...And Beyond... | To Infinity... Book Two [ON HOLD]

Chapter 10: Mommy Time

Wednesday May 20, 2021 - Greensboro, North Carolina

Desi POV

9:00 AM

"Okay assholes, I'm leavin'. Don't break or take anything that's mine."

Lenni, Seth, Dean, Joe, Renee, and I all skipped the gym this morning and decided to just hang out and eat continental breakfast together in mine and Lenni's room, except for Joe who went back down for seconds. I wave to everyone in the room and make my way down the hallway towards the elevators. As I round the corner, I slam face first into someone.

"Oh, I'm sorry darlin'. I didn't see you there." The man says.

Rubbing my head a little, I look up and am met with the apologetic gaze of Elias Samson. I've talked to Elias a couple times before but never really anything past cordial greetings and small talk, but now here I am in his arms; he's holding onto me because I almost fell when I ran into him. I smile up at him and shimmy out of his light grasp.

"Oh, Elias, hey. Yeah um, sorry 'bout that; I'm no good at watching where I'm going." I chuckle out awkwardly but he responds with a sweet smile. Okay, so like, this guy is really cute in real life when you meet him; nice smile, he's got a kind and welcoming disposition about him, I'm feeling it.

"Oh, don't apologize. Um, I'm actually glad I ran into you."
"Oh yeah? What's up?"
"Um...uh, so, I know you and Roman have some sort of history, but I was hoping that maybe you and I could go out for a drink or something sometime. Well, maybe not a drink since...well, you know, the whole club thing happened. I mean, feel free to say no, of course, but I just wanna hang out with you sometime; I don't wanna make things weird with you and—"
"Elias, don't worry about that. Look, I'm on my way somewhere right now but um, how 'bout you give me your number and I'll be in touch?"
"I'd love that." He says with a sweet smile. We exchange numbers and he presses the elevator button for me.
"Don't be a stranger, alright?"
"I have a feeling that you won't let that happen."
"You might be right, pretty lady."

I smile and blush up at him as the elevator dings.

"Call me later, we can do something."

He winks at me and walks away and I smile and wave at him. I turn to look at the open elevator and there stands Joe, the most unimpressed yet annoyed expression spread across his features. I roll my eyes and stand in the way of the doors to keep them from closing.

"You getting out orrr..."
"Nah, I think I'll walk you out." He says in a low growl. I roll my eyes and enter the small space to stand beside him, the entire elevator ride one long awkward moment.

*~*~*~*

"So...you and Elias?" He asks as we step out of the hotel's front doors.
"No, not me and Elias. We exchanged numbers, yeah, but we're far from anything. Why am I even explaining anything to you? You ain't my man, I can talk to whoever."
"I never said you couldn't but damn."
"Damn what? Is it 'too soon' for you? Am I moving 'too fast'? Joe, we broke up over two years ago. Maybe you're not clear on what this situation between us is, huh? Do you need me to clarify?" I say crossing my arms.
"No Desi, I know what this is; this isn't us trying to salvage our relationship, this is me trying to gain your trust and friendship back because I hurt you in the worst way after promising to never hurt you; I know what this is, but that doesn't mean it doesn't fucking suck to see you show interest in other people, especially people that work with us."

Joe averts his gaze from me and I roll my eyes.

"You act like I'm marryin' him or some shit; I'm not. I could go for some different company and you're just gonna have to live with that."
"I-I know, I just wish...forget it." He says shuffling his feet.
"What? You wish what?"
"Nothing, forget I said anything, it's stupid."
"Whatever Joseph."