A week had passed since the joyful family reunion, and the love we shared at the gathering still followed all the members of the family around. Each one of them had been in contact with one another, as they were all preparing for Darryl and Vanessa’s wedding.
Vanessa and Darryl have been moving their things into the house Darryl had purchased for them as a couple. Darryl’s eagerness to be with Vanessa had led him to rush her into packing up her things from her apartment, despite her initial plan of moving in after their wedding.
Vanessa was kind of nervous about going to the office today after being away for a month and some days. Darryl’s presence beside her fuels her nervousness because their relationship will be known to everyone in a matter of time.
Darryl encouraged her as they strolled into the office together, side-by-side, hand in hand. Phoebe, seated at her desk, looked up and did a double take. Her eyes widened in surprise, and a bright smile spread across her face.
“Vanessa! It’s been ages! Where have you been?” Phoebe exclaimed, rising from her chair.
“Phoebe!” Vanessa mirrored her expression as she left Darryl’s side for Phoebe’s.
They fell into each other’s arms, embracing themselves with delight.
Phoebe’s gaze darted at Darryl, and her eyebrows arched in suspicion, but she didn’t say anything while she watched him walk away, heading towards his office.
“I was so worried about you and no one was giving me answers.” Phoebe whined as they pulled out of each other’s arms.
“I’m sorry for making you worry, and I miss you so much.”
“I miss you too, dear. How was your little break?” Phoebe asked, flashing her a questioning look.
“Honestly, it was worth it,” Vanessa replied with a smile on her face.
“Is there a reason why you came in with Darryl?” Phoebe asked, voicing her curiosity.
“Well, Darryl and I are one thing. More like a couple.” Vanessa said, her cheeks flushed slightly as she shared the news, unknowing to her that Phoebe had a thing with Darryl.
Phoebe’s head was flooded with a lot of questions, but her mouth set in a hard line as she tried to hide the thoughts going on in her head.
“Are you sure about him?” Phoebe asked, her voice laced with concern.
“Is there a reason why I should doubt him?” Vanessa asked, as Phoebe’s question piqued her curiosity.
“Darryl has a history of playing games with women and I hope he doesn’t want to do the same with you.” Phoebe explained, voicing her concern.
“I understand you, and thank you for your concern. I know the relationship I have with Darryl is different from the one he has been having.” Vanessa said, confidence laced in her voice.
“That’s what everyone thinks. He makes you feel special, then he will end up cutting you away, telling you he doesn’t want to be in a commitment with anyone.” Phoebe said, causing Vanessa to think there was something more she wasn’t saying.
“Are you talking about your experience with him?” Vanessa asked, hoping the answer would be a no, but a part of her wanted to know the truth.
“I’m not that stupid,” Phoebe trailed off.
“I’m not that stupid either.” Vanessa answered with a lackluster smile on her face.
“I know what is harmful to me and Darryl is not one of them. I really appreciate your concern for me, so I will personally invite you to my wedding.” Vanessa said and Phoebe slapped her hand over her mouth in shock.
“You are getting married to Darryl?” She asked in disbelief.
“Yes, I am.” Vanessa answered.
“That’s a new one…” Phoebe trailed off. “I’m not trying to be a joy killer, but I’m surprised that Darryl wants to settle down with someone.”
“Not just someone or anyone.” Darryl’s voice echoed loudly, causing Phoebe to jolt.
She thought Darryl had left but she was wrong. Phoebe slumped in shame as she realized Darryl must have heard her conversation with Vanessa.
Darryl closed the space between them, as he stood beside Vanessa. His arm was wrapped affectionately around her waist, and he smiled warmly at Phoebe. “We’re getting married,” he announced, his voice filled with pride.
“I’m sorry if you got the wrong idea. I’m only trying to look out for a friend.” Phoebe apologized.
“Thank you for your concern, Phoebe, but you shouldn’t have ruined my reputation like that.” Darryl waggled his eyebrows, teasing her.
“Lighten up, it is my wedding, not my funeral. You should be happy for us.” Darryl said, his other hand tapping her shoulder, lightly.
Phoebe’s eyes changed from being dull to being full of excitement as she took in the scene before her. ” Congratulations to you both, I’m happy if you are happy.” She said.
“I think we need to grab lunch and catch up, Vanessa,” Phoebe said, her tone inviting. “I want all the details.”
“Why do I feel uneasy about you two hanging out?” Darryl said, pouting his lips in a childish way.
“I promise I won’t say anything you wouldn’t like me to say.” Phoebe replied with a chuckle and Vanessa laughed, nodding in agreement.
“See you after work,” Vanessa said to Phoebe as Darryl gently pulled her away.
As he locked the door behind her, he pulled her closer to him by her waist, placing kisses on her face.
“I guess I won’t stop hearing about your past relationships.” Vanessa said, her tone light.
“I’m sorry about my messy past.” Darryl murmured as he placed a kiss on her lips.
“I can’t promise that you won’t hear things like that, but I want to plead with you that you shouldn’t allow those groundless talks to come between us.” His eyes pleaded as he stared into Vanessa’s eyes.
“I promise you that I won’t allow those groundless talks to come between us,” Vanessa said as she was reciting a pledge.
Darryl’s lips caught hers as they locked lips, savoring each other’s taste.
“I don’t think I can continue to be your secretary, it won’t work.” Vanessa said, as their lips unlocked.
His hands still wrapped around her waist, he asked, “what do you want to do, then?”
“Maybe I should go back to my previous field. I love what I was doing at the consulting firm.” She replied.
“You can go back to Rogers and I will make you a director there,” Darryl told her.
“No, that’s absurd.” She shakes her head in disagreement. “I can’t just climb up that ladder because of you.”
“I practically own Rogers and I can decide who should be in charge. And if I recommend you to be in charge, it is because I trust that you can do it.”
“I will give you time to think about it, but I won’t take no for an answer.” He said before kissing her again.
A knock on the door caused Vanessa to untangle herself from Darryl’s arms. Phoebe’s head popped in through the door as she announced the present of a guest.
“Emmy is here to see you,” she announced.