During the train ride back to Chicago, all I did was think about my life. My freedom was the sweetest joy in the world. I figured I really had to love a girl to get married. I had to love a woman more than I loved being free, and I doubted if that would ever happen. At the same time, all of my bed hopping still felt meaningless. What was it all for?

I must have been thinking real hard about my life, because I made it to Chicago quicker than a finger snap. I jumped in another cab and headed straight for the airport.

On my way to Chicago’s O’Hare International, I started thinking about Andrea again. Finally, she was just another woman to me, and a freak at that.

She still got some soft pussy, though, I thought to myself with a grin. Would I still do her? Of course I would. But I no longer felt guilty about her. She would find a way to get along with her life, and it looked like she would be fighting to make Mr. Walker pay for it. It served him right for taking her from me in the first place. Now life had ruined her, and I felt ruined right along with her. But I would have to live with it.

WHEN I ARRIVED BACK at my place in Atlanta, I tried my best to ignore the world for at least a day or two to recuperate from everything. I was really worn down, but that damn Corey Sanders blew up my cell and my home phone until I finally answered his calls on Thursday evening.

He said, “You remember I told you I was coming to Atlanta? I’m in town, man. I’m staying at the Hyatt downtown on Peachtree.”

I wanted to hang up on his ass and tell him not to call me. I needed rest from swinging, but Corey wasn’t trying to hear it.

“I got these two ladies in Atlanta now, man. They’re both fine and they’re down for anything. And I do mean, anything,” he told me.

I just started laughing. The last thing I needed in the world was another matchmaker. Nor did I need any more sex for a while. When was enough enough?

I finally said, “Corey, do you actually believe that I need you to introduce me to any women here in Atlanta? I mean, come on.”

“Well, it’s not just about you, man. I just figured you wanted to hang out with me, and if women are what you need to feel comfortable, then I was gonna get that for you.”

I said, “Yeah, but we can meet women whenever. And I’m not feeling that right now.”

He said, “Terrance, trust me on this, man. These two girls are fine with a capital F.”

I shook my head over the phone. Corey just wasn’t getting it. I didn’t care how fine these women were. I needed to rest from it all.