ROMANCE: The Surprise That Rocked Me

by Linda Wright

  “I really appreciate it, but I think I should find work on my own.”

  “Suit yourself, but just know it’s an option.”

  “Thank you so much, Keke. For everything. You are so amazing.”

  “Oh, don’t mention it. That’s what friends are for. Now, you want to watch a movie?”

  “Okay.”

  Keisha got up and got the remote. She turned the TV on and began flipping through the channels. After finding nothing really good on, she pulled up her Netflix. They found a movie they both wanted to watch and put it on. Keisha got up and got them some popcorn. Once the movie went off, Takia wanted to watch another, but Keisha was tired and had to get up for work in the morning. She told Takia good night and reminded her that she was welcome to everything in the condo. She leaned in and kissed her on the forehead and headed for her bedroom. Before she made it out of the room she heard Takia say, “I love you, Keke.”

  “I love you too, Takia.” Keisha smiled to herself as she headed back for bed. The next morning Keisha woke up to the smell of breakfast. She came into the kitchen to find Takia slaving away. She smiled and said, “Good morning. What’s that you have cooking there?”

  “I decided to make my grandma’s homemade biscuit recipe. I found some bacon and eggs in the fridge. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Oh, no, it’s fine. I told you, you’re welcome to anything. That smells wonderful.”

  “Yeah, this is how my grandma used to wake me up.”

  “It’s a great way to get up. I usually just do something quick in the mornings. Especially if I’m heading to the gym before work.”

  “You work out before work?”

  “A few times a week. The rest of the week I work out after work.”

  “Oh, wow, you’re committed. I guess that’s why you have that amazing body.”

  “You have a nice figure there yourself.”

  “Oh, girl, stop. With my bird legs? And I barely have any hips.”

  “Girl, please. You’re fine. There are people who would kill for your figure.”

  “You’re so sweet. I’m just about done with breakfast. Go ahead and sit down at the table, I’ll bring it out to you.”

  “I can help.”

  “No, sit down. This is the least I can do for you letting me stay here. It is really amazing. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

  “I told you, don’t worry about it. I’m happy to do it.”

  “Still though…but go’on and sit down. I got this.”

  “Okay.”

  Keisha took her seat at the table. She looked at the time to make sure she wouldn’t be late for work. It was her family’s company, but she still made sure to be at work on time. More times than not she was actually there early. She took her job very seriously. Takia brought her out a smoking hot plate of biscuits, eggs, and bacon. It looked and smelled wonderful. She also brought out the orange juice along with some syrup and butter. Keisha could hardly wait to dig in. As soon as she took a bite of the biscuits she was in heaven. They were so good. She barely wanted to put syrup on them. The whole breakfast was divine. She finished rather quickly and got up to start the dishes. Takia protested, but she insisted. After finishing the dishes she went off to her morning ritual. She washed her face and brushed her teeth, unwrapped her hair and combed it into a nice, neat style, moisturized her skin, and pulled together an outfit. By the time she stepped back out of her room, briefcase in hand, she was ready to go.

  Keisha walked into the living room and found Takia there dressed as well. She had on a nice pencil skirt with a white blouse and some black pumps to complete the look. Keisha smiled and said, “Wow, you look good, girl. Where you off to?”

  “Out on the job hunt. I’m gonna pound the pavement and find something.”

  “Oh, okay. I’m scared of you! Remember what I said about a job at Mosby Enterprises. I know you want to go your own way, but we would love to have you. One meeting with my family and I’m sure you’d be in.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind, but I think I’ll see what else is out there first. I actually already setup an interview. I saw a listing online and they said I could come in.”

  “Oh, that’s great. Good for you. Well, I have to go. I left a key on the island for you. Make sure you lock up before you go. You need me to drop you somewhere?”

  “No, it’s okay. I’ll find my way. I want to do a bit of exploring today.”

  “Okay, well good luck. I’ll see you later.”

  “Thank you. Bye Keke.”

  Keisha gave Takia a kiss on the cheek and headed out for the office. She had a fairly pleasant day at work; mostly meetings. A lot of her family was there that day, including her younger sister Natasha and her younger cousin Sicily. They were still young, wild and free, not taking anything seriously yet. Both had graduated from college a year early and had decided to take the year to enjoy life before taking on responsibility. They weren’t too bad, just loved to have fun. Keisha decided to text Takia and have her come into the office so she could meet them. She figured it would be good for them to get to know each other and hang out while she was over at Jason’s. Takia replied that she would be there as soon as she could.

  About an hour later, Takia text that she was down in the lobby. Keisha told her to come on up. Takia walked into the office, visibly nervous. Keisha met her at the elevators and seeing her unease, told a few jokes to try and make her feel better. Takia smiled back in gratitude. Keisha took her around to meet her family members. First was her father, who seemed to take to her immediately. Her father was very charming and could make anybody feel comfortable. Keisha could see Takia relaxing in his presence. Next they went down to her Aunt Tori’s office to peek their head in. In there they ran into Natasha and Sicily who were harassing her for fun. Aunt Tori shook Takia’s hand and then told Keisha to get those two out of her office. They all laughed as they walked out into the hallway. Once the laughing died down Keisha turned to Natasha and Sicily and said, “Hey, this is my friend Takia I was telling you about. Takia, this is my little sister Natasha and my cousin Sicily.”

