Making the First Move

*JAMIRA*

Once we returned to the car, I struggled to process everything, particularly the revelation that Keema had gotten me fired. I knew she was devious, but I hadn’t anticipated her taking things that far. It stung that she was relentlessly trying to make my life miserable over someone I was no longer with.

And she was aware that I had a baby too? Yet, she still wanted to get me fired? The baby didn’t even belong to Chris, and furthermore, why was he sharing my personal matters with her?

My mind was flooded with unanswered questions.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the conversation.”

“No, Yana, at the end of the day, you had my back.”

“I whipped that bitch, huh,” she laughed.

“Yeah, you did that,” I confirmed.

“So, what now?”

I couldn’t comprehend the significance of that question. Ayana and her mother had a habit of asking me that as if I possessed all the answers. They were fully aware that I had no idea. I was simply guessing like everyone else.

“What do you mean?”

“You have no job, a baby, and hopefully no more Chris. What’s next? What are you going to do?”

Suddenly, it dawned on me. I had never disclosed the conversation I had with Eric. I couldn’t comprehend my recent behavior. Normally, she would be the first person I’d go to about everything.

“Eric wants me to move in with him. He said he wants to be there for me and his son. I told him I’d think about it, but I believe now is the time to try.”

Ayana nodded her head with sadness in her eyes. It seemed like the worst news she had ever heard.

“Do you have to go? I enjoy living with you. Even my mom says she’s glad you’re there, and she doesn’t like anyone.”

It was true that her mother was quite particular about her house and having people there. I couldn’t fathom what my mother had done, but it worked because she never had any issues with us being there.

“I just need to figure this out and see where this leads.”

“I’ll help you pack and move.”

“Thank you, I’ll definitely need that. Besides, Chris should be discharged soon, so I need to be in and out.”

“Mira, you know he’d be stupid to do anything, right?”

“That doesn’t mean he won’t try.”

She hugged me tightly and turned on some music to lighten the mood. The ride back to her house was smooth.

When we arrived, I began to contemplate everything, ensuring I was making the right decision.

I called Eric. He answered immediately, as if he had been expecting my call.

“Hey baby, is everything okay?”

“Hey Eric, yeah, I just called to let you that I’ve thought about it, and if the offer is still available, I would like to accept it.”

“Ah, yeah, no, when you didn’t accept right away, I moved my other girlfriend in.”

“Excuse me?”

He burst into laughter, as if that was the funniest thing he had ever done.

“I’m kidding, of course it’s still on the table. You’re mine, and I’m going to take care of you.”

Somehow, that statement felt as though it carried multiple meanings.

“Eric, I’ll cut you,” I joked. Well, it was mostly a joke because if he did that again, I would cut him.

“Ooh baby, talk to me nice. I’ll check my schedule, and we’ll get you moved soon.”

“My and Ayana can handle it. It’s not like I’m taking furniture or anything.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m certain.”

We continued talking on the phone for a while longer. I shared the situation at the school and how Ayana had planned the brunch to get her back. Everything.

“Baby, that’s a lot. It sounds like she was never your friend to begin with. I’d leave her alone.”

“Oh, I intend to.”

“I’m genuinely sorry about your job, though. You seemed genuinely happy at that place. Are you going to start looking for another job?”

“I will after I get settled. It shouldn’t be difficult.”

“In the meantime, you could hang out in the office with me if you’d like.”

Living together and following him to work. This man truly wants to be inseparable.

“I’ll think about it,” I said playfully.

He chuckled at that.

“Alright, baby, I have to go. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

I quickly realized what had slipped out and instinctively covered my mouth, hoping that gesture would somehow retract my words. For a fleeting moment, I imagined he would simply ignore it and move on. However, I was mistaken. Without missing a beat, he asked,”Did you just…?”

“Well, I… um… I,” I stammered.

“You said you loved me. Did you mean it? Because I don’t want you to say it and then take it back.”

In that instant, I understood the profound significance of his words. It wasn’t just the fact that I had spoken them or that he had heard them. It was the sincerity behind my expression. It was as if he was exposing a deep wound to me, hoping I wouldn’t reopen it. In that moment, he appeared fragile, and I didn’t even realize he could be so vulnerable.

I thought about it for a brief moment, but not too long, as I didn’t want to prolong his wait.

“I do.”

I genuinely meant it. I simply wanted to wait until the opportune moment to express my feelings. Perhaps I wanted them to be conveyed in person, perhaps in a more intimate setting. However, the truth is, I had harbored feelings for him for some time now, but I had refused to face them due to Chris and my uncertainty about the situation.

“You don’t know how overjoyed I am to hear that.”

I smiled, as if he could truly see my emotions.

“Alright, I have to go, beautiful. Let me know when you’ll be ready to leave so that I can get you a key and leave it under the mat for you.”

“Sounds good.”

We hung up. I felt a sense of relief after finally admitting my love for Eric, but I also felt a weight of responsibility knowing the potential consequences. I knew I had to be careful with him.