Color of Deception (18 page)

Pete groaned internally. He didn’t know how to do this. How to want to move on with his life without feeling like he was betraying his dead wife. He wanted Debra just as much – or more than she had wanted him, but could he really be with someone other than Moriah? Could he care deeply for Debra, love –
love
her as much as he’d loved Moriah? He held on to Debra tighter unsure of what will happen between them next. He looked down at her sleeping face –
God she’s beautiful!
He kissed her gently on the forehead then drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 44

The excessive ringing of the doorbell woke Pete up with a start. He opened his eyes trying to bring his sight to focus. He tried to sit up, but the weight in his arms stopped him, that’s when he realized Debra was still fast asleep, nestled contently on his chest. His hand rested on her firm voluptuous behind. He smiled at the memory of their lovemaking. The ringing of the doorbell, again, reminded him of why he woke up. He gently slide his arm from under Debra not waking her up and slid silently out of the bed.

He looked at the clock.
That must be Roger
. His eyes grew big with surprise. It was four in the afternoon an hour later than Roger’s expected arrival with Carl. He didn’t mean to sleep so long – but he hadn’t expected to make love to Debra today either.
And it was better than I could have dreamt of.
Completely naked, he looked around the room trying to find his pants. He found them across the room near the master bathroom door. He picked it up and hurriedly slipped it on, then he looked around again for his shirt. When the doorbell sounded again he decided to forget it and quickly exited the room and down the stairs to answer the door.

“Roger, sorry…” Pete said opening the door without looking out the peephole. Rachel stood on the other side of the door holding a pan in her hands. “Rachel. Hi…”

“Hey Uncle Pete. Excuse me this pan is still hot,” she stepped inside and rushed into the kitchen while Pete closed the door behind her. The cold air from outside had him cold already because of his bare chest.

Pete went back up the steps and picked up his shirt he saw in the hallway when he was making his way down. He quickly put it on and went back downstairs into the kitchen.

“I didn’t mean to wake you,” Rachel said when he entered the kitchen buttoning the few buttons that were still on his shirt after Debra practically ripped it open in an attempt to get it off him. “Mom baked some bread and asked me to bring you over two loaves.” She had placed the pan on the kitchen island. Ever since she and her mother Leah walked in on Pete and Debra kissing months ago she hadn’t used her spare key to let herself in, she didn’t want any more surprises, especially since Debra’s car was parked in the driveway.

Pete took in the aroma of the freshly baked bread. “They sure smell good. I’ll have some with dinner.”

Both Pete and Rachel turned around at the sounds of steps heading into the kitchen. “Was that Carl returning home…” Debra asked walking into the kitchen with her hair disheveled, her knit dress inside out and bare feet like Pete. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw Rachel standing in the kitchen with Pete.

Pete already knew that Rachel had put two and two together and figured out what he and Debra had been doing. Rachel looked from Debra’s tousled appearance to her uncle’s. Disgust blanketed her face instantly. Her eyes were lethal which almost made Debra flinched. The innocence of Rachel’s face transformed into a veil of evil.

The doorbell rang breaking the awkwardness of the moment. Pete stepped out of the kitchen to answer it, praying to God it was Roger bringing Carl back – he was late.

“How does it feel sleeping in another woman’s bed with another woman’s husband?” Rachel asked Debra as soon as Pete left the kitchen.

Debra rolled her eyes. She was sick of Rachel’s pettiness. This child was really working her last nerve.

“Pete is a widower, not a legally married man anymore. We didn’t do anything wrong—”

“Having sex with someone who isn’t your husband is hardly not wrong! I think it is called fornication.”

“Hmmm, and what does being a bitch make you?” Debra asked. She never wanted it to come to this, stooping down to Rachel’s petty level, but she’d had enough of her attitude. Especially coming from someone who is so quick to correct other’s in their ungodly faults but neglected to notice her own. “Oops I’m sorry, I think the biblical term for it is hypocrite.”

“I’m just calling it like I see it. Find your
own
husband and leave my aunt’s alone!” Rachel spat. They both were undeterred with their dispute despite the voices coming from the front door.

“Rachel I know you care about your aunt, that’s very noble of you. But your uncle is a grown man who can make his own decisions without you flipping out because of our relationship.” Debra turned to leave so she could go back upstairs and fix herself. She heard Roger’s voice when Pete opened the door.

“So you’re admitting it now. You are dating Uncle Pete?” Debra didn’t bother to turn around to answer her.

“You’re late” Pete said after he opened the door. Roger was holding Carl and had his diaper bag over his shoulder.

“I called and left you a message on your cell. Carl fell asleep and I didn’t want to wake him right away to bring him back for three.” Roger stepped into the house. Carl reached out for Pete when he saw him.

“Hey buddy,” Pete said taking Carl from Roger. “I fell asleep, I didn’t get your call,” Pete addressed Roger again.

