by Taylor Love
“We had pizza already. I’m sure everyone appreciates the offer but they’re going to head home. Right.”
“I guess, what she said.” Jessica said caustically. Her lips pressed thin. This time in Tamara’s direction.
“Thank you for the offer Ben, but we’ll head on home now that we know Tamara’s in good hands. It was really nice finally meeting you.” Monique tried to smooth things over.
“Same here. I hope next time will be under warmer circumstances.”
Ben waved them off, watching them get into their cars as Tamara started talking on the phone. He waited until she set the alarm to her car before walking over to his. He attempted to get the door on her side but she beat him to it. He didn’t know what the heck her issue was now, but he reminded himself she was having a rough evening.
AS THEY LEFT THE OFFICE Tamara got fastened in and finished up cancelling the tow. She was silently glad Ben had turned on the seat warmer. After two blocks she finally broke the heavy silence in the car.
“Sorry, there was no pizza left. I’m sure you must be starving too.”
He shrugged and turned right. “No big deal, I’ll grab something at the house.”
My house she thought instantly, but said out loud. “Of course. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming by the office?”
“Because I knew you would have told me not to.”
“Yeah, but only because I’d already called someone and handled it.”
A lesser man wouldn’t have even heard the low key attitude in her voice. A smarter man would pretend he didn’t hear it. Only a stupid man would respond back in kind. Guess which one he was tonight?
“If you call having to wait for over an hour in an empty office building, on a cold Friday night handled...then yeah you did.”
“Oh, okay.” She swung around as much as her seat belt would allow. “As you saw I wasn’t alone. Even if I had been I was at my own office, so I had a safe and warm place to wait. But thanks...”
Ben glanced her way, then returned his eyes to the road.
“I didn’t know that now did I? You didn’t text or call and tell me that your partners were staying with you. Either way I still would have come.”
So, he was just going to butt in no matter what? Showing up at her office, calling her “his lady” and making decisions about the car! He had come in making claims and moves all over the place. She didn’t like it.
“Why is that exactly? If I had everything under control why did you feel the need to rush to the rescue?”
“Are you for real?” Ben looked around at her truly perturbed. Shaking his head at this asinine conversation. “I thought the why would have been obvious...because I’m your man. What the hell I look like leaving my woman to fend for herself, when I’m here and can help? I don’t know how you define having a man, but for me, if my woman is in a bind and I can help or support then I’m there. I thought that’s what you said you wanted?”
“Yes, to help and support, not to come and take over!” Tamara threw up her hands, while wishing he wasn’t driving so she could yell at him face to face.
“You trippin'.” Ben fisted the steering wheel and remained silent. He didn’t trust what might come out his mouth next. This was the first time he’d ever been angry at her. Scratch that, he was pissed. After a couple minutes passed, he felt able to speak without cuss words flying out his mouth.
“What is this really about? Because I didn’t come and take over. I don't see how me saving you at least an hour and money is taking control. Would you have rather stayed there, forcing the others to as well? While everyone wasted their Friday night?”
“No! I told them repeatedly that they could leave. I would have been fine all by myself.”
“Ahh, okay. I get it now. You want to do it all...by yourself. Well, pardon the hell out of me for thinking that after a tough week you’d want to get home as soon as possible. You know have a meal and relax. I guess by your point of view I was overstepping.”
Been shook his head again.
“Calling you my woman in front of people, providing a real time logical solution. Guess I should have just waited outside in your driveway until you arrived. Done nothing. You know I’ve seen some modern shit, but you want your man not to be seen nor heard.”
“Now who’s tripping?” Tamara rolled her eyes and looked out the window.
“Yeah whatever. I’ll be practicing being not heard for the rest of this drive.”
“Fine.” But ostensibly he was serious as he didn’t respond back.
They spent the next twenty minutes in silence as he drove through the almost dark night. When they were less than ten minutes from her house he pulled into a plaza.
“Why are we stopping here?” Tamara was suddenly tired and still completely upset.
“I’m going to get some Chinese food to go.” Ben said turning off the car.
“Why? I thought you were just going to get something at the house.”
“Naw, I wouldn't want to assume or infringe on your fridge contents.”
He got out the car before she could even process what he’d said. He didn’t exactly slam the door, but let's just say it was firmly shut.
Chapter Twelve
WHEN THEY ARRIVED TO her house it was almost eight. Ben immediately took his food and laptop to the dining room area. Tamara went upstairs, she was tired, annoyed and a little uncertain. Opening her laptop she looked up when AutoZone opened and then priced out a battery for her vehicle. Once that was done, she followed up on a few work emails before powering down an hour later. She was beat and decided to take a shower and then go deal with the man downstairs.
While under the water, she tried to objectively figure out if she had been out of line? He had been right in that he arrived way before the tow truck. When she’d called to cancel the guy was still a good thirty minutes out. Ben had been trying to make her issue less stressful, by being a kind, concerned boyfriend. It was her problem that his proud and easy announcement that she was his, ruffled her nerves. Tamara wasn’t used to anyone laying claim on her, or the decisions in her life. They’d had their first real fight and she didn’t like it. Did that mean the honeymoon stage was over? Hell or the whole relationship?
