Page 29 of Impacted by Love

"No thanks needed. I enjoyed the time I got to spend with you. Hopefully, we can do it again soon," I finally reply.

"Hm. Let's get something locked in now. You ain't gotta hope for anything this trivial."

A lopsided grin slides into place at hearing Asaiah's words, and I put the call on speaker so I can pull up my calendar for potential dates.

"Is there a date you have in mind?" I ask.

"Friday. I'll need you to be ready at eight too. I know how women are, so I'll tell you upfront to dress comfortably."

Alright, Mr. Asaiah! You'd better put our plans in motion and provide instructions while doing it. This is the grown-man energy I can co-sign.

Onesti:

I'm wondering if I should tell my friends I'll be going on a date or hanging with a buddy this week. *eye and thinking emojis*

Hmm,I think the kiss we shared is more than enough reason for you to know what to tell your friends.

"Not to pry, but who's got you smiling like a Cheshire cat?" Normani asks, forcing me to break the repeated reading of Onesti's message.

I'm embarking on a working lunch with Normani and a few other leadership team members, and I'm just returning from washing my hands to eat.

"Dang, you nosy, boss lady."

"Let me find out something other than ledgers and cash flow is keeping your interest," Wendell chimes in, grinning.

Wendell is the man in charge of our IT department and spends most of his time plotting ways to lick or sniff the lining of Normani's panties despite her marital status. Wendell gives a whole new meaning to the kiss ass making our encounters brief most days. Between the daily bow tie Wendell wears and the matching suspenders keeping his protruding stomach in check, Wendell wouldn't have a chance with Normani if she weren't married.

Returning to my seat, I ignore Wendell and type a response to Onesti.

Me:

Seeing as we're already conversant with the outline of each other's lips, I think it's safe for you to inform them of your impending date.

The jitters from the image of Onesti slamming into my mind increase my pulse and heart rate. Removing the lid from the container in front of me, I bow my head and utter a brief prayer of gratitude, which isn't solely about the meal I'm preparing to consume.

Dear God,

Thank you for this food that I'm about to receive. Let it be nourishment for my body. Pull out any impurities. Oh, and God, while you're passing out blessings, please remember I'm overdue. While I know that I can't place a stipulation on you, I'm asking if you can increase your favor in my life. I, Asaiah Harrison, am interested in a woman. I'm scared that something will go wrong so please remember me.

Amen.

"Alright, everyone, even though we have our lunch, we must work through unless none of us plan on leaving before seven," Normani announces on the heels of me ending my prayer and petition.

Grumbles sound around the room because the thought of being stuck in this conference room for a lengthy time is the last thing anyone present wants to hear. Strategizing not only our plans for next year but also discussing the budget can be a daunting task. Yet, here we are, forging ahead while everyone tries to contain their chewing so as not to offend anyone.

"You're up, Wendi-Lou," Normani directs, prompting the next person on today's agenda when silence permeates the air.

Wendi-Lou, a middle-aged black woman unable to stomach these meetings or our boss, pushes her kale greens aside. Dusting the nonexistent crumbs from her hands, Wendi-Lou prepares to speak after a small sigh I decipher from the sharp intake of air she takes. I immediately start praying when Wendi-Lou opens her mouth and utters her first sentence.

"Time is of the essence if we expect to recruit, train, and put into production individuals who won't threaten Ms. Normani's vision.”

God, please let a vapor of smoke smack Wendi-Lou in her face so she'll consider that Normani isn't in the business of being pushed around.

* * *

"Yo, A, what's good? I ain't heard from your ass." Uriah's call came in just after I crossed the threshold of my foyer at home that evening.

"Just cooling. I had a long day of meetings, so I'm just walking through the door. I gotta figure out what I'm cooking for dinner."

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