Page 60 of Chemistry: The Chemist

“Who is she, Teddy?” Rome wondered with those big, pretty eyes planted on me.

“The woman I’ve chosen to give me an heir. That’s it, Rome.”

“But, it isn’t,” she protested.

Sometimes, her discernment was the curse and not the gift. Kissing my teeth, I laid my silverware down and shrugged.

“What is it, then?”

“You care,” she revealed. “You care about her. It’s been three weeks, which leads me to assume it’s deeper than that, too. You’re falling in– Chem.”

She couldn’t finish her statement. Bewilderment had her stumped. Her eyebrows crinkled. So did her top lip. Her nose widened as if she smelled something foul. The revelation she was having didn’t sit well with her. Taking a look around the table, I noticed it didn’t sit well with most of the women surrounding me.

“I’m proud of you,” Roaman spoke up, wiping the sides of her mouth with the dinner napkin.

Just like the others, she reeked of wealth. However, Roaman was in a class of her own. Her gentleness was striking. She was a model woman. I couldn’t remember a time she’d disappointed me or anyone else in our family. She was careful with her words, decisions, and actions. She was pure gold.

“Be more like Roaman,” I told the others.

“Roaman doesn’t even want to be like Roaman,” Roulette taunted, making the others laugh.

“Roulette, you never know what you’re talking about. I doubt that’s changed tonight.” Roaman shrugged, not at all fazed.

“The idea of you seeing someone makes my heart smile,” Rather shared. “Good for you, Chemistry.”

Rather had been pushing for companionship for years. She thought it would be a part of progressive therapy and a way to help manage my emotions better.

“I’m invested. When ready, tell me more,” my father added.

“Tell us more about her now,” Rugger demanded.

I shook my head. “No.”

“Please,” Range begged.

“Next subject, baby.”

“If you want to know more about her, just come to Roulette. Trust me, I don’t have to say anything else. You’ll know her the second you see her. She’s breathtaking. And she’ll be in the VIP room for our upcoming meeting. She’s a gem.”

“And she’s a dancer?” Rome perked up, slightly.

“Nothing like the dancer you are, but one nonetheless,” Roulette tittered.

“Not Chem done fell in love with a stripper,” Royce teased.

“Don’t speak that way, Royce. And if that was stated to offend me, it didn’t.”

“Not at all. It just added a bit of a plot twist that is rather exciting. I’m with Richie. I’m invested.” She folded her arms and sat back in her seat.

“Please… find something else to invest in. Tonight, we’re celebrating Rome.”

“We are,” Roulette agreed.

“And if you want your club to keep standing, baby, she better not see the paint of the VIP room. I will dismantle the entire club and build another one right where it stood –only when I feel like you’ve learned your lesson.”

Her head flew backward. She found my claims to be humorous, but I’d meant every word.

“I don’t have to convince you I’m not bluffing.”

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