Playing the Game Part 8 by Bambi Allen

I am very happy to bring to you the eighth installment of Playing the Game by very talented writer Bambi Allen. You can click HERE to download the pdf file for part 8. Don't forget to familiarize yourself with the first seven installments with the links below.





PLAYING THE GAME PART 1
PLAYING THE GAME PART 2
PLAYING THE GAME PART 3
PLAYING THE GAME PART 4
PLAYING THE GAME PART 5
PLAYING THE GAME PART 6
PLAYING THE GAME PART 7
PLAYING THE GAME PART 8
MEET THE AUTHOR

Playing the Game Part 7 by S. Bambi Allen

I am very happy to bring to you the seventh installment of Playing the Game by very talented writer Bambi Allen. You can click HERE to download the pdf file for part 7. Don't forget to familiarize yourself with the first six installments with the links below.





PLAYING THE GAME PART 1
PLAYING THE GAME PART 2
PLAYING THE GAME PART 3
PLAYING THE GAME PART 4
PLAYING THE GAME PART 5
PLAYING THE GAME PART 6
PLAYING THE GAME PART 7
MEET THE AUTHOR

Playing the Game Part 6: The Encounter

I am very happy to bring to you the sixth installment of Playing the Game; The Encounter by very talented writer Bambi Allen. You can click HERE to download the pdf file for part 6. Don't forget to familiarize yourself with the first five installments with the links below.





PLAYING THE GAME PART 1
PLAYING THE GAME PART 2
PLAYING THE GAME PART 3
PLAYING THE GAME PART 4
PLAYING THE GAME PART 5
PLAYING THE GAME PART 6
MEET THE AUTHOR

Playing The Game Part 5: The Rematch by Bambi Allen

“Hey, just got off the exit, I should be at your house in the next 5 minutes.” “Should I come to the back door or the front?” I ask Henry. “Sis, come to the front, everybody is in the den and kitchen area, I don’t want Cat to see you walk in, he still believes you are not coming.”
After his birthday celebration, Marcus and I had not seen each other in 5 months. Although we both decided to divorce our spouses, we made the decision to allow each other time to heal and not force a relationship beyond our friendship. Of course we talked and texted on the phone often to keep up with each other’s worlds but we committed to heal from each other for at least one year.
But it was New Year’s Eve and Henry was having a special intimate party in celebration of his engagement to his girlfriend, Nia. Something that none of us believed would or could ever happen! So I am surprisingly breaking our one year agreement to attend this blessed event and will see my friend, the notorious Cat Man Jones. I giggle to myself.
“You know he bought his new gold digging barracuda!” “Yes, he told me he was going to bring his friend. Good for him!” I responded sarcastically. “Nia has been given her the eye all night! You know you girls from Blackfield can sniff out a fake in a minute!”
Henry’s fiancée, Nia is a hometown girl who is living large in Atlanta as an corporate environmental scientist. A petite 5ft caramel brown sister who’s ten years our junior. Though we grew up in the same home town, we never really knew Nia, because of her age; we viewed her as this cute sweet little kid.
When she moved to ATL, Henry promised her parents that he would check up on her from time to time. A true man of his word, Henry would take her and her friends out to eat, a few concerts, and even blessing his lil “home girl” with a few extra dollars while she attended Spelman. It wasn’t until she joined Henry’s non-profit organization’s summer project that he took a romantic interest in her. Nia had volunteered as one of the science instructors and unknowingly brewed up a formula that attracted, corrected, and captured this once womanizing mammal.
“So how big is the ring playa?” I asked. “8 carats baby sis, 8 flawless carats!” “Well alright now, she is wearing a house!” “No sis, a whole plantation!” he heartily laughs. “Ok I’m at the gate, buzz me in.”
I arrived; Henry was waiting at the door for me. “My baby sis!” Henry said with excitement picking me up off the ground. “You look GREAT, lost a little weight, I like!” “Yes, indeed!” I thought to myself. I made it a point to look extra fabulous on tonight! Hair done, nails done, and makeup FIERCE!

I had lost 10 pounds and was wearing a dangerously form fitting size 8 red dress topped off with the silver sequin Christian Louboutin shoes Marcus had sent me for Christmas. Yes, I wore them specifically for him to recognize, that’s if he would be able to take his eyes off of me long enough to see the shoes! I smiled. “Thank you now put me down, silly!” Nia tips in the foyer with her arms open wide and whispers, “Hello! I am so glad you made it! Henry said you wanted your presence to be a surprise to Cat. So let’s hurry before he discovers we’ve left the room, comes looking for us and spoils your entrance!” We hug and she takes my shawl wrap.
As I enter the family room, there is Marcus standing handsomely next to the fireplace laughing with one of the guest.
He looks so refined in his black suit and black opened collar shirt. Our eyes meet, he smiles and his greens eyes sparkles with joy. “SNOOPY!!” he calls out. We meet in a warm embrace and he gives me his trademark forehead kiss. He looks down at my shoes, “When I saw those ugly shoes in NY, I knew you out of all people would find an ugly dress to compliment them and you succeeded!” We laugh.
“So you jerks kept this from me,” Marcus said to Henry and Nia. “Good one, so this is how you treat your best man by keeping secrets?” He holds me tightly around my waist. “You are so full of yourself Cat! I am only here for Henry and Nia!” and kisses him on the cheek. Marcus gives me a sly look, touches me in the small of my back and whispers in my ear, “You know you taste just as good as you look!,” and walks away leaving me with goose bumps.
“Catch your mind!” I tell myself but begin looking for the nearest chair so I can sit down before my legs became weaker.
Cat brings over his new catch of the day , a 20 year old, 5’11 Latin bombshell. Marcus introduces us, “Theresa this is Deb and Deb,Theresa. “Hello, I have heard so much about you it’s so nice to finally meet you” she says with a smile. I put on the best fake smile I could muster, “Hello nice to meet you as well.” I hug her. “Theresa is a model and actress in Charlotte,” Marcus proudly says but all I hear in my head is she is, “she’s a stripper and a trick!” Lord, please forgive me. I need a prayer cause I don’t even know this child and I am thinking this way. “Oh wonderful,” I reply. Theresa’s phone vibrates, “Please excuse me, I need to take this, it’s my mom.” I look at Marcus with brows raised, “Guess mommy’s calling to let her know it’s past her bedtime!” “Do I hear a hint of jealousy? Deb, you know me, I ALWAYS keep a piece of eye candy on my arms.” “Me, jealous? No, not all! But your old behind need to sit down somewhere and leave these young gold digging chicks alone! I thought you would have learned your lesson but I guess it’s true, you can’t teach an old dog new trick!” Marcus replies with a smirk, “Bow Wow Yo Yippe Yay Yippe Yay! Nothing but the dog in me!”
Just before I could make a comment, Henry walks up, “Y’all come and meet my future brother in law.”

