In "Torn Desires," Aubrey Graham, a Sucessful 37-year-old , CEO grapples with a loveless marriage he conceals from his new intern, Malaika Kingston, a 26-year-old with a unsettled history. Her resilience captivates him, sparking an unanticipated me...
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Leaving work felt like freedom. "See you guys next week!" I called over my shoulder, waving as I stepped out of my office.. It was Friday, and I was officially on vacation for my birthday. My girls, Rhea and Zuri, and I were heading to Turks and Caicos for a few days, and I couldn't wait.
I needed this trip more than anything. At first, I didn't even have plans for my birthday. I thought I'd just let it pass like every other day. But Rhea wouldn't hear it. She insisted we go somewhere. She chose Turks, and honestly, I didn't fight her on it. The thought of warm beaches and crystal clear water was enough to get me on board.
It had been so long since I did anything fun. Life had been heavy lately. The whole situation with Aubrey still stung. My name had been dragged through so much drama because of him. He had a messy wife and a messy side chick. And then he got me caught in the middle of it all.
I really fell for him, though. In such a short time, he had me believing in everything he said. All the promises he made... I guess they were just talk. After I told him I needed space, he was blowing up my phone nonstop. Then, just like that, he stopped. He disappeared. Took some big leave of absence from GGE, and nobody has heard from him.
The little I knew about him now came from social media. Rumor was, he finally got divorced but was still caught up with Yanna. Then, out of nowhere, there was a baby. A kid he supposedly didn't know about. I believed him, though. Aubrey used to talk about wanting kids. I couldn't see him lying about something like that.
When I found out, I didn't even know how to feel. I'd grown such strong feelings for him, but everything happens for a reason. That's what I keep telling myself. I left GGE, his company a month after he disappeared. I couldn't stay there. It was too much. The new job I found has been great so far, though, so maybe things worked out the way they were supposed to.
As I walked to my car, my phone rang. I thought it might be Zuri or Rhea, but it was Steven.
Steven and I are... together. It's still new, and we're taking things slow, but I really like him. He's sweet, thoughtful, and patient with me. I promised myself I wouldn't compare him to Aubrey, but Steven is different.
We met the same week I started my new job. I was at the gym, struggling with one of the machines, and he just walked up, turned it on for me, and left without saying anything. The next day, he came up to me and started a conversation. We got close pretty fast after that. I didn't expect it, but things happen when they're supposed to, I guess. We've officially been together for three months now.
I answered the phone. "Hello?"
"Beautiful," he said, smiling at me through the screen. That smile always got me. I couldn't help but grin back.
"Handsome," I replied.
"You leaving work?" He looked like he was at the gym, his eyes darting to the side like he was watching someone.
"Yeah, I'm heading home to shower, change, and make sure I've got everything packed," I said, walking to my car.
"You better not leave before I get to see you," he teased.
"Are you coming over?" I asked.
"Yeah, I just wanted to make sure you didn't leave without saying goodbye." He smirked, taking a sip from his water bottle.
I laughed. "Mmhmm." I got in my car and mounted my phone on the dashboard. It connected to Bluetooth as I started the engine.
"God, you're beautiful," Steven said, leaning closer to his screen. "I wish I could come to Turks with you."
"Girls' birthday trip," I said with a playful smile, pulling out of the parking lot.
"Girls' trip," he muttered, shaking his head. "It should've been an 'us' trip. Or you could've at least sent me an invite."
"I didn't plan this, Steven," I said, glancing at the road.
"Your friends don't like me anyway," he added, waving the idea off like it didn't matter.
"That's not true," I said, giving him a look at the red light. Rhea and Zuri hadn't been the warmest toward him, but they'd never said why.
"Yeah, okay," he said, unconvinced. "Well, I'm leaving the gym now. I'll be at your place soon."
"Okay, I'll see you," I said before we hung up.
By the time I got home, I was in full prep mode. Zuri and Rhea were on their way over so we could leave together. I double checked my bags, making sure I hadn't forgotten anything. Then, the doorbell rang.
I checked my phone to see Steven standing outside on the Ring app. He'd been hinting about wanting a key to my place lately, but it felt too soon for that.
"Hey," I greeted him, opening the door.
"What's up, baby?" he said, pulling me into a hug and kissing me. "Damn, Lai," he muttered before kissing me again.
"Stop, Steven," I giggled, sitting down on the couch. He followed, wrapping his arms around me like he couldn't let go.
"I'm going to miss you," he said, holding me tighter.
"Steven, I won't be gone long," I reminded him.
"To you, it won't feel long," he mumbled. "I've got a surprise for you when you get back."
"Can't I have it now?" I asked, but before he could answer, the front door swung open.
"Get off that nigga's dick and let's go, Lai!" Rhea's voice boomed through the living room.
"Here come your ghetto ass friends," Steven muttered under his breath. I hit his leg lightly. "Stop," I scolded.
"Girl, let's go!" Zuri grinned, standing behind Rhea.
Steven stood up and grabbed my hand, leading me into the kitchen. "Have fun, but not too much, alright?" He kissed me, his lips lingering on mine.
"It's my birthday," I teased against his lips.
"What did I just say?" he asked, stepping back to give me a mock serious look.
"Lai, we're waiting!" Zuri yelled from the living room.
"I gotta go," I said, hugging Steven one last time before pulling away.
"Alright, baby," he said, squeezing my hand. "I'll see you when you get back." He walked out of the kitchen, brushing past Rhea and Zuri on his way out.
"Ignorant ass!" Rhea shouted after him before the door shut. I just shook my head, grabbing my bag.
"Are we ready?" I asked.
"That nigga couldn't even carry your bags to the car? Bitch ass nigga," Zuri muttered as she picked up one of my suitcases.
"He's fine. He's going back to work," I said, brushing it off.
"Let's go, y'all! Birthday shenanigans are about to start. Time to find me some new dick!" Rhea declared as we walked out the door.
"This weekend is about to be crazy," I mumbled, locking up behind us. I couldn't wait to let loose.
