Denial & Desire [ #Wattys2017 ]

Chapter 4: Clark Cater & Co.

I slept like a baby last night, I haven't slept like that in a while. I felt free when I arrived home, relaxed and at easy. Maybe it was the mac and cheese Layla made for dinner last night. The girl can make a mean mac and cheese.

Damn, who am I kidding I very well knew it's because of his words, "I've only just begun Empress." The thoughts of his rosy lips uttering those seldom heard words controlled my dreams filling it with thoughts of him.

My heart ba-dumped at the recollection of him saying it but why should I care if he's eyeing me or not, what is he looking for anyway? It's 6:45 a.m. and I'm going to be late for my 8 o' clock class if I don't leave my bed now, but that was the hardest thing to do. I unwilling left bed 7 a.m. The sunlight filled my room and it was iridescent I felt like I was ascending to heaven but that feeling quickly diminished with the sound of Layla.

"Hey, sis! get the hell up breakfast is ready." Layla shouted from the kitchen.

Shit! Why is that girl so loud in the mornings she clearly wakes up on the wrong side of the bed.

I slugged out my door to meet the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sight of Layla in her panties and a vest zipping around the kitchen while watching re-runs of the American Dragon Jake Long. Her adult side hadn't kicked in yet so cartons still amused her and occupied much of her time.

"Morning Lay, what ya doing," I said peeking over her shoulder.

"Making pancakes and eggs, your favorite." she grinned and I hugged her surprisingly from behind, I was happy.

"Imani enough! I'm your little sister, not your lesbian lover." She fussed while fighting her way out of my embrace.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" I squinted my eyes and stared at her. I was quite skeptical she's a good girl but as of lately she's been too nice. Dinner and breakfast!

"So, can't I just show my big sis how much I appreciate her sometimes."

I was even more scared when she said that, Layla has always been a selfish girl she's the last of three kids. Our older brother Nigel already finished school a few years back and was already married with a 1-year-old son, Jacob.

I was not buying her words so I flexed my eyebrows. I walked pass her and poured myself a large cup of hot coffee in my beloved cup. Akira got me the cup last Christmas with one of my favorite quotes: May your coffee kick in before reality does, and I was truly hoping that it did.

Layla sighed and rolled her eyes at the sight of me ignoring her last statement and being enchanted by the rich taste of coffee that caressed my mouth and slid down the back of my throat, one sip at a time. "In time I'll tell Imani I'm going to get ready for school now," she said walking away from me after she placed a plate of pancakes and eggs within my reach.

7:10 a.m. I hurried my meal and did the same.

It was 8:05 when I arrived at school and everyone was beaming with excitement, today was finally the day we would choose which company we'll be working at for the midterm project, and of course, everyone wants Clark Cater &Co.

The company rarely took in interns but this year they did and it was a surprise to everyone. The desire for the company was high. I was also really excited since the company is the largest trade company in the country. Having experience working at a company like that would benefit anyone greatly.

From the success of his company, the owner created his own brand, Cater & Co. The name was printed on everything, from fine jewelry in all the malls to designer everything!

I aspired to be a businesswoman like Clark Cater, the man was a pure genius. I even heard from Akira's dad when he came to visit her that the company started in a small office down on 5th Avenue 25 years ago, and 10 years later he brought almost the whole street and placed Clark Cater & Co headquarters.