We follow Henry into his formal dining room where the food and beverages are. There stands a well built very handsome guy with Nia preparing his plate. “Paul, I would like you to meet my family, my lil sis, Deb and brother, Marcus aka Cat Man Jones!” Nia takes his plate and he walks toward us flashing this gorgeous smile. All I’m thinking is how much this guy looks identical to Dwayne “Rock” Johnson! Same smile as well! My goodness! That wonderful smile! You know the kind of smile that makes a woman lay down her salvation card and calls to one of the mothers in the church the morning after; just to make sure the rapture hadn’t taken place! MERCY! Henry quickly instructs me under his breath, “He’s single, baby sis, go for it!” Marcus in return gives me a just as quick cold stare!
Paul greets Marcus with the universal dap and chest bump. Then greets me with a soft kiss on the cheek and says “You are more beautiful than I remembered!” “I guess you would be since you were only 14 when I left town to join the Marines.” “I bet you don’t remember me, do you?” Paul asked. “No sorry, I don’t.” I embarrassedly answer. “Oh you don’t have to apologize. I use to bring my grandmother to your house to get her hair done.” I never would get out of the car; I remembered you would always be outside playing with your dog.” Desperately, trying to give a good reason why I never noticed him when I was young, I replied, “Yes, when I was playing with Sheba I was in my own world,” “No harm done, you always waved at me.,” he jokingly assured me. “Nice seeing you guys again.” Just before he walks back to the buffet, he leans forward and whispers to me, “You know they have paired us up for the midnight kiss. So I will be back for get you.” and he gives me a wink. Flirtingly I smile, “Don’t have me come looking for you.” “I promise you, you won’t beautiful.” He winks again and he and Henry walk back over to Nia.
I am on cloud 99 right now! Thinking to myself, “WHO RAH, Semper Fi, Semper Fi!,”
“Come with me,” Marcus snaps. We walk into one of the guest rooms. Marcus closes the door. “How dare you flirt with Paul right in front of my face?” “Cat, did I miss the memo that said I had to be by myself tonight? Seems to me you are not alone, what about your arm candy?” “Come on Snoopy, you know she means nothing to me but brother man was looking at you like he was planning to wife you up.” “And if that is the case, so what! I snapped back. “When are you going to get in your head that I am not one of your trophies and that you don’t own anything here!,” Marcus steps up to me and begins scanning my body with his eyes, “That’s mighty funny… cause the last time I was in it, my name was written all over it!”

Grabbing my hips he pulls me close to him. I try to pull away but Cat’s stare and his familiar smell weakens my struggle. “Feel that.” he whispers referring to his bulge while staring into my eyes. He pulls me closer. “A custom fit and I am not letting it be replaced again.”


JayJon Heritage Communications & Entertainment Group
"May I Have Your Attention Please!"
www.jayjonheritagegroup.com

Playing the Game by Bambi (UPDATE)

Great news, I just received word, there will be a more Playing the Game slated to be posted the first week of November. If you are not familiar with the story line, the first series is below. Enjoy
PLAYING THE GAME PART 1
PLAYING THE GAME PART 2
PLAYING THE GAME PART 3
PLAYING THE GAME PART 4
MEET THE AUTHOR

Playing the Game by Bambi

Greetings to everyone, I have a lot of new readers to 1081 and I wanted to repost a wonderful short story by a very talented writer. Please enjoy and if you have read it before, enjoy it again.
PLAYING THE GAME PART 1
PLAYING THE GAME PART 2
PLAYING THE GAME PART 3
PLAYING THE GAME PART 4

JAYJON PRESENTS SOUTHERN SUMMER LIVING AFTERNOON CRUISE SOCIAL

JAYJON PRESENTS
SOUTHERN SUMMER LIVING
AFTERNOON CRUISE SOCIAL



Saturday, June 27th, 2008
11AM- 5PM
Queens Landing,
Lake Norman, NC
$25.00 per person in advance

Come Spend An Afternoon With Some Of The
"Hottest Stars" In The Carolinas As We Cruise Along Lake Norman In The Mystic Catawba Queen Riverboat
And Enjoy The Wonderful Attractions of
Queens Landing, Lake Norman, NC

SEATING LIMITED!
Must RSVP By 5/30!
To reserve seating, location/payment Info
jjheritagegroup@yahoo.com



Planning To Also Stay Overnight?
Contact Country Inn Suites(704) 895-6565
(Ref: JayJon)

Playing the Game Part 4 by Bambi

It's 1AM and the party is over. The limo has taken Shannon to an airport hotel for her early morning flight to LA. Only family is left along with a few caterers who are taking equipment to their vans. I stand in the kitchen proudly watching David take care of the final details of the event. Everyone is pleased. He walks over to me and hands me an envelope. "This is yours" he says and gives me a heartfelt hug. "Thanks for trusting me this event." he smiles. "Sweetheart, you owe me nothing, this is event was all you. You made it happen," and I place the envelope back into his hand. "But I can't it take it back," David informs me with a raised eyebrow. "It wasn't apart of the service fee, it's a surprise bonus gift for you from Marcus."

"Don't look at me like that, besides you need to call it a night. Your girlfriend has been patiently waiting for you to finish up , so get out of here !" I wave for Monica to come over. I open the envelope and see that Marcus has given me a check for $3000. Attached is a yellow post it note that reads, "The best things come in threes or at least I hope at 3!" I inwardly pray, "Jesus, please help me."

