I Found Joy Read online

  I Found Joy

  Caramel Vixen

  Thick Madame Publishing

  PO Box 394

  Asheville, NC 28802

  www.thickmadamepublishing.webs.com

  I Found Joy is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the authors’ imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2011 by Caramel Vixen

  All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction, in whole or in part, in any form. No parts of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher.

  “I don’t know why you stay married to Roger’s pompous ass. You said yourself that his old wiener can’t even get up no more, and when he could get it up it didn’t have far to reach.” Merry doubled over laughing uncontrollably. I tried to feign annoyance but my sister’s laughter was contagious. I soon found myself doubled over as well, laughing until tears streamed down my face. “Now doesn’t that feel good?” Merry asked. “You hardly ever laugh like that any more. Every time I see you you’ve got on your serious face like you can’t even stop and smell the roses. Being married to that dog for the past ten years has really changed you, Joy.”

  “Well, not every one can be so carefree like you Sister Merry.” The laughter ended and we were back at each other’s throats. Even though we were twins, Merry and I were as different as night and day. She’d never hear me say it but I was so jealous of her that my skin had to be glowing like The Hulk’s; green as hell.

  I was the serious twin, settling into the life of a trophy wife when I married Roger who was eighteen years my senior. He really thought he was doing me a favor by moving me out the projects. Of course back then I thought the man really loved me, but I’ve learned his true motive was to find a young, naïve girl, marry her, and control her. He never wanted a wife; Roger wanted a puppet and stupidly, I fulfilled his wish.

  Merry never would have settled for that kind of life. Even at eighteen she told me how crazy I was to marry Roger.

  “Girl, that man is almost forty years old! He’s got dirty drawers older than you, Joy. He does not want a wife; he wants a child he can control. You watch and see; he’s going to make your life miserable.”

  Boy had she ever been right. Life with Roger was never as exciting as he’d promised. When I accepted his marriage proposal, he promised he’d put me through college, help me start a career in journalism, and when the time was right, we’d have at least two kids. Instead of fulfilling those promises, he kept me locked inside the house isolated from my family and rarely touched me, even though I suspected he had his share of affairs over the years. I was only interesting to him when he needed me on his arm to flaunt in front of his business associates. For that reason I had to stay in shape and even though I stood 5 feet and 8 inches tall, I couldn’t weight more than 140 lbs whereas my twin was a thick 250 lbs of sexy, voluptuous curves and breasts.

  Merry was nobody’s wife. She loved her independence and lived life to the fullest each and every day. While I sat at home waiting for my next wifely assignment, my sister went to college, traveled the world, and soared her through the road of dreams. I longed her life so much that I some times hated her because I was nowhere near happiness.

  I decided to change the subject and not wallow in envy.

  “You write any more freaky stories lately?” I asked.

  “As a matter of fact, I have. Lady Leo Publishing just paid me a nice sum for one of my freakiest stories ever. My main character was a housewife much like you, who was completely unhappy in the bedroom, its called ‘Kissing My Desires’ I can’t wait until it comes out. You’ve got to read it, Joy. It may spice things up between Roger and you.”

  I rolled my eyes at that last remark; she could have definitely kept that to herself.

  “Congratulations, Merry. You always did have a way with words.”

  “Thanks, Sis. You know I’m working on my debut novel?”

  I turned so abruptly my neck almost snapped. I was so overjoyed that I wrapped my arms around my full-figured sister and nearly squeezed her to death.

  “That is so wonderful! I am so proud of you.”

  “Well, I figured if my stories have been so successful, I may as well go for it. Besides, if Hazel Mills, Caramel Vixen, and Sunshine Royal can do it, why can’t Merry Time?”

  “Merry Time? Who the hell is Merry Time?”

  Merry erupted into laughter and nudged my shoulder. “That’s my pen name Sis. You really haven’t read any of my work, have you?”

