She let out a heavy sigh. “I’ve seen a lot in my old age. One thing I’ve learned is it’s never too late. It’s never too late to be a better person. It’s never too late to tell the truth. It’s never too late to apologize. It’s never too late to take a risk. And loveisworth the risk.”
“I do love her,” I whispered. “So much.”
“I know. That’s why me and Liv were running around here doing crazy shit to get you two together.”
“You still could’ve just talked to me.”
“It was fun seeing you squirm though.” She grinned. “It was also fun taking that Samira Jackson down. Never could stand her mother.”
“That’s whenIcouldn’t deny that Ms. Tea was someone close to me. Because you helped me out with the Wellspring baby thing.”
“Boy, I almost went in on her for that. Then I found that lyin’ girl in Wellspring and sicced my lawyers after her so fast … she’s still apologizing to me. Every day, all in my DMs.”
I cracked up. “You’re funny.”
“About Elijah …” She sighed. “Somehow, he discovered my secret.”
I thought about my conversation with Unc, the knowing look in his eyes. “I’m not surprised.”
“Shoot, I was. I’d done everything to conceal our identities. I think one of the women spilled because she wanted to be about that Cougar Life. Spilling the tea for some di—”
“Whoa.” I held up my hands. “Alright, Granny.”
“Anyway, I offered to pay him off, but he told me he didn’t want my money. Said he was rooting for me to succeed.”
“That makes sense too.”
“I’m sorry, Wesley. I realize I could’ve done things differently. Even back then, I should’ve let you contact her. My need to be in control caused a lot of pain and sorrow for both of you.”
“Thanks for that.”
She frowned and snatched the envelope I’d brought off the desk. “What’s this?” She opened it. Seconds later, she balled it up and tossed it into the recycle bin. “Resignation not accepted. Did you really think you could come in here and quit? You have work to do, deals to close.”
“I was really going to leave, though.”
“And I was really going to bop you upside your head,” she tossed back.
I barked out a laugh. “Fine.”
She opened her arms, and I walked into her embrace. She kissed my cheek. “I love you. Remember … I’m always rooting for you.”
“I appreciate that. Love you, too.”
“Good.” She clapped her hands together and stood, making her way back to her chair. “Your first order of business … sign this NDA acknowledging that everything we talked about in this room will never be discussed again. And take your Black ass over to Albany’s and make it official. Tell her you love her. Tell her youalwaysloved her. Tell her youwillalways love her.”
I nodded. “She knows.”
“Alright, then. You’re on vacation, aren’t you? Get out of here.”
Albany paused as she stepped onto my private terrace. She smiled as she took in the space. “This is beautiful.”
My sister had come through in a pinch, handling all the details from the gourmet dinner to the décor. There were flowers everywhere, hanging from the awning, cascading down the building. Petals covered the wood floor. Candles flickered in the dark and the soft music played into the night air, giving the area a romantic vibe.
“I can’t believe you did this.”
“Yeah, I’m not that guy.”
She giggled. “Yes, you are. You’re the guy who hired someone to do this.” She stood on the tips of her toes and kissed me. “Thank you.”
