terrance went to Prison, AT. She bought a small bungalow in a nice neighborhood. Her job was going well. She was respected for the work she did and always received high marks in her yearly reviews. Chelle was doing well at her job. Her granddaughter was the light of her life. The only black mark was her son being in jail.

Chelle caught her off guard one day by letting her know Alex would be coming by for dinner. She dressed casually but nicely in a blue sundress that showed off her figure. When Alex walked through the door, he stood there admiring her look. She had seen that look before. She was glad she still had it at almost forty. DeeDee smiled to herself when Chelle punched him in the arm.

She made stuffed pork chops, Broccoli with cheese sauce, and baked potatoes. Dinner conversation was very good. She learned more about Alex. She was nearly thunderstruck when Chelle ambushed Alex and her about going on a date. She hadn't been on a real date in years. She had never been with a White man before, so she figured what the hell.

She was surprised that he asked her to make dinner reservations. She always wanted to try Flight. It was the most expensive restaurant in the city. None of the men she messed with could afford it, or would take her there. When Alex told her to pick wherever she wanted to go, that's where she made reservations.

She got her hair braided with the hope they would drive with the top down. She had never been in a convertible before. She got her nails done and wore her sexiest dress. She brought a push-up bra that made her breasts even more upstanding, pun intended.

She heard his Mustang pull in front of the house. She peeked out of the bedroom window and saw Alex surrounded by several neighborhood kids. She knew she would have an audience when she walked out. Several people had asked her about the White man at her house.

When she walked down the stairs, she was pleased to see the look on Alex's face that let her know she got the desired effect.

At dinner, they had a good time. Alex was smart and funny. He wasn't like most White men she knew. You could tell he had money. He definitely didn't work in a restaurant. She found out why he was in Greenville. It was hard to believe what happened with his wife. Just to up and leave like that. DeeDee knew he wasn't a man to play with. The night ended with him walking her to the door.

She enjoyed her night. The restaurant was everything she thought it would be. Alex was an attractive man, but he was White. She didn't know what kind of future they could have.

She had parked her car in the driveway when she heard her name called. "Hey DeeDee!" It was her neighbor Daria.

"Hey, what's up?"

"I saw you going out with that white man yesterday. When did you turn to the white side?" She asked with a laugh.

"It was just a date. Chelle ambushed us at dinner. He works with her at Elwood's." She began to explain.

"At Elwood's, how the hell can he afford a car like that working there? What else does he do?" Eyeing her suspiciously.

DeeDee laughed, "If you met him, you would realize he's a straight arrow, pretty much a Boy Scout. He used to work in marketing. So he was making big money before he came here."

Looking at her sideways. "Boy Scout, huh? In a bright-ass red Mustang convertible, interesting. So what ya going to do?"

"I don't know. He took me to Flight last night.' Seeing her raise her eyebrows. 'Yeah, girl, the most expensive restaurant in the city. He didn't even bat an eye at the prices. I might hang on to him for a while." She giggled.

"So, he's marriage material? It sounds like, especially if he has money." Daria said.

"There's more to marriage than money. I never dated a white guy before. I don't know if he could... you know."

"What, you afraid he got a small dick? That's why they have side pieces."

DeeDee rolled her eyes. "It was one date. I'm not even thinking that far ahead." They talked a little more before DeeDee went inside.

***

They were dating pretty steadily. He took her to different restaurants around the city. Not to seem like a gold digger, she treated him once in a while. He would have Sunday at her house twice a month. At first, she felt somewhat sorry for him. He seemed lonely. She knew he didn't have many, if any, friends in the city. He lived in a motel that you paid for by the week. DeeDee could tell he was attracted to her. She gave it some thought about what a relationship with Alex would be like. She had her doubts it would work. She enjoyed her time with him; she had to admit. Did she have romantic feelings? No, it was more of a deep friendship, at least for her.

They had been dating for four months. Chelle had told her something about a plan Alex had come up with to expand Elwood's. DeeDee knew Alex was now working two jobs. She couldn't understand why he stayed with Elwood's when he could be making three times as much at his marketing job.

