Chapter 8 Autumn
As soon as the door closed, I let out the heavy breath I had been holding in since the moment I locked eyes with Mr. Ghana Abara.
I’d treated many attractive patients, but Ghana was a different breed.
His waves made me dizzy; his dark, brown-sugar skin was smooth but held worry lines that formed into a V between his perfectly lined brows.
His full lips and full beard made my nipples pebble, and I prayed that he couldn’t see it through my blouse.
I almost wanted to call Kenzi and curse her ass out for not telling me how fine her brother was.
At least if I’d known, I would have been better prepared.
I think I handled it well, though. I didn’t let on that I was indeed attracted to him.
The guys I dated always felt like I was evaluating them, and it never lasted.
I could admit that maybe I was assessing them, but it was for a good reason.
I needed to make sure I made the right decisions concerning my love life.
I didn’t like controlling men, men who had mommy issues, or men who were narcissistic. In Ghana’s case, he had mommy issues, so I knew whatever I was thinking wouldn’t work.
The way he looked at me and what he said to me couldn’t be ignored, however. Although I’d never looked at any of my clients in a sexual way, Ghana had a presence that exceeded any of my restrictions.
He didn’t say much.
Didn’t have to, really.
But what he said led me to believe that what I thought would be easy would not be.
I stood from the chair I had been sitting in since Ghana left my office and went to my desk to write down a few notes about our visit today.
There wasn’t much I could say but the fact that he was sexually frustrated and attracted to me.
I wouldn’t put that part in my notes, but I would explain how he refused to tell me anything.
The visit didn’t even last more than ten minutes, but just from his stare alone, I could tell our sessions would take a lot of restraint on my part.
I called my assistant to let her know to put Ghana on my schedule three times a week.
Whether he showed up or not, I wanted to be available to him because I knew how badly Kenzi wanted this for him.
When she called me, in distress, I knew I had to come through for my girl. Kenzi was nothing short of amazing, and I would always show up for her whenever she needed me.
After putting the notes into my computer, I went to my text messages and sent Willow a text, asking if she was available.
After receiving confirmation that she was, I grabbed my water and headed to her office.
I knocked lightly before opening the door and going inside.
Willow sat behind her desk, going over the papers in front of her.
“Girl!” I exclaimed as soon as I shut the door.
Willow’s eyes came to me. “What happened?”
“Kenzi’s brother . . . Like, why on earth would she send his fine ass to me?”
Willow giggled. “Uhm, maybe because she wants you to help him, not hump him.”
“Who said anything about humping him?” I asked as I sat in the chair in front of her desk.
“The way you just came in here flustered, I’d say you’d be Sally on that camel.” She laughed as I joined in.
“You’re so corny.”
“Call it what you want, but I want to make you aware that you’re dealing with a person with mental health issues. I’d also like to point out that he’s your client, and it breaks the rules.”
“Ma’am, you do not have to tell me that.”
She tossed her palms in the air with a smile on her face. “I’m just saying. He’s also our friend’s brother.”
I rolled my eyes. “I know that too, Will. I was just coming to tell you how fine he is and what he said to me, but you're taking it overboard, per usual.”
She leaned up in her seat with that same goofy smile. “What did he say?”
“Oh, now ya ass want the tea? I’m good.” I stood from the chair and headed toward the door.
“Uh un! Come on, sis. You can’t leave me on the cliff.”
“We need a ladies' night tonight. Call Kenz to set it up, and maybe I’ll let you know what he said. Bye.” I walked out of her office and back to mine to prepare for my next client.
Mr. Ghana did have me flustered, being that I hadn’t had sex in six months.
I’d never breach the doctor-client privilege, but I had to admit the man was fine.
It was just too bad he had to be who he was.
Otherwise, I’d let that man do exactly what he said he’d do.
By the time I was done with my last client, it was time to close the office. Kenzi confirmed that we’d hang out tonight, so I was excited to finally have some girl time. We hadn’t had one since she left for Memphis, and I truly missed having girl time with my girls.
Willow and I got inside our cars, and I followed her to Kenzi’s. My phone rang with an incoming call from Stupid Ass Nigga—a nigga I didn’t want to talk to but had to since we shared something that forced communication for the next seventeen years.
“Hello, Chris,” I answered dryly.
He chuckled lightly. “Trust me, if I didn’t have to call you, I wouldn’t.”
“Too bad our dreams can’t always come true, huh?”
“Anyway, you didn’t put her cereal in her bag or those puffs that she likes.”
