Part 9 Words of Intimacy

Part 9 Words of Intimacy

Tuesday was a better day considering I didn't have to go into work. My plan was to catch up on sleep but my thoughts kept wondering about things. One thing, well one person, who continued to reoccur. Amber. When it came to Rollins' past relationships and sexual experiences, I flat out told him I didn't want to know. After meeting Amber, for some reason I believe I really wanted to know everything. I heard Sylver come into the apartment and thought I would run it by her.

"Sylver, can I ask you something?" I sat down on the couch across from her.

"Do I need to get my therapist hat on or my best friend hat?" She sat up straight after taking her shoes off.

I took a deep breath and responded, "A little bit of both. I am thinking about asking Rollins about his sexual past. Remember, when I told you about Amber? Well its keep popping back up in my head. Also I kind of wonder how he is able to go without for so long with no problem. We don't even talk about sex."

"Wow. Wow. That is a huge can of worms to open. Once you open it, you may regret it. But I can tell you one thing he is definitely spanking his monkey." She laughed almost hysterically. “Ok. My turn. I have something to tell you about how I got home.”

“I’m listening.”

“Well, Josh gave me a ride home since Sterling has my car.” My mouth dropped open as she continued. “He actually came into the store to get me. On his lunch break. He wouldn’t let me ride the bus.”

“Girl, you know Rollins hate me riding the bus.” I added.

“Long story short, we are back together with some conditions.”

“Yes. What are they?” I basically squealed with enjoyment.

She took a deep breath. “I can’t go clubbing like I used to and I have to dress more modestly. Kinda like you.  But the bonus is he said that I will finally get served properly.  Macy, let me tell you it has been too long. “

"Oh my! I am sorry I asked. But congratulations. I hope you find what you are looking for and more.  I am going to take a nap." I walked away as she continued to laugh.

Later that night, as usual, Rollins called but I really did not feel like talking. I was trying to figure out what to do.

"Hey Ms. Macy. How was your day off?"

"It was ok. And yours?"

"Um what’s on your mind? Is everything ok baby? You sound kind of down." His tone changed to concern.

I took a deep breath. "I'm good. How was your day?"

"Wow, so we are lying now. Well let me try and guess what's bothering you. I know it is not your period. That was last week. It couldn't be work, you were off today. I don't think I did anything. I have been really good." I couldn't help but to laugh. "That sounds a little better. Do you need to talk about something? You know I will listen."

"Well, actually there is something but I would rather do it face to face."

"Are you breaking up with me?"

"No! No! Of course not. Baby, you know I love you. Could you come get me?" I said nervously.

Rollins responded nervously, "Of...course. You know you do not have to ask. Let me change my clothes and I will be there in an hour."

"Ok great." I hung up the phone and walked into Sylver's room. “I decided to go ahead and ask him. He is picking me up soon."

She was polishing her nails. "Ok well don't say I didn't warn you. The stuff he may say I could handle but I am not sure your virgin ears can handle it. But good luck and have fun. I am going to bed."

I walked out of the room and went to pack my work clothes for tomorrow. I was getting nervous about what he could and would say when I ask him. Maybe he won't answer the question because of the fuss I made before. I kept saying I did not want to know because it was his past. I sat there just contemplating. I laid back on the bed and just fell deep in thought.

"Are you ready?"

His voice startled me back into reality. I grabbed my chest as my heart started racing. I sat up and stared at him "You scared the crap out of me!"

He laughed, "Sorry. Didn't mean to. Aunt Jemima let me in. You ready?" He bent over and kissed my forehead.

I stood up and grabbed my bag, which he took from me. I told Sylver bye and followed him out the door. We got in the car in silence. We drove off.

I finally broke the silence and asked, "Have you ate dinner yet because I haven't and I am kind of hungry?"

"Well I will get you whatever you want but I don't think I can eat until I know what is weighing on your mind that couldn't be said over the phone. And then you are spending the night at my house on a work night. If you are breaking up with me I couldn't take it. We can work whatever it is out."

"Whoa Rollins. Calm down before we have an accident. For the last time, I am not breaking up with you. Why would I go to your house if I was going to break up with you? Let's stop at Taco Bell and get some nachos for both of us." He just nodded and continued to drive.