They still hadn't been physical. He went back to Greenville to talk to his wife to discuss the divorce. She had been able to put him off so far. She had Vincent take care of her physical needs a couple of times a month. She liked that he never asked for anything more than pussy. He had no interest in a relationship. He had his own money, house, and car. She knew she was part of his rotation. The only thing she wanted was that nine-inch extra-thick cock that did wonders to her pussy.

They were having dinner one Thursday. They didn't go out on the weekends because of Alex's schedule.

DeeDee started a new line of the conversation, "Alex, you know I like you. I have to admit, I like you very much. But, that being said, I have a problem."

"What's that?" Alex wondered. Everything had been going well between them. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No, you didn't. Well, I know your divorce is going to be final soon. And while I've been looking forward to it.' She hesitated, unsure of how to voice her concerns. She took a drink of wine. 'You haven't dated anyone except me since you left Tracy. I know I've been making you wait until your divorce was final. I knew you were married. I dated you because you seemed to be a nice guy. I don't want you to think I was doing this to use you. I didn't want you to get the impression I was easy. Huh, what I'm trying to get out is I want you to date other women.' She could see he wanted to say something. She had been thinking about this for a while. She knew Alex was looking to take whatever relationship he thought this was to the next level; she wasn't ready for her own reasons.

'I really do like you, Alex. But you have only dated Tracy and me in the last twenty years, you said. I don't want to be your rebound is what I'm trying to get out." She finally got to the reason for this talk. She thought it would be reasonable to put off going to the next step.

Alex's demeanor immediately became angry. "Rebound? Is that what you consider this? Jesus, Dee Dee. I don't need to date other women to know how I feel about you. Just to let you know, besides high school, I've only dated four women, including you. I'm not going to go out and try different women to know I want you. If this is your way of saying you don't want to be with me, then say so!" He snapped. "Maybe I'm not the man you want me to be." He motioned to the waiter to ask for the check. That last statement hit closer to the mark than he realized.

"I didn't say I didn't want to be with you. I said, I want you to be sure you want to be with me." She rebutted.

"What the hell have I been doing the last three months? If I'm not working or at home, I'm with you. Could I be somewhere else, or with someone else? Yes. I'm not afraid to ask a woman out. I decided you're the person I want to spend my time with. Or why would I wait this long to make love to you? I did it because you're worth waiting for. I think you're the one who needs to decide what she wants." He advised as the waitress came up with the check. He whipped out his credit card and asked for boxes for the remaining food.

"All I'm saying is I want you to be sure, Alex. About us." DeeDee didn't realize how much she was losing. She never had a man who wanted to be with her for her. They always wanted something. And that something was usually her body. No one had shown an interest in her personal life. Her children or grandchild.

"I don't know how much more I can do to prove how much I care for you. Maybe we do need some time apart. To make sure we're BOTH sure about this relationship." He barked. The waitress, looking uncomfortable, took the check and left a bag for the boxes. Alex stood up to leave. Dee Dee followed behind him.

The ride to Dee Dee's house was quiet. Alex focused on the road in front of him, and Dee Dee looked out the window. Twenty minutes later, they pulled in front of her house. She opened the door to get out. Alex did likewise, to walk her to the door as became their custom. "Don't bother, I can walk myself to the door." She hissed. Alex closed the door, but still waited until she was in the house.

She made her choice and felt she could live with it. She thought it would be the last time she would see Alex.

Chelle came home a couple of days later. "Did you break up with Mr. Alex?" She asked in greeting.

Chelle wasn't one to question her like this. "Excuse me? That's my business."

"Don't give me that crap. Mr. Alex is the best man you can find. He likes you, and you'd rather go off with some drug dealer twice a month. I guess you have a type, huh, Mom?"

DeeDee was dumbfounded that she knew about Vincent. "What are you talking about? Drug dealer? I don't know any drug dealer." She tried to deny it.

"Come on, Mom. Memphis isn't that big. People talk. Someone saw you going into Vincent's house a couple of times. And I'm sure you know you're one of many. I hope you're taking precautions. I can't believe you have this nice guy who is doing something with his life for some lowlife thrill." Chelle jeered.

"Chelle, I just want him to be sure I'm the one he wants to be with. I don't want to be his rebound romance." She tried to explain.

Chelle threw up her hands. "If that's the story you're going with, fine. I'm telling you that you're playing with fire. A man like Alex isn't going to be single for long. He can have his pick of most women; it doesn't even matter the age. Trust me."

