His Obsession

by Rose Marie

  “Well none of that matters to me. Our acquaintanceship is long enough, there’s no need to take things slower, besides staying together will be fun.”

  “Fun? That’s what you call it? It’ll be more like premature. We don’t even know if this will las-”

  “It absolutely will. Don’t even finish that sentence.” Is he for real?

  “Okay I won’t but still I need to get going. Today is the last day I have to pay my rent and after that I have to make groceries.” He frowns and hung his head looking like a disgruntled child.

  “Can I at least drive you?” Smiling I shake my head no.

  “I drove here remember. If I’d taken a cab, I would have taken the ride hands down, but I’ll be fine. Please don’t worry about me, I’ll call you tonight okay?” He looked away pouting and that act alone had me wanting to stay. Too cute. After I get the rest of my things together and he hands me my keys, I stop as I head to the door when I feel his eyes burning into the back of my neck. Giving him one more kiss on the cheek I go to leave and only get as far as my car when he comes out grinning. “What’s got you so happy?” He came up on me kissing my neck.

  “Nothing baby I just want you to know that if you ever need me, I'm here for you and don’t hesitate to call me... Anything, and anytime and I’m there.” Seriously why has he waited so long to show me such a sweet side? I give him a ton of kisses because he wouldn't let me go. Finally, inside my car I start it and drive out looking at him from the rearview mirror. The events that took place in his home yesterday and today were so unexpected but I’m surprisingly happy about them? There really is a thin line between love and hate, huh?

  Before I go home, I stop at the bank and get a cashier’s check made for half my rent. Even though I had the whole payment, I’m hoping that my guardian angel was watching over me and paid my rent something. If not, then at least the building manager will grant me time to pay the second half in two weeks. He knew I was good for it. Though I’ve been late before I’ve always paid up when I set up an agreement to do so. If I paid the full amount, I’d only have one hundred seven dollars and thirty seven cents left, and though I have no problem slumming it I’d rather have some wiggle room knowing my car could break down at any moment. Ha maybe I can tell my billionaire boyfriend to buy me a new car and put me on the deed of his house. I shake my head at how silly I sound.

  There’s absolutely zero chance of that shit happening. Channing seemed willing enough to do stuff for me at his home, but that shit could have been fake. I won’t believe it until he put on like that at work or something. His food was good as hell though. So good it almost made me cry tears when I pull up to the grocery store knowing I was about to be getting a shit ton of oodles of noodles.

  After that I put gas in my tank and pray that the miles to the gallon miraculously increased and I didn’t need to fill up again. Again, highly unlikely. By the time I head to the house I’m praying to God that it’s not too late to give them this check. After parking, I go straight to my apartment to put my purse and groceries down so I can go drop the check off only get to my door and drop everything. Heart thumping, I snatch the menacing white note with bold red letters off my door and read it like it was fabricated. I stop myself from crumbling it in my fist.

  “What the hell? Evicted? HOW!?” Groceries forgotten I run to the office bursting into the door and snatch my rent check from my purse and throw it on the desk.

  “Devon, I know I’m late and this isn’t the full amount but if you please give me a chance I’ll get you the rest tonight and I’ll-”

  “Angel, sweetie I was just coming to see you. I hate this had to happen, but this is above me. I can’t reverse the eviction notice.”

  “No, you have to Devon! Call the building owner and tell them that I have the money. Tell them that I’ll pay. Come on I have half the rent right here and I’ll have th-” He held his hands up to stop my speech and shakes his head.

  “I’m sorry Angel, but I can’t take that. You know if I could, I would but just this morning we were bought and told to decline any late payments of anyone who’s consecutively been late. Due to this strict late payment policy that was put into place I have to evict you or else I will lose my job. I’m sorry but I can’t afford that right now. You know Jerry and I have our weeding next month. Sweetie I cannot afford to piss off that sexy piece of chocolate ten-inch penis. Like I said, this is above me. The best I can do is give you the new management’s phone number and email and you can take everything up with them.”

