Page 96 of Low love Low fidelity

“My cook’s here, Lennox! Get ready to eat!” he shouted from inside of his closet.

“This sounds great. Thanks, Jade.” I spoke into the speaker phone from Tobias’ great room.

“Good. I couldn’t sleep last night, so stoked about this.”

“I’m excited, too. I’m still here at Tobias’, but will be working on my proposals for you as soon as I get settled in at home.”

“Awesome!” The cheer in her tone couldn’t be missed. “I have someone looking into marketing for employees. I need nail technicians to know we’re coming.”

“Yeah. Even those young women, who aren’t into their careers yet. Letting them know there’s an opportunity like this available could possibly motivate an entirely new demographic. Beyond that, they’ll take the resources learned from your training and possibly adapt it for their own if they go independent.”

“Girl, don’t speak about my competitors just yet!” Jade’s obvious demand had me cracking up. “Speaking of which, Trent mentioned we’re gonna have to define our relationship. Like…will you be a contractor, employee, or a potential partner?”

“Yeah. That crossed my mind, too. It’s early yet, but I can tell you one thing for certain: I’ve been an employee—am an employee—and it ain’t all it’s supposed to be. I mean, I like collecting a check every two weeks, but I don’t like being disposable.” I didn’t have the money to be a partner to Jade either. At least, not before selling my home, and settling in Jersey. I needed to see if her business would launch successfully before I counted my coins. “We’ll definitely talk more about it in the upcoming weeks and months. In the meantime, I’d like to share my vision with you. I’m hoping to blow your mind.”

“Girl, yes!”

“Thanks for the links to the state’s requirements and list of schools. I’m on it!”

“Great! We’ll check back in soon!”

The doorbell rang.

“Yes. We will!”

“Bye.”

“Bye.”

I stalled a few seconds to see if Tobias’ chef would answer the door. When I didn’t hear any sounds coming from the hall, I stood. I went to the archway of the room, and still, no movement from the back of the house. When the bell sounded again, I hopped into action.

Approaching the double doors of the home’s entryway, from one of the sidelights, I could make out a small body. As I opened one of the doors, I saw an adult joining the child. Our eyes all shot around each other multiple times. Then, I realized who those little eyes belonged to.

Tobias…

“Hi…” I finally found my voice, peering between Elia and…her mother.

Elia looked to her mother for guidance. Krista couldn’t take her eyes off me.

It took a while for her to ask, “Is Tobias home?”

I blinked, mind clearing of the fog. “Ummm…” My hand went to my head, suddenly self-conscious about my appearance. I wore my bra, his robe, and nothing else. I looked a sight! “Nuh—no.” I cleared my throat. “No.” My eyes shot down to Elia. “He just ran to the store. He’s been out a while. I’m sure he’ll be back at any moment.”

What was next? I didn’t know the protocol. Tobias never mentioned his daughter coming by. Krista was here. I couldn’t believe it. I hadn’t had contact with her in… My eyes roved down to Elia. She was beautiful. Mocha skin cased her little body and she had a full head of hair, parted perfectly down the center, with thick braids hanging from ponytails on either side. Nine years. It had been nine years since I’d been in contact with Krista.

“Well, this is her father’s house, soooo…” Krista’s head was tilted, eyes narrowed.

Yes. It was awkward. I was being awkward, but again, what was the protocol?

Quickly, I scurried out of the way so they could come inside.

“Go get your guards and come right back, Lia!” Krista’s maternal tone instinctively bit at my nerves.

Elia paid me another gander, then bolted up the stairs. “Okay!”

“He hasn’t mentioned you,” the sound of Krista’s voice had my attention returning to her.

I’d never forget.

---