I own a two-flat building that I inherited from my Uncle’s family. I’ve got the first floor to myself. Two entrances keep the excess traffic to a minimum. I sometimes feel like I live alone. So I get lonely and look for companionship. I frequent the local bars and singles clubs. I even started to visit the places where a guy could purchase a little company. Since I didn’t want to pay for some action, I just sat and looked, watched, and ogled the girls at these places. I like to sit and talk with girls and maybe buy a drink or two, just to have company on the weekends.
Because I went there each weekend, I got to know some of the girls by name. I didn’t hit on them, so they may have thought I was gay and on the make for some of the guys. I was sexually attracted one or two of the girls, but not enough to pay for a date.
“Hello, Kenny, can you buy me a drink?” Tina said, every weekend. It was nice to be recognized and asked to sit with them over a drink. I did not feel like I had to make a good impression. The pressures were off because they were not my girlfriends.
Eight o’clock on Thursday night, I asked Tina to have a friendly dinner with me. “Tina, will you have dinner with me tonight?” I said.
She looked at me and laughed. “Kenneth, you don’t have anything I want, she said. Why would I waste my time with a fool like you?” She turned and walked away. This made me realized I had been mistaken about our being friends. I just sat there sulking about being shot down by her. Someone moved up behind me while I had my back to the bar.
Denise, the bartender, overhearing our conversation said, “If you are looking to have a date, with someone. You should try one of the girls that come here for one-night stands, not the professional girls.” You see the tall redhead girl over there she is not here for the money. Talk to her about getting dinner, she might accept your offer.”
“No, Denise, that’s now what I am looking for. I thought I could do something nice for one of my friends here.”
“Kenneth that is your name isn’t it?” You are not a friend to any of these “Ladies.” They just use you as a reason to stay at the bar.” If you were not buying drinks, the management would throw them out. Come down to the slow end of the bar and I will give you some advice about your so-called friends. These girls that you see hanging at the bar are just looking to make a hook for the money. I mean they are professional prostitutes. I thought you knew that they need you to help them stay at the bar. Otherwise, since you are not a rich customer, they will have nothing to do with you. I mentioned the one-night stand girls. They on the other hand are looking for a quickie. I see the same girls here every night on the weekends. Some even have boyfriends, but they need the action. Money is not the main factor in their eyes. They are looking for the sex.” Denise tried to explain to Kenneth.
“Sex for money or sex for fun is not what I am looking for here. Just didn’t want to be home alone. Meet new people is what a man, who works from home wants to do.” Kenny said.
“You seem like a nice guy and one who is not after a good time with the ladies. So what is it that you are after? I heard you talking to Tina. You are a strange man. You come here and just look but I have never seen you touch anyone or heard of any of your conquests.”
“I enjoy the company of women. I don’t have to touch or conquer to feel good. Sometimes, I feel foolish just coming here and wonder why I keep coming. When I refer to them as my friends, I guess I am trying to be liked or needed by someone as a part of their life.
“If you mean that, I know someone who needs some help. This lady is in a particularly tough situation and could use some help. Would you be willing to discuss helping a girl out?”
“By doing what?”, I asked. I got the feeling this girl is trying to pull a fast one on me.
“Let me put this to you right, Denise began to explain. So you don’t get the wrong idea. I’m looking for a safe place to live. I’ve got a stress-filled situation to go through. I need someone to help me through it. Can you do something like that without it getting messy?”
“How long will this situation be taking place?” Ken asked.
“Well I have to move next week and I will require a period of about 9 or 10 months.”
“Are you looking for free lodging or something like that?” Ken inquired.
“No! I can pay for a room or assist with rent. I don’t feel safe living alone during this period. It’s the peaceful atmosphere I need!! I am going to have a baby, and I need it to be as pleasant, as possible.” Denise expressed, with deep concern in her voice.
I thought about how it would be to have a woman living with me. I’ve been longing for some company, but I couldn’t believe my luck. Denise was quite a good-looking woman. She stood about 5’7 short brown hair, curly not quite an afro, but natural instead of straight. I saw wide hips and narrow legs, an ample bust, maybe a 36c like two apples, not melons.
Yes, I am a sexist dog when it comes to looking at women. I like long legs, up to their necks, with a full but tight bottom. She had a full face, smooth lips, and warm eyes. I liked Denise’s looks. I wondered if she would include sex as part of the arrangement.
All this went through my head as we sat facing each other. Then, I focused on the words peaceful and pleasant.
“So, I said, “Why do you need me to be part of your plans?”
She began,” When I got pregnant and told my husband. ‘Jimmy said, “I didn’t want any children. We can’t afford children. You got so sick the last time and I still haven’t found a new job.”‘
“I yelled, “You knew that I wanted to try again since we lost the first baby.”
‘”Oh, no I am not going through this again with you, I can’t stand it.”‘ So he left.
“I have hopes of being relaxed and easy-going throughout this pregnancy. I had hoped he would be happy with this second attempt.” Denise went on to say.
“What do you mean the second attempt?” I said.
“I was pregnant before and due to excessive stress on my job and at home, I lost the baby. My mother and father died in a plane crash in my 5th month. Jimmy lost his job and I had to pick up the slack to cover our bills. Jimmy refused to take a low-paying job so that I could slow down. The doctor told me to take more time to rest. I couldn’t because we both depended on my income. So that caused me to miscarriage in my seventh month. I want a baby before I turn 40. “Will you help me to make it through the next nine months?” She said.
“Yes I could do that, I said,” But will this work, if we aren’t friends. “Denise, you may think you know what kind of man I am. I don’t know very much about who you are. First impressions can be tricky. You may think you know me, but do you? I have not paid you very much attention. I guess because I was focusing on the girls in front of the bar, instead of behind it. I would like to suggest we associate with each other for the next month. This way we can both get to know each other.”
“Kenny, that sounds like a very good idea. What have you got in mind for an association?
“Can I get some service here?” A patron called from the other end of the bar.
“Yes sir! I will be right there.” She whispered “Hold that thought”
The other bartender had taken a break, so it took her a while to get back to me. It gave me a chance to reflect on what I was about to do. Almost a whole year of living with someone I hardly know. I had never done this before. You had better be sure about this, Kenny.
Denise came back after a half-hour. She did not miss a beat of our conversation. “Kenneth, you were about to explain your ideas of how this situation should work out?”
