Loretta returned home late that evening.
“How did it turn out? I'm sure my baby had a fantasy world to reminiscence on tonight, right?” Lauren inquired, ecstatic that her girlfriend had a real date for the first time in what seemed like an eternity.
“Of course, just like any other dinner...” she said.
“That isn't a response...” Lauren gave her a sidelong glance.
“Okay. Fine… I arrived before him and had to wait about half an hour for him to arrive.”
“Okay…” Lauren prodded her friend for further information.
“After he apologized, we had supper together. That's all there is to it.”
“Okay…” Lauren prompted once more.
“What exactly do you want to hear, Lauren, girl?” Loretta had inquired.
“You know exactly what I'm looking for. “Come on, girl, spill it all out...”
Loretta said, “Sorry, I don't.”
“He didn’t ask you to be his… directly or indirectly?” Lauren inquired, her eyes bright with anticipation.
“No, he didn't...” Loretta smiled and shook her head at her girlfriend in response.
“Hmm…” Lauren was taken aback and blurted, “I can't believe that!” “Babe, I don't believe a word you just said. That isn't even close to being true.”
“Nevertheless, he did question whether I had someone in my life right now,” Loretta continued.
Lauren responded, “Of course not,” thinking Loretta had said that.
“Well, I told him I have someone, and it is serious,” Loretta remarked, her displeasure visible on Lauren's face.
“Have I transformed into a guy overnight?” “Who is this man?” Lauren inquired, her face flushed with dissatisfaction.
“Lauren, it's time for bed. It's late, and I'm pretty tired,” Loretta explained.
“All right, that's OK. But don't worry, girl, we're not done yet. I'm sure you're well aware of this. Lauren reminded her to “keep it in the back of your mind” as she flipped over the blanket to shield herself from the night's chill.
Loretta simply nods and walks into the bathroom to take a nice shower. Images of the dinner date ran through her head as she scrubbed herself clean.
She pictured his eyes, his face, and the smile he gave each time she laughed at something he said.
***
It was Sunday evening, and all she could think about was going on another date, this time with Roy.
She was excited to go more into this aspect of her life, but she was also nervous because she was unfamiliar with the dating world, especially after such a lengthy break.
Her phone rings not long after, and it's Roy, just as she expected.
Roy called and said he wouldn't be able to make it as planned. He explained that he was in an emergency.
Somehow, Loretta felt relieved since she would no longer be subjected to Lauren's tortures. She, on the other hand, wished she had this date with Roy.
A FORTNIGHT LATER…
Lauren had returned to Chicago after spending time with her best friend Loretta, making up on what had accumulated over time and distance. She came over to Loretta's to spend her one-week vacation from work with her.
It had been a long day, and all Loretta could think about was getting home and sleeping peacefully.
The ongoing project is exhausting almost everyone in the office. Loretta often comes home and falls asleep right away, even if she hasn't eaten yet.
Loretta's boss, Mr. Diego, summoned her to his office.
She said nicely, “Sir, you called for me,” as she walked into the office.
He asked, “Yes... have you sent the mail to Mr. Kendrick?”
“Sir, yes. However, he has yet to respond...” She replied to him.
“Okay. Please notify me as soon as he responds.”
“Alright, sir, noted.”
“Yes.”
Loretta turned to go as he said, “You can go now.”
He swiftly continued, “Let me not forget, the budget proposal content you gave to the FEINZ Group of Companies has been approved.”
Loretta came to a halt and looked at him with such zeal.
“Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, wow, huh Sir, many congratulations!!” she exclaimed, thrilled.
He remarked cheerfully, looking at her with profound admiration, “Thanks and thank you for a job well done, young lady.”
“Thank you much more, sir.”
Loretta exited her boss' office with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
The initial plan they submitted to the corporation was rejected... So did the same with the second, but she drafted the last one herself and had it submitted. She should feel pleased that it worked.
***
(Loretta on phone with Roy)
He asked, “How was work today, dear?”