  “That’s bullshit and doesn't even sound legal. Where is our change of policy and procedure notice? You can’t just switch up on us like this.” I snap, not at him but at the situation in general. This is just wrong and uncalled for.

  “Look I know how you feel. You’re my girl and I hate to do this to you and anyone else who came in today, but I cannot do anything but follow the rules.”

  “B-but? What am I supposed to do? I don’t have anywhere to go.” The tears welled up and he came around the desk and hugged me.

  “I’m sorry Angel. I wish I could help, but the only thing I can do is offer you a room until you get off your feet. Jerry wouldn’t mind I’m sure. He likes you.” Shaking my head, I wipe my tears and step away from his arms.

  “No thank you. I can’t see myself imposing on you soon to be newlyweds. I’ll figure things out. Can you tell me how long I have to vacate the premises?” He frowned and rubbed my shoulders still trying to comfort me.

  “A week.” Closing my eyes in utter defeat, I take a deep breath and try to get in control of my emotions. After leaving the office I run up the steps to my apartment feeling defeated and lost. Inside I look around not even knowing where to start. This is the only home I’ve known since I moved from Texas. Not to mention rent in LA is absolutely insane. This was one of the most affordable complexes that I’ve found, and it still cost me and arm and a leg to live here at over seventeen hundred dollars a month for a one bedroom one bath. As I sit on my loveseat couch, I think about what options do I have. I can’t leave my job and go back home.

  I refuse to leave my brother hanging like that. Taking my phone from my purse I look for last minute places to rent. When I find places for a minimum of two thousand, I change tactics and start searching for flights back to Texas. There is absolutely no way I can afford that on my salary. God give me miracle because I don’t want to go back. My life here wasn’t the best but- the sound of my phone ringing put a halt to my thoughts. Not bothering to look at the caller ID I pick up hoping my emotions aren’t heard through the phone.

  “Hello?”

  “Angel? Baby what’s going on? I hadn’t heard from you yet and was starting to worry. How you doing suga.” Mama, oh no!

  “Uhmm, sorry about that. I was a little busy this afternoon when you called. Did you get the money sent over to the school?” I wanted to avoid all conversation about myself if possible. My mama is a sharp one and had a weird third eye when it came to her family. She’s from New Orleans and let her tell it my granny and family over there dabble in voodoo and shit. She told me that it’s the reason why she moved to Texas, to get away from that but she still has a keen sense and her spiritual connection is just stronger than others’. It’s hard to hide things from her so I like to keep conversations with her as short as possible when I’m going through rough patches.

  “That’s ok, I understand you were busy. Yes, I called, and they accepted the payment and the lady was nice enough to waive the late fee.”

  “Wow, that was nice of her.”

  “Mhmm, it sure was, so I why don’t you tell me what’s going on with you? I felt it in my spirt that something isn’t right over there. There is something a force in motion that’s making things difficult for you and I want you to know if you ever need to come home you are more than welcome to come back. I can take c-”

  “Mama please stop. Everything is going good on my end. Thank you for worrying though.” This was is so embarrassing, she alway
s knew when something was up with me. “It means a lot to me that you’ll let me come back if I need to but I’m okay. I am in the middle of something important so is it alright that I give you a call back sometime next week?”

  “Alright I see you don’t feel like talking about it, so I’ll let you go. When you’re ready to talk I’m only a phone call away.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “Don’t let a whole blue moon pass before I hear from you okay?”

  “I promise to call you talk to you next week and tell that knuckleheaded brother of mine that I love him and to stay out of trouble.” After hanging up the tears started pouring. I have nowhere to go, and even though she said I could come back I’ll be damned if I burden my mama by going back home. When my phone rings again I pick it up expecting my mama, but Channing’s deep voice comes though.

  “Hello Angel? You there?” Damn it I’m not in the mood to talk to him right now. Trying my best to hide my sniffling, I wipe my tears and keep my voice from wobbling.

