Mr. Bentini's Lady: The Beginning (The Bentini Brothers Book 1) Read online

  Seeing these two interact is usually very entertaining because they’re so much alike. Carmen’s spiciness is more than a match for Janette’s cutting wit. Shaking my head with a grimacing smile, I say a much calmer good morning to Carmen. Looking over at Rachael it’s plain to see that she’s embarrassed by the entire show that they just put on. Although only the people close by heard the exchange. This is why Rachael is my good friend and not theirs. They’re a bit too hood for Rachael and Rachael’s a bit too white-girl for them.

  We’re having a good time laughing, gossiping and chatting about this and that, when the busiest busy-body in our school, Patricia Sommers, approaches our table. She has her extra-crispy happy smile in place, so that means that she’s about to gossip about someone. My nerves flutter because she’s eyeballing me as she pulls up a chair from the table next to ours. Plopping down with excitement, she doesn’t waste a second. “Ooh Teresa! I heard you and Clarence got into it this morning. Sherri and Betsy said he was all loud and angry and cussing the roof down. Girl, is it true?!”

  Well, I guess that answers the question, did they hear anything. Damn. I bet they couldn’t wait to tell everybody what they overheard.

  All eyes swing to me with undisguised curiosity, but I’m not saying anything in front of gossip-bitch Patricia. Patricia is a gossip-bitch…not because she gossips…just about everybody gossips—including us. She’s a gossip-bitch because she’s a nasty, vicious gossip. She gets some kind of perverse kick out of other people’s unhappiness.

  My girlz know exactly how I feel about gossip-bitch, so they won’t ask me any questions…until I get rid of her. “Patricia, I know that you’re new this year and you may find it difficult to remember how to pronounce my name, so I’ll remind you yet again. My name is not Teresa. The Ti is said like the word tie. And the ress rhymes with mess. My name is Tiressa. As far as what they told you… if they told you what they think happened, then I’m sure they told you everything you need to know.” Looking at her deadpan, I don’t crack a smile. She knows damn-well I don’t care for her. Carmen also doesn’t like her, so she doesn’t hesitate to add, “Look Patti, take a hint.” Looking from one unfriendly expression to another, Patricia finally takes the flashing neon hint and goes back over to her own table–without any first-hand details to go with her nasty gossip.

  “Thanks Carmen, she can be so damn dense.” Carmen waves my thanks away. “Okay, the gossip-bitch is gone…now spill! What the hell happened between you and Clarence?!”

  “Yeah girl, what the hell happened?!” Janette chimes in, sliding to the edge of her seat. Switching my gaze to Rachael, I return her sardonic look with a small shoulder shrug. She’s the only one in the group who won’t hound me for answers. She’s more the laidback patient type. She would rather wait for me to talk about it in my own good time, rather than have me feeling pressured and uncomfortable. Glancing around the crowded cafeteria, I inadvertently catch one of the many bitter looks Clarence keeps throwing my way. I quickly shift my gaze back to the friendly eyes at my table and start talking. “The long and short of it is…this morning just before the staff meeting, I told Clarence that I don’t think we work as a couple. He didn’t take it well. He cursed me out, called me ratchet and some other shitty-ass words, and then stormed out of my room.”

  “No that muthafucka didn’t! He got some damn nerve. Just because you don’t want his sorry ass!” That’s my girl, Carmen. The only thing that keeps her from throwing down on the regular, is that she’s a teacher and can’t afford to have an arrest record.

  “He’s a bastard! I’m gonna cuss his ass out and see how he likes that shit!” My girl, Janette will go there! I’m going to have to stop her because I really don’t want the situation to become any more of a spectacle than it is right now. I see how people’s eyes keep bouncing between me and Clarence in avid speculation. Although Rachael and I exchange looks, I know that we’ll probably talk about it later, when the other two aren’t around.

