Page 1 of Tempted to Love You
Latia Revish
“It’s got to be real. Girl, I could write a book on how you’re making me feel.”
Holding my brush like a microphone, I stare at myself in the mirror while singing my heart out. My bathrobe is open, revealing my naked body since I’m fresh out of the shower and in the process of styling my hair. Thankfully, I live alone because I’m sure I’m a sight to see, but this song is an oldie but goodie that I can’t pass up. Thanks to Rita and Herbert Revish, I’m a sucker for old-school R&B music. Born to older parents, I can’t help but enjoy timeless classics that most people my age don’t even know.
“I know I’ll never find another who could match the loving you’ve given to me. So... this is for the lover in you. This ring means I’ll always be true.” Gripping the brush, I belt the lyrics like I’m the person who wrote them. “Alexa, what time is it?”
“The time is 4:27 a.m.”
“Shit!”
The time ends my mini-concert, forcing me to focus on taming my hair so I can get dressed and be on my way.
I’m a news journalist for Ribax 8 News, and getting up early has become second nature for me at this point in mycareer. Obtaining my journalism degree from Ribax University was a highlight of my life, as I had switched majors several times before settling on this field. My parents had been ready to cut off my educational funding because I had wasted several years wandering the campus without declaring a major. I’m not sure what led to my interest in the field, but after diving into it further, I found I loved the idea of storytelling from that capacity.
Moving quickly through the routine of bringing my long hair into a contained bun took me another fifteen minutes. Running out of the bathroom toward my bed where my blouse and dress slacks lie, I roll my ankle, causing a jolt of pain to alert me of my mishap.
“Damn it! Slow down, Latia. Hurting yourself won’t get you out the door any faster.”
Hearing a new song flowing through my Echo Dot, I bob my head, walking briskly to my dresser before applying deodorant and perfume. With no time to spare, I quickly dress before walking to my walk-in closet in search of some heels to slip on. My mouth twists while I explore my options of black heels before deciding to go with a pair of leopard print ones instead. My camel-colored blouse and black slacks could use a little pizzazz, so the heels will give me the subtle embellishment needed.
“Alexa, what time is it?”
“The time is 5:07 a.m.”
“Well, I don’t have time for my avocado toast this morning. Maybe somebody will have brought donuts or something.”
Rushing from my room, I grab my purse, messenger bag, and keys before exiting the front door.
“Good morning, Ms. Revish.” One of the cameramen, Don, greets me when I exit the elevator at the news station.
“Hey, Don. How are you this morning?”
“Great. The sun is gonna be shining, and there’s not a single drop of rain expected,” Don returns, smiling.
Don is typically the first person I see when I get to work each day, and most of the time, there’s a wide smile on his chubby porcelain face. Thankfully for Don, his job doesn’t require him to do anything but stand behind the camera because Don’s stomach protrudes like Santa Claus. The suspenders Don wears are worn and tattered from years of assisting the belt he has to wear with his pants.
“Make sure you stop by the break room to grab some breakfast. Boss lady must be in a good mood today because she brought in several quiches, donuts, and bagels. They’re all delicious, so you’d better hurry before the vultures eat everything up,” Don informs me while looking around.
“Duly noted. Thanks for the heads up.” Smiling, I continue toward my cubby to store my purse so I can grab something to eat.
My grumbling stomach is happy about the idea of options for breakfast this morning. I generally have avocado toast with everything bagel seasoning and a fried egg, but time wasn’t on my side today. While most people are still rolling over in their beds at 4:30 a.m., I’m typically awake, making breakfast to start my day. My phone buzzing prevents me from securing my purse inside my drawer. Unzipping it, I remove my phone, and a grin slides into place, causing me to answer the call.
“Good morning. What are you doing up so early?”
“Girl, I have no idea, but I knew you would be up, and since I can’t sleep, I figured I would chat with you right quick,” Keisha tells me.
Keisha Patton and I have been best friends since our freshman year of college when we became roommates. Initially, I hadn’t been open to the idea of making friends, but that went out the window the minute Keisha walked through our room. Keisha’s presence instantly brightened the room and removed the freshman jitters I had been dealing with. Despite being local, I hadn’t ever been away from home for an extended period, so I was beyond nervous. Keisha, on the other hand, had been pumped about getting away from her mother and stepfather.
“What’s wrong, boo?”
“I’ve been lying here wondering if being single is something I’m gonna have to endure forever. I give so much of myself that I think I might be broken. When will someone love me for all of me?”
Taking a second to type in my password to start my laptop, I contemplate how I can respond to Keisha’s statements. My bestie works the third shift, so knowing she’s up with these thoughts has my chest tightening and the desire to help increase by the minute.
“Love can be tricky. Sometimes, you don’t have to do anything to receive it. I’m learning that you can do everything right, and still, love plays in your face. Be patient. It’s going to happen for you because you are an amazing woman.”
“I hope so, but I’ll let you get off here. Sorry for bothering you this early with my problems.”