We got to his place and ate at the dining room table. He barely touched his nachos but just stared at me.

"Ok, Rollins. I see you are not going to eat. So I will tell what’s been on my mind." I took a deep breath. "First I will like to say don't get at mad at me but...”

He stood up and interrupted me, "Hold on, I feel as if I may need a beer or two." He went to the refrigerator and came back with two Miller Lites. "Ok please began."

"Well, I unknowingly lied to you long time ago. I said I did not want to know about your past relationships. But seeing Amber made me curious about a lot of things. Who have you been with? How many girls have you been with? I want to know everything even...how you are dealing with not having sex considering your past?"

He jumped up with his beer in his hand. "Oh hell no." He walked into the living room and started pacing. "Macy I don't think we should go there. I don't think you want to hear the truth."

I watched him go back and forth. "Yes I do. Please sit and tell me. I'm ready to know. How old were you when you lost your virginity?"

He knocked back the first beer and put it on the table. As he grabbed the second beer, he exhaled. “I was sixteen; it was after prom with a girl named Rachel. Do you really want to know this?" I nodded. "Ok, come seat on the couch with me. I will tell you everything you want to know. But remember this is my past. Before you.

"Ok honestly. I have been with 28 females in my lifetime. Once I had sex with Rachel, I was addicted. Then when I realized it was different with other girls, it was an obsession. I always practiced safe sex. In fact, I have never had sex without a condom.  I don't think there is anything I haven't done with a woman. When I was 22, while in college, I had a scare. A girl said she was pregnant by me. I was in an extreme panic. I wasn't ready to be a father. My first instinct was to say it wasn't mine but I trusted this girl. She wasn't the type to sleep around.

"When she was around three months pregnant, she was in a car accident and had a miscarriage. This turned my world upside down. I slowed down a whole lot and focused on my school work and getting a job. Once I started working for Symphony Records and money was rolling in, girls were coming after me. When I would travel for a concert, they would see me walk and talk with an artist. They thought I was either an easy way to get to the artist or just a meal ticket. That's when I had my first threesome.

"I still had my female friends that use to come by my apartment. When I got my big raise, I knew it was time to step up my game. That is when I bought the condo. My mother came over and gave me something to think about when it came to females at my house. What she said made sense so I started only going to their places or apartments. Mainly we would just meet at hotels. About Amber and Sheena. I met them at a record release parties at different times but later found out they were friends.

"Now it was hard to go cold turkey from sex when I met you. I knew you were something different.  So I did and do what comes natural and masturbated. I actually have a subscription to Playboy magazine and a couple porn websites. Is there anything else you wanted know?"

I sat there and swallowed everything he told me. I was grossed out by it all. My boyfriend was once a hoe. I wanted to go home. I couldn't speak. I had to respect the fact that he was being honest and that this was his past. I think the biggest chunk of disappointment came from the porn. Something about him looking at beautiful women to satisfy himself, just made my stomach feel twisted.

I stood up and said, "Let me process this. I am going to bed." I walked passed his drained face and went upstairs to the guest bedroom. I took a shower and tried to grasp how I felt about it all. I put on my pajamas that was in the drawer and climbed in the bed. I heard him knock on the door, I did not respond. Just rolled over and went to sleep.

In the morning, we walked around each other in silence. In the car, silence. I still didn't know how I felt other than grossed out. Something about porn just seemed like cheating. We pulled up at my job and I climbed out slowly.

"Bye."

Sadly, he said, "Bye," and drove off.

Words of Intimacy Part 8

Slyver

I decided on some chicken fried rice while he grabbed him a Subway sandwich. We took a seat in a booth with our trays.

“Who was that white guy in the suit? He looked way out of place.”

“That was the district manager, Roger.  He is watching me because I applied for the manager position. So I may know something by the end of the week.”

He smiled. “Well, go ahead Ms. Career woman. Good Luck.”

“Thanks. So you still live in Clifton?” I felt more nervous with Josh than I did at work with Roger.

“Yes, but my roommate finally moved out so it is just me. And you?”

