Chapter 15
15
Tracey walked the last interviewee from her office to the front door. She kept her steps even and measured even though she wanted to skip. The applicant, Debra, was perfect. Not only did she have experience working in the hospitality industry at a small bed and breakfast and most recently at a hotel but she also had a lot of ideas of ways to improve the check-in process and increase their social media presence. The few minutes Debra had taken to talk about making short videos and her ideas for topics that would generate engagement and interest in staying at the inn had Tracey ready to offer her the job immediately.
When they reached the front door, Tracey held out her hand and grinned. “Debra, thanks so much for coming by. I appreciate your interest in working here.”
Debra accepted Tracey’s handshake with a firm grip and confident smile. “I’m excited about the opportunity. I like what you’ve built up here, and I would love to be a part of helping you grow even more.”
“That’s the kind of thing I like to hear. We’ll be in touch soon.”
After Debra left, Tracey turned back toward her office. She caught Jessica’s curious stare. Jessica also had applied for and interviewed for the general manager position. Her interview had gone well enough, except for the fact that all of the things Jessica bragged about doing to help around the inn were things she’d only started doing after Tracey posted the manager position. If Jessica had worked that hard from the start, then Tracey might have considered her for the position. Considering that she hadn’t tried to learn the registration process, hadn’t bothered to help whenever they’d asked and had acted as if she didn’t have any ideas of ways to make the inn better, Tracey wouldn’t dare make her own role harder by giving Jessica the job. She’d already shown her true colors.
Tracey gave her a tight, noncommittal smile before hurrying back to her room. Shirley sat at the table where they’d conducted the interviews. When Tracey walked in Shirley looked up and nearly bounced in her seat. The excitement on her face matched the happy shimmy she did in her chair.
“I think that’s our girl.”
Tracey nodded and sat down next to her. “I think so, too. She’s perfect. She has everything we’re looking for.”
“I know. And she let it slip that she’s happily married, which means it’s less likely that she’ll be inserting herself in anyone’s relationships.”
Tracey rolled her eyes. “That doesn’t concern me anymore. I won’t be having any serious relationships for her to butt in to.”
She thought about Brian, that kiss and the way he hadn’t given her a hard time when she’d fallen asleep. Bernard used to have an entire meltdown when she was tired. Brian’s under standing made her even more confident in her decision to sleep with him. But sleeping together wasn’t a relationship.
“You might not, but I care. I don’t need anyone trying to mess with my Otis.”
Tracey laughed. “Anyone who messes with your Otis better be ready for a fight.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” Shirley said with a laugh. “So when are you going to offer her the job?”
“I wanted to offer it the second we finished, but before I make a big decision I need to at least let it sit for a second. I think I’ll call her tomorrow morning. It’ll also give me time to think of what to say to Jessica.”
Shirley waved her hand. “Jessica can’t possibly think we’ll give her the job. She’s only been coming to work on time and trying to learn the system in the past two weeks. She’s chasing money and a title. She’s not trying to help you.”
“I know that, but it doesn’t mean I want to be rude when I tell her we’re going with someone else. I’m trying to be professional.”
“You’re better than me,” Shirley muttered, crossing her arms and frowning.
“Either way, I hope she understands.”
Shirley shook her head. “She won’t. She’s going to be mad, and I bet you she’ll quit.”
“You think so? Maybe she’ll start looking for another job, but I don’t think she’d just quit.”
“I hope not, but she seems like the type to have a chip on her shoulder. Don’t be surprised if she ups and leaves.”
“She may not be the best receptionist, but right now I need her to cover the evening shifts.”
There was a knock on the office door. Jessica opened it after Tracey called out to enter.
“Your three o’clock is here. Ms. Kemp and Ms. Parker.”
Tracey’s eyes widened, and she looked at her watch. “Damn, I forgot about that.”
Shirley picked up her paperwork and stood. “What’s up with you today? You’ve been running two steps behind ever since you got here.”
“I overslept, and it threw me off. That’s all.” She looked at Jessica. “I’ll come up there and get them.”
She ushered Shirley out of her office before she could start spouting off remedies to help her sleep better at night. Especially when the remedies weren’t needed. Since she had no problem falling asleep and staying asleep.
Imani and Halle stood in the front room chatting when Tracey walked in. They were meeting to go over the logistics for Imani’s wedding. Imani made everything easy. She didn’t want anything elaborate for her wedding. Just a simple service where she and Cyril could exchange vows in front of their family and closest friends.
Tracey walked over to her girls. “My bad. I’ve been so behind today.”
Imani leaned in and gave Tracey a hug. She was dressed in a pair of loose-fitting linen pants and a flowy top. “Girl, you’re good.”
Tracey switched from Imani and hugged Halle. “I almost forgot about our meeting today.”
Halle tilted her head to the side. She wore a pair of yellow fitted pants and a cute black blouse. “Almost forgot? Was today that busy?”
“I’ve been running behind all day,” Tracey said. “I overslept.”
Imani’s brows drew together. “You’re not feeling sick? Is everything good?”
Tracey nodded. “Everything is good. Come on out. Let’s go to the courtyard where we’ll have your ceremony.”
“I’ve already seen the courtyard. Let’s just sit down with Shirley and talk about the food.”
