Chapter 15
After adjusting my tie, I began tapping my fingers on top of the conference table I sat at with Shelia. She was reviewing paperwork because the day had finally come. The sale of the community center was today. I’d been keeping a huge secret from Lovie. She knew the sale was happening but not that I’d already secured the building. I couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when she saw what I had up my sleeve.
“You can barely sit still because you’re so excited,” Shelia teased.
I glanced up to find her eyes on me. She set down her pen. Tucking her hands under her chin she offered me a friendly smile.
“I’ve never seen you so at ease.”
I shrugged.
“I guess love really can change an aura.” I sat up closer to the conference table and folded my arms on top. “I’m just looking forward to the good that can be done and the look on my baby’s face when I relieve her of her greatest worry. She’s going to do amazing things for her community.”
Shelia nodded. “You know I remember feeling electricity in the air the first day y’all met. The sparks were flying everywhere. I thought she was going to take your head off.”
I chuckled remembering the day pretty vividly myself. Lovie was rushing me with her big, wild, fiery hair. Mouthing off about how she knew people like me and didn’t know a damn thing. That day I knew there was something about the woman I wouldn’t be able to shake. I thought she was a thorn in my side, but she was awakening the parts of my heart I’d put on ice. I’d found the other half of my soul and wanted nothing more than to see her smile every day for the rest of my life.
“If she could’ve, she would’ve done exactly that. I don’t know if it’s something wrong with me or her, but that’s the shit that drew me to her. Lovie might come off aggressive, but she’s really a sweetheart though.”
The door to the conference room opened as the lawyer and realtor for the state entered the room. Shelia sat up straightaway, ready to get down to business.
Leaning toward me, she whispered, “I just know I have to be there when you tell her.”
They sat down, we exchanged pleasantries, and then it was time to get down to business. Nothing brought me more joy than to sign my name on the dotted line. I felt so blessed to be able to make a change. It was no surprise God brought me a woman who stood on business the way I did about our people. If I knew nothing else, I knew we were going to make history in Rosewind.
* * *
Shelia rode over to the community center with me. I’d already called Damon to let him know I was on the way. He confirmed that Lovie was there. That was all I needed to know. I had Austin stop at Target on the way over to secure a bouquet of roses, a card, and some Ferrero Rocher chocolates.
For some reason, the closer we got to the community center the more anxiety started to nibble on the edges of my brain. This was no small gesture. Lovie had no clue what was coming, but in my heart, I knew it was the right thing to do. My goal was to show Lovie I believed in her in a tangible way. She wasn’t the problem she was the solution to them.
I exhaled deeply, preparing myself when we finally arrived. Shelia bopped beside me just as excited. She’d nearly shed a tear when I stopped for the additional gifts. If I had any doubt, she eased it with her positive affirmations. She had nothing but good things to say, and I really needed that. I was so out of my comfort zone I could never go back to that place. This was the way I wanted to show up for the people I loved, even after they may have caused me some pain. No scars healed the same, and my willingness to forgive Lovie told some deep part of my mind that maybe one day in the distant future I could even forgive my mother.
I held the door to the center open to allow Shelia to enter first. Damon was coming out of the office eating a doughnut without a care in the world. He had powdered sugar all over his lips. I wanted to speak on it, but that was a grown ass man. He could do whatever he wanted.
“She’s in there,” he told me with a point to the gymnasium.
I nodded and headed in that direction without pause. When I walked in the gym, it was so supercharged with energy the only way I could describe it was that it was alive. There were teenage boys playing basketball. Some other ones were on the bleachers with some girls I guessed were their age. On the other side of the room, I saw Lovie helping another girl turn rope for double dutch with a group of girls. They had some music playing from a speaker nearby and were getting down. I hadn’t seen girls jump rope like that in such a long time it brought true satisfaction to my veins.
Unable to keep this to myself a minute longer, I stalked across the room. Some of the girls noticed me, but I held up a finger telling them to keep quiet. I snuck up behind Lovie and put my hands over her eyes.
“Guess who,” I whispered in her ear deeply.
A chill ran down her spine from my touch.
“A man who didn’t return my phone calls earlier, so I’m mad at him.”
I chuckled then kissed her cheek. “I was busy, Lovie Dovie, but I promise I’m going to make it up to you.”
I placed the hand with the roses in front of her so when I dropped my other hand they were there. She squealed excitedly, taking them from me. I watched her bring them to her nose and inhale deeply before glee covered her face.
“Aww, these are so beautiful.”