DeeDee didn't realize what she was walking away from. She's never had a good man in her life. Her Father was absent all of her life. The men her mother dated came and went with the change of the seasons. She was taught to never depend on a man for anything, and they were good for two things: dick and money. If they can't fill your pocketbook or pussy, they weren't worth having around.

Things cooled between Chell and DeeDee. She was working with Alex. Chelle knew things were happening for him. The restaurant was busier than ever since Alex came up with his marketing plan.

***

A month later, DeeDee decided to call Alex. Did she miss him in her own way? She had to admit she did. Plus, she wasn't used to a man walking away without at least trying to get her back. "You really weren't going to call me?" She started immediately when he answered.

"You're the one who broke up with me, DeeDee. I told you how I felt. I figured you didn't feel the same way." He returned.

"I explained why. I wanted you to be sure about us." She gave that as an excuse.

"And I explained I was. But you had this crazy notion that I needed to date other women. What would have happened if I met someone I liked? Then what? I'm too old to keep fighting for someone's love. I don't get you women, I really don't. You always want more and more, when a man is doing everything he can. I wasn't going to beg you, Delores." He asserted.

"I didn't ask you to beg. I wanted you to be sure." She insisted.

"God.' He started and let out a deep breath. 'I told you I liked you. I spent all my time with you. How much more proof did you need? You know, maybe I wasn't the one who wasn't sure. Maybe I'm not the man you want to be with. I have to go, DeeDee. Call me when you decide what you want." He disconnected the call before she could say anything.

She looked at the phone in disbelief. He hung up on her. DeeDee was a smart woman in most situations. In this case, she read Alex completely wrong. She knew he was hurt by what his wife had done to him. She couldn't completely understand it, having never dealt with that situation herself. She was blind to Terrance's cheating. Thinking he was out all weekend getting drunk and high. She never thought about the crack whores or women who shared their bodies for their next high or drink.

***

There was something about Alex rejecting her that got her dander up. No man had ever told her no before. Didn't he see what she offered? She called him again. She swore, if he rejected her this time, he would never hear from her again. "Alex, it's DeeDee. I guess you know that if you haven't taken me out of your contact list."

He laughed. "Why would I do that? What's going on?"

"Well, I'm wondering if you would like to have dinner with us Sunday. Charnae has been asking about you." She offered.

"Are you asking me to dinner for Charnae, or for you? That's kind of lame to use a 5-year-old like that, no matter how cute she is."

She let out a deep breath. "I'm asking for... me, okay. I've missed you, okay. Don't make this harder than it has to be. If you moved on, let me know now."

"Sunday at the usual time, then?"

"Yes, the usual time."

"Okay, I'll see you then, DeeDee." He could tell she wanted to talk, but he told her he would call tomorrow.

She smiled as she hung up. She knew no man could reject her.

***

Sunday dinner was nice. Charnae was happy to see Alex. She spent most of the time getting him up to speed on her life since she last saw him.

DeeDee had made what had become Alex's favorite. Stuffed pork chops with cheesy broccoli and baked potato. It was also one of the first meals Alex had ever eaten at her house.

Chelle asked a question that sent shockwaves through DeeDee. "So, you and Ellie have been spending a lot of time together lately. What's up with that?"

"Ellie. Isn't she the woman who fired you?" DeeDee inquired. Wondering exactly how close they had become.

"Yeah, but they seem real cozy lately," Chelle said tersely.

Alex went on to explain after wiping his mouth. "We're working on a project together. I'm surprised no one knows about it, as much and as fast as gossip spreads around there. We want to expand Elwood's. That's why we're together so much."

"Expand? You mean make it bigger?" Chelle asked.

"No, we want to open new locations. We've been working on a proposal to present to Mr. Elwood. Ellie, me, and a consultant. We're not dating or anything, so get that out of your head." He explained.

DeeDee, who hadn't said anything, asked, "Why are you helping her with the business?" For some reason, she was relieved to find out Ellie and Alex weren't involved.

Alex swallowed the piece of cheesy broccoli and started to explain. "It was my idea. I had to make a choice between keeping working at Elwood's or going full-time at Johnson's. I felt like I was getting back on the hamster wheel at Johnson's. And I couldn't afford to keep working at Elwood's at the same pay. So I figured this would be the best option. To grow Elwood's and become a partner in the business. I had to convince Ellie first. Now we're just waiting for Mr. Elwood to decide what he wants to do."