"Catch your mind sis", David surprisingly responds to my inward prayer. "I know everything's not peaches and cream with you and Will but promise me you won't get caught up again?" How could I look him in the face and promise him something I couldn't promise myself? David sees the bewilderment on my face and says, "Well at least try, you know broken hearts do compromising things. When we hurt, we revert back to that which is familiar for comfort. Marcus for you is someone close, very familiar and a true friend. I won't excuse your actions but I can understand them." "Your wisdom has been heard and noted David, but please don't you allow my indiscretion to detour you from keeping a chaste relationship with Monica." I speak with a shameful heart for I still pondered about making that same mistake once again.



"We’re keeping it holy but it's so hard on a brother cause my girl is FINE!" David replies as Monica aka Megan Good number two walks past him. He stares at her, but not with lust in his eye but with love as she hugs me good night. We walk toward the family room door to bid each other farewell. "Here is the key to my apartment, drive safely and I'll see you later on." David says while handing me his key. "No thank you buddy, I am staying ALONE at the Embassy resort. No kids, no hubby and no one calling me mommy for an entire weekend, paradise! And anyway if I come and stay with you I will end up doing your housework." I respond placing the key back into his hand.

Mama Pansy gets up from her chair and interrupts, "Am I hearing you right child, did you just say you're staying in a hotel? Cat! You know I raised you better, you mean to tell me you have all these empty bedrooms in this house and you didn't ask baby girl to stay here with us for the weekend?" Cat smirks and slyly answers, "Mama she didn't want to!' I give Marcus a sharp mean look. With her hands upon her hips, Mama Pansy continues, "She may not want to BUT she is going to! Your clothes are in the car right? Cat get up and go get them! With her demands being met she smiles, blows the family a kiss and begins walking out of the room, "God bless you babies, now we’re going to bed, come on Charles." Papa Charles gets up from the sofa shaking his head and smiling. Marcus passes by me and mumbles, "She told you, didn't she?! Now go tell her where you're sleeping!" Marcus quietly sings the group Silk's song, "There's a meeting in my bedroom, bedroom, bedroom." Although he is smiling as he walks out of the door, his eyes are cold and distant.

Henry walks over from the kitchen, "Go on upstairs and rest Lil Sis, I'll have Cameron or one of the nephews around here bring up your luggage instead of Cat. I need to talk to him, our boy's hurting," he says as we both walk out into the night. Now that explains Marcus's eyes, I say to myself. "That darn Shannon! I could literally stab her for being a "platinum digger" and breaking such a good man's heart! As my mom would say, don't you better not call all men "DOGS" unless you're willing to call all women "CATS". They do the same "mess" but a cat covers theirs up so you won't find it or see it! And when it is uncovered, it still STINKS just the same! My heart goes out to Marcus but thank God their "guy talk" has become my open door of escape, it's now 1:30 am.



After taking my shower, I pamper myself in the rich body cream of CoCo Chanel, my signature fragrance just before I put on my favorite Victoria Secret silk pajama set. I pay close attention to every detail of my body, trying hard to quiet the voices of criticism that I so often hear concerning my battle scars of youth, age, weight gain, or childbirth. But tonight, I will reaffirm the beauty of me, my arms, my neck, my hips, my legs and my thighs, all of me. I even put on some flavored KLS lip gloss to make myself feel "pretty."

In the stillness of my room, David’s words resound in my head. Marcus was indeed safe and very familiar. I was free to be myself with "Cat". With him, I could talk loud and laugh even louder especially during our times at the lake playing with my boys. William on the other hand complained about my "country" loud voice and laughter and made sly comments about me only enjoying playing with the boys just to relive my childhood. When I happened to stumble over or mispronounced my words in conversation, William felt that it was his God given right to make me feel inferior to his vast vocabulary prowess by belittling me for sounding "dumb" in front of friends or even in conversations among ourselves.

Many nights I have argued with William trying to defend myself but after 20 year of trying, something in you dies, so you I learn to play the game. I am William's wife in William's Circle and I am "Me" with everyone else, especially with my true friend, "Cat."

Often times I've questioned my beauty, strength, intelligence, and even my own self worth. The wounds of my marriage's heartbreaks, frustrations, William’s affair, and our non-sexual existence had taken its toll; the battle of infidelity with Marcus was raging fully in my mind. Just like the movie title, "He's Just Not Into You, I questioned what is wrong with me in Williams’ eyes? William enjoys the "idea" of having a smart beautiful business savvy wife and an awesome mother to his children but in reality, we live totally separate lives, the compliments and affection from him are rarely given. I still turn clients heads at his high profile business luncheons that he insist I attend but yet I lay in bed beside him untouched. I use to beg him to be with me and the kids, to hold me, or to just touch me but I was quickly reprimanded and told to enjoy the fruits of his labor; M-O-N-E-Y instead.

Now Marus’ touch was damn near erotic, and readily available. Since high school he has had a way of placing his hand on the small of my back, softly rubbing while whispering, "Are you ok?”And if no one told you yet, let me be the first to say you look absolutely beautiful." Just the thought causes me to yearn for it. "Catch your mind, Deb catch your mind!" I tell myself.

Its 2:30am, my cell buzzes, the text reads, "Come meet me in the theater" Of course it's Marcus. I text back, "No, It's late..." Marcus calls me and says slowly, "I really need you, please come down." His voice sounding as if he has been crying. I try to reply but he hangs up. Among all the wonderful party festivities, well wishes, and loving friends and family, Marcus was still broken. So I prepare myself to console my often time comforter.



The house is quiet so I tiptoe down the hall to enter the elevator; hoping no one hears or sees me. Once the elevator doors closed, I sigh a breathe of relief thinking to myself, "This is so high schoolish sneaking downstairs in the middle of the night with Cat's parents in the house!" Once I stepped out of the elevator, I am suddenly gripped with fear. I am alone in a dimly lit replica of a 1940 movie theatre lobby. How creepy everything seems, old horror movie posters on the wall, a shadowy video game area, and the ticket booth with that weird life size wax ticket lady that I loathed. The eeriness of it all has me spooked and ready to turn back around. But I drum up the courage to press forward only to be stopped in my tracks by the motion sensored ticket lady turning towards me saying "Enjoy the show!

