Wanting her

chapter two

Sheila, where have you been? Why haven’t you been answering my calls?”

My phone buzzed again with another text from Daniel. His frustration was clear even through the curt words. I stared at the screen, the messages stacking up one after the other:

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“Don’t make me wait for you tonight. Whatever you have going on, it’s your business. Meet me at our spot at 7 pm. Don’t be late because I won’t remind you a second time.”

Daniel’s tone was sharp, bordering on angry, and honestly, it caught me off guard. Wasn’t last night supposed to be my birthday? Had he forgotten? He hadn’t even wished me a happy birthday. Not a single text, no call — nothing. I felt a pang of disappointment but quickly pushed it aside. Maybe I was being selfish.

I set the phone down and swung my legs off the bed. The room spun slightly, and I had to brace myself against the edge of the mattress. My head was pounding, each throb like a hammer pounding nails into my skull. I needed something — anything — to help me get through the day. Lemonade. Cold, sweet, tangy lemonade. The kind that could slice through a hangover like a hot knife through butter.

Slowly, I got up and padded softly down the stairs. My movements were deliberate but cautious; I wasn’t trying to sneak around or hide from anyone. The pain in my head was the real reason I tread lightly, hoping to keep the stabbing aches at bay. Each step felt like I was walking on fragile ice.

As I entered the kitchen, the harsh overhead lights stabbed at my eyes, making me wince. I raised my hand to shield my face from the brightness and blinked rapidly, trying to adjust. I shuffled over to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water, hoping the cool liquid might help.

Just as I turned to find a glass, I noticed a figure standing nearby, a small white bottle extended toward me.

“Sheila Andrea Maple. Mind explaining yourself, young lady?” My mother’s voice cut through the silence, sharp and full of concern but tinged with reprimand.

“Jeez, Mom, you don’t have to be so loud,” I muttered, rubbing my temples.

“Really now? You think I’m loud? Do you really want to hear how loud I can get?” Her tone hardened. “Do you understand what you did last night? Getting home wasted in a strange vehicle? What if you got kidnapped? What were you thinking? How could you be so reckless? And to think I raised you as best as I could. Is that the example you intend to give to Nathan?”

She paused for a breath but didn’t stop. Her words poured out like a relentless storm. “You don’t just represent yourself — you’re part of this family. You nearly caused irreparable damage to the company with your behavior. The cameras caught everything, Sheila. Everyone knows. I can’t even begin to explain the scandal this could cause. What were you thinking?”

I felt my head swim as her voice echoed in the kitchen. The weight of her disappointment crushed me, and my vision blurred at the edges. I needed her to stop — to just stop talking. Desperately, I slumped down onto the kitchen chair, dropping my head to the cool surface of the table, pretending to faint.

The effect was immediate. Her anger melted away, replaced by concern and care. She hurried to my side, gently brushing hair from my sweaty forehead. “Sheila, no, don’t do that. Don’t scare me like that.”

“I’m sorry, Mom,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “I’m sorry.”

She gathered me in a warm embrace. “It’s alright, baby. We’ll talk about it later. For now, let’s get you to bed.”

Her voice was soft, soothing, and for the first time that morning, I felt a flicker of comfort.

---

Two hours later, the pounding in my head had eased enough to make me feel almost human again. I was eagerly anticipating my date with Daniel. The anger in his texts was still gnawing at me, but I wanted to see him — maybe even clear the air. I moved to my closet and began rummaging through the clothes. It was as if the perfect outfit was hiding from me.

Just as I was about to give up, my eyes caught the glint of something silvery tucked away at the very back. I reached for it and pulled out a strapless dress I hadn’t worn before. The fabric shimmered like stardust, glittering softly in the light. The dress was shorter than I usually wore, stopping mid-thigh with delicate ruffles along the top and a hidden slit at the back that promised a hint of mystery.

I remembered now — Mary had gifted me this dress months ago, but there hadn’t been an occasion worthy enough to wear it. Tonight seemed perfect.

Slipping into the dress was a challenge. It was tighter than I’d expected, hugging every curve, but breathable enough to feel comfortable. I paired it with red heels, bold and daring, and grabbed a matching clutch purse. Standing in front of the mirror, I studied my reflection.

Was this really me? The confident woman staring back seemed like someone from another life — someone ready to take on the world.

I pulled off the heels, knowing I still had time before the date and wanted to freshen up first. I called my girls, and we agreed to meet at the spa. There, I could relax, get my hair and makeup done, and shake off the lingering headache.

---

Thirty minutes later, I arrived at the spa. The receptionist recognized me and quickly led me to the VIP lounge, a quiet sanctuary bathed in soft candlelight and scented with lavender. Soon, Mary, Kayla, and Ashley arrived, each greeting me with warm smiles and hugs. We chatted and laughed, the sound a balm to my frazzled nerves.

I had brought my dress along, carefully folded in a garment bag, so when the time came, I excused myself and headed to the dressing room. I wanted to be ready well before Daniel arrived.

As I was changing, I heard voices just outside the door, muffled but clear enough to catch fragments.

“I’m getting tired of this hide and seek, Dee. I don’t like it,” said a woman’s voice, firm but weary. “You shouldn’t be having second thoughts about this. Do you not love me anymore? It’s either now or never. Someone has to tell her. She keeps acting all high and mighty — it’s disgusting.”

There was the sharp click of heels retreating down the hall. I frowned, curious but unwilling to let it distract me. Whoever it was clearly had something important and urgent to say, but it wasn’t my concern right now.

Another thirty minutes passed, and I was finally ready, my hair curled perfectly, makeup flawless. The silvery dress hugged my figure just right, and the red heels made me feel powerful — like I was stepping into a new chapter.

I took a deep breath and headed out, my heart pounding with anticipation and a little bit of fear. Daniel was waiting, and tonight, I was determined to face whatever came next