by Jude Ouvrard
I nodded. “Yeah, I would like that.”
For the rest of the evening, I worked at the reception and Danielle handled everything on the floor. Every chance she got, she came over to talk to me and we worked on my program. Nothing too intense, something to get me started.
I found myself glancing at the door, hoping to see Calvin coming in. I had to keep reminding myself it wasn’t going to happen. I gave myself a good talking to – if I didn’t stop moping around, these would be the longest days in history.
Just when I had convinced myself to stop thinking about him, I got a text.
I made it, babe. xox
I’m glad to hear you arrived safely, I’m taking care of your castle.
Text me when you get home.
His last message reminded me of the argument over Zach and staying at the dorm. I knew Calvin was right. Zach still wanted me and if I had stayed at Broadway Hall, he would have tried to start up where we’d left off. The fact that he tried to locate me on New Year’s Eve said it all.
The idea of living at the penthouse on a permanent basis started to seem more appealing in more than one way. I could go to bed with Calvin, wake up by his side, have breakfast with him and I wouldn’t miss him as much. Definitely something to discuss with Calvin when he returned. I laughed at myself – Calvin wouldn’t need to discuss it. He’d already made up his mind that he wanted me to move in.
Sorry about Zach this afternoon. You were right.
I care about you. I want to protect you. You’re mine, Iris.
I exhaled hard. What I wouldn’t do right now for a kiss.
Four new clients came in, and I busied myself helping them to fill in the application forms before they met with one of the personal trainers. I liked this job more than working at the restaurant. The people around here came to work out; everyone was happy doing their thing. Nothing to complain about.
Krys met me at the gym at the end of my shift. I gave her a tour of the gym before Justin drove us back to Calvin’s apartment. Danielle came along for the ride. Danielle’s words earlier had comforted me and I felt better about myself.
I liked to believe that she had a point. After all, she knew Calvin better than me.
Chapter SEVENTEEN
WAKING UP WITH A VIEW of New York City, in a beautiful penthouse. Yeah, I could get used to this. Did I miss Calvin? Absolutely and that in its self was enough that it helped me decide that I was ready to move in with him.
After stretching every muscle decadently, I got up and discovered Krystal was watching cartoons in the living room. “Morning, Krys.”
“Hey, I was about to wake you up,” she announced, eating a bowl of Granola.
“Anything good to eat?”
She giggled. “You won’t find any Sugar Crisps here. Your man is a lot like my mom. He eats granola, egg whites and veggies. Boring stuff.”
“Oh, okay.” His diet seemed pretty average when we ate together. I went to check in his refrigerator and holy crap, I think Ms. Clare must have been grocery shopping. It didn’t look like this during the holidays. The refrigerator was filled with healthy food and bottles of water. Surprising, to say the least. There was Greek yogurt and a bowl filled with fresh fruits – that would have to do.
Krys enjoyed staying at the penthouse. She told me she loved the view, the huge TV and all the luxuries. I enjoyed it too, but I missed the one most important thing I loved here – Calvin.
I checked my phone a couple of times on my way to class, but no messages. The time difference between New York and Texas sucked. A two-hour time difference meant he was either still sleeping or maybe just waking up.
As I entered class, I couldn’t wait any longer and decided to text him.
Your bed is way too big to keep warm when you’re not with me.
Damn, my back is sore from that damn mattress. Don’t laugh.
Aww, poor baby.
My class is about to start. I love you.
No ditching today. Love you.
I giggled reading his text. Only Calvin, I thought.
My classes dragged all day long. I couldn’t wait to head to the gym and start my new fitness routine. The one thing I missed while I was at the gym was Krys. I figured when Calvin got home, I’d ask him if he needed another employee. Mom always says if you don’t ask, you won’t know and I knew Krys would love working at the gym.
“Hey, girl,” Danielle said when I arrived at work. “I got you a salad. I figured you probably hadn’t had time to grab anything to eat.”
I dropped my backpack onto the floor. “Oh, wow, thank you.”
Danielle shrugged. “Say thanks to your man. He texted me and asked me to grab something.”
I blushed. “Really?”
“Remember what I said yesterday? He loves you and this is him making sure you have everything you need.”
“Well, thank you for obeying his orders,” I snickered, shyly.
She poked me. “I like you, girl. I think we could become good friends.”
“I think so too.” I poked her back playfully.
We ate together in the break room and chatted as if we’d known each other for years. She was Calvin’s age, so she’d had more experience with life than I had. I appreciated the advice she had given me. After talking about Zach, she suggested that I should move out of the dorm.
“Trust me, Iris; you don’t want to see Calvin when he’s angry or jealous. He is very protective of the people he loves. Even me. That being said, I don’t want to see him losing his shit because of you. Things could get ugly.”
“I’m safe now though. I’m staying at his place with Krystal.” I rolled my eyes. “She loves it, maybe a bit too much.”
Danielle laughed. “I get it. I haven’t been to his place in a while but it’s like a dream to most of the downtrodden masses. He had it designed by a professional. The man has got great taste.”