“Well, I said, (clearing my throat) I just gave the thought of a peaceful home as being more than two people living in the same house and ignoring each other. We will have to give something of ourselves to make this happen.”
She leaned back from the bar crossing her arms. Then asked me,” Just what did you decide I should be giving of myself to make this work.”
She gave me a look that told me to beware of what I said next.
She said, “I hope you are not looking for some free live-in lover. That isn’t what I had in mind when I asked you about helping a girl out. I was in a deep relationship until last month. I still have a strong feeling for him. I never thought of leaving him.”
I looked straight at her eyes and said “Your pregnancy has just begun, right? Well, how about we spend some days and nights together. We can continue living in our separate apartments while we get to know each other. By alternately staying at each other’s apartment, we can see how our current lifestyles will have to be amended to make this work.”
“Uh, Kenny, I have to move out of the apartment in the next week. It was my husband’s apartment. The building sent us a notice of remodeling. So even if I wanted to stay there, I couldn’t”.
“Will we need a large moving van or will a small cargo van do the trick?” Kenneth said.
“That is so sweet of you to agree to help me move. I had not thought about that part of the situation. I had better get back to work before someone says something. I get off at 1:00 am. We can go have a late dinner. You can stay overnight and help me decide what I need to do with my things in the morning.”
“Okay, Denise I will stay over tonight, but no hanky-panky young lady,” I said.
Denise laughed. She has a beautiful smile.
It hit me hard as I was heading out the door. I had just committed to staying with Denise for nine months. I was looking for steady company, yes! But this stuff is more than I wanted to do to have a little company. How did I get roped into this matter?! I was just sitting at the bar, trying to have a good time. I was chilling for the evening. Then she offers me some advice and I wind up agreeing to be her live-in boyfriend. Is she trying to pull a game on me? I may be a fool, but I am not going to let this be the problem it could be!! NO WAY!!! Pull yourself together, Kenneth old boy you haven’t made it official, yet! I will let my Father in heaven help me to decide.
Kenneth began to pray. “Heavenly Father, I have been asked to do something that most men would run from. She could plan to make me responsible for her child. I am afraid to do nothing. I want to help her. I feel that I am being challenged by you! Can this be your way of teaching me a lesson? I will take this one step at a time until you let me know your plans for me.”
NEW CHAPTER:
Four hours later as the bar is closing.
“Denise, are you ready to cash out?” Julio said as he closed the front doors.
“No not yet! I got a few more drink receipts to count up. I need about four or five more minutes!! Denise yelled out.
“Let me see the Tab master has me down for 35 shots of Jack Daniels and 50 shots of Remy Martin. 13 screwdrivers and 5 old fashions and 100 assorted beers. I had a good night, now let me see if my cash drawer reflects the same.
Candace called out, “Let me help you, Denise.
“I got it Candace!!, she shouted back. “I sure as hell not going to let her mess up my bank, again“,Denise thought.
TABMASTER Sheet:
35 ea jdaniel shots @ 6.00 = 210.00
50 ea remy shot @ 12.00 = 600.00
13 ea scrdrv @ 5.00 = 65.00
5 ea olfash @ 7.50 = 37.50
100 ea assrtbeers @ 7.00 = 700.00
Grand total = $1717.50
“Let me see what is in the till. Okay, seven 100 dollar bills; six 50.00 dollar bills; twenty 20 dollar bills; one ten-dollar bill; seven singles and two quarters. Hey, I am short about $300.00. Pulling up the cash drawer she is relieved to see 300 dollars in charge slips.
“Okay, Julio, I am ready to bank out. I am balanced for tonight. Here you go.” I am famished and dead tired. “See you all tomorrow!” Denise called out as she walked out the door.
As the door closed behind her, Denise saw Kenneth standing there with two bags in his hands. “What are you doing here, Kenneth?” She asked.
Kenny said “I had a dinner date with someone. I guess they forgot and left me standing here. Would you mind if I walked with you? I am headed this way and I know it is not safe for young ladies to be alone at this time of night.”
“Sure, thanks for asking”, Denise said.
“Hey! Kenneth, what you got in your bags?” It sure smells good.”
“I was going to surprise her with a fish dinner. It was the only thing that I could think of that would still be hot when we got to her house.
“Where does she live?” Denise asked.
“I don’t know. Kenny replied. “She told me to meet her in front of the club.”
“So you finally got someone to pay attention to you?” Denise asked.
“Yes, but I am not sure it is going to work out.”
Denise inquired, “Why would you say something like that?”
Kenneth started to explain, “I got a feeling that I was being taken for a fool. As you can see she forgot about our dinner date.”
“Kenny, don’t you be in such a hurry to write her off. Maybe something happened and it slipped her mind. Or the time is just not right tonight. Either way, I’d say don’t you give up yet. New relationships take time to work out.” Denise advised him. Anyway, this is my building.”
“Denise have you had dinner, yet?”
“No, I am so tired after the long shift tonight. I didn’t wait for them to cook something for me.”
Kenny offered her one of the bags “In appreciation for your good advice, take one of these dinners for yourself. I can’t eat both of them.”
“Thank you, Kenny, but I can’t take your dinner.” Denise protested.
“Denise If you don’t take it. It will only go to waste. Do me a favor and enjoy this on me. Please take it!?”
Climbing up to the second floor, Denise thought to herself, how nice of that man Kenneth to have given her a dinner. He couldn’t know how hungry she was after getting off. Denise took off her coat, sat down to eat her dinner. Wondering where Jimmy could be at this time of night.
The food was hot and very good. “I really needed that!!,” Denise thought as she finished up the mashed potatoes, and mixed vegetables, that came with the fish dinner. Full and very sleepy Denise drifted off to sleep at the table. She had a dream about being abandoned on a sinking ship. A man came by with a small rowboat offering to take her away from the ship. She wasn’t sure what to do, but she made a quick decision. I will go with him and trust in God.
When Denise awoke at four in the morning, she remembered Jimmy was leaving her. He had decided to end their relationship after five years of marriage. The dream reminded her of the current situation. She was being abandoned by her husband and needed to find a place to stay. What was she going to do now? Oh yeah!! That man named Kenneth agreed to give her a space to live. He was supposed to come by after work to discuss the terms of their arrangement. She had been too tired to sit down and talk with him last night. She remembered meeting him after work. He mentioned being taken for a fool by someone. Was he referring to her? Denise started cleaning up the garbage from last night’s dinner.