"So you're going to be an owner, huh? That's the big time." DeeDee said, sounding a little apprehensive.

Alex chuckled, "It's not a done deal by far. I'll only be a minority owner. If Mr. Elwood says no, I'm screwed. I already quit my job at Johnson's."

"You quit? How could you do that without knowing it will work out?" She said in disbelief.

"I told you before, when I commit to something. I go all in." He told her, taking a drink of sweet tea. DeeDee's cheeks darkened. Getting the double meaning of what he said. "If it doesn't work, I'll have to find some other way to make a living. I'm sure I could always go back to Johnson's if it came to that. I know I have options," He said, looking at DeeDee, hoping she caught the meaning.

They talked some more about the possible future with Elwood's. After a dessert of Peach Cobbler, Chelle took Charnae to get ready for bed. But not before she made Mr. Alex promise to come back again. DeeDee and Alex sat in the living room. DeeDee liked that Charnae liked Alex. She's never had a man in her life. She seemed to gravitate to him.

"Thank you for dinner. I missed your cooking." Alex said

"It's my pleasure." She returned with a smile.

"So, what made you call me now? My divorce was final nearly a month ago. It doesn't have anything to do with what Chelle said about Ellie and me, did it?"

"Tonight was the first time I heard about you and Ellie. I figured you weren't going to call me. Well, she never told me you were seeing someone, but she did say if I wanted to be with you, I better get my head out of my ass. Especially since I was the one who broke up with you. You really weren't going to call me?"

Looking her in the eye. "I don't beg for someone's love, DeeDee. I didn't do it for Tracy. I'm sorry, I wasn't going to do it for you. As much as I like you, it's not in me to do that." There was a rumble of thunder in the distance. She knew he was as serious as she ever heard a man be.

"I figured that when you didn't call me. Half my friends said I was stupid. The other half said stand by my guns. Of course, most of those women are single.' She leaned back, looking at the ceiling. There was a thunderclap quickly followed by a flash of lightning. 'I was scared, Alex. I haven't felt this way about a man in such a long time; I was worried something would go wrong."

"So you decided to self-sabotage the relationship.' It was a statement more than a question. A statement that was more truth than Alex, or even Delores, realized. 'I will never understand women. You want a man to be honest, he tells you how he feels, and you don't believe him. I thought we had a good relationship. I thought you enjoyed our times together.' He looked over his shoulder at the stairs to see if anyone was there. 'Was it the sex thing? Was that what had you worried? Did you think I wouldn't measure up?"

DeeDee turned towards him quickly. "Wha... no, it wasn't that. I mean the measure-up part. I haven't been with a man in a long time, Alex. Yes, it was a huge step for me. I don't jump into bed with just anyone. I know you never pushed me about it.' She stopped for a moment to gather her thoughts. It was exactly that. She had heard about White men not having large dicks. How could she be in a long-term relationship with a man who didn't sexually satisfy her?

"I wanted to; I did. Some nights after a date, I would have to get my vibrator out. I know I was falling for you, falling hard. No one had ever treated me the way you have. The way you treat Chelle and especially Charnae is special. Most men ignore them, like they are something they have to deal with to get to me. Charnae has never been taken with someone like she is with you.' Alex was quiet, letting her explain herself. The storm outside seemed to be building in intensity. 'My biggest fear, to be honest.' Which she wasn't being, even to herself. 'We come from two different worlds. You're a corporate guy who wears suits every day. You go to lunches and dinners with CEO'S and other bigwigs. Me, I'm a glorified janitor who cleans surgical equipment. I don't know if I would even know how to act around those types of people." She finished morosely.

Alex let the silence hang in the air. Interrupted occasionally by thunder and flashes of lightning. There was a boom of thunder, immediately followed by a flash that shook the house.

