Alana Bites Back: Book 3

Two Years Later…

ALANA

CHAPTER 1

Alana Brooks, please step to the counter and claim your belongings. The thirty-something women was dressed in a grey two-toned polyester uniform announcing my name in a flat unmotivated tone.

I took one last look at Evelyn Jackson, the heavy set security guard with the overgrown mustache, dyed blond hair, black roots and two tarnished gold plated front teeth. She was a sight to see, something no one should be mandated to look at for two years straight, prison was bad enough as it is.

Today was my release day from jail. For the last one year, nine months and three days, I was known as inmate 15915-731 at the federal prison camp near Gurney Illinois. My main home was A camp, a low security facility for women deemed non-violent and sentenced to under 5 years.

Todd really knew how to throw a sister off her game by locking her up. I mean, so what if I broke into Kai’s house, waited for them to return home to demand that Todd stop this nonsense and come back to Chicago with me. I AM the woman for him not Kai and it is frustrating as hell that he doesn’t see that, but he will. One thing I was taught growing up is that tenacity always wins in the end… always. I hope Kai is happy spending time with my man because Alana Brooks is back, a free woman and on a mission to claim what is rightfully hers for good this time.

Evelyn Jackson (or as I liked to call her, Evillene the wicked witch of the north), cut her eyes at me as she stopped to scratch through her two layers of godawful weave. Evillene wasn’t a fan of her nickname, something that I so elegantly bestowed upon her the first day I arrived at Camp Gurney. Just the sight of her charging towards me damn near on all fours, breathing like an untamed raging bull, nostrils flared to the size of golf balls and sweat beads running amuck along anything not covered in polyester. All I could think of in the moment was that song from the Wiz, "don’t nobody bring me, no bad news." I tried to explain to Evillene that her name was a mark of endearment, but I’m afraid she didn’t quite see it like I did, It probably didn’t help that I snickered under my breath every time I used it.

Evillene reached down and pulled out a large bag that held all my personal items I had arrived with. I stood patiently, biting my tongue as she chopped, minced and dissected each and every designer name associated with my belongings. Clearly English 101 was not required to land this job.

One Carter Watch, she said

That would be Cartier, I corrected

Evillene rolled her eyes as she shifted from side to side, and then slowly proceeded. One hermay scarf.

That would be… Air-May.

Uh huh. One pair of Christian… Evillene’s eyes went to a narrow squint as she fought to pronounce the last word in front of her Lou-bow-tin shoes.

"Ew-we, you almost had that one. Say it with me, Lew-bit-tawn." I said with a satisfying smirk.

Evillene’s nostril’s flared one last time and she slid a white slip in front of me, sign here for your belongings and your release.

I picked up the chain bound black felt pen to sign my paperwork, Will I get a copy of this for my lawyer?

Sure, I will personally messenger it to you, how does that sound? Evillene responded with an arched eyebrow and a fuck you smirk. Her lips were perched together so tight her mouth morphed into the letter O.

I just gave her a broad smile, saying one last time, and I slid the white slip back to her, Take care Evillene.

You call me that again and I will lock your ass back up, ya hear?

I chuckled as Evillene’s snarled at me through her clenched teeth. I leaned in close to her (but not too close), just to make sure she heard every last syllable that was about to leave my mouth.

"Let me put this in a way you can understand. As of now, I is a free woman, so I gots the right to say whatever the hells I want. Got it? I took two steps back, swung my Air-May scarf around my neck and checked my freshly applied lip gloss in her gold plated front teeth, Toodles bitch. Stay fat and greasy."

Then I swiveled on one foot and strutted out of the Gurney Illinois Correctional Facility for women as if I had just won my first Oscar. As I exited, I heard Evillene mutter one last comment, I’m not greasy.

I watched as all the male security guards smiled at me and the females cursed my name. I was used to the attention, both positive and negative.