She noticed attached to the bag that had contained the dinner was a note. It said “Call me if you change your mind. Ken (708) 629-7100. I will wait one day!!”
“Hello, Kenneth this is Denise Brown. I am sorry about standing you up last night. I was so tired from working I forgot about our appointment.” Thanks for the dinner. It was delicious.” Denise had to leave a voice message no one answered the phone when she called the first three times.
After Kenneth received the call from Denise he made a call to get her moved out of the apartment.
“Hey, Manny I need you to arrange an emergency pick up. The lady has to be out of her apartment by Tuesday. I know this is short notice, but she called me late last night. Take two men with you. She is taking four to six boxes of clothes that need to be packed by your team. Included in the pickup will be a dinette set with two chairs, a full-size bed, and some lamps, and a mirror. I will okay the overtime for whoever is going to accompany you. Put the items in a storage unit at Kedzie Ave. Storage facility.”
“Denise I have thought a lot about our staying together. Like I mentioned before! We won’t have a loving atmosphere if we just live together in the same house. Interaction is going to be a very important part of our relationship. The first thing that will have to become part of our lives is communication. We must get in the habit of talking.
Denise was pacing in front of the couch with the blueprint cover. Everything was so neatly put together. What am I doing here? She looked around nervously. “Maybe he has a woman. The house is so very neat and color-coordinated. He might be trying to get into some secret love tryst. She thought. I am going to start praying again. My God has given me so much. I did not have any place to go. Now, here I am sitting in a house where I can live and have my baby. He is a wonderful God. I will trust in this being HIS will and what I need to do. Kenneth is trying so hard to make me feel like I belong.
“Sit down you started pacing the minute that you arrived. Are you sorry we started this endeavor?” Kenneth asked.
She turned and moved toward the couch in front of the window. She chose to look out the window. She couldn’t make herself face Kenneth. She looked at the boulevard with all the green lawns freshly cut and the buildings surrounded by beautiful flowers. It was such a quiet conservative neighborhood. She had always wanted to live in a place like this. As she thought about the possibility, her mind started to wander and she smiled a little.
“Denise, are you ignoring me?”
“No, Kenneth, I was just noticing the neighborhood. I like the area and that helps me to be sure that I made a good decision when I asked you to help me. She turned toward Kenneth as she said this. Finally looking him directly in the eye, “I have noticed that everything is very neat in your house. Do you have another woman living with you?
“No, I don’t. We parted close to a year ago. Why do you ask?”
“Kenneth, she said. I asked for your help because, One, I needed someone’s help and two, I like the way you seemed to warm to the idea of helping me.”
She gave him a stern look and said, “I don’t know if I have done something to make you suspicious of me and my motives. The situation is still the same. I want to have my baby. This is the only way I can think of to complete my pregnancy in good health. Now that Jimmy has left me, I needed someone’s help. I think that person could be you. I appreciate the way you took care of my stuff and got me here in just a few days. I want to stay here with you. Can we get past the uncertainty of this new situation?”
Kenny thinks to himself as they are talking. “She is so pretty sitting there. I can’t believe it. I am still trying to get out of helping her. I can see she needs someone to care for her while she has this baby. Lord, I am so glad you chose me to be her helpmate. Forgive me for trying to undo your will.”
“Denise, I don’t want you to feel that I can’t make this relationship work. So we can discuss the terms of your staying here later. Let me show you the room that I have prepared for you. If you need anything to make your stay more comfortable let me know. I chose the bedroom across from the bathroom, in case you need to make a mad dash sometime.”
This room likes very nice. Is this the room you had for your other girlfriend?
New chapter:
Turning over I stretched and moaned softly. I didn’t want to open my eyes. I felt warm, comfortable. The bed was soft as I snuggled under the covers. I could smell food cooking. I heard someone moving around the house. I wonder who could be making those noises. Opening my eyes, I saw a room I did not recognize. Where am I? I sat up looking around the room. It was a large bed with white curtains on the windows. Matching rugs were on the floor next to the bed. I must be dreaming. Jimmy and I could never afford a room like this.
I called out “Jimmy where are you!? No answer from Jimmy, just the sounds of someone cooking. Jimmy didn’t like to cook, so it wouldn’t be him. The food smelled great. My stomach started to growl. From the bed, I started to look for my clothes. They were thrown over a chair. I must have been tired when I got home last night.
Then it struck me, I had been abandoned by Jimmy. He had been gone when I came home last week. This must be the house of the guy I had asked to let me live with him. What was his name? Oh, yes it was Kenneth something. How could I move in with someone and not take the time to learn his whole name? He was willing to help. I didn’t have much time to decide. He wanted to talk about getting to know each other, but when he supplied a separate bedroom, I didn’t ask many questions.
Slipping out of the bed, I pulled on my robe. I looked in my suitcase for a change of underwear. Pulling my robe tight, I prepared to dash for the bathroom, without running into him. What do you say to a guy after spending the night at his house? This is the first time I have slept in a place with a man since I left home. Jimmy and I are no longer together. Sitting on the side of the bed, she realized she had gotten herself into a very unique situation. Denise had not taken the time to find out anything about Kenneth’s lifestyle. Although Kenneth had done nothing to make her fear him, she just could not fully relax.
KNOCK! KNOCK!! “Denise, breakfast is ready!” Kenneth called out.
What does he mean? Denise thought. It’s 10:00 a.m. and I just got up. What is he doing home? Did he stay home just because I moved in?
“The food is getting cold!! Denise, can you hear me?”
“I’m coming!! Let me get dressed!!”
“I fixed a full breakfast, I know you are hungry. You did not eat anything after you arrived yesterday. I got eggs, sausage, and toast. Would you like orange juice or coffee?” Kenny asked.
“Can I have both?” she replied.
Kenneth said, “Sure, let me get you a glass.”
“What made you fix breakfast at this time? Do you usually eat at this time?” Denise asked.
“This is my break time. I usually just get coffee and a roll. Then I remembered you slept here late last night.” I wanted you to know that you are welcome here. I want to make an effort to help you get comfortable. I thought cooking you breakfast would be a good start.”
Denise smiled and said, “You were right. This is delicious. Thanks!!”
