Troy
After that talk with Reece’s parents, I was truly exhausted. I knew it was going to be intense, but Reece had a lot of resentment, anger, and hurt towards them that she needed to let go of. I’m glad that she was able to do that as well as for her parents to finally see their daughter’s passion. Although I was a bit sneaky about getting her photos from Nuicka, I don’t regret what I did because people needed to see how talented she is.
After we all sat down for lunch, we had to leave to visit Nuicka and her husband before we head back to Houston. Reece was excited to see the two, but of course wanted to confront Nuicka about giving me the photos. She didn’t even want to hear Reece’s complaining; instead, she pulled out a portfolio that Reece had left at her apartment that had several photos that Reece took when she was younger. Even at a young age, Reece had a knack for capturing special moments with her pictures. That’s why I was going to put in a good word to Mark and Vanessa about her doing a few press photos for the stores. She needs to branch out, and this is the way to do it.
Before heading back out on the road, I invited Nuicka and Cedric to come out to visit us and attend the huge event at the store in the next few days. They both said they’d be there, which made Reece happy.
During the drive back, Reece was asleep, which gave me time to reflect on everything that has happened between us. The trip really did help bring us closer since we both revealed things about our lives and our past. We even were able to connect on a physical level, which I wasn’t expecting at all, especially with her past with Paul. I’m not even going to lie, the sex is amazing, but it’s more than that. There’s something different with Reece. It’s more than I ever expected. I think I could be falling in love with her, but honestly, I don’t even know if I should admit it to her. Things are good between us, so I don’t want to mess it up if I did tell her, because I don’t know how she’ll react to it.
I shook my head, not believing that I’m even feeling this way. I was the man that just wanted sex from women with no strings attached; now, I’m actually thinking about being with one woman and having a future with her. Shit, I’m getting soft.
No, you’re just finally becoming a man…
Thank you, conscience, for that enlightening thought.
But maybe I’m finally realizing that it was time to let go of what happened with Nahomi and Deena and actually try to be in love again. I should deserve that; I just hope it actually works out this time around.
But as I quickly glanced at Reece, who was peacefully sleeping, I realized that she wasn’t like any other woman. She was truly special, and I know she wouldn’t do anything to hurt me.
Three and an half hours later and we were back in Houston. Reece decided to spend the night at my house, which I didn’t mind at all. While she was on the phone with Vanessa about the interview she conducted with a potential cashier, I was on talking to Jamarcus about how things went at the store. As we went through a few logistics, he quickly asked how thing were going between Reece and me. Since Jamarcus is the voice of reason, I would talk to him about how I was feeling about Reece, but I didn’t want to jump too quickly in what I was feeling, so I decided to keep it to myself. For now.
After spending the night just enjoying each other’s company, it was the next day and we both had to go back to work. As we walked into the store together, we were immediately greeted by Jamarcus, who was giving both of us an intense stare.
“Good morning, Jamarcus,” Reece said.
“Humph,” he said as he folded his arms across his chest.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked.
“Please, you two. You both left on a trip and you’re both coming back to the store looking all lovey dovey. Are you two a couple or what?”
We both stared at him as he tilted his head, giving us a look that said, “don’t try me,”.
“We weren’t going to announce it, but..” Reece started.
“Are you two serious? You two actually are together?”
I smiled. “Yeah, we are.” I stared at Reece, who blushed.
“Wow, I’m kind of shocked.” Jamarcus said.
“We won’t act like a couple here, though, if that’s what you’re concerned about.”
“Really? That is the least of my concerns.” He said. He got my attention and motioned for me to go into the office. I sighed as I went around to the other door, leaving Reece by the counter.
I walked inside as Jamarcus walked in from the other side.
“Okay, I don’t know what game you’re playing with this girl, but you need to stop. She’s not like these other ones you’ve been messing around with.”
“Jamarcus, stop okay. It’s not like that. I really care about her.”
His expression changed as he noticed how serious I was being. He sat down at the desk as he took a deep breath. “Damn, you’re serious.”
I sat down on the stool and sighed. “I haven’t felt this way about anyone since Deena. Honestly, I don’t know if I’ll fuck it up or not.”
“Listen, you know how you feel if you really care about her. You know you’ll do everything in your power to make things work with her, so just continue to be with her and see how things progress.”
“You’re right. I’m just afraid I’ll hurt her.”
“You won’t if you truly care about her. I already see a change in you just by looking at you.”
I smiled. “It’s because of her. She has changed me.”
“Finally! But I don’t want to see any type of PDA here, got it. I’m not going to be able to stomach it between you two.”
“Seriously,”
“I’m being serious,”
I laughed as I got up from the stool. “You need to find you a woman,”
“Who says I don’t have one?”
I gave him an unconvinced look as I went to the other door. I opened it to see Reece speaking to someone. She looked over at me, giving me a warm smile before continuing her conversation. I walked towards the exit, still thinking about what I’d told Jamarcus. Maybe I shouldn’t feel that way, but I really think I’ll do something stupid to mess things up. Maybe it’s because I haven’t been in a real relationship in a long time, but I’m willing to make this work, because I really want to see myself happy with her.