𝐀 L͟e͟s͟s͟o͟n͟ 𝐈𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

Twenty Three

This calls for a fucking celebration Elise screamed as she stared at the reels of photos that Terrence showed them as they all bundled around him staring at the screen of his digital camera.

Six hours later after dramatic makeup modifications, pose after pose, and over fifteen wardrobe changes the desired photos for the collages were selected.

High fives and triumphant wails erupted as the small group took joy in their accomplishments. Excited chatter fills the room as they shared laughter over a few mishaps and it was clear that comrade was created from today's impromptu event.

Who would have considered that after the start of her day, she would be smiling and enjoying the rest of her day? Kessa thought as she leaned against Tim and bask in the aftermath of their accomplishment.

He wrapped his arm around her waist as his eyes followed Tyra about the room.

Kessa smile as she looked up at him. "She's pretty ain't she?"

His eyes darted to hers as he drag his gaze from the woman who was chatting with Dakota and grinned.

"Heard she'll be working at the gym," she said giving him a playful nudge as she moved from his embrace. "And speaking of the gym I have to go got me a rescheduled class in less than an hour."

Tim gripped her hand before she could move away and asked his attention fully on her. "How are things with you and the Ice Queen?"

Kessa's smile faltered and she tried to regain her composure. "There is nothing between us Tim we had her once-in-a-lifetime moment, that's it. I am Tiana's employee and she's my boss."

A frown creased Tim's forehead as his handsome face took on a look she could not read.

"Kessa I think you need to be less rash with Tiana there is more to her being who she is underneath the arrogant authoritative bitch," he told her causing her to glare in surprise at him.

"No, I must be hearing wrong. You siding with  Tiana?!" Kessa said with a shocked chuckle.

He took a glance around the room as if not wanting to be overheard. "Take it from me when I say Tiana really cares about you and not just some trivial emotions but something happened to her that has made her close herself off from the kind of love she knows you require."

"Did something happen between you two?" Kessa asks her heart beating like a kungo drum in her chest at the anticipation of his answer.

"After I left your apartment the other evening we sort of had a confrontation…"

"What?"

"Kes listen to me don't give up on Tiana, there is that part of her that wants to break free but it's tangled in some past hurt that you'll have to help her mend," he returned ignoring the million questions that waved about in her one word.

Kessa stared at him as if searching for the answers she sought but rationality gave way and she said.

"Well just so you know Tiana does not need me she has Pixie and the other long line of crushes that are waiting to offer her all her fetishes and dirty whims."

"Kess you h–"

"No Tim," she said putting up her hand to cut him off. "I have been broken by love too but in the end, I was willing to freely try again and what did I get nothing. Tiana only loves her gym nothing more. I won't compete."

"This is not a competition," he returned hoping to let her see reason.

"Why are you so hell-bent on fighting for Tiana? I know you detest her," she asks.