Page 10 of Tarek

“Yes mom. Melvin and I are through.” I close my eyes as I press my head back into the pillow.

“Penelope for the love of God he was a doctor. And after the incident with the priest at the last event.”

I still picture it vividly: me pulling back my fist and jabbing that priest right in the eye when he had the nerve to pinch my ass as I walked by. The nun sitting next to him screamed as he toppled over onto the green lawn. It didn’t help that he bounced on the lawn and was knocked out.

“He is a doc like you are, the only difference he is a cheater,” I wait for her reply.

“That dirty dog. Now what are you going to do?”

My eyes focus on the brochure with a baby and mother on it.

“I am going to get myself artificially inseminated and become a mother. Build a family for myself.”

“You already have a family, and I know yes artificial insemination works, but I can’t help think cows,”

“Mom!” Of course, leave it to my mother to think about cows.

“I’m not calling you a cow, but my friend Dr. Ramid is a vet, and I have seen him inseminate cows and I can’t help but?—”

“MOM!”

I hear her sigh over the phone. “I just want what’s best for my children. I am a doctor but I’m a mom first.”

Chuckling to myself, I can feel my mother wanting to lecture me, but she is holding it back.

“Now about Archer.”

“I will attend Archer’s fund raiser by myself, or I will bring Zeeta.”

My mom groans over the phone. “Between you two, no one is ever going to get married. Its hopeless.”

I would love a family of my own. Someone to love me unconditionally. I don’t think it’s in the cards for me, but my bestie Zee, with the right man, she will be an amazing wife.

“I want you to find love and be happy,” she exclaims.

“No, you want me to be picture perfect for Archer’s campaign. Plus, I want to you to find love too ma.” I make a mental note to call my big brother in the morning.

“Ha, child, my days for love are far gone.”

“Are they though? Have you ever known love, Ma?” I question.

“I thought I did…but no. Anyway, try to find a date for your brother’s gala. Image is everything right now. I love you.”

“I love you to ma.” Taking the watch off my wrist, I placed it on my side table swiping my silk bonnet to place over my red locs.

ChapterTwo

Dereck

“Congratulations on the engagement. This is a splendid party Dereck. Or do I call you, my Lord.” Mrs. Broulee flutters her fan against her chest.

I restrain myself from groaning or rolling my eyes. I inherited an empty title from my father, who inherited it from his before migrating from England to Lakeshore. Now with my engagement to Ilyana I’ve acquired what the title never gave me, money and power.

“Lord can be reserved for my father. Dereck is fine for me,” I look at the women in their regal dresses, the men either are looking for a wife or a new affair. The party is in full swing with my fiancé missing.

“Oh, humble and handsome. Dereck, you will be an amazing husband. It’s a pity my Jane didn’t grab you before Ilyana did.” Mrs. Broulee’s blue eyes catch the attention of someone behind my back.

“Excuse me. Sir,” I turn to see Ilyana’s butler Higgins. With a gloved hand, he pulls me to the side and whispers in my ear.

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