Chapter 14 #2
“We did. I just need you to trust me on this one. I took a run to clear my head. You going back to work just isn’t sitting well with me.
Not because I don’t want you to work. I do.
But only because I know that’s important to you.
The thing is, if I’m here, it’s my job to upgrade your entire life.
Absolutely nothing is wrong with working at Baisleigh’s House, but imagine how you’d feel rocking an AP and two bracelets that cost one of your customer’s yearly salary? It just doesn’t add up.”
I hated he was making so much sense.
“So what are you suggesting, Luca?”
“You allow me to invest in your cake making business – no strings attached.”
For a few seconds, I sat in silence. I wasn’t sure what to say or how to feel. On one hand, I knew this was the opportunity I needed to finally get my business off the ground, but on the other hand it felt like I’d be falling into my vicious cycle that left me in the gutter.
“I know you’re scared. I know you’re afraid, but I can’t let you allow your past to dictate your future.
I’m the real fucking deal, Ever. You won’t find another nigga like me, and I won’t do shit to make you search, either.
I’m locked in. I need you to understand that.
I’m a fucking boss, baby. Nepotism makes you a boss by association. ”
“I’ve always imagined myself driving one of those Mercedes vans wrapped with my cake business info covering every side of it.
And, inside, it would be built out to withstand long drives with cakes onboard.
Do you know how many people ruin their cakes before they even make it to their home?
Then, all of that money is gone to waste. ”
“What else have you imagined, Ever?”
“A space to call my own. Somewhere with a big kitchen, several ovens, and so much counter space, it makes the average person sick to their stomach. All the machines and technology the big cake makers have would line the walls and there would be a room for my girls so that they can feel at home on those days I’m working long hours. ”
“Anything else?”
“I haven’t thought any further about it.”
“Then it’s time you start.”
“I’m terribly scared, Luca.”
“Trust me,” he finalized. “Join me in the kitchen in about thirty minutes. Just as you are. I need to shower.”
“What will I tell Baisleigh? She’s expecting me this morning. I can’t let her down.”
“I hit her up yesterday. I already knew you weren’t going back,” he tossed over his shoulder as he made his way into the bathroom.
“LUCA! Seriously!” I chastised.
“She agreed. She was expecting the call.” He shrugged, remaining too calm for my liking.
But as soon as he turned the corner, a smile curved the corners of my lips as I sat against the headboard. I grabbed a pillow from his side of the bed and screamed into it. This couldn’t be my life. Couldn’t be .
As Luca had requested, I met him in the kitchen thirty minutes later, but not without the laptop that I’d taken from his office. I’d used the desktop computer until my time was up, too invested in my google searches and google doc full of ideas, products, pricing, and potential business names.
“Turkey bacon or turkey sausage?”
“Bacon,” I responded, lifting one hand in the air for Luca’s assistance.
He picked me up and placed me on the countertop beside the stove. I loved being as close to him as possible, and he didn’t seem to mind. The fact that he enjoyed cooking so much was the break I needed from the stove.
“What you done came up with?” he asked, taking a peek at the laptop in my hand.
“Can I have your email to share this document with you? It’s full of ideas, products, and some other stuff.”
“Yeah. Go to the notes. It’s there. Send it to me so that I can get a head start. You thought any more about which one of those high-rises you’re fucking with?”
“I did. I actually chose one.”
“Aight. Which one?”
“Danridge.”
“Yeah. That’s the one I was hoping you chose. I’ll get my people on it. Send me a copy of your ID when you get a chance.”
“OK.”
“Now, what am I looking at?”
He leaned closer to the screen as he rested his elbows on the counter.
“I can’t decide on a name for the business.”
“Ever Sinclair,” he said, pointing at the first option. “Let it be your namesake.”
“I thought so, too, but I didn’t know if that was too in your face.”
“Na. I like that. I like your name.”
“Too much to change the last one?” I teased.
“Enough to change the last one.”
“Then the business name would be wrong.”
“Na. You’ll always be Ever Sinclair. Always. Ever Einsenberg will understand that shit and act accordingly.”
“Ever Einsenberg,” I repeated, trying to see how well it rolled off my tongue.
“That shit sounds good, don’t it?”
“It does.”
