Authors: Skyy

Crossroads (26 page)

BOOK: Crossroads

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Lena gave herself one more look over. She opted for a pair of sexy skinny jeans and a baby blue halter top for her outing. She figured if she was to touch any more animals she would be OK with losing a pair of jeans and a shirt, not with one of her expensive dresses. Lena placed her flip-flops on and headed to the door.

Lena slid her heavy door open and jumped. Terrin was standing there with her hand in knocking position. They both jumped. Lena could tell something was up, by Terrin's stern look.

Terrin looked at Lena's sexy appearance. She took a few steps back and sighed. “Look, I know you are on your way out, I just wanted to come and say something real quick.”

Lena closed the door behind her. She turned back and looked at Terrin. “What's up?”

Terrin took a deep breath. “Look, Lena, I know I'm not your woman, and I'm cool with that. However, I'm not cool with you sleeping around and coming back to me.”

Lena was put off by Terrin's attitude. “Terrin.”

“I'm not saying that you are sleeping with anyone. I just have to say what is best for me. I'm not about to be just a number on your list.”

“Terrin, wait a minute here. I don't want you to think that it's like that, because it's not. But I just ended a marriage. I'm not trying to be settled back down this soon. I am going on a date, but I'm not trying to sleep around with various people. That's not my style.” Lena felt her body heating up.

“It's whatever, Lena. Do what you want to do. But understand that even though I want to be here for you, I'm not going to sit around and let you play me for a fool. That's all I got to say. Have fun on your little date.” Terrin walked off, leaving Lena speechless.

Lena knew Terrin cared about her, but she wasn't expecting that reaction. A piece of her wanted to follow Terrin and just give in, but something held her back. She shook her head and headed down the hallway. She had a date to get to.

Lena pulled into the abandoned zoo parking lot. There were two cars in the facility. She figured one of them had to be Derek's. She hopped out of her BMW and walked toward the front gate.

The parking lot was a little scary at night. The giant brick animal statues that lined the front entrance seemed bigger in the dark.

She noticed a tall figure standing by the gate. She smiled. Derek looked nice in a pair of dark denim jeans and a black button-down, a big change from his zookeeper get-up.

“Wow,” Derek smiled. “You look amazing.”

“Thank you.” Lena hugged Derek. His cologne smelled amazing on him.

“I hope you're hungry.” Derek held her hand as they walked into the zoo.

The beautiful pool that resembled the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial was lit up with pink and blue lights. Lena was in awe. The beauty of the zoo was captured better at night than during the day. She thought it would have been beautiful for a party or reception.

They walked into the Cat Country CafÃ©. What once housed the lions and tigers now was transformed into a large cafeteria during the day that served Backyard Burgers and treats to customers. Lena was surprised to see a single table in the middle with two taper candles and a white tablecloth.

“Wow. You did all this for me?”

“Don't get too excited yet.” Derek pulled the top off of her silver tray. A backyard burger and fries sat on the plate.

Lena laughed.

“I'm sorry I didn't have much time, had to work with what I could. But I made the burgers myself.”

“I can't believe they let you do this.” Lena sat in the chair that Derek pulled out for her.

“Let's just say, I have friends in high places.” Derek sat in the chair across from her. “The head security guard is one of my bestfriends. We are the only two in the zoo tonight.”

“Oh, so is this an all-the-time thing. Bring women to the zoo and wine and dine them with burgers and private tours?” Lena slanted her eyes.

Derek's deep laugh echoed through the building. “No, it's not like that. We wouldn't risk this for just anyone.” Derek's eyes were fixated on Lena.

“So why me?”

“Let's just say, I saw something special in you.”

Lena blushed. She thought about Terrin. She wondered what it was that made people say that they see something special in her. She wondered why Denise didn't see it anymore.

“So what's your story, Lena? Why are you able to be out with me? Why hasn't some man put a ring on it?” Derek mimicked BeyoncÃ©'s signature move.

Lena felt her stomach drop. She knew she had to be honest. “Actually someone did put a ring on it. I'm in the process of getting a divorce from my husband.” Lena swallowed hard. “Brandon Redding.”

Derek looked confused. Suddenly shock covered his face. “The basketball player?”

Lena nodded.

Derek sat back in his chair. “Wow, that's, that's a serious ex you have there.”

“I'm sorry. I probably should have said something when we were around each other earlier.”

Derek shook his head. “No, no, you're fine. I am actually flattered.”

Lena gazed at him with curiosity.

“I mean, I'm flattered that you would even consider going out with me after you were married to a superstar athlete. I mean, you come from hanging out with celebrities. I hang out with animals all day.”

Lena laughed. “I think it's pretty awesome that you get to hang out with animals all day.” She placed a French fry in her mouth. “You know I've always dreamed of owning my own white tiger.”

“Oh. See you are trying to kill yourself.” Derek laughed.

Lena blushed.

“You know we have white tigers now.”

Lena's eyes lit up. “Yes, I've seen them. So beautiful. I actually went to the Mirage in Vegas. They have all of Siegfried and Roy's white tigers. I was in heaven.”

Derek was completely wrapped up in Lena. He put his napkin down, stood up and extended his hand. “Come on.”

They walked through the dimly lit zoo. Derek opened a door in the Cat Country exhibit. The hall reminded Lena of the hall from earlier that day. The smell was just as bad. They walked up to a door. Derek unlocked it.

