Page 60 of Defending the Post
I leaned my back in my chair, resting my head. Erin continued to confuse me. She showed me two versions of herself, depending on the location. When I’m home, everything is cool but the moment I board the plane, she wants to be friends.
“Where are you and Malcolm getting this assertiveness from?” he asked.
I sprung forward in my seat and glared at him. “Do we need to revisit the surveillance cameras?” I asked.
Pops dropped his head at my comment. “Your mother and I...”
I tuned Pops out as he tried to justify the way he bullied his way into Mom’s heart. He could dress it up in polka dots and it’s still the same. I didn’t get it at first, but with Erin showing me mixed messages, I understood.
“Son, be gentle with your lady. I’ve gotten further with your mother because I’ve learned to be softer,” he said.
I agreed before we left the conference room. As we approached the lobby, I re-adjusted myself as I sensed Erin’s guarded nature. Pops said be softer and at this point, I didn’t have any other options. This woman being upset with me bothered me more than missed free throws.
I stopped short of her chair taking in her over-edginess. “Erin, would you please leave with me? I have a fun date planned for us.”
She gave a slight eye roll, but I’ll take it.
“When you apologize, I will consider it. You’ve been tripping all day. I’m not the one, Marquise. I want to be soft, but you keep pulling on the mean side of me,” she said.
My mother shook her head in agreement with Erin’s statement as if she didn’t fold like a lawn chair for Pops.
“I’m sorry, Erin,” I said, properly apologizing for my behavior.
She crossed her legs as she studied my body language. Everything about the curve of her lips and folded arms spoke to me.
“The only reason I’m leaving with you is because I don’t want Mrs. Jefferies to go out of her way. And Need-A-Ride will take too long,” she said.
My mother supported her statement by making a grunting noise before she laughed. I ran my hand over my faded beard as she gloated in my discomfort.
“Again, I am sorry, Erin,” I stated, softening my stance. I batted my eyelashes and protruded my bottom lip, giving her a sad face.
“Whatever,” she agreed, annoyed but not with the same anger.
“Baby, I think she is the one,” Mom said before smiling at Pops. “Erin, stand your ground with him,” she coached. I wanted to scoff but I knew Erin would flip on me.
We rode the elevator with her standing on the opposite side. I wanted to pull her to me and press her full lips against mine. Being that I’m on thin ice, I decided it was in my best interest to chill out. I guided Erin to the car, opening her door. After she settled in the seat, I returned her phone, placing it in her lap. I rounded the car, mind racing on how I could shake this tense energy between us. Nothing came to mind outside of apologizing. I rested on the driver’s side pushing the start button, but I didn’t change the gears. Instead, I observed Erin pin her body against the door, giving me the cold shoulder.
“Weirdo, come here,” I said in a softer tone instead of pulling her to me.
“Why?” she questioned, as she focused her attention out of the front window.
I unbuckled her seat belt, hoping to gain her attention but she didn’t move. She allowed it to draw against her body.
“Can you please move closer?” I again asked, determined for her to sit closer to me.
Erin eyed me before she removed some space, but not enough for my liking.
“Closer, please. You know where I want you.”
She slid over, leaving enough space for her arm to rest on the console. As our eyes latched, my outburst upstairs bothered me. This woman pulled at my hidden emotions, not allowing them to settle behind closed doors. I’ve never cared to chase a woman, but Erin was my Weirdo. If she left with Mom, it would’ve broken me.
“I’m sorry for trying to intimidate you. I was on edge about you leaving me at Noise Level Shoes because I have abandonment issues. Next time, can you please talk to me? Bella is my personal merch shopper. I know her dude. I gift them tickets every Christmas. No, I’ve never slept with her. I respect her as a professional, that’s it,” I said.
Erin’s eyes softened as she examined mine. I moved closer, pausing at our noses touching. I caressed her cheek with my thumb before I pecked her lips.
“You forgive me?” I asked, and covered her mouth with mine before she could answer.
Erin invited my tongue inside, and I followed her lead. We broke the kiss when a hand tapped the hood. I turned to find my Pops walking with my mom and Khaira. I acknowledged him with a hand gesture but returned my attention to Erin.