“I could see that you were tired yesterday when you came to see the apartment. So I waited until this morning to bring this up. I think we need to set up some guidelines. I am going to ask for $100.00 monthly for the room. The payments can be made monthly on the first. I would like to have the payment as a transfer to my account from you. I will issue a receipt electronically with each payment. “
Kenneth, I got a problem. My money has disappeared from my account. I had some money I was going to pay you to rent for the next month. Now I can’t even afford to pay the deductible on my insurance.”
I wonder if she is trying to get slick. Offering me money, that, suddenly she does not have. “Denise, what are you talking about?”
“I have my check direct deposited to an account each pay period. I did not have to worry about getting my check cashed weekly. This morning when I contacted my bank and I asked for the balance of the account, it was zero. No money is in the account! I can’t afford to pay my medical bills without that money. Can you tell me what could have happened? This is my first problem with my money. Jimmy and I have had this account for over five years. We paid the rent and other bills from it without a hitch, until now.
“Did you talk to the bank asking what happened?” Kenny asked.
“They refused to talk to me about it. I don’t seem to have access to the account anymore. I was calling to change the address and they turned me over to the savings manager. The account has been closed. I cannot find out about my funds, because I can’t supply the appropriate information. The address that I gave them for the home address is incorrect. My name is not on the checking account like I thought.”
“If Jimmy was the joint owner on the account, he could close it and remove all the funds. Let’s assume that is the case. Will you allow me to help you get back on your feet?”
“What have you got in mind? I am not going to let you handle my financial affairs like I did Jimmy. I won’t let this happen again. I am willing to listen to your idea because money has become a major problem to me, now!”
“First we need to go down to the bank. We will open another account for you, Denise. Then we have to make arrangements for your check to be directly deposited into the new account. I will go with you to verify who you are. A second person to verify your identity will help to expedite the opening of the new account.”
“That sounds good, Ken, Denise replied. I will be able to start paying my bills with the next check.”
Well, it might take a month for your checks to start going into the account. What I am proposing is that you let me give you $2000.00 to put into the account so you can pay your current bills. This will give you a surplus to cover emergencies until your checks start being deposited, Denise. Kenny explained.
“No! Not going to put me in debt to you. It will be the beginning of a bad situation!” Denise shouted.
“I misspoke, Denise. I am willing to lend you $2000.00 for two years at an interest rate of 2% payable in 24 monthly payments of 83.00. We can sign papers and set them up, legally. I don’t want you to think I’m trying to take advantage of you.” Kenny said quickly; correcting himself.
RING! Ring! Hello, this is Kenneth.
“Hi, Kenneth! This is Pedro over on North Kedzie Ave. You had a delivery put into one of the vacant storage units last month. It says here, that the tenant is a young woman. I was checking our list of occupied cans. I see we have one that is not generating income. When I checked to see why not, I discovered you had authorized the use of Unit number742a for storage. We don’t have any information on her request for storage space. Who is Denise Brown? How did she get in our facility on Kedzie Ave?”
“It was an emergency pickup by our moving division. She had to vacate her apartment in two days. I had forgotten to register it with you! Put her on a 30 dollar monthly billing. I will make sure the fees are paid on time. Thanks for checking with me about that. I will have the signed papers forwarded to the Kedzie office. Good catch! I am glad you took your new responsibilities, seriously. I knew you were the right choice for that job promotion. I will be stopping by the site next week. See you then. Bye, Pedro.”
Kenny hung up the phone and thought. “We just discussed the problem of paying her rent weekly and now I have to ask her for an additional $30.00 a month.”
DISCUSS PAYMENT FOR STORAGE. AND HISTORY OF PICKUP
ADD INFORMATION ABOUT HOW WE DISCUSSED WORKING HOURS AND PICKUP.
Picking her up from work has become a habit in a short time. They rode home each night and sort of left each other at the door. Tonight was different. He was noticing how she walked. Her steps seemed to be slower than usual.
“
Denise, why are you limping? Kenny asked her.
“I think I have a cramp in my feet! Most of the time, I don’t have a problem wearing high heels at the bar. Today, my legs and feet are trying to tell me something. She replied.
“Pull off your shoes. Let me massage your feet and legs. Maybe I can help to relieve the pain. You should be taking it easy. Your pregnancy could be the cause of your pains. Lay back on the couch.
Denise did as he said. Thinking I don’t want him to just touch me anytime he wants to….. Oh Ah Ummm! That feels so good. His hands seem to send the pain away. I guess I could stand this just a little longer. Then, I’ll make him stop.
Denise woke up still laying on the couch. A light cover had been thrown over her. In front of her was a plate with a sandwich, some chips, and a cold drink. Kenneth was nowhere to be seen. He must have gone to bed. It was after 3:00 a.m.
The second time she has come out to eat breakfast; then back into her room, all day. If I weren’t so busy getting the business back on its feet. I would pursue her company daily. I thought letting her live here would help to alleviate the loneliness I had begun to experience since Edna left me last year.
“Good morning Denise. How did you sleep?”
“I am fine, Kenneth. Why do you ask?”
“Last night, you seemed a little upset. I was wondering if you had tossed and turned after we separated.”
“What do you mean? After we’d separated”, Denise asked.
“Did we do anything strange last night? I got this feeling something has changed it between us. I’m not sure if what I remember was a dream or not.”
Kenneth was fixing breakfast. As she spoke, he stopped and turned to where she sat.
Looking at her, he wondered if she was ashamed of how she had cried and clung to him last night. He couldn’t blame her for wanting to say it was a dream.
“I held on to you in my dream. It was so soothing. What makes me think it was a dream is you held me so tenderly. I thought of how I felt in my father’s arms before he died. It showed me how much you cared for me. Was it a dream or did that happen?
“Yes, it happened.” I told her.
At 3:30 a noise snatched him from his sleep. Something had fallen and broken in the kitchen. He rushed out to find Denise crying over a broken glass of soda. On the counter was the plate that held the sandwich.
Before could stop himself, Kenneth scooped her up and carried her to the couch. She held on to him with her arms around his neck and continued to cry. When it came to him how close they were he started to move away from her, but she held on to him even tighter. Denise felt safe and contented where she sat. It felt like she was sitting on her father’s lap again.
Opening her eyes she saw that it was Kenneth who held her. She didn’t believe she could find such comfort again. Wiping her tears away, she climbed off Kenneth’s lap. She moved to the corner of the couch. She pulled her robe closely around herself staring at Kenneth.
