Page 15 of Guarding Our Love
“I didn’t mean to be so forward, but I had to let my intentions be known. I don’t want any surprises later on down the line.”
It was like he knew my marriage was in trouble. He couldn’t have known because he didn’t know who my husband was.
The server came over with our food, so I sat back to get my thoughts together. My phone rang again, but I knew it was nobody but Roy. He would continue to call until I answered, buthe wouldn’t get the satisfaction. Instead of turning it off, I put the phone on vibrate in case one of the boys called.
“Everything okay?” Calil asked as he cut into his steak.
“Yes. Everything is fine. I see steak is still your favorite food.” I focused on my food, even though my appetite was shot. I changed the subject because I didn’t want Calil to ask any questions.
Calil put his fork down. “I’m surprised you still remember.”
“I remember a lot.”
We ate in silence the rest of the time, but I knew Calil knew something else was on my mind. I couldn’t fully be in the moment because this whole thing was wrong. I needed to talk to Roy about what he had done before I turned around and did the same thing.
“I can tell something is going on. You barely touched your food, and I’ve been talking to you for at least two minutes, and you ain’t said a word, not to mention I found you crying.”
Calil didn’t sound mad, more so concerned.
“I’m sorry. I just have a lot of stuff on my mind.”
“It’s cool. I’ll have the server box up your food so I can get you back to your car.”
Multiple emotions flowed through me. I felt guilty and conflicted about being with Calil, angry about those pictures, and dreadful about having to talk to Roy about them. I was also worried about the state of my marriage.
“Okay.”
Calil waved the server down while my phone vibrated again. Calil looked my way but didn’t address it. The repeated calls made me feel like I had done something wrong, even though it was an innocent outing between old friends.
After settling the bill and bagging the food, Calil and I left the restaurant. He held my hand like he did when we first arrived, but I could tell he wasn’t fond of the way our time ended. I hardlypaid attention to him because I kept falling too deep into my thoughts. I wanted a do-over, but that probably wasn’t a good idea.
When we arrived back at the hospital, I told Calil where my car was so he could drop me off. He pulled up next to my car and put it in park before lifting my chin so I could look at him.
“If that nigga was the reason you cried earlier, he ain’t worth it. No nigga should make you cry unless they are happy tears or he’s sucking your soul from your body. You hear me, pretty girl?”
I closed my eyes because that name brought back so many memories. Calil used to always call me pretty girl, especially whenever we had sex. I never knew where he learned to talk like that, but I liked it. It was so grown-man-like for such a young guy. My breath caught in my throat when he leaned forward. I thought he would kiss my lips, but he bypassed them and kissed the tip of my nose.
“Don’t forget what I said, Sloan.”
My mind might have drifted a few times, but I heard everything he said and didn’t say.
Calil climbed out of the car, then came around to open the door for me.
Once I was out of the car, I said, “Thanks for dinner, and I’m sorry for ruining it.”
“Hey, it wasn’t ruined. It’s all good.”
He opened my car door for me when I pressed the button to unlock it.
“Bye, Calil.” I slid into the front seat.
“Bye, Sloan. Get home safe.”
Calil closed the door softly and tapped on the roof.
I started the engine but didn’t pull out of the parking spot until Calil got into his car. My mind was on whatever waited for me when I got home. I didn’t know how I was going to ask Roy about the pictures. I mean, it was right in front of my face, soI didn’t need him to confirm it. I was just curious to hear his excuse. I also knew Roy would be pissed since I ignored his calls.
I satin the car for a minute when I pulled into the driveway. I needed to mentally prepare for what was on the other side of the door.
