Page 2 of Wifey
The stun of her words hits my core and I hate to admit she’s right. “I expected that from Hayley, not from you.”
“Tay, your savings was damn-near wiped out fighting that lawsuit against your dad’s killer. You were eating Cup Noodles at home while you’d serve fifteen dollar avocado toasts at your shop. You were barely breaking even, girl.” Meadow’s soothing voice has staccato notes. “Don’t act like Cameron didn’t save your ass.”
I know he did. Worst yet, so does Cameron. I’ll be forever indebted to him no matter what happens between us and I have a feeling that’s what he wanted. “And he owns me.” I shot back. “He told me he did. I can’t argue with that.”
“So don’t,” she replies. “He saved your shop and you’re acting like he should’ve let you starve. He’s the most powerful man in East Atlanta, and probably all of Georgia. Is this a fight you really want?”
“Integrity doesn’t have a price.” I turn away from the car. If I keep looking at it, I’ll want to drive it. “I don’t want to be purchased.”
“Everyone has a price, Taylor.” Meadow replies. “What’s yours?”
The hair on the back of my neck stands up. “Save me the dramatics,” I roll my eyes, “I need to get to work. I have a lot to do.”
“Well, you have a new car you can drive to work in.” Meadow picks up her Chanel bag, “have fun. Say hi to Cam for me.”
“We’re not dating,” I state and Meadow shakes her head as she walks away. She turns around to face me.
“What you think is going on and what is reality are two different things.” She raises an arched eyebrow before she leaves.
I hate my girl is right but I’ll worry about all of that other stuff later. I need to go to work and pretend none of this happened. I’ll drive my beat-up Honda Civic to the Fresh Espresso shops and be happy. I’ll pretend none of this happened.
Ignorance is bliss and I’m about to be really happy.
~~~~~~
Cameron didn’t disappoint with the changes.
There are several cameras placed in the corners of the shop, with a state of the art security system installed. In my office, I have security playback cameras with color. This isn’t a rinky-dink security system; this is all top of the line.
I push out a harsh breath from my lungs and shake my head. What the hell have I gotten myself into? All of it is a much-needed upgrade other than the chain and lock Daddy had for years. I’m surprised he was never robbed or burglarized. Honestly, I think he was, too.
“Well, this is a nice change.” Gabe Butler greets me. He’s a tall Black man with a goatee and dreads. He looks a lot like the rapper, Future, and gets confused for him on a regular basis. He was Daddy’s former right-hand man and I promoted him to the manager. It makes sense to make it official. “I’m glad you listened. Lamont wouldn’t budge.”
I wanted to tell Gabe it wasn’t my idea at all and that I didn’t want to change anything Daddy had done. I also knew I didn’t want to explain my connection to Cameron in any way, shape or form.
People may not have known who Cameron was but everyone knew who his daddy was. The incomparable and equally aggravating Republican senator Eric Page. He was just shy of 50, but had the boy-ish charm and gorgeous looks to make any woman weak, no matter how liberal she was.
Eric was known to be a hardline Republican and never budged too much from that stance. He did manage to put up the standard #blacklivesmatter statement like all of the other numerous brands, complete with the white lettering on black background.
All of that, just like some of the other brands, was just an act. The moment everything died downfor them, it was the usual voter suppression business from Eric. He claims to represent us, but really, he knows who he cares about and it’s most certainly not anyone Black.
For me to admit I accepted money from the well-revered and equally-hated Page family would make my father turn over in his grave.
“Well, it was time for a change.” I lied through my teeth. I feel sick to my stomach to lie but it’s better to say a lie than to explain the truth sometimes.
“A refreshing change this is.” Gabe smiles at me, showing all 32 of his teeth. He’s one of the main draws to Fresh Espresso and I would be lying if I didn’t think women came in for more than just a biscuit and jam. “It seems everything is better now. I know we had conversations about changing hours and possibly letting go of people.”
I don’t want to be reminded of any of that. I hate I was put in the position to consider it. I hate Cameron is the reason it was stopped. If it were any other angel investor, I wouldn’t even think twice and I would name a cup of coffee after that person.
How can I name anything after Cameron, knowing what he does and most importantly, who his father is?
“Yeah, that won’t happen now,” I say with a slight inflection in my voice. Honestly, I’m not sure. I don’t think Cameron would give me this money only to just play a cruel joke on me. My employees need the shop more than I do.
“So, what happened?” Gabe prods. I’m annoyed at him for being nosy, but he’s not. He genuinely wants to know how we went from being on the verge of closing to suddenly, we’re swimming in money.
“Generous donations.” It’s not a lie. “Someone really loved my father and wanted to see his shop stay open. That’s all.”
“Hey! That’s great news!” Gabe beams and flashes his orthodontist’s work. “Do we know who it is? We should name a coffee after them!”
