Coveted (20 page)

“
Is it okay if I come in and talk to you for a little while?”

She looks up at me and I can tell that she is getting tired herself.

“
Just for a little while, okay? This has been a long day and I am somewhat tired.”

“
I don’t need that long,” I tell her.

As she proceeds to go through her bedtime ritual, I take a seat on the bed and watch her. I can see her watching me through the mirror.

“
What’s on your mind?” she asks me.

“
Right now I am enjoying the sight of you in front of me getting ready for bed. I miss this in my life. I miss you.”

I watch as the hand brushing her hair pauses, and then continues the motion slowly.

“
Kaden, I miss you too. I’m just smart enough to know that nothing good comes out of being with you. Well except our children,” she quickly amends.

“
What if I told you, I am willing to take things as slow as you want to take them, if you give me another chance?” I get up from the bed, walk up behind her, place my hands around her waist and look at her in the mirror.

“
See how good we look together?” I ask her reflection as she stands there with her eyes closed.

She opens her eyes and lays the brush down on the dresser.

“
Kaden…” I can feel that she was about to move away from me, so I tightened my grip on her waist.

“
Please Naima. I can be what you need me to be. I am ready now.”

“
Kaden,” she says again. She turns in my arms to face me, and lays a hand softly on my cheek. With her fixated hazel eyes on mine, she continues, “You know I love you right? I will always love you, but I am moving on with my life.”

I can feel the world shatter around me. This could not be my reality. Life without her by my side is not an option.

“
I cherish all the memories.” I lower my head, pulling her into a kiss before she can say anything else.

I had forgotten that kissing Naima was like moving mountains; every time it felt like a sense of accomplishment - almost like winning the Super Bowl. I can tell I caught her off guard by the way her breath was caught in her throat. I know she wants to move on with her life, but I cannot let her go. Running my hands through her hair, I can feel her softening, offering less resistance.

I was sadly mistaken. She gently, but firmly pushes me away.

“
I think its time for you to leave,” she tells me, slightly winded. I smile inwardly, nice to know I still have that affect on her.

I reach out, tipping her chin up so she can look at me. “I’m not giving up on you easily.”

She blushes as she removes her face from my hand. “Kaden, I would like for you to come over regularly to spend more time with the kids, more than you have been doing. However, that will be the extent of your visits. I’m dating someone,” she says as she starts moving toward the door to let me out, I suppose. I guess my time alone with her was coming to a screeching halt.

Opening the front door for my departure, I can tell Naima is wavering. I can feel it. I will find a way to get her back. I guarantee it. I start walking down the porch steps.

“
Kaden?” I turn to look back at her as she leans in the doorway. “I really hope you find the woman, you’re looking for.”

“
I did,” I tell her as I raise my eyebrow, “I found her when I was 17.” I look at her for a minute, raise my right hand to salute her, then turn and jog down the rest of the steps.

On my way home, I glance down at my cell; it said I have four missed calls. Scrolling through the calls, I see that Haven called three times, back-to-back. Damn, would that woman ever leave me alone?

The other missed call is from Damir Collins.

Calling him back immediately, I feel an adrenalin rush. This could be a great opportunity for me.

“
Damir speaking,” he answers the phone.

“
Damir, this is Kaden returning your call.”

“
Kaden, thanks for getting back to me. What is your schedule looking like for next Friday? I want you to come in, do a screen test and we can go over some details.”
“Friday is good,” I tell him.

“
Great, I will have my assistant give you a call sometime next week to give you location and time information. How does that sound?”

“
That sounds good. I will see you next Friday.”

“
Alright, see you then. Take care.” He hangs up the phone.

I smile. Life is definitely looking up.

Emeri 2
0

Having a dad around is the best. Mrs. Cynthia is an added bonus I love her like my own mother. She makes me feel so welcome. Who would have thought that my life could end up like this? To go from just above poverty, to living in luxury was crazy. I never would have imagined, not in a thousand years. I love it. The only glitch in my new family is Naima.

The princess does not know what it is like to struggle. I thought I wanted a sister, but after being here for a few weeks, I have come to the realization that there is not enough space in this family for both of us. She definitely has to go. She grew up with Kenneth and Cynthia; it is only fair that I have a chance to have a real family.

I am in the family room, looking at the millions of photos of her all around. There is no denying that my
sister
is a gorgeous woman. You can tell that Kenneth and Cynthia doted on her as a child. My eyes begin to water. It just did not seem right how the powers that be divvied up the families. It is not as if we got to choose who we wanted our parents to be. Why do so many people grow up in such a blessed environment, while the rest of us are left to struggle and find our way in the world?

I go to the fireplace and pick up a framed photo of Naima, Namiyah, Kalani and her legally separated husband on a beach somewhere. I feel the anger washing over me. I was damn-near poor and this bitch was on beaches and shit, living the good life. Her husband was gorgeous.
Damn
. First him, then Damir, how many sexy men was one woman supposed to collect in a lifetime. I put the frame back on top of the fireplace.