“Thank you for holding me. I needed someone to comfort me. I did not know you cared enough for me to see I was hurting.”
“I do care about you! I just forget to tell you how much”, Kenny said. Then, to cover his embarrassment, he said,” I‘m going to clean up the broken glass. I will bring you your sandwich, too.”
Standing in the hall near the women’s bathroom, Denise received a call on her new cell. She stopped just before going into the bathroom. Pregnant women can’t wait when they need to make a nature call.
But, she couldn’t think of anyone who would be calling her at this time 12:30 a.m. So, she answered it before proceeding.
“Hello, can I help you?”
“Hey! Denise!” The voice said, How are you doing?”
Who is this!?
It’s me, baby. Jimmy! I’ve been missing you.”
“Yeah!! I have been missing you, too, Jimmy along with my money. I put my check into the account, and when I went to pull it out to pay my rent, it was gone! Just like you. Somebody took all the money and closed the account.”
“You’re doing alright, found yourself another man. I am the one who got fired and had to disappear or get put in jail. I needed that money to get out of town.”
“Jimmy, I had to find a place to stay. The apartment was being rehabbed. They would not let me stay, even if I had the money for rent. So I found a single bedroom rental. You remember I am pregnant with your child! Now, I am behind on the first month’s rent. Why did you take my last check, too?”
“Yeah, I heard you had shacked up with some loser you met at the bar. Was this something you had in the wings?”
“Kenneth let me move into a room, he had empty in his building. He understood I was pregnant and had no place to go. We are not shacking as you put it. I still work at the bar. I pay him weekly. Now I have to open another account for savings and rent, so I can afford the baby. You disappeared and I went out of my mind.”
“Okay, can you do something for me?”
“WHAT!” Denise shouted. By the way, how did you get this number?”
“Rick gave me the new contact number, you supplied for the bar.”
“You been talking to Rick, but you can’t come to see me, Jimmy?
“I have been by the club several times, but you seemed too busy to be bothered. Rick has you and the other girls jumping thru the hoops.”
“Forget it! What do you want from me now, Jimmy?”
“Somebody put in a child support claim in your name. Now my new job is going to start making deductions on your behalf. I need you to sign new papers that state you give up the right to child support from me. Tell them I am not the father of your baby.” Jimmy shouted.
“I did not put any paperwork on you. I hadn’t thought about having you take responsibility for this baby. I am still mad about you taking my money. Now you can repay me by sending me the child support.”
“So you won’t stop the payments from coming out of my check? You know that is wrong, Denise!”
“Who ran out on whom? Five years of being your little fool. I thought you loved me. You just married me, because I didn’t know any better. You told me being married would help us get our lives together. Now I find you only needed me to improve your credit rating.”
Denise looked around. Ricky was standing there. He was giving her a hard look. “Get back to work. Your break is over”, he shouted. Ricky and Jimmy had been partners before she met, Jimmy. Ricky was still holding their break-up against Denise. She continued to the bathroom then returned to the bar.
All this stressful behavior was beginning to affect her. Kenneth had left early this morning. It was the first time she had spent the whole day alone. Kenneth had given her the keys to the house the night before. It still felt strange to be leaving an empty house. It brought the reality of not having anything without Kenneth in her life. She hoped he would be back in time to pick her up from work. The buses stopped running after 11:00 pm on Friday nights.
The alarm went off at 11:30, time to get up to go pick-up Denise. Kenneth was tired. He had just gotten back from a quick trip to Carbondale. Someone had destroyed the materials in the wrong storage locker. John the manager in Carbondale did not have the authority to handle this situation. Kenneth had driven down to personally handle the payoff.
Now with barely three hours of sleep, he was heading back out in the rain, to pick someone who didn’t seem to appreciate his efforts. The first night when he had come to pick her up, she was very grateful. Now after four months of his doing this Denise seemed to take it for granted. Each night Denise usually got into the car and sat with her face toward the passenger side window. Not saying a word. It was beginning to annoy him and he wanted to call it quits.
Kenny began to pray as he pulled himself out of bed. “Lord, I know that I was not looking for her thanks when I began this journey. I needed to atone for some of the sins I have committed. Please forgive my impatience and my arrogance. I shall endeavor to remember why I agreed to help her. Denise told me she needed help and I wanted to be that help. Now because it seems a little difficult, I want to quit. Strengthen me as I try to look past my fatigue and continue to help her. Amen!”
Taking a quick wash-up Kenny changed into his jeans and a work shirt. Pulling the car out of the garage, he could see being there to pick up her tonight was important. He couldn’t allow her to travel alone in this type of weather. The rain was coming down in sheets, the roads were slightly flooded. Traffic was almost at a standstill. Tonight she could use a ride.
“Oh wow, I am 15 minutes late.” I hope she waited for me. It is too bad out to try to get a cab.” Kenny took a quick look to see if Denise was waiting outside before he tried to get into the club. He almost missed her as she stood in the doorway of the building next to the club entrance. The doorway gave a little shelter from the rain. Pulling out the umbrella he always kept in the car, he ran over to her. He guided her back to the car with the umbrella over her head.
“Rough day,” he asked, as he opened the door and eased her into the seat.
“Very much so, she replied. I had started to walk, but I could not see more than a few feet in front of me. I knew I had to come back and wait for you.” Tears began to form, and she let out a big sigh.
“Are you in any pain? Do your feet feel swollen? Is there anything I can do for you?” Kenneth began asking.
“I don’t feel any pains. I’m just really tired tonight. I got a little headache.” Denise said in response to his questions.
She turned and stared out the window as Kenneth drove. Once again, she began to pray for God’s help. Each night as they drove home she prayed for help and strength to continue with her life with a baby!
“Suddenly, Lord, I feel so helpless. I don’t have anything of my own. This man could put me out anytime. I want this baby but am I being realistic? How can I afford to have a child when I can’t take care of myself? I ask each night, but You don’t seem to want to answer me. I am trying hard to hear Your voice, but something is blocking it.” Maybe I am not listening. Is the answer something I don’t want to hear?”
Kenneth was able to maneuver thru traffic faster on the way home. It took all of his concentration, so he didn’t notice Denise’s tears. He heard something being muttered under her breath but thought she was going over her a day. When she ran into the house, he knew something special was bothering her. Having overslept before he left for the bar, he decided to fix something for her. It took about half an hour to fix the food. When he knocked on the bedroom door, she didn’t come out.
