Chapter 24
Laila
“Everybody knew they liked each other before they did.”
It had been three months of back-and-forth with Vaughn and Sade. They were always hot and cold. You never knew what you were going to get from them.
“Can you turn that music down?” she asked. I knew she was trying to focus. She loved music, but worked better when it was quiet. Not silence. But peace.
Vaughn looked dead at her and said, “No.”
Sade huffed. “Nobody needs to hear this much yelling at ten in the morning.”
Vaughn smirked. “This motivation music.”
Sade smacked her lips. “It sounds like somebody threatening the hood.”
Vaughn glared at her. “You got a problem with L.A music now?”
“I got a problem with my skull vibrating,” she said louder than usual.
Vaughn actually turned the music down. “You complain about everything.”
“And you always irritated. Leave your feelings at the door.”
“The only person always irritated is you, like you don’t want to be here.”
“Sometimes, I don’t because you keep talking to me crazy.”
Oh Lord, this girl bet not start crying over this man, I thought. I looked around and could tell everyone was uncomfortable.
I snapped. “OH MY GOD. Do y’all hear yourselves? It don’t sound like you think. Neither of you is winning right now.”
I grabbed both of them like they were two badass kids and walked them to the hallway. They both looked at me, confused.
“Why are y’all acting like a married couple over MUSIC?”
Vaughn chuckled. “That’s her.”
Sade turned up her nose. “Nah, that’s him.”
“Look, I don’t condone begging, copping plea, or workplace romance, but y’all getting on my damn nerves. Hold hands and apologize so we can move on with our lives. Y’all argue more than me and my husband.”
Sade rolled her eyes. “I’m not holding his hand.”
Vaughn followed with, “I’m cool on that.”
I shook my head. “See? This is exactly what I’m talking about.”
Sade sighed dramatically before looking at Vaughn. “Fine. I’m sorry for talking to you crazy sometimes.”
Vaughn raised an eyebrow. “Sometimes?”
Sade frowned. “Don’t start,” then she sighed. “I’m serious, though. I know I can be a little controlling when it comes to work.”
Vaughn chuckled. “A little?”
Sade glared at him, but I spoke. “Vaughn, be serious like I know you can.”
I looked at Sade. I could tell she was trying not to laugh while speaking.
“Anyway… I know you care about your project, so I can communicate better.”
Vaughn sighed. “A’ight, I’m sorry too.”
Sade laughed. “That sounds forced.”
He looked at me. “It was.”
I laughed. “Boy.”
He smirked. “Nah, I’m playin. You know I been wanting you to ride me hard.”
I shook my head. “Help us, Lord.”
Sade laughed. “That was crazy to say.” She blushed, and I’m sure she ain’t mean to.
“A’ight, that came out wrong.”
We all laughed, which let me know Sade was finally warming up to Vaughn.
Vaughn grabbed her hand, and she let him. “You’re good at what you do, ma. I hired you for a reason. I probably should stop acting surprised every time you prove it.”
“Thank you,” Sade replied softly.
“Don’t let that go to your head.”
Sade smiled. “Too late.”
I sighed in relief. “Thank God. Now hug before I quit.”
In unison they said, “No,” but I noticed they ain’t stop holding hands.
After that moment, our days went smoothly.