As I pushed through the glass door and out into the fresh air of freedom, I stopped at the bottom of the stairs and basked in the sun that shone on my caramel skin - in need of a body wrap, massage and an orgasm I should add. I pulled out my dead to the world Blackberry and sighed as I looked at it, thinking that it was time to upgrade to an iPhone.. As I tossed my phone in the nearby trash I saw a silver and black Escalade pull up beside me. I smiled as out jumps my agent and good friend, Emanuel. He looked like a kid on Christmas day as he skipped towards me with all his gayness and I couldn’t have been happier to see his round cocoa face.

Oh child you look like re-heated grits on a hot summer day.

Don’t remind me, do you have my appointments confirmed.

Yes, you have a mani/pedi at noon, mineral body wrap at 4 and your hair at 6.

Those words are music to my ears I said as I stepped up into Emanuel’s black Escalade and sunk into the soft cream colored leather seats. Oh how I had missed luxury.

Emanuel jumped into the driver’s seat then turned to me. I have some fabulous news. He beams from ear to ear.

Well what the hell are you waiting for?

I, Emanuel Vaughn, being one of your dearest and biggest fans, as well as your agent, submitted you for a part of a new sitcom co-starring Jennifer Taylor.

The Diva of Diva’s.

Yes, child. And the producers want to see you in LA. Emanuel squealed like a tiny Catholic school girl.

I drop back into my seat, I was not happy at all. LA?

Yes, LA, auditions are next week. I thought you’d be thrilled.

Excuse me if I don’t join you in your squeal fest. Tell them thanks, but no thanks.

Emanuel did a circular movement with his body along with his head in tow, his way of facing me. Gays are so dramatic…

Girlfriend, have you lost your ever loving mind. Did you not hear me, a co-starring role with Jennifer Taylor.

Yes, I heard you and I am not interested. I firmly repeated.

Hmph. Emanuel said as he folded his arms, sitting back in his seat. I turned to look at him and he stared forward, with his top lip damn near curled over his head.

What does that supposed to mean?

If this doesn’t have Todd Daniels written all over it, then I don’t know what does.

Well, I am not denying the fact that Todd and I belong together.

Emanuel throws his arms up, palm flat as he keeps them there as to make his point. For the love of Sister Shy, leave his ass alone! If you haven’t forgotten, he is the one who threw your pretty little ass in Jail, replacing your Prada’s with Payless shoes.

It wasn’t Todd it was that bitch, Kai, it was her who put him up to this, I know it. Todd loves me, always has and always will.

It doesn’t matter, he agreed to it, not to mention, the moment he gets wind that you are out, he will file another restraining order.

Oh, there are ways around that. I didn’t spend 2 years in jail and not pick up on things.

Darling, for me, please, just let it go. Look at you, you’re beautiful, smart, witty, you will find someone new.

I turn to Emanuel and look him dead in his eyes, Maybe I didn’t make myself clear the first time. I am not going to LA. Todd is in New York, so that is where I need to be, are we clear?

Emanuel turns and sinks back into his seat. Fine.If you go to New York, I might be able to get you an independent film or two but the pay is crap, and frankly darling, you’re broke and being broke is not a good look,especially for you.

Emanuel was making sense, and he was right, I was pretty damn broke and poverty was not a good look on me.

Besides, if you get this part in LA, it could launch your career to the next level and with that, doors of opportunities will just fly open fast than Taylor Swift’s legs. One being a guest host spot on that new show ‘Good Morning Gossip,’ in New York, which by the way is my ultimate fav show.

Why can’t you get me that part now?

Because no one knows who you are, darlin’. Two years in jail is like ten years in entertainment years. Out of sight, out of mind.

Well if no one knows who I am, how in sister shy did you get me this audition in LA? I asked using his gay words back on him.

Emanuel looks away then back at me, his expression turning into a blushing not so bride. I’m kinda sleeping with one of the producers on the show.

A broad smile spread over my face and I felt like a mama bear to her cub. "Is that right? I was indeed impressed.

A diva’s gotta do what a diva’s gotta do. Emanuel beamed from ear to ear.

"That she does, look at you using your booty nepotism to get moi an audition."