Shouting “I’m not hungry!” She stayed in her room.
Fixing her a plate, he put it in the microwave.
“Denise, I left you something in the micro!” Then he headed for his room. The trip was still dragging him down. He fell back to sleep in moments.
“Hey, Denise! Breakfast is ready!”
That was Kenny calling her just like he does every morning. Today it seems different. Kenny is less of a nuisance than usual. Denise put her feet out of the bed and started to stand up. She stepped down on a pair of shoes that were not her own. “How did these shoes get into my bedroom?” Did Kenny sneak into my bedroom last night? He couldn’t have because my room door is locked at night. Reaching for the door, she pulled and the door opened. It hadn’t been locked. Coming out of the bedroom she had a frown on her face.
Kenny saw the look on her face. She didn’t seem to be in a very good mood this morning.
“Denise, what is wrong with you this morning?”
“I found a pair of men’s shoes in my room this morning. Do they belong to you?”
“Yes, I think so. After you fell asleep, I got up and I didn’t remember to take them with me.”
New chapter
Kenneth was thinking about the trip he had planned for this time of year. Now that he had a visitor, this made things different. Could he trust her with his house and office? Not taking the business trip, did not come up as an option. Fifty thousand dollars was too much to waste. The purchase of land for the building of another storage facility needed to be done, now. He had originally planned to be gone a month. With Denise living in his house, it would require some serious planning to make all this work.
“Oscar, I am going to need a favor from you and your wife. I understand that your wife is working at the Other Side of the Bridge Lounge. I have arranged with a young lady, who also works there, to rent her a room for the next 10 months. She will need a ride home from this facility. Can you handle picking her up late at night? I would like to have her dropped off at my residence five nights a week. I don’t know if she gets off at the same time as your wife. Can you make arrangements to handle this for me?”
“What do you have in mind? Are you asking us to make sure that she gets home safely? Or are you asking for something more?” Oscar asked.
Kenneth explained why he needed this favor. “I will be gone out of town for about a month. She will be alone coming home each night while I am out of town. I want her to have a safe way to get home each night. I don’t trust LYFT or UBER to be reliable. I believe she works until 1:00 a.m. five nights a week. Is this convenient for you and your wife?”
“Can you tell me her name? I don’t want my wife to get jealous when I mention your request.” Oscar replied.
“Her name is Denise Brown, she is a bartender.”
“Let me discuss this with the wife and I will call you back,” Oscar said. Then he hung up.
“Oscar, what is your boss asking?” Juanita asked.
He said that some bartender at the club needed a ride home. He said I should make sure she was safe each night.” She is his tenant he said”.
“Are you sure this is his idea and not yours? Why would he ask you of all his employees to do this? You know I don’t play like that.”
“When I applied for this job I told them I had a requirement of not working late hours because I need to pick you up after 1:00 a.m. I said that the club closed at the time that all public transit has stopped in that area. I used it as an excuse not to work after 10:00p.m. He must have seen it on my application. Now I get a call to do him a favor.”
Juanita asked, “Do you have to bring her to his house alone? Did you promise to come alone after you drop me off?”
“No, I didn’t promise anything like that. I told him I would have to check with you first. I said you get jealous. I don’t want something like this to come between us.”
“I wonder who this bartender is. What is her name? How do you and your boss know someone who works with me?”Juanita asked.
“I don’t know any Betty Brown. I think that is the name he gave me. But he knows that she is working at the club with you. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but I saw him there one night when I came to pick you up.”
“Okay, sweet heart you can tell him we are willing to help him out. I am going to check on this Betty Brown.”
Juanita checks out Denise by talking to Maria the manager’s secretary.
“Maria can you tell me anything about a Betty Brown? I think she is one of the bartenders in the club. Juanita inquired.
“Juanita we don’t have a bartender with name of Betty Brown. You should know that. You do payroll each week! Are you talking about Neicy? Her last name is Brown.”
Maria replied. “Why are you asking?”
“My husband is trying to get in touch with her. He asked me if it would be okay to be her ride home.”Juanita said.
“Come on now Juanita! What is happening? Oscar wouldn’t be messing around on you!!”
“He told me he was asked to give her a ride by someone. I know my husband and this sounds strange to me.”
“There might some truth to his tale. Niecy’s husband left her about 5 months ago. She had to move out of her apartment down the street. I heard she was renting a room somewhere out west. So she may need a ride home at night.”
Juanita said “If she is after my husband, she had better look some other place. Oscar is a good man and I don’t plan to let him go without a fight.”
Juanita went to find Denise. Who does she think she is?
Maria smiled to herself. “I tell what you do is go down on the floor and see Neicy, if you think Oscar is trying to replace you with her. You can tell Neicy how you feel.”
Juanita found Denise on a break and sat with her to find out why her husband had been asked to take her home.
“Maria must have been laughing at me while my jealousy was growing. Denise is five months pregnant. I can see now how my silly attitude needed to be checked. Whoever has asked my husband to make sure she had a safe and secure way home cares deeply for Denise.”
“Hey Neicy I hear you need a ride home after work. What happened to your ride? I am sorry to hear the thing with your husband. Did you break up with him over the new guy? Juanita asked.
“No! I did not break up with my husband over another man. He decided to leave me! Since I moved my landlord has been picking me up after work. I won’t need a ride because he made arrangements for me to get home each night.” Denise said. Before I moved Jimmy and I lived two blocks from here. We broke up over my pregnancy. He doesn’t want children. I had to move when he left. So my new landlord has been making sure that I could get to work and home again. He is going to be out of town on a business trip. So he said he made arrangements for me to be picked up.”
“I think he called my Oscar to be your ride. We get to drive a company car. Oscar is glad because this gives him a chance to have our car repaired. So I just stopped by to let you know while your landlord is out of town we will be taking you home.” Juanita said.
NEW CHAPTER
Denise was worried about being called in to talk to the manager. She didn’t know why he had to talk to her. The appointment said she was to come into the club at 10:30 am. She has a few tough days last week, but nothing that should involve the manager.
“I was asked to report to Mr. Madison, this morning. Am I too early? Can you tell me what is happening, Maria?”She asked.
“He didn’t say anything to me about what he wanted. He just told me to ask you to be here Tuesday at 10:30. I have noticed that Billy has been coming up here, quite often over the past two weeks. Do you have a problem with Billy?” Maria asked.
