chapter Two
He Likes You
Talina
I rush into the ladies’ room to splash some water on my face. This is so unreal. My head is still spinning from it all. I know I could’ve handled that more professionally. It’s been years, since I had a panic attack.
Turning on the faucet and wetting a napkin, I begin to dab my face. While looking at my reflection, it hits me. I just got a promotion. I will be making twice my salary. I’m going to London!
I start to jump around and do a happy dance. I nearly jump out of my skin, as the bathroom door flies open. My friend, Marsha, bursts into the bathroom with a beaming smile on her face. We dance and jump around together, squealing low enough for just us to hear.
“That was so fucking awesome,” Marsha squeals, with a hint of her West Indian accent. “I’ve never seen Nelson lose his shit like that before. I mean, I’ve seen him go off a time or two, but nothing like that.”
“Oh, my God. I know, right. I thought he was going to light into my ass too. Not give me a promotion,” I say in disbelief.
“Honey,” Marsha fans her face. “I’ve always thought he had a thing for you, but that right there, it totally proved me right.”
I frown and knit my brows. “What are you talking about?”
Marsha side glances me. Her lips twist and her hands go to her hips. She’s giving me a her, you’ve got to be fucking kidding me, look.
“Gal, you are a small wonder sometimes. These men be out here falling all over your ass and you haven’t got the slightest clue. You seriously have never noticed the way Nelson looks or acts ‘round you?” Marsha says.
“No,” I reply, knitting my brows further.
“Lawrt, gal, I don’t know what’s worse. The fact that you don’t know you’re a catch. Or the fact that you don’t see that you’re in a dead relationship,” Marsha sighs.
My shoulders sag. “Please don’t start in on that,” I huff.
“So, what he get you for your birthday?” Marsha pushes.
“Not going there,” I huff.
“Umm,” Marsha murmurs. “All I’m saying is. You’re gorgeous, smart, and just received an awesome promotion. When are you going to stop letting that man string you along?”
I open my mouth to reply, but I have nothing to say. She’s right. I’ve come to realize that in the last few weeks. I just don’t know what to do. I think I’ve become comfortable.
I shrug my shoulders instead. I don’t want to come down from the high of my promotion. It was just setting in. However, I know I need to get my personal life in order.
“Hey, I’m sorry,” Marsha says, when she notices me drawing into myself. “Let me make it up to you. Drinks after work, on me.”
I press my lips and think about it. Malcolm clearly forgot what today is. Why shouldn’t I celebrate my promotion and my birthday? I shrug my shoulders and give her a smile.
“Okay, just a couple,” I nod.
“That’s my girl,” Marsha purrs.
~B~
Detra
Nelson is like a brother to me. I know when he wants something, even when he refuses to admit it to himself. He wants Talina Valentine.
I step out of the bathroom stall and look at the door, she and Marsha Evans just walked through. I know an unhappy relationship when I see one. I don’t much care for Talina’s boyfriend Malcolm.
He’s a decent guy, I just don’t like them as a couple. They’re beautiful to look at together, but I always get the impression he wants to be somewhere else.
I know Nelson told me to mind my business. I just can’t sit back and watch this any longer. After watching those two in that meeting today, I think Nelson may be underestimating himself.
The chemistry between them is undeniable. It was pouring off of them in droves. Anyone could see the attraction that’s no longer one sided.
A week ago, I may have told Nelson to move on. However, not after watching those two today. Talina has finally noticed Nelson, whether she’s ready to admit it or not.
Since high school, Nelson has this thing with girls he really likes. He clams up and starts that insecure bullshit. It’s his mom’s fault if you ask me.
Nelson had a shitty childhood and that woman did nothing to make it better. Always calling him names and telling him he would be nothing. If Nelson questions his looks, it’s because of her. That woman is sheer evil.
I tap my chin, squinting at the closed bathroom door. With my mind made up, I pull my phone out. This is what Nelson keeps me around for. I’m the watcher, the fixer, the muscle, and the advisor. It’s time I do my job concerning his love life.
“Hello,” I say into my phone with a smile.
“What’s this call going to cost me this time,” the voice on the other end says.
“I’m the one in need of a favor this time, brother,” I smile into the phone.
“Thank goodness,” the voice sighs, teasingly on the other end. “I have a drop of blood left, I know you’re coming for it one of these days.”
“Just not today, poppy,” I chuckle.
“I want you to look into someone for me,” I start to instruct.
I know Nelson is going to be pissed. I just want to get all of the facts, before I start to meddle. No harm, no foul.