  “No Janette, don’t do that. He was heated and lashed out in anger. I’m just glad that I found out how he really is before I wasted any more time with him. Please, let’s just drop it.” But, Carmen and Janette continue calling Clarence derogatory names and shooting daggers at him until the meeting gets underway. I’ve never been so relieved for a boring meeting to start. The principal stands at the microphone and says, in her most jovial voice, “Hands Up!” That’s the universal signal for everyone to stop talking and pay attention. We all know it because we all use it every day with the students. Some staff members are a bit hardheaded, just like some students, and continue talking, carrying on low volume sidebar conversations. We’re not so rude at our table. Although we appear to be giving the proceedings our full attention, we covertly pass notes to one another. As far as we’re concerned, it’s a win-win for the principal and for us.

  Ten minutes into her agenda, the principal announces a newly formed partnership with a local business called, Bentini and Sons. When she introduces one of their representatives, Rachael gasps and passes me a note that says, “OMG! That’s my cousin, Jason Bentini!”

  I pass her a note back. “What? For real?”

  “Yes. I haven’t seen him in years. Although we’re family, I’m from the poor side of the tracks.” She includes a smiley face at the end of that sentence. Which means that she’s kinda kidding—because I know for a fact that Rachael grew up in an upper middle-class family. After Carmen reads Rachael’s note, she writes, “He looks Italian and sexy as hell.”

  The four of us continue passing notes as the meeting drones on. This staff meeting isn’t all that different from any other. The principal gives her song and dance about how fortunate she is to work with such talented and dedicated professionals. Then once all the proud smiles fade, she runs down a long list of things we need to be doing a whole lot better, even if we are an under-budgeted, overcrowded poor school—with poor students, from poor neighborhoods. Politics being politics, the bottom line is that the state department of education doesn’t care what our challenges are, they want positive results that make them look good—and she wants to look good in the eyes of her district bosses.

  During the dog and pony show, that is our monthly staff meeting, the principal doles out compliments, as she relays information about policy updates and changes from the district, state, and federal government. Mostly, things that we need to be aware of, work harder on, and the upcoming formal standardized student assessments. We also learn that our new business partnership with Bentini and Sons is the reason why our school has two new technology labs, with brand new student computers and chairs, and tech curriculum. The staff wasn’t left out. We received some nice appreciation gifts this past Christmas—or as the school board makes us call it—the Winter Break. I sure hope that Bentini and Sons continues to be so generous with our school.

  Mercifully, after an hour of torture and bullshit, the staff meeting comes to an end. I hate my job. Okay, so maybe hate is too strong a word. I mean to say that I still love some parts of what I do. Like the parts that involve my actually educating students. I love teaching; it’s the highlight of my career. There is such a feeling of accomplishment when you help a student learn something they didn’t know before. Especially students who struggle academically—those are the type of students I teach. I think they light up twice as much because they struggle twice as hard to learn. I love, love, love that part of being a teacher. Unfortunately, as much as I love being an educator, I’m overwhelmed and disgusted with the politics and lack of support that goes hand in hand with the public educational system. As if that weren’t bad enough, we have to put up with unfair teacher-blaming and an unacceptable level of parents not taking more responsibility for their kid’s personal conduct and academic growth. I haven’t even been teaching for seven years yet, and I’m already over it all.

  As we stand up preparing to leave, this young ultra-sexy hottie, styling an expensive gray business suit, steps up to Rachael with a big smile and
gives her a hard hug and a kiss on each cheek. “Cousin! It’s been too long”, he says as he holds her at arm’s length. “How are you Rachael?” Everyone around us stops what they’re doing to stare—including the three of us. Rachael laughs and hugs her superhot cousin back. They exchange pleasantries and bits of family news before Rachael realizes that we’re still standing there…waiting. “Oh, I’m so sorry. Let me introduce you to a few of my colleagues.”

  Carmen elbows her way closer to Jason Bentini and doesn’t even wait for an introduction. “Hi, I’m Carmen Menendez and it’s really, really nice to meet you.” She’s turning it all on, damn-near throwing her big luscious boobs in the poor man’s face—not that he looks to be complaining. Mr. Young and Sexy, flashes a charming dimpled smile and shakes the delicate tan hand she holds out to him. “It’s nice to meet you too”, he says in an equally charming voice. Rachael clears her throat and quickly introduces Janette, in a kind of nonchalant manner, before turning to me. “And this is, Tiressa Hawkins, one of my very good friends. Tiressa, this is my cousin Jason Bentini.” Stepping forward, I smile up into his beautiful blue eyes as I shake the lean strong hand he offers me. He’s tall, olive-skinned and sleek. Very Italian. Those thick eyelashes are enough to make just about any woman green with envy. “It’s nice to meet you Mr. Bentini.” Flashing me what I suspect is his signature Mr. Charming smile, he replies. “It’s nice to meet you Ms. Hawkins. Please call me Jason. Any friend of Rachael’s is a friend of mine.”