  “Roger doesn’t approve of me-

  “You need his permission to read?” Merry rolled her eyes and sighed deeply. “Girl, damn! What else does he make you seek permission to do? Can you have an orgasm without his approval or does he tell you when to release that, too?”

  “You don’t know what it’s like to be married Merry. Maybe if you weren’t so self-centered and selfish, you’d have a husband.”

  “Hmm, if this is what being married is about, you don’t have to worry about Merry having a husband because Merry does what Merry wants to do when she wants to do it. I make my own money and honey, I’m doing just fine all by myself. Maybe you should try it.”

  I waved her off dismissively and looked at my wristwatch.

  “I guess it’s time for me to go. I know I’m not welcomed in Roger’s home and he’ll have a shit-fit if he comes home and finds me here.” She kissed my cheek and hugged me tightly.

  “I love you Sis.”

  “I love you, too, Joy. And guess what? When I get my book contract, we’re going to Hawaii. I don’t give a damn what Roger’s old punk butt says!”

  I ushered my sister out the front door and watched her drive away in her old Toyota Camry with a smile on her face. I wondered what it felt like to be that happy for absolutely no reason at all. There she was in a car ten years old, driving to a small one bedroom apartment furnished with second-hand furniture, but she was happy. Me on the other hand, I was standing at the threshold of a quarter of a million dollar home, lavishly furnished; my brand new Mercedes was parked in the enclosed garage and I couldn’t have been more miserable.

  When I closed the front door, I went back to my daily routine, re-cleaning the already spotless, immaculate house I called home even though it felt more like a prison. Everything had to be perfect when the king came home to his palace. Rather than feeling like the queen of the mansion, I felt like Cinderella.

  Where is my fairy godmother?

  **

  I was having the best erotic daydream of my life and was rubbing my nipples and about to release, when who come burst my bubble of happiness, but, Roger.

  “JOY!!!” Damn he made me want to change my name and never tell him what the hell it was. “JOY!!”

  “Yes, Roger.” I was standing right behind him when he called my name the first time.

  “Go pack your bags, we’re going to Hawaii.” OMG, this man is trying to be romantic and make things better between us. In a moment of longing to save my marriage, I hugged his neck and started planting kisses all over his face while trying to unzip his pants. It seemed like he was enjoying it for a brief moment, but then, as if he remembered who I was, he pushed me away angrily. “Get off of me woman. I don’t know what you are so happy for, it’s not a vacation. This is business, other wise you know you wouldn’t be going.”

  This bastard doesn’t even try to hide his infidelity from me anymore, and I’m just supposed to take it? I know I shouldn’t be, but, I’m not sure if I have what it takes to start my life over. He doesn’t love me, hell, this man doesn’t even like me, but, I still have access to all
of his money. The smile on my face, the warm feeling in my heart, not to mention the slight arousal I was feeling all deflated in a matter of mere seconds.

  “My bags are already packed and in the limo. I’ve made your flight arrangements. My private jet is set to take off in thirty minutes, your flight leaves tomorrow morning. I just stopped by here to check on my house and tell you to get your shit.” Just when I thought the dictation was over, “Oh yeah, you’ve gained weight.” I looked down at my body, trying to figure out when and where as he flipped around on his heels and stormed out of the house. Feeling completely hopeless, I turned around and quietly walked to my room. Yes, I said my room; we stopped sharing the same bed at least two years ago.

  Picking up my phone, I called my twin. “Merry, you want to earn some extra money?”

  “You know I’m always down for that, what’s up?”

  “Can you come house sit in the morning, I’m not sure how long we’ll be gone.”

  “Yeah, where you going?”

  “Hawaii, but trust me, its no vacation.”

  “Sure Sissy, I’ve got you.”

  “Thanks Merry.” And with that I hung up. I really want to go away somewhere that’s not a business trip. I’m going to have to take my sister somewhere soon.

  **

  Merry knows I’ve got to be in Hawaii with Roger to close this business deal. This heifer is going to make me miss my damn flight. I rarely curse but something about Merry’s carefree spirit could pull some profanity out of me. I called my sister, Merry, wondering just where in the hell she was.

