A Home For My Heart

Chapter Three

STEPHON

No, not this. Definitely not that. Gross! Nope. Ugh! Nothing here looks right. This should have been easy.... Right. I buy clothes for work all the time. I'm looking through the forty-third pair of suits, and not one says take me.

It should not be this hard, I'm around women all the time. We haven't even touch and this girl is already sending my mind crazy. She's controlling me and doesn't even know it.

Oh, how I wish she were here with me, just her presence alone is enough to soothe my raging boner. The slightest thought of her, has me thinking the filthiest set of thoughts, ones that I hope will become a reality someday.

After searching through loads of suits, I picked out an off-white suit with a royal blue shirt and shoes to match. I'm hoping this would be enough to get her attention. The party is in the next two weeks, and what makes this even more special it's a thanksgiving party. Which means Christmas is right around the corner.

I smile broadly from ear to ear, as I made my way back to the office. Singing my favorite Christmas song in my head. What a beautiful day it is as I pass my secretary station and push open the double doors to my office.

My once so happy smile dropped, when I see a familiar figure standing by my window. "Oh, hello son, took you long enough" my mom said. What the hell is she doing here, our next meeting is on Monday.

"Mom" I said as I approach her. She gave me a tight lip smile as if I did something disgusting. "Mom" I said again.

What are you doing here? "Well son, it's a question that's been plaguing my mind. It's about that dark skinned you hired. Why did you do that? Her question took me a bit by surprise, she had been holding that in her mind all this time. She's been eyeing my prize. You see mom, I started. The last time I checked, this is still my company. I hire and fire, who I please. And as far as it goes with me hiring a dark skinned that's my business not yours.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm. "Are you forgetting, that in the business field light skin are more appropriate" they don't cast that much of a shadow".

Just then a knock sounded at my door. And my sweet candy pops her head in, I can't wait for that office party. My mother's face shows a more disapproving look, as my beauty enters the door.

Sir? She began, "I came to give you notice that I will not be attending the office party. I think I now understand when others say getting a stab to the heart. If this is what it feels like, then I must say, it hurts like a bitch. She's not coming. No, that cannot happen, she must be there, she must come. I pick out my suit and everything. Why is this happening?

I was standing frozen until her voice unmelts me. "Sir, did you hear me? She asks again. I turn all attention to her fully, blinking slowly, while I process what she just said.

Grace, I said. Looking her dead in the eye, as I speak. Trying to keep as much anger out of my voice. You cannot stay away that day, I need your help in finalizing some papers for an upcoming project. Which was not true. Her orbs went wide and her mouth gaping open. But sir.... It's final Grace. A look of shock and disappointment cross her perfect features. Shit! That was the dumbest move in history. I've just given my mom an alley way to form more of her nasty plans. If stupid was a person, then that be me. You're a dumbass, my brain yells. She scurried out of the room, without a second glance. DAMN IT! I slap myself internally for acting with no commonsense.

I'm sure she made a mental note to herself. "My boss is the biggest dick" and if she had, I deserved it. Now, I needed this party more than ever. I must find a way to apologize and let her see how sorry I am.

The corner of my mother's mouth quirked up, and she left my office humming to a sixty's tune. It was almost the end of the workday, so I packed up early and waited.

Tick, tick, tick, the sound of the clock, echoed in my ears. Besides the thumping of my heart. "Ding Dong", I practically ran out of my door, hoping to catch up with her. She's holding her bag tight to her chest as she exits the building.

Grace! I called. When she turns and saw me, her feet went into overdrive putting more distance between us. I put in some foot energy; damn she moves fast, I wonder if she ever thought about track and field. Finally catching up to her, I took in my surroundings its.... Lonely. What the freaking hell. She walks this everyday. That can't be. What kind of boss am I?

My precious sweets, walks this deserted, abandon route. But for how long she's been doing this. Her back is still facing me, I place a hand gently on shoulder turning her to face me.

Do you live around here? I can drop you home, you don't have to pass here. This place looks dangerous, come I'll take you home just give me your address. A silence fell, and she looks in the direction she was heading and said, "I am home".