Fortunate

by nikki blaire

  Chapter Seven

  “Renee, can you clear my afternoon?” Ayda bounced into her office without an attitude for the first time in weeks.

  “Sure.” Renee gave her a side eyed glance as she strutted past her desk. “Any particular reason why?”

  Must you be so nosy?” Ayda teased, knowing that she would be right on her heels.

  “You damn right. You’ve been a total sour puss these last couple of weeks, but now, you’re glowing.”

  “I’m not glowing.” Ayda flipped her hair over her shoulder to hide the slight smirk that had settled onto her face. She was feeling happier than usual and knew darn well that it was because of her date today.

  “Girl, you’re a damn flashlight. So, spill it. What’s his name and how come I’m clearing your afternoon? You plan on going back home for an afternoon quickie?” Renee was sitting on the edge of Ayda’s desk with wide eyes.

  “Is that really all you think of me?” Ayda gasped, while she shooed Renee away.

  “Hey, I’m just the messenger.” Renee threw her hands up. “You’re the one who’s made a habit of using men like paper towels. Use them for what you need, and then throw them away.”

  Ayda smacked her teeth. In her quest to let off steam, she had turned into someone who she really was not. Jumping from situationship to situationship was fun, but it left her without any substantial connection. No one to ever really call on. She tried to think of who would have helped her if Tremaine had not been there when she fell. Her brothers or hired help were the only options she had to reach out to. It was a lonely existence and she was starting to get sick of it. This date with Tremaine was a first step towards letting people in.

  “Alright, fine. I have a date, but it’s not what you think. It’s a first date with this guy I’ve kinda been...I don’t know. We just met.”

  “So, you…”

  “No, we have not had sex yet. You should be proud of me, since I’m such a tramp.”

  Ayda thought she had let go of Renee’s comment from weeks ago, but it rolled out of her mouth and was unnecessarily curt.

  “You know I say that stuff just to be funny. I would never judge you and honestly, you haven’t done anything to be judged on.” Renee leaned in and rubbed Ayda’s shoulder.

  “I know. I’m just dealing with a lot.” She forced back an onslaught of tears that suddenly affronted her eyes. Subconsciously, she knew that this date was a big step, but she had not expected to be this affected by it. Closing down was routine for her, but opening up was uncomfortable and excruciating.

  “And I’m nervous.” She admitted. “I haven’t been on a real date in a while and I’m not myself when I’m around this man.”

  “Sounds like the ice queen has a crush on somebody.” Renee playfully pinched her. “Don’t be nervous and just be yourself. You’ve got so much to offer.” She peered down at Ayda then hopped up from her desk. “But, let’s make sure we get this shine off your face. I’ll be back with my makeup kit.”

  “Shine on my face?” Ayda pulled out her compact mirror to check herself. Renee swooped back into the office with a bag and a giant smile.

  “Don’t worry, girl. I got you.” She laid everything out on her desk. “Just don’t mess this up before lunch. And listen, have fun and don’t overthink. This doesn’t have to lead to marriage. Just get to know the man.” She pulled out a brush, dabbed it in a powder, and then smoothed it over Ayda’s face.

  “Get to know him.” Ayda repeated to herself quietly. That was going to be easier said than done. Tremaine was so fine that Ayda could barely think around him. Usually, she handled that kind of lust in one way, but Tremaine kept taking that off of the table.

  “If I text you that I’m having a terrible time, call me with an emergency.”

  “Girl, I doubt that, but sure. You’re all done.” Renee held up her phone’s forward facing camera for Ayda to see herself. “I swear, I’m in the wrong line of work.” She patted herself on the back, then walked out of Ayda’s office, switching her hips along the way.

  “She better not do that when Tremaine gets here.” Ayda mumbled to herself then checked her appearance again. She did not need to have to compete with Renee’s pretty face and bubbly personality.

  Tremaine arrived right on time. His voice floated from Renee’s desk, sounding just as smooth and silky as it had on the phone the night before.

