Loves Deception

Chapter 13

I aint in the business of being all in your business. But tell me how he’s treated you now, you now. Gave him another chance to do you wrong. Sit and continue to sing that same old song. And I know I barely know you, but there’s so much inside I want to show you. Yeah! Cause he can’t, he can’t, love ya like, love ya like, love ya like I want to. I want to. Shawty you need me. Baby you need me. Shawty you need me. So umma tell yo ass like this.  

Layla awoke to the soulful harmony of Jacquees. She reached over, eyes still closed and answered her phone. "Happy Birthday baby!" Xavier sang into the phone. "Aww, thank you babe." Layla whispered sleepily." He sighed in her ear. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there with you on your special day." "That’s ok. We both still have responsibilities. I understand." He had been in New York again for about a week. He had wanted to be sure of his decision to turn down the job offer from his uncle. "Yeah, but it's your birthday baby. I wanted you to wake up with my face between your legs.” He whispered huskily. Layla moaned and pressed her thighs together. Daamnn! She grumbled silently.”I had something special planned for you. I feel bad about leaving you alone." He sighed. "Xavier it’s ok. I know you have things to take care of. Besides, Naomi has planned a dinner at David's place. Just a couple of our friends hanging out for my birthday so I won't be completely alone." She tried to sound cheerful. "Although it won't be as special without you here.” She poked her lip out. “I miss the hell outta you babe. I promise I'll make it up to you." "I know you will. I'll see you when you return, ok." "I'll be back before you know it." She blew him a kiss into the phone and he did the same.

After hanging up she fell back onto the bed. She was alone for her birthday. She had gotten plenty of calls and texts but it just wasn't the same as waking up with Happy Birthday kisses, and especially some Birthday head. Her best friend was busy planning a dinner for her so she wasn't too upset. But her man was in a different state. She couldn’t help but mope just a little. Back to her old comfort routine of curling up on the couch. She wished this week would just fly by quickly. “Hurry home baby." She whispered.

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"Where are we?" Layla asked as she glanced at the address on the building. "We're here. That’s all that matters." Naomi sassed. "You didnt tell me David had a condo!" She said glancing up at the name on the high rise building. They greeted the doorman, and walked inside. The night clerk waved at them as they walked towards the bank of elevators. "Shit! I forgot some things in the car. Here is the key code, go on up." She thrust a piece of paper in her hand and walked back towards the exit. "Wait! Where are you going? You want me to just let myself into this man’s place?" “Yeah girl, it's cool. Nobody is here yet. Level nine, number 17. You can't miss it. Go on, I'll only be a minute." She didn’t get the chance to protest again, Naomi was already out the door. She didn't feel comfortable standing around this pristine lobby, and she sure as hell wasn’t comfortable going inside someone else’s place unannounced. The clerk kept glancing her way. She sucked her teeth and rode the elevator to the ninth level and found number 17. It wasn’t hard to find because there was only two doors on the entire floor. To live here must cost a pretty penny she thought. She let herself in as instructed. It was pitch black. She stared into the dark space but could only make out a small flicker of light. She felt on the hallway wall for the light switch. Empty. This wasn't her place so she had no idea where it was located. "Hello?" No one is home moron! She chastised as she felt her way down the hall blindly. "Lord please dont let this be one of those scenerios where I trip over a dead body or something." She made a mental note to stop watching horror movies alone in the dark.

As she drew closer to the end of the hall her eyes had adjusted. She realized the small flicker of light was coming from about two dozen candle vases that were strategically placed throughout the rooms and hallways. The faint sounds of r&b music wafted through invisible speakers. As she entered the open space she noticed the rose pedals underneath her feet trailed a path through the condo. She glanced around the room and noticed how open and stylish everything was. She walked further into the living room and glanced out the double wide French doors. She could see the twinkling lights of the Atlanta skyline. "Oh wow that is beautiful! I wouldn't mind waking up to a sunrise here." She carefully made her way through the living room, following the red pedals past the open kitchen towards more  flickering lights. As she entered the alcove off the side of the kitchen she stopped in her tracks. There were two place settings, and candles illuminated the table. "This is a romantic dinner for two not a casual dinner for six." There was a huge bouquet of red and pink roses in a stunning crystal vase, a big gift bag, and a bottle of pink champagne chilling in an ice bucket. She observed everything in awe. Everything was so beautiful. But this was something lovers did, not friends. She picked up the card on the table that was addressed to her.