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I sent my parents some money after I signed the deal with Triple R. My heart rejoiced every time Mom or Dad bought stuff they deserved.
"Thanks, sweetie."
Ugh, she kept thanking me every single time. "You already thanked me when I sent the money, Ma. Don't keep repeating it. This is what I'm supposed to do as your child." Dad was also very grateful, but of course, he didn't have as much energy as her to continuously keep mentioning it. No one could have more energy than my mom.
"I just wanted to thank you again." God, Mom. "I mean, this time, I bought something so I can thank you for that, right?" Oh, man. She'd found a new loophole to keep thanking.
The corner of my eye caught him through the glass. Oh, no. He looked stunning every time I saw him. I could feel the shivers running through my body; the effect this man had on me could not be explained, but I knew seeing him made me want to be in his arms and hug him. Damn. I didn't know why I felt this way, but I started understanding that underneath the cold exterior was a truly wonderful man. Hence, I wished to know him better. I felt I already knew Ronald well, but him having a daughter made me realize that there existed layers to Ronald Razor I didn't even know about.
"You know, honey…" Mom began saying something but my attention rested elsewhere now. I saw Ronald coming to this conference room, about to open the door.
"Ma, I gotta go. I'm at work right now. I'm actually at the company."
"Oh sorry. I didn't know. You should have told me earlier."
"Yeah, I'm alright. Bye, I love you."
"Love you too, honey." I cut the call.
"Parents?" Ronald asked. I couldn't tell if he asked out of jealousy over it possibly being a man, or because he just wanted to know. His poker face rested well.
"Yeah, you thought it was a special someone?"
He smirked at my jokes. That's the smile I've missed. Gosh, seeing him smile at me made me ecstatic.
"Nice one." Ronald sat down, facing me, on the chair at the opposite side of the conference table.
I wanted to ask why he started talking to me again considering our agreement, but I didn't want to ruin the moment. Honestly, I was very happy with this development. The last thing I needed to do would be to disrupt that.
"So, what's up?"
"I've tried," He started to say, taking a moment to breathe out loud. "I have. I've tried to remain calm and not talk to you and avoid you. There is no point." What did he mean by that? "Wait, am I fired?"
The incredulous look in his eyes when I asked that immediately let me know that couldn't be the case. He burst into laughter, causing me to smile as well. I guess I misread the situation.
"Oh man, you're fucking amazing," Ronald said, still struggling to stop himself from his chortles. "I wonder how you came to that conclusion that quickly. Yep, there's no one like you, Maryam."
"Are you making fun of me?" I frowned playfully.
"Never," he responded, finally relaxing on his chair after that bout of laughter. "Anyhow. I can't do it. I can't be away from you, especially if we're in the same building. And I know this is risky as fuck. I also know this could bring a whole lot of issues for you and me, especially you, if we get into this. But you know what?" He stared right into my eyes with a defiant look.
"I don't care. I want you."
The way Ronald said that with confidence… wow. Such charisma. Next to no doubt in those beautiful eyes. How could I say no to this man? Even if the whole thing came crashing down, I would still be honored and happy to have spent wonderful moments with Ronald, but it wouldn't come to that… I hoped.
I looked at him, stunned that he just said that, but I already knew what my answer would be. Even though my mother just called and warned me about situations like this even… although I knew the consequences, the heart wants what the heart wants.
Moreover, I spent so much of my life toiling and worried about the business side of things without thinking seriously about the personal side, such as relationships. I needed to continue being an optimist to believe that this thing, this flame inside me that burned for Ronald could rise into a raging fire and be something more. I simply needed to fan it and give it nourishment rather than running away and dousing it with water.
"So, will you go on a date with me, Mariam Carey?"
Wow, very forward. This would be the easiest yes of my life. I felt a connection to him beyond just outward attraction, and I needed to dig deeper to see where it'd lead. In the manner with which he even stared at me, I could tell he wasn't sure what my answer would be. Ronald was being vulnerable and opening himself up to me, and possible rejection. This only made me appreciate him more.
"Sure, I'd love that." The way he smiled after I responded surprised me. Did he like me that much?
Maybe I read too much into it. No, no, I should see the positive. Everything that happened up till now showed me that he cared about me, and I would be a fool to let my insecurities overrule the possibility of something true and great.
Did he love me?
