Page 73 of Mister President

She brushed her nose against mine before kissing my lips. “You’re right. I’m not going to let this distract me and keep me from pressing forward. We did something amazing today, and I’m going to keep going with The Masterpiece Mission. There are women who would have been in my position today and allowed it to make them crumble. I won’t let it.”

“Wait…That’s what you’re going to name it?”

“Mhm.”

“I like that. What’s the meaning behind it?”

“Well…” The childlike innocence of her tone as she played with the collar of my shirt made me want to do whatever I could to be there for and protect this woman. “When I was doing my planning for the mission statement, bible verses kept coming to mind. Three specifically. Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 139:14, and Genesis 1:27.

“They all basically talk about how we’re wonderfully made in the image of God. That we’re His canvases, His works of art, His masterpieces. I didn’t feel like that at all, but then I thought about how just by being alive, God made me worthy. I want everything I do with The Masterpiece Mission to be like a mirrored reflection of the internal beauty that’s in all of us because of God. I want to be a canvas that God uses to show women what’s possible if they step into their true identity that can only be found in Him.

“I’ve been listening to Jazmine Sullivan’s ‘Masterpiece’ a lot, and that’s the message that’s been resonating with me. I think that’s why I was so hurt over what happened today. It felt like I took a million steps back but—”

“Shh, I don’t even want to hear you say that.” I pecked her lips softly. “It was a trick of the enemy to see if you would stand firm on the foundation God has given you to stand on or not.That purpose is heavy on you, bae. This probably won’t be the last attempt to stop the greatness that is about to be birthed inside of you, but as long as you remain faithful, you’re going to pass every test.”

Her hand cupped my cheek. “You keep showing me reasons I need you in my corner. I didn’t value your place in my life in the past or even partnership for that matter, but the way you encourage me, pour into me, lift me up—I’m so blessed to have you.”

“I feel the same way about you. We done been through some shit, but I really believe things are only going to get better for us going forward. I’m looking forward to seeing just how beautiful life is about to be.”

As her hand slipped down the back of my head, she connected her lips with mine. And just that quickly, all was right in our world again.

The Following Monday

When the temporaryreceptionist told me I had a visitor, I wasn’t expecting it to be Fiona. She looked good, refreshed. I was a little disappointed when she ended up leaving before her two weeks’ notice was up, but I wasn’t surprised. She didn’t need to work here or anywhere else for that matter. I hated that she wasn’t a woman of her word, but I also couldn’t imagine how it felt to work for me knowing we couldn’t be together, when that was the only reason she was here. So, even though it wasn’t how I would have ended things, I didn’t blame her.

I appreciated that she waited for me by the receptionist’s desk instead of coming to my office. As far as I was concerned, there would never be a reason for us to be alone.

“Wassup?” I greeted.

“Hi. How are you?”

“I’m well. You?”

“Same. I um…saw the live you and your family did yesterday. Y’all looked beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“Are you and Amanda back together?”

Chuckling, I crossed my arms. “Is that what you came here for?”

Fiona sighed and shook her head. She went into her purse and handed me an envelope. “No. I wanted to give you that. It’s a check for the donations. I wasn’t able to add the account information online.”

“Is this from you or your father?”

A tiny glimmer filled her eyes. “Both. He’s too proud to say it, but he regrets how things ended between the two of you.”

“It’s best if he doesn’t say it because it won’t change anything.” I extended the envelope back in her direction. “I appreciate the donation, but I don’t want him involved. Had it come just from you, I would have taken it. Thank you though.”

Her stance slouched as she pouted. “Come on, Elias. I never wanted to come between the two of you. If you would just talk—”

“I don’t have anything to say to him, and I don’t want his money. If that’s all you came for, you can leave.”

When I turned to walk away, she grabbed my arm to stop me. “I figured you would say that, so I wrote a second check from my account just to be safe.”

I chuckled and shook my head as she reached into her bag for a second envelope. “Thank you, Fiona.”

“You’re welcome. I love what you’re doing. Um…is it still okay if I come to the Thanksgiving party?”

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