Page 97 of Beautiful Desire

When I don’t reply, she begins again.

“Whatever you decide, just know I’ll support you no matter what. You’re my best friend. I love you, bitch.” I hear the smile back in her voice as she talks.

Even at times when she may not agree with my decisions, she’s always there for me.

“Thanks, G. I love you too, bitch. I’d better go. Talk later.” I end the call and remain seated on the closed toilet, taking a few moments to consider my thoughts and decide how I’m going to handle this.

Slipping my cell back into my purse before I exit the stall, I quickly wash and dry my hands before applying a little lip balm and giving myself a once-over. I take in a deep breath, hoping to muster up some confidence, before leaving the bathroom and head straight for Dom’s office.

His door is slightly ajar, and as I approach, I can hear him talking in a low voice. Knocking on his door, I wait for his reply.

“Come in,” he says, and the sound of his voice almost makes my knees give out.

When I peek my head around the door, he has his cell pressed to his ear.

But as I enter the office, making my way toward the front of his desk, he quickly says, “I’ll call you back,” and immediately hangs up on whoever was on the other end before putting his phone on the desk.

“What can I do for you, Miss Parker?” Dom asks, his eyes boring into mine.

“I-I just wanted to know what time you were thinking for dinner?” I ask, rolling my lips and fighting back the smile bursting to get out.

Dom, on the other hand, doesn’t fight it at all. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”

Giving him a quick nod, I turn on my heel, leave his office, and head back to my desk. Once seated, I reach into my purse and quickly shoot Gia a text.

Me

I don’t suppose you could have Lily for a sleepover tonight?

Gia

Of course, but Elle, you need to tell him. The sooner, the better.

A pang of uncertainty hits me in the gut as I think about how to even bring the conversation up. He’s going to ask too many questions. Questions I’m not so sure I’m ready to answer just yet.

Me

Love you, bitch. x

Gia

Yeah, yeah. I’ll be over at six to pick up Lily and help you pick a dress. Love you, bitch. x

Placing my cell back in my purse, I give in and allow the smile I’ve been trying to fight peek out just a little as I begin my work for today while excited and nervous butterflies take flight in my stomach.

* * *

I ran straight out of the office this evening, rushing to get home, excitement swirling inside me for my date tonight.

Putting the key in the door, I enter the apartment to see Melinda burping Lily who’s just finished her feed.

“Good evening, mama. You’re a little early today,” Melinda says with a smile on her face.

“Yeah, my boss let me go a couple of minutes early,” I tell her, making my way over toward them.

I reach out as she passes Lily over, knowing how desperate I am for a cuddle once I get through the door every evening.

“Is that right? Well, your girl there has been a little angel today, like always.” Melinda stands from the couch and walks into the kitchen, rinsing out the empty bottle.

---