"Are you done or are you finished?' DeeDee looked at him and chuckled. 'Shakespeare wrote in Julius Caesar, 'Do not presume too much upon my love. I only remember that because we did the play in high school. You presumed a lot when it came to us, DeeDee. First off, what makes you think I wanted to have sex with you... Yeck'. She slapped his arm. 'I never once thought of having sex with you. I wanted to make love to you, very badly. The more I got to know you, the more I wanted you. There were times I wanted to jump into the Mississippi to cool down after a date. When I said you're one of the most beautiful women I ever met, it wasn't only just the way you look. It's who you are as a person. The way your neighbors were happy to see you dating. I was threatened several times to treat you right. Some joking, some very serious.' Her eyes widened at that. 'Sex was never my goal. I genuinely enjoyed our times together. I felt relaxed around you. I could be myself. Not worry about what I was saying or doing.

And as far as us living in two different worlds, that's bullshit. Pardon my language. Most of those CEO's you talk about are regular people. A vast majority came from middle-class backgrounds. It's not the men that are the issue at dinners or social functions. It's the wives who put on airs, like they are manor-born. They met their husband when they worked as a waitress or in a coffee shop. Very few of them were born into money. I'm going to tell you a secret: we laugh at them half the time and ignore them the other half. Most are there for decoration. It's the ones who know how to talk to people as equals that help their husbands' business the most."

They continued to talk into the night. The storm outside subsided. DeeDee listened to Alex. Looking back, she didn't hear what he said. She never had a man like Alex, not the White part. The gentleman part. A man who appreciated the woman she was for who she was. It was outside her world of understanding.

***

They were seeing each other twice a month on dates. Not just restaurants but other fun activities. Some of those dates included Charnae. He began attending church with her when he could. Alex wasn't a religious man. He said he attended to be more a part of her world. People in the church got to know him. They saw how loving and affectionate he was with DeeDee and Charnae. The questions of marriage began to pop up occasionally.

They had never broached the subject. Alex still had some hurt from his previous marriage. Plus, DeeDee didn't truly think she was ready for marriage. Alex was everything a woman should want. He was caring, hardworking, affectionate, kind, courteous. Hell, like she told Daria all those months ago, he was a Boy Scout.

It was two weeks after they reunited that they became physical. She had taken him to a nice restaurant, nothing fancy. Memphis wasn't the food destination like other cities. It was just different levels of American cuisine. You came if you wanted barbecue and jazz music.

They were having a good time. She had told a story about a doctor and one of the janitorial staff getting caught in a supply room. "No one knew the doctor was gay until that happened."Conversation had returned to its old level of familiarity quite quickly. They could talk about anything that was going on in their life. Alex talked about getting the new restaurant up and running. The trials and tribulations they were going through.

One date, DeeDee had picked him up. When she went to drop him off at his new apartment, she parked the car. Instead of waiting for him to go inside, she got out with him. "Are you walking me to the door? I'm touched."

Looking shy, "No, I'm staying, if you want me to."

She could see the happiness in Alex's eyes. He had been ready for this night for a long time. He didn't expect it to be this night. "I would be a fool not to." He said with a grin.

They walked into the house holding hands. Alex took off his jacket. He looked at DeeDee and saw what appeared to be nervousness in her eyes. In reality. It was apprehension. She didn't know what to expect. He reached for her, holding her gently; he kissed her lightly. They had kissed before. This was different. They weren't teenagers making love for the first time. As they kissed, DeeDee started to unbutton Alex's shirt. Alex reached for DeeDee's dress to pull it over her head. Their arms were crossed in their eagerness.

"Wait." DeeDee finally said. She stepped back. She kicked off her heels. Reached and pulled her dress over her head. Alex's eyes bugged out in surprise. She was wearing a black shelf bra and thong panties. "Sweet Jesus, you are sexy." He gulped.

DeeDee grinned at the compliment. "I'm glad you like it." She grabbed and undid his belt. She could see that he was already erect. Pulling his pants down revealed his blue boxer that couldn't contain his penis. It didn't match Terrance, was her first thought. Not Vincent, her last part-time lover. But then again, they were both exceptions to the rule. It had a little girth to it, which was a pleasing quality. While she was admiring his dick, he kicked off his shoes. He was in good shape for a man his age.

The lovemaking came fast and furious. Mutual oral orgasms on the living room sofa. One thing she had always heard was that White men knew how to eat pussy. Alex was one of those White men. He ate her to two orgasms. She returned the favor. She didn't swallow; she never had. At least since her ex-husband. She let him come on her stomach.

