I shifted gears and focused on generating an email to my team. It was important to thank everyone for their efforts. Leon’s abrupt exit left me unsure of how the show would go, but my team didn’t miss a beat. The rave reviews were proof of everyone’s efforts. If it hadn’t been for Milani, there probably wouldn’t have been a show.
After I sent out the email, I did some online shopping to find Milani a nice gift. She loved vintage pieces just like me, so I went to my favorite vintage site. After some searching, I found a purse I thought she would love. It was a bucket bag that was popular in the early nineties. Months ago, we discussed how bags were getting smaller and smaller, so this bag would be perfect for her to use daily. I would have it delivered to her home. She wouldn’t be able to refuse it if I weren’t in her face when it arrived.
My cell phone rang just as I completed the order. It was Jacob calling.
“Hello,” I answered.
“Just making sure you would answer when I called,” he teased.
“Whatever. If you missed my pretty face and good conversation, just say that,” I joked.
“Fine. I miss your beautiful face and good conversation. How is your day going so far?”
I blushed at the admission. “Great, actually. I walked into some amazing press from the fashion show. We have several people looking to place orders,” I shared.
“Wow, love! That’s amazing. Congratulations. I’m so happy for you. We need to celebrate. When I finish filming, we have to do something big,” he suggested.
“Are you working on a new project? Is it a secret?” I inquired.
Jacob let out a light chuckle. “I’m filming the next season ofFlow. No, it’s not a secret. The schedule is a little unpredictable.I try not to make any plans during filming. If anything changes, I’ll let you know, though,” he stated.
Before I could answer Jacob, Milani buzzed through on my desk phone. I needed to hop on a call.
“Okay, I’ll let you go. Give me a call when your schedule frees up. I have to hop on this call,” I said.
We said our goodbyes as I picked up line one on my work phone. I tried to listen intently as the department head gave the fashion show a rave review. Unfortunately, all I could think about was Jacob. The more I spoke with him, the more I wondered if we had a future. My subconscious quickly reminded me that it wasn’t possible. Not right now, at least. My divorce from Mason loomed over me like a dark cloud.
After the call wrapped up, Milani made her way into my office.
“I saw you flashing your pearly whites on the phone before you took that call. Please tell me that fine man from the fashion show was on the other end of the call,” she teased.
“Are you in my business?” I asked.
“Duh. There’s no one else in the room with us. Spill it, sis. What’s going on with you and actor bae?” she inquired.
“Nothing. We’re reconnecting. That’s all. You know? Like old friends do when they run into each other after a long period of time,” I replied.
Milani rolled her eyes at me. “So, the wide grin I saw on your face was just friendly? I’m your best friend, and you have never looked at me that way,” she teased.
“Oh my God. Girl, I love you, but you aren’t my type. Have you seen that man?” I asked.
“I’m right. You like him, huh? You can admit it. There’s no one here but you and me,” she coached.
“Fine. I like him. Are you happy now?” I inquired.
Milani had a dumb grin on her face. “Yes, friend. Let’s get your groove back. He must be really stimulating that Aquarian mind of yours. That wide grin said it all, girl. I love that for you.” Milani gushed.
After a few more questions, Milani finally left me alone. I couldn’t believe I admitted to having feelings for Jacob. When I said I wanted us to be friends, I meant it. However, the chemistry between us the other night couldn’t be ignored.
It was just bad timing for anything other than friendship. I also wanted to be sure my feelings for Jacob weren’t just a distraction from Mason. Being a relationship girl, I didn’t believe in situationships or short-term commitments. With any man I was involved with, I built a real connection with, and this situation wouldn’t be any different.
Negotiation Talks
It had beentwo weeks since Mason had served me. Day after day, reality continued to set in. The lack of calls solidified the inevitable. My marriage was over. The future that Mason and I talked about would never come to fruition. The moments of sadness would hit me at the weirdest moments. One minute, I would be happy, but then anything could cause a sudden shift. It was hard to grieve such a loss. There was a time in our relationship when we couldn’t go more than an hour without checking in. I hated how he seemed to move away from us so easily.
I received an email from my attorney’s assistant. She wanted to schedule a call with me this afternoon. There were no further indications of what we would discuss. She just said Lisa wanted to review some updates with me. Other than the email after the fashion show, Mason had been quiet with no calls, no texts, and no more emails. I was grateful for the lack of communication. On the other hand, I was leery of what he could be up to.
I decided to work from home today. Just in case the news wasn’t in my favor, I wouldn’t want to bring bad energy to the office. I took a few calls Milani had scheduled for me, and at exactly noon, Lisa’s receptionist called. Once I confirmed I was free to speak, she patched Lisa through.