“No! I don’t think so.” Denise replied. Billy gets to shouting sometimes, but I let it go. You know it’s his management style. He has not brought any problems with me, to my attention.”
“Well when you get into see Mr. Madison, maybe you could discuss that with him,” Maria suggested.
A buzzer on Maria’s desk sounded. “Send Mrs. Brown in, please. Hold all calls until we are finished.”
As she got up to go into Mr. Madison’s office, Denise wondered if he had overheard any of Maria’s and her conversation. He had not asked if she had made it to the office yet.
“Sit down Mrs. Brown. I have heard some complaints about your level of service. You have the reputation of always being willing to help out wherever you could. Now I understand you have slowed down lately. Your manager has reported that you are not as helpful anymore. His recent evaluations indicate a lack of commitment to helping out. He notates a lack of enthusiasm when it comes to being a team player. Is he right in his evaluations?”
“Mr. Madison, if you check the quantity or quality of my work, it has not dropped. I am no longer zipping around trying to learn by doing other people’s work. I am now able to better handle my increased responsibilities as a full-time bartender. Now that I am one of the main bartenders, I am required to keep better records. Maybe Billy thinks I should be supervising the other bartenders to help him in his new job of Bar Manager.”
“So have you slowed down, Denise? Mr. Carson has placed a formal complaint about your failure to be willing to fulfill the obligations of the job promptly.”
“Yes, I am slower these days. Jimmy, my husband, left me just as I found out I was pregnant. He got fired and decided we shouldn’t have a child or future together. So as a result of his decision, I became homeless five months ago.”
Mr. Madison interrupted her “Well looking here at your work history. I don’t see any time taken off. What happened?”
“I mentioned my situation to one of the patrons. He agreed to rent me a room in his building. Somehow he made arrangements to pick up my clothes and furniture from my apartment. The next day a truck and two men showed up to handle the moving. They took it to a storage facility. The room he gave me is very nice. I have a lock on the door. At night he comes to pick me up from the bar. Looking at how the situation developed. I was truly blessed to have met this man.”
“Why did you tell me all this when I only wanted to know if you are slacking off? Mr. Madison inquired.
“Mr. Madison I am five months pregnant. The doctor says I may only have another month before I am confined to bed. I would like to work until I have to quit. I am not slacking off on the job. I am not able to move as fast as before.
“Mrs. Brown, I can assure you will be able to work until then. Would you like to take a leave of absence?”
“I thank you, sir. I may not be able to come back for a year. I have no husband or other family to depend on. The man agreed to give me lodging for the period of my pregnancy. We haven’t discussed any plans after that time.”
“I appreciate you coming to discuss the situation brought to my attention by your manager. I don’t understand why he had to report this to the office. I wouldn’t expect you to be as energetic in your handling of the job since you are expecting a child in the next four months. I will discuss his assessment of you with Billy. Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your child.”
“Thank you, Mr. Madison.” As Denise walked out of the office, she thought. “I have got someone who looks out for my well-being. He has done things to make my life easier. I should be more aware of his feelings. I shouldn’t be yelling at him for being concerned enough to hold and console me. I should take the time to get to know him, better. I believe he could be a good friend if I give him the chance.”
NEW CHAPTER
Denise woke up the next morning asking God to be her guide and aid. Then she went looking for Kenny. For five months he had been there with her breakfast at 10:00 a.m. He was gone for the trip he had been planning for over a month. It was strange to be in the house without Kenny. It was his home, but he had left it under her control. Jimmy had never allowed her to be in charge of anything. The bank account was one thing she was never allowed to ask him about. Now she realized for someone to be your partner, they had to ask you to have some of the input on decisions. She remembered when Kenny had announced his trip. He was telling her his plans, not just disappearing for a while. It was one more example of his thoughtfulness.
“Denise, I have to leave town for a while. I made arrangements for you to be picked up after work. I think you will feel safe coming home because you know the wife of the person who will give you a lift home. Uber and Lyft are unreliable for your use. I didn’t want you to have any problems getting to and from work. If you find you don’t like the arrangements, I have made, please feel free to make changes. I’m not trying to boss you around. I just want you to be safe while I am away.”
“Thanks Kenny, I am glad to know someone is looking out for me. How long will you be gone? Where are you going?”
“I am researching another location for the storage company. It may take me a month to make the arrangements. I will be traveling to three cities. I received offers from cities looking to revitalize certain areas of their city. I promised to visit these cities last year. Now that you are here I am hesitant about going, but I can’t keep them waiting for another year.”
Denise was finishing breakfast, at 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning, when her cell phone rang.
Who can this be? She wondered. It took her a moment to find her cell phone on the dresser.
“Hello?” Denise said as she answered the phone.
“How are you doing, Denise?” The voice asked.
“I am fine! Is this you Jimmy?”
“No I am not Jimmy. This is Kenneth.”
“Oh, Kenny it is you! She said. How are you doing? Where are you?”
“I am in Indianapolis this week. I missed hearing your voice. So I thought I would call. I didn’t know what time I should try to reach you. I was hoping to catch you eating breakfast.”
You guessed about right. I have just finished eating breakfast. What about you? Have you eaten yet? Denise inquired.
“They get me up pretty early here. I had my breakfast at 8:00 A.M. this morning.-
“Lord, I thank You for the help You have sent me. I truly don’t know what I would have done without Kenny. He takes very good care of me. I have little or nothing to request that he doesn’t supply in a moment’s notice. Is he one of Your angels? I am starting to see him as a person. He seems to be a flesh and blood real man, someone with hopes; desires, and needs. If he is one of your angels, thank You for sending him when I most needed someone to care for me. I understand that he may be gone soon after I have my baby. What I am asking is! If he is a person who lives here on earth, teach me to care for him the way he has shown me he cares for me. I have been selfish and blind to so many things in my life. I pray that You will bless me with an open heart and mind toward Kenny, Amen.”
Two days after Kenneth left for his business trip, he called to check on Denise. She wasn’t home the first time he called. Then he thought about calling Oscar’s wife to ask her a favor. It was also a chance to see how Denise liked the idea of someone from work getting involved with her personal life.
“Hello, Juanita? This is Kenneth, Oscar’s boss. I need you to help me with something that I feel needs to be done for Denise Brown. I am away on business and I think she will be lonely during my absence. Are you aware she is having a baby? Do any of the other ladies that work with you know she is pregnant? I don’t want to cause any trouble by bringing it to their attention.”
