“I know, Mom, I’m sorry. It was late when I got in.”

Camilla Augustina rubbed her eyes and tossed the duvet off as she rolled to her side. Laying her iPhone on the pillow, Camilla hit the speaker button and struggled to pull her now sweaty nightgown over her head. When she’d laid down for rest, there was a chill inside her new apartment, but now it was just plain old hot.

“You know I worry if you don’t call when you say you will,” Sharon Augustina fussed.

“If I had actually called after I got settled, you would’ve thought something was wrong because of the late-night hour,” Camilla replied.

Sharon let out a soft sigh. “Why didn’t you let your father ride up with you? Then at least I would’ve gotten some sleep last night.”

“No, you wouldn’t. I know you too well, Mom. You’d have just switched from worrying about one of us to both of us.”

Sharon pursed her lips. “But your father would’ve called. Anyway, I won’t bother you too much about it. I know you have a new job to freshen up and go to.”

There was a smile in Sharon’s soft graceful tone. Sharon was so proud of her child for landing the anchor position at WTZB in Chicago that she squealed with delight when they both found out. It was bittersweet, since for all of Camilla’s thirty-eight years, she’d lived in her hometown of Miami. Going from sunny skies, humid weather, and beach life to the windy city of Chicago was a big change that Camilla wasn’t sure she would like yet. Regardless, Camilla would find a way. WTZB had picked her over one hundred and fifty candidates they interviewed from all over for the position. However, Camilla’s master’s degree in journalism along with her seven-year position as an anchor at News 12 in the sunshine state, made her the top pick. Not to mention her pleasurable personality, expanded answers, and ability to catch on quickly during the rigorous three-tier interview which sealed the deal.

Camilla glanced at the time on her phone. 5 a.m.

“Thank you. As you can see, Mother, I made it to Chicago safe and sound. It’s a great thing that I moved my stuff a few weeks in advance so all I had to do was grab a rental and GPS my way to my apartment.”

“Mmhmm, if not, then I definitely would’ve made your father fly up with you. Did the rental company give you any hassle?”

“No, they had my reservation and the car waiting for me, how about that, huh?”

Sharon recognized her child’s mocking tone. “One day you’ll understand why I put up so much fuss when you have your own kids.”

The thought of kids was horrifying to Camilla. In Camilla’s young adult years, she’d worked as a daycare teacher while getting her degree. There were times when spending time with the children was a delight, but then there were those children who screamed when their parents left—blood-curdling screams as if they had been maimed. Camilla could never quite get them settled after that, and the day would be a blizzard of out of control activity. The experience made Camilla think twice about having kids of her own. And with the shortage of loyal men in the world, she’d decided not to go down that road at all.

“I highly doubt that,” Camilla responded. “But you’re right, I need to get ready for work.”

“Okay, I’ll be looking to catch you on the news this morning, dear.”

“Actually, today may be preliminary, so I could very well start in front of the camera tomorrow.”

“I understand. I’ll look anyway.”

Camilla snickered. “Okay, Mom, talk to you later.”

“I love you, dear.”

“I love you, too.”

Camilla ended the call and rolled to the other side of her bed and stretched. After lingering a minute or two longer, she pulled herself from the comfort of her sheets then trudged to the bathroom and flipped on the lights. As the brightness flooded the room, Camilla squinted, waiting for her eyes to adjust.

“We here at WTZB want to thank you for watching. Have a Happy Valentine’s Day,” Camilla auditioned to herself. A satisfied smile cruised across her face, spreading her full lips into a beaming grin. The soft brown eyes that looked back at her held excitement, and the butterflies in her stomach tussled as she thought about the day ahead of her.

It had taken Camilla an hour and a half to get ready. Which was good timing in her opinion. Even though she prepared last night by showering and having her pinstripe suit and briefcase ready, the sweaty night she’d endured prompted her to take another shower. She could’ve easily been ready in thirty minutes, but Camilla took extra care of her appearance, adding a layer of foundation that heightened her sienna skin and moisturizer to her hair that gave it a light bounce, just in case they did decide to throw her on camera.

