~Monroe~
I place the phone down and lean back in my chair. I wasn’t sure the flowers would do anything, but I guess I lucked out. I also feel that leaving her alone for a while helped as well. I purposely didn’t call or text, hoping the time away would let her marinate on everything. It could have completely blown up in my face, but I hoped it wouldn’t.
My office door opens, and Dixon walks in. “How’d it go?”
“Everything is set. She will be on my arm and he’ll be there to watch us.” Dixon nods and sits in front of me.
“How’s the new secretary working out?”
“So far so good. I think we got lucky with this hire.” Dixon nods and taps away on his tablet. I swear he’s never without that thing, but I can’t be mad. If that’s what keeps us on track with everything, who am I to complain?
“Are you sending her a dress or anything?” I thought about that, but I don’t want to insult her. I realized over the last few days that my approach has been off. I may not believe in her newly changed personality, but if that’s the game she wants to play, I’ll play along.
I used the time apart to think through everything, and I realized that the best plan was to let her take the lead. If I make like she’s in control and I follow her guidelines, there should be nothing that keeps this from happening. Once I get in good, I can switch it up and take over. I plan to make her pay for what she did to me, but with her, it has to be the long game. “Nah, there’s no need. I will let her handle her clothing.”
“Interesting. You aren’t usually so hands-off.” It’s true. In the past, I made sure that I ran everything. After what I went through as a teen, I found that the more control I had, the less likely things would happen that I didn’t want to happen. I don’t date much, but I definitely take control in all aspects when I do.
“It will only be temporary. I will change it up as soon as I get her where I want her.” Dixon chuckles and nods. “This party will be important for my plan. Let’s make sure everything is in place.” Dixon stands and leaves the room. I sit back in my chair and let my head fall back. I will be playing a big game in a few days, and I can’t wait. We will be together in the same spot, which should prove very explosive.
~Deon~
I pace the room, glancing at the clock each time I pass it. I’m waiting for my parents to show up so I can inform them of the plan. Our company party is in a few days, and many important people will be in attendance. I decided it would be the perfect time to make things official with Jaylene.
I talked to her since I went to her job. I tried to go back but was turned away at the door. I felt it wouldn’t be smart to make a scene at a public school. I’ve tried calling her, but I’m pretty sure that she blocked my number. She hasn’t been home and didn’t attend the dinner we scheduled.
My patience is wearing thin, so this party will be the perfect time to get over this hump. I’m ready to settle down with Jaylene and get our family started. She’s had enough time to mess around, but now it’s time to come home and act accordingly.
The door opens, and my parents walk in, followed by the Mackeys. Everyone sits in my office's seating area and gets comfortable. “Son, why did you call us here?” I continue to pace a bit, not really wanting to rush through my words.
“Is everything okay, love?” My mom’s sweet voice cuts through the silence and warms my heart a bit. I can never deny her, no matter what the situation. That woman has my heart, and she probably always will.
“How can everything be okay when the love of my life isn’t by my side?” I watch Georgia turn her head, looking a bit uncomfortable. “I need to understand how everything broke down. The dinner didn’t have the results expected. She never showed up and was supposed to have moved home, which also didn’t happen.” Georgia looks at Benny, but neither says a word.
“Maybe this is a dream you have to let go, son.” I turn to look at my father in disbelief. How can he suggest I let go of what’s meant to be mine?
“Korby, stop. Can’t you see that our son is in pain? We should do everything we can to help him through it.” One thing about my mom is that she has my dad wrapped around her finger. He does anything and everything she wants. My mom has always given me anything and everything I wanted. It’s one reason why we are so close.
“What do you suggest we do, Renata? All of these years and she hasn’t come around. What the hell is going to change?” Mom looks at me and gives me one of her signature sweet smiles.
“I’m sure that our son has a plan.” I nod and finally sit in a nearby armchair.
“I do have a plan. We need to get her to the company party. Once there, I will propose to her. Our company party will double as an engagement party.”
“I… I don’t know if that’s a good idea, Deon.” I turn to look at Georgia, surprised by her hesitation.
“You should be more for this idea than anyone. This was part of the deal, and it’s time to pay up. You owe me.” Georgia shrinks in her seat and reaches for Benny. He grabs her hand and rubs the back of it. “I expect to see her at the party. I don’t care how you make it happen; just do it.” The day after the party will be one of celebration because I will finally have what’s meant to be mine.