Chosen Love

Mark my words.

Alaia sat at the conference table with her head in her hands.

The meeting was over, but she couldn't help but think maybe she and Chosen could just build a new program, a better one, and let all the drama with Warren go.

"So you're not only beautiful with good taste, you're smart." Cameron interrupted her thoughts as he took a seat across from Alaia.

As she looked up she was actually caught off guard by seeing him.

He was in a light blue button down, black slacks and matching dress shoes.

"A little." She gave a small smile.

"So we're obviously at the same conference. Are you an engineer? You do coding?" He asked, and she nodded.

It was obvious since they were at some sort of engineering meeting. Alaia opted to go as Chosen stayed with the kids, and Eli tended to Teana. Alaia figured that ultimately, it would give her some extra cash versus taking money from Chosen. The last thing she expected was programmers across the country, all their learning new tips and tricks.

"Yes, and again, sorry about last time, my twins." she said, standing up, and he looked.

Alaia was in her professional attire. Her hair was pulled back into a low bun that was slicked back. She wore a plain white shirt and black slacks sure that today's convention didn't call for the need to dress up.

"Leavin already?" He asked, and she nodded.

"Yes, I've got kids as you know, a man and some in-laws to entertain." Alaia let off a light chuckle.

The whole concept of talking about Chosen's younger siblings seemed to get complicated, so instead, she just labeled them her 'in-laws'.

Chosen was sure it would be a few more days before his mom graduated and planned on dropping the kids off. Alaia had suggested that maybe they would show up. chosen hadn't come around to the idea of having a relationship with his mother, but Alaia couldn't blame him and figured in time. she encouraged their talk, but even if it didn't happen, she did suggest staying in connection with his siblings, at least the ones he knew.

"Well, I'll see you around." she grabbed her notepad

"At this point, I'm sure of it." He said, smiling back at her.

His smile made her instantly stop, only for a brief moment.

Alaia didn't want to stare, but something about him was familiar she just couldn't put her finger on it.

After shaking her mind of her thoughts she grabbed the last few of her things before she turned around and stopped in her tracks.

"Alaia, it's been quite some time." Evonne said looking smugly as she looked at her.

Alaia looked her stepmother up and down.

She was sure she had seen her long before Alaia had noticed, it was just the type of sneakiness she was into.

Looking at her not much had changed. Evonne was still dressed in designers with no actual style as she stood in a dark brown suit. Her hair was pulled back and her cold eyes looked Alaia over. The way her lips were pressed together Alaia was sure she was going to say something more
but figured she was biting back.

Alaia didn't even bother addressing her, she turned back around and walked off.

She didn't have time to dish out an ass-whooping she felt long overdue and within reason.

Alaia was working on her attitude.

"Wait, Laia." She looked down to see a hand grabbing hers.

Alaia's eyes scanned up the man's hand, arm, and then to his face.