Free Infidelity by Pat Tucker Page A

table near the staircase. That’s where Persha stopped and turned to face Clarke.
    "I can’t believe all the plants and flowers. This house has such a calming atmosphere. Your wife did an awesome job," she said with more excitement pouring through.
    "What makes you think my wife did all this?"
    Persha went still. She looked around the room again then turned back to Clarke. By the time they made it back downstairs, Persha was completely awestruck.
    "What do you mean?" she asked skeptically.
    "Why is it that everyone always assumes a nicely decorated house is done by a woman? Can’t a brotha get any props?" he asked with his arms bent at the elbows and hands stretched out.
    Her eyes widened, and she looked around the house again, taking in all the plants, flowers, and other things she had dismissed as feminine touches. By the time she swung her head back to Clarke, he was standing with arms crossed at his chest.
    "You?" she muttered, bewildered.
    He nodded in the affirmative. "You don’t believe me do you?"
    Persha shrugged easily. She looked around the room in disbelief again.
    "Okay, come here," he insisted. He walked her into the kitchen. "See those flowers on the breakfast island?"
    "Dang, they’re breathtaking!" She moved forward toward the vase.
    "These are called Four Season Orchids. They’re an upright plant with daisy like flowers, but more fleshy. They can be massive." Clarke touched the flower. "I like them because they bloom any time of the year."
    Persha moved in to sniff the flowers.
    "No fragrance," he said casually. "They’re just for show."
    "Nice," she mumbled, still looking a bit skeptical.
    He moved toward the living room. "Now, in here I decided on the African Ivy. This is of Mediterranean origin and the leaves will grow to be about six inches."
    Before she could say anything else, he led her back upstairs. He motioned to the first door to the left.
    "This is the guest room where you’ll stay. But before you go in, I want you to see something."
    Persha followed him down the long hallway, admiring the plants as they walked.
    "These are Ferns. They’re actually Hawaii Bird’s Nest Sleenworts to be precise. I moved them out here, but they’re usually in the bathrooms. In there I’ve placed the annuals because this is the time of year they bloom; only from February to about April."
    Clarke turned to see a stunned look on Persha’s face.
    "What’s the matter?" he asked innocently.
    "I’m just, um, I can’t. Ah, I, well, I had no idea," she stammered.
    "It’s okay. Most people never know this side of me, but yes, I do most, if not all, of the decorating. I chose leather furniture because that’s masculine, yet nice when paired with the right plants, fabrics and wall colors."
    Leaning against the banister, he waited for her to speak.
    "So you did all of this yourself?" she asked.
    "Sure did."
    Persha looked around at all the thriving plants and artful decorating.
    He figured she was probably going through what many others had once they found out he had a creative touch. He gave it a few minutes to sink in then took a deep breath.
    "Now, if you don’t have anymore questions, a brotha would like a down payment in advance for his hospitality." He displayed a devilish smile.
     
    ~ Persha

    It wasn’t easy holding Clarke off ‘till she had a chance to shower. But Persha wanted to wash off the grime and prepare herself for what she knew they both needed. This wouldn’t be the normal bathroom she’d use, but he had insisted that she shower in the master bath. This bathroom was huge, done in a butterscotch paint with earth toned colored accessories throughout.
    It was right off the left of the master bedroom which had a large bone colored four poster bed as its centerpiece. There was a nice chaise near a corner with a tall antique reading lap near it. The room had matching drapes and bedspread with a throw that sat on the chaise. It was inviting, except for the fact that it was another woman’s