Page 11 of Wifey
I roll down the window enough to hear more but not to be at risk. “Who requested me?”
“Finesse.” He answers.
They refer to him by his street name and I’m sure it’s out of respect. I look at the man and back at his partner, a Latino man with the same build. “Why are you both out here?”
“As protection for you and to ensure only you that enters this gate.” He steps aside. “After you, milady.”
I stare at him for a long moment before I restart the car. I don’t know why I’m surprised Cameron watched me from inside. I’m sure he has questions about what I’m doing there and not at the shops.
I slowly drive inside as the two men slowly follow behind me. The long driveway feels like I’m about to meet my fate and uneasiness fills my belly. The enormous linden trees that were welcoming once before, seem so dark and brooding now.
It’s too late to turn back and I have to meet Cameron. This is what I wanted, right? I wanted to confront Cameron and give him back the car and the money. Cameron let me leave without a fight last time, but I’m not too sure if he’ll be generous again.
As I pull up to the front of the home, I see more security awaiting me. Once I arrive at the front, I turn off the car and another security guard greets me at my door. He opens the door and waits for me to step out.
I hesitate for a minute, but eventually I do get out. It’s treatment I’m not used to but I can quickly get used to it. There’s an honor and respect that Cameron’s team have and it’s not just for him. They respect everyone he deals with, even if Cameron has personal beef with said person.
I finally step out of the car and the security gets in and drives away. I look after him as he pulls around the corner and out of my view. There it is. The ultimate sign of I’m stuck and that’s that. If things don’t go as planned, I’m not leaving here and maybe, that’s what Cameron wants.
I look back at the home, and I see more security flank the steps leading up to the front door. Coming out with a big smile and looking like she just won the lottery is Tesh, the house manager.
She’s an older, Southern Black woman with short hair and a manicure that tells me she doesn’t fuck around. She’s wearing sneakers with her slacks and dress shirt. It all looks expensive, and not from the flea market.
“Ms. Taylor Gray,” Tesh walks up to me as she slowly chews a piece of gum. Her tone is filled with both patience with a twinge of ‘I told you so.’ “I never thought you were going to be gone forever, Pooh.” Tesh smiles at me, like a mother who knows her child better than she does.
“I’m not staying, Tesh.” I politely warn her and Tesh just smiles at me.
“Sweetheart, if that were the case, you wouldn’t have come at all.” Tesh turns and begins to walk back inside the home. She stops when she notices I’m not following her. “He’s waiting for you, dear.”
I let out a deep sigh and follow Tesh inside Cameron’s home. It’s just as beautiful as I remembered. Polished marble floors, Mediterranean architecture, and imported goods from all over the world.
I still remember the movie theater in the back. The two kitchens – one for gatherings, and a small one for family and staff. The enormous back yard with an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The numerous bedrooms and bathrooms.
It’s an understated wealth, and there’s nothing flashy about it. It’s clear Cameron wants to be comfortable in luxury. If he’s not able to go out, he wants to be as comfortable at home. It’s a luxury I can begrudgingly admit I could get used to.
Tesh leads me down a long hallway and stops at a door. I remember it being the library. It had numerous books and other literature. I’m not sure if Cameron read everything but I wouldn’t be surprised if he did. He wasn’t the type to show off something he’s never read just to say he had it.
“He’s in there.” Tesh smiles at me. “Good luck.” She begins to leave.
“Tesh!” I call out to her and she turns around. “I’m not staying here. I’m returning the car, the money, and leaving.”
Tesh walks up to me and shakes her head. She’s a Southern woman with a grace and charm that could be deadly if she was crossed. “Cameron has the wealth to protect you. He also loves you very much and will move heaven and earth to see you smile. Don’t blow it because of foolish pride.” She smiles again before leaving me.
I have no idea what she meant by that and honestly, I don’t want to know. All I know is I need to not be a part of Cameron’s harem. He can buy a lot of women and I’m most certainly not one of them.
I knock on the door and hear Cameron’s deep voice on the other side. My body shivers as I remember it. It’s only been a week since I’ve seen him, yet it feels like forever.
Here goes nothing.
Five
I steeled myself and hesitated again. I don’t know if he’s truly alone in there but I’m assuming he is. Tesh would’ve let me know if Cameron was meeting with someone. Cameron shouldn’t intimidate me but knowing what he does makes me fear for myself again.
I don’t know what type of business dealings he makes on a daily basis. I also don’t know if he put out a hit on a rival or make another child an orphan. All of that could be true at any given time.
Swallowing what’s left of my resolve, I clear my throat and turn the knob. Upon entering, my breath is stolen. The feeling of my heart leaping out of my chest and breakdancing is something I had forgotten. Cameron quickly reminded me.
He is dressed like a business executive. He’s wearing a three-piece suit and dress slacks. He wore a bluish-silver tie with a brilliant white shirt, bringing out the natural tawny hue of his complexion.