I handed her the card and chocolates next. I felt pride swell in my chest because she didn’t even know this wasn’t the best of it. I would go to the ends of the earth for Lovie’s happiness. Seeing her smile meant that much to me.
“Not as beautiful as you. Follow me outside right quick. I have something to tell you.”
I took her hand and pulled her behind me. Shelia was still in the lobby with Damon. She handed me a manila envelope when I bypassed them. We went outside and far enough down the sidewalk that the front of the center could be seen.
“What’s going on?” Lovie finally asked when we stopped moving.
I exhaled all my nerves. Staring into her eyes made me so confident I even straightened my posture. Today, Lovie would really see I was that nigga—her nigga, and I was going to make shit happen.
“Since the first day I met you, I’ve done nothing but try to convince you that I was on your side. I hope this finally puts any lingering thoughts you have to rest. I support you in everything you do and want you to know I’m only here to make your life better. Congratulations.” I smiled widely.
She eyed me suspiciously. With a laugh, she smacked my chest.
“Congratulations? What are you talking about?”
I nodded to the envelope I was handing her. She took it skeptically and forced her way inside. I stood silently waiting as she read over the paperwork. Her mouth fell open before her arms dropped to her sides.
“Romani…”
“Yes, Trouble?” I smirked while staring lovingly into her big, brown eyes.
“Is this saying what I think it is?”
Her voice was low and shaky. I could already see the tears welling in her eyes. She was trying her best to hold it together, which I thought was just adorable. I cuffed her chin, allowing my hand to move to her cheek.
“It’s yours just like the world,” I confirmed.
I had no time to fully prepare myself when she attacked me. Her body wrapped around mine as she bawled her eyes out. Her tears healed another part of me. I hugged her back with both of my arms so that she knew I was here for real. This moment meant something special to me too.
“I can’t believe this,” she finally whispered.
“You will with time. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with these children’s wellbeing. You’ve found your purpose in life, and I just want to do my part in helping you fulfill it. God gave me the means. Now, it’s on you to do the work.”
She nodded and sniffled at the same time. She palmed my face seconds before her lips came crashing into mine. I savored the taste of her sugary lip gloss. Her body melted into mine, and I knew without a doubt I had her heart too.
When she finally had enough of me, I placed her on her feet. Spinning her around, I pinned her to the front of my body. She held onto my arm as we looked at her newly acquired real estate property.
“Aren’t you happy saving the center turned into catching feelings?” I teased, remembering something she’d said before.
Lovie laughed loudly. “I am. This is amazing. I never even thought it’d be possible. All anyone has ever seen me as is trouble. Now, I get to make a difference without worry.”
I kissed her cheek. “You are definitely trouble, but you’re the kind this world needs.”
She spun around and tossed her arms around my neck.
“Thank you for giving me another chance to fix us.”
I pecked her lips gently. “Thank you for taking it. I’m on your side.”
She smiled. The look on her face said more than her words ever could. This girl was so beautiful I wanted to take her down right here. I remained in control of myself, but when I had the chance, I was going to leave her body floating.
“And I’m on your side too.” She mirrored my actions and pecked me back on the lips. “Come on. Let’s go tell the kids.”
I followed behind her as best I could as she sprinted back inside. By the time I caught up, she was in the gym. Walking over to the bleachers, she got everyone’s attention. I stood off to the side as they gathered around, giving her their undivided attention.
“I know a lot of you have heard about the community center being sold and potentially shut down.” Lots of groans erupted as they started to get amped up. “I know how y’all feel. I was also heartbroken at the idea of this place closing because I know what it means not just to y’all but to me. You know I’ve shown up every day since we got the news with the intention of saving this place, and I am happy to say that I was successful. We get to stay open.”
Excitement exploded in the room as the kids danced while others jumped up and down clapping their hands. Lovie allowed them time to celebrate before she continued. Fulfillment spread through every limb in my body being able to experience this. This was the reason I busted my ass off for years to get Rogue Realty off the ground. I glanced up when I saw shadows beside me to find Shelia standing there. She also looked in awe. Damon joined on the other side, and I had to admit he looked very proud of his daughter up there despite any history they had.
“Now it’s time for us to show the world that amazing things can come from Chamberlain Square, and when they don’t want to make room for us, we create it ourselves.”
Hearing her speak proved to me that she was made just for me. This was the beginning of a new chapter, one I knew would be exciting and fulfilling. My fiery beauty… my trouble… my other half looked at me and mouthed the words “thank you.” I gave a simple nod because my actions spoke for me. I was holding her hand through any and everything.