What He Won't Do

Chapter 8: The Unexpected Gift

Tomeka's eyes fluttered open as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the curtains. For a moment, she forgot where she was, not in her own bed, but in a strange room. The night's restless sleep had somehow left her feeling more exhausted than refreshed. She decided to treat herself to breakfast, perhaps ordering room service. Just as she reached for the phone, a sharp knock echoed through the door.

Curious, she opened it and there stood a security officer, his expression as serious as stone.

"Ma'am, I'm here to remove your things. Are you ready?" His voice was calm but firm.

Tomeka laughed, incredulous. "Remove my things? You've got the wrong room." Her smile faded when she noticed the absence of any humor in his eyes.

"No, ma'am. The owner gave strict orders. I'm here to help you pack and escort you downstairs."

Confusion tangled her thoughts, but she didn't argue. Grabbing what little she had, she followed the officer down to the lobby. Anger simmered just beneath her skin. Once there, she demanded answers.

"I want to speak with the owner," she said sharply.

"Sorry, ma'am. The owner's away on business," the desk clerk replied, sliding a note across the counter. "But he left this note only to be opened by the day manager."

Tomeka sat, legs crossed, tapping her foot impatiently as the lobby buzzed around her. Everyone could feel the tension radiating off her.

Finally, the day manager appeared. "You've been moved to a different room—paid for in advance, for the next three days. It's the owner's request."

Tomeka blinked, torn between irritation and disbelief. "Well... that's... nice, I guess."

She rode the elevator in a daze, the hum and cramped space doing little to settle her mind. This was the second time an owner had taken such interest in her stay, without even knowing who she was. Strange. Suspicious. Yet... oddly comforting.

Her new room key slid smoothly into the lock. The door creaked open into complete darkness. A shiver ran down her spine as she fumbled for the light switch.

When the room burst to life, Tomeka gasped.

A lavish suite greeted her, adorned with gifts scattered throughout. Plush and extravagant—everything screamed luxury.

"How the hell did he find me?" she muttered bitterly. "I didn't even know I was coming here. This is ridiculous. I don't want his damn gifts."

Her eyes landed on a massive teddy bear in the living room, clutching a small jewelry box. She scoffed. "Cute."

On the center table lay a stack of envelopes. Tomeka scoffed again, "Too late for love notes now."

She pushed open the door to the bedroom. A pristine California king sat waiting, perfectly made, topped with carefully arranged shopping bags.

"I'll look at that crap later," she muttered, frustration thick in her voice.

In the bathroom, she found a shower unlike any she'd seen. She pressed a button on the sleek bar-shaped showerhead and watched as shimmering lights cascaded through the water, turning the space into a personal waterfall Jacuzzi.

"A waterfall?" she whispered, awe breaking through the anger. "After everything... this is a hell of a way to say goodbye."

Back in the bedroom, she opened the first shopping bag. Inside, a card read "For Today." She pulled out a dress so stunning it nearly took her breath away, almost as if it belonged in a ballroom, not a hotel suite.

Next came matching lingerie, black trimmed with fierce orange. At the bottom of the bag, a shoe box glistened with the sparkle of jewels. She hesitated, then dropped it without a second thought and moved on.

The second bag said "Tomorrow," equally lavish. The third, "The Next Day." She lay out everything on the bed, her mind racing. Each piece was designed flawlessly.

Curious, she dashed to the closet and yanked open the doors. Rows upon rows of designer bags, one for every day of the week.

A scream escaped her lips.

Heart pounding, Tomeka bounced on the balls of her feet and stormed back into the living room. She fixed her gaze on the teddy bear holding the mysterious box.

Her fingers trembled as she reached for it. Normally, surprises made her uneasy, but this—this was different. The feeling crawling up her spine was fierce, a strange mix of dread and hope.

"Is every woman scared to open a box that says Tiffany like I am?" she muttered to herself.

Taking a deep breath, she shut her eyes tight, then ripped the lid open.

A paper lay atop the contents, bearing a message in bold script:

"TODAY, TOMORROW, THE NEXT DAY, FOREVER."

Tomeka's eyes snapped open, staring at the note. Then, without warning, the room plunged into darkness.