Page 54 of Obsessive Love
“Why?”
“Because each of my players deserves the best, not just on the physical level. I cared about the entire package. They don’t have to worry about shit medically when they come here, and that includes their families, too.”
“That’s amazing,” she said with a smile. “You’re amazing for that.”
“It’s nothing,” I said. Hearing her acknowledge her approval made me puff out my chest. “Now, get back to this. If they need time to work, give it to them. I have worked with them all and know how they get down.”
“Okay,” she agreed with a nod.
My phone buzzed, and I looked to see a calendar alert. “Your taste testing with Rhodes starts in five minutes.”
“Shit,” she said, looking around. “Alright, let me go meet with him.”
“How long do you need?” I asked Zane and Yuri once Fable was gone. “I know you said a month, but I want this done ASAP.”
“Unless you are going to shut down the arena for two weeks and give my team access, my timeframe still stands,” Zane laughed, shrugging.
I checked my calendar to see what I had scheduled at the arena and laughed. The following week was empty. “How about a week? Unlimited access; I’ll even bring in a team to do the demo tonight.”
Zane and Yuri started laughing, and I stared at them, waiting for an answer. They shared a look, then slowly stopped laughing. “Wait, you’re serious?” Zane asked, and I nodded.“You’d close down the arena for a week just for us to demo one storefront?”
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “I’ll close down the arena for a week so y’all can demo, renovate, and prepare for her opening.” I shrugged. “And it won't be just one front; she’s getting both fronts.”
“Fuck, Xoey was right,” Yuri said, finally speaking.
“About?”
“You’re in love with Fable,” she answered with a smile. “You kidnapped that girl and now are in love with her!”
“Can you do it or not?” I asked instead of confirming her statement.
“We can do it,” Zane said. “When do you want us to start?”
“I’ll email the staff tomorrow morning that they are out for a week starting Wednesday.”
“And what are you going to do for a week?” Yuri's brow lifted. “Because I know you are up to something.”
I laughed, put my phone back in my pocket, and said, “Show Fable what it’s like to have an obsessive love.” I turned and walked away. I had a week for her to fall in love with me like I was in love with her.
“I didn’t think I would be seeing you so soon,” Mama told Fable after letting us in the house. I kicked off my shoes, then bent and tapped Fable’s calf so she would lift her foot.
“You have lost your damn mind,” Fable said, stepping back. Her face twisted, and all I could do was chuckle. “You know I’m not letting you near me.”
“I don’t allow shoes in my house,” Mama said, not understanding why Fable acted the way she was. I stood andstuffed my hands in my pockets. I was going to let mama lecture her ass, even though she had no clue as to why Fable was giving me a hard time. “He’s only trying to help you out of your shoes.”
“I understand that and have no problem with that, but your son is not allowed near my ankle, and he knows that,” Fable said, bending to untie her shoes.
“Lord, Pyrite, what did you do now?” Mama sighed, and I shrugged. She mugged me, then turned to Fable and put her hands in her pockets. I took a step back because I knew Mama, and her putting her hands in her pockets meant she was trying her hardest not to hit me. “Fable, baby, what did he do?” Instead of verbally answering her, Fable lifted her pant leg to show her the ankle monitor. “Pyrite Stone!” Mama walked over to Fable, bent down to get a better look at her leg, then cut her eyes to me.
“Ma’am?” I said as I took another step back.
“Is this a fucking ankle monitor on her leg?” Mama grabbed the monitor and shook Fable’s leg. She was moving her so damn much that Fable had to hold onto the doorframe to help her keep her balance. “Have you lost your black ass mind?”
“Yes,” I answered with a singular nod. “I have, and I can accept that.”
“Boy!” Mama stood, wiped her hand over her face, and then dropped her head. “I had to drop you on your head as a child one too many times.”
“Probably,” I agreed. It was the only explanation as to why I acted the way I did. Neither of my brothers nor my parents acted this way. Yes, they were a little off, but that was it. I always went overboard.
