Open Opportunities

Chapter XV

BRIA

"So I was thinking for our project we could create a diagram of a business. I was thinking something along the lines of a boutique or clothing store."

"I was thinking the same thing. I swear you just get me." Marcus said with a smile.

"I just met you a week ago...I highly doubt that."

"No seriously, I guess I'm the only one that feels chemistry." I sighed heavily.

"Marcus you seem to be a great guy, but I have an amazing boyfriend and three daughters; I'm not interested."

"That's fine, let's finish this so we can go." He sneered with an attitude.

"I hope there are no hard feelings. I just don't need you making passes at me while I'm in a relationship."

"No, I completely understand. Can we just get to work?" He said with an unreadable expression.

"Uhh sure."

We finished the powerpoint and it's thirty slides in an hour, but we still had to meet up to assemble the model.

"So we'll meet up at the same place and time on Tuesday?" I asked packing my things.

"Yeah, that's perfect." He smiled and proceeded to walk out the door. Something about his smile made me feel uneasy, but I brushed it off thinking it was nothing major.

I grabbed my computer and walked out of the library to my car. I had to swing by the flower shop to pick up Talia's specially made flowers. I personally thought it was over the top, but it was her first big dance recital and he wanted to surprise her.

After leaving Flora's flowers, I made a U-turn to the house because I needed to change. This recital was a formal event so I took a quick shower and I changed into a nice, black, floor-length dress. I added a statement necklace, and a simple pair of black Christian Louboutins that I was finally able to afford. I still believe in bargain hunting, but it's nothing wrong with splurging a little.

I put on a pair of diamond earrings my grandmother gave me before I left, and a nude gloss to top it off.

I grabbed all of my belongings, along with the flowers and turned off the lights before locking up the house.

I arrived at the theatre soon after and it was packed. I grabbed everything I needed entered the building. I gave the usher my ticket and made my way to my seat.

"Hey, babe." I said sitting next to Morris.

"Hey, baby." He said pecking my lips. I smiled down at Ahziah who was practically jumping out of Morris' arms to get to me.

I was surprised to say the least, but I grabbed her out of his arms.

"Hey, mama." I cooed and she gave me a toothless smile in return.

I looked over him to see Talia standing talking her grandma's ear off. Morris' mom insisted she fly down to see her granddaughter's first recital even though we told her we'd tape it and send it to her, but she was stubborn and came anyway.

"Mommy that's Ari!" Talia screamed excitedly pointing towards the stage.

"I know but you can't be that loud honey." She pouted and set back in her seat. I sighed and shifted Ziah who was asleep on my chest.

Morris was staring at the stage in amazement as his mother recorded the performance.

He smiled widely as Ariela did her solo. It was refreshing seeing how much he admired and cared for her.

They did another routine and it was over. I spotted Ariela struggling down the steps of the stage with her dance bag in one hand, and a trophy in the other. Morris grabbed both things from her and his mother grabbed her hand.

"Mommy, did you see me? I did three spins, mommy. Three!" She said excitedly holding up three fingers.

"Yes, you were amazing baby." I smiled bending down to kiss her cheek.

"Yeah, you were great babygirl."

"Really daddy?"

"Of course." She smiled showing her missing front tooth.

"Mommy can we go get pizza." Normally I would suggest I cook, but it was her day so I complied.

"Sure baby." She jumped up and down, filled with joy. 

When we got to the car, I strapped the girls in and Ms. Arlene took Morris' car since he was her ride.

Soon night fell and the girls were tucked in and I lay in bed awaiting the talk that I knew was going to happen.

"You handled that." Morris said sliding into the bed next to me.

"Yeah, but it was weird."

"How so?"

"I don't know. He just gave me a bad feeling."

"What do you mean baby?" He said becoming alert.

"He smile was sinister and it sent chills down my spine."

"I'm paying that motherfucker a visit tomorrow. I'm driving to your school at lunchtime and confronting him."

"Bu-."

"No buts I'm coming whether you like it or not."

I huffed, "Fine goodnight baby I love you."

"Love you too girl." He smiled pecking lips.