Chapter9
One month later…
She found out that James didn’t lie about ‘controlling’ himself. They had been dating steadily since she agreed to what she thought was going to be her last lunch with him. She had gone so far as deleting Mark’s number from her phonebook, no matter how attracted she’d been to him that night.
James was nicer, and it blurred the lines between fake and genuine. Even her emotions were starting to become blurred. She found herself liking him more and more.
Aliya had told herself this was probably a fluke and that his attention was momentary. This isn’t going to last, she had told herself during the lunch she had agreed to. Those thoughts faded away faster than she could keep track of them. He was focused on her and her alone, keeping tabs on her, texting and calling her during his breaks or hers.
If he was dating someone else, she would have found out quickly, right? For a strange reason, no media trailed James now. Had they had their fill of the perennial ladies’ man? She was not worth trailing after, she knew. James had asked her once about it, if paparazzi bothered her, and she gave a puzzled look, shaking her head.
“Tell me if they do; get the name, break a camera,” he had told her.
She listened, horrified at what he was telling her to do. He had lawyers; he could sue for her, he said. She didn’t want that, and a month into dating, no one had bothered them. She didn’t surface on those sleazy Miami tabloids; no one had called her out for it either.
All was well, and she was in love. The one thing that was on her mind was if he felt the same way too. It was too soon, wasn’t it? It had only been a month, and they saw each other at least four times a week. She needn’t pay for anything at all, and had offered a few properties for her to stay in, free of charge. She always declined, fearful that his intentions would change the moment she accepted his more extravagant gifts. Maybe it was a test of sorts. Whatever it was, she felt happy with him around. It was all that mattered, right?
He wasn’t faking his happiness with her either, and surprisingly he had opened up to her more and more.
Tonight was a happy night with him again. They just stayed by the pool cabana with a roaring fire in the pit. They were drinking wine and lounging on reclined seats, talking to each other, as if nothing ugly had ever happened between them.
“You asked me what we were,” James suddenly said, looking at her with a smile.
“You don’t have to—”
“I think I have an answer to that. Do you?”
“What?”
“I’ve never dated anyone as fun, smart and beautiful as you are,” he said, looking at the stars above them. “I’d always thought you’d think I was yours already.”
“We’re exclusively dating…” she said slowly.
“I’d like to think we’re a couple. If you’ll agree.”
“Does that mean we can’t date other people anymore?” she teased him with a laugh.
“You can try,” he told her, raising an eyebrow. “I think I’ll knock the living daylights out of whoever that person is.”
She laughed again, unable to imagine that he was a fighter. A man in a suit who knew how to punch another man was the stuff made for comic books.
“I’m serious,” James added. “You can call me whatever title you wish, as long as we’re each other’s.”
“So, you’re my boyfriend now?” She eyed him.
He nodded. “And when people ask about you, I’ll tell them you’re my girlfriend.”
“You’d really do that?”
“What makes you think it’s going to bother me?” he asked her. “You’re human, not some other race.”
She fell silent for a moment. “I did not expect I’d date someone like you.” She shrugged, gulping the last of her wine.
He frowned a little, brushing off her comment. “Please. Just because I’m not black, or whatever names people use? Or because you’re not white?” he said. “It doesn’t matter to me, and it shouldn’t to you.”
“No, it’s not that that bothers me.”
“You’re bothered about what other people might think?” He gave a hollow laugh. “Aliya, if they don’t make you happy, you stay away from them. Stick with me. I can make you happy.”
She smiled. “You and your sweeping statements.”
“I know what I want, and right now, I have what I want and what I need,” he told her in all seriousness. “I’d like to keep going with this. What we have together. It’s fun and challenging.”
“Because I don’t back down?”
“Yes,” he said wryly, “but it’s better than dating an idiot. Aren’t you glad you’re dating a nice asshole?”
She laughed. “I’m not quite sure how that works, but it’s a first for me.”
“We have many firsts together,” he told her. “That’s what makes it great.” I wonder how long it’ll take for you to fall in love with me.
“Don’t you think we’re moving too fast?” she asked him.
He shook his head. “Get ahead of the competition,” he said. “If I hadn’t made a move on you, you’d have dated someone else.”
“All because you saw me smile?”
“Because I didn’t see anyone else that day, except you,” he said solemnly. As cheesy as it sounded, he still couldn’t forget that morning. Sparkling eyes, that tinkling laugh full of life and happiness, even her hair.
She smiled, giddy. The least she could do was blush. “You make it seem like it was a movie.”
“It seemed like it for me,” he admitted. If only he could’ve frozen it in time via photo. Was it always going to stay this happy? He hadn’t wanted a relationship, but then the river ran its natural course; it was heading for a relationship, no matter how much he hadn’t wanted it. It was bound to happen with her around. Aliya was something else; she made him feel genuinely happy, possessive, and caring at the same time. There was always something missing with the others, but with her, everything came to be.
