Page 346 of Savage Bosses

“No problem.”

“But that’s not why I asked you to stay back. I needed to talk to you about something personal.”

Porsha looked curious as she sat on the edge of the table. “Okay.”

“Chandra and Jasper came by to let me know about Abuela’s birthday party, which is coming up soon.”

“Okay, and what does that means with me?”

“You know Abuela adored you. She still does. She always asks about you, asking why we’re not together anymore.”

“And what did you tell her?”

“That you left town. Chandra kind of went along with the story, especially since she’s sick.”

Porsha nodded. “I know; Chandra told me. I’m really sorry that your family is going through this. I know how much she means to you all.”

I nodded. “Thank you. That’s why I’m bringing up about the party. Abuela knows you magically returned back to town and would love to have you there, but as my date.”

Porsha raised her brow and shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“What if you have no choice?”

She arched her neck at me, which I knew what that meant. She was about to go off on me, which was probably deserved but, at this point, she had to realize why.

“Before you say anything, you need to hear me out.”

“It better be good.”

“The reason why you have to be my date is because she thinks we’re back together.”

“Who told her that?”

“It could have been anyone, but it definitely wasn’t me. I was sort of shocked myself when Chandra brought the idea up.”

“It was hers,” Porsha whispered.

“I’m not for this idea either but, honestly, we don’t know how much longer she will live, so we’re trying to do what’s best to make her happy, and I guess Chandra feels this will.”

“Do you?”

“Do I what?” I asked when I already knew what she was asking.

“Do you believe this will be a good idea? The two of us on a pretend date when we clearly don’t want to be around each other.”

“I never said I didn’t want to be around you, Porsha. In fact, I have enjoyed spending time with you recently.”

“But with everything that has happened, you still don’t trust me, right?”

I rubbed my chin before speaking, “No, I don’t, that’s why this ‘date’ is not a social event. It will be a work obligation.”

“Excuse me?” Porsha glared. She stood in front of me as if she was ready to battle. “You’re forcing me to go?”

“Yeah, for my grandmother; nothing more and nothing less. So, don’t expect to cancel. If you do…”

“I’ll lose my job, yeah, yeah.”

“This is not a joke, Porsha. Since you wanted your career more than a relationship, then by all means you can have it, but I’m going to see how serious you are with your job.”