“No, actually Macy and I share an apartment near Colerain.”

“How is Macy? Is she still with that rich dude?” he asked.

I gave a slight laugh. “Yes, she is still with Rollins. They have the kind of relationship that I want.”

He put his sandwich done and folded his hands. “Well, what makes you think you can handle the type of relationship. I thought what we have was something special and you threw it away. You crushed me when you told me about dude. You are part of the reason I do not want to get back in a serious relationship with anyone.”

I covered my eyes as if it would hold in my tears if I let them fall. “Josh, I am truly sorry. I regret it. 

Tell me what I need to do to get a second chance with you to show you that I have changed.”

He grabbed my hand from my face. Josh swallowed hard and said, “I am going to be honest with you. If we decide to try this again, there will have to be some changes.”

“Like what?”

“I do not know how to say this without hurting your feelings. But if you are willing to make these changes, I will be the man you need and more.”  I looked him nervously. He continued, “First thing, your clothes.”

“What about my clothes?”

“When you are working you look very professional but other than that you have a tendency to be too revealing. Some things I want for only my eyes. I saw the pics on Facebook.  Like those low cut shirts for example. Yep, they have to go. You are beautiful woman but you do not have to show it all. As a man, I know other men are staring and plotting when they see them thick thighs and all that cleavage.  But that is my job.”

“My clothes are not that bad, Josh. I don’t see anything wrong with what I wear outside of work.  The clothes make me feel sexy. As long as men understand that they can look but never touch.”

“Yes, Silly, they are bad. They give off the wrong impression. When a guy sees a girl dressed like that, they do not think about dating her. They just want to hit it. You can still be sexy and be a lady at the same time.”

I put my face down. That hurt but I could understand what he was saying and coming from.

“Look at me, Silly. Your clubbing has to calm down almost to none. I personally find it disrespectful if my woman is out at the club, half-naked, shaking it on some man who thinks he may get lucky. If I am asking for too much tell me. I know you want to go out and have a good time. I just think most people at the club are trying to hook up.”

Damn. Am I willing to give up my wardrobe and clubbing for this man? Maybe. “Is there anything else?”

“Nothing more than the obvious. We definitely need to work on our communication. If you would have just talked to me in the beginning, we probably would not be having this conversation.  Also, I would like your Sundays to be guaranteed for me. Of course, I would want to be with you on other days but that will be our day. No excuses.”

“What if I have to work?”

“Well as soon as you are done, it’s our time.”

I nodded my head at him. “So can I ask a question?” He nodded. “If I do all of that, will I get...um...rewarded finally?” I can’t lie, it’s been a moment since I was satisfied and I wanted him. We never went all the way, something always came up. Plus he had a ninety day rule.

He laughed. “I don’t see why not. “ He stood up and came over to my side of the booth. I scooted over slightly to welcome him. He placed his arm along the back of the seat. “So what do you think? Could you do all that for me?” He grabbed my hand.

I stared at my hand in his hand. Can I make this commitment to him? “Yes, I would like to do this.”

He released my hand and pulled my chin closer to him. His lips connected with mine and I felt an instant heat wave come over my body.

He stared into my eyes with slight smile draped over his lips. “Was there anything that you wanted me to change?”

“Well, you can nix the ninety day rule this time around.”

He laughed, “Oh really? How long has it been for you?” He began eating again.

“About four months. You?”

“That would have been the relationship before you. I haven’t been with anyone sexually since then.”

My mouth dropped open. I wish I could be more disciplined. I continued to eat my food. I felt his hand rub on my leg slowly. I couldn't help but smile. Once I finished my food, he grabbed both our trays and disposed of them. We walked back to my job. We stopped at the store before mine.

He held my hand and said, “I think I can nix the ninety day rule. I am not sure I could wait that long this time anyway.” I smiled as thoughts swam through my head that sent sensations down below. 

“You still have your car?”

“Yes and no. I still have my car but my brother Sterling has it right now.”

“So, are you riding the bus home?”  I nodded. “What time are you getting off? I will come back to take you home.”

“I will be ok on the bus.”

He pulled me into his arms. A small evil grin appeared on his face. “Excuse me.  What did I say?”

