Ivy's Twisted Vine Redux by Latrivia Nelson (books to read for beginners .TXT) 📕

she still couldn’t believe that everything had ended so abruptly. It was all so terribly confusing, but she was hopelessly determined to believe that it wasn’t her fault.

Opening the door to the bathroom, Ivy stepped out wrapped in her towel drenched in water. “What are you doing tonight? Oh, let me guess. You’re going to Brooks’ place,” she said condescendingly.

“Yes, I am. He is having some friends over tonight for drinks and a card game to end their seven-day stretch. He goes to Sunday and Monday off days after this.” She paused to catch a breath. “You know, you should come too. You don’t have any thing else to do.” Trina wanted Ivy to get out and stop sulking over Grey. She knew that time would bring them back together. They just needed a breather.

“No thank you. You two argue too much for me. One minute you are all over each other, and the next thing you know, you two are back together.” Ivy laughed. “I think I’ll stay here.”

“And do what… mope? Whatever. You are coming with me tonight. There will be some cute guys there tonight from other specialized units. Just remember that all the guys wearing the EMT style cargo pants are with specialized units. They make more money.” Trina winked.

“Okay, I’m not a police bunny. I’m not looking to hook up with anyone.”

“I know. But this will be a good time for you to get your mind off of your fiancé.”

“He is not my…” Ivy hated hearing her say that, although she wished that it were still true.

“He is your fiancé. Both of you just need time to yourself to accept who you are to each other. Better for it to happen now than after you two are married.” Trina pushed Ivy into the bedroom. “Now Brooks got off duty at ten, so get dressed.”

*

Trucks, drop tops, squad cars and even a few Hummers lined the quiet subdivision cove and a line of off duty officers stood outside the two-story bricked home that had to belong to the one and only heart throb… K.C. Brooks.

For music blasting in the middle of the night and loud, half-naked women parading up and down the streets to their cars, other neighbors would have quickly been reprimanded, but Brooks seemed to not adhere to such community rules. It was normal for there to be large crowds of people hanging out at his home on any given day. And Brooks’ charm kept the neighbors patient and understanding of his hectic lifestyle.

K.C. Brooks was one of the most well-known police officers in the region and one of the most sought after single beaus in Memphis. He had been on the cover of Premier magazine as one of Memphis’ Top 20 Sexiest Men and was a highly respected, decorated officer. All the attention that he had gotten over the years might have gone to his head if it wasn’t for his father who was a well-known reverend and equally high profile, retired top cop. Plus there was his best friend Nicola, who enjoyed the limelight with him.

This was one more reason that Trina was more than happy to be back with Brooks. He was all that her heart had ever wanted. He was financially independent, educated, beautiful and a very skilled lover. The only negative thing about Brooks was his inability in the past to commit. But before they had reunited officially this time, Trina had made him swear to a completely monogamous relationship, and hesitantly Brooks had agreed.

Ivy looked over at Trina as they pulled up to Brooks’ home and shook her head. “A few friends, huh?” Ivy checked her makeup. “This looks more like a few hundred friends.”

“Well, he is popular,” Trina said anxious to get into the house and see her man.

Stepping out of the car, excited and somewhat nervous, Ivy felt the cold air greet her. Shivering, she dashed to the front door where a huddle of men stood drinking beers and laughing, visibly guarding the even larger group gathered inside the home.

“Hey Trina,” one of the men said instantly identifying her as she made her way through the small crowd. “Who’s your friend?”

“Ivy,” Trina said pulling Ivy through the half-drunken mob. “Where’s Brooks?”

“Inside waiting for you.” There was a tense silence. “I’m Lee,” the tall young Asian man said extending his hand to greet Ivy slowing down the two women while another officer slipped inside the house to let Brooks know that his main squeeze had arrived.

“Hello,” Ivy said offering her hand. He was cute enough.

“Lee’s married,” Trina said moving towards the door. “Say hello to Rena and the kidstonight when you get home, Lee.”

“I will, Trina,” Lee said taking a swig of his Bud Light.

As they entered the oak and stained glass double doorway of Brooks’ home, Ivy took off her coat and passed it to Trina to hang up in the coatroom.

“I swear Lee is such a dog.” Trina smiled at Ivy. “But he’s cute though, isn’t he?”

“I guess,” Ivy said looking back outside at Lee one last time.

“Whatever. You know that he’s fine.”

Ivy followed Trina through the long corridor and another small crowd to the kitchen where Brooks was talking on his cell phone and stirring a large pot of spaghetti. He looked up and smiled revealing his large dimples.

“Hey baby,” Brooks said taking off his apron. “I’m surprised to see you so early.” The officer that had informed Brooks of Trina’ arrival laughed slyly as he excused himself from the room.

“You know that I had to come see you,” Trina said kissing him on his full rose colored lips.

Ivy admired the two for a moment. Trina was always happiest with Brooks. He had stolen her heart when she was only a sophomore in college and put her through hell for a long time having already gone through the college experience and moved on to larger more complex circles. In the past, Trina had caught Brooks in lies and with other women, but she was