Page 20 of Impacted by Love

A low chuckle slips from my mouth before I'm able to stop or prevent it from happening from the humor in Onesti's question.

"Yes. I have an assistant, but I wouldn't say I'm more important than anyone else working for the company."

"Uh-uh, Mr. CFO. Don't be trying to downplay your position. I'm sure you deserve that assistant and title."

"Okay. I won't," I tease with a cheesy grin.

Though foreign, the giddiness flowing through my extremities has me settling into the couch, crossing one leg over the other.

"So that explains why you practically bit my head off the day of the coffee debacle. I really need to rectify that mistake. When will y?—"

"A woman of your caliber should never ask a man out, Ms. Onesti. Besides, that incident is water under the bridge."

"Maybe for you, but I still feel horrified over the incident."

"Be that as it may, your apology has been received. Nevertheless, I would be honored if you allowed me to share some of your time. It can be coffee, or it can be dinner. The choice is totally yours."

That's what I'm talking about. That's how you reverse an invite.

The internal high-five from my conscience is ignored due to the pounding in my ears while I await Onesti's response. I bite my lip before switching to chewing my inner cheek, and my eyes stare intently at the phone when seconds tick by.

"I would love to. All I need to know is where and when." The sultry and seductive tone from Onesti has my dick twitching while I nod slowly.

"I'll check my calendar and get back to you, but I'm looking forward to i?—"

Beep, beep, beep.

The phone chimes with another call, preventing me from completing my statement. Grabbing the phone, my head hangs, and my jovial mood tanks upon seeing my mom's name on the caller ID.

"Uh, I hate to do this, but can I call you back? I need to take this incoming call."

"Sure. I look forward to setting a date. Talk to you soon, Asaiah." Onesti disconnects the call, causing it to vibrate and forcing me to answer.

"Hello."

"Hey, son. Can you explain to your sister what's going on? She w?—"

"No, I don't believe you, Valerie. I'm not sure why you called me, anyway." Annalise's stern voice comes through the line with enough aggression to light a blown furnace.

"Now, I've told you about being disrespectful, sis," I remind her with my brows hiking and nose twisting.

The cheery mood I had been in while talking to Onesti dissipates like vapor from a heavy rainstorm because I already know where this conversation is going.

"Hm. Respect would have been Valerie and Andre raising the daughter that neither of their asses had the sense to love or appreciate. Let's talk about how the ingrates responsible for your existence prefer their booga sugar over you. Hm. Respect is?—"

"That's enough, Annalise," I cut her off when sniffles filter through the line, alerting me of Mom's reaction to Annalise's heavy words.

"We're sick, Annalise. When will you unders?—"

"That's a fucking excuse, Valerie," Annalise snaps.

My chest pinches, and heat explodes within my extremities because this conversation is fruitless and a waste of time. While I completely and utterly understand Annalise's plight, I'm growing tired of the battle. Unlike myself, Annalise's life wasn't the torment she projects because I made shit shake for her. I kept her from a life of destruction by shielding her from every aspect of our parents' addiction.

"Okay. Y'all aren't about to have me listening to this same old song and dance. Mom, I'll be up there to check on Dad tomorrow. Try to worry less and pray more. As for you, sis, me and you."

Without allowing either of them to respond, I disconnect the call with my chest rising and falling heavily. My nostrils are flaring, and my pulse is racing as I try to regulate my erratic breathing.

See, this is why I'm unsure about moving ahead with pursuing Onesti. My life is a mess that I hate managing, let alone asking someone else to come alongside me.Ugh.

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