“What was that about?” he asked.
“Like you don’t know nigga.” I could see him smiling out my peripheral and shook my head. “My first day of work is Monday, and I have mad shit to handle before then, so I’m going to head out soon, but I appreciate you inviting me.” It was getting late, and tomorrow I planned on getting up early to tackle the rest of the boxes in my apartment. Once work started, I wouldn’t have the time.
“Come on, man,” he said, stopping me. “We’re family. I love you, and I know shit ain’t always been...” he stopped himself from finishing, and I nodded. Shit ain’t always been great with our situation when it came to our father’s, but we always found a way to be in each other’s lives regardless of the bullshit. “Either way, we always had a strong bond. My people are your people.” Loud laughter caught my attention, and I turned my head to see Blossom leaning over the table where Ezra’s girl was. All of the sisters were talking at once, not missing a beat. It was crazy to me that it was six of them. Ezra introduced them one by one, and each time I could see the uncanny resemblance. He gave small details like what they did, who was the oldest but made sure to leave any information about Blossom out. It only made me want to know her more.
“I think I’m feeling your people already.” I turned to face him again, and he still had his attention on Lilac. The man was in love, and I liked that look on him. “And, Ez.” He cut his eyes at me. “I love you too.”
Before leaving, I stopped to talk to Ezra’s mom.
“I was wondering when you’d find your way to me,” she said, patting the seat next to her.
“Your son wouldn’t let me leave his side.” She chuckled and nodded.
“He’s happy to have you around again.”
“So am I.” I found myself glancing around the backyard. The vibe wasn’t one of a baby shower, or at least what I pictured one to be. “Ezra has really found his people, huh?” It was clear that he not only adored his girl but her sisters as well. Even when he introduced me to their friends, I could hear a sense of pride in his voice. And as he told me about them, it was clear that he had every reason to be. They ranged from artists to dancers, lawyers, and scientists… I shook my head. So many successful black people in one room with down to earth personalities was a vibe I never wanted to be away from.
“He has. Those girls really brightened up his life.”
“How are you, auntie?” I asked. Ezra’s mom will always have a special place in my heart. Her and my mother teamed up to make sure that Ezra and I never wanted for a thing. Auntie may be what I call her, but she’s really a second mother to me.
“I’m alive and kicking.” Laughing, I put my arm around her and pulled her into my side.
“I missed you,” I told her. “Once I’m settled in at work, I’ll take you and ma dukes out. Everything on me.”
“I’d like that. Especially the everything on you part.” I kissed her forehead and let go. Blossom walked past us before I had the chance to respond, and my eyes followed. It was hard to look away from her when she was so close. Her beauty mesmerized me. “I see you got bitten by the bug already.”
“What bug?” I asked, reluctantly pulling my gaze away from Blossom’s tiny waist.
“The one Lennox, Ezra, Brandon, and Ayden all got.” I smiled but didn’t respond. “She’s a good girl.”
“So, I’ve heard,” I murmured. “And now I have to find out for myself.”
“Alright, everyone. Before I get this meeting underway, I want to introduce you all to Roman Fields. He’s our new Actuary. Whenever you get a chance, please find some time to stop by his office and introduce yourself.”
After the formalities, I tuned everything else out. My eyes were on her . She was doing her best to focus on Ken, but I knew Blossom was aware of me. Her eyes had damn near bucked when she spotted me sitting at the sixteen-seat conference table. Blossom did a good job at recovering, and she’s been all business since. I liked how professional she looked in contrast to the laid back attire she had on Saturday. The loose-fitting crème top she had on was paired with blue slacks that fit tight around her ankles and nude heels. Her wild mane was pulled back into a low bun, giving me the perfect view of her sultry eyes and high cheekbones. I wasn’t sure if she had on makeup or not, but she was gorgeous either way. Admitting that I have a crush sounds juvenile, but I was crushing on Blossom Baker for sure.
“That’s all I have for today,” I heard Ken saying. Then, he blurted, “Oh! And most of you know Blossom Baker. But for those of you who don’t, she’s our Public Relations representative from Lambert & Johnson. We have some major announcements happening this week, and she’ll be here to see us through until next Monday. Please, make sure she is comfortable and well taken care of while in our care.” As people began to disperse, I stayed behind. There were a few that stopped by to introduce themselves, but eventually, only Blossom and I were left. She was still seated, flipping through documents.
“I can’t concentrate when you stare at me like that,” she said, lifting her head and meeting my gaze. “Hi.”
“Hey,” I replied, walking toward her. She looked me up and down and smiled.
“I like this look on you.”
“I’m not a suit guy, but the job calls for it.” In fact, I hated suits. They made me feel closed in, but people always complimented me when I wore one. “Did they give you an office to work out of?” She shook her head and tapped the table.
“I usually just work out of here.”
“Public Relations, huh?” The job fit her.
“Yeah.” She shrugged. “A partner.”
“Talk yo shit then,” I said, nodding. “Don’t try and play it off like you just did.”
“I mean...” She chuckled. “The youngest partner they’ve ever had. The youngest black one.”
“I can’t even lie...” I moved to the other side of her and began to pick up her folders. “That just turned me on a little bit.”
“What are you doing?” she asked, completely ignoring my statement.
“You’re going to come work out of my office with me.”
“Roman— “
“I have plenty of room.” I wasn’t taking no for an answer, so I walked away, knowing she would follow. I hadn’t expected to see her again this soon. My plan was to get her number from Ezra, but this... this was so much better.
I pushed the glass door open with one hand and glanced to my right. Blossom was standing beside me with wide eyes.
“Go ahead.” She stepped inside, and I moved in behind her, shutting the door and flipping one of the switches next to it to darken the glass. I enjoyed knowing that I could have my privacy when needed.
“When you said you had enough space, I didn’t think you meant this much space.” I moved around her and set her folders on the table, sitting in front of the black leather couch on the left side of the room. The empty office I’d seen on Thursday was now fully furnished and decked out with a coffee bar.
“You can have this area over here or... if you want my desk— “