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  We’re not that close as I wish we were.

  That’s a shame. I have three siblings. Well, I have a brother and two cousins. We were raised together. Family is everything, Kenzie. You only have one set of parents.

  Tee was making her feel and think about stuff she hadn’t thought about in years. Memories from her childhood resurfaced. Her brother was eight years older than she. Shawn was so overprotective. Shawn was stationed near by when she was in high school and her parents would send him along on her dates, and her date couldn’t even look at her for more than a minute without Shawn asking what the hell was he thinking. She wished he’d been there when she’d met Wayne. Shawn would’ve seen right through him.

  How come you didn’t join the military?

  Not my cup of tea. I didn’t want anyone telling me what to do and where to go.

  She smirked, shrugging her shoulders, because that was exactly the life she was living. Wayne controlled her.

  I have to go back to work. Chat with you tonight.

  McKenzie placed her cell in her pocket, and went to the kitchen to start dinner. She had a routine down: make breakfast, clean the house that was already spotless, make dinner early and the rest of her day was freed, and that was when she took Caleb to the park a mile away from the house. She didn’t mind the walk. It did her good. And now she’d added Tee to her schedule. She contemplated running away with her son, but Wayne would hunt her down.

  He’d done it before. She’d left when she was six months pregnant, and he’d found her in less than a week. He’d never told her how he’d located her. Wayne had beaten her so badly she’d thought he’d caused her to miscarry. God knew she needed a lifeline, because if it wasn’t for Caleb, she probably would’ve gone crazy or killed herself. At the time, Wayne had cried for forgiveness. However, after all this time, she couldn’t find it in her heart to forgive. Now all she felt for her miserable husband was discontent, and hatred.

  Chapter Four

  Just wanted to say good morning, before I head out to work. Chat with you later.

  McKenzie smiled as she read his message. She turned on the coffee maker, inhaling the fresh aroma of the black liquid. Tee had been up earlier than she was. That message was sent an hour ago, and it was just six thirty. She began making breakfast for her ungrateful husband. McKenzie made herself a plate before Wayne came down to join her. She ate by herself. Caleb wasn’t waking up for another hour or so.

  “I love the smell of coffee,” Wayne said, joining her in the kitchen in his tailor-made suit. He poured himself a cup of coffee and picked up the plate she’d set aside for him, and then he sat down facing her. McKenzie snatched up the morning paper and acted like she was reading an article.

  “McKenzie, when are you coming back into our bed?” he asked, looking over the rim of the ceramic cup, and then took a sip. “I miss your warm body next to mine.”

  This was the man she married, but this wasn’t the real Wayne talking to her at the moment. This person was a mask for the real monster he was. Wayne was an evil man when he didn’t get his way.

  “You don’t like hearing our son cry, remember?” She watched him closely as she took a bite of her eggs. Wayne wasn’t abusive in the mornings. I guess you can say he is a morning person, she thought.

  He stared at her. Wayne was a very attractive man. His dark olive complexion made him stand out. His mother was of Afro-Cuban descent and his father was Irish. He resembled his mother’s side. Wayne had his father’s light brown eyes, and lips. When she’d first met him, she’d assumed he was black until he corrected her.

  “That’s your excuse for not sleeping with me.” He ogled her, and McKenzie tightened the straps on her robe. “Anyways, my mother is coming over tonight to watch Caleb.”

  Caleb was her lifeline. “Why? I’m not going anywhere.” She hadn’t meant to raise her voice. She hadn’t been separated from her son since he’d been born. McKenzie wasn’t ready to leave him with anyone, especially his mother.

  “I told you last week, I have a dinner party with my boss and my associates. I guess you weren’t listening to me, like always.”

  “What does your dinner have to do with me? I don’t want to leave Caleb.”

  “They are all taking their significant other, McKenzie, and you’re going. End of story.” He finished his coffee and placed the cup down.

  “Caleb hasn’t been without me,” she voiced, pushing her plate away. Her baby was her number-one priority. What if Wayne and his mother had a plan to take her baby from her?

  “Heck, McKenzie, he’ll be okay. It’s my mother taking care of my son.”

  “That’s my point,” she said underneath her breath.

  “What did you just say?” He watched her closely.

  “Nothing.”

  “My mother isn’t at fault for the fuck-up I turned out to be. She’ll take good care of him.” He stood, leaving the dishes on the table for her to clean up, as if she was his maid. “Wear that black dress I purchased for you on our anniversary. Be ready when I get home. You know I don’t like being late.” He walked over to her and kissed her on the head, whispering, “I love you.” “See you tonight,” he said, picking up his briefcase, and walked out the front door.

  There had been a time when she couldn’t wait to say I love you back. Not any more. All she felt for him was loathing.

  McKenzie took a sip of her coffee. Wayne’s mother was always really nice to her. The woman treated her better than her own mom. Her mother-in-law had a thick Spanish accent, so at times it was difficult for McKenzie to understand her. Maybe she would teach Caleb Spanish. McKenzie wondered if Wayne’s father had ever put his hands on his mother. Mrs. Carmela had seemed too happy when her husband was alive, but so did McKenzie, around people.

