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“Iknowit will work.” I grin, loving her surprised smile because if she had seen me last night dressed like a whore while I wiggled my hips on the owner’s lap, she would be staring at me with a very different expression right now. The fact my uncle, father, it doesn’t really matter now, walked in and didn’t recognize me, tests my theory.
She appears to be deep in thought and then her eyes light up and she grins. “Let’s do it. We’ll start work on it immediately.”
* * *
The day passes so quicklyI’m surprised when she sighs and peers at her wristwatch. “It’s nearly time for your meeting with Miss. Solomon. I’ll assemble the file and wish you luck at the same time.”
She rolls her eyes and heads outside to her desk, leaving me alone for the first time today.
I have been so involved in my work I even skipped lunch and now I’m hungry.
Hoping there’s an old bar of something to keep me going in my purse, I open it and notice my phone is lit up like a Christmas tree.
Fuck! I forgot to check my phone.
Most of them are from my mom and a couple from my dad. Then there’s a text from Cessy and I’m disappointed to notice none from Shade. Bastard. It makes me smile, loving the silent treatment. I’ve been out with clingy guys before and it makes me mad. Suffocates me and gives me the ick. Nothing about Shade gives me the ick. I hate him most of the time, but then he redeems himself and I fall harder the next time. It’s an impossible situation.
Feeling quite brave for a moment, I decide to face the music and dial my mom’s number, knowing I have ten minutes at the most before I must leave for my meeting, which will give me a good excuse to cut her off.
“Allegra.”Her sharp voice radiates disapproval and I sigh inside.
“Mom. I’m sorry I missed your calls. I’ve been busy.”
“Oh yes, Allegra. I can see exactly how busy you’ve been. Three days of doing things that have ruined your life. Three days of staging a rebellion for God only knows what. How could you? Have you no self-respect?”
I let her rant, but I’m only half listening. Whatever she says means nothing because she’s a fine one to talk and if anyone has let the side down, it’s her.
I can’t help firing back.
“At least I’m single. I’m not hurting anyone.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”She says angrily.“You’re hurting your family and your reputation. Can’t you see that?”
“So, you’d rather I played under the radar. Is that what you’re saying? Keep my shameful activities to myself. Is that what you would do?”
I just can’t help myself and she yells,“Don’t you talk to me like that. It’s obvious that person has corrupted you in more ways than I thought. You will speak to me with respect, and I expect you to come home on Friday and explain your behavior. God knows what Miss. Solomon would think if she discovered who you are keeping the company of.”
“You know nothing about my life here, mom.” I bite back. So angry I just don’t care anymore.
“You don’t get to judge Shade and you definitely don’t get to judge me. I’m an adult and no longer under your control. So, get used to it because for your information, I am moving in with Shade.”
“You are not. I forbid it!”She almost screams down the phone and I say casually, “I’m sorry. Did I say you have a say in the matter? Get used to it mom because one day he could be the father of your grandkids. Anyway, I’ve got to report to Miss. Solomon. I’m working on a campaign and need to brief her. Speak soon, bye.”
I cut the call, laughing as I picture her angry face all the way back in Washington. It’s so liberating knowing there is nothing she can do. I was right. I am out of her control. Actually, I am out-of-control period and it’s all becauseshestarted it.
I still have a few minutes, so I click on Cecilia’s text.
Are you okay, honey? We haven’t spoken since, well, that night and even though my new guy has told me you’re fine, I just need to hear that for myself. Call me.
I quickly dial and she answers immediately.
“Hey, about time.”
“Sorry. I’ve been busy.”
“I can see. Man, you know how to party, girl. I want a full report this weekend.”
“This weekend?”