He carried her up the stairs, much to her surprise, into his bedroom. This led to several rounds of lovemaking. Any fears Alex had were alleviated that night. DeeDee enjoyed herself immensely. Like most of her lovers, he was able to bring her to orgasm several times. But that would always kill a relationship; something was missing.

DeeDee asked, panting, "Why did I make you wait so long? That was the best I've ever had." Wasn't that what you were supposed to say to your lover?

"You're just saying that because it's the best you ever had," Alex joked. Earning a jab in the ribs. "I have to say, you're in the top two lovers I've ever had."

"Top two?" DeeDee returned, looking at him as she leaned on one arm.

"Yeah, top two, but you're definitely not in second place." He laughed.

"I hate you marketing guys; you always got a way with words. I think they call it bullshit."

They fell asleep in each other's arms. It was the most peaceful sleep Alex had in ages. DeeDee fell asleep while she was comparing Alex to her other lovers.

Alex awoke with a dream that many men had. He knew immediately what was happening. DeeDee had his cock in her mouth, working him towards an orgasm. "No, I don't want to cum."

"Oh, you're not going to cum yet." She released his cock and climbed on top. Cowgirl was one of the few positions they didn't use last night. Alex looked at DeeDee as she slowly rode him, grinding her hips back and forth. Her eyes were closed as she moaned, "This is some good dick."

"God, you're so beautiful." He massaged her full breast. He learned last night she loved to have her nipples played with and sucked. He pulled her down to suckle on a nipple.

"Oh damn, you're gonna make me nut on your cock." Alex loved when she talked dirty. It was so different than the church woman he knew her to be. She bounced up and down on his cock, causing him to moan. Being used to longer cocks, when she rose several times, it would slip out. That was something she wasn't used to. She switched to grinding on his cock instead of bouncing on it.

"You're going to make me cum." He groaned.

"I'm going to make you beg to cum!" She started twerking on his cock. He felt like he was holding on for dear life. She started playing with his nipples. No one had ever done that to him before. His head was thrashing from side to side. Eventually, he did beg to cum.

Sex became a regular activity in their relationship after that night.

***

DeeDee and Alex were steadily dating. She was able to get off the day of the second Elwood's grand opening. She was astounded at the amount of people in attendance. Politicians and the local high school band were playing. They already had people in line for the eleven o'clock opening. She didn't get much time to spend with Alex. He was what they call glad-handing with business people and politicians alike. She watched him speak with ease to everyone who came up to him. They celebrated themselves the following day after church.

That brings us back to the beginning of this tale. Pastor Tyler, as many had begun to do, asked about a wedding. Alex always tensed up at the question. DeeDee did her best to feign being uninterested in the topic.

She liked Alex; she didn't love him. For anyone else, he would have been the perfect mate. For DeeDee, he wasn't. She didn't know why. Even though he treated her like no one ever had, she felt something was missing.

Unknown to only a few, she had been dating a doctor who worked at the hospital. This time, it was different. He was single, Black, and well-hung. They had been dating for two months, physical for one. He made love to her the way Alex had, only with a larger cock. The first time they had sex, she passed out from the orgasm. She did things with him that she had only done with her ex-husband. This time willingly, as opposed to being forced.

Chelle had worked an extra shift. She had been accepted to a veterinary school and was saving up as much money as possible. She received several scholarships. One that paid 50% of the cost each year if she maintained a certain grade level. Several times she had to take Charnae with her on a date. The Doctor, James Caldwell, didn't mind. He found something for all three of them to do. Charnae was taken with a tall, good-looking man.

One morning, after a date the previous night, Chelle came to her. "Mom, what the hell are you doing?"

"What are you talking about?" Honestly, not knowing what she was asking. How can you cheat on him like that?" Chelle challenged.

"What I do is my own business. I'm grown, black, and single. Alex and I never agreed to be exclusive. He's probably sleeping with that Ellie woman anyway." She retorted.

"Alex isn't like that trash you date. He's the most faithful man I know. He loves you. I know that for sure. And here you are spreading your legs for every Tom, Dick, and Harry." Chelle said, incensed. She was furious that she would treat Alex like this.

"Watch your mouth. I'm still your mother, and you still live under my roof." DeeDee responded. Angry to be called out like this.