Grabbing her case and coffee, Camilla checked her watch and decided there was enough time for her to grab breakfast from the restaurant downstairs. She opened the door and stepped into the hallway then paused as three women dressed in skimpy dresses and high heel shoes exited the only other apartment on the floor.

The last one turned back and crooned, “We’ll be looking for your call later, so don’t keep us waiting…”

“Did I promise to call you,” a deep voice thundered.

The sound of the baritone vocals drummed down Camilla’s skin, causing her to take a step back into her apartment and push the door closed quickly. With it slightly ajar, Camilla leaned against the wooden frame and continued to listen as the two made their parting comments.

“As if you won’t.” The tall, limber woman laughed, light and carefree.

“I’ve got a busy day ahead of me, sweetheart. I can’t afford such luxuries if I didn’t.”

The woman laughed again. “You could afford anything you want,” she said. “Including me.”

Camilla frowned and pushed her lips out. You can afford me? “This girl must have daddy issues,” she whispered. Their voices paused for such a long time that Camilla almost stuck her head out the door. But when the woman sauntered past Camilla’s entryway, Camilla closed it even further, making sure not to make so much as a peep.

It wasn’t every day that Camilla snooped on her next-door neighbors. In fact, Camilla’s neighbors in Florida were Puerto Rican, and she could hardly understand what they said, most of the time anyway. She wondered if the women were high-priced prostitutes that helped her mystery neighbor get his fix for the night. Camilla rolled her eyes and waited for the three women to get on the elevator.

When she heard a ding, Camilla rested assured that she wouldn’t run into them. It was then that she took her leave, dashing out of the door and locking it quickly, then taking a fast-paced strut to the elevator. As she waited, Camilla couldn’t help but wonder what the man behind the voice looked like. She thought of Idris Elba and Lance Gross, then smirked.

“What do you care?” she whispered. Leave your mystery man just that. A mystery. But Camilla knew why she cared, and it behooved her to not even meet the mystery man though she was currently salivating over his voice. “Wait a minute,” Camilla said. She tracked back to the last thought. Since when did he become your mystery man? Camilla shook her head. “I’m trippin’ already. I thought you’d be in Chicago a little longer before you started to lose it,” she joked. “And I’m standing here talking to myself,” she mumbled. “Greaaat.”

The elevator dinged then the door opened, and Camilla shuffled quickly inside. When the metal doors closed, she breathed, letting out an exasperated breath like she’d been holding it the entire time she stood waiting to get inside the safety of the tin can. Camilla pulled her wrist up and glanced at her watch. She hadn’t wasted too much time snooping on her neighbor so that was a good thing.

The elevator reached the bottom floor in record time, with no stops between. Camilla was delighted by that. She knew the high-rise building was home to famous faces. Football, basketball, and even a few hockey players lived in the building, along with a politician or two. Businessmen and women from Chicago also called The Regency their home. It was one of the reasons Camilla chose the location. Being among them assured that security in the building was tighter than Fort Knox. That, and it wouldn’t be a bad thing to be a resident in a place that could possibly grant her a story.

Camilla’s heels click-clacked against the marble floor as she found her way inside Benjamin’s Breakfast Hut.

“Good morning,” a hostess chimed as she entered.

“Good morning,” Camilla replied. She glanced around the bistro, noting the bustling activity. “It seems you have a full house.”

The hostess looked around as if she hadn’t notice.

“I have a special spot just for you,” the hostess sang.

Camilla perked. “I’m following,” she sang back.

The hostess put on a bright smile. “Right this way.” She turned with a sharp twist and meandered easily through the restaurant.

A few busboys passed them as they headed for a table to the far right of the eatery. “Excuse me,” one said as he scurried around Camilla, wiping a hand on the neatly folded apron tied around his waist.

“How’s this,” the hostess said, stopping at a small table.

“You did have the perfect spot,” Camilla said, staring out the window to the hustling Chicagoans who strolled through the downtown streets. “Nice and tidy, too,” she continued taking a seat at the short table.

“Yeah, we’re always crowded this early. Are you new to The Regency?”

Camilla smiled. “Yes, I am.”

