Chapter 18 #2
The furniture had been delivered, and against his wishes, Sovoya hired a team of people to ensure all the necessities required for bare minimum survival were delivered and set up in the house after she had a cleaning staff come in to do a thorough deep cleaning of the property.
Between his schedule and mine I truly believed he was grateful, even if he refused to openly admit that to Sovoya.
Dinner with my parents would be to inform them of the divorce and my relationship. Kove wanted me to have that moment with them in private but I figured it was better to tackle both at once so I could get everything out there and clear the air.
It was killing me to keep this from them but I refused to have the discussions of a possibility of resolution with Kaden then have to navigate the disappointment if things didn’t work out as planned.
Now that I had the documentation that couldn’t be challenged, granting me the freedom to move on with my life, I was ready to have the conversation with my parents.
Once I had everything I needed to leave, I left my office and almost collided with Kinsley who was leaving hers.
“You leaving?”
“Yes, unless you need something.”
“Nothing important, just wanted to say that I’m very proud of the work you’re putting in. Your sales are consistent, which shows the effort you’re putting in. I don’t know what’s changed but I see a difference.”
“Thank you. I really want this. I know I wasn’t pulling my weight before but I promised you I would do the work.”
Kinsley smiled. “You did and you are. I won’t hold you, just wanted to say keep up the good work.”
She headed back to her office and I was on my way to The Marketplace to pick up ingredients for what I needed to make the desserts for tonight.
I had two things planned. The oatmeal raisin cookies would be for dinner at my parents’ because they were my father’s favorite and the banana cream cupcakes were for Kove as a housewarming present even though he insisted that me being naked at his disposal to do whatever he pleased would be his present.
I did my shopping and walked into my apartment at three p.m., which gave me plenty of time to get comfy, whip both desserts, and be showered and dressed by seven when Kove was scheduled to pick me up. By the time I finished my first batch of cookies, my phone was vibrating with a call from Koa.
“Hey, friend. You done with court?” I sang after placing the call on speaker.
“Yep, the Johnsons are officially divorced and also sleeping together to celebrate.”
I burst out laughing. “The fuck? What in the world?”
“Exactly. I caught them tonguing each other down in the mediation room right before court and asked Selena what the hell was going on. She basically said she likes him better as her fuck buddy and not her husband.”
“Oh wow.”
“Yes, wow, imagine my surprise when I went into full blown panic mode because I had invested so much time in preparing for their divorce only to see the two of them dry humping. I asked if she was sure she still wanted a divorce and she looked at me like I was insane.”
“People are strange.”
“They are but to each their own. As long as the check cleared, they can do whatever they want,” Koa said with confidence.
“I mean, I see your point but dang. Just taking them people’s money.”
“I’m not taking anything. She gladly handed it over for my skilled handling of the separation of her husband’s assets.”
“You’re right.”
“What time is dinner?” she asked while I removed the first batch of cookies and put the second batch in its place.
“Seven.”
“Do you need me to come for moral support?”
I grinned. “No, I don’t need moral support for dinner with my parents.”
“You do when you’re introducing your father to your new man friend. He’s going to grill the fuck outta Kove. Poor thing. I can be a buffer if you want. They love me.”
I nodded even though she couldn’t see me because she had a point. “He’ll be fine. I kept asking if he was ready for this and he said he was.”
“He does realize they hate your ex because he played you and they’re going extra hard on the next man in your life to be sure history doesn’t repeat itself.”
“Yes, he knows and he said he’ll be fine.”
“Ahh, that man wants to fight for your heart. That’s so sweet, Xi.”
I laughed. “Girl, can you be anything other than extra?”
“No, I can’t. But you already know that, so why did you just waste those words?”
“You’re right, I damn sure know better. What are you getting into tonight?”
“Absolutely nothing, I been working my ass off and I plan on spending the next two days chilling at my house, eating everything I shouldn’t and binge watching all the shows I missed over the past two weeks.
“Ohhh start with They Might Be the One…Or Not?”
“You already know I saw the preview and the way she was crushing on that man only to find out he had a whole wife. I’m here for the drama.”
“And girl, there is definitely drama.”
They Might Be the One…Or Not was one of our favorite reality shows.
It was about couples who hired the show to find out if who they’re dating was the one prior to getting married.
Ninety nine percent of the time the answer was always no because the one or the other was on some bullshit but I would bet my life that was the point of the show. It was always messy and I loved it.
“You know I’m going to text you,” she said amusedly.
“You better because it’s a hot mess and we’re going to need to recap.”
“I’m pulling up at my house. Have fun tonight and text me 911 if shit goes left.”
I grinned. “I will but don’t put that on me.”
Koa laughed. “I won’t. Love you, hoe.”
“Love you too, trick.”