"You may be my mother, but I hope if I find a man half as good as Mr. Alex, I don't do something as stupid as you are doing!" She yelled and stormed off.

***

DeeDee found herself spending more time with James. She begged off several dates with Alex, including a Sunday Dinner. She knew she was playing with fire. She was trying to decide who she actually wanted to be with. If she had to make a list of pros and cons, the only advantage James had over Alex was dick size.

Alex was spending more time with his business. She had to call it his business, even though he was only a partner. They had talked about the plans for Elwood's going forward. It was ambitious to say the least. His income could, or would, be unlimited. James could only make so much as a doctor.

Her decision would be taken out of her hands by a precocious five-year-old. Alex was at DeeDee's for Sunday dinner after church.

It had been a good service, meaning the Pastor didn't preach too long. It was a chilly, rainy day. Charnae was holding court, talking about her new classmates. Suddenly, as only an innocent child could say it. "Mr. Alex, I'm going to have a new Pop Pop, so you don't have to worry about marrying my Mom Mom." Alex nearly dropped his fork. Delores choked on her drink.

He put his knife and fork down. He wiped his hands on his napkin as he looked at Delores. She didn't seem to want to clarify Charnae's statement. "That's good to hear, Lil Bit. Who's going to be your new Pop Pop?" Alex asked.

"Mr. James, that's Mom Mom's new friend. He's real nice. He takes us to the movies and 'musment park. He's a doctor at the hospital Mom Mom works at." She said sweetly, not knowing she was breaking Alex's heart.

"I'm glad you're happy, Lil' Bit. I hope he loves your Mom Mom the way she needs to be loved. And that he never cheats on her. Because no one wants to be cheated on. Isn't that right, Delores?" Alex said, trying to hide the bitterness he was feeling.

"Alex, let me explain." She started. She realized how upset he was by the use of her full name.

"No, there's no need to explain. I hope you're happy, Delores. I think it's better if I leave now." He rose from the table. He gave Charnae a hug for the last time. He was walking to the door when Delores caught up to him.

"Alex, let me explain, please." She pleaded as she reached for him.

Alex shook off her hand. "Delores, there's nothing to explain. You know the old saying, drunks and children always tell the truth. I know we're not married. So, I can't call it infidelity. But when you're in a committed relationship, it's still cheating. At least I thought it was a committed relationship. I might have missed it in one of Pastor White's sermons. I guess you decided to move up. I hope you're happy. I just wonder what the congregation is going to think when you walk in with a new man next week?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to happen."

Alex stopped suddenly. "Wow, where did I hear that phrase before? Oh yeah, my cheating wife. Maybe you two can start a cheating sluts club." Before she could respond, he was out the door. That was the last time he saw her.

DeeDee was upset. She didn't want it to end as it did. If someone asked her, she didn't know how she wanted it to end. If she wanted it to end. She had two great men who wanted her. Not just some loser drug dealer. Men who were respected in their communities. Alex was becoming one of the faces of Elwood's, just as much as Ellie was. They were looking at adding ten new restaurants in the next three years. Alex could be a millionaire in no time. She could even learn to overlook his shortcomings.

A few days later, Chelle came up to her. "I hope you're happy. More importantly, I hope Alex finds true love one day, because he deserves it."

***

Two weeks later, James was over for Sunday Dinner. Chelle would be leaving for college in a few weeks. She had very little to say to DeeDee's new, or current, boyfriend.

Charnae, being the innocent young girl she was, asked, "Mr. James, are you going to marry my Mom Mom. Mr. Alex didn't want to marry her."

James Caldwell looked at Delores. Chelle chimed in. "Yeah, Mr. Alex didn't want to marry her when he found out she was dating you." She said with a snide grin between bites of meatloaf.

"Who's Alex?" Caldwell asked.

"That's Mom Mom's old boyfriend. He was a nice man. He owns a restaurant and a new car and everything. He stopped coming around. I think he was mad when I told him you were going to marry my Mom Mom." Charnae said, a little sad.

"You were seeing both of us? At the same time?" He said, more of an accusation than a question.

She attempted to explain. "James, we can talk about this after dinner. It's not what it sounds like."