The hostess’ eyes popped. “In that case, let me be one of the first to welcome you to Benjamin’s Breakfast Hut. I’m Alicia, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Camilla,” Camilla said, offering her a handshake.

“That’s a pretty name,” Alicia beamed.

“Thank you.”

“Camilla, your server will be with you in just a second.”

“Thank you again,” Camilla responded. She set her briefcase down and pulled out her cell phone. Camilla could sit for thirty minutes before she made her way to work. The beauty of being on the staff at WTZB was that it was within walking distance of The Regency, which was another plus when Camilla decided to rent a space in the luxury towers. It had only cost her a small fortune to lease the mini penthouse suite, but it was well worth the security and convenience.

She strolled through her missed calls. Two of them were from her friend Corinne Thomas whom Camilla had worked with for five of her seven years at News 12 before Corinne left the studio to become a stewardess. Camilla was also supposed to call Corinne for safe check-in as well. The other five missed calls were from Stephen her ex-boyfriend, the last person Camilla wanted to talk to.

After being engaged to Stephen for three years, Stephen suddenly decided marriage wasn’t for him. He called it off the minute Camilla began bridal shopping. Six months later, Stephen was back, begging for a chance to show Camilla he’d changed. For three months, Camilla let him fester and beg like the dog he was, but she eventually took him back. Another two years of her life later and Stephen was doing it again, calling off the wedding. Camilla had had enough, letting Stephen know there would never be another chance for them. That was eight months ago and now he was back again, ringing up her phone, probably wondering why there was a for sale sign in her yard.

Camilla skipped right over his number and hit send on Corinne’s. “Pony” by Ginuwine cruised through the receiver, and Camilla frowned.

“I was just getting ready to put an ABP out on you,” Corinne answered.

“Before we can move any further with this conversation, I need to know why Ginuwine is singing to me when I’m calling you. Is that seriously one of those ring back tones?”

Corinne cleared her throat. “Oh, so you didn’t have Missy Elliot singing when someone called you?”

Camilla’s lips thinned out. “Yeah, like ten years ago.”

“Whatever.”

Camilla laughed in whispered tones. “What happens when your boss calls and ‘Pony’ plays in his ear?” Camilla continued to laugh.

“I like how you just flipped this whole conversation around to me,” Corinne said. “I suppose you’re safe.” Corinne’s voice was stern, and Camilla knew she’d upset her.

“Aww, okay, I’m sorry. There’s nothing wrong with your ring back tone,” Camilla lied. She dropped her head in her hand and shook it slightly. “I’m okay. Thank you for calling to check on me.”

“I told you I would, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, you did. And I wish we could’ve come up on the weekend together.”

“Ooh, that would’ve been nice. Then I could get all up in your Chicago business.”

Camilla chuckled. “I don’t have any Chicago business. Yet, anyway—”

“Excuse me…”

The timbre of his voice not only sent a shrill of heat cascading over Camilla’s body, but it also caught her by surprise and threw her off balance. Bringing her eyes up to the mystery man himself, Camilla’s heart skipped a beat as her sight took in the magnificence of his stature. Black suit pants laced around his powerful thighs and what Camilla knew was probably a taut ass. A leather Christian Dior belt buckle aligned through the loopholes of his pants, holding a pristine shine.

The maroon long sleeve button-down shirt stretched up the barrier of his grandiose wall of muscle and waved slightly over the pecs in his chest. With his collar flipped down and the first two buttons undone, his unblemished coffee brown skin was displayed. Camilla swallowed so hard she could’ve ingested her tongue. Her heart binged in her chest, and Camilla had a hard time trying to recover.

As if the palpitations weren’t bad enough, Camilla’s gaze locked with her mystery man, and immediately, she felt pulled toward him. With piercing dark brown eyes, he held her stare just as his tongue cruised across his lips to wet his mouth.

“I don’t mean to interrupt you, but, there’s nowhere else to sit while I have my breakfast, so I was hoping you’d have mercy on me and allow me to dine with you.”

“Corinne,” Camilla said, speaking into the phone, “I’m going to call you back.”