Frightened, I lean up against the theater doors to calm myself from shaking. I now can hear strange music playing inside the theater. I open the door to an unusually darken room. The only lights that are on are the aisle lights, a few dim ones in the front, and a few red glowing ones scattered about. I recognize the music it's Prince's Beautiful Ones. Marcus's voice speaks harshly through the darkness, "Lock the door and leave the lights as is." Startled by his instructions and seeing that on the screen is his and Shannon's Vegas wedding ceremony I nervously call out, "Cat I can't see, what’s going on, where are you?" Cat blusters again, "Leave the lights alone and lock the doors. I'm down here." As my eyes began to adjust to the light, I could see Marcus waving his hand which held a glass. This whole scene is something straight out of horror flick but silly me still turns to lock the doors. My heart is beating fast from fear telling me to "run away" but my mind is saying "This is Cat, he's not going to harm you." "Yeah famous last words", I think to myself and I pick up a pool stick from the wall just for precautionary measures.



Walking to the front of the theater, there I find Marcus seating on the floor in brown silk pajamas, arms resting on his knees, head bowed. Beside him is a tray with a mini ice bucket, tongs, and a half empty bottle of Crown Royal. "Cat, baby are you alright?" I ask. Without looking up he begins to spiel, "Why did she leave me? Was I not good enough? Did I not give her enough? What's wrong with me?" With tears running down his face, Marcus looks at me and ask a question that pierces my heart, "Why didn't she love me, wasn't I worth being loved too?" I drop the pool stick and kneel by side wrapping my arms around his shoulders, "Shh... Cat please don't talk like this, she's the one who has lost out not you, not you baby!"

I sit down and lay his head on my chest, holding him in attempts to calm the affects of his brokenness. He continues to weep then he speaks, "Deb, I gave Shannon my heart, treated her like a queen, gave her everything needed and she asked for. Trips to Milan, Paris, diamonds, and furs and when I was at my lowest and needed her most she up and leaves me. Deb, after surgery I was in so much pain I asked her to just hold me throughout the night and she wouldn't even do that for me. Heartless! I knew all along she had someone else but I couldn't accept it. While I was out giving her everything, making this life for us, she had this dude lying up in my house, watching my TV, driving my cars and eating my pop tarts!"

With that statement I begin to laugh. "I'm sorry Cat, but your pop tarts?" He looks up at me with a smirk, "Hold up, I am having a heartfelt moment here and you're laughing? Yeah, my strawberry pop tarts with the sprinkles!" We both break out into laughter while he continues to lie against my chest. "Where is the remote?" I ask. "Let's turn off your heartbreak cinema and turn on another song. Just turn on the stereo and whatever plays we will listen. If it's a fast song we will get up and dance, if it's slow we will just cry together, deal? “I kiss Marcus' graying temple. He obliges.

It was as if an angel had heard our pain, the perfect song begins to play, India Arie's He Heals Me. Marcus continues to rest on my chest holding my hand at the point where they lay upon his. I whisper "You know you do," referring to his ability to heal my many wounds throughout the years. I rock him slowly in my arms to the Indie's soothing words. He kisses my hand and says, "It's been my pleasure, thanks for being her for me tonight." His cheeks are still wet with tears. "Cat look at me," I insist. He looks up with tears clouding his magnificent eyes. "Why us, Deb?" he questions. "I don't know dear heart, I just don't know." I answer softly. He kisses my lips lightly. I close my eyes just as the song ends and receive his tenderness.



Marcus changes positions as Princes voice coons in again, this time with "Adore." His stare is spellbinding; he searches my face for a spot to plant his lips but chooses my neck instead. I react to his passionate love bite with a pleasurable sigh. "Hmm, so you like that", Marcus whispers in my ear. "Then love this" His warm tongue gradually moves down from my ear, to my neck toward my cleavage, he stops at the top button of my pajamas. Taking the toss pillows off of the theater chairs, he rests them on the floor and delicately places me upon them. Continuing in his seduction, he unbuttons my top, exposing my breast. "May I?" he says provocatively while licking his lips in the trademark LL Cool J fashion. Without awaiting an answer, he proceeds far beyond my upper body and my expectations. My mind is now in a complete haze.

After he sensed my pleasure, he lies beside me, pulling me close and kisses my forehead. “I won't force you do something that you don't want to do." he relays looking in my eyes. "I know," and I kiss him deeply. I unbutton his shirt to revile years of disciplined training. I kiss every ripple, every muscle as I approach his heart, I slowly kiss his scar. Marcus quickly reaches and tries to stop my actions, he pleads “Don't," while holding my chin. There are again traces of tears on his cheeks. "Cat, this is not a sign of your weakness but a sign of your strength." I removed his hand and continue kissing the nemesis that has so easily vexed this powerful strong man's being. From his body's reaction, I could tell he was crying silently. Determined to bring comfort, I taste every drop of his honey touched skin. With every touch, every kiss, Marcus' anguish subsides.



Kissing passionately, comfortable in our own skin, touching each other, exploding one another, fully exposed yet unashamed. Marcus pauses and ask, "Please don't say no, let me love you." I allow him to enter. The burdens of our past afflictions send shockwaves through my body as we connect over and over again. As the weight of our heartache becomes too massive for me to bear, I whisper in his ear, "Dear heart, I am not going to leave you again." All is released every frustration, every disappointment, every fear, simply flows into mere nothingness. Jill Scott's "He Loves Me" lulls us into peace under the faux mink throw Marcus has so thoughtfully placed over us.

