What Lies Between The Sheets Read online

  “How soon could I get a flight?”

  “Tomorrow if you really needed it.”

  “Book me a flight then.”

  “Nice suit! Tickets for two, right?”

  “Just one, you take Visa?”

  “Yes. Short notice trip huh, just need to get away?”

  “Something like that.”

  “Well you’ll love it, because it is a beautiful island off the coast of East Africa and the beaches are breath taking but the brochure is more informative.”

  “Is it okay if I could pick it up at the airport?”

  “Yes, just as soon as I give you your online receipt and conformation number.”

  “No problem.” A breath of fresh air is sometimes exactly what the doctor ordered and I always wanted to visit the motherland.

  A few minutes later the travel agent reached over the computer.

  “Here’s your receipt, you’re going via Tanzania. Zanzibar is an island with more bicycles and pedestrians than motor vehicles so it gives you an ancient vibe. Enjoy your trip sir.”

  “Thanks.” I walked out of the travel agency ready for life.

  Twenty four hours later, I was on the plane, gazing out of the window, waiting for it to take off. Yesterday, as soon as I got home I called Eli, Crystal and Aaron, my two clients, and parents to tell them I was going away for two weeks. Most of the voices on the receivers were answering machines with the exception of my parents that made sure I took everything to Africa but the kitchen sink.

  Finally the plane started to take off and begin its ascent to cruising altitude. The view from my window seat was breathtaking. Everything was smaller as we climbed higher, but to me it’s symbolic of leaving the past behind and climbing to new heights…and wherever fate took me, I’d make sure it’s the right foot first. A half hour later, the plane was at cruising altitude and suddenly a woman walked past my row, glanced at me, walked a little further, and then came back to my row.

  “Jamal?” she said.

  Oh snap I knew this woman. “Hey girl long time no see,” I quickly unbuckled my seat belt and hugged her close and then we both began to speak at the top of our lungs in excitement.

  “Boy I missed you and your crazy self!”

  “I missed you too, where are you going Charmaine?”

  “I’m on my way to Tanzania then Zanzibar for part of my doctoral thesis about Asia & Middle-Eastern influence on East Africa and its small islands because Zanzibar has a very rich history.”

  “I never knew that. Go on professor tell me some more.”

  “First…a sister has got to go to the ladies room but when I’m done, I’ll come get you so I can tell you more about Zanzibar. Is that where you’re going?”

  “Yes it is!”

  “Good, then…we can catch up on old times.”

  “Okay Charmaine, do your thing, I’ll be right here waiting patiently.”

  “Okay, I’ll be right back.”

  “Don’t be too long,” I replied as she rushed toward the ladies room. Things never turn out how you expect them to, but they always have a way of working out. This was going to be a good flight and this time, if anything blossoms, I swore to God…I’d do the right thing.

  YUSUF AL-RAHMAN

  BIOGRAPHY

  Yusuf Al-Rahman is of Jamaican heritage and grew up in Queens New York. In his early days as an adolescent he spent four years in West Africa. Upon his return, he finished high school in Long Island City. Afterwards, he attended college in Pennsylvania, and graduated from Lincoln University, the Alma Mater of Langston Hughes. While in attendance, he became part of the institution’s first poetry club.

  The experiences of his peers as well as his own inspired him to start writing modern romantic novels loosely based on real events. His critically acclaimed debut novel, What Lies between the Sheets, delves into the psychology of why men play games with women, and how the fear of getting hurt leads young men put up facades in efforts to protect themselves.

  Yusuf’s goal is to make reading fun and involving again by writing material that everyone can relate to without the overabundant negativity found in most modern urban novels.

  “I write from the heart with hopes that my books will educate men and women on how to strive to build more meaningful and stronger relationships that can endure the hardships we face every day.”