"No, what it sounds like is that you were playing both of us. You play stupid games, you win stupid prizes. You're a beautiful woman, Delores. But you need to get some help. I thought you were different." I was wrong. He threw down his napkin and walked out.

DeeDee sat there with her mouth open. "Why did Mr. James leave?" Charnae asked innocently.

"He had some place else to be, honey," Chelle explained. She looked at her mother. She saw the look DeeDee was giving her. "Don't look at me like that. You got yourself into this mess. Look in the mirror if you want someone to blame."

DeeDee threw her fork down and stormed up the steps. She sat down, wondering how she got into this situation. Not one, but two men walked out on her. Who did they think they were? She would give James some time to cool off before she called him. She knew she could get him back into her bed. She knew she could always call Alex if she wanted. He never had a woman like her before.

***

Three weeks later, she was in her supervisor's office. "DeeDee, I can't believe I'm here talking about this. Dr. Caldwell has made a complaint. He says you have been harassing him."

Taken aback, "No, we used to date. I was just trying to explain a situation that he misunderstood. That's all." She tried to elucidate.

"Well, stop trying to explain. This is only a verbal warning. Do your job and leave him alone. I went to bat for you. Don't make me regret that. Am I clear?"

"Yes, you made it quite clear, thank you." She said somberly.

That bastard. She thought to herself. He'll never find someone like me!

When she tried to call Alex, the calls went straight to voicemail. That meant he blocked her calls. Chelle wouldn't tell her anything about him. She had left for college. She took Charnae with her. Her scholarship covered not only her education, but also her living arrangements. She was working part-time at the new Elwood's in Durham.

EPILOGUE: Alex did, in fact, block her number. DeeDee never found the love of her life. She had a steady string of lovers. None were at the level of Alex or Dr. Caldwell.

Chelle did go to school to become a veterinarian. Unknown to DeeDee, it was funded by scholarships and mostly Alex. Chelle didn't find out until her junior year. They had always stayed in touch. Alex became the father figure she needed, and most importantly, wanted.

She met a nice man her senior year of school. He was also in the veterinary program. They married two years after graduating. Alex walked her down the aisle, much to DeeDee's consternation.

DeeDee was finally able to corral Alex during the wedding. "Alex, can I talk to you for a minute?" She requested meekly.

Alex looked at her. She was still a beautiful woman, at least physically. It was the inside he had issues with. She was on a date at the wedding. Chelle said they had been dating for a while and it seemed serious. Alex couldn't help himself. "Like me and her serious, or her and the Doctor serious."

Chelle said, "I think she's learned her lesson. It only took four years after you left."

"Sure, Delores." He walked over to the quiet corner.

"I want to apologize, Alex. I did you dirty.' Alex didn't say anything, just kept looking at her. 'It was all my fault. I didn't realize what I had. You were everything a woman should want. I know it sounds like a cliché, but it was me, not you." She went on to explain how she was raised by her mother. How her first marriage affected her outlook on men. "That's why I'm telling you it's all on me. I didn't have someone to show what love looked like. I thought I was in love with Chelle's father. It was a schoolgirl that got out of hand. The only good thing that came out of that was Nichelle.

And I wanted to thank you. I know you paid for Chelle's schooling, as well as paying her so much for working part-time to help. I really thank you for that. You've been the father figure she always needed. I can't believe my little girl is a married veterinarian.

"I'm rambling. I just wanted to say I'm sorry and thank you. I'm glad you found someone who loves you the way you deserve to be loved. I have to be honest and say I'm not surprised you and Ellie got together. Chelle told me they had bets on it before you left to open the second restaurant." DeeDee finished.

"It doesn't look like I'm the only one to find love," Alex stated.

DeeDee turned to look towards her date. "I don't know about love. A deep like at this point. Now, that's for a therapist at the hospital; I'll know when I feel it.

They parted as friends. More for Chelle and Charnae's benefit than any other reason.

DeeDee retired from the hospital. She never married. Now she spends her time with her grandson in Durham, where Chelle and her husband set up their practice.

THE END

POSTAMBLE RAMBLE: Don't make DeeDee the bad person in this story. I know many women like DeeDee. Hell, I almost married one. She thought she knew what love is. But in truth, she has no idea. She's now married and very unhappy. She still messages me on Facebook or Instagram, so her husband doesn't know. DeeDee is a product of her upbringing.