DLD.

Chapter Nine.

"That motherfucker said what?!" Amaya yelled disappointingly. "What do you be seeing in this man?"

"Girl, I don't even know. I can't make this shit up." I responded.

"Nah, but what I really want to know is what you said after he uttered that bullshit." Johnathan interjected. "That's the real game changer right there because we all know when it comes to your husband you be all ditzy in the brain."

Sucking my teeth at Johnathan, I rolled my eyes heavily. I was replaying the previous night's debacle with Alaric to my very opinionated friends/colleagues, and their truthful yet unnecessary comments were giving me the ick. Normally I wouldn't disclose my marital issues, I didn't like to overshare because I knew unsolicited advice came right along with it. I hated people in my business, but I decided to let two of my trusted friends into my tea because I honestly didn't know what my next move was going to be.

Since Alaric's very profound demand, it's been extremely weird in the Benjamin household. My husband and I haven't been sleeping in the same room, Alaric stopped dining with me altogether, and now he was acting like I didn't exist. He was giving me a serious cold shoulder, all in the name of trying to get me to crack and feed into his wants. I can't lie, all of this shit was surprisingly hurting my feelings a bit. I wasn't accustomed to this unusual treatment by Alaric and I'm not ashamed to admit that thoughts of caving in were rolling in. I had to be stronger than that though, for I couldn't allow Alaric to get the best of me. I put up with enough of his shit.

"I stood my ground and that's when shit hit the fan." I said. "He basically implied that our marriage is going to be in jeopardy if he isn't apart of the meeting."

"Woah!" Amaya exclaimed.

"Oh shit." Johnathan seconded. "I mean I know Alaric's been on a power trip for some time now but to pull the marriage card is OD."

"I'll say." I replied. "Guys, I honestly don't know what I'm going to do about this one. I just never thought Alaric and I would turn out this way. I know people grow and evolve, but this isn't the man I married. Not even in the slightest. Every day I wonder where he went."

It was only when Johnathan and Amaya embraced me fondly that I realized tears were coming out of my eyes. In this moment I gathered that it was time to truly mourn the relationship I formerly had with Alaric, the man I once knew had disappeared into thin air. I was now left with this version of him that was not only unrecognizable, but down right unbearable.

"Maybe it isn't such a bad idea to let him sit in on the meeting." Amaya said quietly. "Who knows, he could assist you in some way. There's nothing wrong with an extra opinion. I mean, Alaric is after all a stellar businessman. He's one of the best in the game if we're being honest."

"Oh, shut the fuck up you weakling." Johnathan snapped. "We all know he doesn't want to be a part of this meeting to help D. He's there to promote himself. And if Dana submits to him this time, what's stopping him from pulling another tantrum the next time he doesn't get his way? Don't start that pattern Dana. Don't do that to yourself. You were right to keep your stance, you ain't never been no push over. Fuck Alaric. This is your meeting, this is your time to shine."

"Our meeting." I corrected, smiling gently at both Amaya and Johnathan. "Guys, this is our moment. J, Maya...y'all are the core of this magazine. Yes I play my part and I do it exceptionally well but this magazine wouldn't be the same without you two. I made that abundantly clear to Sebastian and he was extremely impressed. Y'all are joining me in this meeting."

"That's what the fuck I'm talking about!" Johnathan declared. "Woo, this the best news I've heard for the month. Now if you'll excuse me ladies, I gotta go prepare. There's a Valentino suit I've got my eye on and these notes ain't gonna write themselves. Chin up, D. You're making good choices."