“He does.” I hesitated for a minute before I continued, because I knew she and Calvin had dated, but I needed her advice. “You don’t have to answer, it could be a little bit awkward, but I have a question regarding Calvin and I need your advice.”
She frowned but nodded after a moment. “Okay, go for it.”
“I’ve known Cal for a very short period of time. I’m staying at his place now because of Zach, but he says he wants me to move in with him. I’m thinking of saying yes, but I’m worried it might be too soon.”
She took a bite of her salad and remained quiet for a minute or two. The silence turned into an uncomfortable situation and I regretted asking. What the hell had I been thinking?
“I’m sorry, Danielle, forget what I said.”
Danielle shook her head. “No, it’s fine. It took me by surprise, that’s all. Calvin has never invited any of his dates to the penthouse. His place is very personal to him and he wouldn’t share that with just anyone. We lived together for a couple of months when we were trying to start our lives as adults, but it didn’t last long. He got accepted in the NFL and he was gone most of the time.” She rubbed her forehead, still processing what I had told her. “The fact that he let you spend the holidays with him explains it all and even now, when he is letting you stay at his place while he’s away. You have to understand that it’s like his nest, his own secure place. He never had that growing up. If he asked you to move in with him, he’s serious about it.”
“I’m thinking of saying yes,” I murmured, picking at my salad.
“It’s a big step. You’re still young and all, but if you have any doubts about his feelings for you? Girl, I’m telling you now, that man loves you! Period!”
A shy smile appeared on my face. “I love him, too.” I hid my face beneath my hands. “I’m sorry, maybe you’re not the right person to talk to about this.”
She smiled in a warm way. “It’s okay, it was a long time ago.”
We continued talking about different subjects. The gym had been busy for an hour or so, but as it became quiet we did our workout together.<
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When our shift ended, we closed the gym up and left together. Justin had phoned, telling me he had a few things to take care of at the bar before he could drop us at home. I hadn't heard anything from Calvin in hours. If I remembered right, he was attending Chad Peterson's football game tonight and tomorrow he had another game he was going to that I intended to watch on TV at home. His home.
“Do you mind grabbing something to eat before we meet Justin?” Danielle questioned.
“No, I'm starving, after working out like we did.” I texted Krys, to let her know where to meet us.
Before reaching the corner of the street, Danielle started walking faster and swearing underneath her breath.
“What's wrong?” I asked, hurrying to keep up with her.
“Remember those douche bags I told you about? That’s them, over on our right.”
Shit.
“Hey, princess! Have you changed your mind? My dick sure would love to meet with your throat.”
“What's your problem? Learn some fucking manners.” I shouted back at them.
“For god sake, Iris, don’t talk to them,” Danielle scolded.
“You got something to say, blondie?” The tallest one yelled. He had a red New York Yankees hat with a matching jacket on. He was a big guy.
“I've got nothing to say to a dickhead like you!”
Danielle yanked on my arm and hurried towards a small café.
“Jesus, girl! You're going to get us into some shit! I swear you have bigger balls than any man I know.”
“I’ve never taken shit from anyone, let alone assholes like them. Why haven’t you told Calvin?” I was convinced if Calvin knew what was going on, he would do something about it.
“I don’t know. I’ll think about it,” Danielle said, pushing open the door to the cafe and rushing us inside.
Once we had a coffee and some sandwiches to snack on, I pulled my phone from my bag, to see if Calvin had contacted me.
I can't wait to be home with you. I'm not a fan of Texas.
I smiled and sent a response.
I’m not a fan of NYC, without you in it.”
Are you home now?
I'm grabbing something to eat with Danielle. Justin had a few things left to do at the lounge.
I'll text him. You need to go home, I bet you're tired.
I almost told him about the wannabe thugs, but I didn't want to worry him. Krys arrived after a couple of minutes, and Justin was parked out front five minutes later. As Justin was driving us home, Danielle told Krys what had happened with the assholes and my big mouth. Krys looked scared, but I wasn't. Maybe I should have been, from the expression on Justin's face. He didn’t say anything, but he listened with care to the conversation on the way to the penthouse.
“Which guy was that?” He asked anxious.
“The biggest one with the Yankees hat. She has no fear.” Danielle confirmed.
“I’ve seen them hanging out around the building. Be careful, okay? I’ll have to tell the security team. They are bad news.” Justin said with genuine concern. He really did care about everything concerning Calvin’s empire. Him saying they were bad news, I wondered what he meant by that.
“If I don’t like that, and I don’t, I can promise you Calvin won’t like it either." He scolded me like a big brother. Annoying, really.
“Okay, I got the message, Justin!” I whined.
At home, I needed to get some homework done and so did Krystal. I put some music on to play in the background and we settled in by the fireplace. The heat felt good against my skin, but it also made me sleepy. My head gradually grew heavier against the headrest of the chair and I was beginning to think I needed a Red Bull or something to keep me awake.
I was distracted by the ringing of my cell phone. When I saw Calvin’s picture pop up on the screen, I hurried to answer his call with a delighted smile. “Hi, baby.” I said cheerfully.
“Have you lost your mind?” He sounded pissed.
“Calvin, what’s wrong?”