I giggled. “My bad. 5:30.”

“I will take my lunch then.  Um, this is awkward. Your boss keeps looking this way.” I turned around and saw Roger at the sunglasses kiosk outside our store.

“Josh, you must be tripping. Well, let me get back to work. Bye.” I started to walk towards my store. Josh grabbed my arm and turned me back around.

“Silly, you know how I feel about not getting a kiss good-bye.” He kissed me softly on my lips. 

“Now you can go to work. I will be back at 5:30 to get you.” I smiled and turned towards my store. 

This time I caught Roger looking at us.

Words of Intimacy Part 7

SYLVER

The conversation I had with my girl, Macy, got me really reminiscing about my past loves. Ok, maybe just Josh.  It is just something about a thick, tall, chocolate brother to make a girl want to scream. We dated for only one year, but it was a great year.  I can’t lie. It was my fault we broke up. He was more serious than I was. I cheated on him with some idiot I met at the club. I honestly regret it.  I believe he could have been my happily ever after. I can’t believe I just admitted to that. I love the relationship that Macy and Rollins have. I want that! I need that! I am going to get that!

I wonder if he still works at the cable company. Well there is one way to find out. I closed my bedroom door and jumped on my bed with my phone. I looked up the number on Google and pressed call.

“Thank you for calling Digital Entertainment Cable Company. This is Sarah. How may I help you?”

I turned on my professional voice. “Hello. Is Joshua Wesome available?”

“Just a moment. I will transfer you.”

After a short pause, “This is the manager. How may I help you?”

“Wow. Manager. Impressive. Hey Josh, it’s Sylver.”

Silence. “Sylver? Hold on…..I am going to take this in my office.”  There was a short pause with horrible elevator music. “Sylver Lauren Trends.  Wow. To what do I owe this honor?”

I took a deep breath. “How are you doing, Josh? How have you been? I see you are manager now.”

He laughed. “Sylver, what’s going on? You have never been good at the nice pleasantries. Keep it real.”

“Ouch.”

“Well, sorry. You dumped me to be with that thug you met at the club when I was ready to take things to another level. You weren't woman enough to tell me the truth before you spread your legs for dude. Yes, I am still bitter. I loved you and still have love for you. I would have never done anything like that to you. I always treated you like my queen. So what’s up?” His voice was very rough.

“Josh, I am so sorry. We were just talking about you and I realized then and even more now that that was a huge mistake. I wasn't ready for the kind of relationship you was offering. I wish I could take it back. Honest.” My voice squeaked. I did not recognize my own sound.

“Look, Sylver, I wasn't proposing just asking you to meet my family. And you did that shit to me.  Sorry, let me calm down. Forgive me for snapping.”

Why do I feel like crying? I told myself to get it together. “It’s ok. Keep it coming.  I deserve it.”

He exhaled heavily. “You never deserve someone to be negative like that towards you. Remember that.” His voice was soothing. “What can I do for you, Silly?”

I couldn't help but laugh. “Only you could get away with calling me that nickname. Well, honestly was wondering how you were doing?”

“I am doing ok.  How are you? Are you still seeing dude?”

“No that was just a one night thing.  Are you dating someone right now?” I asked him, crossing my fingers.

“Well, yes, but I am not in a committed relationship.  Even though it has been over a year I still think about you. I wish we could have gone on the date I planned. It was to be a night to remember.”

“Wow. I wish that too. I wish more for a second chance.” There was silence on his end. “Do you think that is possible?”

“I am not sure.” Hesitant filled his voice.

“Well let’s just have dinner. Tonight? Our old place?”

“I would love to but not tonight. Maybe tomorrow. I have to work late. Do you still work at the shoe store in the mall?”

I exhaled heavily, “Yes, I do. I have to work in the morning so tomorrow night is fine.”

“Let’s meet for lunch in the food court then. What time is your lunch?”

“1”

“Ok, I will see you tomorrow. By Silly.”

I couldn't help but smile, “Bye Josh.” I hung up the phone and let out a silent girlish squeal. Wow, Josh! Josh was nothing like any of the other guys I have dated. In fact, he was the first guy to have a legitimate job and not live with his mother.  He taught me the true definition of a gentleman.