  “Hey Channing. What’s up? Did I leave something at your place?”

  “No, well yes you did but that’s nothing. My home is your home. I was calling because you never let my know if you made it home safe. I was worried.” He chose now of all times to say me casa es su casa. I wish, hell then maybe packing wouldn’t be so dreadful right now. Unable to hold back I let out a sob and sniffle. “Angel?.. are you okay? What's wrong? You sound like your crying baby.” Ugh much for trying to hide my dilemma.

  “No, I’m fine. I’m sorry for not letting you know I made it home. Thank you for worrying about me.”

  “No, forget that. Tell me what’s the matter? Don’t make me come over there. I can tell when you’ve been crying. Talk to me…” I’ve always been bad at hiding my emotions. I hate this. I’m all over the place.

  “It’s really nothing for you to concern yourself with. I’m okay. I-”

  “Angel Giles tell me what’s wrong. NOW!” The base in his voice had me pulling the phone away from my ear and cringing. So deep.

  “I see that’s one thing that hasn’t changed about you. Ever so demanding. If you really must know, today I got some bad news and it’s put me in a bind I can’t afford to be in.”

  “Like what?” So, fucking nosy. I blow out a deep breath and slump back.

  “Today when I got back I found I’m getting evicted.”

  “WHAT? Evicted how? Am I not paying you enough?” I shake my head even though he obviously can’t see me through the phone.

  “No, it’s deeper than that. I put the financial responsibility on myself to help my little brother get through high school. He’s an exceptionally bright kid and he wants to be an architect. Seeing how all through elementary and middle school he had straight A’s and there was no challenge for him academically, we were at a loss until a private school reached out interested in him attending. They do offer scholarships but that only covers his classes. It’s mandatory for all students to stay on campus. My mom works and could probably scrape by but I don’t want her to be stressing about that, so I cover his cost of living.”

  Expressing my thoughts and feelings to Channing is like a breath of fresh air that I never knew I needed. Being able to say how much of a burden this is to me without making my mom or brother feel bad is a huge weight off my shoulders to the point I can’t hold back the tears I so desperately have been hold back for a while now.

  “Wow, I’m so sorry to hear that things have been so tough on you.”

  “No, it’s nothing for you to apologize about. It’s just this whole situation sucks and now that I’ve been late consecutively on my rent and they’ve been bought out, they put my big black ass out on the curb. I have nowhere to go. Even with the salary you’re paying me I can’t afford to live here AND support my brother, and before you say it no, I cannot leave my brother hanging, so-”

  “Angel stop right there. First, I’m offended you’d think I’d tell you to leave your brother hanging, when you clearly love him enough to go through all of this for him. Secondly, as much as I want you to know the real me, I doubt you do. Third, I’m on my way so pack as much as you can. You’re moving in with me.” At hearing that my babbling stopped, and I sit up confused.

  “Wait…what?”

  “You heard me. I’m coming to get you. You’re moving in with me.” I shake my head hard as if he could see me.

  “That’s ridiculous. I'm not moving in with you.”

  “Yeah, you are. There’s no way I’ll leave you without a place to sleep nor stay. I meant it when I told you I want you and give a damn about you. So, do as I say because you’re not going to win this one. I’ll see you in a bit.”

  “No I’m-” before I could finish I hear my phone click and pull it away from my ear to see he hung up. The only thing I can do is stare at my phone screen in shock. He’s not serious… is he?

  ^*^

  “So this is where you’ll put your clothes. When I had this house built, I made the “her” closet extra luxurious. Do you like it?” I could only nod barely comprehending what is happening now. “Good, you have no idea how happy that makes me. I’ll have the movers get your things situated and don’t worry about anything I’ll make sure this closet is full to the brim with apparel that suits your taste. Now on to the room. Obviously, you'll sleep with me since we’re a couple, so there’s no need for you to have your own room like you asked about in the car. You can have whichever side of the bed you want Angel.

