Page 31 of Off the Charts
-Harm
I swiped the tear from my cheek as I closed the letter. I had no way to return the money which is why she gave it in cash so I would be forced to keep it. She knew me well. I’ve never expressed anything financial to her, but I appreciated her thinking of me. Harmoni slept throughout the day because she worked at night, but I still called. When she didn’t answer, I sent an audio message expressing my appreciation.
I locked the bag in the safe then checked the time to see that I had an hour to spare so I went back upstairs to start my makeup. Today would’ve been a content day with my lowest paying client with a foot fetish. I called him lowest paying, but he was willing to pay a rack for one foot and an extra two hundred if I added toe rings or oil. I used to stack those rings on my feet like Sparta or some shit. Men were truly easy.
I chuckled at the thought as I laid out my makeup then started cleansing my skin. Financially, stepping away from content was easy because I still had plenty saved from the three months of doing it on top of the five thousand in child support I received bi-weekly. Ten racks was more than enough to supply the lifestyle Zion and I had, but that money was for him. Plus counting on that felt like I was still in the same shoes relying on Solomon.
Today, I had an interview scheduled at Hillside Winery, a black woman owned distillery located in Edgewynne. I’d visited there several times since they’d been open in the past year and a half. Not only was the wine, food, and vibes amazing but so was the owner. We’d gained a relationship from me visiting so often but I’d never disclosed that I distilled as well. It was a huge step for me since it had been over a decade since I’d worked. It would also be my first interview because when Devon’s dad owned Chasers, the only thing he asked before hiring me was who are your people. He and my mom went to school together and that was enough to land me the job.
The hot shower I took set my makeup perfectly. I decided on a white button-down tucked into high-waisted, navy cigarette pants, with an olive blazer and a pair of nude heels. As I fluffed my twist out, I thanked God for allowing my hair to cooperate and prayed that His Will be done during this interview.
My stomach turnedbackflips as I parked in front of the wooden building. On the way over, my mom called to pray over me, but the nerves were still winning. The interview was set for ten and it was fifteen minutes ‘til, so I had ten to spare.
I made sure my resume was still in my tote bag before grabbing my phone. A smile formed when I saw Vayce texted me twice.
Since our time in the garden last week, there hadn’t been a day we didn’t spend on the phone. Even with him back in his hometown, our communication never wavered. He’d become part of my routine, and I was enjoying getting to knowhim. Vayce even helped me with my resume and tweaked my experiences for me to sell myself. It was no secret that I was feeling him.
When he extended the invitation to his cabin, I was thrown off. Although I knew my answer, Vayce didn’t, yet he hadn’t asked me twice about it. He told me when he was leaving and left it at that. I couldn’t help but wonder if we were moving too fast, but I was starting not to give a fuck. I was going with the flow by telling myself I wanted this, I deserved this, so why not try it?
Did you make it?
You need anything?
I just pulled in…And prayer. I’m so nervous lol
I’ve been on Google rehearsing what she might ask. Hopefully this shit doesn't feel like boot camp.
I watched the dots populate then disappear. When a message didn’t come through after a minute, I closed our thread and went to Zy’s. He’d sent me a selfie that made my heart smile.
Do great Mommy. Love you
God had sent me the perfect angel. I sent him back a selfie with me throwing a peace sign and told him I loved and appreciated him.
As I was about to click Jade’s contact, my car announced a call fromV. Denver. My heart thumped out my chest, but before I could answer, the call ended. I tapped my fingers against the steering wheel as I quickly tapped his name again. The phone rang too many times, and as I was about to deem his call as an accident, he picked up.
“I asked you if you wanted to rehearse and you told me no,” his deep voice boomed through my speakers.
I smiled like he could see me. “You’re home with your sister. I didn’t want to bother you. Google did just fine.”
There was some shuffling in his background before he spoke again. “I’ll always make time for you.”
I thought I was tripping when I heard his voice at my door and through my car. My mouth dropped. He wasn’t supposed to be back for another day. Vayce smiled and ended the call as I unlocked the door.
“Vayce,” I laughed, playfully pushing him out of my space when he tried to help me out. “When did you get back?”
“I landed around seven. I have clients at the gym at ten. Thought it would be a perfect time to surprise you. C’mere, J.” He extended his hand again and I accepted, and he pulled me to my feet and into his arms.
The problems of the world faded from a single embrace. I handed over my weight and melted into his arms, inhaling deeply in his chest when he pulled me closer. My eyes closed as I rested against him. I didn’t know a hug could feel like security or make every thought in my mind slip away. Being in his arms felt like coming home after a long day of work or removing your bra the second you got some privacy. I didn’t want to let go of his pull, his web, or…him.
“I needed this.”
“Me too, J.” He kissed my nose. “More than you fucking know.”
He kissed my forehead before creating space between us. Vayce was only in some grey shorts, a sleeveless shirt with a baseball cap, but he looked so damn good.
“You look nice,” I teased.
“You beat me to it. You look amazing, J.” His eyes gazed down my frame. “I’m not going to hold you up. I wanted to let you know I’m back and to hug you.”
