Page 47 of Rousing Renee

“I did. Oh, and I messaged Sasha. She’s good, and?—”

“Already? I just asked like five seconds ago?”

“What can I say? I’m a very good multi-tasker. Anyway, I informed Renee. That leaves…”

“Me to get coffee and a shower.” I stretched as I stood.

“Talk to you later, Captain.”

I disconnected the call and felt heavier now than before we’d talked. The distance was already setting in between Renee and me.

“It’s a double-edged sword and you need to figure out which angle you’re going to play. One side or the other, both, or none. Depends on how you feel about her. I suggest honoring the request but showing up, regardless. Letting her win the class assignment requests, but still being in her space. Reassure her another way.”

“How am I supposed to do that?” I asked the universe, hoping for an eye opener–an epiphany.

My phone rang and Derek’s name and a goofy photo of us popped on the screen as the background. I smiled and answered.

“What’s up, bro?”

“How’s it going?” he asked.

“Good.”

“Yeah? I heard really good things about week one and how the class can’t wait to see how you’ll elevate the experience in week two.”

“No pressure, right?” I joked.

“All the pressure. If you really did break them down the way I heard you did, it’ll be nice to see how you’ll build them back up. I also hear there’s a burlesque show happening?”

“How did anybody find out so quickly? I just approved the idea ten minutes ago.”

“Excitement travels fast. I’m going to reach out to Renee to see if she needs any help. How are the two of you doing?”

I sighed, hating his sixth sense. “When will you stop being creepy?”

“Who knows? So, what’s going on? I know the two of you are compatible. Almost perfect. What’d you do?”

“Why was it me?”

“Because you’re supposed to be the rational and sound mind in the relationship. The oar who keeps the boat moving. If it’s stalled, who else do I ask?”

I didn’t argue, I just filled him in. Going in circles with a man who knew too much for his own good was pure insanity.

“She’s right,” he said when I was finished. “Subconsciously, you’re still holding on to Tammy. We all know she was never the one for you. She was always trying to outsmart you. You happen to let her do it every time. Love makes everybody blind.”

“I wasn’t looking for a lecture, bro.”

“Close the chapter with Tammy once and for all. Show Renee you mean what you said. But continue to be consistent. Show up for her or you’ll lose her. She’s used to being alone and afraid. Be there for her and let her see she’s not. Actions are louder. Be where she is. Court her. Surprise her. Stop talking about yourself because you’re six feet under at this point.”

“I have closed that chapter with Tammy. We talked!” I sighed loudly.

“I said close it, not pause it. Get her out of your condo or find another one. It’s still in limbo and Tammy can keep playing that card of her new place isn’t ready until the wheels fall off. Move the hell on, E.”

Words said by Renee, Kelly, and Derek. Different verbiage, but it all meant the same.

“I hear you, bro.”

“Good. I’ll be checking in to see how the rest of the weeks are going. Keep doing what you do.”

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