JODY
“How are you my boyfriend, Marcus?” I asked with subtle irritation laced in my voice, as I took my seat after I was able to gather my equilibrium.
I couldn’t believe Marcus would come to where I worked and introduce himself as her boyfriend. What he did made me feel some sort of warmth inside but I caught herself quickly before she fell for his charm again.
She still loved him to the point where it hurt so badly, but she has promised herself never to take him back again.
Never.
Never, ever. And she meant it.
She gazed at him evenly as he sat uncomfortably on her visitor’s chair adjacent hers. He was gazing at her as well, but his gaze was saying so much, words she could hear loud and clear even though he didn’t speak out a word.
“Jody can we talk?” his expression was serious.
“We’re talking right now, aren’t we?”
“No, not here. Just you and I, dinner, at your place, I’ll cook.”
I was tempted to say yes at once. I mean, it’s just dinner, nothing could possibly go wrong right? And all we’re going to do was simply talk, no?
I tried convincing myself but then the memory of the day he left me at my apartment swarmed into my mind, reminding me the pain I went through for weeks after that day. I wouldn’t let that happen to me anymore, hell, I wouldn’t let myself fall prey of vulnerability and allow someone exploit my emotions that way again.
“I’m sorry, Marcus, I can’t do that anymore with you.” I said to him, getting up on my feet to show him I didn’t want to discuss further.
He stared at me for a while with a forlorn face and then got up and left as well. We were really over, I thought as I watched his back disappear from my office door.
My phone chimed, it was a conference call from Grace and NK. I felt instantly elated as I saw my friends faces on the screen.
“Congratulations Graciee!!!!” I squealed cheerfully, waving at my friend.
I have missed them so much but it wasn’t any of our faults that we couldn’t meet for some time now. We all have a lot going on in our lives, individually at this point.
“Show us that ring!” NK shrieked in ecstasy and Grace meekly obeyed, smiling shyly.
“Let’s have a girl’s night, ladies, what do you think? The nanny that looks after Laurie would be more than happy to take care of Alex and Kacey tonight. NK, what do you say?”
“Absolutely! I’ve missed you girls so much, and I want to know how you’re really doing.” NK said with teary eyes.
“What time would be good for you guys?” Grace asked.
“Eight is great for me to bring the kids, what about you, Jody?” NK piped.
“Eight is perfect!” I chorused and we waved at each other and ended the call. Somehow, I knew my friends could see through me, as I could see some traces of sadness in Grace’s eyes even though it was just a face time. I couldn’t wait for evening to come.
I dropped my phone and continued working, burying myself deep into my work to get the thoughts of Marcus out of my head and the sinking feeling I was having at the depth of my stomach. And before I knew it, it was three pm, time to go home.
My secretary came into the office to inform me that she was leaving and asked if I wasn’t. I told her I would leave after I finish the article I was editing even though I was done with it. She nodded and closed the door, leaving me as the only person in the whole editorial section.
I had about six hours to meet my friend, and would be actually alone for those six hours. What would I be doing, damit!
I wish Marcus didn’t show his face to me, I wouldn’t be feeling so lonely all of a sudden. I was okay with myself all these days of bleakness, all these days that felt like the sun refused to shine on my day. I thought about Grace who was now with Connor and their child after all they went through; NK who was with her two beautiful kids, living her life in her own terms, but here I was, sinking into depression and wanting a man who left me without an explanation.
I had no issues being single, I didn’t even think about it because I was simply enjoying my own company until he came along.
But fuck it anyway, I thought packing up my bag and leaving the office. I dialed Marcus’s number as I strode to where my car was parked.
“Hey, Marcus, about the dinner you talked about, I don’t think it would be possible. Let’s have a late lunch. My apartment password is my birthday, if you still remember it.” the words flew out from my mouth before I could stop them.
I ended the call before he could reply. He seemed shocked, owing to how I changed my mind in less than an hour of meeting him.
I knew what I was about to do was self-destructive but, I craved his mouth-watering pasta, and the thought of having sex with him after so long, made my pussy shudder. If my friends were to hear about this, they would tell me I definitely need help, but I know that already. I’ll get the help after today.
Let me just be happy for today, just today.
I got home an hour later to an aroma filled apartment. He didn’t only cook, he cleaned as well, and taking out all the empty bottles of wine I left on the table and different parts of the house.
Great, he just realized how much I broke down after he left. I slapped my forehead in frustration. Jody, seriously, how could you?
I just humiliated over four billion women in the planet, I thought, ambling shamefully to the kitchen.
Marcus simply smiled at me without saying another word, dishing out the food. The kitchen looked more tidied than it had been for weeks, dear god!
“You’ve ran out of groceries, we’ll go set some later. Let’s eat before the food gets cold.” he spoke so calmly, I felt a delicious shudder run down my spine.
The first four buttons of his white shirt was flying open, giving me a sneak peek view of his hard rock chest. This wasn’t the first time I was seeing it but dear God, how much I have missed the mere sight.
It’s you I want to eat, Marcus, I said in my head. I could never get over him, I realized, he was just too good to be true.
“How about being dominated today, Marcus?”
I couldn’t believe those words just came out from my mouth, but they did. This time I wouldn’t give my heart away, I’ll just have fun and be free.
He turned to gaze at me with an even expression, but I could swear I saw an emotion flicker through his eyes temporarily.