“Antonio…,” I said slowly. I was trying to figure out how to tell him how I was really feeling without hurting his feelings.
“I’ll probably let her have the house and just get a condo. What do you think, somewhere in the city, or should I move further out in Maryland? I want you to help me decorate. I’m not going to ask you to move in with me because what we have is still new.”
“And it’s business,” I said bluntly.
“Business?” He looked offended.
“Yes, you paid for a service, and I delivered.”
“So, this is all I was to you? A job?”
“No. Not at all. I always enjoyed myself with you and only you. Not your money or what you did for me. And I like you, but I don’t think it’s as much as you like me.”
“Why now? How long have you been feeling like this? You didn’t express this when I took you to Cancun for your birthday or when I took you shopping two weeks ago.”
“I’ve known for a while, and this is my main reason for not allowing myself to catch actual feelings for clients. Instead of asking why and listening, you’re so quick to remind me of what you’ve done for me as if it should equate to me liking you more. I appreciate the trip you offered to take me on and the shopping spree you wanted to treat me too. I never asked for those things, you always made plans for us too. I know I never obliged, and I apologize, but at the end of the day, that was my job.” I stated respectfully. Antonio was amazing, we got along so well. We complemented each other so well, but I just wasn’t really ready for a committed relationship. I took another sip from my drink and waited for Antonio to say something. He just kept his head down, avoiding eye contact with you.
“Look, I’m not trying to be mean or play you. I’m just being honest because you deserve it. You’ve been through a lot, and I feel like you deserve to find someone who feels the same way and can actually be in love with you. Don’t get me wrong, I like you, but not like you like me. I’m only twenty, just a couple years older than your youngest son. Would you want him getting into a relationship with somebody twenty years older than him?”
“No, I wouldn’t. I would tell him to live his life and date around. Be free.” He said, finally giving me eye contact.
“Right. You told me how you fell in love in high school, went to college, and became a husband and a father before finishing. You’re about to leave one long term relationship and potentially land yourself into another one.”
“I know, but I can’t help it. I like long term relationships, and I’m kind of a helpless romantic. As much as I want to be free and be happy, I don’t know how to without feeling like something has to be forced.”
“I get it, but that’s not fair to you. You should get your divorce, be single, and enjoy it. Date around. Enjoy your retirement. And travel. Do whatever and be happy. Or go on a journey where you can learn what makes you happy.”
“Can you stay around as my life coach? I’ll pay double than what I’m paying you now.” He smiled. I leaned over the table to give him a kiss on his cheek.
“I want you to be happy without having to pay for it,” I said as I grabbed his hand.
“Me too,” He said as he squeezed my hand.
∞∞∞
After my meet up with Antonio, I decided to go see Wayne since I wasn’t too far from his new spot. I was so proud of him for finally moving out of mama’s basement and being on his own. I was also happy that he eventually left Aniyah’s ass alone and focused on giving his daughters a better life. I don’t know if Roon was a good influence for him or not, but I definitely saw some changes in him since he’s been around him more. Once I arrived at the building, I was definitely impressed with the interior because the exterior of the building looked raggedy. I guess they were trying to throw folks off. The building was lovely, but it missing an elevator in this four-level construction. I had to climb the stairs in heels, and I believe Wayne lived on the third or fourth level. I couldn’t remember because I wasn’t expecting there to be stairs. As I got on the third floor, I stopped to pull my phone out of my bag. However, a certain somebody caught my attention as he stepped out one of the apartments with no shirts and grey joggers. Typical Roon. I thought. He grabbed a package that was left outside his door.
“Don’t tell me y’all are roommates,” I said before he stepped back inside.
“Hell, nah.” Roon spat with so much annoyance.
“What y’all going through one of y’all phases?” I teased. Roon and Wayne were such besties that never claimed it. And just like typical friendships, you went through phases where you’ve been around each other too much and got annoyed.
“Fuck him.” He said with a mug on his face. I laughed because his angry face was so cute. I could never take him seriously whenever we got into it with each other.
“What did he do now?”
“Some shit that may be unforgivable, but his punk ass lives on the next floor—the apartment on the left. And tell him that there’s a rent increase starting today. I want an extra $500 for having to live in the same building as him.”
“What you the landlord or something?” I laughed.
“Yeah, I am.” He said with a serious look.
“Word? You got it like that now?”
“Been had it like that, Rah. You know I have always been a boss.” He stated. I didn’t say anything but just looked at him