“Oh, I didn’t? Darn it. I guess you’ll just have to run out and get her some then, huh?” I asked sarcastically.
“I swear, you always doing something to piss me off. It’s like you live to torment me.”
“Chris, she’s your daughter too. Tell me why I have to purchase things for her for your household? Why do I have to pack a bag at all when you’re her father and should make sure she has everything she needs?”
“Don’t do that shit, Autumn. You know I do anything and everything for my daughter. You didn’t exactly write me a damn list of her needs either.”
“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist.”
He huffed into the phone. “Whatever, man. I have to bring her to you tomorrow afternoon. I gotta go to an event for Brenai that I forgot about. I’ll come pick her back up once it’s over.”
My face twisted as I rolled my eyes. I hated it when he spoke her name to me.
It was the same bitch he committed adultery with while I was carrying his daughter.
He swore they didn’t start messing around until after our divorce, but photos and video footage determined that was a lie.
Although Christopher and I had checked out of our marriage since before the divorce, and I ended up pregnant because I slipped up and had sex with him when I was ready to end shit between us, I still expected him to have some kind of loyalty to me.
But that was too much like right.
Brenai had been his assistant since he started his own non-profit organization for his youth program, helping the young kids navigate through school and offering job opportunities to keep them off the streets.
I didn’t consider me and Brenai friends, but I thought we had mutual respect.
But my respect and hers were on two totally different levels.
I didn’t expect her loyalty, but I did expect the bitch to have respect for people's marriages. So much for whores having any decorum. The thing about it, though, I wasn’t even mad at the tramp for shooting her shot.
It was Chris who got all the smoke and hands.
If it was that easy for her to slide into my spot, then she could have his tacky ass.
The sad part about it was he was still trying to crawl between my legs, and if I were a petty chick, I’d let him and send her proof that his ass would never get over me.
“Yeah, okay, Chris. Is that all?”
“Yeah, man. Enjoy your evening.” He hung up.
I shook my head as we finally made it to Kenzi’s, seeing three bikes in front of her house. I knew her husband was one of the leaders of the Motor City Rebels, so it wasn’t uncommon for us to see him and his crew on their bikes.
It kind of fascinated me, seeing my girl riding on the back of his bike as if she belonged. She even had a cute biker jacket with "Mrs. Santana" on the back in hot pink and black lettering. She was a doctor during the day and a rebel chick by night, and I loved that for her.
“I have to tinkle so bad,” Willow said when we met up on the sidewalk.
My good sis was so prim and proper. I joked with them all the time, saying we were the three composites that made up the elements: earth, wind, and fire.
I was the earth—firm and steady. Willow was the wind—light and airy, and Kenzi was the fire—hot, blazing, and would burn the world down about those she loved and cared for.
“Say pee, Will.”
“I will not. Have some decorum, Autumn.”
“Bitch, please.” We both laughed as we rang the doorbell and waited.
A few seconds later, Kenzi opened the door, wearing light jean shorts that almost looked like panties, a white tank top, and her white cowboy boots.
Her hair was in two fishtail braids, with sultry makeup, and light jewels on her neck, ears, and wrists.
I’d seen her dressed down before, but not like this.
She definitely was a biker chick this evening.
“Okay, baddie!” I exclaimed, snapping my fingers three times.
Kenzi laughed and did a spin. “Y’all like?”
“We love. You’re definitely giving road babe,” Willow said.
“Thanks. Anytime I hang out with my husband and his crew, I have to dress the part.” She glanced at our attire. “Not y’all in your pencil skirts and blouses. I thought you all would go home and get dressed first.”
“Well, you didn’t exactly say we had to dress like you to go have drinks. I thought you’d made reservations somewhere,” I said.
She shook her head. “It’s the Rebels’ annual block party, the biggest one this year. I heard K Millz, Christian Miller, and Knowledge are supposed to perform, and a few other celebrity faces will be in the crowd as well.”
“Really? No way. I love K Millz and Knowledge music!” I exclaimed.
“Got a shorty on my side, that ain’t scared to ride . . .” Kenzi started, swaying her hips while tossing her hands in the air.
“Keep the blicky on my hip, neva scared to slide!” I followed up, joining in on the dance. Willow stood by, watching, and looked lost.
“Oh shoot. I forgot you don’t listen to rap. I doubt you even know who Knowledge and K Millz are,” I joshed, teasing her.
“The way she twerk it on the penis, I’m not trying to hide.”