"Cat, we can't keep doing this," I quietly say. "I understand," he answers. "But what about birthday and holidays?" he jokingly persist. "No not even those days, Mr. Catman Jones!" I smile. "I've got something for you," Marcus says as he gets up puts on his pajama and walks to the bar. He brings back a tiffany box. In my mind I am thinking, "This better not be a gift that was intended for Shannon", so I look at him suspiciously. He reads my body language as he sits down beside me to present the gift."Snoopy, this gift was brought just for you and you alone" and kisses me again on my forehead. Snoopy was a childhood nickname Marcus had given me when I and his sister were caught "snooping" around in his room. Hearing him call me, "Snoopy," always made me smile and he knew it.

Inside the box is a tiffany bracelet with two charms, one's a diamond and emerald dog charm, and the other an engraved T&C pink enamel finish disc with the words "2 Snoopy My Forever Friend" 143. We kiss and we learn to laugh once again...

Bambi has plans in the works to continue developing the characters of "Playing The Game" into a book. Be on the look out for the book information here on this blog! Next blog short story by Bambi, a suspense thriller, "Scorned!" How far will a daughter go to seek revenge for her father's death? Find out this summer...



PLAYING THE GAME PART 1
PLAYING THE GAME PART 2
PLAYING THE GAME PART 3

Pon de Replay - Playing the Game

Get caught up to speed with the parts one through three of " Playing the Game." Part four is coming soon, the links are below.

PLAYING THE GAME PART 1
PLAYING THE GAME PART 2
PLAYING THE GAME PART 3

Playing The Game The Discovery Part 3

Playing The Game
The Discovery Part 3



  Attempting to block Cat’s stare by pushing Henry into the opposite direction was a big mistake. "Oh you want to get fancy like dancing with the stars? I got you!" Henry said with excitement. Fun loving Henry has been my friend about as long as Marcus. We all met at Brooklyn’s  summer camp when we were 5 years old and he and Cat became my protectors and we have stuck together ever since.

Henry calls me lil sis even though we are the same age; he’s older than me by a few months so I know from the sound of his voice this dance is about to get very interesting!  This 400lb former NFL defensive lineman picks me up by my waist and puts me in the air as if I was light as a feather yelling, “Ta-Da, you didn't know I had skills, Warren Sapp eat your heart out!”  Everybody on the dance floor is laughing and if as on cue the firework display explodes in the summer air.

 "Boy put me down." I said embarrassingly. "I will if u pose for me", Henry cheerfully said if we were really on dancing with the stars.  I poised with the grace of an Alvin Ailey dancer and we look at each other and say "Ta-dah!"  Everyone on the dance floor is applauding and Cat's is laughing his head off from the sidelines and yells, "Warren Sapp ain’t got nothing on you, Big Sexy!"

The truly spectacular fireworks begin and the wait staff brings out champagne and sparkling grape juice as the dj announces that the birthday toast. Marcus and Shannon stand on stage, Marcus his arm is around her waist and begans his speech while the dj softly plays the instrumental version of Keyisha Cole's "Sent From Heaven" to set the mood.



Tears began to flow from Marcus’ eyes as he tries to speak, thus causing a change reaction among the 200 family and friends. All with the exception of Shannon, she strangely held her impressive Barbie doll smile and only wiped his tears when the press cameras  were shooting pictures of the “picture perfect” moment. Is it just my heightened feelings that have me suspicious about Shannon’s odd actions or am I sensing something here?

Through the tears, Marcus begins, "God has been tremendously great to me, his grace is so overwhelming that I got to, I have to, I must give him ALL the praise!”  "Though I am no where near perfect,  the Lord chose to spare this here backwoods country boy’s life to let me see my 40th birthday,” and before he could go on, Mama Pansy let out a yell, “HE’S A WONDER! GLO-RAY! and breaks forth into tongues causing the backyard to turn from a party to the church house erupting into hallelujahs’, amens, and hands raising in the air in praise.

Marcus points toward the sky as he speaks; "I thank God for my parents.  Life for us wasn’t easy but Dad taught us the value of a dollar & hard work, and Momma taught us the power of God and prayer. Because of these values and whippins, look at us now!  Our life is blessed, not because of the stuff we have and yes they are wonderful earthly blessings but we are blessed because of the love we share.  You young brothas out here thinkin’ that stuff and money will bring happiness, so you start livin’ foul trying to obtain money not real wealth, but I am here to tell like just like the song says, "more money more problems,” you find out that you can't trust folks, you even start second guessing family cause they know how to pull on those heart strings, and they might become the very ones that hurt you the most over this thing call M-O-N-E-Y!"

Henry mumbles under his breath, “Yeah superman, you must be talking to yourself cause you the one holding kryptonite in your arms." I elbow him. Marcus continues, "So if you never listened to Unc’ before, listen to me now, the greatest blessing a man can have is not wealth or fame but the favor of God, health, the love from his family along with ride or die friends and I have truly been blessed with all the above!”

Applause fillsthe night air as Marcus composes himself. “Now enough with all this crying” Marcus says smilingly. “This is not a funeral but a celebration, so show your love for Ms. Keyisha Cole!" Everybody screams in delight as Keyisha takes center stage singing "Sent from heaven.”

Henry hugs Marcus as he walks from the stage into the crowd. “Thanks for the gift bro this party is going down in history,” Marcus says after they break their embrace. “Anything for my brother” Henry said. “I thought Ms. Cole would be the icing on the cake since someone thought they were going to upstage me with bringing the young brothas from the yard to step without letting me in on the surprise.” Henry says rolling his eyes at me in just.

“Y’all two work it out among yourselves, I have a beautiful woman that I must dance with before she leaves tonight to go back to LA, you know Ms. stylist to the stars, no rest for the best!” Marcus says as he walks Shannon to the dance floor and that’s exactly what Shannon was, a beautiful specimen of a woman, 5’ 11, size 6 of Japanese and African American descent. She looked radiant in her Emanuel Ungaro mini and her over all look was that of perfection. But she possessed one flaw that Henry could not overlook despite her beauty, charm and intelligence. That flaw was from her past as a NFL groupie. Marcus and Shannon met at a pre-super bowl party hosted by Henry and some of his former teammates.  One of the party's premiere "a la carte hoes" was how he had described Shannon.