“Like I told you. I’m not trying to kidnap my own son or anything, just want to spend some time with my little man.” Roger placed the diaper bag on the floor near the door. “Oh, his car seat is on the porch, let me grab it.” Roger stepped back outside and got the car seat.

“Everything went well?”

“Yeah. I can’t lie I have to get used to dealing with a baby again. But we survived.” Roger placed the car seat inside near the door as well. “Didn’t we lil man?” He reached over and pat Carl on his head which was still covered with his cap. In all honesty, today was probably the first time Roger had spent more than a few minutes alone with a baby. Even though Porsha had three kids, he’d never been a hands on dad. Part of it was because he always doubted Porsha’s brats were his. But knowing that Carl was biologically his son seemed to have turn on that part of his brain to want to be a dad, not just a father. He really enjoyed hanging out with his infant son today. He even got on the floor and crawled around with him. He videotaped Carl with his phone when he took tentative baby steps as well. Like a proud papa he’d wanted to post it on his social media page to share with others, then he remembered that doing so would create turmoil rather than pride when Porsha found out.

“Good! I’m happy you were able to bond with your son,” Pete said sincerely. He hugged Carl to him, happy to see him again. Maybe this arrangement would work out fine.

Pete and Roger turned their heads toward the back of the house when they heard the commotion in the kitchen.

“Alright I’m out of here,” Roger said, stepping back out the door. He didn’t know white people got ghetto too. Sounded like a fight was about to break out. “I’ll let you know when I’m coming to get him next week.” Roger pat Carl on the head one more time and left.

Moments later Rachel was heading toward the front door where Pete still stood holding Carl.

“What was that in the kitchen?” Pete asked her as she approached.

“Nothing. Just your
mistress
letting me know that you two are together!” Rachel huffed.

Pete looked at her as if she’d just lost her mind, grew a second head and had chickens and roosters running out of her ears.
She must be crazy if she thinks she can talk me that way.
“What did you just say young lady?”

“You’re sleeping with Debra Uncle Pete and in Aunt Moriah’s home no less,” she said boldly, forgetting her manners when speaking to her uncle, a man that became a part of her family when she was just a little girl.

Pete’s mouth fell open in shock. He pulled Carl’s hand away from trying to reach into his mouth. He knew Rachel was territorial when it came to Moriah, but this had to stop. “I’m not going to tell you again that what I do in my own home is my damn business and until you figure that out and give me the respect that I deserve you’re fired! And you’re not allowed in my house until you apologize to me and Debra!”

Rachel’s eyes grew wide with surprise from his outburst. “You’re firing me?”

Pete stepped closer to the door and opened it for her.

“Fine! But I’m NEVER apologizing to her. You should be ashamed Uncle Pete. I thought you loved Aunt Moriah, but you couldn’t if you’re already sleeping with another woman in her own bed.” With that she dashed out of the house not waiting for Pete to respond.

Pete slammed the door shut behind her, thankful that he didn’t startle Carl. He rubbed the child’s back to reassure that he was okay. Pete was so angry he swore steam was pumping through his ears and nostrils.

“Pete I’m sorry,” Debra said. She stood at the end of the steps. She’d put her hair in a ponytail and fixed her dress.

“It’s okay,” he replied in a rough voice, turning to face her.

Carl reached out for Debra when he saw her. She stepped closer to Pete and took Carl out of his hands.

Pete walked away silently toward the kitchen, Debra watched his retreating form leave her and Carl standing by the door. Uncertainty marred her face. He got a bottled beer from the refrigerator, opened it and sat at the kitchen island where just hours ago he and Debra’s relationship became
intimate
. He took a long swig of beer totally lost in thought. What he shared with Debra was beyond comprehension – it was nothing he’d experience before. What he had with Moriah was awesome in itself, and what he had recently encountered with Debra was also in a league of its own. But guilt of having that mind-blowing intimacy with someone other than Moriah was gnawing at him. And Rachel’s accusations only intensified that.
Debra doesn’t deserve me being withdrawn after what we’d shared, but darn if I know what to do about it.
Pete took another swig, nursing his heartache.

Chapter 45

Pete sat in his regular spot, bright and early Sunday morning, fifth row from the front in church. After an awkward evening with Debra yesterday following their movie date, sex and Rachel’s confrontation, he had invited her to attend church with him this morning but she’d came up with an excuse not to. Pete was still confused on how to proceed with what was happening between them. He didn’t even know what to call it. He had so badly wanted to extend the phenomenal experience he and Debra shared yesterday afternoon, before Rachel’s unpleasant visit, further into that night, but he just couldn’t. He didn’t want Debra to feel like he regretted making love to her but at the same time he was left confused and guilty because of it. He wanted to explore a relationship with Debra that he was sure of, but dealing with his guilt of somehow betraying his love for Moriah was getting the best of him.

After Pete had retreated to the kitchen last evening to drink his beer, Debra entered the kitchen and told him that she was taking Carl home with her. He could see the hurt all over her face but he didn’t know how to express what he was feeling, so he asked her to come to church with him instead.