  She reached for her cell phone in her robe pocket, and messaged Tee back.

  Wishing you a good day at work.

  Later that afternoon, McKenzie was breast feeding Caleb when she felt her phone vibrate. She swiped it on, and grinned.

  I’m on lunch, hopefully you can chat.

  Hey :-)

  I thought you changed your mind about chatting with me.

  I thought about it.

  Why?

  It feels like I’m doing something bad.

  Were not hurting anyone. We’re just chatting. I meant what I said, just friends. I won’t cross the line and if I do you can terminate our chats. Deal?

  Deal, what are you having for lunch?

  I’m trying to eat healthy. Grilled chicken salad soaked in butter ranch dressing with bacon, eggs and cheese. I love me some chicken lol.

  Soaked in ranch dressing lol, I hope it’s light.

  I said, I’m trying.

  Are you trying to lose weight?

  If that’s your way of asking if I’m fat, the answer is no. I’m getting older, and I need to watch what I eat. What did you have?

  I haven’t eaten yet.

  It’s almost one. You need to take care of yourself.

  I’m nursing my baby.

  Oh…

  I’m going to make me a grilled cheese when he’s done being greedy.

  Lol… I bet he’s a big boy.

  He is.

  Caleb was lying comfortably on a pillow as she typed.

  I used to love grilled cheese when I was a kid, especially with a cup of my mother’s famous iced tea or red Koolaid.

  McKenzie giggled. Yep, he was black.

  I won’t be able to chat tonight. I have a dinner to attend with my husband.

  Understood, I’m still sending you a message. Before I go, I’m leaving you with this little riddle. Why was the computer tired when he got home?

  I have no idea

  Because he had a hard drive lol… I’m going back to work, chat with you later.

  McKenzie shook her head, chuckling as she stared at her phone. Tee was a nut job.

  ***

  Later that evening, McKenzie stared at her reflection in the restroom mirror.
Her makeup was on point. This was the only time she got to dress up, when her husband wanted to impress his co-workers. He’d bought her the expensive, black dress. She smoothed her hand down against the soft material. This was the old girl she knew. McKenzie missed the outspoken, full-of-life woman she used to be. She’d been told she favored the actress Terri J. Vaughn. There were days she saw the resemblance. She washed her hands, then dug into her purse for her cell phone, and dialed.

  “Mrs. Carmela, how’s Caleb?”

  “He’s sleeping,” she said in her deep, Spanish accent. “Don’t worry honey, have fun. You deserve it.”

  “Don’t tell Wayne I called,” she said.

  “I won’t honey. Our secret.” Mrs. Carmela chuckled.

  “Give him a big kiss from mommy.”

  “I will. Adios.”

  “Bye,” she said as her app lit up. McKenzie looked at the screen and smiled.

  Have fun at your fancy dinner.

  I’ll try.

  If you get bored, sneak away and chat with me. I’m home all by myself.

  Lol… okay.

  She slipped her cell in her clutch and headed back out to the table. They’d been the first ones there. Wayne was always punctual.

  As soon as her husband saw her, he stood and pulled out McKenzie’s chair, and then gently pushed her in. He was all about appearances. This was who she’d fallen in love with, the man that opened doors and pulled out chairs for her. Not the man he’d become. He was a gentleman when the world was looking on, and a savage when they were alone. The first time he’d smacked her, he’d begged her not to leave him, and if she did he would kill himself and it would be her fault. She’d called his bluff and he’d grabbed a knife and held it to his neck. She should’ve known then that he was crazy, but no—she’d given him the benefit of the doubt, and now look at her. The fucking Stepford wife, obeying his every word, or so he thought.

  “This is a nice restaurant,” Wayne said, looking over the menu, taking a sip of his Hennessey on the rocks.

  McKenzie surveyed the menu. The items on it looked delicious, and the prices were ridiculously high.

  “Price isn’t an issue,” he said.

  “I wish you thought the same when it came to things I want.” She eyed him, knowing he wouldn’t snap at her with an audience.

  Wayne twisted his mouth to say something, when all of a sudden he smiled as his colleagues and boss made their way to the table. He stood hurriedly as they greeted each other, and Wayne gave her the look for her to get up and greet them, too.

  “McKenzie!” His boss, Frederick Ferdinand, took her hand in his and kissed her knuckles. “Always a pleasure seeing you.” He stared at her a little too long.

  She gently eased back her hand, and smiled. “Nice seeing you and your lovely wife!” McKenzie hugged the older woman. Wayne glared at her as they sat back down. They spoke about things she had no clue about, and frankly, she didn’t care about. She had Caleb on her mind, and once in a while the thought of Tee would pop up, making her chuckle to herself as she remembered something silly he’d written her. He would send her a joke or two a day; some were very corny. McKenzie giggled, remembering.

  Teacher: Who answers my next question, can go home.

  One boy throws his bag out of the window.

  Teacher: Who just threw that?

  Boy: Me and I’m going home now.

  “What’s so funny?” Frederick looked over at her.

  She cleared her throat. “I was just thinking of my little boy.”

  “Did you get the gift we sent?” Mrs. Ferdinand asked.

