AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“If…you were my woman—”
"But, I'm not." Her voice cuts through our rapid exchange.
I can't contain my laughter. "Fine. He's invited to join us if this man exists. I'll speak to you when I land. Adiós.”
I disconnect the call the moment I hear her tight goodbye. She’s always lingered in the depths of my mind, but I never thought of her moving on, getting married, having children. My face drops to my hands.
What if I’m too late?
Too late for a second chance with Alexandria? Too late to protect my family from the scum trying to weasel money out of me.
Frustration swells inside me until it erupts in a wave. I let it flow until my lungs collapse flat near defeat.
I lift my head, and my gaze settles on a tiny snowflake taking a whimsical journey through the air, landing on the glass. In a few hours, the entire city will be covered, transformed from a concrete jungle to a winter wonderland. My life is like the snowflake, slow and steady until I accomplish my goals. All I need is a plan to transform this situation in my favor. That thought freezes in my brain.
What if Alexandria can help me get my parents here? I would need more than an airplane and a reason for them to come here for Christmas. A reason that will give me time to neutralize any threats in Santo Domingo.
Alexandria, …and my parents.
What will bring them to the US without question? I drum my fingers on the desk.
"Weddings, babies, and funerals," I whisper, trying to corral my options.
"You'll figure it out. But for now, the car is waiting downstairs." Surprised, my head jerks to the doorway, and Susan's in the hallway buttoning up her black heavy winter coat. The sparkle of a diamond stops me.
"Congratulations." I walk over, turning off the light.
She wiggles her hand, making the ring dance under the lights. "I planned to tell you. Apparently, my constant snooping ruined Jerrick's surprise."
“See, you thought he was cheating.” I chuckle. We walk through the office, the last ones leaving for the weekend.
“I was wrong. He was planning a surprise engagement party. Wait…you knew, didn’t you?”
“I bet that’ll teach you to stop looking for issues where there are none.” I shrug into my jacket. I introduced them a few years back at a holiday party.
“You could have hinted or something.”
"I'm not meddling in your relationship. Jerrick is a good guy, and he loves you."
"Yeah, but after being burned a million times, can you blame me. Fractured hearts have to be handled with care." She shakes her head, waiting as I lock the office doors." So, instead of a surprise engagement party, we're having a Christmas party since he invited all of our family members. He has the venue, people flying in…"
Her words are muffled, and her mouth moves as the answer drops in my head, kindling a new wave of optimism. I’ll propose to Alexandria.
It's a long shot. But risk comes with my life. We step inside the elevator, and Susan stares at me as if waiting for my response.
"You'll be there, won't you?" She pushes the button for the ground level. The doors close, and the next steps pop up like instant messages.
“I’ll be there with bells on because Jerrick will need my support. I’ve met your family.” We laugh as I slide on my gloves. I need a ring and a compelling reason. I could tell Alexandria about the threats. Hum… That will only scare her off. I'll keep it simple. She knows about my desire to bring my parents here and the house. “Can you make a few calls on your way out?”
“I don’t appreciate you taking shots at my family.”
"He is my friend, and in times like this, male solidarity is vital." She rolls her eyes pulling out her cellphone. "I need the house prepared for my family's arrival. We have the basic furnishings, but I need you to schedule the interior designer to add personal touches. I want a Christmas tree and lights, the works. And call my jeweler, I need an engagement ring."
The doors open. I step out into the lobby and realize she’s not beside me. I glance back at her with a slack jaw, shocked quiet.
“The car is waiting.” I remind her.
“What are you about to do?”
