“I’m sure you’re going to tell me,” Selena murmured.

“So happy that I try not to miss a night of giving him fellatio.”

Selena gasped, and her eyes popped on a faltering smile.

“Mmhmm.” Octavia nodded. “Dinner is never served without it.” Octavia licked her lips. “It’s the best fellatio I’ve ever given.”

Selena tossed her head back and roared so hard the chair tilted, and she almost toppled over.

“Oh my God! Who are you and what have you done with Octavia!?”

Octavia strolled around the desk with a sway in her hips. “Jonathon turned Octavia out. It’s Mrs. Freak Nasty Rose to you.”

Selena continued to peal over, appreciating every moment of the laugh.

“That just made my whole day. I needed that so bad.” She giggled.

Octavia winked. “I thought you might.”

A heavy knock resounded at Selena’s office door, causing the ladies to become quiet instantly. Octavia peered over at Selena, and Selena shrugged. Octavia took the last few steps to the door and opened it.

“Special delivery,” the young man said.

Selena stood. It was the same young fella from Maggie’s Daley Park with the box of roses. Selena rounded her desk and paced up to him.

“Well, hello again,” she said.

“Madam,” he responded.

“Are you sure you have the right office?”

The young man smiled. “Certain.”

He pulled out a single pink rose and handed it over to Selena.

“Philia,” they both said concurrently. “It’s the friendship rose,” Selena practically whispered.

The young man smiled. “Good memory,” he said.

“There is no way I could forget.”

The young man handed over a small square note.

“Have a great day,” he said, beaming, then turned and disappeared.

Octavia waited for Selena’s explanation and Selena opened the note.

“Let’s not pretend to be just fine. Trust me, Selena, I’m your ally.”

Selena shut her eyes and exhaled, holding the note against her chest. It was a remix of a piece of his poem from The Velvet Café.

“Whatever’s going on seems pretty sentimental. BUT what I want to know is what do you plan to do about it?” Octavia asked.