“My first born has been busy too, but I wonder with what?” She placed her index finger on her bottom lip and frowned.
“You disappeared from here for a week, then I tried to see if you were at Dom’s…”
“I took time for myself.” I said evenly.
“Time for yourself,” She repeated the words bitterly. “How poetic.”
“Was this time for self, or time for a woman? I hope it’s a new candidate because I’ve become impatient.” She rolled her eyes.
“Give the company to Dreu.” I called her bluff.
“Excuse me?” She sat all the way up in my seat and gave me a look of disbelief.
“When I marry, it will be on my time. Not a threat, a rush to please the both of you. As you can see,” I pointed at the both of them accusingly.
“Arranged marriages for a family’s benefit is not good. Look at how the two of you operate in the name of love. I’d rather not.” I spat.
“Watch it son.” My father bit the words out slowly and deliberately.
I respected them both, but today was the day that I let them both know how they needed to respect me and my personal life.
“I’m dating a woman that I actually like…I like her so much that I probably will take more time away from Maison Langston’s to make the proper time for her.”
“Oh, isn’t that nice…I hope that this woman you speak of is Mr. Jackson’s middle?—”
“It is Truly. I have feelings for her; I will continue to date her and spoil her with whatever I see fit. Any other questions?” I spat the words through gritted teeth.
Both of their eyes widened at the same time. My mother was the first to fix her face and squint her eyes.
“You need to remember who you are and the world you represent. Our world does not shift for strangers. Do not confuse affection with direction.” She snapped her fingers.
My jaw tightened, I clasped my hands in front of myself to try to contain my anger.
“Your mother is saying, be careful who you bring into the family. We always fall faster for the ones that’s not meant for us. That girl has a kid; she’s out of shape which means she’s possibly lazy and?—”
“Listen to me, the both of you.” I emphasized each of the last three words.
“Truly is not going anywhere…So she will be respected when I find the time to properly introduce her to my family.” I pointed at them again.
“You both will respect her as well as her daughter and welcome her with open arms. If you guys don’t respect or welcome her, I’ll step down from Maison Langston’s. My company Dom’s is at its peak and will only get better from here. I can do without running this place and then your worries can go to Dreu and the direction he’ll take it to. I know exactly what I’m doing with Truly. It’s none of you guys’ concern.” I grated out.
“Well,” my mother stood as my father stepped aside, “your father and I will respect your wishes. While I feel like you could have chosen better, you’ve made your mind…. we respect that.” She smiled.
She stepped around my desk with my father close behind her. I sighed but felt relieved. I thought that things would have gotten ugly. The important part was that my mother and father got the message loud and clear. I should have stood up to them years ago. They were used to making final decisions in me and Dreu’s personal lives.
I leaned down to my mother’s height; she placed a kiss on my cheek then we embraced. My father’s big brotherly hug was next.
“I’m proud of you son.” He squeezed my shoulder.
I smiled and nodded my head but on the inside my chest constricted painfully. It had been a while since I heard those words leave his mouth. It made me wonder what exactly was he proud of… Was it because I no longer was willing to let them control or dictate me?
They both made it to the door before my mother looked over her shoulder.
“Do bring her around, Bleu. I would like to see the woman who made you forget the world for an entire week.” She proceeded to walk out of the door with my father.
Twenty-Two
TRULY
