It really sucks being fired from a position I loved, but I have to admit it felt really good being able to cook breakfast for Sebastian and walk him to the bus stop. At nine o’clock sharp, Art sends me a text.
“Okay, Mom. I have to go.” I walk to the sofa and bend over to kiss her forehead.
“What are your job responsibilities?”
She’s not happy about my unpredictable relationship with Art—if I can even call it that. I don’t know what we are, but I can’t go on pretending he’s not important to me. Being without him isn’t an option.
“I’m not sure. Assisting.”
“Cinnamon.”
“Mom, don’t worry.”
“Why you shouldn’t be together is what draws you to each other. I understand what you’re feeling. I really do. I was young once. The exhilaration of going headfirst into a pitch-black room hoping to find a ray of light will lose its appeal. Trust me, the excitement eventually fades. Baby, what you have with him isn’t love. It’s lust.”
“I couldn’t turn my back on him even if I wanted to. Everything in my heart rebels at the thought of it.”
“How can I dissuade you from this path?”
“There’s nothing you can do, Mom.” My cell phone rings. “I have to go. Call me if you need anything. I love you.”
“I love you too,” she says, resigned.
Art is waiting in another one of his expensive cars as I emerge from the building.
How many does he have?
“Hey,” I say, getting into the car.
“How’d you sleep?”
“Good. You?”
“After that orgasm, I slept like a baby. I hope you’re panty-less today.”
“I am.”
“Good. You’re finally following directions.” He drives out of the parking lot and maneuvers into the flow of traffic.
“Did you watchWhat’s Poppinyesterday?”
“I don’t watch bullshit like that.”
“Bri and—”
“Cin, I don’t give a fuck. I’ve been in the limelight long enough to learn to ignore shit like that. You need to be prepared.”
“For what?”
“You’ve been branded as my girlfriend.”
“Am I?”
He continues as if I hadn’t asked the question. “You’ll start noticing people gawking at you, whispering, pointing, and taking pictures. The paparazzi may even start following you.”
He laughs at my horrified expression.
“You’ll get used to it. Don’t let it bother you.”
