Page 17 of For the Lover in You
I made my way out of the diner to head back to the office. I had to figure out how to explain all of this to Susanna without her thinking I had a different motive. Susanna's first thought would be that I had had some sexual dealings with Mila, even though all I wanted to do was help her. Yet I couldn't ignore the heated thoughts that flushed through my mind as I thought about how amazing she would look riding me while her eyes rolled in the back of her head. I knew if I didn't gain control of my crazy thoughts before her first day, I would be proving Susanna right.
Six
Mila
It was the next day, and my anxiety was the same as it had been yesterday as I rode to my new job. So much took place that my brain hadn't caught up. Chasity and Trina spent the rest of the day reminding me that everything that was happening was a blessing. I couldn't help but wonder why me? I thought about how Tremaine stepped in and defended me from Kyle. His demeanor was professional, but I could tell that if he had to get rowdy, he didn't mind doing so. My hesitation was strong. A part of me couldn't help but feel that there was a hidden agenda behind all of this. Maybe I was a tax write-off, or maybe he got the pleasure of taking on charity cases. Whatever it was, I planned to take everything with a grain of salt and keep my guard up.
A few minutes later, I arrived at the building. On the storefront, there was a huge sign that read:Houston's Real Estate. It was a one-story red and black brick building with big, tinted windows. The neighborhood was pleasant. A few people were out early with their coffee and dogs, getting a start on theirday. There were other buildings around the office, and I was sure the streets came to life around noon.
The anticipation in my steps grew as I made my way to the front door. I took a deep breath and said a quiet prayer to myself before opening it. As soon as I opened the door, a young, light-skinned woman with curly blonde hair greeted me. She wore a light pink dress that stopped just above her knees and nude heels. She wore soft makeup and simple silver jewelry.
"You must be Mila?" she asked with a tight smile.
I nodded. "Yes, I'm Mila, and you are?"
"Susanna Richardson."
"Nice to meet you, Susanna. I'm actually here to speak with Mr. Houston about the office manager position."
She folded her arms across her chest. The once-tight smile dropped. Her face was straight as she peered into my eyes.
"How do you know, Mr. Houston?"
Her voice was no longer soft, but stern. She wasn't happy with my presence, so I began to think that this was Mr. Houston's girlfriend or wife. I wasn't surprised. A man as successful as him would have a young piece of ass on his arm.
"I met him at my old job. Well, current job, only part-time now." I smiled, hoping to break the tension.
"Mmm, are you dating him?"
My eyes widened. "Dating Mr. Houston? Absolutely not! Our first interaction wasn't the best, which is why I'm still surprised he offered me the position here."
"Your first interaction?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Where do you work?"
"Justine's."
Her eyes widened. "Are you the server who had him ready to write a Yelp review?"
I shrugged. "Probably."
She replaced her stern look with a smile. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Mila."
"Nice to meet you, too." I smiled back.
"Have a seat over here. Mr. Houston should be in soon. Would you like water or coffee?" she offered.
I shook my head. "I appreciate the offer."
I made my way to the white sofa sitting by the large windows. Everything in the office was white. The desks were white, along with the chairs, including the MAC computers. The only pop of color was the art that decorated the walls. Low, soft jazz music played from the ceiling, and the sun tried to beam through the vast windows. It was a calm space.
I pulled out my phone and checked the group chat with Trina, Chasity, and me.
Trina:You got this, best friend! And please go with the three-bedroom apartment. It's new, and it gives you more space. The amenities are fire!
Chasity:I agree with Trina! Plus, the waiting list for that place is four years. He is pulling some strings for you!
Me:I don't know y'all. I am grateful for all of this, but I can't help but be suspicious. Why me? Is what I keep asking myself.
Chasity:Stop asking why me and start saying why not me. You've been through hell. You deserve this!
