13. Desire
Being awakenedby your husband’s face buried between your thighs was top tier. This was the sex life I’d fantasized about, and I loved every minute thus far. It had been almost a month in my new home with my new family, and it seemed to fly by.
Another Friday morning had arrived, and I was looking forward to the weekend. After a couple of mind-blowing orgasms, Aziel and I showered together, and it was a miracle we made it through our shower without going another round. My vagina should be sore because it had never been put to use like it had been the past month. However, Aziel took such good care of her, always leaving me fiending for more.
Between his mayoral responsibilities and his companies, he”d been swamped with work since our honeymoon ended and he returned to the office. In the evenings, he arrived home just in time to read Azaria a bedtime story and tuck her in. We spent about thirty minutes sharing the events of our day before we ended the night the same way we started, undoubtedly with his head between my legs.
The weekends were a little better, but he worked a few hours in his office each day. I hated to complain because when we were together, whether it was just me and him or the three of us, he was fully present and didn’t allow much to distract him.
“I have a dinner meeting tonight, so I’ll be home late.”
“It’s Friday.”
“I know. It was supposed to be next week but had to be moved up.”
“You’ve been late every day this week.”
“I know, baby, but my weekend schedule is light. Will you be good with Ria?”
“Haven’t I been? Why would today be any different?”
I didn’t want to be annoyed, but I was, and Aziel sensed it. He sighed before pulling me into his arms.
“This weekend will be all about us.” He kissed my forehead.
“They usually are. I’m sorry for giving you a hard time. Ria keeps asking why you aren’t having dinner with us.”
“I know. She asks me every night before I read to her.”
“How did you manage this before the wedding?”
“I’m not always this busy, and when people tried to schedule late meetings, I declined or countered with a time that worked for me. It’s not always like this, but if I needed help, my family didn’t hesitate to step in. Since I’ve decided to run for re-election, things have picked up.”
“You have important jobs, so I don’t know what I expected. Successful men don’t become successful by laying up under their women.”
“That’s true, and I’m glad you understand. However, since becoming a single father, I’ve been very intentional about how many hours I work. With Ria’s mother not being around, I didn’t want her to feel like she didn’t have a father, too.”
“You have a helpmate now, and I’ll do my best to be more understanding.”
“Thank you, and I’ll do my best not to overwork. We’re still in our honeymoon phase. I can’t have you ready to up and leave me. Ria will want to leave with you if I keep this up.”
“We aren’t going anywhere… for now.”
We shared a laugh and a kiss as we embraced.
“Are you up for dinner with my family on Sunday? My parents are feeling some type of way because they haven’t seen us since the wedding.”
“Of course, but I’ve spoken with your mom several times, and she hasn’t mentioned wanting us to come over.”
“That’s because she doesn’t want to seem pushy and overbearing. I told her we’d be there if we had no plans.”
“Sounds good. I need to finish getting dressed, or Ria and I will be late.”
“I’ll get her up and fed, then send her to you.”
After kissing me again and giving my ass a squeeze, he disappeared into the hallway.
“Miss Chambries—”
“It’s Mrs. Harris,” I corrected the office assistant, Miss Trinda.
“Oh, yes. I apologize. Mrs. Duncan needs to see you in her office. I’ll stay here until you return.”
“Thank you.”
It was nap time for my students, so I quietly left my classroom and went to Mrs. Duncan’s office. She was the site director.
“Miss Trinda said you wanted to see me?”
“Yes, please come in, close the door, and have a seat.”
I followed her instructions and sat in the chair in front of her desk. Her expression let me know this wouldn’t be a positive conversation. Mrs. Duncan was an older Black woman who’d been the director of Little Black Pearl Preschool for over twenty years. She wasn’t a mean boss, but she was stern. However, she and I got along well, and she seemed to like me as an employee, although I wouldn’t call her a friend.
“Is everything okay?”
“Unfortunately not. I want you to know I fought for you because you’re the best teacher I’ve ever had the pleasure of supervising.”
“Umm, okay. What’s the problem? Fight for me for what?”
“I don’t know how well you read the employee handbook, but there is a strict no fraternizing clause.”
“No fraternizing?”
“Yes, employees cannot enter into romantic relationships with other employees… or parents.”
I took a moment to digest her words. Like most people, I hadn’t paid close attention to the employee handbook. I skimmed it, but I didn’t recall seeing anything about fraternizing.
“Oh, umm, I…” I was at a loss for words.
“When corporate became aware that you’d married one of the student’s fathers, they contacted me, and I was told I had to let you go. That was three weeks ago, and I’ve been going back and forth with them, pleading your case since.”
“And?”
Wearing a solemn look, she shook her head. “I have to let you go.”
“What? Are you—you’re serious?”
“I tried, Desire. I truly did everything I could. I’ll give you a glowing recommendation if you need a reference letter.”
“But we’re married, and our marriage was arranged by a company. We didn’t even date.”
“I know, Desire. I explained that to them, but it didn’t help. They wouldn’t budge.”
Tears slipped from my eyes, and I quickly wiped them away. Mrs. Duncan looked like she wanted to cry as well.
“Thank you. Can I finish out the day and say goodbye to my kids?”
“I’m not supposed to allow it, but I will.”
“Thank you. Can I take a few minutes to get myself together? I don’t want the kids to see me like this.”
“Of course, and, Desire, I’m sorry. I really tried.”
“I appreciate your efforts. Thank you.”
I left Mrs. Duncan’s office and went to the bathroom. Luckily, I didn’t wear makeup to work because it would be smeared all over my face. After cleaning myself up, I returned to class, and my students were getting up from their nap.
As hard as it was, I put on a happy face and gave my students all of me for the rest of the day. After my students were gone, leaving Azaria and I alone, I gathered my personal and professional belongings so we could leave.
“Ria, I have to put some things in the car. Do you want to come with me or finish coloring?”
“I stay here. Can we get ice cream?”
“We have to eat dinner first.”
“After.”
“I’ll think about it, sweetheart.”
“Yaayy,” she cheered and jumped up and down.
“I’ll be right back. Don’t leave this room.”
I left the classroom with two bags in each hand, and Mrs. Duncan stopped me in the hallway.
“Is Mayor Harris on his way to pick up Azaria?”
“Umm, no. She’s leaving with me.”
“I’m sorry. I hate to do this, but I can’t let you take Azaria today.”
“Excuse me? She’s been leaving with me for the past three weeks.”
“Had I been aware, it wouldn’t have been allowed because your name is not in her file as someone she can leave with.”
“I’m married to her father and basically her mother.”
“I understand, but with you being let go, I must adhere to the rules.”
I sighed. “Can I call her father and wait with her until he picks her up?”
“Of course. Desire, I hate this is happening as much as you. If you need a referral letter for another employer, I’ll be happy to write one. I don’t want any hard feelings between us. You truly are the best teacher that’s ever worked for me.”
“Thank you.”
I went back into the classroom and called Aziel. I didn’t want to tell him the news over the phone, but I prayed he didn’t ask too many questions.