So will you go? Emanuel turned back to me, clenched hands, eyes wide.

If it will eventually get me back to New York and close to Todd, I’m all over it.

Emanuel was about to let out yet another school girl squeal. Save it Sally, let’s just head to the spa, this body is not going to massage itself. I said as I sunk back into the soft leather seats. I didn’t want to disappoint Emanuel, but mostly I didn’t want to stray from my number one priority - Todd. Two years is way too long to be away from my man. It’s time to reclaim what’s rightfully mine and show Kai that Alana’s bite is so much fucking worse than her bark.

KAI

CHAPTER 2

I jerked awake to the cry of my son, Kristopher. I headed for his room and saw Todd sitting comfortably in a padded baby blue -colored rocking chair attempting to soothe our two and a half year old son back to sleep.

Todd looked up when he saw me enter. I think he just wanted a little company. Todd said as he gently kissed Kris on his forehead. I leaned against the doorway, taking in the moment before me, my husband and my son. A loving picture that was too precious for words.

I think he’s morphing into a sly negotiator like his father. I shoot back my comment to Todd in a whispered tone making sure I didn’t disturb Kris.

Go back to sleep, I got this. Todd said, and he cradled Kris closer to his chest.

I glanced at the clock, as the red digits flashed 4:45am. I sighed, thinking if I go back to sleep it will only be to my determent, who knew what time I would eventually wake back up.

No, I’m going to hit the gym. What time do I need to be back before you have to take off for work?

Todd didn’t answer, and continued to rock back and forth in the cushioned, baby blue rocking chair while Kristopher’s eyes grew heavy with each passing. Take your time, I’m in no hurry today.

You sure, I could just do a quick 30 minute run, no weights?

Positive. Todd said as his eyes diverted back downward. Something was definitely not right with him, although at 4:45 am, it was probably not the time to discuss it.

Okay honey, I will see you when I get back. I still won’t be long. My last words didn’t warrant a response from Todd as his eyes were now shut.

I headed down the hall back to our bedroom, thinking of all the stuff I had to get through today. After I dropped Kristopher off at daycare, my plan was to finish our unpacking of the last few boxes. It had been two years since Todd had moved to Brooklyn and opened his own practice. The moment he moved in with me, I knew it would be only a matter of time before we would need to find another place to live. Although Toni was open to having us stay as long as we needed, I knew deep down it wasn’t the right thing to do, considering Toni and I had a sexual history. I think Todd wanted to move as well, especially after I told him what went down between us. His face was uncaring as he just stared at me and said, Really, Kai, again? Am I going to have to watch my back all the time now?

No, not at all. I pleaded with him. I swore to him as long as we are a couple that would never happen again. I’m sure Todd still questioned my sexuality. I’m still questioning it myself It’s hard to shake the beliefs of what you were raised with. My mom was a huge advocate of loving whoever you feel comfortable with, man or woman. She never condoned cheating or infidelity, and that is where I went wrong. Technically when I was with Toni, Todd had been with Alana, so I didn’t technically cheat on him, like when I had slept with Alana behind his back.

Alana’s name rarely comes up between us. There’s somewhat of a silent agreement between us not to discuss her, or what went down with her. I still thank God every night for bringing Todd back to me and promised that I would never do that to him again. He hadn’t deserved what he had gone through and I had been selfish to keep the affair between me and Alana going on as long as I did. Like I said, Toni was different, unexpected and definitely unplanned.

Even though Toni and Todd were both cordial with each other, it was not a comfortable situation when all three of us found each other in the same space for longer than two minutes. So Todd and I agreed that the moment we could find another brownstone to rent we would jump on it. It took over a year to find a place since we needed to stay close to the area due to the fact that Kristopher was settled in his daycare and Todd’s practice was less than five miles away. Toni and I remained friends after we moved out, we saw each other in passing, a casual text here and there, and of course through Facebook. Although I think Todd moving in and us eventually getting our own place was hard for Toni, she never really showed it.