To date their relationship consisted of amazing sex and talking. Mostly the getting to know a person’s personality type things. Outside of that, the little time they had during the weekends was spent relaxing. Watching TV, or some late evenings with them working side by side. Sure there had been mild disagreements but nothing to really get either of them upset. Usually, Ben would end up making her laugh and the two would move on.
In her pj’s and a fluffy robe she finally made her way back downstairs. Standing in the archway she watched him for a few minutes. He was leaned over the table and hard at work on his laptop. He noticed her presence and gave her a bland glance, before turning his attention back to his screen. Tamara rolled her eyes and took a step forward.
“Are you still not speaking?”
“I don’t know.” Ben drawled out. Slowly chewing the last bit of kung pao chicken, before closing the box. “Am I allowed to, or will that be taking control?”
“Great, you’re still mad.”
Ben turned around to face her. “I don’t know, you tell me.”
“Stop it. I’m not that controlling.”
“I never said you were, but according to you I am.”
“Look, it was a long week and I was already running late and the car was just the cherry on top of a semi shitty week. I may have overreacted.” Tamara swallowed hard past the crow in her throat. “I’m sorry.”
She expected him to give her one of his “it’s okay” smiles. He didn’t.
“You know it’s petty not to accept an apology.”
“Okay. I’ll accept that apology. But I’m still pissed.”
“About what?” He was making her want to pull out her hair.
Ben quickly powered down his Chrome laptop, closing it before put
ting his notes back into his carrying case.
“I got that you were having a frustrating day. I said that from the start which is why I was trying to help. But the more I thought about it, I realized what really got your hackles up. You didn’t want me at your office. Not because of the car but because you didn’t want me to meet your friends, your partners. The people you spend all your time with, who you built your dream with. That’s what really has me pissed.”
Ben walked to the kitchen to get rid of his trash and she followed right behind him.
“What are you talking about?” Tamara gave an incredulous laugh. “That’s not true, I didn’t care that you met them.”
“Yes, you did. I’ve been coming up here for a little over two months. I’m on your turf yet you never let me pick you up from your office for dinner. The times I come in early on Friday you won't let me come take you to lunch. We’ve never even had drinks with your friends.”
“I...just never thought of it.” She really hadn’t, but now that he said it out loud she should have.
“I’m sure you didn’t and that’s why I’m pissed. We are supposed to be together, yet after tonight it’s clear you only want me in one part of your life.”
“Ben...” He sounded hurt and her heart stuttered a little because she’d caused it. She reached out to him as he walked past, but he evaded her hand. Making her feel even more like shit.
“Look, I’m tired. I’ve had a long week as well. I’m ready to call it a night. Just so you know I’ll be sleeping in bed, with you.”
“I didn’t expect anything else.” She said softly.
He nodded walking up the stairs, leaving her behind and bewildered. She actually had just lied. She had expected something else. Like him sleeping on the couch or him up and leaving. Tamara didn’t know how these things worked when people were extremely mad. In her upbringing, it had never been anything good.
AFTER STRESS EATING a cupcake and regretting it, she brushed her teeth in the half-bath while Ben was taking a shower in the main one. If this was a normal night she would have used the sink in the same space. Damnit, would she have to tiptoe around him now? By the time he came out pulling on his nightshirt, she was sitting in bed under the covers.
Ben let out a big sigh, as Tamara gave him a sad smile. He didn’t like seeing his lady unsure in this way, so he sat on the bed beside her.
“Tamara, look-”
“No, me first. I’m sorry I made you feel that way. I wasn’t doing it on purpose or at least not consciously. I have no problem with my friends meeting you. I’m proud of you, of being with you. I talk about you all the time. I’m sorry if my actions implied anything different.”
“Thank you.” He leaned forward, tilting her head up so their eyes could meet. “Baby just because I’m mad right now doesn’t mean I’m going to stay mad.”
“Feels like it. “ Tamara grumbled.
“I won’t. Some rest will help us both.”
“We’ll it sure won’t hurt.” Tamara cleared her throat, reaching for the bedside table. “Umm, I want to give you this.” She placed the key in his palm and wrapped his fingers around it.
“It’s a key to the house. You shouldn’t have to wait until I get home to come in. You're free to make yourself at home.”
Ben was shocked. It was the last thing he’d been expecting.
“Tamara you don’t have to give me this because we had a fight. Couples fight. You can’t get rid of me that easy by being a little bullheaded.”
Tamara grimaced at his description of her attitude.
“Well, I'm glad to hear that. I mean the part about you not running off. I didn’t do it because we’re arguing. I did it because I trust you to be responsible with it. You deserve my consideration with all you do just to see me. You work a hectic, hard job just like I do, as many hours if not more than me. This is something I want to do for you. A small thing to make your stays here easier.”
“Thanks.”
He kissed her gently, but didn’t let his lips linger because he knew how easy it was for them to go up in flames. While sex would ease the tension between them, that’s not what he wanted this moment to be. He didn’t want sex to be their “solve all things” solution to problems.