“Bullshit,” Henry mumbles. “Hush, boy,” why are you still hating all up on Shannon?,” speaking up for someone that I was suspicious of myself. “I hate to burst your bubble cause I know you have always been that trick’s number one cheerleader so I must show you something,” Henry says taking my arm. “Show me-no tell me because I want to hear Keyisha” I asked trying to release his firm yet gentle grip. Henry moves closer to my ear to speak so that I can hear his urgency above the noise of the concert. “No, you’re coming with me, I told you 5 years ago when he was about to marry the trick that Cat couldn’t turn a ho into a housewife, but no! Your “positive” behind kept saying they really love each other! Since you didn’t believe my words then maybe you'll believe your own eyes now.”

“Where are we going?” I asked walking as he leads me. “In Cat’s bedroom” he says without losing his stride. “What are you crazy? I am not going into their bedroom,"  I try to tell him attempting to stop the madness of breaking and entering into another woman’s sanctuary. “If you stop, I will pick you up and explain to everyone you’re drunk.” Henry said with the quickness.
We enter the back of the house through the kitchen and Henry informs the security guard who's also a friend, where we were going and to text him if anyone especially Cat was coming in our direction. Apparently, everyone knows what’s going on in Marcus’s and Shannon’s household but me. Henry unlocks the bedroom door with a key hidden in the wall,  opening the door to one of the world’s most majestic bedrooms.



We walk past the sitting parlor where Henry kicks the Louis Vuitton luggage that is sitting outside the parlor door. “Henry I assume those are Shannon’s” I imply looking at him as if he has lost his mind. He looks back and says, “Smell that?” “Smell what?” I say. “All I smell is Cat’s  Issey Miyake cologne.” “Yeah, Henry leans on the bedpost, “No scent of a female at all, strange isn’t it,,”he says  “Follow me, since you've been MIA for a year, things have change and you need to see this for yourself”, he continues as we scope the room like CSI agents looking for traces of female life.

 We enter Cat’s closet.  I have only been in his closet room twice it's breathtaking, dark wood cabinetry, sitting area, four way mirror, the works. But this time it really took my breath away, the closet reflected Cat’s anal personality, perfect in every way but where were Shannon’s clothes?

My thoughts begin to race, was I the cause of this, did I bring about this destruction due to Cat’s & my one night of passion? How did she find out? Did he tell her in guilt? So why was she acting so wonderful towards me tonight? My heart aches, my eyes tear up, and when my brain can’t compute anymore internal questioning, I black out, falling to the floor knocking over Cat’s accessories, his ties and belts, all tumble down to floor along with me.

"What da hell!", Henry shrieks as he rushes to sit me up, “Lil sis are you ok, I didn’t think you were going to react like this.” “What happened?,” I asked. “You passed out after you saw that the trick doesn’t live here anymore.” Henry answers.  “Stop calling her that! When, why?” I ask puzzled. “Promise you won’t pass out again?” I shook my head ok and braced myself for what Henry was about to say, Shannon had found out Marcus had cheated on her.

Henry begins, “All that you saw outside between Cat and that tri.. umm, Shannon was a show, a fraud, their marriage died a long time ago. Lil sis, our boy is sprung, he wants her back in the worst way but like I told you, she never loved him. She left Cat over a year ago, right after his heart attack. She couldn’t deal with the thought of taking care of him. I just found out about the situation last week when I surprised Cat with my early arrival. He has been covering up her absence from the fam for drama sake in hopes that she will come back to him. She wants a divorce but she doesn’t want to lose the lifestyle... can we say prenup! But don’t worry, she isn't left out in the cold by no means, softhearted knuckle head laces her up each month, bought her the LA condo she wanted, the deed's in her name, and Cat set her up with all of her Hollywood connections! That's love for ya, now let me get you some water.”

Henry gets up and his phone buzzes, the text messages reads, “Cat's lookin 4U & headin UR way GET OUT NOW! ” Henry looks at me in a panic and says, “Cat's coming!” “What!” I scream.  Henry covers my mouth, “Shh get up and go hide in the bathroom!” As I scramble to get up from the floor, I hear, Cat calling “Henry are you in here! You betta not have some female up in my bedroom!” Henry races out of the closet area leaving me behind with no time to run into the bathroom, so I  hide behind the jumbo wicker hampers filled with Cat's funky clothes. At this point I am thinking to myself, "Why in the world did I follow Henry into this craziness!"

“Henry, where are you freak, you betta not have that female up in my shower!” Cat’s voice gets closer. Henry answers him with a quick lie right in the front of the closet room door, “Man, I’m looking out for you, one of your sister’s friends wanted to see how my boy’s living so I am taking her on the grand tour, she’s out on the balcony listening to the concert, it's all good.”  “Enough with the grand tour, bring that chick out to "see" the concert and not just "listen" to it from "my" bedroom balcony.  And by the way, the balcony is off limits too. I never got my freak on out there, so you betta not either!  Not that anyone would be able see your big black naked ass out in the dark anyway, let alone find your itty bitty johnson, if you did" I hear Cat jokingly tease as he walks away.  Henry answers, "Oh that's suppose to be funny, I know you're threaten by all this sexy dark chocolate, you pale possum faced broke down pimp!" They both break out in laughter and I giggle in my mind.

Henry comes back in to rescue me. “Close call now let’s get up out of here before green eyed inspector gadget comes back” Henry says as we both hurry to put things back in place. “If Cat knew I told you he would be furious, he told me yours and William’s marriage still isn’t the best and he doesn’t want his problems added to your drama and from your fainting spell, I understand.” he says and kisses me lightly on the cheek.



Henry doesn’t know the half of what’s going on in my psyche right now. Mama Pansy said I was the one who needed a healer, I believe this time the shoe is on the other foot…

Meet the Author Featuring Bambi

1) What is your story? (ie, where are you from and so on)

Hi, I am Sonjy Nyletti Bambi Davis Allen. My name is Arabic Hindu and Disney... meaning intelligent, pride and sweet, it's as unique and wonderful as God created me to be.

I am a southern bell from a small loving town of Chester, SC, it is 45 minutes SW of Charlotte, NC and 50 minutes NW of Columbia SC so we had/have quick access to "city life."

