Reclaiming What Is Mine

by Sheena Binkley

  I shook my head. There was no point in talking to him about being a writer. When I first mentioned it a year ago, he just thought it was a hobby and told me to not let it interfere with "our time together." But he had no problem spending my royalty checks when they were deposited into my account every month.

  "I'm sure they haven't, I just haven't been successful in finding anything yet. What about you? Are you going to find something? You can't continue working at the video game store."

  "What's wrong with my job? I make decent money there."

  I pursed my lips together, trying not to say anything crazy.

  "I think if we both find good jobs, we can save more so we can move, don't you agree?"

  "You're right, and I will," he said then kissed me before taking the items into the garage. I took out a few things from the back seat and slowly followed him, praying for a miracle of finding a million dollars laying around so we could get another place, because I already knew this was a bad idea.

  Dwight opened the door and saw his Aunt Jordan in the kitchen. She smiled and said hi to him but shot me the evil eye before speaking to me.

  "Asia, I really hope that you find everything to your liking here. I'm pretty sure you're used to the finer things in life."

  I glared at her and tried hard not to roll my eyes. I didn't know why she thought I was some stuck-up bitch. Yes, my parents spoiled me rotten growing up, but it wasn't like we were living in a mansion in Bellaire or River Oaks. Hell, we were staying a few blocks from her current place until my parents divorced and my dad moved out of my childhood home.

  "I'll be fine, Ms. Jordan. But I do want to say thank you for allowing us to stay here. We really appreciate it."

  "I'm sure," she quipped then turned to Dwight. "Will you be bringing anything else besides the stuff you've already brought in?"

  "The majority of our things are in storage; this is all we're bringing."

  "Great, because I don't need a whole bunch of stuff crowding my house. Now, make yourselves at home since this will be yours for awhile."

  "Oh joy," I mumbled. Dwight cut his eyes at me and sighed.

  "Thank you Aunt Jordan. Believe me, we won't be in your way at all. It'll be like we're not even here."

  "Don't worry about anything, D. All I ask is that you two contribute to the household:; cleaning, cooking and possibly a bill or two, that's all. I know you are trying to get back on your feet, so that's all I ask."

  I smirked. I knew that wasn't the case. When I met his aunt on our third date, she automatically took a disliking to me. I wasn't sure why though; I hadn't been around her long enough to be judged. But from what Dwight told me, she could tell a person's character during their first meeting, and she thought I had an attitude. All I did was asked her how long she was going to talk to us because we had dinner reservations. I guess that was an insult to her.

  "And we will. Thank you again, auntie," Dwight told her and kissed her on the cheek. I looked at the scene and quickly shook my head. I didn't want her seeing it and saying something stupid.

  We went into the bedroom, and I immediately noticed where we were. We were back in the room he'd been staying in before we moved in together.

  "Isn't this nice," I said sarcastically as I sat on the bed.

  "Don't start, Asia. And do you really need to be like that with my aunt? You should be glad she's letting us stay here."

  "You're right, I should be glad she let me stay here. She couldn't care less if you moved back. She probably figured we would fail anyway."

  "There you go again."

  "There I go with what? It's the truth. She never wanted us to be together. She probably said 'I told you so' when you asked to come back here."

  Dwight didn't say anything as he went to the closet. I looked at the small space and shook my head. How in the hell were we going to fit anything in there? My shoe collection could fill that space.

  I knew then that it was up to me to find something soon. That's the only way we were getting out of here.

  Dwight

  I watched Asia as she folded some shirts. I really felt bad at that point. Really, I'd been feeling this way since we had to move in here. I knew she didn't want to, but she put her pride aside and agreed. It wasn't like she had a choice anyway since I went behind her back and arranged it.

  Asia and I had a great relationship and were pretty solid until we got married. That's when things kind of went to shit. We were always arguing over everything, from bills to who left the dishes in the sink. And let's not talk about sex. Asia had her mood swings; there were times she wanted to, then there were times she didn't want to be near me. Part of the reason could be due to our financial situation, but regardless, that shouldn't stop us from fucking. Doing so could make our relationship a whole lot better.

  I continued watching her; she pushed her wavy hair away from her face then bent down to get a shirt from the floor. Her caramel-colored skin looked flawless as she looked up at me. Her brown eyes, which was usually full of happiness, looked distant. She put the shirt on the bed.

  "What's wrong?"

  I smiled. "Nothing. I was just thinking about the first time we met."

  She slowly smiled and cleared some space for me to sit beside her.

  "You still think about that night?"

  "Of course I do. That's how everything began with us."

  "That's when we didn't have any problems either."

  She glanced at me and sighed. "No one's relationship is perfect, D. We just hit a rough spot that's lasted a couple of years."

  "Do you still love me?"

  She leaned over and kissed me. "No matter what we're going through, I will always love you. When we're back on our feet again, we'll look back on this time and be grateful for what we went through because it'll make us stronger."

  "I'm glad you're thinking that way."

  "I have to, right?"