  “Good afternoon. I’m Tremaine Henley and I’m here for Ms. Ayda Forde.”

  “I’m here. Come right in.” She stood to greet him, but her steps towards the door were stalled once he filled the doorway. It was like seeing him for the first time. He seemed taller, more muscular. Even his haircut seemed more lined up today than usual, if that was even possible. He pulled his aviator sunglasses off and smiled at her.

  “Hey.” Was all he said, but Ayda could barely find a response to that. Her mouth fell open and she was sure that she was drooling. “Do you look great all of time? I’m starting to think you have a round-the-clock glam squad.” His rich and sultry Southern accent made her feel mushy all over.

  “Thank you.” She finally found her voice then jerkily reached for her purse.

  “Mr. Henley, do you need anything? Water, coffee?” Renee sauntered in with her usual spiel, but unlike every other man who came by Ayda’s office, Tremaine barely paid attention to Renee’s existence.

  “No, I’m fine. Thanks.” He lazily dragged his eyes over Ayda, clearly drinking her in. The scrutiny made her even more nervous.

  “I’m ready, so we can head out.” Her voice quaked.

  “Good. After you.” He moved out of the way to let Ayda pass by.

  “Renee, can you just take a message from anyone who calls. If it’s an emergency, give them my work cell.” Renee nodded, as if she were listening, but Ayda could tell by the glossy look in her eyes that she had not heard a word.

  On their way out, she felt her phone vibrate. She quickly glanced at it to see that Renee had text her heart-eyed emojis followed by “he is fine as hell” in all capital letters.

  As if I didn’t know.

  She shook her head, then led the way to the elevators. They rode in silence, which gave Ayda time to reel in her nerves. The doors pinged open, and Tremaine slid his hand down to the small of her back to guide her out of the office building. She gasped with a sharp intake of breath at his touch.

  “You okay?” He looked down at her, but she refused to look back. Those brown eyes, full lips, and dimples would surely make her weak.

  “Just fine.” They stepped out into the afternoon air, which was crisp and light. “Do you wanna take a cab or,” She had stepped towards the street to hail a cab, but Tremaine pulled her back towards him in one swoop.

  “I was hoping we could walk and talk.” He steadied her on the sidewalk and then looped their arms together. “If your ankle’s better?”

  “Oh yea.” She was flustered, but managed to look calm. “My ankle’s fine. You lead the way.”

  They walked and chatted, each sharing about their day so far, until Tremaine stopped them in front of cafe.

  “I hope this place is to your liking.” He ushered Ayda up to the reservation desk. The maître d handed her a menu, which made her frown once she looked it over.

  Frufru food.

  She sighed to herself, but if this were where Tremaine really wanted to have lunch then she would settle for it. He gave his name for the reservation, and then they were led to a quaint table on the patio.

  “See anything you like on the menu? I’ve never been here before, but it had a good rating online.” Tremaine flipped through the menu. A waitress returned with a wine list and water, which were the only things that Ayda found appeasing.

  “Um, I’m still looking.” She lied. Her mind had drifted to her favorite taco place in the Eastern Market area. It was a tiny hole in the wall, but it had the best tacos in D.C. She skimmed the menu one more time, but her eyes glazed over at the French titles.

  “You don’t
wanna eat here.” He caught her then let out a hearty laugh.

  “Huh, what? No, this is fine.” But, he wasn’t buying her act. “I mean, I was just,”

  “I was trying to take you somewhere you’re used to.” His smile faded as he set the menu down. “I probably should’ve just asked you.”

  “No, it’s fine, really. I appreciate the thought.” His sudden disappointment in himself made her feel guilty. She reached out to touch his arm, but the skin-to-skin contact sent illicit thoughts through her mind, so she pulled away quickly. “I was just kinda...in the mood for tacos.”

  “Tacos?” He raised an eyebrow. “That’s it? Man, Ayda,” He removed his sunglasses from his pocket and slowly slid them back on. “You can have all the tacos your heart desires.” He held out his hand to her. “Let’s go.”

  She grabbed it and followed him out of the restaurant.

