Having Words

"What were you thinking, Tadeas?" "Mother, did you just drop by so that you could scold me for having dinner with Velma at Claridge's? "What happened with Briony?" "I stopped seeing her. It doesn't make sense to continue seeing her when I want to be with Velma." "Velma. Isn't she your supervisor?" "Yes." "Isn't there …

Tadeas Goes to Briony

He stood in the shower, letting the water beat down on his back. His mind was still spinning from the realization that until he had made love to her earlier that day, Velma had been a virgin all along. That meant she had never slept with either Akello or Karl or any man for that …

The Grays’ Gala

It was the night of his parents' annual charitable gala. He was there with Briony. His father remembered her and greeted her warmly. When he introduced her to his mother, the older woman was very reserved in her manner. He could tell that she didn't approve of Briony which hardly surprised him. She had never …

The Second Time

Tadeas was on the tennis court. He was waiting for his friend, William. Since they were teenagers, they enjoyed playing tennis with each other. They met once a month to play there at Hackney Downs. Afterwards, they usually went to Brunswick East Bakehouse. At exactly 9am, William was approaching him, a big grin on his …

On the Farm

"That was invigorating, wasn't it?" Briony said, looking at Tadeas. They were standing at the paddock after they had returned from horse riding. They were on her family's farm just outside of London. They had driven up there just after ten in the morning. It was a beautiful day so it was a treat exploring …

Working Late

It was Friday morning and Tadeas was in the kitchenette fixing himself a cup of hot chocolate when, Velma Moore, his supervisor walked in. "Mr. Gray, I need you to stay and finish working on the Ad layout for Kiskadee Records. The deadline has been moved up to Monday." "But, I have a date." "I'm …

My Skin

I'm a bi-racial man born to and raised by a Korean father and an African American mother. Both of them are dead. My father died when I was ten and my mother a couple of years ago. Most people I meet think that I'm Asian. They don't suspect that I'm really Blasian. Unless I cut …

Love in the Office

When she went to the kitchenette to fill her bottle with water, Anton was there telling a couple of people about his camping trip with his friends.  She couldn’t help but smile.  He was such a droll when it came to telling stories.  She filled her bottle and turned so that she was facing the …

Sexual Harassment

It wasn’t until Ashley Judd heroically shared her story a few days ago that I felt ashamed.  If I had spoken up a decade ago, would I have saved countless women from the same experience I had or worse? While I still do feel guilty for not speaking up all those years ago, I’m glad …

The Cruise

He sat back in the chair, arms over the sides, his long legs crossed, watching her as she did her stretches on the deck.  He watched her, wanting her and kicking himself for it.  His attraction for her was like a fever, burning him up inside and a sickness that seemed to grow worse.  At …