  I kissed her forehead then got up and went to the dresser. I knew she was just saying that to make things better. Ever since I told her we were moving, she'd become distant and a little irritated with everything, including me. Even before she lost her job, she was acting differently, so I knew what she was saying was a lie.

  My phone rang as I went through the drawers. I pulled it out of my pocket and saw it was cousin, Warren. He was a 24-year-old accountant who recently married his college sweetheart; they were moving into their first home within the next month. His success was like a slap in the face, but I could have had the same life if I had applied myself.

  "Hey, cuz. What's good?"

  "Nothing, just seeing how everything's going with you living with Mom again."

  "So far okay, but it's still an adjustment, especially for Asia."

  I looked over at her, and she was still folding clothes.

  "I'm sure it is. Listen, if you ever need to get away, you can come over here and hang out."

  "And Chrissy won't have a problem with that?"

  "No; she likes you and Asia, so it's cool."

  "Okay, I'll tell A. Thanks, man."

  "No prob. Just let me know how the first night goes," Warren teased with a chuckle.

  I took a deep breath and hung up. Of course, he'd think it was funny; he didn't have to worry about being in the situation I was in. Not only was he working, but Chrissy was too as a news reporter for the local TV station.

  A part of me kind of blame Asia for what's happening. She got herself fired because of her damn mouth. I'd told her about that, but of course, she didn't listen.

  "How's Warren?" Asia asked.

  "He's good; he's just waiting on the fireworks between us and Aunt Jordan," I said, sitting down.

  "At least someone is enjoying this."

  I sighed and grabbed a shirt from the bed. We sat in silence until Asia spoke again.

  "You know, I never imagined we would be like this."

  "You think I did? I would love for us to be in our own place again, and we will, it'll just take some time."
>
  Asia nodded and continued folding. Even though she said she understood, I knew she was upset. I wanted what was best for both of us, and I knew I had failed as a husband and as a man.

  Asia

  Two days had passed since we moved in with Dwight's aunt, and so far, it was okay. We moved around the majority of the furniture in our room as well as rearranged the bathroom. Jordan kept telling us where to move things, but we still put the items where we wanted them. I figured if we were going to stay here, we had to make it feel like home for right now.

  Now that Dwight was returning to work after his mini vacay, I was left alone with Jordan. Right before I dropped him off, he instructed me to be nice to her and listen to her when she was trying to converse with me. I told him I would, even though I didn't know why he thought I wouldn't.

  When I arrived back to the house, I came through the garage door and saw Jordan in the kitchen, eating breakfast. I said hello and kept moving towards my room.

  "Before you venture off to your room, I would like to talk with you."

  I turned around and sat at the table. "What about?"

  "Let's get straight to the point: I know you don't want to be here, which I can understand. You're used to having your own space, but sometimes in life, you have to do some things that you don't necessarily want to. Besides, you kind of got yourself into this predicament."

  I sighed. I knew she would blame me for this. "Maybe so, but I'm not the only one in the relationship."

  "You're right, but Dwight didn't lose his job, did he?"

  I sighed again. We were having problems way before I lost my job; she would know that unless he didn't mention any of that to her.

  "These issues were going on way before I lost my job. I was the one paying all the bills, or did Dwight fail to mention that?"

  Jordan looked at me with a sneer, and I returned it. I felt she should be aware that her nephew wasn't swinging any of the bills with his job. He only paid for what he could afford, which wasn't much.

  "I'm not trying to start an argument with you, Asia, but I do know one thing, you're not going to be smart talking to me in my own house, you got that."

  "I wasn't even being smart with you. I was just stating the facts."

  "That's all in the past now, though; this is the present. Dwight told me you lost your job because you were being smart with the owner. You should've known that mouth was going to get you in a world of trouble."

  I took a deep breath and stood up. "I just remembered: I have a meeting with my publisher in a few minutes."

  "And that's another thing; this writing thing you're doing, is it generating any money? Evidently, not if you're here."

  I rolled my eyes and went to the room to grab my laptop and computer bag. I wished I had my iPad, but when times got rough, I sold it to a 13-year-old who had more money than I did. I missed having it, especially when writing.

  I grabbed my charger since that was the only way I could use my computer and stuffed it into my bag. I walked out of the room and past Jordan who wore a disappointed look.

  "Where are you going?"

  "I have a meeting, remember?" I reminded her with an attitude and went out to the garage. There was no way I was staying there with her. If I did, someone would get hurt or possibly murdered.

  ***e

  After deciding where to go, I ended up at the local coffeehouse near the mall. I went in and ordered a latte before looking around for a seat near an outlet. Once I got my drink, I found an empty table at the back; as I was walking to it, I almost bump into someone. My latte almost spilled on him, but he caught the cup just in time. I pulled up the strap to my laptop bag and stared at him. He was gorgeous. His pecan-colored skin had a healthy glow, which was uncommon for a man. I looked into his light brown eyes, which were warm and inviting. A sexy smile spread across his lips as he handed me my latte.

  "I think this is yours," he said.

  "Yes, thank you. That was a close one."

