by Starr, Jude
“Fuck. Iris. You should have told me that before tonight!” He stared angrily down at me. “Pack your things now, I don’t want you to stay here any longer.” He sighed. “I’m done having you here, with him next door. You’re mine now. “
“Don’t be like that. Please. I agreed already and this is what I want, too. “ I grabbed his hand and pulled him closer, but he resisted. I had to feel our connection again, so I stepped closer to him. “He wouldn’t do anything stupid to me.”
“Do you want to be with him, Iris?” he demanded. “It’s clear that we’re together. He knows it. Yet, he came to my bar to try and claim you. He insulted you when our pictures came out and now he just tried to take you from me. He wants to get you and he doesn’t care if I’m standing right beside you!” he shouted.
“You’re right and I’m sorry. I want nothing to do with him, trust me.” I waited for him to say something further, but he didn’t.”
“I don’t want to be an ass, kitten. I have every reason to hate the guy.” Calvin calmed down.
He had every reason to be distrustful of Zach and to be honest; I didn’t know if I could really trust him either. When he tried pulling me away from Calvin I was sure it was simply meant to piss off Calvin, but deep in my heart, I couldn’t be certain.
“You love me, right?” I had to hear him say the words, needed confirmation that we could be okay.
“I love you, more than I’ve ever loved anyone, Iris.” His eyes begged me to believe him and I did, I couldn’t miss the love he had for me.
I quickly packed my clothes for the next few days, along with my books and my work duffle bag. “Okay, I’m all set.”
I texted Krys while Calvin drove us back to the penthouse to let her know she would need to meet me at work. Calvin refused to let go of my hand until we were inside his place.
“It’ll be weird, to be here without you.” I admitted, holding him close. My hands warmed up against his skin beneath his sweater. I was going to miss this. Him.
“Trust me, kitten, I’d much rather stay here, but this is work and I can’t get out of it. You can call, text, send me naughty pictures – anything you want. Work is important, but you’re my priority.” He kissed my forehead. “I have to get my own stuff ready now.” Before stepping away, he cupped my face and we stared at one another. It took him long seconds before he said anything else. “You have no idea how precious you are to me, kitten.”
“You are to me too, Calvin.” The truth, only the truth. In a matter of two short weeks, he had changed my life completely. I was completely dazzled by him.
He packed two of his suits, including the burgundy one I loved and few casual clothes. We kissed, making out by the door until he had to leave. He reminded me that Justin had the responsibility of driving me wherever I needed to go or if I needed anything, I could ask Justin for help. It felt weird to have someone at my beck and call, but it could be helpful.
The apartment was awfully quiet when Calvin left. I walked to the window of his bedroom and watched the snowflakes dancing in the cold winter wind. I saw Calvin getting into a cab and a tear rolled down my cheek. Watching him leave, I had to remind myself that this was only a temporary situation.
“Fuck. Get a grip, Iris.” It’s only for a few days. I repeated the words in my mind, like a mantra. The night had been rough with the confrontation with Zach and Calvin and my emotions were twisted in knots.
My phone vibrated in my pocket and I saw I had a text.
Calvin: I miss you, already.
My heart melted and I quickly texted a response.
Iris: Come back to me. I love you.
He didn’t text back. I laid down on his bed, hugging his pillow and I noticed a frame with a picture of us sitting on his nightstand. How sweet. I stayed there, staring at the photo, until I had to get ready for work. Calvin’s cologne was imprinted in the sheets of the bed, it was the closest I could be to him for now.
I had never seen the gym so crowded. Danielle had warned me January always brought an influx of new people because they all made New Year’s resolutions to get fitter.
Maybe I should have made one too. I had seen some of the girls Calvin had been with in the past and in comparison, I looked like a sack of potatoes. They all had a distinctly athletic shape and I had curves. Maybe I could try to work out a little more.
“Hey, girl, you okay?” Danielle asked, coming towards me with a pile of white towels.