  I’m about to reply when our principal approaches and reminds Mr. Bentini that they have planned a tour of the campus for him and the other B&S representatives. However, before he leaves with the principal and her entourage, he gets Rachael’s number, gives her another quick hug, and promise to call her about an upcoming family event he has invited her to attend.

  Walking down the hallway, Carmen presses Rachael for information about her cousin. Janette chimes in with, “Carmen you such a hoe –you got a man. Hell you got two or three men.” To which Carmen sasses back with, “Bitch you just jealous because his baby blues were all over these delicious buttercups.” Indicating her lush double Ds—causing all of us to laugh. Rachael turns down the hall that leads to her classroom with a, “See you later.” When Janette and I reach our hall we stop, but Carmen keeps heading to her own classroom. Halfway down the hall, she starts walking backwards as she asks in a booming voice, “Hey, yall going to the kickball game next week?” I don’t want to yell down the hallway, so I shake my head no and hope she can see it. Janette doesn’t have the same dilemma. She yells back, “Fine way for a teacher to set a good example of following school rules.” We both laugh as Carmen shoots her the bird.

  ***

  By the time the kickball game rolls around I have been talked into attending to support our school team—not the students—the staff. Staff members from schools all around the district play each other in various sports. It’s become a popular and fun way to engage with other schools in friendly competition. I’m glad I changed my mind and came. Although Clarence plays for our school team, I totally ignore his presence and he ignores mine. Time flies by fast. We have so much fun laughing, joking, and cheering our colleagues on. Our school beat the other school by three measly points. But a win is a win, and we are in high spirits as we make our way down the bleachers. Linda, the eighth grade office clerk, calls over to us. “Hey, some of us are walking across the street to Al’s Bar and Grill, yall coming?” Still exhilarated from the game and not wanting to call it a day just yet, we all say yes and start moving in that direction. To our collective shock, Jason Bentini and three other men stroll towards us from the parking lot. They’re casually dressed in jeans and t-shirt. And they look damn good. Two more and they’d be a hot-ass six-pack! Stopping right in front of our little group, Jason Bentini flashes that signature smile and says, “Hi ladies. Rachael told me about the school kickball game. Looks like we just missed it. Sorry about that. My friends and I were looking forward to watching it with you.” Well, well, well…it looks like Mr. Young and Sexy hangs-out with Mr. Chocolate and Sexy, Mr. Latin and Sexy, and Mr. Sexy Ass White Man. Wow! What a yummy mix of eye candy.

  Rachael says to her cousin, “Thanks for making the effort. I know you’re really busy over at B&S. Maybe next game?” Carmen hurries with an invite. “Hey, we’re heading over to Al’s, with some of the team, to celebrate their victory. Would yall like to join us?” Jason Bentini makes a questioning gesture to his companions and they say yes. Introductions are made and Carmen’s thirsty-ass, squeezes right up next to Jason as we start walking over to the sports bar. When we get inside Al’s, I’m relieved to see that it’s not super crowded. We’re able to sit in one of the corner areas with a clear view of the entire bar—except the pool room. The guys move two tables together so there is enough space for all of us to sit comfortably. As soon as we’re all situated, a pretty blond waitress, with a banging body and the cutest dimples, comes over to our table with menus, cutlery and napkins. “My name is Jenny; I’m your waitperson tonight. Take your time looking over the menu and let me know when you’re ready to order.” She’s trying to address the entire table, but she’s having a hard time keeping her eyes off Jason Bentini and his friends, Alejandro Rameriz—Mr. Latin and Sexy, and Derrick Matthews—Mr. Sexy Ass White Man. I guess Jenny isn’t into black men. Which is a good thing because I’m pretty sure Janette will try to claw her eyes out if she looks at Lloyd Douglas—Mr. Chocolate and Sexy, the same way she’s looking at the other men.