  Takia gave a meek wave of the hand. Natasha moved her hand and went in for a hug. Sicily stepped forward and wrapped her arms around the both of them. They rocked and laughed like they were already great friends. With her arm around Takia’s shoulders, Natasha said, “So, Kia, can I call you that?...Anyway, Kia, welcome to our city. You are now with the best welcoming committee in all of Chicago. Stick with us and you’ll know all of the best spots and secrets around here. We are the plug.”

  Sicily came on the other side and wrapped her arm around Takia. She said, “That’s right Kia, girl. It’s not happening in the Chi without our knowledge. We have all of the exclusives. We’ll have you loving the city in no time. You don’t have a job yet, do you?”

  “No, I’m still looking.”

  Natasha looked at her like she was crazy and said, “Girl why? You just got here. You’re rolling with us. You can worry about a job later. When the time comes just work here or one of our other businesses.”

  “That’s very nice of you, but…”

  Sicily cut in, “Unh unh, girl, as the empresses of this here city and one of the members on the board here we hereby decree that you will not be worrying about any job until further notice at which point we will find a space for you. You’re one of us now.”

  “Really?”

  “Girl, yeah. Any good friend of Keke’s is like family to us. We’re gonna put you onto everything. We can start now. I’m sure Keke will be going over to Jason’s to be all gross and lovey dovey later, so you can just roll with us for the night. We’re gonna hit up all of the good spots.”

  “But it’s Thursday night.”

  Natasha shrugged and said, “Every night with us is lit! We have taken the year off and girl we are getting it in for all 365 days. Possibly more.”

  Keisha smiled and looked on. She had hoped that Natasha and Sicily would take Takia under their w
ings. She knew how they were. They loved any opportunity to show somebody new around town, so she had little doubt that they would be Takia’s enthusiastic tour guides. She just hoped they wouldn’t run her too ragged. Keisha piped in, “Alright now girls. Don’t turn up too much. I know how y’all can get. Don’t have the girl out here exhausted and sick.”

  Natasha rolled her eyes and said, “Girl, hush! I’m sure Takia is no amateur. She’s a big girl. We won’t do anything too bad. Well, not with her, anyway. We’ll drop her off.”

  Sicily joined in, “Yeah, we’ll take good care of her. You’ll be alright, won’t you, Kia?”

  “I think so. I’m not a complete square. I know how to have a good time.”

  “Good, then you’re our type of girl. Now on that note, we have business to attend to. The tour starts now. We know this hot lunch spot to hit. The men in there are so fine and they have great drinks.”

  Natasha jumped up and down and said, “Midday turn up!” She and Sicily began to twerk around. Keisha and Takia laughed as they danced. Keisha put an arm around Takia and whispered in her ear, “Look out for them, girl. They will run you ragged.” Takia whispered back, “I will. I’m excited. I think it’ll be fun.”

  “Oh yeah, these two are a barrel of laughs.”

  Natasha stopped and said, “Y’all talkin about us? Unh unh, CiCi, they talking about us.”

  Sicily scrunched up her face and said, “It’s cool though, TaTa. Kia, don’t listen to her. We are perfect angels in the lord.” Natasha and Sicily put their hands together as if in prayer. Keisha pushed them and laughed. Natasha grabbed Takia’s left hand and Sicily grabbed the right, saying, “Alright sis, it’s time to go. Bye KeKe. Have fun workin.” Keisha stuck her tongue out at them and waved as they bustled Takia to the elevator. As they stepped inside Takia smiled from ear to ear. Keisha winked at her and chuckled as she made her way back to her office.

  After a few more hours of phone calls and paperwork, Keisha was ready to leave the office. She had to stop at home and take a quick shower and get dolled up for a romantic evening with Jason. In spite of how long they had been together she still got butterflies every time she knew she was going to see him. She still felt like a teenage girl in love for the first time. She took extra care to look nice for him. She even got him a little present just to make him feel good. Before she left out for Jason’s, she texted Takia to check up on her. Takia assured her that she was fine and that she was having a great time. Keisha told her that she would be staying over at Jason’s so she would see her the next day.

  Keisha drove over to Jason’s house and parked in his driveway. She took one more look at herself in her rearview mirror, before getting out and walking up to the door. Jason had given her a key a while ago, but she still rang the doorbell. Jason came to the door with his sleeves rolled up and his top buttons undone. He was clearly in the process of cooking. The smells wafted out of the house towards her as soon as he opened the door. He greeted her with a sweet smile and an even sweeter kiss. He took her hand and led her into the house, letting the door close behind them. Keisha had always been impressed with how beautifully decorated his home was. His mother had come in and done most of it for him, but he had added his own touches that made it truly endearing. Jason led her into the living room area right off of the kitchen and let her hand go to check in the pots on the stove. Keisha slipped out of her coat, put down her purse, and walked into the kitchen after him to see if she could help. When Jason turned around from the pots his eyes lit up and went wide. Keisha was standing there in a stunning, body-hugging short black number that could have replaced the stop signs on the street. The dark dress looked sensational against her light, graham cracker skin. She had completed the look with the diamond earrings and pendant Jason had given her along with some sexy 5 inch heels and her hair clipped up in a messy bun to complete the look. Jason’s eyes feasted on her like she was the most glorious thing they had ever seen. His mouth had actually dropped open and he was looking her up and down from head to foot.