“Do you think you could help me to get in shape?” I questioned.
She stopped walking and glanced over at me. “Sure, I can help you with that. What kind of workout are you interested in?
“I have no idea. Something that will make me thinner.”
“I think you’ve got a nice shape, though,” Danielle protested.
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, right. This coming from the girl who has the perfect abs.”
“What is this all about?” She studied me with a questioning look in her eyes.
“You’ve known Calvin for years. Have you ever seen him go out with a girl like me?”
She grabbed my hand and took me into the counselling office, and closed the door behind us. “Cut out the crap, Iris. Calvin loves you, exactly the way you are.”
“You’ve seen the other girls—” I began, but she cut me off immediately.
“Shhussshh, Iris. Yes, I’ve seen them, all of my life,” she said firmly. “I dated him myself and I saw him with those other women and never—” She paused for a second. “I’ve never seen him happier than when he is with you. The way he looks at you and the expression on his face when he talks about you.” She chuckled. “I never had that effect on him, me or any of those other girls.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Her confidence made me happy, but I still had my doubts.
“There’s nothing to say, and by the way, most of the woman he went to events with, were models from an agency. He didn’t date anyone in a very long time. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Before now, all he had was fake and you – you’re real.”
“You must think I’m an idiot.”
She sighed. “No, Iris. You obviously care about him, and you want him to like you. Trust me, when I say he does like you – exactly the way you are.”
I nodded and blushed furiously. “Thank you.” She pulled me into a quick hug. I realized I didn’t feel awkward, talking about it with her.
“I really like you, girl,” Danielle said when she pulled away. “I can certainly help you if you still want a plan. You could do some cardio and weights and still keep those curves Calvin loves.”
I nodded. “Yeah, I would like that.”
For the rest of the evening, I worked at the reception and Danielle handled everything on the floor. Every chance she got, she came over to talk to me and we worked on my program. Nothing too intense, just something to get me started.
I found myself glancing at the door, hoping to see Calvin coming in. I had to keep reminding myself it wasn’t going to happen. I gave myself a good talking to – if I didn’t stop moping around, these would be the longest days in history.
Just when I had firmly convinced myself to stop thinking about him, I got a text.
Calvin: I made it, kitten. xox
Iris: I’m glad to hear you arrived safely, I’m taking care of your castle.
Calvin: Text me when you get home.
His last message reminded me of the argument over Zach and staying at the residence. I knew Calvin was probably right. Zach still wanted me and if I had stayed at Broadway Hall, he would have tried to start up where we’d left off. The fact that he tried to locate me on New Year’s Eve said it all.
The idea of living at the penthouse on a permanent basis started to seem more appealing in more than one way. I could go to bed with Calvin, wake up by his side, have breakfast with him and I wouldn’t miss him as much. Definitely something to discuss with Calvin when he returned. I laughed at myself – Calvin wouldn’t need to discuss it. He’d already
made up his mind that he wanted me to move in.
Iris: Sorry about Zach this afternoon. You were right.
Calvin: I care about you, I want to protect you. You’re mine, kitten.
I exhaled sharply. What I wouldn’t do right now for a kiss.
Four new clients came in, and I busied myself helping them to fill in the application forms before they met with one of the personal trainers. I definitely liked this job more than working at the restaurant. The people around here came to work out; everyone was happy doing their thing. Nothing to complain about.
Krys met me at the gym at the end of the shift. I gave her a tour of the gym before Justin drove us back to Calvin’s apartment. Danielle came along for the ride. Danielle words earlier had comforted me and I felt better about myself.
I liked to believe that she had a point. After all, she knew Calvin better than me.
Chapter 17
Waking up with a view of New York City, in a beautiful penthouse. Yeah, I could definitely get used to this. Did I miss Calvin? Absolutely and it helped me decide that I was definitely ready for the big move in with him.