I returned from the gym around 7am. Todd was already showered and Kristopher was perched in his high-chair in front of the TV with his graham crackers and milk. Todd was thumbing through the morning newspaper as I walked over to him to lay a soft kiss on his lips. Baby, are you okay? I asked, trying not to wrinkle his freshly pressed light lavender shirt.

I’m good. He said as he continued to flip through the pages, leaning casually against our center island in the kitchen. I hated it when he got this way. It made me worry that he was thinking about her. Todd is a thinker, always has been. A thinker and a peacemaker.

My intuition told me that it was not Alana this time, but, despite that, my insecurities got the best of me and I couldn’t stop the words before they flew out of my damn mouth, You’re not thinking about Alana are you?

Todd looked up and slowly lowered the paper. I swallowed, hoping I hadn’t just opened a huge ass can of worms. He scratched his head and his hand ran down the back of his head to his neck, rubbing it for a minute before taking a long sighing breath. No Kai, I am not thinking about that crazy bitch. A feeling of glee shot through my body when I heard his response.

Sorry, I didn’t mean too…

Todd cut me off. I have way more to worry about than her ass, okay?

Like what? What’s going on, Todd? I was concerned, I’d never seen him like this before. .

Todd shook his head and sighed again, he put his paper aside and folded his arms across his chest as he looked up at me, a grim expression on his face. It’s my practice, I may have to shut it down.

Oh my God. Why? I thought it was doing well?

It’s doing okay, not well. I was hoping to get this big client and they ended up going with a larger law firm. Between that and the landlord raising the rent, I just can’t afford to keep it going. It’s either pay the rent at the office or for this place, and you know what will win.

I cringe a bit as Todd says ‘this place.’ Our brownstone was definitely out of our price range but I just had to have it. I told Todd that I would start back at my event planning business as soon as Kristopher started daycare to help with the rent, well it’s been six months now and I hadn’t even thought about starting. Well why can’t you just move your practice home? We have an extra room.

Because I have a family Kai, I can’t bring clients here to the home. It’s unprofessional. Listen, I will figure something out, I have no choice.

Wait, wait, first of all, stop saying I, we are a team remember? My mind went into overdrive. I can go and get a job, maybe my old firm will hire me back, I’m sure Simone can make a call.

No, I like having you here for Kristopher, I don’t want him in daycare all day. The best thing for me is to get a job back in corporate America.

I cringed again. But you hated working in those big firms. Let’s not jump to that just yet. Maybe I can help you out at the office, hustle up some clients or something.

Todd looks up at me he starts to laugh shaking his head, Did you just say hustle up some clients?"

I smiled that I at least got Todd to laugh in this moment, What? So now you don’t like my choice of words, huh? Whatever.

Todd continued to joke with me, Maybe you could also wrangle up a cheaper office space.

OK, fine I am just trying to help. Baby, we’re a team and if we don’t stay united anything could come between us.

Todd reaches out and pulls me in, close. You’re right, and that is why I love you so much.

How much? I teased Todd.

Very much. Todd said, as he planted a long passionate kiss on me. I slide my tongue in his mouth, and felt his manhood start to throb.

I look down with a broad smile, I’m glad I can still turn you on.

Baby, you can always turn me on. Todd said as he goes in for another kiss, and this time I feel my juices come alive and begin their decent down my canal. Todd’s lips begin to travel down my neck to my breast as he pulls back my exercise top to devourer my erect nipple.

Baby, we can’t do this now…

Why not?

I divert my eyes over to our son who is looking like a deer in headlights. Barney is no longer an interest to him, mommy and daddy are.

Ah, hello, the wide eyed two year old in the room is reason enough.

Baby, he’s two, I doubt he even knows where his nose is.

I push Todd away. Yeah, not gonna happen.

Damn, Kai, how you gonna get me all worked up and expect me to leave for work now. That could result in permanent damage.

I patted Todd playfully on his chest. I’m sure you will be fine. Besides, you could always come home for lunch to… eat. I said in my flirty I wanna fuck you so badly way.

