Desiree

 

“I know you’re having the time of your life there in Dubai, but this is breaking news, I had to call and tell you,” Santana said.

“What happened?”

“The guy who burglarized our homes was caught trying to throw a firebomb in the lobby of the Houston Report.”

My mouth fell open, and I sat down the mascara I used.

“Oh my God, Santana was anyone hurt?!”

“Thankfully no. He did light the weapon, but he was tackled to the floor before he could use it. Needless to say, the bottle dropped, and his clothes ignited. They had to put him out with a fire extinguisher.”

“What about the person that tackled him?”

“It was Derrick. He’s fine didn’t get a scratch.”

“Wow, talk about karma versus being blessed.”

“You can say that again,” Santana said.

“I’m glad they finally caught him, now I don’t have to worry about his ass when I get back.”

“Mmhmm, the guy is crazy. He kicked and screamed as the police pulled him out of the building in handcuffs.”

“Jesus.”

“I know,” she said again. “Anyway, I just thought I’d call to let you know, you’re now safe and free to go about life without looking over your shoulder.”

“That is good to know. Thanks, I’m getting ready to leave now. How are things with Josiah?”

Santana became quiet before speaking again. “Girl,” she whispered sharply through the phone. “I think I’m in love.”

I screamed. “What?!”

On the other end, Santana’s giggles were hushed as she tried not to be loud. “Girl, he’s so fun. It’s amazing how he brings my mind to such a calm, relaxing place.” Santana sighed heavily. “Just makes my spirit feel restful like I could enjoy his company every minute and not get bored. It’s so crazy.”

“Damn you are in love,” I said.

Santana giggled, “Anyway, I’ll call you back later.”

“Mmhmm, don’t lie to me young lady. You have no intention of calling me back. I know that gorgeous man is keeping you occupied.”

“Look who’s talking,” Santana said.

I smiled wide. “Whatever, bye!”

I disconnected the call and bit my lip, my mind traveling to Julian. Last night, I wondered where he was going that was so important that he put off what would’ve been another night of amazing sex. No matter how often I tried to remind myself, Julian didn’t belong to me, I couldn’t help wanting to be with him daily. I was candid with myself. I’d allowed myself to fall for a man that could possibly destroy me, and I had no one to blame.

After applying my mascara, I took a look at my appearance, happy with my simple ensemble. I slid my feet into my two-inch heels and sprayed myself with a mist of country apple fragrance before making my way to the door. I’d ordered breakfast from the room service menu and stepped out the door prepared to knock on Julian’s. I hoped he’d enjoy breakfast in bed, although I couldn’t deny I wanted that breakfast to be me.

“Thanks again,” a soft feminine voice purred.

I turned with the tray in my hand to see Lila closing the door to Julian’s suite. My throat tightened at the sight of her perfectly dressed appearance, but I tried not to show my displeasure. Urging myself to move forward, Lila smiled up at me and spoke.

“Good morning,” she said.

My smile wasn’t genuine, but I hoped she couldn’t tell it.

“Good morning,” I responded.

Lila glanced to the tray in my hand, and her brows rose. “If you’re going to Julian’s he’s in the shower, you might want to give him a minute.”

The stab of pain that flurried through my soul almost made me miss a step. I wanted to respond, but I couldn’t pry my lips apart quick enough. Instead, I nodded and returned to my suite to discard the tray. My mind whirled; tossing me like torrent winds. Is that where Julian ran off to last night? To be with Lila? She had bounced down the hallway like her morning was off to a great start. Had she been enthralled beneath Julian until sunrise? My throat was in a knot, and my heart plummeted. My breathing was labored, and I lay a hand on my chest in an effort to calm myself. Pulling out my cell phone, I called for a chauffeur and quickly left Jumeirah Beach Hotel. 

The hour and a half ride to Forward Kitchen wasn’t nearly as pleasant as the ride and flight with Julian. “If you’re going to Julian’s he’s in the shower, you might want to give him a minute.”

Lila’s words slammed through me on repeat. He was in the shower, no doubt washing away the night of passion he’d had with Lila. A mist of tears fogged my eyesight but I refused to let them spring forward. Wiping them vigorously, I silently scolded myself. There was a part of me that wanted to curse him out and kick his ass. But that was just my emotions getting the best of me, and foolish. Julian hadn’t promised me anything, so I had to just get over him.

But how would I when I’d fallen hopelessly in love with him? I entered Forward Kitchen on auto pilot. Lacey and Antonio cheered when I came through the door which brought a slight smile to my face. Lacey was filled with so much animation I hardly got a word in most times. With Donald’s blessing, we left the kitchen in search of a park. We ended up at Dubai’s Garden Glow which was like Christmas for the kids. The theme park held multiple attractions including a massive manmade garden of glowing Tulips of the Netherlands, a dinosaur exhibit, an animal kingdom, a glowing mushroom forest, restaurants, cafés and more. Standing at the entrance looking over a menu of the site’s attraction my cell phone rang.

“Long night?” I answered.

Julian’s voice cruised through my eardrums with a dark silkiness, and I fought a squirm. “Good morning, Bella. Last night was particularly long for reason’s you wouldn’t believe,” He said. “How’d you know? You have some cognitive powers you failed to mention?”

He was joking, but I couldn’t find a single thing to laugh about.

“No, not cognitive, by now my secret would’ve been out with you.”

“That’s good to know,” he said. “I came to your room a few minutes ago but to no avail. Are we going to Forward Kitchen this morning to get Antonio or are we waiting till later?”

I looked to Antonio and Lacey who were patiently waiting for me to get off the phone so we could enter the park.

“I’m already with him actually, and Lacey’s here with us. We decided to go to Dubai’s Garden Glow theme park.”

