In Spite of the Bosset Life(31)
Chapter 14
A month had past and Ace was really trying to make things right. I decided to do everything I could to make his transition back to his family easy. I was able to get the family all together and tell them Ace had returned. Of course, they didn’t believe it. After three years of Ace just up and leaving, I knew it was going to be hard to believe. Everyone was pleased. They, of course, told everything they possibly could about me. It was okay though because I talked to my man. He knew everything already. After though, I wasn’t f*cking with none of his sisters for real now. That shit was so dead to me.
Ace was not pleased with his son. Kash was in his own world, living like he was invincible to everything. Ace had been talking to him but I don’t think that was getting anywhere. Ace was so stuck on making sure his sisters were doing good out in Atlanta. The twins were grown but welcomed any money my husband would send. His big sister was still locked up and he was trying to get her another appeal, on top of taking care of the rest of his family.
Everyone was back on their feet and no one was struggling. Ace said I did the right thing about taking care of home, instead of trying to feed his family. That was his job and he didn’t want me to ever deal with that.
Ace’s workers and associates were glad to see him. It was easier to tell them Ace had returned. They were used to him not being in the office on a regular anyway.
I was having second thoughts on Ace though. I know I had been depressed when he was gone and almost gave up. Now that he was back, I didn’t know why I was feeling like this inside. Like I was distant and caught myself thinking about Rodney. I had given Ace space to see and visit with his family, just so I could be by myself. I even let him go to Atlanta to see the twins. Things were so different and he had to adjust. He had a daughter now and that was all new to him. Him being home with me and Majesty was new to me.
Today, I was going to the office to sign some checks. Ace was visiting with his sister in prison, so I shouldn’t expect to him in today. I knew Rodney would be working today because I knew his schedule like I knew when my period came. I wore a white BCBG suit with a lace black cami. My black Louboutins made me stand six inches taller. I spotted Rodney on the ladder. He looked so sexy when he sweated. I got the other guy’s attention to get Rodney. He was drilling something and it was loud as hell.
“What’s up boss,” said Rodney. I knew he wasn’t happy. I had been avoiding him since Ace came back. I didn’t know what I wanted to do because Rodney and I had become a couple and I was still legally married. I needed to stop tiptoeing and dodging this man. It was time to tell Rodney what was up.
“You fellas can dismiss yourselves and go on break,” I said, shooing the other construction guys away. They quickly placed the heavy equipment down and left. I brought my attention back to Rodney. “Can we talk in my office?”
“Sure boss,” said Rodney. I gritted my teeth and put my head to the floor. I walked to my office and Rodney was right on my heels following behind. I made sure to put a little extra umph in my step. I swung my hair back and opened my new office. Ace thought since I owned half, I should have my own office, which was a good idea.
“I didn’t get to talk to you at the party. You left early.” One of the older employees thought a party was indeed needed. So, they all pitched in and surprised Ace. It was small but still very meaningful. Ace sported me on his arm proudly and I could see the flames in Rodney’s eyes. I knew then that I needed to talk to Rodney.
“Naw, I’m sorry. I didn’t get to meet your husband,” said Rodney, like he was actually saddened about it when I knew he wasn’t.
“Rodney, don’t do me like this.” I was trying to apologize but I, myself, didn’t know what to say. Rodney sure wasn’t trying to give me a break. I didn’t need one. I was wrong for dragging him in my messed up life.
“Rodney? Koì, you never told me your husband was back home! I thought we was starting something together, not me falling in love with you and seeing you with this nigga! I was really in for us! You played me though for the guy with the bigger chips. I hope everything works out for you,” said Rodney, walking out my office. I jumped up quick like someone put a match to my ass. I couldn’t let him leave me.
“You never said you was in love with me. I didn’t mean for this to break your heart.” Rodney looked at me like I was full of shit. “Rodney, I know I’m foul for dis. I should’ve told you. I know. You think you see the picture clear as day but you don’t. I’m not happy where I’m at,” I said, being honest with Rodney and to myself. Lately, everything Ace said wasn’t swallowed well. It was blurred lines and I just wanted to run far away. Ace wouldn’t say he was doing anything in those three years but transporting if I asked. Plus, I knew if I appeared insecure, he would take advantage of that too. I knew Ace and how he operated.
“Don’t chase me now. I gave you a chance to be honest. I told you what I wanted. You decided to go be with your family. So, go do so. You leaving someone you love for someone you just like,” said Rodney, leaving me looking foolish. I had never been turned down in all my twenty-five years of living. I felt weird and my stupid ass stood waiting for him to come back but he never did. I closed my door and put my head on my messy desk. Soon, as I heard the door creak open, I jolted my head up.
“Ro-” It was Ace. “Right on time. We have to go get Majesty.” Ace came to the desk and studied me. I played it off and tried to act normal.