  “Yes,” she replied. “He loves the Boppy pillow, and that blanket was beautiful.” McKenzie was truly thankful, she hadn’t thought to get a breastfeeding pillow. It had come in handy. “I sent you a note with Wayne,” she said, glancing at him.

  “I apologize. I must have misplaced it.” Wayne positioned his palm on her knee and squeezed her.

  “No worries, as long as you like it.”

  “I did,” she said, through the pain he was trying to inflict. McKenzie slapped his hand away.

  “You two playing under the table?” his co-worker, Anderson, asked.

  “No,” McKenzie blurted out as the waiter came over to take their order.

  “Ma’am?” He stood next to McKenzie. “What would you like tonight?”

  She glanced at the menu again, and was about to speak when Wayne opened his mouth. “She’s having the stuffed cheese tortellini with meat sauce.”

  The waiter was about to write down her order. “No, I’ll have the salmon and loaded mashed potatoes.” McKenzie handed him her menu without looking at her husband.

  “Sir?” The waiter turned to Wayne.

  McKenzie glanced over as he told the waiter his order. His dark olive skin was now a hue of red. He was mad, but she was tired of being treated like a child. Any chance she could, McKenzie stood up for herself.

  “McKenzie when are you going back to work? Isn’t your maternity leave over?” Frederick asked.

  “I’m taking a few years off.” She took a sip of water.

  “Is it by choice?” Mrs. Ferdinand asked, staring at her. “What I meant was, is it because of financial reasons?”

  “No, my wife decided to stay home with our son,” Wayne chimed in, making Mrs. Ferdinand turn to stare at him.

  “That’s a shame. I heard you were one hell of a financial advisor. What about you come work part-time for my wife?” Mr. Ferdinand announced.

  McKenzie hadn’t expected that offer. “Are you serious?” she asked, excited.

  “Yes,” his wife answered. “You come highly recommended.”

  McKenzie was about to say yes.

  “No, she can’t,” Wayne blurted out. “My wife is raising our son,” he stated. “She doesn’t have time to work for anyone at the moment. He’s our number-one concern at the moment.”

  “Why don’t we let your wife answer for herself?” Mrs. Ferdinand stared at Wayne and then at McKenzie.

  He pinched her thigh.

  “Ouch,” she said out loud, on purpose, making him angry. His colleagues around the table looked over at them.

  “McKenzie, are you okay?” Mrs. Ferdinand asked, concerned.

  “Wayne is right. I made my choice, now I have to live with it. Right, darling?” McKenzie looked at her husband, then pushed back her seat. “Excuse me. I need to use the restroom.” She got up and made her way to the ladies’ room. McKenzie closed the door, and placed her forehead against the barrier. She wanted to call her mother-in-law and check up on her baby, but she knew he was in good hands. She opened her clutch to check her cell. Tee had messaged her.

  I guess you’re having fun. Good night beautiful.

  She typed rapidly.

  Actually I’m not. I was offered a job.

  Did you say yes?

  I wanted to, but my husband…

  She decided not to mention it.

  Your husband what?

  Nothing. I need something to lift my spirits.

  What about a joke?

  Yes, I know I’ll regret saying yes.

  There was a man in the restaurant yesterday when he suddenly realized he desperately needed to pass gas. The music was really, really loud, so he timed his gas with the beat of the music. After a couple of songs, he started to feel better. He finished his coffee, and noticed that everybody was staring at him…. Then he suddenly remembered that he was listening to his iPod…

  McKenzie burst out laughing when she read it to the end.

  Lol… your jokes are corny.

  They are not mine. I just borrowed them to make you laugh.

  Mission accomplished. I have to go back before I get in trouble.

  She moved away from the door as another woman entered the restroom.

  In trouble? You’re a fucking grown woman.

  You would think. Chat with you later. Good night my friend.

  Good night beautiful…

  As soon as she wal
ked out of the bathroom, Wayne grabbed her arms, making her smile disappear.

  “Don’t you ever disrespect me like that again,” he said between gritted teeth.

  McKenzie tried pulling away from him as his grip got tighter. “If you don’t let me go, I swear I will scream my head off.”

  “Go ahead and scream, bitch. You will never see our son again.” He released her, forcefully, making her stumble. “Remember, we’re going home together.”

  “I don’t understand why you’re so intimidated by me.” She rubbed her skin where he’d grabbed her arms. “You don’t have to threaten me. I don’t deserve the way you treat me.”

  “I’ve giving you everything any woman would love to have, and I’ve never fucking cheated on you, and you’re out here flirting with that old bastard at the table!” He pointed.

  “I will happily give up everything you’ve given me to the first woman that says she wants it.” McKenzie walked off to the table.

  Tears stung her eyes, but she held her composure. She was silent the rest of the night. If someone asked her a question, she answered with simple, closed-ended responses.

  But mostly, McKenzie missed her baby boy. He was the only person who loved her unconditionally.

  Chapter Five

  As soon as they entered their home, Wayne grabbed her arms and pinned her in front of him. “You let that old fart touch you? He put his lips on you.” His voice was full of venom. “Laughing at every word he said.”