Lena's mouth dropped. Right next to the bars were the three newest tigers, including the two white tigers.

“How close can I get?” Lena started to walk close but was grabbed by Derek. He pulled her into his arms, instantly turning Lena on.

“This is as close as you get. Those are not pets, sweetie. They will kill you.”

Derek and Lena's eyes met.

“Oh.” Lena's stomach filled with butterflies. Derek slowly let go of Lena's waist. Lena knew that was one thing she loved about men. She felt protected in his arms.

They left the cat night-house and walked around the zoo. They talked about all types of subjects. Derek had been engaged, but the engagement was called off a few months before the wedding. Derek made Lena laugh. He had a goofy side that she liked.

They made their way to her favorite exhibit. The exhibition room was dark; the lights inside of the polar bear pools illuminated the viewing room. Derek sat down on the steps that Lena had sat on millions of times before.

Lena put her hand on the glass. “That water looks so beautiful.”

“Yeah, thanks to lights and an amazing filter system.” Derek snickered.

“So why the Memphis zoo? I mean, you've worked at some major places, why come here?” Lena questioned, leaning against the viewing glass.

“Why not? Honestly, Memphis has an amazing zoo. It's one of the only zoos to have the pandas. And with all the expansions, I expect Memphis to make it to some Forbes list very soon.” Derek couldn't take his eyes off Lena's body. He tried to focus on her face, but her thighs and perky breasts were calling his name.

Lena smiled. “Derek, thank you, really. This has been an amazing night.”

Derek walked over to Lena. “I'm glad you're having a good time.”

Derek and Lena's eyes met. Derek put his hand on Lena's waist. Lena moved in closer. Derek leaned in, planting his lips against hers. Lena closed her eyes; she opened her mouth slightly, allowing his tongue to enter hers. Lena's eyes opened as Derek stuck his tongue down her throat. He held on to her, planting a wet, sloppy kiss on her.

Lena felt her French fries coming back up. She pulled away.

“What's wrong?” Derek questioned, his dick bulging in his pants.

Suddenly Derek didn't look so good. She noticed his bad skin. His ears were bigger than she remembered. And in his nose sat a big booger. Lena felt disgusted. She blinked. Suddenly he looked normal again, no bad skin, no big ears, but the booger remained.

“I'm so sorry, Derek. I can't do this,” Lena said as she walked up the stairs.

Derek rushed after her, grabbing her by her arm. “What's wrong? Is it something I did?”

Yes, you tried to kill me with your tongue.
“No, it's not you, it's me. I'm not ready for this. I thought I was, but I'm not. I'm so sorry.”

Derek looked like a lost puppy. His mind raced, trying to think of something to make Lena want to stay.

Lena's mind was made up. The date was over.

Derek walked Lena to the front door. He pleaded for her to stay a little while longer, even throwing the offer to feed the pandas at her.

Lena gave him a hug and a kiss on his cheek, promised to call him, even though she knew she wouldn't. She walked out of the zoo, knowing she wouldn't be able to return for a while. She would have to find a new place to think.

Terrin opened her door to find Lena standing there. There were no words. She took Lena by the hand and led her into her house.

“Are you gon' D up or what?” Farih dribbled the ball with ease and a big smile on her face.

Denise wiped the sweat from her head. She didn't realize how out-of-shape a few months would make her.

“Just play,” Denise snapped. She didn't like the idea of getting beat by a supermodel.

Farih smiled as she stood with the ball in front of Denise.

Denise looked her up and down. “You know you have an unfair advantage.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Look at what you're wearing.” Denise pointed at Farih's short pink velour shorts that hugged her chocolate thighs. Her little Victoria's Secret tank hugged her body, making her breasts sit up. “How the hell am I supposed to concentrate with you looking like that?”

“Excuses. Excuses. I thought you were supposed to be a good player.”

Denise's mouth fell open. She nodded her head. “All right, you might look good, but that statement just cost your ass the game.”

Farih began to dribble the ball. Denise bent her legs into her defensive stance. Farih attempted a cross-over but instantly found herself without the ball. Her mouth dropped as Denise stole the ball and scored on her. Denise smiled, dribbling the ball slowly.

“You want to repeat that thing about being a good player?”

Farih clapped her hands. “Finally, now that you can take your mind off my ass, we can play some real ball.” Farih winked.

Denise smirked.

Denise and Farih showered, changed and headed out of the trendy gym. Farih's pink shorts were replaced with a pair of tight-fitting denim jeans and a black tee. Her ponytail hung, bouncing with every step. Denise opted to use her free clothes, wearing a pair of Jocku pants and a white T-shirt. They walked down the busy street to a small restaurant across the street.

“So did I impress you?” Farih smiled, taking a sip of her strawberry smoothie.

“You really did. Gave me a run for my money.”

“No, I didn't.”

They both laughed.

“But thanks for letting me get those few shots in early.”

“Yeah, I was gonna let you win, but you was getting too cocky.” Denise smiled.

Two young men walked up to the table and asked Farih to sign their
Sports Illustrated
swimsuit issue. Denise watched as Farih smiled and treated the boys like they were the most important people in the world. They walked off on cloud nine.

Farih looked at Denise's expression. “What?”

Denise shook her head. “Nothing at all.” She took a sip of her mango smoothie.

BOOK: Crossroads

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