He had thought about all those years of careless dating, careless in the sense that he didn’t care whose hearts were breaking, as long as he safeguarded his own. He told himself he was still in control and that the exclusive relationship was still in his full control as well. He wasn’t going to completely lose his pride over her, no matter how much he was attracted to her. Aliya had relaxed around him in the month they had been dating, and he hadn’t seen anyone else this chill around him.
Her eyes popped open, hearing a good salsa beat come from the speakers. She held out her hand, grinning.
“I can’t dance the salsa,” he told her, frowning a little.
“You don’t have to,” she told him. “Just hold me.”
He stood up and watched as she held onto his hand, and she began to twirl and gyrate her hips, all while wearing a short white cover-up with her bikini underneath. His eyes widened, seeing her dance this way for the first time.
Her fingers interlocked with his as she tiptoed about, stepping forward and stepping back—salsa moves that were driving him crazy with lust, and something else he couldn’t place quite yet. You have no idea what you’re doing to me, Aliya Jones.
*
“Aliya!” someone called up to her as she walked to the college building. She spun around to see a guy waving from inside the car, across the street. With the glare of the afternoon sun, it took her eyes a moment to adjust.
She waved, recognizing who it was, and she waved excitedly. Then, she realized what she was doing. James wouldn’t like this. He deliberately parked his car and crossed the street to catch up with her.
“Hey,” he said simply with a sheepish grin.
“Mark, how—how are you?” she asked him.
“Doing okay, a bit stressed here and there, but aren’t we all?” he said. “How have you been? I couldn’t reach you anymore. Did you change numbers or something?”
She shook her head. “No, I had my phone reformatted,” she said lamely. “What are you doing here in this part of town?”
“What? I don’t look the part?” he joked. “Well, I was looking at some properties.”
Properties. Just like James. What was it with young, power hungry, attractive men and real estate?
“Moving out?”
He shrugged. “Depends. Are you off for classes?”
“Just heading to the library to borrow a book.”
“Will you be busy after?”
“Uhm… studying,” she told him, not wanting to disappoint him. She didn’t want to be rude, didn’t want to tell him that she was dating someone, unless she wanted to sound conceited.
“You okay? No one’s gonna bite you,” he laughed. “You look like you’re on the lookout. Did you return a book too late?”
“No, no,” she said, flustered, forcing a smile. “I just have to get going. I’ll see you around?”
“Wait,” he said, “you have to get my number.”
“I really don’t think I have—”
“Are you saying no?” he teased. He was looking at her intently.
“I—” She nodded, taking out her phone. “I’m not so sure I can respond to your texts and calls right away…”
“It feels like you don’t want me around, Aliya.”
“No, it’s not that—it’s… well, I’m just really stressed out with studies right now,” she told him, unable to tell him that her boyfriend was a bit strict with her male interactions. She wasn’t doing anything wrong now, was she? This wasn’t a crime, talking to someone she had met a month ago, someone who could still be a good friend?
“Then, you need some good destressing,” he said. “Happy hour tomorrow?”
“Can’t,” she said. “I’m really sorry. “I’ll see you around?”
“Answer me if I text?” he told her.
She nodded and flashed a quick and brilliant smile, and then she waved goodbye to him. Mark watched her as she walked away toward the building, smiling all the while to himself. He hadn’t heard from her in a while, and he had often wondered how she was, while meeting other women and sleeping around, all good and necessary distractions, really.
He had waited for her to respond to his texts, even his calls, but her number couldn’t be reached, which was odd. He had actually thought she was into him that night he took her out. These were the instances that made him feel excited: the thrill of the chase, an outlet against his brother’s impossible demands.
What would it take to get her to sleep with him? Perhaps, they could have a deeper connection, after they’d get to sleep with each other. Sometimes, it was what women needed: a physical romp, so as to get an emotional connection. It struck him that she wasn’t the type of person to enjoy flattery, so he avoided it, even though she entertained it. Those were all just words, and the power of words swayed people, even CEOs.
Could he sway the board into relinquishing their own shares for him? He had gotten into the good graces of a quarter of the board members; all he needed were more stocks to amass. He was pushing for a complete sale of what stocks existed that weren’t James’.
He resisted texting her right away, not wanting to look too eager. There had to be a switch for Aliya; there was a switch with everyone, and he knew it was a hell of a lot easier than his older brother’s.
Mark knew that his brother was dating someone. His idea of a date consisted of lunches over his hour-long break, and he was gone most of the time for lunch at the office. James had also spent more time in Miami, rather than anywhere else lately. There was someone, only he hadn’t caught the person that his brother was dating yet.
He was going to reach out to her, just in the event that he needed leverage.