Something has to be done; this can not continue. I am going to make sure of that. I hear the front door open. I know in a matter of seconds that someone will cut up my peace.

“Hi Emeri.”

“Hey Naima. What’s going on?” I ask her, trying to be social and contain my resentment.

“Life, girl. Just life,” she says as she removes her shoes and pulls her hair into a ponytail. “Hey, I have a job opportunity for you, if you are interested.” She looks at me then with a question in her eyes.

“Depends on what it is” I respond.

“Well, my receptionist has finals coming up and I don’t think she will be coming back after that. Would you be interested in filling the position for a little while?”

“Thank you for the offer, but no thank you. I graduated at the top of my class in college. I refuse to be anyone’s receptionist. Ever,” I state to her. I do not care if I sound snooty or not. Is she serious? Me? Work for her? Not in this lifetime.

I noticed that she was gazing at me through narrowed eyes. Whatever.

“
I was not trying to insult you, and if I came off that way I apologize. I thought it would be a nice break from being in the house all day and a chance for you to make some money, but do what you want.” She shrugs, turns, and walks out the room.

Screw her. I was not interested in being her charity case. I do need to find something to do with my time however. Maybe I could drop by and see Damir at his job. He is in denial about his attraction to me. I know he wants me - I can feel it. He is attracted to me like bees to honey. I remember Naima saying that he works somewhere in D.C. I go into the office and sit at the computer. Maybe I can find the address of his job if I search him on Google. Sure enough, it popped right up. Who said the internet is not good for everything. I write down the address and wonder if I will be able to find my way down there alone. I should be able to. If I navigate New York’s train system, I damn sure should be able to work D.C.’s.

This is my first time downtown since I have been in Maryland. I love the city. I am a city girl at heart. I find Damir’s office building easily, I thought as I entered the building. I am looking for the building directory, but fate must be smiling on me because Damir is standing in the lobby. He is shaking hands with another man. The man turns and faces me. I recognize him from the photo on the fireplace. He is Naima’s husband, Kaden. What the hell is going on here? They know each other. I am thoroughly confused. I inch my way closer so I can hear what they are discussing.

“
I’m glad you could come in today, Kaden. I think the screen tests went well. We will let you know. I believe that you are a strong candidate. In fact, I want to invite you to my party in honor of my birthday in a couple of weeks. This will give you an opportunity to network with some of the people here at the station, and give them a chance to meet you. What do you say?”

“
That would be great. It was nice meeting you and I will definitely be at the party.”

“
Good to hear. Have a great day.”

“
You do the same.”

Shit
. Kaden is coming my way. I have to think fast. What can I do with this newfound information?

I pretend to drop my purse right in front of him.

“
Oops I am such a klutz,” I say as Kaden bends down to pick my purse up for me. My eyes do a quick sweep around the lobby to make sure that Damir was nowhere in sight.

Kaden offers me a grin.

“
Sure, no problem, accidents happen,” he says as he hands my purse back to me and proceeds to step around me.

“
Wait!” I call after him, “Can I take you for coffee or something for saving my purse.” I say with one of my award-winning smiles.

“
Really, Miss. It is okay, but thank you.” He is polite, but I can tell he just wants to leave.

What will get his attention?

“
Oh, I think I’ve seen you before,” I say as I put my finger to my chin to appear like I’m in thought. “You’re Kaden Fairchild, the football player, right?” He stops and turns around. I knew that would get him. Athletes and their egos, some things never change. He walks over to me.

“
That would be me. I’m sorry you said your name was?” he asks, holding his hand out for me to shake.

“
Oh, how rude of me. My name is Kendall. Kendall Castado.”

“
Nice to meet you Kendall.”

“
How about that coffee?” I ask him again.

“
I would, but its pretty women like you always get me in trouble. While I am flattered as hell, I really can’t, but I do thank you for the offer,” he says with a grin.

“
Oh, come on. How bad could it be to get one cup of coffee? My treat. I don’t bite. I promise.”

He hesitates for a second. “Well okay. One cup of coffee couldn’t hurt.”

“
Good, it will take less than 15 minutes and you get free coffee out of the deal.”

He points out a Starbucks that was right outside the building.

We order our coffee and sit at a small table in the back corner of the store. I am racking my brain to find a way to put my plan into effect. To my delight, he offers me the perfect solution.

“
So where are you from Kendall? You sound like you have a Northern accent.”

“
I’m from New York.”

“
Really? I love the N-Y. What brings you to D.C.?”

“
I just needed a change I guess. I would love someone to show me around the city. It can be quite confusing at times.” I lie, straight through my teeth giving him my Marilyn Monroe dreamy eyes.

“
I have a couple of friends that would love to show a beautiful woman like you around.”

I couldn’t care less about his friends.

“
What about you?” I ask him.

“
I can’t,” he responds, checking his watch. “I have enough issues in my life. I do not think my wife would approve and right now my main priority is working out our situation.”

“
Oh, you’re married?” I pretend to be in shock.

“
Well, separated, but I’m hoping to rectify that situation as soon as humanly possible.”

“
Really? So, how do you know that your wife isn’t seeing other people?”