Ione
Myworkweekhasstarted. I've purchased a phone and placed my number in it so that Athanasius can text me or call me while I'm at work.
That was a mistake. He leaves six voicemails during my meeting, and it's when I'm at lunch with Chloe, after explaining to her that I got sick at the lounge, that I make the mistake of listening to the first one—out loud.
Athy's voice is deep, the phone makes shuffling sounds. “How do I use this thing?" I can hear how he drops the phone and then curses. "Whatever…I’m a primordial…woman! Answer the device!" He growls. "I require those pizza food things, they are folded into squares. Return now and bring them."
Chloe raises an eyebrow and stares at me. "Girl what?"
The second message automatically plays. "Actually it’s been 2 hours, where are you? You don’t have my permission to be gone for so long, when you return…" He chuckles. "You’ll beg for my forgiveness, on your knees and if you’re good—”
Immediately I press the lock button. "I am so sorry you had to hear that."
"No, no." Chloe laughs. "Let it play."
On the way home, I think about what happened a few nights ago. It still replays in my mind and Athanasius has been his regular sassy self. If he's acting like thekiss and subsequent heavy petting didn't happen, it's working. He's practically making me believe that it didn't. His touches don't linger, his eyes aren't as warm and inviting. It's almost back to the slight flirtation and joking that we first came into this relationship with.
I'm confused. He's still holding me at night and if he doesn't think that I am not very conscious of his hard dick pressed between my asscheeks then he's a fool.
However, when it rains, it pours. Trust me, I wish I was talking about my body but no. Things can be going well mentally or physically, but emotionally? No, it seems like everything wants to dogpile at that exact moment. So, I am surprised, but very upset to see a strange car parked outside of my house. Who is that? Now, half of me is scared that it's a cop and perhaps Kenneth told the police about some man threatening him.
No.
As I exit my car in my driveway, the door opens and my heart leaps into my throat at the sight of Chris.
"Hey Ione," He holds up his right hand because in his left is a bouquet of red roses. "Took a minute to find you, but folks are chatty, at least your old neighbors are."
Fuck. I should have known better. I gave my address to my old neighbor just in case a package came for me or mail was left. Clenching my jaw, I walk to the end of my driveway. "She shouldn't have done that."
"You always did like to live around old folks, you know they talk a lot." He chuckles. "But damn, no, hello Chris? We didn't have that bad of a breakup."
To him? No. He doesn't think emotional cheating is cheating. I think it is especially when you lie about it and then after the breakup start dating the woman you told me 'not to worry about.'
"What do you want?" I rub my forehead, it has to be money. Money or some favor about a job or something.
"Come on, Ione." He coos. "These are for you." He holds out the roses, clearly purchased from a gas station as the petals are wilting and brown on some of them. No effort. Nothing has changed.
"I'm good," I shake my head. "What do you want?"
Chris raises an eyebrow and moves past me. He walks up the sidewalk and places the roses on my front porch. "I need your help and you're the only one who can do it."
Sure I am. "Figures, but the answer is no."
"Ione." He catches my arm, pulling me into his chest. "Come on now pretty girl, you know how I feel about you."
Do I? My hand pushes against his chest. "Stop, Chris. I said no and whatever it is find some innocent and willing woman to help you."
He scoffs. "Yeah, that's you." Chris doesn't loosen his grip."We were together three years, Ione, and I even tried to give you a ring. Feelings don't die like that, come on, do you wanna see me in jail or worse?"
Emotional ransom. He would stoop that low, typical. Jerking my arm from him, I scowl and answer. "I'm not sure, what's worse?"
"I need to borrow some money, I'm in a bit of a bind." He starts.
Tale as old as time. He already owes me like $4,000 and I know I'll never see it. This is so typical of him. Dress up nicely, get his hair cut, he reeks of that damned Creed Aventus, and now he's invading my space, touching me, trying to remind me of what was in order to get what he wants.
"How long has it been for you? You've never been the type to move on quickly." He licks his lips. "I can pay you back in something else you like." His arm slips around my waist. "I haven't forgotten how you taste, I just need $3,000 baby, please, I have to pay this guy back."
"So, you still gamble." Once again, I'm trying to push him away. "Not my problem, you need to leave."