  Jason Bentini, with Carmen damn-near sitting in his lap, smiles at us and says, “Ladies, please feel free to order whatever you like, it’s on me.”

  “Well hot damn, you’re my kind of man.” Janette shouts with a short cowgirl hoot. Carmen hugs Jason’s arm making sure to press her big breasts into his biceps, as she says, in her much practiced sultry voice, “You’re so sweet Jason…you did say we can call you Jason.” Rachael and I chuckle as we catch Janette rolling her eyes at Carmen’s flirtatious antics. I swear Carmen thinks she’s the Latina version of Marilyn Monroe.

  We have a great time at Al’s…I mean a great time! The conversations are exciting and lively. The banter is nice and easy flowing. The food is free and delicious. I’m having a hard time keeping it professional. Although Jason is Rachael’s cousin, he and his friends are representatives of B&S. And B&S is now doing business with the school. I don’t want to leave the men with the wrong impression. Besides, Carmen and Janette may be doing a good job of that all by themselves. They’re both flirting hard and letting it be known that they wouldn’t object if the men flirt back. It’s no secret that my girlz are boy-crazy.

  Our good time comes to an end when we see that most of our coworkers have left the bar. The men walk us to our cars, keeping up the small talk. To my surprise, Derrick Matthews pulls me to the side. “I really enjoyed meeting you Tiressa. I hope you don’t think I’m being too forward, but I’d like to get to know you better.” Derrick is in his mid-thirties, tall, tanned and handsome with a very appealing smile. I’m immediately suspicious of his interest in me. I also find it hard to believe that he dates black women, especially black women that don’t make his kind of money. Looking at him, as if the answer will suddenly appear on his chest like that S on Superman’s chest, I wonder if he’s one of those play-boy types who make a game out of playing Captain Save-a-Hoe. If he is, then he’s not going to get very far with me, because I’m not a hoe…and I don’t need saving.

  Instead of getting all defensive, I stammer out a calm response. “Um, it was nice meeting you too, Derrick. But I’m on a dating hiatus right now.” Running his hand through his thick blond hair he asks, “Do you mind my asking…Is it because I’m white?” I don’t have any problem looking him in the eyes and replying with complete honesty. “No Derrick, it has nothing to do with your being white.” I smile at him because he looks so relieved. “Is it because you think I’m ugly?” He persists with a teasing glint and roguish lift of his lips. Th
is time I laugh out loud. “Are you fishing for compliments Mr. Matthews?” Looking at the outline of his well-muscled chest, through his snug fitting t-shirt, then back to his self-confident topaz gaze. “You know damn-well you’re a good looking man.” We chuckle together and then he picks up with, “Can I give you my card?” I don’t know. Maybe he’s not so bad. “Yeah, sure. That would be fine.” He smiles into my eyes as he hands me a very expensive looking business card with his contact information. We rejoin the group and continue walking to the parking lot. Janette and Carmen keep sending me looks. I know they want to have a girl-chat about the men, but we can’t—not with the them still here. Reaching our vehicles, we tell each other what a good time we had and say our good nights. As Janette and I are getting into our cars, she makes me promise to answer my cell when she calls me later tonight. I can’t help chuckling because she knows that I don’t always answer my phone—even if she’s the caller.

  ~~~~

  “Girl, I been calling your ass for the past two hours.”

  “Janette, do you know what time it is!” I exclaim sleepily.

  “Yeah I know what time it is. It’s just past eleven. You sound like you were asleep.”

  “I sound like I’m sleepy, because I was asleep. You woke me up Janette.”

  “Well, that’s your fault. You should have answered your cell the first three times I called. Why you in bed so early? Is that Derrick Matthews in there with you?” Janette asks excitedly.

  I exhale a grumpy breath before replying. “I’m in bed early because I have to be at work early tomorrow morning. You know it’s a school night. And no, Derrick Matthews isn’t in my bed or anywhere else in my apartment.”