Read Online From The Dead by John Herrick - Free Book Online Page A

had hoped the prior day’s birthday party would
help shake the relentless cloud of depression that continued to
weigh on his shoulders, but it hadn’t. And he didn’t feel like
talking this morning. Too embarrassed from having let her down in
bed the prior night, he couldn’t look her in the eyes. Such a
problem had never occurred between them before.
    Jada poured herself a cup of dark roast and topped it
with a splash of soy milk. As she stirred, she eyed Jesse and took
a seat across the table. “Script any good?”
    Jesse swallowed another bite. “Did Barry sign on with
it?”
    “No.”
    “It’s awful.”
    She forced a smile. “That’s why it ended up on the
table and not in my portfolio.”
    “Straight to the recycle bin, huh?”
    “That’s quite a comment from someone who won’t go out
of his way to recycle. You’re full of surprises.”
    “Who knows? Maybe I’ve turned over a new leaf.”
    “Nothing wrong with trying something new.” She sipped
her coffee and shot him a grin.
    He could tell Jada wanted answers, probably about his
lack of performance. Humiliated enough, he wasn’t about to take her
bait.
    Jesse set the script aside and took another bite.
    Her jaw clenched, Jada inhaled the steam from her
coffee. After Jesse headed for a refill, he returned to the table
and studied his finger as he circled the rim of his cup.
    “Preoccupied last night?” Jada asked.
    “I wasn’t in the mood, that’s all.”
    “You initiated the whole thing to begin with. Was it
because I wanted to be on top?”
    “I’m sure that didn’t help.”
    “I’ll always end up on top one way or another—in
everything.”
    “What are you talking about?”
    “Never mind.” Despite her pause, Jesse could tell she
was ready to prod further. Jada continued, “Maybe we should try
something different, spice it up for once.”
    “You mean with sex?”
    “Yeah,” she replied.
    “Like what?” Disinterested, he didn’t know how else
to respond. When it came to intimacy, Jesse was more conservative
than she was, but he seldom encountered an issue when he indulged
her.
    “I don’t know,” Jada said. “Maybe a threesome.”
    Alarmed, Jesse dropped his spoon. He glared at Jada.
Determined to maintain his self-control after this unwarranted
insult, he tried to hide his shock behind a neutral tone of
voice.
    “Are you kidding?” he said, his words clipped.
    “Just one time, for a little variety. Kind of
like—oh, I don’t know—to treat ourselves.”
    “ A treat? I don’t see how that’s a treat.”
Composed, Jesse channeled his anger to the cereal bowl as he slid
it aside.
    Thick as honey, tension hung in the air. Now both
their jaws were clenched.
    Jesse broke the silence. “Are you saying you’re
dissatisfied with me?”
    “Of course not. Don’t take it personally.”
    “How do I not take your idea personally?”
Jesse felt his face turn shades of maroon. Was that a stifled grin
on her face? She seemed to find satisfaction in his anger. Jesse
stood before he would lose his temper. He shook his head in
disbelief. Even for Jada, her suggestion crossed the line. His
voice a notch louder, he added, “This is ridiculous. What are you
thinking?!”
    She kept silent, just watched.
    He raged on. “And you’re thinking the third person
would be who ?”
    “Well, it’s my idea,” she said with a shrug of her
shoulders, “so it’s only fair to have another guy, right?”
    Incredulous, his cheeks grew hot. “Unbelievable! What
the hell is supposed to run through my mind while another guy fucks
my girlfriend?”
    “So you’re into monogamy now?”
    “Are you high right now? You don’t make any
sense!”
    “So you’re saying there’s no one else?” she said.
    “What?”
    “You heard me.”
    “Of course not!” Jesse wasn’t perfect, but he had
remained faithful to Jada throughout their relationship.
    Her voice was hushed yet venomous. Jada leaned
forward, pressed her palms against the tabletop.