One good reason, p.16
One Good Reason, page 16
Surely what had gone down in the limousine was the cause for him to disappear, or at least that’s what I was thinking. Had he communicated with me, just once, I wouldn’t have had to beat myself up about it. I had a feeling it was either that or what I had shared with him that was too much, and it had him looking at me in a different light.
Whatever it was, I was carrying that guilt on my shoulders so for him to say he had something going on was like a punch to the gut.
“If that were the case, you wouldn’t be so upset right now.”
Stalking toward my desk, Law tossed his briefcase in the chair and stepped up beside me. “I’m only here for a few hours, are we going to spend that time arguing or can we do something productive?”
“I don’t know about you but I’m getting ready to make some calls. I need to handle some business before the kids show up.”
“Today must be the day you’re unveiling the trampoline stuff.”
“What?” My eyes bulged. “How did you know about that?”
“Patton is one of my closest friends. You couldn’t have expected him to do anything without me knowing.” Law smirked.
“Whatever,” I mumbled. “For that, I’ll reach out to somebody else before I ask him for anything. And you make sure you tell him I said that.”
“Oh, believe me I am.” He laughed. “The kids will be happy when they see it.”
“I know they will. It was my idea.”
“I’m aware. Where are we with everything else?”
“Now you want to talk business?”
“I could think of a few other things we can talk about. But I’ll wait for you to start that conversation.”
My thighs clenched together at the sudden decline in his voice. Law knew exactly what he was doing. It’s the reason he was standing beside me with that stupid ass grin on his face. Not gon’ lie, I was pissed at him when I first walked into my office. Sitting here looking at him now, I could feel my attitude melting. I hated the effect this man was having on me. I wanted to be mad and stay mad. Impossible. That lopsided grin on his face was making my panties moist.
Law knocked his knuckles on the desk. “We gon’ have that conversation or we gon’ get down to business?”
“Business.” I decided. That conversation wouldn’t be had today or the next day. In fact, we would never visit that topic, whatever it was.
“We don’t have enough time. The kids will be here shortly, and I told you I got a few calls to make.”
“Then how about we do it over dinner?” he bargained.
“Can’t. I have a date tonight.”
“Date with who?” He frowned.
“You don’t know him.”
“Try me. I know everybody in the city and if I don’t know them, I have the means to find out who they are.”
“That is none of your business and unless you want me to tell Gema, I suggest you leave my office and let me get back to business.”
“Only because you brought up Gema. I’ll be here bright and early in the morning. Have fun on your lil’ date.” He turned and walked away.
“Big date!” I damn near screamed to his back.
He didn’t need to know where I was going and who I was going with. Just like I had spent time worrying about him, it was time for him to worry. Maybe that’ll teach him to open his mouth and communicate.
CHAPTER 15
Lawton
“Big date my ass.” I laughed. Walking down the hall to my office, I had to force myself not to turn around and pry. From the little bit I knew about Talitha, I knew her ass wasn’t going on a date tonight. She was being spiteful and I understood. I didn’t have to disappear on her, but I did.
When Sincere called me that night, I knew something was up. I could tell by the tone of his voice. I asked him a few times if he was sure everything was good, and he swore it was. My gut was saying otherwise so when I made it back home, I decided to pull up on him.
It was then that I learned he had run into Dahlia at the mall. What he said to me next threw me for a loop. Dahlia was pregnant but the baby wasn’t mine. Preme asked and said she laughed so hard in his face at that question. I mean, he should’ve known the answer to that himself, but I appreciate him for asking.
I knew what Dahlia’s desires were. She expressed them the night she left my ass, so I don’t know why it made me feel some type of way. We were over and had been for months so to hear that she had moved on so fast and was now expecting had me wanting to believe that there was already someone on the sidelines. I knew Dahlia; therefore, I knew that wasn’t the case.
However, to learn she was expecting kind of sat my ass down for a while. Don’t get me wrong, I still handled my business and what not but unfortunately, Talitha took the brunt of my disappearance. I chose not to speak with her. Anytime she called, I had Chari speaking with her. In my absence, I was still heavily involved with the renovations at the school. In fact, I spoke with the contractor several times a day.
I knew me going silent would make her feel some type of way but never had I imagined she would be pissed to the point where she would reach out to Poppa. I think that’s what fucked me up the most, and it’s part of the reason I stayed away after I had come to the realization that Dahlia moving on was a good thing.
I knew today was the day she was planning on unveiling the new equipment to the kids. Of course, Poppa put me up on game. Hell, the nigga called me the day she called to tell him what she wanted to do. Talitha had to understand that in my world, nothing moved until I gave it permission to do so.
Whole time she’s thinking Poppa sponsored the equipment and it was really my ass. I would continue to let her think whatever she wanted. If Poppa wanted her to know, he would have to be the one to tell her.
All she had to do was tell Chari and I would’ve made it happen. She knew exactly what the fuck she was doing when she reached out to Poppa. But that was neither here nor there. The shit was done and now I was excited to see the look on the kids’ faces.