I am the youngest of three girls, no brothers, and I have been blessed with a wonderful host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. I love truly my family and friends.

I came to Greensboro, NC to attend NC A&T, fell in love with a football player name John Allen as well as one of the greatest church/ministries in the world, Evangel Fellowship, got married, had two beautiful hilarious kids, bought a house and the rest is history.

2) What influenced you to write this short story?

The creator of this blog! LOL We are always talking about our talents and gifts and EOP challenged me to write my thoughts/stories down and have them featured on his blog to see what the world would think of them.

I kept putting it off until one day I said, "I am going to do story wherever it sinks or swim." That's how "Playing the Game" was created. It is fictional take on real life encounters from friends/family conversations and personal experiences.

My motto is "Real Life Is Stranger Than Fiction!"

3) Is it possible this short story will be turned into a full length book?

I would love for it too! Playing The Game has taken on a life of it's own, I even dream about the characters.


4) If your short story was to be transformed into a series or movie, who would you want to play the role of the characters?

Terrance Howard- Marcus "Cat" Jones
Terry Crews- Henry Lucas
Fonzworth Bentley- David Perkins
Nia Long- Deb Williams
Kimora Lee- Shannon Jones
Jennifer Lewis- Mama Pansy


5) What projects do you have coming up next?

Personally, I have a Princess birthday party coming up in two weeks. LOL Professionally, with my business JayJon Entertainment and Communications, will be promoting the "Liv I Will" Foundation Walk with Relay For Life in Alabama, producing a SC graduation celebration, wedding reception, and youth event, plans in the summer to partnership with 1081creations to showcase indie recording artist, poets, etc and being available for whatever God has in store for us to make into reality! God bless!

PLAYING THE GAME PART 1
PLAYING THE GAME PART 2

Playing the Game - The Party Written By Bambi

The Party

" Cat, I not going to be your whore, I know how the game works and I refuse to get caught up in it." I said sharply and placed the card on the bar. Wiping his face in frustration, Marcus replied angrily while talking through his teeth, "So this has been a game to you, you my whore now?" "When have you ever known me to cheat? NEVER! When have you ever cheated, NEVER, what took place between us meant something it is bigger than just sex!" " I thought I was making love to a my friend who needed me as much as I needed her! Your body spoke volumes to mine, we touched each other in places no one has ever discovered. I lefted a mark on your inner thigh, did he even notice? Hell no, because he doesnt go there, does he? That night was special, something magicial for me at least but for you it was some type of game?" He pointed his finger in my face and was about to say,"Fu... but I interrupted him before he could complete his dejection. "Don't you dare curse at me Cat, who do you think I am?" I said sternly. "No, it's who do you think I am? I thought what happen in Charleston would enhance our relationship but you look at me differently, like I am going to hurt you, I would never hurt you,never have and never will, haven't I proven that to you." "Hell, yes, I want to love you again and again, but is that wrong of me?" "Answer me?" Marcus said while he held my chin so I wouldn't look away.

Speechless, I couldn't answer him but before I could he said, "Your eyes say it all, you know I know dearheart." And he kissed me lightly on my lips. "Cat, I can't.. " was all I could muster out of my mouth before he covered my lips with him finger. "Shh.. remember there's no such word as can't, we learned that in kindergarten" he said with a sly smile. Just before I could get on my soap box about all the wrongs of this mess, the dj interrupts by announcing , "Ladies & gentlemen, the distinguish men of Omega Psi Phi are about to set this evening off for our brother, Marcus The Cat Jones, where my dogs at?" With that the music began pumping George Clinton, "Dog catcher", and the backyard erupts into men barking everywhere. "This has your signature all over it." Marcus said shoving me slightly on the shoulder quickly changing from wanna be loverman to homeboy barking back to his frat brothers. Rushing from the bar to the poolside, to join the steppers, Marcus turns and yells, "Anna Mae you betta not leave my card on the bar before you eat the cake!" "You know you're stupid right?" I shout back. "Yeah and so are you!" Marcus says smiling as he grabs Shannon around the waist kissing her on the neck as if the debate between us a few minutes ago never took place.

"He says it's not a game but what is this?" I say to myself. "Know the rules and know your place on the board, I am just the friend no more no less just the friend" I pick up the credit card and walk over to Mama Pansy with the iced teas. "Oh here is my baby girl, looking good as ever. I see you and Cat got over the riff between you and him, baby don't let your friendship die, cause in this life that you don't have many folks you can truly call friend." "Do you hear what I'm saying to you," she said looking over her glasses with same piercing green eyes as Cat's. "Continue to love one another and to work it out, do you hear me?" "Yes ma'am, I said as I held her hand. But in the back of my mind I was wondering what had he told his mama? She looked at me and said, " Cat and you weren't meant to be married, she chuckled, "you would have killed each other by now, you're too much alike." I remember when you all were playing in the backyard and he climbed that big oak tree and you didn't want him to out do you so you climbed it too and fell breaking your arm. Remember how he became so tender toward you until you healed?" "That's all he is trying to do now child, he sees that you're hurting and he wants to be your healer."" she said rubbing my cheeks. "Let him, be," she said tenderly. I wanted to say "Mama Pansy my heart is not the only thing your son wants to heal and to be honest, I want him to heal more too", but I smile and kiss her hand.

The party is explosive, the music is fierce and the food is awesome, there are enough guest where Marcus and I don't cross paths often and when we do he was holding his beautiful wife and in my heart I love seeing him smile with such a beautiful and smart woman on his arms. On the other hand, David & Henry kept the wolves away from me when my wedding rings didnt seem to be a distraction. While watching the other guest dancing, Henry comes up from behind and wraps his arms around my shoulders whispering, "I got these freaky hoes clapping there hands stomping there feet. Every now and then they put there mouth on me" "Are you drunk?" what are you talking about? I asked him puzzled. "Look near the buffet, that's the butt naked massage girl I told you about, girl act like you my date?" he laughing said "You just nasty, I should let your behind get caught?" Come on let's dance."