  “There’s this place,” She started to tell him, while he hailed a cab.

  “In Eastern Market.” They said in unison, while he pulled her closer to him once a cab pulled up to the curb.

  “Great minds.” He winked at her then helped her in before rattling off the address to the driver. Shortly after, they pulled up to the restaurant, and the authentic smells of Mexican food swarmed them.

  “This was a better choice. Good idea, Ms. Forde.” He was close behind her while they walked to the counter to order.

  “You won’t judge me if I get a beer, will you?” He playfully nudged her side.

  “Not if you order me one too.” She giggled back, which made him laugh as well.

  Once their food was ready, they moved to a table and sat down. The first couple minutes were silent, punctuated with gratified moans, while they ate.

  “Now, this is real food.” She took a huge bite of her taco then reached for a napkin to catch the salsa running down her hand. “Not saying anything bad about your choice in restaurants. I just like to eat and that food looked like I’d be hungry in an hour.”

  Tremaine let his head fall back, while he laughed.

  “I see. I’ll never make that mistake again.”

  “Seriously. To be honest, when we, uh...ya know, when we had dinner, I was coming from a place just like that. I went straight to get pork chops right after. I was starving.”

  “Were you? Well, now I know to keep you fed with real food.” His eyes shone brightly, the aviators tucked back in his jacket pocket. “So, tell me what else I need to know about you? No repeats from our last conversation.”

  “Well, uh,” She racked her brain for something new to tell him. “I’m a Cancer.”

  “You told me that already. I said no repeats.” He leaned in towards her and the rest of the restaurant fell away once they locked eyes. “I’ll start it off if you can’t think of anything. I know you’re from here, but where’d you go to college?”

  “The Mecca.” She answered proudly. “Fifth-generation Howard grad. I went to Cornell for my MBA though. My dad was insistent on my attending an Ivy for that.” She rolled her eyes. “I would’ve been content with going to Howard twice.”

  “It worked out well for you though, right?”

  She glanced at him then took a long swallow from her beer. What was actually “good for her” was subjective.

  “Yea. You could say that. What about you? You said you came here for college.”

  “Yep. University of Maryland. I got a basketball scholarship and was dying to get out of my brother’s shadow. He was a football star back home in North Carolina. He’s still kind of a neighborhood celebrity.”

  “I’m sure you have your own fair share of adoring fans too.” She eyed him, which made Tremaine’s dimples reappear.

  “See, I knew it.” She giggled. “I already know your type. You were definitely the man on campus. I bet you pledged a fraternity and everything. You strike me as the pretty boy type. I can tell by how sharp that line up is, Mr. Henley.”

  “Ah, c’mon. It’s not that obvious, is it?” He shook his head then wiped a hand down his face to cover the rosiness that spotted his cheeks. “I was well known, but I wouldn’t say I was the man…”

  “Tremaine, please.” She shot him a skeptical glare. “If you looked anything like you do now in college, I already know the havoc you reeked on campus.”

  “Aight, you got me, but that was then.” He ran a hand over his manicured goatee. “I’m just ordinary people these days. And what about you? Ms. Fifth-generation Black royalty.”

  “Au contraire,” Her glare turned to a sheepish grin that let Tremaine know he had touched on a sensitive topic. “Black royalty were definitely not words used to describe me in college. Introverted, artsy, and weird were more like it. Plus, my last name brought more foes than friends, especially when it came to other women, so I wasn’t the most liked. No homecoming queen, no sorority. Just plain ol’ Ayda.”

  “I don’t believe it. Had you been at Maryland…”

  “Maybe so.” Ayda shrugged. “But I was at Howard, following behind two brothers, a father, and a mother who were God’s gifts to the university, so…” She paused, searching for the right words. “I get it when you were talking about living in your brother’s shadow.”

  She intentionally let that part of the conversation fall off. She did not need to relive her woeful college years of being a skinny, ugly duckling that had more of an interest in drawing than going to parties.

  “What about your sister? You mentioned her before.” She baited Tremaine into talking about something else.

