SEVEN
I’ve spent the past three days battling thoughts of Kross. It’s worse now that it’s Wednesday night, and Trishell wants me to come out.
“Jamir’s tripping,” she argues. “Girl, he doesn’t own you. Where’s his ass now?”
“Still at the office.”
“Seriously?” She sucks her teeth. “Cuz, change into something sexy and come outside. I was looking forward to dancehall night with you.”
I bite on my bottom lip, itching to go. “I don’t know, Trish. I’d hate to make Jamir think I’m disrespecting him. He looked offended when Shanae said I was talking to Kross in the VIP.”
“So trifling! I know she’s our cousin, but I can’t stand her ass.”
“She’s something else,” I scoff.
“Anyhoo. Reeve is almost here. Sure you don’t want to go out, sis?”
“I’m good. Have fun with your boo. Tell Kross you’re my fam, and maybe he’ll let y’all into VIP.”
“ Okay ,” she mopes, giving up trying to persuade me. “I’ll miss you. Talk tomorrow.”
“Night, girl.” I hang up and drop onto the bed like a potato sack. I’m not sleepy, in the mood to work on designs, or interested in watching TV. Since it’s almost nine, I call Jamir to check if he’s left the office.
“Hey, baby,” he answers sweetly.
“You at home? I want to come over.”
“I’m leaving the office in an hour or so. Unfortunately, I don’t have the energy for sex tonight.”
I frown. “That’s not the only reason I’m calling. Anyway, you’re working too much. I’m starting to worry about you.”
“I’m all right. I’m making sure everything’s perfect to impress the client. Once he signs, I can finally relax.”
“Okay,” I moan. “I’ll let you finish. Can you at least make this Friday date night?”
“I won’t cancel again,” he vows.
“Love you, babe.”
“Love you, too. Call you when I reach home.”
As the call ends, an idea pops into my head. Work has him stretched thin. I could surprise him at the office with a stress reliever that’ll blow his mind.
Jumping out of bed, I haul on a dark purple bodycon dress, brush my curls into a puff, apply makeup, slip into heels, and grab my trench coat.
I drive downtown to the business district and pull up at the closed gates of Jamir’s workplace. The parking lot’s empty. Scanning the tall building, I notice all the lights are off.
A security guard exits the main door, seeming like he’s about to leave. I step out of my car, approach the locked gates, and wave to draw his attention. “Excuse me, sir.”
“Can I help you?” he asks, coming to a halt.
“My boyfriend, Jamir Bartley, is working late. Could I go up to see him, please?”
“Bartley left two hours ago. No one’s here.”
I wince in confusion. “That can’t be. I just spoke to him. He told me he was still here and was leaving in an hour.”
“Look, Miss, no one’s inside. Everyone’s logged out for the day, and I did my final round for the night.” He walks out the side gate and strides up the street.
Baffled, I hop back into my car and drive from the area. Maybe the security guard made a mistake about the time. Jamir must have left right after talking to me.
I exit the area and continue toward Woodlawn, calling him as I approach his neighborhood.
He answers just before his voicemail picks up. “You forgot something?”
“Um...” Reaching the condominiums, I park on the opposite street and look at his place on the second floor. There’s no light inside. “How about I meet you at your condo? We don’t have to have sex.”
“Babe, I’m still at the office. You have work in the morning, so I don’t want you waiting up for me.”
Boiling anger spills out of me. “Liar! I was just at your office. The security told me you left hours ago. Where the hell are you? Are you home with some—”
“You checking my whereabouts?” he grunts.
“Don’t fucking turn it on me,” I snap. “Why are you lying? Where are you? I’m outside your condo.”
“Shit,” he grates, a defeated groan coming through right after. “I’m sorry I lied. I’m at a country club with a potential client. They have women here.”
“What?” My grip tightens on the phone. “What the fuck, Jamir!”
“I’m only drinking and talking business,” he assures me. “I didn’t want to upset you. That’s why I kept it from you. I’m trying to win this guy over and not piss off my boss. I’m not doing anything disrespectful, babe. Please try to understand.”
“You should have told me,” I grit through clenched teeth. “Instead, you lied.”
“I’m sorry. Look, I have to get back. I’ll pick you up for lunch tomorrow. Don’t be upset.”
“ Don’t be upset ?” I huff. “You know what? Bye.”
“Babe—”
I hang up on him and smack the steering wheel. “Fuck this.” It looks like I’ll be at the club tonight, after all.