After stretching every muscle decadently, I got up and discovered Krystal was watching cartoons in the living room. “Morning, Krys.”
“Hey, I was just about to wake you up,” she announced, eating a bowl of Granola.
“Anything good to eat?”
She giggled. “You won’t find any Sugar Crisps here. Your man is a lot like my mom, he eats granola, egg white, and veggies. Boring stuff.”
“Oh, okay.” His diet seemed pretty normal when we ate together. I went to check in his refrigerator and holy crap, I think Ms. Clare must have been grocery shopping. It certainly didn’t look like this during the holidays. The refrigerator was filled with healthy food and bottles of water. Surprising, to say the least. There was Greek yogurt and a bowl filled with fresh fruits – that would have to do.
Krys obviously enjoyed living at the penthouse. She told me she loved the view, the huge TV and all the luxuries. I enjoyed it too, but I missed the one most important thing I loved here – Calvin.
I checked my phone a couple of times on my way to school, but I didn’t have any messages. The time difference between New York and Texas really sucked. A two hour time difference meant he was probably still sleeping or maybe just waking up.
As I entered my class, I couldn’t wait any longer and decided to text him.
Iris: Your bed is way too big to keep warm when you’re not with me.
Calvin: Damn, my back is sore from that damn mattress. Don’t laugh.
Aww, poor baby.
Iris: My class is about to start. I love you.
Calvin: No ditching today. Love you.
I giggled reading his text. Only Calvin, I thought.
My classes dragged all day long. I couldn’t wait to head to the gym and start my new fitness routine. The only thing I missed while I was at the gym was Krys. I figured when Calvin got home, I’d ask him if he needed another employee. Mom always says if you don’t ask, you won’t know and I knew Krys would love working at the gym.
“Hey, girl,” Danielle announced when I arrived at work. “I got you a salad. I figured you probably hadn’t had time to grab anything to eat.”
I dropped my backpack onto the floor. “Oh, wow, thank you.”
Danielle shrugged. “Say thanks to your man. He texted me and asked me to grab something.”
I blushed. “Really?”
“Remember what I said yesterday? He loves you and this is him making sure you have everything you need.”
“Well, thank you for obeying his orders,” I snickered shyly.
She poked me. “I like you, Iris. I think we could become really good friends.”
“I think so too.” I poked her back playfully.
We ate together at the reception desk and chatted as if we’d known each other for years. She was Calvin’s age, so she’d had more experience with life than I had. I appreciated the advice she had given me. After talking about Zach, she suggested that I should definitely move out of the residence.
“Trust me, Iris; you don’t want to see Calvin when he’s angry or jealous. He is very protective of the people he loves. Even me. That being said, I really don’t want to see him losing his shit because of you. Things could get ugly.”
“I’m safe now though. I’m staying at his place with Krystal.” I rolled my eyes. “She loves it, maybe a bit too much.”
Danielle laughed. “I get it. I haven’t been to his place in a while but it’s like a dream to most of the downtrodden masses. He had it personally designed. The man had definitely got great taste.”
“He does.” I hesitated for a minute before I continued, only because I knew she and Calvin had dated, but I needed her advice. “You don’t have to answer, it could be a little bit awkward, but I have a question regarding Calvin and I need your advice.”
She frowned but nodded after a moment. “Okay, go for it.”
“I’ve known Cal for a very short period of time. I’m staying at his place now because of Zach, but he says he wants me to move in with him. I’m thinking of saying yes, but I’m really worried it might be too soon.”
She took a bite of her salad and remained quiet for a minute or two. The silence turned into an uncomfortable situation and I regretted asking. What the hell had I been thinking?
“I’m sorry, Danielle, forget what I said. Please.”