  “She’s younger than my brother and I...by a lot.” He chuckled. “One of those accident babies. She just graduated from Maryland and is staying there for law school.”

  “So, she’s living in your shadow?”

  “Naw, not Julissa. She does everything her own way and then asks questions later. She’s fiery.”

  “I like her already.” Ayda casually teased, but her thoughts were spinning on their wheels. Her statement had opened her up to the possibility of meeting his sister in the future. She had played this game long enough to know that Tremaine had two options here. He could either go with the flow or he could avoid her statement and shut the possibility down altogether.

  “I think she’d like you too.” His southern drawl dragged out the words for emphasis, which sent a chill down Ayda’s back. She had opened the door and, surprisingly, Tremaine had walked right through it. “So, tell me, why don’t you want a man, Ayda?”

  The question made her straighten her posture. It slammed into her and was hard to answer, so she decided to play coy.

  “What do you mean by want a man?” She finished the last of her beer and wished she had another coming. As if he could read her mind, Tremaine motioned for the man behind the counter to bring them two more.

  “I mean, I’m assuming that you being single is a choice because…” He now seemed to be choosing his words carefully. “You have everything a man wants. You’re fine as hell,”

  “That’s subjective.” She instantly reverted into being argumentative as a defense mechanism.

  “You’re very right.” He wasn’t backing down, in fact he was leaning in. Her little quip had not affected him at all.

  “And my very subjective opinion of you is that your eyes are soft and inviting, your hair constantly makes me think about putting my hands in it, you’ve got curves that only grown men know how to handle, and I can’t get your smile out of mind. So, yes, subjectively, you’re fine as hell to me. Plus, you’re smart and driven. It’s everything I’d want and I know I’m not alone in that. So, again, why don’t you want a man because we both know that you could get one, if you wanted to.”

  Ayda was slow to respond because the throbbing in between her thighs was loud and distracting.

  “I just haven’t found anything worth putting my energy into.” She let the truth stumble out of her mouth.

  “I understand that. Raising my daughter takes up all of my energy. I barely know whether I’m coming or going. I can’t a
fford to put my energy into the wrong one.”

  “Raising?” The word had practically jumped out at her. “You’re raising Sasha?” She had assumed that he and Sasha’s mother were co-parenting and probably still dipping their fingers into the cookie jar every now and again.

  “By myself.” He gave a boyish grin.

  “Oh, wow. That’s phenomenal. Is her mother...no longer...with us?” She started to ask, but Tremaine waved off her statement.

  “No, she’s definitely still in the land of the living. We just thought it was best that Sasha stay with me.” He looked down at his empty plate. “And it’s not phenomenal. Single parents raise kids all of the time. I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do.”

  “You’re right, but there’s something about a dad with his kids that’s just sexy, but you know that. That’s why you sent that perfect little angel after me.” She laughed to lighten the mood that had clearly shifted. Past relationships were definitely a sore spot for both of them.

  “I didn’t. I promise you. If it had really been like that, trust me, I wouldn’t have waited that long to do it.”

  “Well, whatever it was, I’m glad it happened.”

  They fell back into a comfortable silence, but sirens were sounding off in her head. Something had to be wrong with this perfect man. That was how her luck always turned out. Aaron would hit her and was a liar. The boyfriend before that was a lazy leech, despite how great both of them seemed at the start. So, she would not let herself fall into liking Tremaine too much just yet. Something had to be behind those deep brown eyes and perfect smile and she was sure that it would reveal itself eventually.

  Ayda’s wandering thoughts made her eyes wander as well. Eventually, they landed on her phone, which she hadn’t checked all afternoon. That was unlike her. She swiped it up to find a long list of unanswered emails, calls, and texts. She went straight to Renee’s and opened it, but was disappointed that there was no emergency.

  It’s been two hours, Ayda. Did y’all go to Philly for cheesesteaks?

  That text was from almost an hour ago.

  “Sorry, I’ve gotta get back to the office.” She stood to her feet and grabbed her bag.