  Oh yeah and finally the code to the doors are 98543 and the alarm code is 783216. If those are too hard for you to remember please feel free to let me know and I’ll change them so something more suitable to you. Since the movers won’t be here until Monday shall we relax and have some dinner? I was just about to start cooking when I called you.”

  Again, I just nod in a daze as Channing ushers me to the bed and sets me down, taking off my shoes. Soon I’m laid up in his… our bed with a remote in one hand and a decaf cappuccino in the other. I’m tucked in so snuggly with a heating pad on my feet as I wonder if I’m some luxury hotel resort and not ‘home’.

  “You sit there and relax Angel I’ll bring dinner right up to you. I’m sure today was tiring enough for you. I don’t want you to lift a finger other than to call me if you need something.” I part my lips to protest but he smothers that with a searing hot kiss. “Welcome home Angel.” Before I can say anything, he hurriedly exits the room. What in the hell just happened?

  Priceless

  Channing

  “Welcome home Angel.” Before she could say anything, I run out of the room and skip in the hallway. She’s here! I did it! I got my wife to stay with me. This is a dream come true!

  In the kitchen I put on the truffle lobster and mac and cheese. It’ll only take about and hour to make which is more than I wanted to do tonight but I have to do something special for our union tonight.

  I whistle while cooking, feeling the happiest I’ve felt in my whole life. As a kid who grew up with nothing, I never thought it would be possible for me to achieve this type of happiness. I owe it all to my cousins Teagan and Zane. Without them Landen and I would still be living in poverty with our father.

  When those two showed up in the middle of the night like beasts, they took one look at us and told us that we will never live like that again. Thankfully they kept their promise gave us a place to stay with a guardian and put us through private school and properly educated us. At times it was lonely because they couldn’t allow us to stay with them because of some unspoken rule.

  They asked us about what we wanted to do with our lives and asked us for business plans. After helping us tweak those plans for maximum growth they and their good friend Domitilio, who we were not permitted to meet, put down one hundred percent of the money for our company. They gave us full control but still helped us manage it if we ran into a stump. Even more they never asked for one red cent.

  When we offered to share profits with them and to meet the Domi guy,
we were told to forget about it and to never say his name again. Of course, we thought that was weird and thought they had business with the underworld. How little we knew back then. It wasn’t until Landen and I met Angel and Nia that we understood what underworld they were really a part of. Even now it’s hard to believe and reflect on everything we found out.

  After I mix together the mac and cheese, I check on the lobster while mixing together the garlic and butter. Sprinkling a bit of salt into the macaroni and cheese I stir in the ingredients and set it aside. I shake my head at how much my wife loves her some seafood. Putting all the food to cook, I check my phone then go upstairs to check on my wife.

  I smile when I see she’s still laying where I left her. I love when my woman is relaxed and unbothered by the little things in life. I love even more that I was the one to give her that comfortability.

  “How are you Babylove? Can I get you anything?” She looked up from the show she was watching and blinked.

  “Channing, I changed my mind. I can’t do this.” I felt as if I were going to fall over and die.

  “Whoa, slow down Angel where did that come from? Are you unhappy? Did I do something? Was the decaf nasty? I can make you another if you don’t like that one.” Damn Cappuccino machine! I’m throwing it ou-

  “No, the cappuccino was delicious. It’s just-” She stopped and chuckled but I couldn’t see anything funny about the situation.

  “It’s just what? What could have happened in such a small amount of time to make you change your mind?”

  “Nothing happened, I simply came to my senses. For some reason when you’re near me all reason escapes me. Hence the reason I was never able to leave that miserable ass job.”

  “Hey!”

  “No, ain’t no hey! Channing you know how you treated me…but that’s not the point I’m trying to make.” Frustrated I look over at her waiting for her explanation. “The point I’m trying to make is that what we are doing is irrational. Who the hell moves like this in real life? We just got together. Not even forty-eight hours ago I hated your guts and now I’m living with you and-”