Intertwined

Chapter 9

Carmineheaded over to Scarlet eagerly. She couldn't wait for their lunch date for achance to see if Rod had made his choice. He was quick to come to her foradvice but never came back to let her know how it was all progressing. Lookingat Scarlet sitting looking very cheerful either he hadn't made a choice or he hadchosen Scarlet. Carmine always wondered what men saw in women who didn't seeenough in themselves to maintain a normal and safe weight. She didn't have a problemwith big people she just thought it was laziness and carelessness. 

"I heard you went on an impromptu vacation." Carmine started in once the greetings had been exchanged. Scarlet smiled as if nothing was afoot. "I did. The Bahamas was very beautiful. I hadn't been on a vacation in a couple years and never alone. It was much needed." She ordered a lemon water and a chicken Caesar salad. Carmine raised her eyebrow taking note that the last few times they met up Ruby was making more health conscious eating choices. Since meeting her she could see a difference in her figure. Her figure was firmer and more shapely. Maybe she was starting to care. "Vacation definitely looks good on you. Have you lost weight?" Carmine was slightly annoyed with herself. She felt that twinge of jealousy rumbling at her depth.

"Just a few pounds. I've probably lost about 35 pounds in the last couple months. Keto mixed with intermittent fasting and an increase in my daily physical activity seems to be working well for me." Carmine smiled. "You look good. So whats new with you?" Scarlet was always tight lipped about things with herself and Rod but Carmine was determined to get the scoop. "Nothing much. Still getting the hang of my new position at work. Still putting together this business plan for "Earth Angels", met Stone's ex wife and children, and started doing some writing. I think its time to make my dream of becoming a published author a reality. What's new with you?" Scarlet asked back. Carmine couldn't move past that steaming cup of tea.

"Wait. You met Ruby and the kids? How was that?" Carmine waited anxiously to hear some drama. "I wasn't sure about going. I knew it was important to Stone so I did. We had a lovely time in central park. We picnicked. Played Uno. Got to know each other a little. The kids are so smart and amazing. I think it was very mature of Ruby to suggest a meet and greet. I know it can't be easy being around your ex and his new romantic interest." Carmine's mind was racing. She knew Ruby had to be up to something. For everything great about Scarlet she was very naive and gullible. The woman went from wanting her man back to wanting to get to the know the knew woman in his life. Carmine wasn't buying that it was just about being mature. Their food came breaking up the silence that had fallen on the table.

"So Bryce is ready to run for borough president. I am bracing myself for the hard work to come. I wont lie, up until this job I never had a job that really required me to work. I've already had to trade in my daily heels for flats. My wardrobe is being overrun by suits and business attire. My socialite lifestyle is gone. I am a professional every hour of every day. I love it don't get me wrong. I just miss certain aspects of who I was." Carmine life was going through a shock. "I'm in an actual relationship. Surprisingly it's weird. I haven't been in a relationship in ages. Probably since high school or early college. I've did my thing but I wasn't committed to anyone. Sometimes I just feel so lost. What do you do with a boyfriend besides fuck him?" The question was rhetorical but Scarlet still answered. "You enjoy him. You get to know him on a deeper level than anyone has ever known him before. You find out what his soul craves and become his soul food." Carmine gasped at the beauty of what Scarlet said.

"Oh my God, Bitch you are so deep and romantic. I always wondered what it was about you that had Rod's head wide open. Now I see. I can start planning for the wedding now. You are really a dope woman. You are a little homely at times but your personality and spirit is really loving." Carmine was definitely going to take that advice. She wanted a husband. Not just any husband but a loving and faithful husband. It was more than she deserved but she could be hopeful.

Lunch ended and Carmine headed to do some shopping. It had been a while since she had put on something sexy for Bryce. She didn't want to become one of them boring women that got comfortable and unappealing. In short she didn't want to become Ruby. Carmine reflected on the early days with Rod. Seeing Rod with Ruby made her realize the jewel she had passed up accidentally.

The friendship was great. They went to college together. They spent a lot of time together. Ruby was off being a back up singer and Carmine was there to listen to his dreams and aspirations. There had been a few awkward close encounters but Rod had always remained the gentleman. Feeling alone at a time when he needed someone most was her in. When he got injured Ruby did what she thought was best and went out to earn income to keep them afloat. While she was working Carmine was working her way in. Finally one day she was finally in. It was everything she thought it would be. It just never became more than a fling. Talking to Scarlet she realized what was missing. She appealed to him physically and sexually but his heart was taken. Ruby had his heart but she didn't have his mental and she was clearly lacking sexually. Scarlet was claiming every part of him. She had his mind and his heart. Based on his disinterest in sex with Carmine she had to assume she was fucking him good too. That's what she wanted to have with Bryce.

Walking into Bryce penthouse her heart was racing. She wasn't used to having keys to someone's place and being able to walk in on them at any given moment. "Yeah it's no problem Ruby." He was smiling in a way that made Carmine insecure. He was chuckling and blushing. Carmine would love to know what was so funny. "Okay. Good night to you as well. If you ever need something I am always just a phone call away." He hung up and smiled at Carmine. "How was your day?" he asked casually. "It was great. I had lunch with Scar. We went over her plans for "earth angel" and what it would mean to be on the board of directors. I did a little shopping I stopped by two community meetings on your behalf. Did a little office housekeeping remotely and now here I am." She smiled as she gave him a kiss on his lips.

What was Ruby talking about?" she could understand them knowing each other thru Rod but she had no idea they were cool enough to call each other. "I pulled in some favors for Rod to get her situated and she wanted to know how everything was set up. You know who's name was on everything and if he could just take her stuff away. Nothing major." Carmine stepped out of her flats and started undressing. "She knows Rod isn't that kinda guy. She lives there with their kids. She used the car to get around with their kids. He isn't a spiteful or vindictive person. She just called to flirt with you in hopes you will tell Rod and get him jealous enough to change his mind about not getting back with her." Bryce was hers and she wasn't going to hold no punches with him the way she did when she spoke to everyone else. His failure to peep game affected her.

"Aaaww babe you're jealous. That woman isn't interested in me or making Rod jealous. She is making sure things that were given to her can't be taken away. She didn't flirt or anything like that. If anything she asked that I not tell Rod she was checking behind the help he had given her." She hugged Carmine pulling her close. "Even if she was I only have eyes for you." He kissed her neck helping unbutton her blouse. Carmine didn't press the issue but she was keeping her eyes on Ruby. Unlike Ruby she would never be too trusting of any female with her man. Not even his own momma. Everyone had an agenda. You never really knew who was for you and who was just using you.

Bryce had big plans. He was working his way up the political ranks. Currently it was borough president but he had his eyes set on mayor and governor. He had a plan to one day see himself in the oval office and Carmine had a plan to see herself as first lady of the united states. She wasn't trusting nobody.

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