Done. Todd walks over and kissed Kristopher on his head and grabbed his jacket and briefcase. He looked at me and said in his best Terminator voice I’ll be back.

I’m sure you will. I winked at my handsome husband as he attempted to swagger out the kitchen to the best of his ability while sporting a fresh hard on. I sat down at the kitchen table and had to wonder what the next chapter of our lives might bring. I just hope whatever it was it, it didn’t contain too much drama, I am getting too damn old for all that.

ALANA

CHAPTER 3

I had an appointment with my parole officer the next morning after I was released. I glanced down at my release paper to see that his name was Randolph Farrow. I adjusted my too tight mid-thigh skirt and overly revealing pink cotton top and headed up the escalator at 30 S. Wacker to meet the man who was appointed as my parole office.

I walked into the dilapidated office and cringed as I looked around at the cliental who surrounded me. Clearly I did not look like his typical parolee.

Randolph Farrow sat behind a cluttered desk that sat in the middle of an untidy and filthy office. I knocked on the door and saw Randolph look up at me, back down at his paperwork, and back up again. He motioned for me to come in and have a seat. He carried himself like a man who had been in this job for far too long and taking care of parolees had become more than routine. His greasy hair was slathered to one side and his small attempt to spruce up his appearance didn’t go further than a questionably clean white shirt and grey pants, with no belt and a coffee stain under his pocket. The disarray was topped by his beer belly and triple chin. Sasquatch in a suit.

Hello, Mr. Farrow? I’m Alana Brooks.

Randolph looked up and leaned forward in his seat. He rubbed the sweat off his palm on his TJ Maxx pants and stuck it out to shake mine.

Call me Randy. He said, and his eyes did a slow decent from my face to my breasts and back up again.

OK…OK. I said as Randy sat back behind his desk and motioned for me to sit on the metal folded chair in front him. Randy picked up my file and began to read it. It was clear that he already knew everything in the file since he continued to glance up at me - or rather my breasts every five seconds. As Randy continued to pretend to read my file while staring at my breasts, I began having second thoughts about my visit. I scanned the room, making sure if this pervert did anything inappropriate I could easily make my escape or stab him in the neck with my Prada heel, and claim self-defense.

I’m assuming it’s Miss Brooks?

Yes.

It looks like you and I are going to be joined at the hip for the next nine months. Randy chuckled.

Just the thought of being next to the bloated bureaucrat sitting across from me, let alone joined at the hip with someone who looked and smelled like Randy made my stomach. Yep, looks that way Randy. I responded trying to stay cordial.

Randy flipped a few more pages through my file and looked back up at me managing to make eye contact.

I see here that during your nine months on parole you are not to go near a Mr. Todd Brooks or a Miss Kai Edwards, a distance of 1,000 yards. Randy said and dropped file on his desk. Stalking the couple eh?

I raise my eyebrow at him, trying to stay calm and cool as I digest his lesser than professionalism. My phone suddenly vibrated in my purse breaking the tension in the room.

Randy, will you excuse me for one second?

Of course, sweetheart.

I smile and stand to answer my vibrating phone. As I turned around with my phone, I noticed Randy’s eyes pasted to my ass. I glared at him thinking I might be able to guilt him into being a bit more professional , but of course his eyes remained firmly planted on my ass. I noticed he was slowly moving his right arm under his desk and I didn’t want to imagine what it was he was rubbing. I ended my call and moved back to my comfy metal chair. I laid my cell phone on the desk in front of me.

So Randy, what is the protocol here? I have things I need to do.

Ya don’t say, the parolee has things to do. Randy says with a sarcastic tone. "Guess what, sweetheart, the meeting is over when I say it is, got it? Randy grinned showing every single one of his yellow nicotine stained teeth.

Of course, right. Whatever you say… Randy. I was starting to lose my patience with his blue collar, low life ass. I tried to remember that I needed to keep my focus on the prize Todd. The only way I was going to do that was by being able to keep my temper under control.

Randy picked my folder back up . "You have to complete 200 hours of community service. There’s a list of