Deceit

21 - Daybreak

Yamaris:

Things progressed quickly after Charles left me alone for good, and I was grateful for it. Despite my animosity for Harlem, I thought of him every so often. I missed his kisses on my neck and the way he called me Sunshine. I'll admit to texting him once, too. I got wine drunk at home and wanted that FaceTime action again. He didn't even respond and I assumed he blocked me all together. If that was the case, it was for the best. I would only regret the interaction the next day.

With all of my newfound free time, I attended a 12 day intensive real estate course instead of studying independently. The class kicked my ass every Monday-Saturday evening and today, I'd be receiving my exam results. Bunny and Hannah were the only two people who knew about it. I'd learned that everyone didn't wish you well so I needed my real supporters by my side.

The marketing assignment I submitted weeks prior had also earned me a promotion. While it wasn't in that department, it paid more and landed me my own office. I was the new administrative assistant and Ashley tagged along as my secretary. She'd been an excellent work friend and seemed a little more invested in the company than I did so I asked if she could help me fulfill the duties. I didn't feel it would be fair to take an opportunity away from her.

My responsibilities were relativity the same; however, I was able to order supplies, create itineraries, write emails on behalf of the lower executives, and take prospective clients to lunch. It was an opportunity for them to interview us as we did them. My experience in public speaking and acquired knowledge of various book genres helped me determine whether someone was worth the company's time.

I'd just finished booking the last hotel room for a business trip to Houston, TX. There were two small newspapers that the company hoped to acquire or at least gain a controlling majority. Our market was expanding beyond the East Coast and that meant more opportunities for everyone.

Ashley stood in my doorway with her hand on her hip and cleared her throat. "You got a hot date tonight?" She scurried in my office when I glanced up and sat across from me. Her thick black afro looked nice against her rich vanilla skin. She knew damn well I didn't have a date after my plethora of man troubles.

"Does Bunny count? If so, we plan on going to Heat. They're having a costume contest and I'm going as Kida from Atlantis: The Lost Empire."

"It's a good thing she does count! With you way you fill out your work clothes, I have no doubt you'll win. Talk about titties everywhere." She pointed to her own set of breast shaking up and down and earned a laugh from me. I had a decent amount up top with a slim thick waistline and thighs to match.

"You are too much, you know that? We'd love to have you tag along. You never need a costume to party." I packed my work laptop just in case something else needed to be done this weekend. My overseer hadn't asked me to do anything so far, but there was no such thing as being too prepared.

"Since you invited me, I would love to come. Jerrod is working late and I have the perfect outfit." She squealed and clapped her hands with enthusiasm. Bunny and I needed another partner in our little squad and Ashley was the perfect person. We were the same age and enjoyed many of the same things. I also wanted someone else to fill the texting void Harlem left.