Both Kenzi and I gasped and laughed. Although she switched out ‘dick’, ‘ain’t’, and ‘tryna’, I couldn’t believe she, in fact, knew the lyrics.
“Pop yo’ shit, Will!” Kenzi exclaimed.
“Contrary to what you both believe, I have been to a Kema P. concert twice. Her husband performed, and so did K Millz. So, boom.”
“Okay, burst our bubbles then, pud,” I said.
“Can I trouble you for the bathroom?” she asked Kenzi.
“Of course. Down the hall to the right. Last door.”
“Thank you kindly.”
Willow walked off, and Kenzi’s eyes came to me. “So, how’d the session go? He didn’t tell me anything, and I know his confidentiality is between you two, but I just want to know if he at least talked to you.”
I looked away. I wasn’t expecting her to ask me that, but I was sure she wanted to know. “Uhm, it didn’t go well. He left after five minutes of his entering my office.”
She frowned. “Why? What happened?”
“Not sure, but don’t worry. I’m sure he’s going to come back.”
Kenzi walked into the living room and took a seat.
I sat next to her and took her hand. I couldn’t tell her that he threatened to have sex with me if he stayed any longer.
I wasn’t exactly sure if that was a dangerous threat, as if he’d take it, or if I’d willingly give it up to him, but either way, I wouldn’t tell her that unless he made me uncomfortable.
I wasn’t uncomfortable in the slightest.
“It’s okay, love. I’ve dealt with clients who would sit in my office for the entire hour and say not a word.
I’d literally be talking to myself, or we’d sit in silence while I play Toy Blast on my phone.
You know how this goes. It may take time for him to come around, but he’s going to come around. Just trust the process.”
“I know. He seems okay, so I won’t worry, but make him talk, Autumn. Use your charm to get him to open up. You’ve always been easy to talk to.”
I smiled at her. “I got you, babe.” She placed her hand on top of mine just as her husband and his crew came up from the basement. Jaxson and Ghana followed behind him, and we locked eyes. His stare gave me chills as I looked from him to Mekai.
“Hey, Mr. Santana,” I greeted and stood.
He smirked and kissed both my cheeks. “It’s Ruger or Mekai. What up doe, Autumn?”
I smiled and nodded. “Gotcha. Hi, Jaxson.”
“Autumn. Good to see you, sweetheart.” He kissed my cheek as well.
“Ready, baby?” Mekai asked Kenzi.
“Yes. Just waiting for Willow to come out of the bathroom.”
“I’m here. Hello, Mekai and Jaxson.”
“Willow. I don’t think you’ve met our brother, Ghana,” Mekai said.
“I have not. How are you, Ghana? I’m Willow, Kenzi’s very best friend.”
“Not too much, Hillary,” I teased, and Kenzi and I laughed.
“Whatever.” Willow waved us off.
“Alright, let’s go. I’m ready for some good fun, good food, and to hear some good music!” Kenzi exclaimed. We all filed out of the house, and I headed to my car. Before I could get to the driveway, I felt my body stop, and I looked back to see Ghana holding my hand.
“Ride with me,” he suggested.
I frowned lightly. “Pardon me?”
“Ride with me,” he repeated.
“Uh, I don’t believe I can. I drove, and besides, I have on a skirt.”
“If you ride, I’ll talk. Fair exchange.”
“I have on a sk—”
“It’s long enough not to show anything, mama.”
“Autumn, go,” Kenzi said, giving me that ‘please’ pout she gave when she really wanted me to do something. I was nervous as hell, especially after what he said to me.
I looked back at Ghana and sighed. “Fine.”
“Coo’. You can put your bag in here,” he said, opening the saddlebag.
I placed my purse inside, then he helped me onto the back of his bike.
I held the front of my skirt with my left hand, placed my right one in his palm, swinging my leg over, being sure to keep my legs as closed as possible.
I settled onto the back with my knees pressed together.
I could hear him chuckle as he handed me his helmet.
“You can’t ride with your knees in my back, shorty. Open ya legs a bit.” He leaned a little closer. “I promise no one will see how fat that motherfucka is.”
Oh, God! Stop!
I could feel a light tingle hit my clit. He got on as I told him, “Enough of that talk, sir. I’m your therapist. Keep it clean.”
He turned his head slightly with a smirk on his face. “Until I make it messy? Got it.”
I shook my head as he started the engine, and it roared to life.
I didn’t know what I was getting myself into with Ghana, but something told me I was in for a big surprise.