Page 39 of Finesse
We have absolutely nothing to say to each other.
Seventeen
“There’s Ms. College Graduate!” Gabe greets me as I enter Fresh Espresso. “What’s going on, Future Boss?”
I’m about to graduate in a few hours and I’m anything but ecstatic. Many people would be thrilled to be leaving college. I’m nursing one of the worst heartbreaks ever and trying to tough it through finals at the same time. This really sucks.
I thought I would be spending my graduation with Cameron and instead, I’m alone once again. Between my mother abandoning me and Cameron intentionally hiding his dope game from me, my graduation is honestly the worst ever.
I put on a bright smile because I don’t want anyone to know my business. East Atlanta gossip travels faster than a New York minute and Cameron and I never claimed each other on IG. It was private and it’s better to stay that way.
It didn’t help the pangs of guilt I felt about my decision. I wanted to go and apologize to him for leaving him then my conscience made me realize how stupid that was. I’d become too invested in him, in us.
Would I have been okay with everything, knowing he has family members hanging on for a hit? Could I turn the other day knowing someone person was choosing drugs over their children and Cameron was the cause behind it?
Still, as I glance down at the sparkly bracelet Cameron had given me, I wonder if my decision was truly a smart one. Now I understand how Heather deals with Eric’s various misgivings. Nothing was going to stop her from going to the Hermes store.
“I’m doing well,” I blatantly lie. Gabe doesn’t need to know my business and I barely even want to think about Cameron.
“Any plans for tonight?” He asks. “I know every club is living it up right now.”
“My girls have plans for me and they’re not filling me in. But I promise I won’t get too drunk.” I know I’ll get tanked but no one needs to know that.
“Good girl.” Gabe pulls out his paper and pencil. “What you want today?”
“Let me get the Michelle Obama.” I nod to the board.
“Black, strong, with a little sugar.” Gabe nodded. “And a piece of icebox pie?”
“You know it.” I pull out a twenty and place it in the tip jar. “Is my Daddy available?”
“He’s in another meeting, but you can head on back.” Gabe nods. “I’ll be there in a bit with your items.”
“Thanks, Gabe!” I smile and head back to my Daddy’s office. Just like before, he’s in there arguing with someone about his shops.
“And I told you, the offer is no.” Daddy’s voice is firm and clear. “I’m not going to sell now or ever. I’m too invested in this city. Sorry but no is my final offer.”
“You play a hard bargain, Lamont.” I recognize the woman’s voice from before. She’s back again. I have to give her credit for being persistent. “Not many people would turn down three point five million dollars.”
My jaw drops.Three point five million?What in the hell is my father thinking?
“Well, I’m one of them.” Daddy’s voice is low. “Thank you for your time.”
“Very well.” The woman gets up and walks out of the office. She turns to see me with a smile on her face. “There’s the Birthday Girl.” She leaves with security following her.
The vibe I picked up from her before returns. There is something about that woman that is just uneasy and I can’t shake it. Now I understand why Daddy doesn’t want to sell to her, or to anyone.
I walk into his office and Daddy is sitting back in his leather chair with a hand covering his mouth. He looks perplexed and deep in thought. I’ve seen my father bothered about something only a small handful of times in his life but this time is clearly different.
My father looks like he was threatened.
“There’s my baby girl,” Daddy’s face morphs into the man I love and know. He gets out of his chair and gives me a huge hug and kiss. “You told me you were going to graduate from college even before you entered high school and here you are! I’m so proud of you today!”
“Thank you, Daddy.” I kiss him back. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing.” He motions to a chair and I sit down. Gabe brings our food and drink before he leaves us in silence. I silently debate before I tell my father the news about me and Cameron but it’s best I just come out with it. “I broke up with Cameron a few weeks ago. I didn’t tell you because I wanted to be focused on school.”
Daddy doesn’t blink at the news. My father has never known for me to have a boyfriend, let alone date. He knows I’m serious about my school and taking over his coffee shop so he’s not at the least bit bothered by the news.
