I slammed my hand against my hip. “So, you did play a part in him getting a job here? I knew it!”
“No, I didn’t. But I may have put in a good word for him. I know his history. He coached the community track team that some of the students are a part of. But you know that already.”
“Whatever,” I said, rolling my eyes. “That still doesn’t make it cool for you to encourage him to work here with me. Especially when you know I’m trying to steer clear of him.”
“You’re right, it doesn’t. But I think your reason for trying to stay away from him is ridiculous.”
“I didn’t ask you for your opinion.”
“I know, but that’s never stopped me from giving it.”
“Yeah, well, I really wish that it would.”
He scoffed as he made his way to the front of his desk and sat on the edge. “Look, I know that Latrell messed you up when it comes to relationships, but every man isn’t like him.”
“You’re right. Every manisn’tlike him. But I know the potential signs of when a man might be.”
“Clearly, you don’t. You’re running away from Law because he’s a former cop, and your ex is in the military, which is crazy as hell,” he said with a chuckle. “You can’t just label someone like that. Especially when you know that Law is a good guy. You said so yourself.”
“That could be a façade.”
“I don’t think so. We all know Law, and he’s genuinely a good man. Your ex showed his true colors time and time again. You just chose to ignore them. By the time you decided to walk away, it was because the shit couldn’t be ignored anymore.”
I paused for a moment, knowing that Denver was right.
I’d known Latrell since I was a teenager.
We were high school sweethearts. The only problem was, he wasn’t actually a sweetheart. In fact, he was a damn asshole. Of course, at the time, I was into that shit. As long as he wasn’t an asshole towards me, we were good. But his controlling nature and jealousy soon became an issue.
He would get upset about the simplest of things.
Sometimes I didn’t have much to say, and I had a habit of daydreaming. Well, Latrell was obsessed with having my undivided attention. If I so much as stared out of the window while riding in the car, he would take it as I didn't want to be around him or hold a conversation with him. We argued about it all of the time. He accused me of cheating, not really wanting to be with him, not caring about him…the list goes on and on.
For a long time, I found myself trying to prove that what he felt wasn't the case. The shit was exhausting. But because I loved him, I convinced myself that it would change and once I became pregnant with his child, that need to keep things together only grew stronger.
Pulling me from my thoughts, Denver said, “Alauni, I just want to see you happy. I’m not saying that it takes a man for you to feel that way, but I knowthisman does that. I don’t want you to miss out just because you’re afraid of falling into the same situation you were in before.”
“I hear what you’re saying, but even if I did want to test the waters with Law, I definitely can’t now. We’re coworkers.”
Denver folded his arms over his chest. “Wow, so now you’re going to makethatthe reason to run away like a deranged maniac. You’re a trip, Alauni.”
Shrugging, I said, “Looks like you should have thought this one through. You know I would never date someone that I work with. So, unless you plan on firing his ass, you can hang it up. Your little plan is officially dead.”
“I swear you really get on my nerves.”
The sound of the bell caught both of our attention. “That’s your cue. See you later,” I replied, grinning.
“That’s okay. You may think you’re going to be able to run from this, but I know you. Your flesh is weak. Your ass is going to give in.”
“Damn, that’s cold.” I chuckled. “How dare you call my flesh weak?”
“I’m just calling it like I see it. It’s only a matter of time before you’re all over him again. Only, this time, you’re not going to be able to run away from him. Just wait and see.” Grabbing his earpiece, which was used to communicate with the other staff, he pushed it into his ear and shot me a wink.
Gritting my teeth, I watched him walk out of the office and mumbled several cuss words under my breath.
Now that the door was open, I had to play nice and be Coach Jeffers, the sweet and proper health teacher. That was much easier before, but now that I knew I was going to be working side by side with Law, I had no idea how long that shit was going to last.
Taking a deep breath, I lifted my eyes to the ceiling and shook my head.Lord, pray for me.
