Page 58 of The Friend Zone
She wanted forgiveness, but he wasn’t in a place to offer absolution. Maybe in time his feelings would change, but right now his only concern was for Prince. He wanted the best for him, and moving forward they—he, Athena, and Cole—needed to come to an agreement about the role he would play in Prince’s life.
“I’ll call you,” he said, and walked away.
26
Dana waited outside the Atlanta airport terminal, searching for Omar’s white Escalade. Within a few minutes the vehicle came toward her and slid into place beside the curb. Omar hopped out, and she ran into his arms, squealing as he lifted her off the sidewalk and then gave her a hungry kiss.
“Missed you like crazy,” he murmured against her lips. “The past two weeks have been the longest of my life.”
Dana blushed at his exuberant welcome. “I’m glad to be home.”
“I want to hear all about your trip.”
While she climbed into the passenger seat, he placed her bags in the back and then climbed into the driver’s seat.
Though they talked a few times while she was away, the organizers of the writer’s retreat filled their days and nights with activities, which limited the amount of outside communication she made. She filled him in, explaining how the thirty authors split into five groups of six the first week and rotated, learning different aspects of writing. The second week they implemented the tips and guidelines they learned and critiqued each other.
“Long days, hard work, but I absolutely loved it,” she sighed.
“Glad to hear you enjoyed yourself.”
She squeezed his thigh. If not for him, she wouldn’t have been able to attend. “I learned so much and made new friends. I now have critique partners and accountability partners. With all this support, I should have a novel written by next year.”
“That’s what’s up. My girlfriend, the author.”
He was in a much better mood than when she left. He and Cole never repaired their relationship, and as far as Omar was concerned, they never would. He no longer wanted his brother in his life because Cole’s animosity ran deep.
He hadn’t fully adjusted to the new role of uncle, however, but at least Athena talked to Prince about the change. From what Omar told Dana, the little boy was very confused when his mother explained Omar was no longer his father. She said he took the role for a while, but now his real father, his uncle Cole, was taking over the role of father in his life. She couldn’t imagine the confusion the little boy felt but figured in time he would accept the change, and they could all eventually have a normal relationship.
Both Athena and Omar assured Prince that Omar would continue to be part of his life, which Omar wanted and even Cole agreed to. Omar loved Prince deeply, and his feelings didn’t change because he wasn’t his biological son.
Omar took Dana to his condo, where she showered and took a nap before the welcome-home dinner Omar promised over the phone. He told her to dress up because they were going to a very nice restaurant.
“You’re making such a fuss,” Dana said, spritzing perfume on her wrists.
“Like I said, I missed you like crazy.” Omar came up behind her and dropped a kiss to the sensitive spot behind her ear and patted her booty. She thrilled at his touch and smiled as he strutted into his large closet which doubled as a dressing room.
“Where are we going for dinner?” Dana asked.
“The restaurant at the Four Seasons,” he called out. “I booked a room there too, because I intend to get my drink on. We can spend the night and get up in the morning and have breakfast in the room.”
“Nice. A little staycation, which I absolutely need after working so hard for two weeks.” Dana added pins to her hair.
“I figured you would,” Omar said.
She finished pinning her hair into a thick ball on top of her head and strategically placed gold hair jewelry throughout. The final touch was a pair of gold drop earrings.
When Omar came out of the dressing room, she placed her hands on her hips.
“What do you think?” She did a slow turn, giving him a 360-degree view of her curves in a black and gold wrap dress, its neckline showing off her ample bosom.
Omar’s eyes lingered on the daring view of her right thigh at the split in the dress and slowly lowered to the gold heels adorning her feet. Biting his bottom lip, he shook his head.
“Damn, you look incredible, babe. Maybe we should stay in.”
“Uh-uh,” Dana said with a laugh, wagging her finger at him. “You promised me a nice dinner, and I’m holding you to it.”
He groaned. “Fine, but let’s eat fast.” He gave her a quick kiss and took her hand. “Ready?”