“It's stressful, but I'm fine.”
“I'm really sorry, sweetie... Success does not come cheap at all. It's no surprise you've been so successful.”
She replied with a simple “thank you” and a chuckle.
“I apologize for not being able to make it the other day,” he expressed deep regret.
Loretta answered calmly, “That's great, I completely understand.”
“Alright. This weekend, I'll make it up to you,” he offered.
“Alright.” He had persuaded her to accept his proposition.
“Thank you so much, dear,” he exclaimed, his voice brimming with delight.
“You’re welcome. I've got to get going...” She excused herself since she didn't know what else to say to him.
He hung up the phone after saying, “See you soon, sweetheart.”
(Call disconnected....)
***
When Kendrick's friend Santiago entered the office, he was working.
“Hey bro”
“Hey man,” Kendrick replied with a smile.
“What’s up, man?” Santiago asked.
“I’m doing ok, you?”
“I’m fine bro”
“Alright”
They greeted each other with handshakes and then headed to the refrigerator to grab a drink.
“So man, what’s up with the charming babe you were telling me?” Santiago asked.
“It appears that she already has a boyfriend in her life,” with a sneer on his face, Kendrick said.
“...and when did that become a problem for you?” Santiago inquired, astonished by the smirk on this friend's face.
Kendrick grinned and sipped his drink slowly.
“I have my plans, dude. That lady belongs to me and no one else. You just have to wait and see,” Ken remarked confidently.
“Now, brother, that's what I'm talking about. “Get the ball rolling, man,” Santiago replied with a smile as he re-tied his necktie.
Before he left his friend's office, they discussed business matters.
Kendrick's best friend, the multibillionaire Santiago, is the polar opposite of Kendrick. Santiago is the life of the party — vivacious, sociable, and unafraid to stick to his guns.
And there's more. Santiago is a spoiled brat and an unabashed womanizer. He has no specific girlfriend and has never been faithful to anyone because of his character.
***
Loretta was having a very difficult day, as was customary. She was so engrossed in her job that she completely forgot about her lunch.
Anita, one of the front desk girls, stepped inside her office as she settled into her office chair.
“Ma…”
“Yes, Anita, what is it?”
“This was just brought in for you.”
“Who did you get it from?” Loretta inquired, perplexed.
“He didn't say...”
As Anita returned to the front desk, Loretta murmured, “OK, thank you,” and took the nicely decorated paper bag from her.
Loretta rummaged through the package and soon came face to face with FoodSlack's boxed food. It came with chips and chicken, as well as a note that said, "Enjoy your lunch from KR."
Loretta couldn't keep a smile from appearing on her face. She was taken aback by how he discovered she hadn't eaten.
Loretta dialed his number right away, but his line was dead. She didn't waste any time, tearing into the food with ferocious zeal.
Kendrick's line wasn't connecting later that evening, and she became concerned.
When her phone rang, she assumed it was Kendrick, but when she picked her phone to check, she discovered it was Roy who had called.
She picked, and the two of them conversed for a while.
***
AFTER THREE WEEKS...
Loretta and Kendrick were out to dinner.
“I adore this location. It's really lovely,” Loretta admired the natural surroundings.
With the ocean view, it was a cool scene.
Kendrick added, "I'm delighted you like it."
She grinned and said, "I love it."
Kendrick realized right then and there that he didn't have to go to great lengths to please her. She's easily swayed by insignificant details, which he'd never seen in any of the girls he'd known.
“What are you doing staring at me like that?” Loretta had remarked with an expression.
He said quietly, as usual, with his wonderful smile, "You're beautiful."
With a soothing grin, she said, "Thank you."
Kendrick put down his fork and cleared his throat to speak.
“I'll be attending a dinner hosted by a subsidiary firm. “May I have the privilege of inviting you to join me?” He inquired in the hopes that she would not decline his request.
“Can you tell me when that is?” She inquired.
“The following weekend”
“Why me?” you might wonder. “She inquired.”
