Chapter 5 #2
But this multimillionaire was interested in someone who lived at home with her parents, weighed 220 pounds, and was fifteen thousand dollars in debt. He didn’t know that, but what would make him want to get to know me?
I wouldn’t dwell on it though. I planned to get a good night’s rest, wake up, spend some time with my parents, then later hang out with Jen since I was on call for the weekend.
I pushed thoughts of the beautiful stranger to the back of my mind as I allowed the noise from the television lull me to sleep.
“So, how is the new job coming along?” my mom, Evelyn, asked while we sat out on the lanai having breakfast. The open views of their northern home were breathtaking. Both retired physicians, they were enjoying the fruits of their labor.
The green pastures that seemed to go on for miles was a sight to see. It was the perfect backdrop to a beautiful sunny morning.
“It’s going great. No complaints so far.”
“That’s good. Whose nice, luxury vehicle is that out front?” my dad queried.
I stalled.
I had forgotten all about that SUV.
“It’s the company’s car. Since I don’t have one yet, they assigned it to me to make sure I can get to work without a problem.”
“Wow. They’re rolling like that?” my dad whistled.
“The guy is a multimillionaire, Dad. He pretty much can afford to get any car on any lot he so chooses.”
My mom poured her a mimosa from the glass pitcher. “Didn’t Jen say he was a grump?”
I nodded. “She did, but I had yet to experience that side of him. He’s pretty chill to me.” I shrugged, trying not to let on that he and I liked each other beyond me being his employee.
“He likes you,” Mom pointed out and smiled.
“He better keep that crap to himself. My baby girl is there to work, not play.”
“That’s right, Daddy. You better preach!” I hyped playfully.
“Right, what she thought this was?” We both laughed as my mom waved us off.
“I’m just pointing out what could be the obvious. You’re a beautiful young woman with book smarts . . . Any man who isn’t blind can see that you’re a catch. Not to mention your good energy.”
“Aww, Mommy Pooh. I love you,” I said, blowing her a kiss.
“Always love you, baby.”
“I concur. All I’m saying is, he better put some respect on my baby’s name in that office. She’s a queen and will be treated accordingly.”
“It’s not like that, Daddy. But you are right. If he is coming for me, he better come correct. I want the grand gestures and all!” We laughed.
“That’s right. Aside from that, will this job help you get out of that debt you put yourself in?”
“Yes. It may take me a few years or for however long he needs me. I plan to stick around for a long while.”
“Or you could just let us pay it for you. Your education has always been a top priority for us. It was our pleasure to put you through school so you could have the knowledge to create generational wealth. Look at me and your mom. Not even sixty yet and already retired, just so we can still enjoy our best years.”
“That’s right. And we want the same for you.”
I smiled, taking both of their hands. “I know you guys do. I’m more than grateful and appreciative of you guys’ generosity, but I want to do this on my own. You all got me far; now let me take the reins from here. If I don’t do it in two years, then I’ll be more than happy to ask you all for help.”
“Okay. Now, on to the next subject.” Mom clapped happily. “The podcast. I want to go forth with it,” she announced.
“That’s awesome, Ma. Did you find out what you wanted to call it yet?” I asked.
“Not yet. I was hoping you’d help me come up with a name for it. I want to start next weekend since my microphones are here, and the studio is finished.”
“Wait, you finished it, Dad?”
“Yup. Yesterday.”
“Oh yes! I can’t wait to start with you. I’m going to brainstorm some names tonight.”
“Do that. I’m going to invite Kimberly and Iesha to join in on some nights, but it’ll just be you and I for the most part.” Kimberly and Iesha were her best friends, and those women loved to spill some good tea. I called them my gossiping aunties.
“Yes, I’m excited!” And I was. My mom had been talking about doing a podcast for a few years now. She told me that she used to be a radio personnel member in college. She reported the local news around campus and even interviewed some heavy hitters in the music and entertainment industry.
She’d always had great topics to cover, and this would be our bonding moment because I loved to talk too.
We ate and talked a little while longer before I went back to my room to take care of my hygiene and get dressed for the day.
Since I had time to spare, I made myself some tea and went into my parents’ library.
Scanning the shelves, I settled on Sensual Abduction , A collaboration by Kimberly Brown and Rosè Dior.
I read all genres of books, but today, I was in the mood for a little kidnapping romance.
I cleared that book within two hours and absolutely loved it.
It was a strange dynamic because I didn’t know if I could fall in love with my kidnapper, especially one who kidnapped me and my child.
Nevertheless, I could see why Lila or Nala fell for him.
Even he couldn’t resist the magnetic pull that was happening between them, with his mean ass.
It made me think about the magnetic pull I felt with Avery.
Girl, stop thinking about that man . I scolded myself as I pulled another book from the shelf. As I began reading Strummed by Iesha Bree, my cell phone rang. Picking it up from the coffee table, I saw Avery’s name on the screen.
Shit .
Just when I was about to dive into my book world, I was being called in to work.
“Hello, Mr. West.”
“Ms. Grant, how are you this afternoon?”
“I’m well, can’t complain.”
“Good to hear. Were you busy?”
“Not really, just reading?”
“Oh . . . What are you reading, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“It’s called Strummed .”
“Oh, who is it by?”
“Iesha Bree . . . Do you need me for something?” I asked. This was different. It was like he was calling me for personal reasons, and I was becoming nervous.
“I do. I’m going to send you an address. I need you to come as soon as possible.”
“Um, okay.”
“See you soon.” He hung up, and I placed my bookmark inside my book before taking my mug to the kitchen.
My mom was loading the dishwasher when I walked in.
“Since you’re off today, I was thinking we could have a girls’ day. Maybe go to the spa or get a mani and pedi. What do you say?”
“That sounds so good, but unfortunately, my boss just called and said he needed me. I don’t know how long I’ll be out, so don’t wait up,” I told her, kissing her cheek.
“But you said you were off this weekend.”
“Well, I’m never really off. It’s just on weekends, I’m always on call. It’s odd because he’s supposed to be celebrating his sister’s graduation today, so I’m a bit confused. But hey, I need all the overtime I can get. I have to get my own place.”
“You know you’re always welcomed to stay here, Layne.”
“I know, Mom. But you know I’d rather live alone. I can’t bring my sneaky links to my parents’ house. That ain’t G.”
“Sneaky what?”
I laughed and kissed her cheek again. “Nothing, Mommy. I’ll see you later.”
“Okay, baby. I hope he doesn’t call you tomorrow! I want to hang out with my baby.”
“I hope not either. I love you.”
“Love you most, babe.” I left the kitchen, grabbed my satchel that was perched by the stairwell, my purse, phone, and keys, then headed out the door.