Essence Einsenberg. Emorey Einsenberg , I dared to say out loud but sounded out in my head. Dewayne was a piece of shit and didn’t deserve the privilege of sharing last names with the girls. I wanted them to have the same name as I did, and if that was Luca’s name, then so be it.
“Once we finish eating, let's go take a look at some spaces to see if we can find the one that you imagined.”
“It’s still so early, Luca. I’m hungry for something, but it isn’t food.”
I sat the laptop beside me and spread my legs wide. Luca’s brows hiked as he nodded, lifting his head slightly to see my pinkness. Without question, he stood and dropped the basketball shorts he’d thrown on after his shower. His dick was already hard, making his entry easy fucking peasy.
As much as Luca and I wanted to stay cooped up in his home, we knew it was impossible.
So, I spent one more day with him, and as our time drew to a close, I had already begun missing him.
I’d looked at so many spaces that I was having a hard time narrowing them down.
Because I didn’t want to be tasked with choosing, I’d give that job to Lyric.
“I feel a little sad,” I admitted as Luca and I pulled into the driveway.
“I’m not far away,” Luca responded as he parked his truck.
“I know. And besides, we both have so much to do. I’m sure everyone is wondering where you’ve been hiding these last three days.”
“No one knows I’m home, Ever, and the people who do already know where I’ve been.”
“Your mom knows we’re dating?”
“Dating?” He chuckled, finding my question amusing.
“Yeah.”
“We’re together, Ever.”
“But still, we’re dating.”
“Yes, baby, we’re dating,” he agreed with a shrug. He’d been doing it for the last three days. Anything I said, he agreed to. It was that simple. I hadn’t heard the word no since he’d picked me up for dinner.
“OK. What are your plans for the rest of the day?”
“Handling some shit with Laike and then hitting the gym with Ken to shoot some hoops. After that, I’m turning it in. What’s on your agenda?”
“Forcing Lyric to choose between the spaces. I’ll probably use her computer to make some nice cards and flyers.
I want to apply for the LLC and reserve a domain online.
I’ll need somewhere for them to pay for their cakes in advance.
I’ll probably add a new line to my T-Mobile account.
I don’t want anyone calling my phone. I think that’s it.
My girls are still at my mother’s so I have a lot of free time on my hands. ”
“Aight. Is that your ride?” He pointed at my car that was parked on the street.
“Yes.”
“Look for you a new ride while you’re on the internet doing all that shit. And here. Go get your own fucking computer and all the other shit you need. 1221 is the code.”
He reached in the armrest and handed me a temporary bank card. It was one of the ones they usually gave you when you lost your card. I held it up, waiting for an explanation.
“That’s a temporary debit card that is linked to your new account. The official card will be here tomorrow. Keep the two separate so that you’ll feel safe knowing that the money I give you isn’t tied to the money that you’re busting your ass to get.”
“Technically, I’m busting my ass to get both.”
“Well, yeah,” he agreed with a shrug. “I’ve never paid for pussy but in this case, I’d have to agree.”
“Goodbye, Luca!” I chuckled, sliding the card into my purse.
He opened his door, exited the truck, and ran around to my side. When he opened my door, I slid right into his arms. He kissed my cheeks and then my lips before placing me on the ground.
“See you later, Ever.”
“Don’t miss me too much.”
“I will.”
I headed for the door with my key in my hand but before I was able to let myself in, Lyric swung the door open. Her smile was infectious. She dragged me into the house by my shoulders, not even bothering to greet her brother.
“I told you!” she blurted.
“What? What did you tell me?”
“That you’d be sucking dick. I can smell it on your lips!”
“You cannot!” I countered.
“Okay, I can’t but I know you did. Didn’t you?”
“I did. Several times and it was very rewarding.”
“Ugh! Lucky you. Staying out not one night, but two whole nights. Didn’t you have to work today? Why are you even here right now? It’s Friday.”
“Luca told Baisleigh I quit.” I sighed as I pressed my back against the wall in the hallway.
“And how does that make you feel?”
“Scared. Relieved. Confused. He wants me to go into business for myself.”
“Is that what you want?”
“More than anything. I just never thought it would happen for me.”
“Now that you have the chance to make it happen, are you going to?”
“Yes.”
Lyric jumped up and down, squealing as she used her hands to cheer.
“I know that’s right, friend. I was secretly hoping you invested a small portion of the money I’d given you but I understood when you didn’t. You wanted a cushion for you and the girls.”