Danielle shook her head. “No, it’s fine. It took me by surprise, that’s all. Calvin has never invited any of his dates to the penthouse. His place is very personal to him and he wouldn’t share that with just anyone. We lived together briefly, for a couple of months when we were trying to start our lives as adults, but it didn’t last long. He got accepted in the NFL and he was gone most of the time.” She rubbed her forehead, still processing what I had told her. “The fact that he let you spend the holidays with him explains it all and even now, when he’s let you stay at his place while he’s away. You have to understand that it’s like his nest, his own secure place. He never had that growing up. If he asked you to move in with you, he’s really serious about it.”
“I think I’ll say yes,” I murmured, picking at my salad.
“It’s a big step. You’re still young and all, but if you doubt his feelings for you, I’m telling you now. He loves you, girl.”
A shy smile appeared on my face. “I love him, too.” I hid my face beneath my hands. “I’m sorry, maybe you’re not the right person to talk to about this.”
She smiled warmly. “It’s okay, Iris, it was a long time ago.”
We continued talking about different subjects. The gym had been busy for an hour or so, but then, it became quiet so we did our workout together.
When our shift ended, we closed the gym for the night and left together. Justin had phoned, telling me he had a few things to take care of at the bar before he could drop us at home. I hadn't heard anything from Calvin in hours. If I remembered correctly, he was attending the guy's football game tonight and tomorrow he had another game he was going to that I intended to watch on TV at home. His home.
“Do you mind grabbing something to eat before we meet Justin?” Danielle questioned.
“No, I'm actually starving, after working out like we did.” I texted Krys, to let her know where to meet us.
Before reaching the corner of the street, Danielle started walking faster and swearing underneath her breath.
“What's wrong?” I asked, hurrying to keep up with her.
“Remember those douche bags I told you about? That’s them, over on our right.”
Crap.
“Hey, princess! Have you changed your mind? My dick sure would love to meet with your throat.”
“What's your problem? Learn some fucking manners.” I shouted back at them.
“For god sake, Iris, don’t talk to them,” Danielle muttered.
“You got something to say, blondie?” One of them yelled, the ta
llest one. He had a New York Yankees red hat with a matching jacket. He was a big guy.
“I've got nothing to say to a dickhead like you!”
Danielle yanked on my arm and hurried towards a small café.
“Jesus, Iris! You're gonna get us in trouble! I swear, you have bigger balls than any man I know.”
“I’ve never taken shit from anyone. Those assholes need to get a life. You should tell, Calvin.” I was convinced if Calvin knew what was going on, he would do something about it.
“I’ll think about it,” Danielle said, pushing open the door to the cafe and rushing us inside.
Once we had a coffee and some sandwiches to snack on, I pulled my phone from my bag, to see if Calvin had contacted me.
Calvin: I can't wait to be home with you. I'm not a fan of Texas.
I smiled and sent a response.
Iris: I’m not a fan of NYC, without you in it.”
Calvin: Are you home now?
Iris: I'm grabbing something to eat with Danielle. Justin had a few things left to do at the bar.
Calvin: I'll text him. You need to go home, I bet you're tired.
I almost told him about the wannabe thugs, but I didn't want to worry him. Krys arrived after a couple of minutes, and Justin was parked out front five minutes later. He drove us home and Danielle told Krys what had happened with the guys and my big mouth. Krys looked scared, but I wasn't. Maybe I should have been, from the expression on Justin's face. He didn’t say anything, but he listened carefully to the conversation on the way to the penthouse.
“Which guy was that?” He asked anxious.
“The biggest one with the Yankees hat. She has no fear.” Danielle confirmed.
At home, I needed to get some homework done and so did Krystal. I put some music on to play softly in the background and we settled by the fireplace. The heat felt good against my skin, but it also made me sleepy. My head gradually grew heavier against the headrest of the chair and I was beginning to think I needed a Red Bull or something to keep me awake.
I was distracted by the ringing of my cell phone and I wondered who would possibly be calling me at that time at night. When I saw Calvin’s picture pop up on the screen, I hurried to answer his call with a delighted smile. “Hi, baby.” I said cheerfully.