April 2011

I couldn't stand Tuesdays. Tuesday meant it was truck day.  One of the duties of an associate manager is to be in charge of the truck delivery. Good thing was that it was a small truck only 150 pairs of shoes to scan and organize.  Normally, with us being the largest shoe store in the mall, the new shipment could take us two days. The other good plus to this, is I am first to see the new shoes. When I had less than two hours left to my shift, I scanned the last box of shoes.  I came back onto the floor to try to sell some shoes. Got to love commission.

A tall dark man walked in with two women. One looked like his mother and the other looked like his girlfriend.  I walked towards the mother.

“Good evening, ma’am. Can I get that for you in your size or maybe another color? Those come in navy blue and dusky tan as well as the midnight black you are holding.”

She looked undecided. “I guess a size eight in the navy blue, please.” I nodded my head and scrambled off to the storage room.

I returned to the sales floor where the three was laughing. The younger woman had her hand his shoulder while whispering in his ear. Then the two continued laughing. I helped the mother try on the shoes. She stood and walked around in the shoes.

“What do you think you two giggle boxes?” The mother asked.

The thick and handsome man said, “Ma, they looked nice on your feet. Are they comfortable?”

She did a funny little two step dance. “Yes, I think I can dance all night in the club with these.” Even I giggled this time. She turned to me, “I will take these and the tan ones. I have enough black shoes.”

After he paid for the shoes, the three walked out of the store. I began some of my closing procedures. The store closed in about 45 minutes.  I was cleaning the shelves and making sure they were in the right order.

“Excuse me? May I talk to you for a second?”

I turned around and there was the sexy, thick, and handsome man. “Yes sir. Was there a problem with your mother’s shoes?”

His smile was breathtaking.  He only had one dimple on the left side of his face. I just wanted to kiss it. “No, she loves them. I think she really wants to go to the club. But I was actually interested in talking to you on another occasion. Outside of the store.”

Great he is a cheater. “ Maybe in better circumstances that would work. Thanks though.” I smiled and went back to my cleaning.

“May I ask what circumstances are you speaking of?”

My smile transformed into a smirk. “Really? I give you credit for your boldness but I have dated my share of playas. I do not wish to do it again.”

His delicious mouth dropped open. He turned and walked away. I laughed to myself and continued my job. Within ten minutes, I watched him reenter the store with the female. I covered my face. This cannot be happening today to me.

“I am sorry what is your name?”

“Sylver with a y”

“Well Sylver with a y, my name is Joshua and this is my cousin Tameka. I would have told you she was my cousin but I had the feeling that you would not believe me. So I brought her back.”

Tameka giggled, “I promise I am his cousin. I don’t roll like that. Not to mention he is ten years older than me. I am not interested in a sugar daddy.” She winked at me and walked away.

He went his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. “Here is my card. It has my cell phone number on it. If you are interested, call me later on tonight.” He handed me the card. He grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it. My hand was frozen in the air as he walked away.

****

I arrived at work ten minutes early. As I was prepping to open the store, I realize the district manager was scheduled to visit the store today. I wasn’t supposed to know but a co-worker from another location let it slip. I know this surprise visit has something to do with my application for the manager position.  My shoulders slumped down. I hated pressure.  I continued to count the money in the drawer, when my text message went off.

“CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU LATER ON TODAY.”

Just that fast, my day became brighter and I couldn't stop smiling. Well I was able to stop once Roger Tucker, the district manager walked in. He seemed really stuffy and preppy. But I have to admit, he was pretty fly for a white guy. Yes, I just said that.

“So you must be Sylver. My name is Roger.  No need for the Mister part. I am not that old.”

I shook his hand with a slight smile. “How are you doing, Roger?”

“Pretty good. I like coming to Cincinnati. You never know who you may meet.  Well, go about your normal day. I am just here to observe.”

“Ok. If you have any questions, let me know.” I smiled and went back to my opening paperwork.

