Page 24 of Never Want to Love Again

Turning my nose up and rearing my head back while reading the email, I swiped to the next one.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

I never take no for an answer. Your bags have been handled. Lee will be by to pick you up at 3 p.m. You’re off for the next three days, and if you decline this trip, you’ll be fired.

Crown Heart

I shot up in bed with a hand on my chest.

“This nigga is insaaaane!” I hollered out loud. With shaky hands, I navigated to Asia’s contact.

“Good morning, bestie. On your way to work?” she asked through a yawn. “Oh, Happy Valentine’s Day, boo.”

“Fuck all that!” I squeaked. Asia gasped. “Why I wake up to two disturbing ass emails. One from Shawn talking about how he sees me in the blogs with Crown and yada yada yada. The other email is from Crown telling me I’ll be fired if I don’t go on this three-day vacation with him.”

“Vacation with Crown Heart for the wiiiin,” Asia squealed. “Yes, bestie. I am so happy for you!”

I pinched the bridge of my nose.

“Asia… I told this man that I wasn’t going on a vacation with him. He is my boss. I work for him, and no one else is coming but him and me.”

“Kupid, if I were near you, I’d slap some sense into your ass. That man likes you. You act like you’re employed at a Fortune 500 company. Crown is one boss you can fuck and get away with it.”

“What, Asia?” I laughed. “The shit you say.”

“I am so for real, and plus, that means my hubby and I will get lifetime tickets to his shows. Fuck that nigga, Kupid,” Asia encouraged.

“Using my pussy for tickets. Shame on you,” I joked.

“Take it how you want it, but on a serious note, I know you are off of niggas right now, but it’s okay to have fun. Have funwith Crown. You don’t even gotta get serious. Get that pussy beat the fuck up on an island by a fine-ass rapper.” Asia giggled.

“I’m not fucking Crown, Asia.”

“Hmm, okay,” was her response. “All I know is, you better get up and get ready before yo’ ass gets fired. I hope you got a wax and shit.”

“I had a wax appointment the other day, but not for no man to be between my legs,” I told her.

“I know that’s right! Stay ready!” Asia said, dismissing what I had just said. “I wish I were going to an island, but I love all this for you. Let Crown spoil you, girl. My favorite rapper is going to wear you and that pussy down.”

“Oh my gooosh. Bye, Asia. I’ll let you know when I land since I don’t want to get fired.” I groaned.

“Do that. I love you, babe.”

“I love you, too, Asia. You and Shamar enjoy Lover’s Day. No more babies.”

“Gworl, don’t even say that word,” she whispered. We giggled together and then ended the call.

Getting out of bed, I scratched my head while gazing around my room. It was turning eight p.m., the time when I would have been logging onto my computer at Crown’s house and starting my work day. Now, I had to shower and pack a bag because what did he mean my bag had been taken care of?

A few hours later…

As I was locking up my door, a call from Nisha came through. I didn’t think about calling her and asking her about this trip. She had to have been the one to book everything for Crown.

“Hey, Nisha,” I answered in a dry tone. She snickered.

“Hey, babe. You know I couldn’t tell you anything. I’m on his payroll, but I just called to say to enjoy yourself, especially today. It’s Valentine’s Day.”

“Nisha, Crown is not my man. I was content with going over to his home and working. That negro told me he would fire me if I didn’t oblige!” That caused Nisha to laugh again.

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