Kendrick grinned but didn't say anything.
“Are you going to go there with me?” He asked, oblivious to the fact that she had asked a question.
“Within the week, I'll let you know. She said quietly, "Sometimes I can't foresee my schedules."
“Alright, then,” Ken conceded.
Kendrick was still apprehensive about Loretta mentioning she had a man in her life, despite how much he liked every second he spent with her. He'd been trying not to bring it up again.
Kendrick is a man of few words and many actions.
***
For the first time in history, he drove her back home.
“I appreciate the dinner." As she stepped out of the car, she smiled and said, "You made my evening."
As he got out of the car and opened the door for her, he said, "I'm pleased I did."
They found themselves in an awkward situation all of a sudden.
Kendrick, who could no longer resist her, took her hand in his and placed it to his gentle lips, kissing it.
Loretta experienced a shiver run down her spine.
After that, he said, "Goodnight." That night, he did everything he could to resist succumbing to temptation.
Loretta gave a nervous grin and said, "Good night," as she walked away from the SUV.
She felt a certain sensation as soon as she stepped into her bedroom. She hadn't felt this strongly about someone in a long time.
She quickly ignored the notion, showered, and went to bed.
***
Cassandra's birthday was on Wednesday.
Cassandra is one of Shizells County's most attractive young ladies.
She is not just attractive, but also hardworking and considerate. They held a small party at work, but she revealed later in the day that her birthday will be celebrated on Saturday, which was a few days away.
Normally, when any of the staff members celebrate something, it is customary for everyone in the workplace to attend, unless there is a solid cause for their absence.
Loretta pondered it for a while. That Saturday, she was set to have dinner with Kendrick.
She became perplexed. Cassandra had been present at her birthday celebration the last time she had one. She couldn't help but show up at hers. What was she going to do, given that both events involved significant individuals in her life?
She decided to tell Kendrick about it after much deliberation.
She called Kendrick on Thursday evening.
The phone is ringing...
“Hello?”
“Hello, lovely... “How are you doing?” He inquired.
“I'm OK. “How did your day go?” She inquired.
He answered nicely, "Hectic, but I'll live," and they both laughed.
“Alright, there's something I want to tell you,” she continued, drawing his attention to herself.
“Ok… “Keep going, dear.”
“I'm sorry, but I won't be able to attend the dinner party with you. That Saturday, a coworker of mine is celebrating her birthday, and I feel obligated to attend.”
He said, seeming completely unconcerned, "Alright."
“Are you upset?” She inquired, unsure whether he was simply concealing his disappointment.
“No, no, no," He told her, "I completely understand why you need to."
“Are you sure?” she queried.
“Indeed, sweetheart. He comforted her, “I mean it.”
“All good, then..." With a sigh of relief, she said, "Thank you."
“Thank you so much. Have a wonderful night's sleep,” he urged.
“Okay then, and you as well,” she replied before hanging up the phone.
***
Kendrick wasn't pleased with the news, but he had no choice but to respect her decision. He had a bunch of thoughts in his head about who she might be spending time with at the birthday party.
Was he already being possessive?