“I appreciate your trust and I won’t abuse it.”
“I know. I figured the one thing you’ll always respect and treat right is a house.” She cracked the joke hoping for a smile and got one. “Now let's go to bed, I’m exhausted and want to get up early to go deal with the car...if that works for you.”
He gave her a quick peck on the lips, before walking around to his side of the bed. Pausing long enough to slip the precious key she’d given him in his travel bag.
“That sounds like a plan.”
Ben turned the light out, then settled into bed. Snuggling close behind his woman.
“The more important thing I want you to know is I’ll always respect and treat you right.”
THE NEXT MORNING THEY bundled up and were at the store when it opened. Their fingers crossed that getting a battery would solve the problem. Then Ben drove them back to the office and with a couple of tools removed the old one and put in the new battery. Saying a little prayer she turned the key. Letting out a laugh of relief when it started.
“Thank you for taking care of this! I usually address car maintenance right away. I think my first vacation in years was just heavy on my mind.”
Ben shared her relief. “Well considering that’s where I met you, I’m glad you were focused.”
“Me too.” She leaned over and gave him a slow kiss. “Let me take you to breakfast as a thank you.”
“Keep kissing me like that and food won’t be the only thing I’m hungry for.”
Tamara grinned at him. “Food first then...maybe.”
Chapter Thirteen
BEN PICKED A PLACE to eat and he led her downtown to Sleepy Bee Cafe. They had a hearty breakfast and easy conversation. The contention of last night truly dealt with and over. Tamara was relieved. She knew well how couples let old gripes and things they never really forgave fester and turn into bitterness. How it could lead them on a path to needing her services. As they wrapped up, she asked Ben what he had planned for the rest of the day.
“Actually, I came down here since it was close to my project. This is the one I plan to sell. It’s almost ready to put on the market, probably in the next two weeks.
“Congrats! What do you have left to do?”
“Replacing the carpet in the smallest room, which I plan to knock out today. And I need to throw a second coat of paint on another bedroom. Next week I’ll have a small crew do a final clean up, before I do a final check.”
Tamara twisted a napkin between her fingers, deciding to ask since she was curious.
“Do you think I could stop by and see it? I’ll be happy to help if you don’t think I’d get in the way.”
Ben was surprised into silence for a few seconds.
“Of course you can. I’d love to show you around. Are you ready to go?”
“Let me hit the restroom and I’ll be all set.”
On the drive over Ben wondered why he had never asked if she wanted to see one of the properties. Guess he figured she was bored with all his talk about work as it was. Ben was actually excited to show her what he’d done.
When they arrived he escorted her inside, and once they got rid of their coats he led her through the property. It was a two-story home a little over 1,300 square feet. A good size living room and kitchen dominating the lower floor, with a small den and utility room rounding out the space. Upstairs housed the three bedrooms and full bath. It was an older house that had been consistently updated over the decades as much as the space allowed. Ben had got it for a steal and was planning to flip it. It would make a nice home for a small family.
He ended in the bedroom that needed work.
“I saved the smallest for last. It’s not even a 10 by 10.”
“I see you painted in
here recently.” Tamara commented. She could tell as the smell still lingered. She hesitantly reached out to test the wall, and thankfully it was dry.
“Yeah, yesterday evening. Wanted to get that done before I put in the new carpet.”
“Everything looks great, you’ve done an excellent job!”
She beamed at him, sincerely amazed he’d done all this.
“This is a good neighborhood, you should be able to get a good price.”
“That's the plan.”
Ben was unreasonably proud that she approved. He’d flipped many a house and always appreciated the outcome and end result. As a realtor his job was finding the right home for people. The houses he sold to well off buyers satisfied the need to make money. But when he flipped a house that regular people could afford, he got a deeper personal satisfaction.
It was the same when he rented out properties. Now he wasn’t completely selfless. He made a profit off of everything he did. But because he bought value properties and fixed them at a low-cost, he could easily keep his rent ten to fifteen percent below an area’s market price. Meaning, whoever he finally rented to, got a good deal. While he was still able to recoup his money and start making a profit usually in under three years. Snapping out of his musing, he looked around at the room before turning back to her.
“It’s so small it shouldn’t take me long. Head on home and I’ll meet you there.”
“I was serious when I said I wanted to help.” She held up a hand to stop him as he went to speak. “Save it. Carpet seems easy enough, well with you telling me what to do. I’ve never done anything like this, I want to try it! Let's not waste time arguing about it. Let's get started. What do we do first?”
Ben saw the excited gleam in her eyes and gave in.
“Okay fine. I keep an extra mask in the house anyway. Let me run out to my car. I have some extra work gloves in the trunk.”
When Ben came back and they were both gloved and masked they got started. He had brought the tools in he needed yesterday. He started by cutting the old carpet from the tack strip before they started pulling everything up, small sections at a time. Then they worked to remove the few staples that were in the floor. He was thankful whoever had installed the previous carpet had known what they were doing.
