Bad Blood by Mary Monroe Read Free Book Online

issues, too, so I can relate. It took me a whole year to break it off with him. And it is one thing I hope I never have to go through again.”
    â€œI feel you. My lady friend is so fragile, I’m afraid she might try something desperate if I don’t handle things right. But life goes on.”
    Life did go on for me. And in a way that I had never expected.
    Within a month, I was madly in love with Darla. Unfortunately, the first time we made love it was a letdown, because I couldn’t remain erect long enough to please her, or myself. I knew it was the guilt I was feeling. Each time Rachel said or did something I didn’t like, I didn’t feel as guilty. By the end of the third month, I was so into Darla, I knew that she was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I had told her about Rachel’s nutty family and about how Rachel had kept that information from me for so long. Darla understood my concerns completely. Was it possible that she was just as docile and as willing to please me as Rachel? I wondered. If so, I had hit the jackpot twice.

    It had been four months since the trip to Alabama, and not once had Rachel or I brought up the subject of her family’s problems. She was so busy planning our future that she hadn’t noticed how my demeanor had changed.
    Other people had noticed that I had begun to act differently. Last night, when Rachel’s uncle Albert came to the apartment, he’d made some disturbing comments.
    â€œSeth, what’s up, dude? You haven’t cracked a smile since I came in that door two hours ago. With that long face and those bags under your eyes, you look like dog shit! Running a business must really be hard on you.”
    â€œYeah, running a business is not easy,” I’d replied, wishing he’d leave or mind his own business. “We’re still smoothing out some rough edges.”
    â€œHe’s just working too hard,” Rachel had said, caressing my neck. Albert was so brazen, he always made himself at home when he made one of his unexpected visits, which were too frequent and too long for me. He had just poured himself his third double shot of vodka and had flopped down on the love seat, facing Rachel and me on the couch. She’d refilled my wineglass. “But don’t worry about my boo, Uncle Albert. I’m taking real good care of him.”
    â€œWell, excuse me,” Albert said with a neck roll. This man went out of his way to let the world know he was gay. On this particular night he wore a black cape over a skintight red jumpsuit. With his big brown eyes, high cheekbones, and bow-shaped lips, he was just as “pretty” as Rachel. He smoothed back his wavy brown hair and took a long drink. After he let out a mild belch, he continued. “Dude, I have a friend who works for a real estate company on Shattuck. They have been listing some fantastic properties lately. One in particular has a two-car garage and a huge backyard for the future kiddies to roam around in!”
    â€œWe can wait,” Rachel said. “Things are really heating up at my job, so I’m not sure I want to start a family too soon. I just got a promotion, and it wouldn’t do me much good if I had to take off on maternity leave too soon.” Rachel turned to me when she heard me gasp. “What’s wrong, baby? You look like you just saw a ghost.”
    â€œI’m fine. Just a little heartburn,” I lied, rubbing my chest for emphasis. I coughed to clear my throat, which was so dry and inflamed, it felt like I had just swallowed a ball of fire. “Thanks for the information, Albert. Rachel’s right. There is no need for us to start our family too soon.”
    â€œWell, y’all know what’s best, but when you do get ready to look for a big enough place, just let me know,” Albert said. He stood up and let out another belch and glanced at his watch. “I hate to run, but I have