Of course he ignored me, getting up to get a huge box from under the table.
When I noticed it was from this bear building store, my cheeks rose as my smile began to spread across my face.
“You got me a teddy bear?”
“Not just any teddy bear, I got you a mini version of me.” I opened the box to see a chocolate bear dressed in the cutest outfit that matched one Courtland had on the other day. His little shirt said squeeze me, so I did.
“I miss you, Lou.” Courtland’s voice filled the air but it came from the bear. I was so tickled that my laugh was light as I squeezed it again.
“Yeah, we’re close, but not enough for either of our liking. So, on nights when we have to be apart, you got me there with you.”
See! I told him I missed him once and he got me a mini version to keep me company at night.Tears welled in my eyes, which Courtland caught.
“I know we never said exclusive, and it’s only been a little over a month, but Lou, I’m patiently waiting for our forever. Until then, will you be my woman?” He only asked me to be his girlfriend but the way I leaped into his arms made me feel as if he asked me to marry him.
“Yes.”
The sound of my phone ringing broke up our moment. I groaned once I noticed the time and that it was Quincey.
I hit the button before putting him on speaker.
“Johnni, I know you fucking with me right now, where the fuck are you? Your nail appointment and whatever else should have been done hours ago!”
“I told you I had a busy day, Q. I’m running behind.”
“I don’t give a damn about your so-calledbusyday. Fuck whatever you got going on and get home so you can get ready. Your job is to be here with me making me look good.” Three beeps in my ear let me know he hung up.
I got quiet, feeling Courtland’s heated glare on me. I went to get up so I could leave, but his forearm against my abdomen prevented me from moving.
“Naw, I’m not sending you back to that shit. I don’t like how he talked to you nor about you like all you are is a fuck ass possession, a gotdamn trophy first and wife second.”
“Courtland, I have to go.” I didn’t even bother defending Quincey’s actions because it was the truth. I knew my role yet he loved to remind me every chance he got.
“No the fuck you don’t. Tell me what you get by staying married to a man who clearly doesn’t love you.”
I shook my head. “It’s not what you think. I know I’m in a loveless marriage, I agreed to one when I got married. It’s the lack of respect that we once had for one another that has faded over the years.”
He frowned. “Why would you do that?”
I bit on my bottom lip, contemplating my next statement to make sure Courtland would fully understand my position.
“I’m trusting you to keep this between me and you. If it got out that I told you, things will get bad for both of us.”
“I told you before, I can handle the problems, baby. Just tell me.”
My heart was pounding out of fear thinking that Quincey had my phone tapped or something. I wiped my sweaty palms down my dress, blowing out a breath, then continued.
“Quincey and I are in a lavender marriage. I’ve been his beard since high school. And in return, I get a stable lifestyle and security. I was a parentless child who had nothing. Quincey offered not only money but a family.”
“Okay, but this ain’t no reason to stay now that I’m here. You can leave him Lou.”
“I promise I want out now, but it’s not an easy exit. That day we ran into each other, I was seeing my lawyer to find a loophole in a contract that I’d signed to make it happen. Please be patient with me.” My phone began to ring again, with another call from Quincey that I ignored this time.
He released a heavy sigh as his jaw flexed.
“A contract? Okay, but the moment you hear back from the lawyer, let me know so we can plan your escape. I don’t trust him nor his family not to try some slick shit.”
I nodded.