*
He had texted her two hours later. Not James, but Mark. Somehow, it bothered her. Here was another attractive guy, obviously doing his best to flirt with her. He had a child-like quality that James didn’t have, and he was obviously more fun loving.
Mark had asked her where she was, and she shut off her phone, choosing to ignore his text. A little while later, she received a call from him. She didn’t want to answer it, but after his fourth call, she did.
“Where are you?”
“I’m at home, studying,” she told him.
“Why won’t you reply?” he asked her.
“I’m already talking to you, aren’t I?” She sighed, closing her book. “What’s up?”
“Want to go out for some drinks? You go with your mocktails, I go with my usual beer?”
“I have exams coming up… are you okay?” she found herself asking him.
Mark was silent for a moment. Was he okay? No, he wasn’t okay with the fact that James was dictating his life and his decisions, and that of his family’s as well, all for the mere fact that he held the majority of the stocks. “Not really. Which is why I’d like to invite you out to relax.”
“I can’t,” she said.
“Are you seeing someone?” he finally asked, realization dawning on him. It must have been the hangover or the recreational drugs he had taken the past week. Boy, did he feel slow.
There was a long pause. “Yes, I am.”
“Well, why didn’t you say so?” he laughed. “I don’t want to bother someone who’s exclusively dating!”
“Sorry, I didn’t know how to be nice about it,” she said awkwardly.
“I don’t want to end up the villain,” he told her. “I just enjoy your company, that’s all. Who’s the lucky guy”?
“Someone,” she said with a short laugh. “Listen, I have to get back to studying. I’ll see you around?”
“Sure thing,” he said, ending the call.
Aliya sighed, looking at her books once more. Now that that was over, she could concentrate on reading through her notes again. Perhaps, Mark would be interested in dating Kimmy? He seemed like an okay guy, with the money to keep up with her friend’s lifestyle as well.
At the other side of town, Mark was fuming and pacing back and forth. She was dating someone, someone he was sure he hated. There was nothing more frustrating than not getting what he wanted. He had had enough of that already, starting with James.
What was it with women that made them think they were so special? That men were going to cross through hell and high water? He and James met eye to eye in that aspect, though. James disliked long-term relationships, but he enjoyed affection, from whichever woman he fancied.
He had a good feeling he would be enjoying Aliya’s affections if he ever got the chance to be with her. Now, how was he going to win her over with the highly probable douchebag she was dating?
*
Aliya had just ended her shift, helping Sandra who was closing up the register as well. It was 10:30 in the evening, and she had only started walking to the door when a man came up. Her eyes widened, surprised to see James.
Sandra looked up and gave a smile. Another handsome man to grace the store. Why did they have to come only when the store was about to close soon? “Sorry, we’re closed.”
“I know,” James said. “I’m just here for my girlfriend. I’m James, by the way.”
Sandra’s eyes popped wide open, and Aliya almost choked the moment she heard it.
“Oh,” Sandra said, her smile widening even more. “Sandra.” Ah, was that why Aliya was happier than usual? She couldn’t wait to ask her coworker about it tomorrow. “Shouldn’t you be off by now?” she asked Aliya.
Aliya shook her head. “I still have to mop and—”
“I’ll help you,” James said.
“No, no. Just sit down. You want something to drink?” Aliya asked him, flustered.
He shook his head. “I’m fine. I got out of work late, figured you might need a quick snack before heading home.”
Right, it was an emergency meeting of sorts.
“So,” he continued, “where’s the mop?”
“I don’t think we can afford to pay you,” Sandra quipped, handing him the mop, just to test how sincere he was. The young man had well-manicured hands, and he wore a suit that looked like it was worth more than her month’s wages. Now, where in the hell did Aliya get a catch like him?
“The faster we finish, the sooner you two can get home to rest,” he said with a smile that made Sandra’s stomach flutter. He set aside his top coat by a chair, grabbed the mop, and began to clean the floor, much to the amazement of Aliya and Sandra.
He knew how to clean? Aliya watched him, deftly cleaning the floors like he had done so many times. She began wiping down the tables and pushing the chairs in. She said nothing the whole time, watching James do some manual labor. He was hot to look at, the mere mopping, with his sleeves folded up, muscles straining against it.
There were hundreds of reasons why it was almost too easy to fall in love with him, after he said he would control himself. Control his temper? His sarcasm? She didn’t care. This part of him was easy to love…
He did things with a critical eye, even the mere mopping; he was a perfectionist. When did he learn to mop? When did he learn to clean up? Her initial judgement of him being a spoiled brat began to fade considerably. It took ten minutes to clean up the place, and it would have taken more if he hadn’t helped.