“Let me rephrase that, have you lost your fucking mind to trash talk with some asshole thugs in the street? You’re not back at home, Iris! It’s fucking New York City! You don’t know who the hell you’re dealing with.”
I realized that Justin had called Calvin right after dropped us off at the penthouse. “They’ve been harassing Danielle for days. I wasn’t going to let that happen again while she was in my presence, Cal.”
He sighed, his breathing shaky. “You do not go anywhere without Justin, until I get home, okay?
My vision blurred and my throat tightened in pain. “Calvin...”
I heard him breathing heavily. “You have no idea how mad I was when Justin called me. Let me handle this when I get back. Until then, please, be careful.”
My bottom lip was trembling, and Krystal’s eyes were glued on my face, trying to figure out what was happening. She discarded her homework to sit by my side.
“Krys is with me now. I’m going to finish my homework.” I hung up without saying any more or listening to whatever else he might have to say. Tears filled my eyes. “I fucked up. Calvin’s furious with me.”
“Because of what Danielle said in the car?” Krystal asked.
I nodded. “Justin told him.”
“Who the hell is he? Your babysitter?” she asked taking my side.
My phone rang again, but I tossed it across the couch. Krystal picked it up while I covered my face with my hands, hiding my tears.
“Calvin. It’s Krystal.” She answered my phone and sounded pissed. “No. I don’t think now is a good time. She’s crying. She never meant to put herself in any danger. Her intentions were to help Danielle.” She listened to Calvin speak for a few seconds. I could hear his voice at the other end of the line, but not loudly enough to understand what he was saying. She held the phone out towards me. “He wants to speak with you.”
I rolled my eyes, but I took the phone from her. I sniffled into the receiver.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have talked to you the way I did, but when Justin called me, I fucking lost it. I just don’t want anything to happen to you.” He lapsed into silence, waiting for me to respond.
“I know.”
“I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“You should have heard what he said to Danielle. I couldn’t walk away, Cal.” I tried to justify my actions. “But I get it. I’ll shut my mouth and I’ll be careful.”
“I love you, babe! I didn’t like the way our previous call ended. I’m in Dallas, I’m too far away to comfort you if I make you cry. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do it.”
“It’s okay,” I responded in a low voice. “When I saw that it was you who was calling me, I never expected you to be angry.”
“I want to hold you in my arms until morning. You have no idea, how much I miss you. Need you.”
“I do, actually. It has been hard and we still have two more nights to get through.”
“Next time, you’re coming with me, okay?”
I smiled and Krystal watched me with curiosity in her eyes. “I would love that.”
“I’ll let you go for now. Call me in the morning, if you want.”
“I will. My class doesn’t start until ten.”
“Good night, babe.”
“Love you.”
I preferred that second phone call, much better than the first. Going to bed and getting some sleep wouldn’t be as hard as I’d thought. The emotional rollercoaster had exhausted me.
Krys left for her eight am class while I slept in and woke up later. The clock indicated 10:05 when I opened my eyes for the first time.
I had a missed call and two texts from Cal.
Morning, sunshine
I hope we're good, baby. Are we? I'm sorry about last night. I love you.
I didn't have time to text him back. After I changed my boxers and slipped on a pair of jeans, I dragged on my coat and ran outside with my board in hand. Thankfully, the side
walks were free of snow.
I speed dialed Calvin’s number, hoping that he would answer.
“Hey, baby.” Hearing his voice calmed me down right away.
“I'm late leaving for school. I just woke up.” I said, riding my skateboard as fast as I could.
“Are you on your board, right now?” he laughed.
“It’s faster than walking or running.”
“Be careful on that thing.”
“Don't worry, baby. I got this.” I smiled at his attention.
“One more night. I might even try to get on the red eye.”
“I can’t wait to see you.”
“I’ll let you go, text me later.”
“Love you.”
I ended the call and hurried towards the university. I had already missed the first twenty minutes of class. When I took off my coat, I realized that I was still wearing one of Calvin's T-shirts. His football team, his name and his number were emblazoned across the back. It wasn't enough that half the school recognized me as Banks' girlfriend, I had to brand myself with his name across my back.
I’m your biggest fan today. This is going to have people talking.
I sent him a picture of me wearing the t-shirt, sitting in the last row of the class.
It’s a definite turn on. I like that name on you.
My face flushed bright red. Iris Banks, it sounded good to me.
I like it too.
Would I ever get married? I had no clue, but I liked the sound of Calvin’s surname, added to my first name. I tried to concentrate on what the teacher was saying, but I couldn't manage it. Waking up late had given me a rush of adrenaline and now, my mind was begging for some rest. I took some notes, but this class was going to require a do-over. If only I could.
Calvin and I texted all day. Hundreds of miles away and I was getting to know him more than I had in person.
Favorite movie?
Good Will Hunting. Popcorn or skittles?
Popcorn. Birthday?
July 7th. Missing me?
More than I can bear.
Love you. Will text when I get to work.
Needing a shower, I decided to get to the gym early, in order to take one before I began work. A shower in the morning was worth ten coffees and now it felt as if I hadn’t really woken up and half of the day had already flown by.