I checked my hair in the compact. Man, that one chestnut brown piece was falling out of place…again. As I brushed it back behind my ear, I was stopped by perhaps one of the most delicious voices I had heard since Barry White helped me lose my virginity. “I like that piece right there, it shows character, and V baby, you have lots of that.” said Brendan. I smiled even though I tried to hold back the warmth that was rising in my cheeks. “There goes that charm.” I said. It always made me feel good when he called me ‘V baby’. I didn’t let anyone call me out of my name, which is Veronica, but somehow when he says it.. it sounds so good. Growing up my mother wouldn’t dare let anyone shorten it. As Brendan moved to his side of the table I surveyed his look. As usual he smelled heavenly. I could spend hours just lying on his chest, inhaling him. He was dressed in my all time favorite color, chocolate. His slacks were a dark hue and the shirt blended in to his milk chocolate skin just right. He even topped it off with a brim that framed his face to the tee. “How was your day V Baby?” This is how most of his conversations started. What surprised me most is that after he asked, he actually listened to the answer. I had some past relationships that just did not go the full mile when it came to communication. That never seemed to be a problem with Brendan. I don’t know if I am jumping the gun. We have only been seeing each other for two months but they have been two very wonderful months.
“My day went pretty well. I had a long and busy day at the off ice being this close to the Christmas holidays.” Since I was the Vice principal at a middle school, this was a very hectic time. Any time right before a long break had me on pins and needles. Our Principal, Mr. Hardin had been on leave due to having a fall and subsequent surgery on his back. I took this as both a blessing and a curse. For years I had been trying to get into the position of principal but never got the opportunity. I was beginning to doubt that it would ever happen. Since Mr. Hardin’s absence I had been thrust into the position. I knew this was my time to shine. My turn to show that I could do what they always said I couldn’t. Of course I had some opposition at first, and some it came from the place I had least expected, my best friend Valerie Gooden. Valerie and I had known each other since we were girls and always wanted to be teachers. We went to school and grew up together and, eventually pursued our dream together. Valerie had begun teaching a few years before I did, she opted to enter the working force before getting certified.I decided to stay in for the long haul and get it out of the way. I guess I would just have to show her and the other naysayer’s that I was the right woman for the job.
Brendan was an investment banker so anytime of the year could be hectic for him. “I finally closed that big deal, so this holiday is definitely going to be a good one!”. His eyes grew bright at the thought that his three months of hard work to acquire the CoreTech account had finally paid off for him. “I am so proud of you baby! Does this mean you are going to get some time off now?” I guess I pushed my luck with that one because his smile quickly disappeared. “Well, that I am not so sure of.” He said slowly. He went on to explain that even though he had finished one big deal, there was always another one waiting in the wings for him to handle. I know that is a good thing. He loves his work and I am glad it keeps him busy. “V Baby I know we said we were gonna try and do a weekend away, but I just can’t tell you when that may be.” To be honest I am not disappointed. I do like him, I truly do but I don’t know that I was ready to go away for a whole weekend alone. He made me weak to just see him sitting across from me and we were in a crowded restaurant. It was the only way I could keep my wits about me. “it’s okay, I know we will get to have our time together. There is no rush, I am not going anywhere.” I stopped at the last statement. Did I mean that? To my surprise I think I did. Even after the last train wreck that was Eric Bradley I think that I was ready to move on. The smile on Brendan’s face returned at my last statement and I got so lost in his smile that I didn’t even notice the waiter approach our table.
©Lainey Starr 2007
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