I was also planning on getting down to the bottom of what plans she had for herself tonight. I needed to make things between us right. After strolling into my office, I placed a call to the florist and ordered Talitha an arrangement of flowers. I had them sent to her house instead of the office. I didn’t need anyone around to know that I’d ordered her flowers. That was the recipe for rumors starting. I didn’t want to give anyone any preconceived notions. All I was trying to do was get back on her good side. Busying myself on my computer, I signed a few contracts until it was time for the kids to start rolling in.
Standing beside Talitha and her team, I smiled. They had this whole presentation set up for the students. When the kids came into the building, they were presented with colorful lei’s. After being shown the trampoline portion of the gym, the team ushered them outside where the new playground was unveiled.
I had completely missed out on all of what they had planned in my absence, but I was grateful the kids were enjoying it. When they walked to the back of the building, Talitha had Kona Ice, Slutty Vegan, and Hibachi Ninja food trucks for them to eat from. They could eat as much as they wanted for free.
They took advantage of that first and now they were running around the playground jumping from machine to machine. For the middle and high schoolers, she had a game room set up. There were pool tables, basketball, and pinball machines. The whole thing looked like a smaller version of Dave & Busters.
Poppa’s ass failed to mention that all of this was a part of the shit that he’d done. But still, I was thoroughly impressed and happy to see a bunch of smiling faces.
“You guys did an amazing job,” I let them know.
Everyone but Talitha thanked me. Instead of saying anything, her ass stood there snacking on a cup of shaved ice. She knew I wanted to say more to her, that’s why she turned around and furrowed her brows at me before strutting off.
“She’s had a rather long week,” Rossi stepped in and tried to offer some type of reason for the attitude I was being tossed.
Stroking my chin, I asked, “Is that right?”
“Yes sir. This whole thing had her stressed. She was uncertain if it would happen and to be standing here right now is a bit overwhelming for her.”
“In that case, I’m happy that she got to witness her vision come to fruition.”
Stepping closer to me, Rossi clasped his hands together. “Mr. Harvey, I hope I’m not being too forward but Talitha has been working day in and day out trying to make this happen. This evening we’re going to Centennial Park for Wine Down Wednesday. You’re welcomed to join us. That’s if you’re not busy or anything.”
Bingo. I knew she wasn’t going on no fucking date. “What time?”
“Between six and seven. We’re going straight there after closing up here.”
“I could probably swing it.” I nodded. “Do me a favor and don’t tell Talitha about my invitation. Let it be a surprise cause I don’t want her to back out. You know a lot of people don’t like to let their hair down around their boss.”
“She’s going to have to get over that.” Rossi laughed. “Especially since we do a company Christmas party every year… Wait!” He paused. “Are we still having one this year? I know Dah was the one to plan that. If you need me and Talitha to take over, we can do that.”
“Yes, I still plan on having the Christmas party. And no worries, all you guys have to do is show up. I’ll send an evite to everyone the closer it gets to the holidays.”
“Whoo.” He breathed. “I’m happy to hear that. We look forward to that every year.”
“So do I,” I let him know before confirming the meet up time again. After walking around saying my goodbyes, I gathered my things and left the center. I had two hours to get home and change before rolling up to Centennial. Clearly, Talitha couldn’t ignore my ass all day.
“How long do you plan on being sir?” Baker asked.
“I’m not sure. I’ll text you when I’m ready.”
“That’ll work. Have fun and don’t go pissing nobody off.” He laughed.
Baker had been my driver and essentially my right-hand for years. After I left the youth center earlier, I told him how Talitha was giving my ass the cold shoulder. It was him who suggested I show up to the park with a few bottles of wine to help plead my case.
Stepping out of the truck, I shot Rossi a text for their location and after getting the confirmation I needed, I headed toward the entrance with my bag of apologies in hand.
Once I located the trio, I made my way over to them. God must’ve been on my side because the spot on the grass next to Talitha was available. As soon as I was at her side, I unfolded my blanket and placed it down on the ground.
“What the hell,” she muttered.
Instead of acquiescing her, I passed the bag of wine to Rossi. “I hope you guys drink Moet. I stopped by and had them put together this charcuterie board and I also grabbed a few pastries.
“Thank you so much Mr. Harvey,” Marsha gushed and immediately fished the items out of the bag.
“Why are you here, Law?” Talitha gritted.
“Wanted to see who had the pleasure of taking you out on a date this evening.” I shrugged.
“You are so difficult.”
“All you had to do was agree to dinner and I wouldn’t have impeded on your evening plans.”
Before Talitha responded, she looked over to make sure Rossi and Marsha wasn’t paying us any attention. The two of us were having a heated, muffled debate unbeknownst to our other two guests. After realizing they were in their own little world, she rolled her eyes and turned back to me.
“I told you I had plans.”
“You lied and said you had a date.”
“Same difference.”
“Had you been truthful, I wouldn’t be here right now.”
“You shouldn’t be here regardless,” she groused. “I’m trying to unwind from an already chaotic work week. Hanging with my boss outside of work is not my idea of unwinding.