  Keisha blushed at the look and continued to walk towards him looking around to see what needed to be done. As soon as she was in arm’s reach, Jason grabbed her up into an embrace, holding her body against his and sprinkling kisses from her shoulder up her neck and finally to her lips for one lingering, passionate kiss. Keisha allowed herself to melt into him, countering his passion with her own. After what seemed like hours, she pulled away before it went any farther. Jason stood there panting, clearly not ready to let go. Keisha gave him one last kiss on the cheek before slipping around him and looking to see what he was cooking. She looked into a pot of potatoes and onions before looking over into another and seeing asparagus spears. From the smell wafting from the oven she could tell that he was pan-searing some steaks. As she stood there investigating she could feel Jason’s eyes on her body, specifically centered at her butt. She felt a hand rub across it and swatted it away playfully. She turned and looked at him. Even with his shirt a bit messy, he was still a very handsome, well put together man. He had the most dazzling smile, clean cut dark hair with waves, sparkling light brown eyes, chiseled features and a body to boot. She knew her eyes were feasting just as much as his were. Tall, dark and handsome. She was a truly lucky woman.

  She turned back around to check the oven. After seeing the steaks were not done she turned to him and said, “What can I do?”

  “Nothing. I got this.”

  “There’s nothing I can help you with? Maybe some bread or something? Can I help you start cleaning up?”

  “No, what you can do is put that beautiful derriere in a seat and let your man serve you.”

  “ How about the wine?”

  “See woman, you just can’t be still and let me work. Fine! You can pick out a wine and uncork it. Dinner should be ready in another 15 or 20 minutes.”

  “Oh, yeah. I got you something.” Keisha went back over to her purse and took out a box with a ribbon around it. She put it on the counter and slid it towards Jason.

  He looked down at the box, then back up at her and said, “What did I tell you about getting me presents? You’re gift enough. If it isn’t a holiday you don’t have to give me anything, but you.”

  “I know, but I wanted to get you something nice. You’re always giving me things.”

  “I’m your man. I’m gonna give you the world. That doesn’t mean you have to buy me things.”

  “Now who’s being stubborn? Just open it and see what it is.”

  Jason gave her a look, but pulled the box towards him and began to pull off the ribbon. He took the top off the box and looked in. Keisha had gotten him a custom pocket watch complete with a chain, an inscription, and diamonds on the outside. In it Keisha had it engraved to say “With each tick of this clock, with each second that passes, I love you more and more and more. Forever is too short. Love Keisha.” Jason stared down at the engraving for a few moments, clearly allowing it to sink in. He then set the watch down on the counter and walked around to where Keisha stood. Her arms were already open and waiting for him. He walked into them and squeezed her tight. They stood there for some moments, letting the love pass between them. Jason put his lips to her ear and whispered, “You’re right. Forever is too short.” Then he jumped out of her arms and ran to look into the oven. He put on an oven mitt and took the pan with the steaks out and set it on an empty eye on the stove. He then stirred his potatoes and onions before heading to the refrigerator to add cheese. He had turned the eye with the asparagus off already.

  After cutting up some bread and spreading it with butter, he instructed Keisha to take a seat so they could eat dinner. He set the table, complete with the meal before dimming the lights and lighting two candles in the center. Keisha completed the table with the wine she had uncorked, but Jason put it back, replacing it with champagne. He declared the night a celebration of their love and they ate and sipped the bubbly. Once they were finished, he placed the plates in the sink and turned on some slow music. Grab
bing Keisha to prevent her from washing the dishes, he pulled her into him and they began to dance slowly around the dining room. They were so engrossed in the magic; they did not even realize when the music had gone off. They continued swaying until they heard the silence and laughed at each other. Keisha thought briefly about checking on Takia again, but decided she was fine and carried on with her evening. She and Jason made love and then fell asleep in each other’s arms.

  The next few days were hectic at work with new deals in the works, so Keisha was really busy. She tried to check in on Takia at regular intervals, but she was swamped. Takia was still hanging around with Natasha and Sicily. Keisha had to cancel plans to go to a movie with Jason, so she suggested that he and Takia go together. They agreed, which made her feel better about neglecting them and she went on back to work. She was working long hours, staying late into the night, barely closing her eyes to sleep. These business deals were incredibly important and could take Mosby Enterprises to the next level. No one in the office rested until the ink was dry on the contracts on Saturday afternoon. They held a small celebration and each went home to try and get some sleep.