Page 48 of Seventeen Years Ago

“Don’t bother. Her grandmother is in there with her.”I wonder if grandma is the one who told her I’m...gay?

“Well then, might as well deal those cards. Since you’re in the generous mood of losing, maybe I’ll win a hand,” he said.

I didn’t want to play cards. Didn’t want any company either. I needed to talk to Aiza. Since that wasn’t happening anytime tonight, I might as well update Caydan regarding what’s been going on with Reesa.

“Let’s make this more productive. I told you I declined Reesa’s offer?” I asked.

“You did.”

“She doesn’t take no for an answer very well. We had just started a final discussion when Aiza’s grandmother told us about the storm coming.”Can’t believe she was right.“I don’t know what she has that I haven’t heard already, but she insisted I hear her out one last time.”

“Sounds like Reesa. She’s determined to get you to see the vision she has,” Caydan said.

“It seems like stubborn is a Tabiqian woman trait,” I said.

Caydan nodded. “For the record, I’m half Tabiqian and I’ve learned that the men carry it as well.”I should’ve known.“I’m not giving up. You’re the right person. I just hope you realize that before it’s too late.”

Were we still talking about the project? “I told you; I’m not interested.”

“You keep telling yourself that, and maybe you’ll believe it. I don’t,” Caydan said. Then his cell phone rang, and he answered it. “Hi, Allyson. Is everything okay?” He nodded when she replied, “I’m on my way.”

“Anything wrong?” I asked.

“Yes. As I told you it is my anniversary week, and my wife thinks I should be spending it with her. She’s right. They always are. Keep that in mind when you’re dealing with Aiza,” he said.

“She’s not my wife,” I reminded him.

“Not now, but like this project, you might just be too damn stubborn to see you’re a perfect fit. Get out of your own way, loosen up, and have fun. Maybe if you do, she won’t think you’re...”

“Don’t say it,” I warned.

He raised his hand and smiled. As he was leaving my room, he said, “Have a good night.”

Ha. That wasn’t going to happen. I had so much on my mind, and none of it had to do with the project or the hurricane. I needed to know what was going through Aiza’s mind that she thought I was gay.

I shouldn’t care what she thinks, but I do. Care is exactly what I feel. The problem is I care deeper than I expected or wanted.

Maybe I should let her keep thinking I’m gay. It might hurt her less when I leave.

As I sat back on the couch a smile crossed my face.

One way or another, I still owe her a massage and I always pay my debts. Too bad I didn’t wager more, like a kiss.

CHAPTER18

Aiza

I always woke up alone in my bed, but this morning I expected to find my grandmother sound asleep beside me. She wasn’t there.

Damn it. Please don’t be talking to Steven.

Last night left me confused and frustrated. What game was Steven playing with me? He didn’t want me, was not attracted to me, yet he wanted to give me a massage. He was driving me crazy. I felt like I was on a rollercoaster of emotions, and I needed this ride to stop. Even though I was not looking forward to it, Steven and I needed to have a conversation, and it was going to be a difficult one.

I went into the bathroom, brushed my hair and my teeth, then headed out of my room to look for Steven. The living room was empty, which was odd. Even if Steven wasn’t there, my grandmother should be.

“Grandma?” I called out, knowing that there wouldn’t be a response.

The curtain moved by the balcony door.Please don’t be outside.I walked over and noticed the glass door was open. Even as I stepped out onto the balcony, I saw a magnificent sunrise. It felt so good on my face, and I inhaled the fresh air. The storm was over.

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