“I think that also speaks to the measure of His favor for man,” King cut in.
I shook my head as I sipped my tea. “Not just for men. They’re not the only ones of humankind God granted the gift of orgasms to.” My eyes traveled over to his wife, whose eyes were animatedly on me.
Finally!
I wasn’t the only party at the table observing Mrs. King. So were her husband and Bernard.
“As I was saying, we all have a responsibility to our partner when married. It is a shared responsibility to make ourselves available to them spiritually, mentally and physically. That means being open to and engaged in their sexual evolution. Don’t weaken them by shunning their new curiosities as it involves your body. You don’t want them evolving without you and on to someone else when it all could have been prevented by you simply keeping an open mind.”
Bernard wrapped his Burberry encased arm around me, seemingly bursting with pride. “And this insurmountable wisdom about avoiding infidelity does come from a place of experience.”
I jerked my neck again. “I’ve had no experience with infidelity. Please. Let’s make that clear. I have no personal experience with infidelity.” I found my palm in the air emphasizing that statement.
I knew Bernard was indirectly referring to Stenton, assuming that’s why we hadn’t been together all these years. Although I didn’t understand why we hadn’t been together myself, I knew without a shadow of a doubt Stenton had never made me feel a woman shared the space he put me in when we were together. I had to tell myself not be offended by his assumption because it was due to ignorance that I caused by never discussing my affairs with Stenton with him. It just wasn’t my style. It was private. At most, I’d reserve those conversations for my mom and Angela.
“Well, looka here. If it ain’t the prodigal sister,” I heard shouted from above.
I’d know that voice anywhere. And there he was; all five feet and 6 inches of unalloyed crass. Alton was smiling mischievously with his eyes zoomed in on me. He looked…good, in blue jeans, a colorful track jacket, matching sneakers and two large diamond studs plugged in both lobes. He held his phone in his hand, but used the other to push his Bluetooth into his ear. “Yeah, it is. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Gotchu.” Bernard never dropped his up-to-no-good smile.
I heard Reverend King, who could be no more than thirty-five, whisper much to himself, “Is that Alton Alston?”
I felt my bottom lip hit the table. No, Alton! Not in front of Bernard’s friends.
“Zo, I didn’t know you like this place,” Alton started.
I blinked my eyes in a flash and returned nonplussed, “I like to eat. Like to get out with friends.”
Then Alton’s eyes perused the table. “Two guys and two girls. Oh, damn! Zo, I didn’t mean to interrupt your double-date.” His lewd smile didn’t match his regrets. “But while I’m here, how’s my godson?”
The King’s eyes darted over to me for my response.
I angled my head. “Jordan’s fine, but I think you knew that. I saw he was at Altina’s indoor pool party two days ago. You posted those pictures on Facebook and IG.” I hiked my brows.
Alton was not going to be a thorn in my side and piss on me in public in the name of his bestie, who had a life that I had never interfered with.
“Mr. Al-Alston,” Mrs. King decided to renounce her muteness. “Do you mind taking a picture for my son? He’s a huge fan.”
What?
“I’m sorry. I know the owner of this place. He’s not with photography, but I’ll have Zoey here send him something from me. She can hook you up with Stenton Roger’s, too. Right, Zo?” Alton’s eyes were wild.
I heard the Kings’ audible gasps.
“Who are these fine people you’re dining with tonight anyway, Zo? I know choir boy.”
That’s enough! Not tonight, Alton!