Ouch. I’ve been reduced to just her boss. “Is that where we are?”
“It’s where you put us.”
Scooting closer to her, I placed my hand at the small of her back, leaned in and whispered. “Is that all I am to you? Just your boss? You’ve reduced me down to that.”
She shrugged. “You made it this way when you went ghost on me. I know I have an issue communicating but from what I’ve seen, that’s never been your issue. You’ve been very vocal up until that point. So, what brought about the change?” she challenged.
“I don’t mind telling you. However, here isn’t the time nor place.”
“But it was the time and place for you to invite yourself?”
Pulling back, I laughed. “If you must know, I was invited by Rossi earlier.”
“Remind me to have a talk with him.”
“Why are you furrowing your brows at me? All I’m trying to do is apologize Talitha and take you out for dinner.”
“Fine.” She groaned. “If I agree to have dinner with you, would you leave?”
“I will.”
Sucking air into her lungs, she pushed it out before finally agreeing. “I’ll have dinner with you, Lawton.”
“We could’ve gotten this solved earlier. But… I’ll take what I can get.”
“I don’t think you have much of a choice,” she sassed.
“Tomorrow night at eight. Pick a restaurant and I’ll secure a reservation.”
Removing my hand from her back, I stood and pulled my phone out of my pocket. After firing off a text to Baker, I gathered my blanket. “Text me the details.”
By this time, I had Rossi and Marsha’s attention.
“Leaving so soon, Mr. Harvey?” Marsha asked.
“Yes. I just wanted to stop by and drop that off to you guys.” My head nodded to the bag. “I’ve gotta get home and turn down for the night. Tomorrow is a very busy day for me.” When I said the last part, I tossed my glance down at Talitha who was nibbling the corner of her lip. I knew her ass was pissed but she would get over it.
“Aww man. I thought you would at least have a drink with us.”
“Raincheck Rossi. I’ve gotta get going but the three of you have a good time. Talitha, if you need anything don’t hesitate to reach out.”
Squaring her shoulders, she slanted her eyes. “I think we will be just fine.”
“Then my time here is done.” I knew she was being smug, and I would let her have this moment; after all I was the one in the wrong. “See you tomorrow night. Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the rest of your evening.”
Paying Talitha one last glance, I walked away from the trio and to the entrance of the park where Baker had the truck waiting.
All day today, I had been wrapped up in meetings. Doing my due diligence, I ordered lunch for the staff at the youth center and had it delivered. I was sitting behind my MacBook in my third meeting of the day when a chat popped up from Talitha thanking me for the lunch. She wanted to let me know that the team really enjoyed it.
Of course, I told her to tell them they were most welcome, but I also used that moment to remind her that I had yet to receive the restaurant of her choice. The afternoon was slowly turning into the evening and I needed to secure a reservation before everything was unavailable.
It took her about thirty minutes to respond with a name. Excusing myself from the meeting, I walked out of the room and put in the call. After getting a confirmation, I rejoined my staff in the conference room and messaged Talitha back, letting her know what my arrival time would be to pick her up.
Her defiant ass told me she was going to drive and after I threatened to call Gema, she relented like I knew she would. Talitha was on my mind heavily, so much so that I’d failed to hear my assistant calling out for me.
“I’m sorry Chari, what was that?”
“You asked me to pull quarterly earnings.” Passing the stack of papers off to me, she exited the room.
Flipping through them for a brief minute, I gathered enough information that I needed to continue my meeting.
“Your subscriptions are down fifteen percent from last quarter, Mr. Guillot. Without you completely redoing your app, I don’t see how we would be of service.”
“I know… which is why I came to you. I’m out of options. Nothing is driving consumers to the app anymore. On the retail side, we’re profiting but this is my baby and to see it going down in the dumps is starting to upset me.”
“That’s to be expected. You’re trying to sell an app similar to Amazon, but your prices are more expensive. You’ve gotta either bring them down to meet the competitor or offer some type of incentive that’ll make them want to subscribe. We can make it happen, but it’s up to you to figure out which way you’re leaning.”
Mr. Guillot was the latest person to reach out to me about developing or should I say revamping his app. The G Spot was an app geared toward books. Everyone knows that Amazon’s Kindle app had the highest number of subscribers which is why Bezos and his team had recently raised their prices. What Mr. Guillot was offering his subscribers wasn’t even a fraction of what the Kindle app offered.
Where Kindle Unlimited had him beat was their flat rate monthly fee allowing the subscriber to read unlimited books as long as they were free. The G Spot had a monthly membership fee on top of subscribers having to pay anywhere between two to ten dollars for each book. If he didn’t change that, me revamping the app wouldn’t do shit for him.
“I want my app to be the next best thing, Mr. Harvey… and I heard you were the person to see.”
“I could take your money and redesign it. I have no problem doing so. But, I didn’t get where I am today by doing shady business. Before my team puts their hands on anything, we at least try to see if it’s worth the money that we charge. I mean, you came to me for help, not the other way. I can develop just about anything but without the foot traffic, you’ll be losing money.”
