“Well, these boxes are to downsize the body shops, and that box in front of you is for the first branch of our expansion. Honestly, we just need you to come in weekly to tell the accountants you’ll be managing what to do and when to do it. We’re projected to keep you on for the next two fiscal years with reviews every three to six months, with reviews taking place monthly for the first six months and then tapering off.”
“Is there room to add a managerial bonus to my quote?” I asked her.
“Honey, we can add three because that’s still less than how many we originally budgeted for. When you told us you could manage up to ten, at that price?! You’re like a lifesaver! Well, a bottom line saver.”
Mrs. Rollins continued to sing my praises and hype me up for this two-year long job that was going to practically triple my earnings. I couldn't wait to tell Colt. I couldn't wait to tell Dylan and Morgan! This was big. So many good things were happening to me.
The meeting went on for about another hour or so as we ironed out the contracts and scheduling. Once it was all said and done, I was scheduled to start within the next few months. I left the building feeling elated and accomplished.
Cocoa Caffeine called out to me like a bird tweeting a song. I kept looking over my shoulder, wondering if Ray was going to pop up somewhere to yell at me, hit me, or try to hurt me again. I couldn't believe that telling one person no led to all of that.
I got my order and sat down at a table to enjoy my croissant and coffee. I scrolled through the current events on my phone to see my question was already answered. The article flashed on the discovery feed of my local news app.
“Career criminal, Raymond ‘No Sleep’ Lansing, has been convicted on multiple charges stemming from a run-in with law enforcement several weeks ago. Not only did he attack a citizen in their home, he assaulted police officers when they tried to arrest him. The Broad City native pleaded guilty to misdemeanor stalking and assault to minimize his sentence. However, Judge Ami Toliver threw out the agreement and sent the him back to prison for violating his parole. On top of the parole violation, Mr. Lansing’s violent history on top of the new charges forced the judge to levy a sentence of no less than eight years per felony assault charge to be served consecutively. Lansing won’t be eligible for parole for at least another two decades.”
Holy shit!
I read the article so many times I wanted to print it out and frame it. For now, it would serve as the wallpaper on my phone for me to look at when I realized I no longer had anyone to fear. I didn’t have to look over my shoulder anymore. Realistically, I could move back into my condo, but I didn't want to do that either. Not to mention, I’d sold the thing. That place, that building, it was tainted with the memories of violence and love. I didn't want to mix the two.
The good news just kept on coming! I was beside myself with joy as I walked to my car and made my way back home. It wasn’t lost on me that every time I said home or thought of it, I thought of Colt. It didn't matter where we were. My home was with him.
It took me about an hour to fight through traffic, so I guess that was a bit of a downer. I pulled up the driveway and parked my car in the garage. I went inside to put my things down when the doorbell rang. I looked out the window and saw a car sitting there that I didn’t recognize. It was expensive, not as expensive as Colt’s, but pricey all the same. When I looked out the peep hole, I saw it was Chelsea. The hell is she doing here? I opened the door and something wasn’t quite right in her eyes, but I didn’t feel like deciphering what the fuck was wrong with her.
“Can I help you?” I asked her.
“No, I’m looking for Colt. He, uh, left the office early, and I thought he came here. I figured I beat him here since we have plans today.”
I scoffed, “You have plans with Colt today?”
I knew this bitch was lying because today was the party at Velvet Black for Drew.
“Yeah, you see, Colt and I have been seeing each other ever since your little blow up at the office that day. He just couldn't continue chasing you when you refused to see things from his point of view.”
“Oh really? Soyou, YOU,have been coming out here and sleeping with Colt every day since our fight at the office? That’s what you’re telling me.”
“Yes, Nina! I mean, I know you’re not hard of hearing.”
“She’s not,” Colt said from behind her, causing her to jump and bringing a smile to my face. “But I can be. Please tell me, Chelsea. No, as a matter of fact, tell us how we’ve been exactly since we fought in my office?”
Her face paled.
Chapter 24
Colt
I knew Chelsea’s behavior lately was becoming more and more erratic, but this?
“How dare you show up to my home?” I asked her, moving closer to Nina. I moved Nina in front of me and kissed her softly before telling her, “babe, head inside and get ready for the rest of our day. We have somewhere to be.”
Nine smiled as she pushed herself onto her toes to kiss me. Those soft lips pressed against mine with a sweetness incomparable to anything else. I moved away from her so she close the door, leaving me outside with Chelsea.
“Colt, I can explain this,” she stammered and looked around like someone was going to throw her a lifeline.
“Explain, I’m listening.”
“She was ruining everything for us! I mean, you!” She grabbed one of her hands with the other, squeezing them like she was ringing water out of a towel. “Nina was a distraction that I’m saving you from! You left the office early today to rush to her when we can be working to find a suitable replacement for the Tipping Point deal. Her showing up here just proves how much she doesn’t care about your time, your goals, or your personal space. You obviously felt the need to forget about our goals and quotas for the day. I mean, you two clearly broke up and-”
“Stop! Just stop! Where are you getting your information from? Nina and I are not broken up. She lives here.”