Ironically, while walking to the dance floor the music changes from fast to slow playing Joe's "All of the things your man won't do." Now all night long I have avoided Marcus but here he is sits like the black lightskinned version of Scarface's Tony Montana with his back to the crowd, staring a hole straight through me while forming a V with his whipped cream covered fingers and slowly licking them to the beat.....

JayJon Heritage Communications & Entertainment Group
"May I Have Your Attention Please!"
www.jayjonheritagegroup.com

"Playing the Game" by Bambi

ATTENTION TO ALL OF MY READERS, I NEED YOU TO READ THIS SHORT STORY AND LEAVE FEEDBACK OR I WILL BE HIGHLY UPSET. CHECK OUT THE PAST TWO POST ALSO. THANK YOU VERY KINDLY

Playing the Game



"Ok I can do this; I have to get my game face on its show time." I thought to myself as I drove up in the driveway. His new wife is giving him this amazing birthday party and I am his buddy o pal it would be too suspicious if "his girl" didnt show up, but all I can think about is what happen last summer! I smirked that the thought of the movie title "I know what you did last summer" then my mind flashed back to what was supposed to have been an innocence getaway to Charleston SC for two childhood friends but both being from emotionally and physically emptied marriages, the tables quickly turned into kissing and ended up the next morning naked in each other arms, killing instantly our 35 year old friendship. We both knew things had change for us, the almost everyday stupid text messages ceased to once a week and the facebook comments ended. We would call each other just to give hometown updates but that was the length of our conversations. But this birthday was special and I couldn't avoid it, it was Marcus's 40th and Shannon had went all out, I should know cause my company helped plan the event. Invitations went to everyone, classmates, business associates, family, and friends.

"Get yourself together girlfriend before you ring this darn doorbell!", I tell myself but it doesn't help, Marcus is fine, smart, a successful real estate developer and living in a mansion not to mention he knew exactly where my hot spots were because he know almost everything about me since we were 5! How can this go back to normal for us? "Ring the door bell, he is not going to answer the door, then I can avoid Marcus among the many well wishers," "Here we go lights, camera, action....."

"Ding dong" goes the door bell and who opens it but Marcus. "Happy Birthday Marcus CatMan Jones” playing up his childhood nickname Cat and giving him a big hug. Shockingly he whispers, "You feel good as hell to me, I never want to let you go, I miss you!" and kisses me lightly on my neck. I am about to pass out but I got to keep it together. He looks at me with his piercing green eyes and licks his lips, asking "Is this gift for me?" pulling on my arms instead of the package. I raise an eyebrow and say, "I don't think you can handle the package." He smiles, "Now that's my girl, big headed as ever!" and he takes my shoulder wrap. I breath a sigh of relief because now I was celebrating with my boy and not my summer lover.

Shannon sees me and comes to greets me, "I am so glad you are here, thank you for so your help, the party is such a success. David has been the best planner ever!" "David is the best and having him here in the Charlotte was much better for you than having me plan it from Greensboro," I said knowing full well my comment was half truth. I asked David to take over the planning because I just couldn't. "David is one of the company's hearbeat, I would be lost without him." saying with a smile as David comes along my side to rescue me. "Mrs. Walden, I need to know when did you want to start serving the main course?", David said as he squeezed my hand to assure me that he was going to help me through this awkward evening. He knew about the affair, I had to tell someone and who better than my God brother and business partner. "We can start now, I believe all the guest are here, Debbie the family is out on patio, Cat's mom is out there I know she will be happy to see you!" Shannon said as she walked away with David and socialized with approaching guest.

Marcus and his frat brother Henry began pushing me out the door, "Cat this girl you look like a million bucks girl!" Henry said. Marcus looked at me again with that infamous stare, "Not quite man, more like $2500, nice St. John's dress and Christian Loubouton shoes." he said with a smirk. I realized that I was wearing one of the outfits he had brought me for my first large promotional event. "You have to look like money to make money." was what was on the card with both outfits and the shoes. "Nice of you to notice, Cat." I said as we walked out to the patio. "I notice everything about you, always." he replied. "Before you go see Ma come with me to the bar to get her an iced tea."

Marcus is beaming in his white linen accented with a button down lime green shirt and sandals, it’s his night and he was the king and everyone treated him as such. I can't keep my eyes off of my childhood friend and every one of his touches sent shock waves through my body and he keep touching my bare shoulder as we walked over to the bar. The bar was located near the pool house in a remote part of the yard so that people could slip away from the party and just relax with a drink but still be close enough to the event not to miss out on the festivities, but when we arrive no one was there, it was just us the tiki candles and the bartender.

"So are you staying in the city tonight or in Concord?" he asked after ordering a pineapple flavored iced tea for me and his mother. "I am staying in Concord, why?" I replied curiously. Moving closer to me he looked puzzled and asked, "What have I done?" "Did I do something that both of us didn't want or needed?" "I miss you and tonight I want to be with you again." "Cat, are you crazy? Both of us are married or have you forgotten that part, what we did was WRONG!" I said in a whispered voice as the bartender handed me my iced tea. "Married, William don't give a rats ass about you, he's never home, always working or out of town working and Shannon wouldn't know my dick if it walked up and bite her in the face!" "In the face?" I replied as I spit out my drink from laughter at his colorful comment. "But it doesn't make it right Cat!" I said while he was wiping my lips with his finger.

Leaning to my ear Marcus whispered, "35 yrs of you & me Mrs. Milton, you can't take that away , it's my 40th birthday and I want to celebrate it being apart of you, here take my card pay for the room, I will be there at 3 am, wait up for me..."

Dancer for Life Launch Party

Owner, Brandi Jeffers Of Dance PowerHouse

Please join us as we Dedicate our new Dance Studio and have a Grand Opening event that you will never forget!!! We will be having Scholarship Giveaways, Fun, Music, Class Sign-ups, and DANCE!!! We are blessed to finally be able to walk into what God has prepared for us and pray that you will be able to be a part!!!


www. Dancer4Life.com
When: Saturday, November 22, 3:00PM
Phone: 336-456-4017
Host: Brandi Jeffers
Location: Dance Powerhouse
2103-102 Pyramids Village Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27405 US