“Yes, we know that she is expecting. Is it your child, Kenneth?”
“No, as much as I wish it was, it is not my child. She is my house guest and I don’t want her to be alone all the time, while I am gone. I was thinking that a baby shower would be nice about now. I believe Denise is in her fifth month. Don’t ladies usually have a baby shower when they are expecting? She did not get a chance to have one earlier.”
“Yes, you are right, but where would she have the party? I know she doesn’t have a place to hold it.” Juanita mentioned.
“I was thinking you could have it at the house. If she wouldn’t mind, I would pay for food and, whatever you need to have a good time. I want to send some gifts, too. Make her think you and the ladies at the job thought of it. Tell her you contacted me to okay the idea.”
“Kenneth, you are a good man. May God bless you!! I am glad Denise found some like you to take care of her. God is good! Bye.
“All the time, Juanita, Kenneth replied. All the time! Bye.”
Kenny woke up! He wasn’t in his bed, alone. How could this be happening? Brenda had left almost a year ago. Denise wouldn’t be in his bed. The warmth of her body was nice. It was a woman. It had been a while since he had the pleasure of a woman in his bed.
“Denise is that you? What are you doing here?” Kenny asked. She had pressed herself against his back. As he turned toward her, she moved away from him turning to face the door. She didn’t want him to see the need in her eyes.
“Sometimes, late at night, I get scared and lonely in my room by myself. I just needed to feel that I wasn’t alone. While you were away, I missed having you here. When I awoke tonight, I remembered you were back. So I came to reassure myself of your presence. When I saw you lying there, I was overcome by a strong urge for physical contact. I got in the bed to lie close to you. Then you woke up. If my being here bothers you, then I will leave.”
“No, don’t leave. I too feel lonely late at night. We agreed that you were not here to fulfill some fantasy for me, but that does not stop us from comforting each other. Since you are a pregnant woman, I can understand your need to be held. I don’t think you intended to tease me by coming to my bed. If you would like to be held by me, I will make time to be available for cuddling on the couch after work. Being in my bed sends a message I am sure you do not intend to imply. Am I right in saying our relationship is not at the sleeping with each other stage?”
“Thanks, Kenneth, I wasn’t sure if you would be willing to just hold me regularly. I have been feeling so down these past few days. I promise not to do this again!”
Denise was remembering how good it felt to fall asleep while he was holding her. He had comforted her that one night before he had to left on his trip. Time and time again, he had shown what a good man he was. With all the opportunities that had come up during her stay, he had never taken advantage of her. She pulled the covers up and settled into an easy sleep.
It took Kenneth longer to fall back into a comfortable sleep. The feel of her body was bringing back memories of the days spent with Brenda. After she had left him, he started searching for someone new by frequenting bars. He did not expect to find someone, but the looking help with the pain. Denise felt very good lying next to him. He could not help reaching out to rub her stomach. She moaned and he knew that he should stop. Turning his back to her, he just enjoyed the pressure of her back against his back. He finally relaxed enough to go back to sleep. He awoke with the smell of her on the other pillow and his hands searching for her.
“Dear Lord, I hope I did not grope her during the night. She needed gentle care not the lust of a crazed man.”
NEW CHAPTER
“Kenny, help me!! I can’t get out of the tub. I keep slipping.”
Sitting in the front room watching his favorite TV show. Kenneth heard this cry for help. Denise and he had been talking regularly over the past month. She seemed to be warming up to him. He wished he could be of more help with the pregnancy.
“Denise, what is wrong?” Ken shouted.
“I am afraid of slipping and falling. Can you come and help me out of the tub?” she yelled back
The door was not locked. Kenneth guessed she felt she could trust him not to come in on her while bathing. As he stepped into the bathroom, he could see Denise sitting in a tub of water. Her breasts were sitting on her round tummy and she was submerged up to her navel in soapy water. Kenneth grabbed a towel and slung it over his shoulder. Kenneth tried not to stare at the beauty of her bare body. He realized she was even more beautiful in her pregnancy. Reaching out to her, he helped her to stand up. She stepped out of the tub, her skin glistening. Once he made sure she was stable on her feet, he quickly wrapped the towel around her.
Denise said, “Thank you”, softly as he left the bathroom. Denise had noticed the look in his eyes when he saw her naked. She was happy to know that he found her beautiful in her current state. He did not find her ugly and he respected her privacy.
It was a little after 2:00 A.M Friday. Denise had finally calmed down from the bar’s problems. She had changed into her nightclothes. She was looking forward to one of Kenneth’s sandwiches. Pulling a robe around her shoulders, she headed to the kitchen. She went to the microwave to see what he had left for her. NOTHING!! Denise was hungry and dead tired. The night had been especially rough due to the crowd. She heard a noise from the living room. It was the television, why would he be watching TV at this time?
Kenny sat on the couch with a cold drink in his hand. Beside him was a platter of good-looking sandwich squares. Four sandwiches cut into quarters. Denise was starving and here he was feasting and watching movies. As she moved closer, Denise saw the other platter of vegetables and dip. More drinks sat at the end of the couch.
“You said you like to cuddle sometimes after work. So I thought the best time to hold someone is while watching a movie. Care to join me? Sometimes I like to hold on to someone while I am crying or laughing at a good movie.” Kenneth was pointing to a large blanket on the couch beside him.
“Your offer is very tempting. Let me check my schedule for an opening to cuddle. Look here I seem to have time reserved for just such an activity.”Denise replied. Then said, “How did you know I needed to be comforted tonight?”
Denise looked at Kenneth. She had not expected him to remember their talk or to be so ready to help her thru tough times. She had never seen him so relaxed. He was wearing his pajamas, robe, and house shoes. He hardly resembled the stiff quiet man who came to pick her up each night.
Reaching for a sandwich as her hunger kicked into high gear. Denise began to inquire about the night. “When did you have time to prepare this feast? I don’t remember seeing this big screen TV before.”
Kenneth replied “I thought we might watch Jumanji- 2. It reminds me of the silliness of trying to stereotype people. I am hoping it will stimulate some conversation about our situation. We have let too much time pass without discussing our unusual relationship. First the movie, then, we get to talk about our future.”
Feeling the need to change the subject, Denise said. “These sandwiches are delicious. When did you decide to make this a movie night?”