Awakening Promise

Chapter 1

Promise closed her diary and looked at the clock as she placed her pen on the nightstand, realizing it was already four thirty in the morning. She eased out of bed and stretched while heading to the windows to draw back the curtains.

"I need to start dating once I've got myself fully situated in this house," Promise said. She slipped her house robe off the chair and went toward the window to check out the scene in DFW this morning.

She smiled as she saw the sun peeking out, mentally reminiscing about the two weeks it had taken her to remember that Texas weather does its own thing, no matter what the meteorologist might say.

She realized then, for the first time in the past month, that she was thrilled to be home again. She and her siblings had a family dinner together last Sunday for the first time in six months.

And although they didn't see each other much, anyone around could feel the love they shared as a family when they got together.

They were a loud, crazy, and funny bunch. Promise didn't even know she had missed her family as much as she did until she had seen them all together again at the dining room table.

She was both proud and excited to be back in the Big Bad D. She was also a little leery because she hadn't lived in Dallas for almost ten years.

"I've landed my dream job after working my butt off, and it feels good; real good," she said, looking out the window. Rising toward the skyline view, Promise recalled all her hard work and sacrifices over the past ten years.

All the months of staying focused on work, her constant meetings with clients and staff, the interviews, and traveling had finally paid off. Once she received a call about the new job offer, she decided to leave New York.

Promise could recall when she got her first job working in her degree field in New York for Wyatt Financial six years ago. The branch Chief Financial Officer had forewarned her that the job would require a lot of extreme work hours, multiple commutes to business clients, required meetings, and many strategic planning sessions. She had been so excited and flourished in the demanding financial manager position.

She loved her job. The challenges and the independence she had gained were her pride and joy.

She could also recall the absolute obliteration of a long-term relationship she knew now hadn't been worth her while.

"Even if I didn't want the extra heartache."

Caleb's face appeared before her eyes as she turned away from the window, causing her to stop mid-stride.

"Did he ever love me? How did I miss the signs of his unfaithfulness? Being a hopeless romantic, trusting, and naive; that's how." a voice inside her said.

She shook her head to dislodge her train of thought. "I don't have time to entertain him right now. I need a good hot shower."

"First impressions are lasting impressions." She told herself, walking to the closet to pick out her outfit for the day. Finally making a decision, she headed for the shower. After a quick shower and breakfast consisting of a banana and yogurt granola parfait, Promise left her house with a renewed smile.

The scenery in Dallas was still as beautiful as ever. The different trees lining the streets and the gleaming buildings downtown were awe-inspiring. You could see people going to and fro as they went down the busy streets to their destinations.

Promise finally arrived at her new office building and parked her Lexus in her assigned parking space. Damn, it was so extraordinary to see your name written in the specific space. She felt a feeling of extreme accomplishment.