  When Merry finally picked up the phone her greeting was blunt. “What do you want, girl? Damn, I’m on my way,” she snapped in a huff.

  “Hurry up Merry,” Of course I had to try to retaliate, showing her that I could muster up just as much attitude if provoked.

  “Yeah, yeah,” was Merry’s reply and then she hung up in my face.

  **

  “Sis!” Merry called as she used her key to unlock the door to our home. “Hey, Joy!” Merry bellowed again when she didn’t get an immediate response.

  “Merry, I’m right behind you.” I looked my sister up and down, admiring her outfit, though I would never tell Merry that.

  “Hey, Sis!” Merry grabbed me and hugged me. I pretended to be upset with Merry for being late.

  “Hey Merry, how are you doing?” I asked noticing the broad smile on my sister’s face. If only I could be that happy for no apparent reason.

  “I’m good girl. But, you are the one who should be happy as hell; on your way to Hawaii to meet up with Roger for a second honeymoon.”

  “Hussy, you know this is nothing more than a business trip, otherwise I wouldn’t be welcomed,” I reminded my sister. “You know how Roger is; business before pleasure.”

  “Again I ask you why do you continue to bend over backwards to make this asshole, who, you yourself said can’t fuck worth a damn, happy? All making him happy seems to do for you, is make you miserable.” Merry questioned her sister.

  Why did I blab my business to her? I silently chastised myself. I hated it when Merry summed me up. Not having an answer to reply with, I changed the subject.

  “Anyway, Merry, I am going to be late if I don’t catch this plane. I love you and thanks for house sitting,” I know I was avoiding the real question at hand. Why in God’s name am I trying so hard to please a man who puts no effort into satisfying me? I couldn’t honestly answer myself, let alone my sister.

  “Sure, Joy, no problem.” Merry rolled her almond shaped eyes at me. “Be safe.”

  Three and a half hours later, I landed at Honolulu Airport, tired and dreading having to pretend to be the happy, devoted wife to Roger’s old, tired ass. I was devoted, I was just sick of being so tiresomely devoted to a no good, lying, old, cranky, cheating son of a bitch like Roger.

  Searching the airport parking lot for a sign with my name on it, I soon realized there was no car waiting to pick me up. Of course not! I thought as I flagged down a cab to transport me to my hotel room. The bastard doesn’t even want to share hotel rooms, that should have told me right there, not to even come, but, here I am, once again, trying to do the right thing.

  Once inside the cab, I called Roger and simply said, “I’m here,” and flipped the phone closed.

  Of course Roger’s dumb ass called right back. “Listen here young lady,” he talked to me like I was his damn daughter instead of his wife. I hate when he does that. “You will not call my phone and then hang up in my face. I will send your fat, ungrateful ass back to L.A. faster than you can inhale a Big Mac!”

  “Roger, do me a favor sweetheart,” I drawled on ever so lovingly that he never would have expected what I said next, “Please go to hell and stay.” And with that I turned off my cell phone.

  Merry is right. Why do I put up with his crap and he can’t even sex me right? I might as well call Merry and let her know that I made it alright.

  ”Hello?” Merry answered, her voice dragging.

  She was obviously sleeping the day away.

  “Hey sis, I just wanted to let you know that I made it here alright, but, if you see me on the news for murder, you’ll know why.” I told my sister, while trying to laugh the anger away.

  “Don’t tell me that butthead has started his shit already?” I could tell that Merry was trying her best to stifle her laughter. Hell, I was trying not to giggle my-damn-self. It was funny as hell, how Roger thought he was scaring somebody.

  “Girl, hell yeah, speaking of buttheads he’s calling again, so let me go see what he wants, love you.” I couldn’t believe my own mouth. I was using crude language every other word and that was so unlike me.

  “Love you too, Ms. Boo.” Merry said, laughing at the sound of my foul words. I hung up laughing. Merry hadn’t called me Ms. Boo since we were kids. Of course my laughter didn’t last long. “Yes, Roger?”