Today Pete sat in the pew trying to allow the praise song the choir was singing to ease his mood. He hoped to God that he got clarity on how to proceed with his desire for a deeper relationship with Debra. He watched as a minister of the church, a tall, beautiful black woman exceptionally dressed in her Sunday attire, walk to the podium. She greeted the congregation then asked everyone to stand for the scripture reading.

“We will be reading Jeremiah twenty-nine eleven,” she looked down at her bible. Pete flipped through his then finally found the scripture. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Pete read the scripture out loud and it was like a light bulb went off in his head. “Plans to give you hope and a future,” Pete mused repeatedly.
God I need to believe that! I need to know that all is not lost with my life. I can go on…I can move on.
“Help me Jesus!” He whispered.

Rachel had been avoiding Pete like the plague all through service. Every time she saw him before service and after, she would turn and walk in another direction. Pete found that silly and he had settled in his mind not to allow her childish behavior deter him with going on with his life. He loved Moriah more than he could possibly describe, she was his life. However he knew he needed to stop wallowing in grief and shame for trying to get back some normalcy in his life. Since Carl and Debra entered his life he was now feeling like he could breathe. He had joy – something he thought he would never experience again after Moriah’s death.

Pete walked toward his car in the church parking lot. Carl, snug in his coat to protect him from the autumn low temperatures, was in Pete’s arms. He had picked the baby up from Debra’s this morning, still hoping she would agree to come to church with him. Pete stopped a few times as women cooed about how cute Carl was which Carl greeted with a wide grin and laughter. He certainly was the apple of Pete’s eye, moments like this he really wished Carlisha was there to see how nicely her son was growing.

“Pete!” Noah yelled from across the lot. Pete stopped and turned toward the direction he heard his name. “Wait up!” Pete saw Noah walking briskly toward them.

“Hey.”

Noah smiled at Carl before bringing his eyes to Pete’s. “Rachel told us you fired her?” He got straight to the point.

Pete groaned. He wasn’t in the mood for this conversation, especially after a great worship service. Although when he saw Noah walking toward him he already knew what the man wanted to talk about. Pete turned and continued toward his car, Noah followed beside him. “Yes, I did. And I don’t want to talk about this right now.”

“I thought she was doing a really good job with the bookkeeping.”

Pete sighed silently before coming to a halt. “I fired Rachel because she was disrespectful to me and Debra in my own house which I will not tolerate.”

Noah was confused, “What? She said after coming over to bring you the bread that Leah made, you just fired her.”

Pete was beside himself because of the cavalier attitude of his niece. He didn’t know her to be that way before, and now she was lying. “Like I said. I fired her because of her disrespect. She crossed the line in the way she talked to me and Debra yesterday and it wasn’t the first time. I’d warned her about her behavior so that was my final straw.”

“Did she walk in on something with you and Debra again?”

“I guess that would justify her attitude, is that what you’re suggesting?” Pete was indignant. He kept his voice low and controlled for the sake of Carl pulling on the collar of his coat, and for others walking by them in the parking lot. This was why he didn’t want to have this conversation. “I don’t care what she may have walked in on or not, she has no right to disrespect me or Debra. I’ve had enough of this conversation.” Pete walked away dismissing Noah.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Pete mentally repeated after unlocking his car and putting Carl in his car seat.

**KC**

Debra was lying across her queen size bed, her head propped under a pillow while she watched the characters on the TV screen mounted on the wall ahead of her. Her mind was far beyond what she was viewing. She woke up that morning feeling like a complete idiot. She kept telling herself that to solidify that fact. She was basically mute when Pete arrived a few hours earlier to pick up Carl for church. She had Carl bathed, dressed and fed – ready to go by the time Pete rang her doorbell. She kissed Carl on the forehead, passed him over to Pete, gave him Carl’s diaper bag then shut the door without giving him a chance to speak. She didn’t mean to be rude, but she didn’t want to talk to him, she didn’t want to hear him say exactly what she knew he would say –
yesterday was a mistake.

Pete wasn’t ready for a relationship. She saw it written all over his face after Rachel left his house yesterday. Debra knew he regretted that they made love, which was why she felt so stupid for giving in to her temptation to be with him. But, she really enjoyed their explosive intimacy. She’d never had that powerful connection with her ex-husband. Pete awakened parts of her body she didn’t even knew existed. Part of her was upset that she may never experience that with him again – or anyone else for that matter. After guarding her emotions for years against giving her heart to another man, she went and fell for the one who couldn’t give his heart to her because it died with someone else – Moriah.

“Ugh!” Debra groaned as her sour thoughts got the best of her. She flipped over on her back and looked up at the white ceiling.
The best thing for me is to forget about my feelings for him and continue to just focus on working on me. We made love yesterday, mind-blowing, off the Richter scale, nobody-can-do-me-like-he-did sex, so now my desire for him should be out of my system. Yes! I can do this, I can continue just focusing on me and getting my life back on track.
She seriously doubted it though.