Chapter 10

Nearly two weeks had passed since our confession of love to one another in Orlando. And I had avoided having the conversation with Richard. It wasn’t as if he had called me every day. He was a busy man, but he had called a couple of times to ask me when I wanted to visit him in Boston.

The truth of the matter was Mario had changed his mind about me ending my little romance with Richard in person. He was already protective of me before Orlando, but after that trip, he was even more protective. Not in a bad way, he just wanted to protect his interest.

I sighed as I sat at my desk on October 25th staring at pictures of fabric and designs. This was a conversation that needed to happen. Yet I felt conflicted about having it. I didn’t want to hurt Richard. He had been sweet to me.

My cellphone sounded, it was my girl Jade, “Hey sis, what’s up?” she asked as she looked at me through her screen.

“Nothing much, how are you?”

She chuckled, “Um, heifer, what’s wrong?”

“Mario told me he loved me.”

“That’s a good thing, right?”

“Yes. But—”

“Richard?”

“What do I do about Richard?”

“Girl, Richard will be okay. Besides—”

“What?”

She looked around. I could see her walking to another area of her office, “Bill is under the impression that his mom and dad are trying to work things out?”

My face scrunched, “Wait, what?” I responded. I didn’t understand that part. How was he asking me to visit him in Boston if he was fucking with his ex-wife? I was a little salty.

“Well, at least you have Mario and he’s better for you anyway.”

“Um,” I replied. I wasn’t hearing that bull shit. I was still salty. “Well, I guess that’s that.”

“Are you disappointed?”

I sighed. Part of me was. I wanted to think I was something special not just some side chick he was fucking while he figured things out with his ex-wife. “Nah, I’m fine. You’re right. It’s probably better this way.”

My work phone sounded. “I have to call you back.”

“Okay boo, talk to you later.”

I ended the call with Jade and answered my work phone, “Decadent Designs, Lelani speaking.”

I heard a chuckle that sounded oh too familiar, “Lelani Carter,” I heard the rich tone of the bass in his voice. I shook my head because it both annoyed me, yet turned me the fuck on.

“How did you get this number?”

“Come on Lelani, it’s 2021, I can Google just about anything on anyone.”

“Okay. But why are you calling sir?” I asked with an attitude. It was Dr. Gregory St. James my former professor also known as the married man I fucked in college.

He chuckled, “I was calling because I’m moving to the bay area and I need someone to help with decorating my new home.”

“Seriously, there are dozens of interior designers in the bay area. Call one of them.”

“That’s awfully rude of you. I’m only seeking professional services.”

I laughed, “Um professional services. Um, I don’t know.”

“Is it because you’re still attracted to me?”

“Sir, please.”

“Then accept my offer. I close on the property on November 5th. I’ll send you the address and you can tell me what ideas you have for my new place.”

I rolled my eyes so hard, but it was a job. “Fine.”

“Great. I’ll see you then around 4:00 pm.” The call ended. My lips were stuck out. I didn’t want to see him. Why was he moving to the bay area? Geesh, I was happy when I thought I left him in Orlando. I grunted.