Double Trouble by Erosa Knowles Read Free Book Online Page B

to take care of my dad. He’s had serious back problems and hasn't been able to walk for a year. He wanted to stay in his home and he asked me for help. So my time has to be scheduled around his nurse visits.”
    “I’m sorry to hear that,” Cherise and the others murmured. “I had a miscarriage a few months ago, it’s not the same as your situation, but pain is pain. My husband and I are still hurting. If you need anything let me know,” Cherise said in a sincere voice with a look of understanding that only those who had experienced devastating loss wore.
    Touched more than she could say, Belinda nodded. “Will do and thanks.”
    “Same here,” Vianca said as she sat in an arm chair across from the sofa. “My workload has lightened and I’m here in town more. We could do a lady’s night out or something.”
    “Are you dating anyone?” Denise asked Belinda.
    “I have met someone and we go out from time to time,” she answered hesitantly.
    “Oh, that means all of us are gloriously taken, so a lady’s night out would most likely include our men,” Denise said laughing.
    “As if Red would let you go to a club or something without him,” Cherise said, crossing her legs in her chair.
    “Ross wouldn’t let you go either,” Vianca snorted.
    “And Smoke wouldn’t have anything to say about you going to shake your butt someplace without him?” Denise asked with a smug smile.
    Belinda listened to the friendly banter and met Pam’s gaze. These women were down to earth and would make good allies in a town where neither of them knew anyone.
    “Now Pam, I don’t know about your husband. I never saw him with another woman, but he is Latino. And Latino men are notorious for being jealous and possessive. So…I doubt he would be down with you hanging out in a club without him either,” Vianca said.
    “I’m a newlywed, and as much as I like you ladies, there is no place I want to go without Julio. Not now, probably not in the next five to ten years,” Pam said, leaning back in her chair with a cheeky grin.
    “Seems I’m the only one who can hang out without getting permission, soooo…” Belinda let her comment hang as each of the women sputtered and denounced her permission statement. When it was time for lunch, they all laughed good-naturedly as they headed toward the dining area.
    “Julio,” Pam called out, and the joy that laced her voice made all the women stop and look around.
    “Hey baby.” He took Pam in his arms and kissed her in front of her audience. This was Belinda’s first look at the man who’d stolen her friend’s heart and she was impressed. Julio Cardenas was serious eye candy. Dark wavy hair brushed against his dress shirt collar. He wasn’t as wide across the chest as either of her twins had been, but it was obvious he had a nice body. The way his biceps bulged as he held his wife confirmed her suspicions. When he finally allowed her to breathe, his sharp gaze took in everyone in the room.
    “Hello ladies, it is nice to see you here.” His gaze rested on Denise. “Hola Denise, where are your pretty young ones?”
    Denise strode toward him and drew him into a one arm embrace since he did not release Pam. “They’re at school. I’m so happy for you and Pam. Congratulations.”
    He nodded. “Thank you. I am happy as well. I waited all my life for her, and I am glad to have found her.”
    “Congratulations, Julio. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. You look good. Marriage does agree with you. You are lucky to have found your soulmate, someone who loves you just as much as you love her. I, no we, wish you nothing but years of happiness,” Cherise said, giving him a one-armed hug as well.
    “Thank you, I treasure your words.” He looked at Vianca and winked. “What are you up to over there?”
    Vianca batted her eyes and placed her hand across her chest in an innocent gesture. “Who me? Nothing. I’m just here for the food and laughs, Champ.”
    He frowned at her