Page 58 of Desire

Tammy B: It’s nothing like I planned. You weren’t supposed to fall in love.

Me: Your plans for my life don’t matter. I won’t have this conversation again.

Tammy B: We’ve known each other for years. Why won’t you consider my feelings?

Me: I will never consider you when it pertains to my personal life, especially my wife. I don’t know what the hell you think this is, but this ain’t that. Take the day off and get yourself together. This is your final warning. If you continue to speak on my personal life, you’ll have to find another job.

The bubbles appeared and disappeared a few times, but I guess she decided not to reply.

“Mommy, I finish. Can I have juice?”

“Of course, baby.”

I called Aziel while pouring juice into Azaria’s cup.

“You good?”

“I’m fine. I’m calling to let you know Tammy probably won’t return to work today.”

“Desire,” he said sternly, questioning my actions without actually asking a question.

“What? I didn’t do anything to her. Not directly.”

“Tell me what happened.”

“I told you we exchanged a few words before she left. Well, she doesn’t know I have your phone and thought it was appropriate to text you and talk shit.”

“And what did you do?”

“I replied as you and we exchanged a few texts. I ended up telling her to take the day off. I’ll send you the screenshots.”

“Nah, don’t even worry about it. I don’t want you to send them to my work cell. I’ll be home shortly to meet with Quinton. He has some information for us.”

We talked for a few more minutes before he had to take another call. Azaria had finished her juice and ventured into the family room. I found her on the couch playing with her dolls.

“Come on, Ria. Let’s get dressed.”

“Okay, Mommy.”

My heart swelled and would continue to do so for as long as she addressed me by that name. After we were dressed, we did her first lesson of the day. It took about an hour, and she began to get antsy, so we went outside to the backyard.

She played long enough to work up an appetite, and we went inside for lunch. There were enough stuffed bell peppers to have another full dinner, and just as we sat down to enjoy them, Aziel walked into the kitchen.

“Daaddyy,” Azaria sang as she always did when she saw her father. “Mommy make lunch.”

“Hey, baby girl. It smells good, too. Did you save some for Daddy?”

She nodded as he kissed her forehead before heading in my direction to do the same.

“We need a bell or something to put above the door. I don’t like being unable to hear when people come in.”

“I’ll get right on that, baby. I’ll change the codes, too. Is there enough for me?” he asked, referring to the food.

“There’s plenty. Let me make you a plate.”

“Nah, I can do it myself. Eat your food.”

He washed his hands at the kitchen sink and made himself a plate. He’d already taken a few bites when he sat down.

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