“Uhm, yeah, there was. And I know why. Celibacy can take a huge toll on a guy.”
Cobra didn’t want to talk about it. “What news do you have?”
“Allison, aka Lillie, whose legal name is Bernice Whey, was sentenced to ten years for her involvement in that extortion ring. It seems the FBI case against her was bulletproof.”
Cobra released a whistle. “That’s a total of eighteen years. Sad but well-deserved.”
“I’m just glad her sons are with their fathers, who will take good care of them,” Straw said.
“Yeah. Maybe it all worked out for the best, at least for the kids. By the way, I meant to ask you how Paula was doing. I know you asked her to come as your plus-one, but she couldn’t make it.”
“Her mother was sick. Came down with a virus or something.”
“How is Mrs. Costner doing now?”
“A lot better. That’s the other reason I’m calling. I asked Paula to marry me last night, and she said yes.”
Cobra grinned. “Congratulations. It’s about time, don’t you think?”
“Yeah, man. It’s definitely time,” Straw agreed. “I’ve been given a second chance, and I don’t plan to mess this up.
Paula and Straw had dated in high school, but they’d gone their separate ways when they’d left for college. They eventually married other people and later divorced. Straw had moved back to Savannah ten years ago to become sheriff, and Paula returned two years ago, accepting the job of dean of the Business Department at Savannah State University.
Cobra had always liked Paula and thought Straw had made a mistake when he’d broken up with her at the end of their final year in high school. He’d always hoped the two would get back together, but then they’d ended up marrying others. However, when she returned to town, he’d had kept his fingers crossed.
“So, when is the wedding, Straw?”
“The last weekend in September. Will you be my best man?”
“Of course, I’ll be by your side. As I said, it’s about time.”
“Yes, it is. I should never have broken up with her all those years ago. I’m just glad we found our way back to each other.”
“I am too.”
“Of course, Mom is overjoyed. She always liked Paula. From the beginning, she thought Jasmine only married me because she thought I was headed to the NBA. When she divorced me, she proved Mom right.
“All that is behind you now. I can see you having a great future with Paula.”
“I can, too. We’ve even talked about having a family.”
Cobra grinned, envisioning a lot of little Straws running around.
“So, the way I see it, Cobra, there’s hope for you. It’s never too late to find the girl of your dreams.”
Cobra rolled his eyes. “Not looking for her. I like my life just the way it is. And I’m going to like it even more when I get beyond that damn year of celibacy. I need to get laid badly.”
“Don’t. Or you lose the bet.”
“Don’t worry. There’s not a woman alive who will make me lose that bet. Not a single one…”
At that moment, the memory of seeing Desiree on her knees, looking for her earring, flashed in his mind. He cursed under his breath when he felt his penis get hard at the thought.
“Alright, I’ll let you get back to work now, Cobra.”
“Thanks, Straw. And again, congratulations to you and Paula. Give her my love, will you?”
“Absolutely.”