I'm going to take Loretta into the gaming room right now. Are you planning to attend? Alex inquires."Yeah, I'll be there in a sec. Allow me to finish emailing this to my employer, Diego,""All OK, see you then."Loretta's favorite room in Alex's huge mansion was undoubtedly the gaming room, which she had discovered recently. They used it to play a variety of entertaining games. They most likely did it on a regular basis. Loretta had no idea, but they had been going in there every Friday night since she had started working there and having Olivia spin and fall on whatever game was on the game board to select what they were playing to determine what they were playing. They were now playing checkers, and Olivia had a good chance of winning. She appeared to be an adult trapped in the body of a four-year-old.Loretta wasn't actually on the winning side, and this was most likely due to the fact that she was preoccupied. She was glancing across the room a
"Loretta! Loretta!" yells the crowd. Lauren's voice may be heard in her dreams or her mind's ears. Was she in a coma once more? Was this something that was going to happen again? Lauren's speech was becoming clearer, so it didn't appear like she was in a coma; rather, it appeared that she was in a dream that she was now waking up from. "Loretta, get the heck out of bed."Her eyes pop up, and the first thing she notices is Lauren's face, which is near to her. Lauren doesn't hear her murmur a few words that she says."Can you tell me what that was? "Sorry, I didn't hear you.She expresses herself more firmly today."I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." She gets to her feet and assists Loretta in getting to her feet."Can you tell me what happened?" Loretta inquires."You had a fainting spell, which was strange. Since then, I've been attempting to jolt you awake.We encountered Stenz in a dream, and I'm not sure what occurred, but I'm sorry I'm
"Who the heck is that?" "If you don't mind, I'd be happy to do it once again." When she answers the door, she is greeted by the one person she did not expect; Lauren."Lauren? What... and why? "What the heck is going on?!"Lauren hugged her tightly, and you could tell it was particularly tight due to her pregnant belly.Laura, don't squeeze yourself so tightly, you're going to burst.""Come on, Loretta. You can do it." "I'm very sure that's not how it works; everything is working wonderfully.""What are you doing here, Lauren? What are you doing?" You've arrived at my friggin front door. I feel like I've been paid a surprise visit."I'm aware that I'm at your door, Loretta, and I was wondering if you would mind letting me in? The travel was lengthy, and I know you're aware that I'm expecting a child."Why didn't you simply take a plane or something?" says the other."Pregnant.""Who says pregnant ladies can't fly by plan
Lauren was dealing with Matt during the first week of December, but she was also thinking about a lot of other things at the time. It didn't appear to be much of an issue at first, but it turned out to be. When Matt returned, the first week of December had been a complete and utter disaster. She had just completed tidying up her flat in preparation for Lorenzo's arrival for supper at her residence. It had taken her hours, but she had finally completed her task. After then, someone outside pressed the buzzer.Loretta not only had a good doorbell, but she also had a good buzzer to go with it. It represented the word "home" for her. She assumed it was Lorenzo, but he had arrived far too soon for the time they had agreed on. It didn't matter whatever way she opened it; to her dismay, it turned out to be Matt.She closes her eyes, perhaps out of shock, but perhaps not out of shock. "Get out of here.""Lauren, come on, let yourself be seen. "Let's speak about it."
The knocks were soft on the door. Loretta thought it couldn't have been one of the nurses coming to check up on her because they'd knock once and come right in. Loretta's first guess was Kendrick, so she tries standing up to go check. She reached out for her crutches next to her when her mother said not to."Don't worry, stay where you are. I'll go see who's at the door.""Mom, it's my hospital room. I can get the door myself.""Yeah, strong head, when you don't have a broken leg, you can get your doors yourself. She walks over to the door, muttering, "I leave you to live on your own, and soon you will have an accident and land yourself in a hospital with a broken bone." This was why Loretta would never mention that she had just woken up from a two-week coma.She opens the door while Loretta tries leaning forward to see who's at the door. "Who is it, Mom?"Oh, it's just a nurse that just told me hi, a really attractive nurse.""Let him in, M
Sixteen hours had passed, and Kendrick still hadn't shown up. Loretta had to force herself to believe that Kendrick was OK, and he was either still asleep, which was very unusual but also expected since he was a zombie because he wasn't sleeping, or he was probably at home doing whatever. She was sleeping now. She had a big day in the morning. She had told her mother about her accident. She called her on Kendrick's phone, not because she wanted to, but because she had to. Now her mother would be in the hospital with her in the morning. Like every other mother, Loretta, too, didn't like to be late. Okay, not every mother, just a reasonable number of mothers, liked to be punctual. Loretta ate punctuality for breakfast, so she would be there pretty early. Sadly, punctuality eating wasn't passed down to Loretta, and no one else besides her, because she was the only child. Nurse Beatrice was a really good help, but sadly, she was a human being and she took