Now that I was the assistant manager, I really did not have to fuss with the truck delivery. I kind of wish I was though, so I would not have been under close watch of Roger.  He made me feel uncomfortable but as always I was on my A game.  He was able to witness me handle two special customers without getting upset.  But I was happiest because I knew lunch time was right around the corner. I was in the back of the store, confirming the last of the shipment when my co-worker, June, came smiling towards me.

“There is a gentleman here in a nice suit asking for you.”

I smiled. “Thank you, June. I am going to take my lunch now.”  She smiled as well and nodded her head.  We both walked out to the sales floor. There was a slight awkwardness with Josh and Roger. I could not put my finger on exactly what it was. They were talking at the counter when I approached them. “Roger, I will be taking my lunch now. See you in an hour.”

“Enjoy your lunch, Sylver.”

Words of Intimacy Part 6

Words of Intimacy- Part 6

She gave him a hug but he kept his distance. "Oh my God,  Rollins how long has it been?" the girl asked, batting her false eyelashes.

"Around a good six years, Amber. Its been a long time." he said nonchalantly.

She got closer to him and touched his shirt, "You still keeping your options open? Because I would love to be one of your options again. My number is still the same." her laugh irritated me. I started to make my way towards them.

He removed her hand from her shirt, "Nope. Not at all. I have settled down with one woman. She is around here somewhere." He exhaled nervously. "Here she is. Ms. Macy I want you to meet an old friend of mine, Amber. We used to date long time ago. Amber this is Ms. Macy, my woman of the past five years and more to come."

I smiled and shook her hand.

She softly laughed again, "Wow, five years! You must be pretty damn special to lock him down. You are cute but I just have to ask. Did he take you to the cave too? He used to love playing caveman."

"Cave?" What the hell was this girl talking about? Who the hell is she calling cute? Cute is for puppies.

"Yeah girl the cave. Almost every weekend. It was off the chain. But then I talked to my girl Sheena and she said they use to go to the Ice room and.."

"Ok Amber it was nice seeing you. We got to go." Rollins said pushing me and the cart along. We walked til she was out of sight. I stopped and just glared at him. He opened one of the dressing rooms and gestured me in. He closed the door  behind us.

"Get off me. Cave? Ice Room?"

He exhaled, "Yes cave and ice room. I used to go to the Wildwood Inn Theme Rooms a lot. The cave was my ultimate favorite. Ice room was secondary."

"Damn Rollins you were spreading yourself through the whole group. Amber AND Sheena. Who else? Better yet, when was the last time you been there?"

"Don't go there Macy. You know the answer to that."

I grunted back, "But every weekend? You could barely go a week without some ass and yet I am now supposed to believe you could go five years cold turkey. That is very interesting."

"YES YOU ARE!" He huffed, "Look have I ever given you reason to doubt my loyalty to you? No. Have I had past flings and relationships? Yes and you knew that. But my past is my past. As you just saw, I did some stupid things back then. The thing is you told me you did not want to know the details of my past relationships. I know you may be wondering why I have never taken you there." I nodded. He continued, "It is  simple. I have more respect for you. Why would I take you to such a place like that? I took her there so she wouldn't see where I lived. You were the first and last woman to see my place. My momma told you, you were the only one I ever brought home to meet her." He pressed me up against the wall and lifted my chin so we were eye to eye. "Do you understand what I am saying?"

"Yes sir. I do."

"I love hearing the words 'I do' coming from your lips." He kissed me gently on my forehead and then my lips. His tongue parted my lips and entered my mouth. My hands ran up his back under his shirt. His hands ran down my side and landed on my hip. They moved down farther and ended in my back pants pockets. His hands gripped my butt and pulled me closer to him. I moaned quietly. "Shit. Sorry. We need to get out of here before it gets messy."

I laughed as we walked out hand in hand. I hugged onto his arm and said, "Well thanks for explaining the cave. But now I know and don't want to go."

In the car almost home, something crossed my mind. "Rollins, can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, of course." He seemed aggravated.

"Why does John hate me so much?" I asked.

"What!?! Macy you tripping again. Why would you think that?" He grabbed my hand.

"Its just the way he looks at me."

He snickered, "Whatever Macy. I will talk to him when I get home, if it makes you feel better. You really need to get you insecurities in check. I feel as if I have been defending my love and now my staff to you all weekend."