Julian was quiet for a moment, and I imagined his mind swirling. “Bella, I thought we were doing that together?”

“I did too, but it was a last-minute change of plans.”

“Any reason why?”

I pressed my lips thinly together, going back and forth over whether to reveal what I knew. “I saw Lila this morning on my way to your room, and she said you were showering, so I wanted to give you the space you needed. It’s not like we haven’t been connected to the hip most of this trip.” I made it my business to sound nonchalant, but my heart raced as I finished my sentence. “It’s okay. I had a chauffeur bring me over so we’ll hang out here today and I’ll see you sometime tomorrow.”

“That’s not necessary,” he said, “I’m coming over.”

“No!” I practically shouted. “I mean, it’s fine, they’re in good hands.”

“Of course, they’re in good hands, I wouldn’t insinuate otherwise.” Julian paused. “Is everything alright, Bella?”

“Fine,” I quipped. “Everything’s fine.”

“Are you sure? You’d tell me if we had a problem, right?”

I pressed my lips tight again.

“Everything’s fine, Julian. I’ll let you get to your business. Talk to you later.” I disconnected the call and dropped my phone in my purse. My heart was still rocking as I smiled down at Antonio and Lacey.

“You guys ready?” I said boasting a wide smile.

“Yes!” They both chimed.

“Come on, let’s go,” I said grabbing their hands strolling into the park.

Dubai’s Garden Glow park was a one of a kind adventure. Antonio and Lacey had the time of their lives. We didn’t get to experience the full park because it was just too large to get through it all in one day so I promised them we’d come back the next day. That brought more happiness to them, and I was pleased to be a part of their experience. At the end of the day, I took Antonio back to Forward Kitchen, and he didn’t want me to leave, so I stayed around until he finally fell asleep on my shoulder.

“I’ll take him,” Lacey offered.

Quietly, I placed Antonio in Lacey’s arms, and Antonio snuggled contently around Lacey’s neck.

“I’ll be back tomorrow, as promised,” I said.

Lacey Beamed and whispered. “Thank you, Mrs. Rose.”

I halted my steps and turned to her. “Ms. Stevens,” I whispered.

“For now,” Lacey whispered back. It was the same thing Julian had said the day before. Lacey beamed, and I offered her a smile then took my leave. On the way back to Jumeirah, I checked text messages I’d received from Santana and two voicemails; one from Fredrick and one from Julian. I deleted Fredrick’s before his voice could buzz in my ear. I didn’t care what he wanted. His ridiculous orders for me to keep him in the loop was something I had failed to do on purpose, so I was sure he was on a rampage on my voicemail. When Julian’s voice fled through me, I closed my eyes and listened.

“Bella, I’m not sure what happened this morning. I think there may be some misunderstanding between us. We should talk about it and clear the air. Call me as soon as you’re back, and I’ll come to you.”

“To delete this message press seven.” I listened to the voicemail again then pressed nine to save the message. I knew what I was doing. I needed to disconnect myself from Julian. It was now or never.

Then why did you save the message?

That little voice in the back of my head was never far away. I’d saved Julian’s message just to have a keepsake. Something to remember him by.

Why not hear him out?

The question knocked around my head even after I made it back to Jumeirah. I took a shower, fixed something to drink, and sank into the sheets of the massive bed. I’d fallen asleep but was awakened by a steady drum at my door. With everything quiet around me except for the constant knock, I lay there, on my back, staring up at the ceiling, willing him to leave. There was no point in me checking to see who was at the door. It was something I already knew. After about fifteen minutes of incessant knocking, Julian eluded his thumping for calling instead. The continuous ring of my cell phone didn’t thicken my fortitude since I’d placed him under a distinct ringtone. Jill Scott’s soft vocals sang out until the tone ended but shortly started up again. I shut my eyes tight and waited for it all to stop. After another three rings, everything was silent again, but now, I was wide awake.

I tossed and turned, more disturbed than I’d been in a long time. Finally, I drifted back to sleep. When I rose it was ten o’clock in the morning. I drug myself out of bed headed for the bathroom. Getting up this late was not in my plans. I wanted to miss Julian going back to Forward Kitchen. I stood in the bathroom brushing my teeth. What I knew for sure was, this week was the wrap-up. So, Julian would be busy making sure things were put together on all ends. Apparently, I couldn’t avoid him for the few days we had left in Dubai since I too had to notate the rest of this process for my report. However, today I would spend with Antonio and Lacey before that process began.

Surprisingly, I managed to leave Jumeirah without spotting him. I wondered if he’d given up on reaching out to me and my conflicting emotions pushed me around like a bully on the playground. I spent most of my time with Antonio and Lacey, lost in thought. I’d managed to shift my focus back to Houston and what my future held. At the end of the week, we would be headed back to the states. I had an idea of how I would get Fredrick to write me a letter of recommendation. He wouldn’t like it, but that was neither here nor there. The day didn’t end without a call from Julian. Then a text.

Good evening, Bella. When you get a minute call me. We should talk.

I reread the text a thousand times that day trying to give myself the confidence to call and have an articulate conversation with him. And I had every intention of doing just that, but I found myself procrastinating into the next day, avoiding Julian at all costs. This time when I’d made it to Forward Kitchen, Lacey and Antonio wanted to hang out with Julian. I should’ve seen that coming, but I’d hoped our fun days out would be enough to occupy them.

“Can we?” Lacey beamed. “I’d love to see Mr. Rose outside of the kitchen.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah!” Antonio shouted.

I pursed my lips. “Sure, let’s eat first then I’ll take you over there.”

“Yes!” Lacey jumped and grabbed Antonio’s hands. They ran over to the line and grabbed a tray as I fidgeted nervously.