Ivy's Twisted Vine Redux by Latrivia Nelson (the beach read txt) 📗

headed to a meeting across town for an HIV awareness program to be implemented by the Greenlaw community. It had been a wonderful evening full of laughter and planning, and Grey had enjoyed Ivy’s company and input immensely. She seemed to be more than willing to be his social butterfly, clay in his hand to mold into the perfect wife for his needy public.

Just in time for Ivy’s nap, they pulled up to her apartment.

“Let me help you with those bags,” Grey said turning off his car.

“No, I’ve got them. I don’t want you to be late for your meeting.”

“Are you kidding? The doctor said no heavy lifting. I’m not in that much of a rush.”

“Okay, I won’t argue. Let’s just hurry up and get out of the heat.”

Opening the front door, Ivy heard what sounded like a scream coming from the Trina’ room. Dropping her keys, Ivy looked startled at Grey, who pulled her back out of the house.

“Was anyone supposed to be here with Trina?” Grey asked looking into the apartment.

“No,” Ivy whispered wiping the sweat from her forehead.

“Just stay out here. I’m gonna go see what’s going on. If I’m not out in two or three minutes use you cell phone to call the police.”

“Why don’t we just call the police right now? And you can stay out here with me,” Ivy whispered to Grey.

“I’ll be right back.”

Closing the door behind him, leaving Ivy safely outside, Grey threw his suit coat down on the floor and walked carefully down the hall to Trina’ room where he could hear what sounded like a muffled moan. Hundreds of things went through his head as he stood at her door preparing to bust in and hopefully save her from what sounded like torture. It was probably someone sent by the bastard who killed Brooks. Oh, God, he wasn’t ready for this type of drama. Quickly, he burst through her bedroom door and dove on top of man standing naked by the bed.

“Get off of her now,” Grey commanded tussling with the sweaty figure.

“No! Get off of me,” Emerald said pushing Grey off of him. “What is your deal?”

“Grey, what are you doing?” Trina asked covering up.

“Emerald? God, I’m so sorry.” Grey said closing his eyes completely and utterly mortified. “I’ll just…step outside.”

“Do that,” Trina said throwing a pillow at the door. “Ugh!”

Absolutely embarrassed, Grey opened the front door for Ivy and stuck his head out, watching her facial expressions tense with anticipation, he grinned sheepishly and pulled her inside.

“So is everything okay?” she asked looking around drenched in summer sweat and terror-stricken.

“Fine. That disturbing noise we heard was your brother and roommate in the middle of um…” he lifted his eyebrow, “having sex.” He wiped the sweat from her head with his silk handkerchief.

“What?” Ivy looked down the hall with her hands covering her mouth. “No, I don’t believe it.” She grinned at the delicious prospect.

“Believe it, honey. You’re hot-tail little friend is at it again.”

“Grey,” Ivy said hitting Grey in the chest. “Don’t say things like that.”

Emerald was the first to come out of the room, now fully dressed and also red with humiliation. Sliding his baseball cap on, he leaned against the hallway opening and looked at Grey shaking his head.

“You are some piece of work, man,” Emerald said shaking his head at Grey.

“My bad, man. I thought someone was attacking her. We left her here alone, and she hasn’t been seeing anyone. With all that’s happened…”

“Yeah, I understand.” Emerald looked at Ivy. “She didn’t tell you?”

“No, I didn’t,” Trina said walking out of her bedroom fully dressed. “I’ve kept everything a secret up until now.”

“Everything like what?” Ivy said suspiciously. “What else don’t I know about?”

“Well,” Trina looked to Emerald for support. “I’m almost two months pregnant with Brooks’ baby. I found out for a while ago, and I’m in love with your brother.”

“What?” Ivy said squinting at the awkward couple. “When did all of this happen?”

“Somewhere in between graduation and the world choosing to stop revolving around you,” Emerald said nonchalantly. “Don’t act so surprised. These things happen every day.”

“And so they do,” Grey said feeling trapped in the small apartment. Looking at his watch, he kissed Ivy on the cheek and nodded his head at the new couple. “Well look, it’s been great, but I have to go. Ivy I’ll call you later. Emerald and Trina….whatever.” Opening the door, he didn’t bother to look back he felt all three of them staring at the back of his head.

Hadn’t any of these people ever heard of condoms, Grey thought to himself as he slipped on his shades and closed the door.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Think Fast

Chapter 26

THINK FAST

“Dad can I talk to you?” Emerald asked disrupting his father from his reading by Sadie’s pool under the late evening backdrop of a beautiful sunset. The jazz played relaxingly in the background and a merciful wind swept through the grounds. It was just the kind of day to be trouble free. Too bad that Emerald hadn’t got the memo.

Without turning, Madison knew the voice of troubled son. He instantly put down his New York Times and turned this attention to Emerald who was standing behind him with a small box in his hand. He stared at the box first and then at Emerald.

“Sure,” Madison said ready to give out more advice. “Why don’t you park it right here by me.” He motioned at the unoccupied lawn chair.

“You know how you’re always telling me that I make bad decisions?” Emerald took off his baseball cap and scratched his curly hair, an obvious indication that he was preparing to make yet another one.

“Yes?”

“Well, I’m in love with Trina.” Emerald paused for a minute and watched Madison be pulled more into the conversation. “But she’s pregnant. And she’s so scared. And…” He fumbled pathetically with his words. “I want to be there for her…not like with Kakeline. I really want her to have someone to depend on.