Chapter Four
Marcus
“After inspecting the last four rooms, I’m going to head out,” I told my assistant general manager.
Even though I owned the property, I was still the general manager and on the premises more than I wanted to be. We were shorthanded that Sunday, so I had to roll up my sleeves and help with laundry and room inspections. It kept me busy and my mind off Zamora. Since parting ways, I could not stop thinking of her and was anticipating her visit. However, days had passed, and she hadn’t shown her beautiful face.
A part of me was relieved because I was in no position to rekindle any relationship with her. Yet, another part of me was yearning to see her again. I didn’t know what I would say or even do at this point. All I knew was that I wanted to be in her presence.
Maybe I should have asked about her love life and told her the truth about mine. Better yet, I should never have told her I still loved her. If she decided to show up, I would have to come clean about being engaged. I’d have to admit it was a knee-jerk reaction to seeing her again. But that didn’t hold any truth, or did it? Damn! I loved Eliana. She was my future, and Zamora was my past…but I wished I could reverse the two.
I wished Eliana was my past and Zamora was my future. I mean, damn, how was I in love with that woman all over again? I cared for Eliana and wanted to marry her, but I didn’t have the same passion for her as I had for Zamora. What could I do now, though? I couldn’t kick Eliana to the curb. It wouldn’t be fair to break her heart when she hadn’t done anything but love me. I hated that I even considered breaking things off with Eliana to run back to Zamora. How did that one encounter have me rethinking all the plans I had made with Eliana? Ever since that day when I watched her ride off, I felt confused, unsure, and on edge.
I returned to the front desk after checking the last room on my list, and after a brief conversation with my front desk agent, I headed to my office. I had a couple of invoices to tackle before leaving for the day. As soon as I knocked out the small pile of invoices and powered off my computer, my cell phone rang. It was my mother FaceTiming me. I quickly answered her call. She and I were close, and even when I was in no mood to talk, I would always answer if I was free.
“Hey, beautiful.”
“Hey, son. How are you, handsome?”
“I’m well, Mom. Just working as always. Is everything good?”
“All is well. I just wanted to make sure you and Eliana were still coming for dinner,” she replied.
“As far as I know, yes, ma’am. I had to work a bit, but I’m leaving now. I’m sure Eli will be ready when I make it to my place.”
“Okay, but the last two Sundays, you were solo. So, I’m making sure my son still has a fiancée.”
“According to the emails I keep getting for this engagement party, we are still a couple,” I said and laughed.
“Well, we are here to help, son. We know how expensive things can get, so let us know if you need help,” she offered.
“I know, Mom, and I’m good. If ever I’m not, I know to reach out.”
“Okay, son, I’ll see you two soon,” she said, ending the call.
I finished up, and once inside my SUV, I called Eliana, only to get her voicemail. By the time I made it to my place, she had finally called back.
“Hey, baby, are you close?” I asked. “I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to have dinner tonight with your folks. It’s my girlfriend, Cameron, dad’s birthday, and she is throwing him a big surprise party. You know if I miss it, I’ll never hear the end of it. I am so sorry I didn’t tell you, bae, but it completely slipped my mind,” she quickly explained.
“Eli, for real?” I asked, irritated. “It’s been weeks since we’ve had dinner with my parents and yours. Why are your weekends suddenly fiancée free? I can’t remember the last time we shared the same damn bed, Eli. What the hell is really going on?” I questioned.
Our relationship had transformed into drive-by kisses, quick lunches, and no time spent. We didn’t live together, so I didn’t see her every day, and sleepovers were damn near nonexistent lately. I had to admit things were not what one would consider perfect.
“I know, I know, and again, I am so sorry, babe. I just have a lot going on right now with work and planning our party. I have a to-do list that is longer than my legs, but I’m trying my best to juggle everything on my plate,” she expressed, sounding drained.
Eliana was an ambitious gown designer. She had busted her ass for years to launch her brand, and I was proud of her. Although her boutique was small, her client list was growing by the day.
I changed my tone, giving her some grace because I knew my gripes partly had to do with my thoughts of Zamora. Lately, anything Eliana would do wrong greatly irritated me, and it was only because foolish thoughts of Zamora were clouding my mind.
“I get it, sweetheart. I know you’re busy hustling, but yo’ man misses you.”
“And I miss my man. I promise I will come by after having brunch with my mom tomorrow and give you the rest of my day.”
“Why don’t I meet you and your mom for brunch.”
“Because all we’ll be discussing are plans for the engagement party and wedding. Since I’m her first daughter to get married, it’s a huge deal for her, and I don’t want you to be bored, babe. I’ll see you right after.”
Not happy with that answer, I let out a sigh but agreed.
After we got off the phone, I made my way to my parents’ house, where I was greeted with love, hugs, and the aroma of my mother’s version of soul and Venezuelan food. After explaining to my mother why Eliana was absent again, she rolled her eyes and told me to go and pour myself a drink while she and my aunts set the table. I had a huge family, and we always got together for family gatherings a few times during the month.
It was always a fun time with my family––good eats, never-ending drinks, spades, dancing, and laughs. Zamora used to love to join me. My family loved her, but I knew they didn’t care much for Eliana, who was a different breed. She was more reserved and not a shit-talking, dancing machine like Zee. Zamora would help make to-go plates, put away the food, and clean up the kitchen, but Eliana stayed close to me like she was scared to be with my family without me right beside her. Maybe she didn’t feel comfortable with how rowdy my family could be. Her family was nowhere near as large as mine, and our get-togethers at her folks’ place were always intimate––with only her mom and dad, never with friends and family. There was never a cookout or holiday gathering. My family was the type to drop it like it’s hot, pop lock, start a soul train line, or have dance-offs in the basement. I missed Zamora and the fun I had with her family, too. But, again, she was my past, and Eliana was my present and future.
Man, I have to shake this shit off and get back to focusing on the woman who I plan to spend the rest of my life with.