Page 39 of The Phyre that Burns
I’d just told her that my staff was aware of our past dealings.
“Nothing, baby. It’s not even that big of a deal.”
“Maybe not to you, but they smiled in my face all week, and none of them let on that they knew about us.”
“Because I swore them to secrecy and promised them three extra vacation days.”
“Why did you feel it necessary to tell them your business?”
“My staff is like my family. I’m with them more than I am with anyone else. Every other week, one of them was trying to hook me up with a family member or friend of theirs. I gave in a few times and went on a few blind dates. Of course, none of them worked out. For a minute, they thought I was gay, and once I cleared that up, I explained to them my heart belonged to someone else.”
“They thought you were gay because you didn’t like any of their family or friends?”
“Yeah. I thought it was funny, but I wasn’t offended. Once I told them what happened between us, they began praying for our reunion. That’s another reason nobody can convince me this wasn’t God’s work.”
I got out, retrieved our bags from the back seat, and went around the back of the car to open her door. After helping her out, we entered the building, holding hands. Before we reached the office, a voice behind us caught our attention.
“About fucking time!” Lennon shouted with his unprofessional ass.
We turned around, and he stood with his arms folded across his chest, grinning from ear to ear.
“I told you I would get my girl back. Baby, this is Lennon. He’s a pediatrician and works out of that office. We’ve beenfriends all our lives and own this building together. Lennon, this is Ginae.”
She offered her free hand to him, and he took it, but pulled her into a hug. Her body language said she was caught off guard, but she eventually returned the embrace. When they separated, Lennon’s smile was still wide.
“Well, well, well. I guess you aren’t a figment of his imagination. It looks like you decided to take him back, huh?” he questioned in a teasing manner.
“Should I reconsider? Is there something I should know?” she asked.
“Nah. Nothing bad, anyway. You got a good one. He’s been pining after you for a long ass time. Do you know how happy I am I don’t have to listen to his crybaby ass talk about how much he loves and misses you? I could kiss you.”
“And you could get fucked up too,” I told him.
“Ain’t nobody scared of your ass. Seriously, though, my boy has been fucked up about your breakup since it happened. I’m glad his prayers have been answered.”
Ginae looked at me, and all I could offer was a smile.
“Thanks for your honesty, Lennon. It was nice to meet you.”
“You, too. We should all grab lunch or dinner soon.”
“I’ll let you know,” I responded as we connected our fists before exchanging a one-armed hug.
We turned and headed to the office with only about ten minutes to prepare for our first patients. I opened the door and let Ginae enter first. Everyone was standing up front near the check-in counter and looked our way when we entered.
“Good morning!” Ginae greeted them with more enthusiasm than she had shown all of last week.
“Good morning. Someone is in a good mood,” Lauryn said, smiling.
“This is the first time I’ve seen you smile since you stared,” Tania said.
“Hold up. Did you two come in together?” Waylen asked suspiciously.
“Chill out. It’s too early for this,” I told them.
“Don’t tell them to chill out now. You’re the one who told them our business,” Ginae said. “If you must know, your prayers have been answered. Phyre and I are back together.”
My entire staff cheered and clapped as if someone had won the lottery, and I couldn’t lie, it felt like I’d hit the jackpot.