Tracey raised a brow and nodded her head toward the door. “You might need to see it again.” Imani was more than familiar with the setup, but Tracey wanted to share about what happened with Brian to them. Somewhere where they wouldn’t be overheard.
Imani shook her head. “Nah, I’m good. I trust you to get it right.”
“I still think you need to see it.” Tracey raised her brows and looked toward Jessica watching them then back to her friend.
A line formed between Imani’s brows. “I don’t know why.”
Halle slapped Imani’s arm. “Yes, let’s go look at the courtyard again.”
“Why did you hit me?” Imani asked.
Tracey took one of Imani’s arms, and Halle took the other. The two ushered Imani out of the main house to the side courtyard. As soon as they were outside and away from the house Halle turned to Tracey.
“What’s up?”
Imani looked at Halle. “What’s up is why did you hit me?”
Halle sighed and gave Imani an exasperated look. “You are so dense sometimes. Couldn’t you tell Tracey wanted us to come out here so she could tell us something?”
Imani spun toward Tracey. “You did?”
“Yes. I need to tell you about what happened last night.”
Imani leaned in. “Last night? With who?” she asked eagerly.
Tracey glanced toward the house making sure they weren’t followed before answering. “With Brian.”
Halle pushed forward and wrapped her hands around Tracey’s bicep. “Hold up, you were with Brian last night?”
“I was.”
“What happened? Did you finally get some? How was it?” Halle asked in rapid-fire succession.
“The night was good, but I didn’t get any.”
“What? Why?” Imani asked.
Tracey told them about the night before and the morning after. She was still embarrassed about falling asleep on Brian, but she also wanted to talk about the way he’d been so understanding the day before.
“It was weird,” Tracey confessed.
“Weird how?” Halle asked. “It sounds sweet.”
“Yeah, but I’m not used to that. God forbid if I fell asleep with Bernard. If he didn’t roll me over and try to get me to wake up, then he’d give me hell the next morning for neglecting his needs.”
Imani crossed her arms and scowled. “No he didn’t do either of those things.”
“Yes, he did. All the time. I expected Brian to be upset. To give me a hard time about giving him blue balls or something. When I first woke up, I wondered if we’d had sex and I didn’t know it.”
“Brian wouldn’t do that.”
Tracey nodded. “I know. He left me fully dressed in his bed and made me cereal the next morning. He says he wants me to be relaxed and not so in my head.” She leaned forward. “He could tell I was in my head. It’s kind of scary.”
“Scary how?” Halle asked.
“He pays attention. I’m not used to that.”
“It doesn’t mean you don’t deserve that,” Imani said. “You shouldn’t feel pressured to have sex just because your partner wants it or when you’re not feeling it. You should be able to relax and enjoy. The fact that he wants you to relax and get out of your head is a good thing.”
“But what if…” She trailed off.
“But what if what?” Imani asked.
“What if I’m all messed up because of my time with Bernard? What if I don’t know how to be sexy or how to ride the D or how to give good head.”
Imani placed a hand on Tracey’s shoulder and gave her a small shake. “Girl, stop overthinking. If you think about it too much, then you won’t be able to enjoy. Just be honest. Tell Brian exactly what you like and don’t like. Be vocal. And if you don’t like what he’s doing, then tell him you don’t like it. Don’t lie. That’s half the problem. Life is too short to have bad sex.”
“Amen to that.” Halle held up a hand for a high five with Imani.
Tracey sighed. “Lord knows I’ve gone too long having bad sex. That’s why I don’t know if I’m even good at it. I don’t even know if I can ride the D the right way. Bernard hated me on top.”
“It’s all in the hips,” Halle said easily.
Imani grinned and nodded. “Exactly, not just an up-and-down motion. That’s okay for a while, but you need some hip action going.”
Tracey tilted her head to the side. “Hip action?”
Halle put her hands on her hips, bent her knees, and then rotated her hips in a slow, circular motion. “Like this.”
Tracey laughed and shook her head. “Okay, Halle! I see why Quinton is always ready to answer when you call.”
Halle stopped her demonstration. She fanned her face with her fingers and batted her lashes. “What can I say? A girl got skills.”
“Well, maybe I’ll try the hip action with Brian.” As soon as the words came out her chest constricted. What if he thought she looked foolish? “What if he doesn’t like it?”
Imani placed a hand on her shoulder. “Tracey, I get it. You spent years with a guy who didn’t appreciate or try to nurture you. Don’t try too hard with impressing Brian, okay? Worry about what feels good to you and making sure you’re enjoying what’s happening. Tell him what you like and ask him to do the same. Brian will get his regardless. So focus on getting yours.”
She let out a breath and nodded. “You’re right. I know that. I’m not used to putting myself first in the bedroom.”
Halle gave her a concerned look. “Are you ready to start doing that?”
Tracey thought about the last eleven years. How she’d put Bernard’s pleasure before her own every time they had sex. He wasn’t concerned about what she liked. Except for saying Like that or Say my name , he never checked in or made sure she was good. She wasn’t going to be that passive about her own pleasure ever again. Not with Brian or anyone else.
Tracey lifted and lowered her chin with confidence. “Yes. I’m not letting the past keep me in a choke hold. I’m going to get out of my head and enjoy.”