Page 37 of Wifey
I know Cameron felt he was reassuring me but it was anything but reassuring. It honestly feels like the quiet before the storm, and I don’t know if anyone can handle a Category 5 Cameron. “A while?”
“I won’t make a move until she does,” he kisses my forehead and turns my face towards his, “and when she does, it’ll be the last move she’ll ever make.”
Sixteen
The next several months are quiet. Most of Atlanta opened back up, though we’re still social distancing. I didn’t want to take the chance in case someone else was stupid with their health.
Everything at the shops are going great. We’re busier than ever and preparing for a crazy holiday season. My employees are getting steady paychecks and I didn’t have to lay anyone off or cut any hours.
Ethan has left me alone and has only come in for coffee and pastries. There was an obvious tension between us whenever we did see each other but we both played nice. There was no evidence of wrongdoing on my part and Ethan couldn’t prove otherwise.
Things are more or the less the same with Alicia. We have a nice vibe with each other, but there is a weird tension between us as well. She has become more distant towards me while I’ve become increasingly suspicious of her.
She knew Daddy on an intimate level so she would have more to gain by the selling of the property and she encouraged me to do so when money was very tight. It’s not that we hate each other, but we don’t have a whole lot of love for each other anymore.
I know a part of it is my fault. Alicia never approved of Cameron and maybe I felt like she was overstepping her boundary. I’m a grown woman. It might be hard for people who’ve known me since I was a baby to accept I’m an adult, but I have to live my life.
Even if it means making some incredibly stupid choices.
The one person who hasn’t disappointed me was Gabe. He’d been by my side and even listened to me rant and rave about life as we exchanged stories. He never judged and only offered advice. I honestly don’t know what I do without him.
“I know you’re not going to spend your entire day on your phone when we’re shopping for my dress?” Meadow waves her hand in my face. “Hello?”
I smile up at her and put away my phone. “I’m here. I had to do business.”
“I have to do business, too!” Hayley says as she bounces Monica on her lap. “But I still know when I need to be here for my girl, now!”
“I know you, out of all people, aren’t putting me on a guilt trip.” I roll my eyes as I take a glass of champagne from the manager of the bridal shop. “At least one of us is getting married here to a respectable guy.”
“Que and Cameron are respectable men,” Hayley defends our boyfriends. “In their own way.”
“In their own way.” I deadpan.
“Anyway!” Meadow goes into a room with a gown in tow. “How is everything? It seems like I barely see you two anymore! Damn coronavirus!”
“Well, you’re the one that wanted to be a doctor, ma’am!” Hayley shouted back. “But for real, though, you’re doing God’s work, booboo. We love you for that!”
“God’s work but the Devil’s Playground.” Meadow shouts back. “I’ve seen more death than I’m willing to admit and ever be comfortable with. People play around and think it’s a game until they’re on a respirator and can’t breathe.”
“I heard that!” Hayley shakes her blond locks. “That’s why I stay home with Mo here and I don’t even leave my house. I know that’s right!”
My eyeballs felt they were going to roll themselves to the back of my head and permanently stay there. Hayley had been steadily going out every weekend and posting on IG like she was on permanent vacation. The party clearly hadn’t slowed down for her.
“I know you fucking lying.”
“Why you tell everyone my business?” She shoots me a dirty look.
“Anyway!” Meadow shouts. “Tay, how are things between you and Killa Cam?”
My body goes stiff hearing Meadow’s nickname for Cameron. I know it’s supposed to be playful but everyone in this room sans the staff knows it’s not a joke. Not that I can ever forget what Cameron does, but it’s a stark reminder.
I’ve lived with Cameron for the past three months. I hate how I’m already accustomed to the special treatment associated with him. I didn’t realize how much I liked being called Ms. Taylor by his staff. I never had to worry about meals because everything was all prepared.
Whenever I went shopping and presented his card, there was a respect and admiration from the staff and they didn’t question if I had the money or the authority. I was used to discount stores and Fashion Nova for my clothes. Now I shop at places were they serve champagne as you browse.
As much as I’m used to the preferential treatment, a lingering question is in the back of my head – would I be okay being Mrs. Cameron Page knowing what he does?
We haven’t talked about marriage at all, not even hinting at what could’ve been. Would it be a big wedding with the who’s who of the political world? Would all of the celebrities that supported Daddy want an invite? Would it be a glamorous affair?