  “Hurry up and get here, the Kinishewa CEO will be here in 15 minutes.”

  “Fine, Roger.”

  “Your room number is 6909.”

  Once I got my room number, I flipped my phone closed and considered rolling down the window and throwing it into the street.

  “I am too damn good to that man,”.

  “Excuse me ma’am?” the driver asked.

  “I’m sorry; I was mumbling to myself, I didn’t mean to startle you.” I replied, embarrassed.

  “You didn’t startle me.” The handsome driver told me. “But, if you don’t mind me getting into your business, you are way too beautiful to take such crap from any man.” I was looking at his mouth moving and was imagining those beautiful lips working me into a manic frenzy.

  Blushing, I mumbled thank you.

  “Look, if you aren’t doing anything later, I’d love to take you out to dinner, my treat.” The driver was obviously interested in doing more than just voicing his opinion about my louse of a husband.

  “Umm…do you mind if I know your name first?” I teased.

  “Sure, I’m Kareem, and you are the beautiful….”

  “I’m Joy.”

  “Joy. That’s such a pretty name for such a pretty lady. So, Ms. Joy how about dinner and dancing tonight?” Kareem, asked, determined to get the chance to get to know me better.

  “Umm…I don’t know…”

  He stared at me through the rearview, his puppy dog eyes begging me to reconsider. Why shouldn’t I? Hell, it wasn’t like Roger brought me to Hawaii to spend any time with me, other than business meetings. I might as well enjoy myself with someone at that asshole’s expense.

  “Well, okay, why not?” I conceded with a grin. I pressed the button to alert him that we had arrived at my stop.

  “Call me around three – thirty so we can go over the details. I’m in room 6909. What do I owe you for the ride?”

  “Nothing, your smile is all the payment, I need. I’ll talk to you this afternoon.” Kareem, being the perfect gentleman he was, exited the cab, grabbed my bags, and bid me a good
day.

  All during the boring meeting with Roger and the Kinishewa CEO’s, I couldn’t stop thinking of Kareem. He was approximately six foot two, 200 pounds, looked like he worked out and he had the sexiest lips I had ever seen. I wonder what all those lips can do. Then I started imagining him using his fist to punch Roger’s lights out and then grabbing me up and kissing me all over my now hot and bothered body. “Mmm…” I moaned, not realizing that I had done it out loud.

  “Excuse me Mrs. Rice, did you say something?” President Kinishewa asked me.

  “Oh please excuse me; I didn’t realize I was yawning out loud. I guess I’m just a little jet lagged.” I lied as I pasted on my most polite smile. I looked at the face on my cell phone and saw that it was almost three-thirty Hawaii time.

  “Please excuse me, I must go to my room and take my medications.” And with that, I got up from the table and left the restaurant. I don’t know why he always has meetings in restaurants; he never lets me get anything to eat anyway, I thought as I exited the hotel eatery and headed towards the elevator. All of a sudden, I felt someone grab my arm.

  “Roger let me – I turned around ready to knock Roger out with my purse if I had to, but it wasn’t my husband who’d grabbed my arm.

  Facing my new friend, I couldn’t help but smile at Kareem. “Oh Kareem, its you.”

  “Joy, I couldn’t wait until tonight to see you. I hope you don’t have anything else planned for the rest of the day.”

  “No, Kareem, I’m free. What did you have in mind?” Mmm, maybe just maybe this will be an enjoyable trip after all.

  “I’m full of surprises,” he teased, a sexy grin spread across his handsome face.

  Since my trifling husband was still dining in the restaurant, I felt it safe to escort Kareem upstairs to my room rather than risk being seen out in public by Roger and his business associate.

  We rode the elevator in complete silence. As we were approaching my floor; Kareem grabbed my hand and held it tightly, yet, gently. I liked him, I liked him a lot, but, I still wasn’t sure what I was about to get myself into.