"Wow, Rollins. Why do you always get an attitude when it is time for me to go home? I have to work in the morning and so do you."

He responded, turning onto my street, "Because you should be living with me instead of the black lady gaga. You can even have your own room. Hell half of your stuff is there anyway. I helped you move into that apartment and I will gladly move you out."

"Seriously, leave Sylver alone. We may live together soon. You never know what might happen. You still love me?"

"You know I do. And I will wait for you to be ready for that too." He got out the car to open my door. I hated kissing him goodbye. But for some reason moving into his huge condo and out of my tiny two bedroom apartment with Sylver just didn't sit right with me. I know majority of the feeling comes from my traditional Christian upbringing and the disappointment I would see in my father's eyes.

"I love you Rollins."

"You better." he laughed as he kissed me. "Just joking. I love you too."

The next day, I woke up with a smile on my face thinking about my dream of marrying Rollins. But then I began thinking about going to work and the smile went away. But I got bills to pay, which means I have sushi to serve. I could just sit back and let Rollins pay for everything but what kind of woman would that make me?

Work was going slow until it happened. I asked my manager to send me home but he wouldn't. Annoyance walked through the door to brighten up my day. Brandon Turner. My ex boyfriend. Handsome beyond belief and he knew it. He had no problem letting you know also. His attitude is what makes him ugly. To make matters worse he sits in my section. Maybe he wont remember me.

" Konnichiwa. My name is Macy and I will be serving you today. Can I get you something to drink?"  I asked treating him as a normal customer.

He gave me a slight smile. "Macy? Its Brandon. Wow. You look great." He stood up to give me a hug.

Keeping a reasonable distance, I said, "Oh hi Brandon. How have you been?"

" I have been better. I am leaving soon for Tufts University for their engineering program. But can I be honest?" I nodded. "I ran into your sisters Cherish and Passion the other day and they told me you worked here. I have been thinking about my past relationships and you were the best. I shouldn't have mess things up with you. You were my high school sweetheart. And then to let you go over something so trivial."

Was this really happening? Note to self: Choke Cherish and Passion. "Wow. Let me go? Ok, whatever. So can I get you something to drink?" I got my pad of paper and pen ready.

"You are just going to write me off like I never existed, like we never existed. I know it has been a while but  you have got to miss me a little. We had some good times."

I exhaled. I sat down across from him and smiled, "No Brandon you had some good times. I just went along for the ride. I was scared of change. And the lying and the cheating was just a bonus. Plus I am with someone now. So yes I did forget about you."

"Are you happy? Is he treating you well?"

I laughed quietly, "You better believe it. Better than I can ever ask for and more for the past five years. It will be six years in August."

He sat back in his chair, " Wow. Wow. Five years huh? So as soon as you broke up with me you went to him. Thats kinda suspicious."

"Not that it matters now, but no not directly. Remember we stopped dating back in June."

"So what about going on one last date before I move away?"

"Sure we can double date. You and yours. Me and mine." I started to get up. He grabbed my hand.

"You know that is not what I meant. But I can take a hint. Honestly I just wanted a piece of that ass before I moved away. I think I have earned that much. I waited for you for years."

I used my other hand to slap the taste out of his mouth and walked away. He tried to complain to my manager to get me fired. Once I explained what happened to my manager, he just laughed and said that I still have to be reprimanded. That it wouldn't look right to show favoritism. So he sent me home early. Ha ha thanks Brandon! As soon as I got to the bus stop I sent a text to Rollins.

'HEY CAN YOU TALK? BAD DAY AT WORK. I AM HEADING HOME. I GOT INTO A LITTLE FIGHT AT WORK WITH MY EX AND WAS SENT HOME. DON'T FLIP OUT. I'M OK.'

He didn't respond right away so he must be busy at work. But when he sees it I know he will be livid. He has always been very overprotective of me. The thing about Rollins is that I know if we got married he will always do what ever it takes to make sure that I am well taken care of. Why would I want to mess that up with one night with Brandon?