As soon as they were done, Sandra couldn’t help but shake his hand. Aliya knew Sandra was enjoying the scene, and it almost made her giggle. They said their goodbyes, with James leading her to a side alley, where he had parked his car.
“My boss has a crush on you.” She laughed as he started the car.
“What makes you say that?”
“She normally doesn’t shake anyone’s hand,” Aliya told him. “Aren’t you the charming one?”
“Haven’t I always been? Only you didn’t see it?”
“It was covered up by some arrogant man,” she told him with a smile. “Where are we off to?”
“I’d like to take you to a place you’ve never been to before.”
“You mean outside of the country?”
He laughed. “Somewhere in this city.”
He drove for a few minutes, and with each moment that passed, Aliya began to wonder where they were going. They passed by a newly constructed building, past gates without being stopped. She looked around to see it was an entire complex of expensive-looking apartments painted in white, which soared high into the night sky.
“What’s here?” she asked him as they got out of the car.
“You’ll see,” he told her.
They walked up to marble steps, where a tall and buff security guard stood. “Mr. Douglas, ma’am, good evening.”
“Hey, Bill, how was your day?” he asked the security guard.
Aliya’s eyes narrowed. Had he always been this friendly toward blue collar employees or people who were beneath his social standing? Was he putting on a show? She had always imagined him to be strict and unapproachable.
The foyer of the building was even more beautiful than it was on the outside. There was a large chandelier above them, with marble adorning the walls, and a reception area made out of the same polished marble.
“What is this place?” she asked him. She didn’t see anyone come and go. Was this place even open for rent? Was he showing her his new place, finally tired of a grand old mansion?
“It’s a special place,” he told her as they rode the elevator to the penthouse.
The moment they got to the top floor, her eyes widened at the view. There was a panoramic view of the Miami coastline, a view she could see for miles on end. A breeze picked up, sending the salty, fresh air into her lungs. She breathed it in and smiled at him.
“You wanna look around?” he asked her.
She nodded shyly. Sometimes, she still found it hard to believe she was dating someone as posh as he was.
“This place has five bedrooms, just five. And four and a half bathrooms. There’s a bathroom with a view of the beach; if you want to soak in a tub while looking out, you can do so. It isn’t much, but what do you think?”
It wasn’t much? Sometimes, she forgot who she was talking to. “I think it’s grand…” she said, at a loss for words.
“Oh... there’s also a walk-in closet,” he told her. “Wanna see?”
She could only nod. Her eyes lit up the moment the lights in the walk-in closet flickered on. This was no walk-in closet; it was an entire apartment! It was bigger than the entire café, even.
“How do you like it?” he asked her.
“It’s nice…” she said lamely, taking another tentative step forward. The all white colored cabinets were open, and there were a few clothes, mostly dresses, hanging with tags still attached. There were a few boxes of designer shoes, and boxes of designer label bags in another closet. Hermes scarves hung on one end. A vanity mirror at the end of the room was bathed in soft light, perfect for makeup applications. There was a large tan colored rug, and her feet sunk in it, warm and soft.
“Who owns the place?” she asked, curious.
“Well, technically, it’s under my name,” James began. “You like it though?”
She nodded, her fingers playing around with the velvety bathrobe hanging by the vanity table. “Yes, it’s something out of a dream…”
“How soon would you like to move in?”
She nearly stumbled, but she quickly held onto the table. “What?” She slowly spun around.
“I asked you how soon you’d want to move in.”
“But the person who lives here, the clothes, the shoes—”
“It’s all yours,” he said self-consciously. “I got those for you, guessed your size. You can have them exchanged if you’d like, or you can sell these, or whatever.”
She was shaking her head. This isn’t real, she told herself. No man in his right mind would offer something like this to someone he had just met! “You’re kidding me.”
He shook his head. “I’m not.”
She looked at him straight in the eye. “Why?” her voice croaked.
“I think you deserve a lot of things, nice things,” James told her, walking closer to her. “I think you deserve to smile all the time, and you deserve to be given the best.”
“I already have you,” she said shyly.
He grinned, looking at her face, marveling at how simple her beauty was. There were many things he hadn’t noticed before that he discovered recently, no matter how observant he had claimed to be. Perhaps, there was a difference when it came to people and emotions. Perhaps, there was a difference when it came to her. Everything negative and everything positive about her, he had seen in a span of a month and something weeks.
Handing her the key to this apartment was a big step for him; he felt vulnerable, yet he wanted to yield to that vulnerability—all for her. What was it that made him want to be with her? She wasn’t the smoldering beauty he had been so used to dating. She wasn’t from any Ivy League school; she wasn’t from old money either. Aliya was just Aliya, and it was something he told himself he didn’t want to lose.
He looked at her face, and he looked into those eyes, and for a moment, he saw his future. It was with her. Shaking the thought away, he smiled at her. “So, when do you want to move in?”