“I don’t know.”
“I thought that man was loving you down. As good as he is to you, you have no reason to sound so down.”
“He’s just . . . Can I run something by you, and you’ll keep it real with me?”
“Always.”
“I feel like there has been some distance between us since I told him that I loved him.”
“You love him?”
“Yes.”
“When did you tell him?”
“Before the vacation at Sorrel. It was the night that we first made love.”
“Maybe it scared him, and he wasn’t ready to hear that. Or maybe he’s wondering if you just said it because the sex was so good. Have you told him since?”
“No. I’ve been afraid to.”
“All I know is that you guys didn’t seem distant to me at the island. He was all about you, all over you, and you were right by his side every step of the way.”
“But I feel like that was the only time. What if it was all for show? Was he doing that to impress my family?”
“Is that how you feel? Because if so, you need to have a conversation with that man.”
“In the days after I first said it, I felt the distance. But like you said, I felt closer to him at the island. He was all about me. I thought we were getting our flow back until this morning.”
“What happened this morning?”
I told her about the mysterious phone call, how he had run out, and how he hadn’t returned my calls, just texted to say he’d be over later.
“I don’t know. It was all so suspicious, but that could be because of what I’ve been through. I believe in my heart that he’s a good man, and I don’t want to judge him unfairly, but I also don’t want to be a fool again, ignoring red flags.”
“Do you love that man?”
“I do. I’m afraid that I’ll push him away, though, Aria, and I don’t want to do that.”
“I could be wrong, but here’s my honest opinion. That man is crazy about you, and I don’t see him letting that go or screwing that up. He’s been nothing but good since you two have been together, and he takes good care of you. I know age is just a number, but Naijhel is ten years older than you, and he’s very mature. You can tell him your feelings, and I think he’ll know how to handle them. Compartmentalize what’s real and what’s not, because your feelings can easily be influenced by your past with Clayton. I’m sorry, big sis, but that man did a number on you. It has you questioning your own judgment and second-guessing anything any man tells you. Talk to your man.”
“You’re right, and I will talk to him this evening. Thanks, li’l sis. I love you.”
“Love you, too, sweet thang. I’ll talk to you later,” Aria stated.
After our call ended, I sat on the couch, staring blankly at the crossword puzzle. I wasn’t in the mood to solve any more mysteries. Seeing Clayton truly disturbed my spirit and played on the insecurities I was already having about my current relationship.
The doorbell rang, jerking me from my thoughts. I hopped off the couch and headed to the front door. Seeing the delivery person at my door, I assumed that the packet was from Naijhel. He was always having surprises delivered to me, and I appreciated him for it.
“Hello. How can I help you?”
“I need you to sign here for this packet,” he stated, turning a clipboard around to me.
I thought briefly that it was Naijhel, and maybe he was sending me some tickets to a cruise or something. But after I signed, I got a better look at the envelope.
I could have kicked myself for not paying enough attention. “Shit! What does he want now?” I asked, walking back inside and kicking the door closed.
My stomach knotted as I proceeded to open the envelope. Was he serving me with more papers? I had nothing left to give the man, and I had not done anything else. I should have known that apology on Sociogram was to cover up some more of his bullshit.