I finally got on the bus after waiting about 20 minutes. I tried not to fall asleep on the way home because it always sucks to wake up and you are miles from your stop. When we drove past the mall Sylver climbed on the bus.

"Girl what are you doing on here? I thought you worked til 4." she asked sitting next to me.

"That was the original plan before Brandon Turner walked in."

"Shut up! Is he still dripping in gorgeous?" She asked loudly. I shrugged my shoulders. " Well did you at least give him my number?"

"You a hot mess."

"Why should you have all the good ones?" She whined.

"He wasn't one of the good ones. Plus, you would have had a good one, but you wanted to play the field. Remember Josh? I bet if you called him he would come running."

"Do you think he would? But I don't know if I am ready to just be with one person. Maybe I will call him." She said nervously. "So anyways back to you. So what happen with Brandon?"

I rolled my eyes, "He was just being an ass like always. Thinking he could come to my job and I was supposed to get back with him. Please. I have a good man I don't need him. I ended up slapping him after he admitted all he wanted was some booty." Sylver started laughing as she rang the bell for us to get off the bus.

"You should let Rollins go have a conversation with him. I am pretty sure Rollins has first dibs on that booty." she laughed. I rolled my eyes.

Once we got in the house, I went to my room to catch up on my sleep. I couldn't have been sleep long when I heard Usher singing his song "Climax" to me.

I grabbed my phone, "Hi Rollins. How you doing?"

"Hey Ms.Macy. You ok? What happened at work? Where are you?"

"Calm down. One question at a time please. Its not that serious. This is why I hate to tell you some things over the phone but if I don't you have a heart attack."

He exhaled, "Sorry. You're right. Could you just tell me what happened please?". He actually sat there quietly and listen to the whole story. I am pretty sure he wasn't sitting. He has a pacing problem. After I finished, I heard a bunch of muffled talk from him and whoever he was with. Probably his main bodyguard, Malachi Pinns aka D-Bo, which was also his closest friend.

"What are you guys talking about? Don't do anything stupid? Do you hear me Rollins?" Nothing. "ROLLINS!"

"Damn, I mean darn. Yes Ms. Macy, my love."

"Don't 'my love' me. You heard what I said. Don't do anything stupid."

"Yes ma'am."

I released a breath of frustration, " What time should I be ready for dinner?"

"Mom said 6. I can be there at five to help you get dress if you want."

"Bye Rollins." I hung up.

We arrived at his mom's house in West Chester right at 6. His mom, Charlene Raquel Powers, was a very euphoric woman. She had a smile that made you want to smile with her. She barely stood 5'3 barefoot but seemed to always have on a killer pair of heels. Her chocolate colored hair was always in some neat updo, which was perfect to show off her almond shaped hazel eyes and high cheek bones. Now her house was as perfect as her hair. Her house was actually once a part of a Home-aroma event. Four bedrooms and three and a half baths plus a finish basement with a movie theater and exercise room. Every so often she updates a different room for fun. Must be nice.

Dinner was exquisite. Three meat lasagna, salad, and garlic bread. For dessert, she made a strawberry cheesecake. Rollins' favorite. Rollins and I cleaned the table as Mrs. Powers retreated to the family room. Once we were finished we joined her.

"So Mrs. Powers I hear that you decided to become a Girl Scout Leader. That should be interesting." I asked as I sat across from her on the leather sectional couch.

"Well I will be just helping my sister out with her daughter's troop. Besides this might be the only way for me to be around children. Who knows if I will ever have grandchildren." She snickered.

Rollins choked on his wine, "Really mom? Thanks. Give me time. I have to find the right woman to settle down with first."

"Oh really? Well good luck on finding her," I said in response to his bad joke. We all laughed.

"But honestly I have my eyes on someone who I believe will be the perfect wife. A little stubborn and strong willed but its manageable." His smiled slyly. I rolled my eyes.

We sat and talked for another hour or so about nothing until his mother dropped another hint that we should be married and have kids by now. He told his mom that he had to get me home because I had to work in the morning. She didn't like that at all. The fact that we was leaving and the fact that I was working. No woman in the Powers' family worked. When we got to my apartment, like always, he practically begged for me to come live with him but settled for a goodnight kiss instead of a yes.