  "I should have been paying attention. I was trying to get the seat before you did."

  "Oh, if you want it, you can have it."

  "No, it's cool. I can find somewhere else to sit."

  I smiled. "There are four chairs; since it's crowded, why don't you sit with me?"

  The guy nodded and smiled. "Cool."

  We both sat down, and I took out my computer. I found the outlet and quickly plugged it in. One of the issues I had with my laptop is that it could be fully charged, but I'd still need the charger plugged in for it to work. It's raggedy, but it got the job done.

  I glanced up and saw him looking at me. I smiled shyly and looked at my computer.

  "I guess I should introduce myself. I'm Bryon," he told me, extending his hand.

  "Asia," I replied and accepted his handshake.

  "So, looks like you're working. What do you do?"

  "I'm an author."

  "Really? And you don't have another job?"

  "No, not at the moment anyway."

  "You must be doing well for yourself if you don't. I've heard that authors don't make that much."

  "Some do, but not all."

  "I also heard you can get a bit of inspiration at coffeehouses," he teased.

  I smiled. "What do you do?"

  "I own an advertising company. I help promote a lot of local businesses, including this place."

  I raised my eyebrows with a smile. "Really?"

  "Yeah. They give me free coffee every time I come here."

  "They should if you're bringing in crowds like this."

  "I can't take all of the credit. They serve some really good coffee. What are you working on?"

  I looked up from my computer. "It's kind of top secret, but hopefully, my publisher likes it. I kind of need to redeem myself from the last story I submitted to them."

  "It was that bad?"

  "Not to me, but I think they were looking for something grittier."

  Bryon nodded. "I think this is the best place to get some inspiration."

  "Believe me, I'd rather be at my own place, but I can't right now."

  "Why not?"

  I definitely didn't feel comfortable going into details about my personal life, so I just said, .

  "It's complicated right now."

  "Oh, you don't want to talk about it."

  "I just met you a minute ago, so no."

  "No problem; I understand."

  I began working on where I'd left off with my story. After a minute of typing, I looked up when I felt Bryon staring at me.

  "Is there a problem?" I asked.

  He smiled. "No, not at all."

  I looked back at my computer, feeling a little shy. I didn't know why, but he was making me feel something I hadn't felt in a long time.

  Bryon

  I watched as Asia typed away on her computer, looking absolutely beautiful. I come into this shop every day, and not once had I seen her, so this must be fate. She looked up and smiled.

  "When do you go into work?"

  I checked my watch and glanced at her. "It's only been 30 minutes. I go into the office at 9."

  Asia nodded and continued typing.

  "Are you married or with someone?"

  She looked up, surprised about my question. "Aren't you forward?"

  "I'm just asking a question. I see you're not wearing a ring, so I could assume that you're not."

  She looked down at her right hand and looked back up. "Oh, um, you're right, I'm not married."

  "So are you with someone?"

  She shook her head and continued typing.

  "I find that hard to believe. You're sexy." Her face said she was surprised even though she wouldn't look at me.

  "You're denying that you are?"

  "I never really thought of myself as that."

  "You must not be looking in the mirror then, because you definitely are." I noticed her becoming uncomfortable. She typed a little more before shutting her computer down.

  "You're leaving?" />
  "Yeah, I really think I should," she answered and picked up her charger.

  "If I made you feel uncomfortable, I apologize."

  "No, you didn't. I just remembered I have somewhere I need to be. But it was really interesting meeting you."

  "Same here. Hopefully, I'll see you again."

  Asia smiled and went to the door. I watched her leave, wishing I had got her number, but I figured I'd see her again. I hoped I would.

  Asia

  After I left the coffeehouse, I went to the park instead of my new home. I looked at the lake in front of me, taking in the beautiful day as runners and walkers passed and kids played on the playground. I needed this time to reflect on everything and figure out my next move, because honestly, I had nothing.

  I arrived back at the house an hour later and saw that Jordan was gone, which was a relief, and I went straight into my room. I put down my things and sat on the bed. My mind began wandering about Bryon. He seemed nice but asked too many questions. I looked down at my hand then went to the dresser to grab my ring. I was such in a rush to get ready earlier that I'd forgotten to put it on.

  I continued staring at it, wondering why I didn't tell Bryon I was married. He probably wouldn't have believed me anyway since I hadn't been wearing my ring; but still, I was quick to tell him I wasn't. And that wasn't like me.

  I twirled the ring around my finger and sat back down. My purse was vibrating, and I reached inside to grab my phone. I checked and saw a text from Dwight, asking how my day was so far. I replied, letting him know it was good and put the phone down. I didn't want to mention that I'd been writing instead of looking for a job; I would do that soon. Honestly, I hadn't been looking because all I'd been doing was writing; but I knew I needed to, especially since I wanted to leave this place.

  I lay down, figuring I could have a bit of me time before I had to pick up Dwight. I closed my eyes, wishing I lived a different life. A life that didn't involve financial worries. Instead, it would be peaceful and happy. That's the type of life I wanted, and I knew with a lot of work, it would happen.