Page 22 of His To Obey

“Will the other potential candidates be going as well?” Blythe directed her question back to my mom.

“Just you, dear.”

Chapter Eleven

BLYTHE

Iwas leaving for St. Louis in two days and honestly, I was the most nervous I had ever been. Not only was this a test to see how well I handle myself in the office, but I would also be spending most of my time working side by side with Pharaoh. God that man did something to me. Something no one had ever been able to do. He excited me, infuriated me, and caused me to downright feel. The crazy thing is he never even tried. Just stared at me watching my every move or he if we were speaking to each other, he was trying to check me for my slick ass mouth.

How was I supposed to be in control when my brain shut down all logic whenever he was in the room. It gave him all the power no matter what the situation was. This was such new territory for me, and I know I would struggle with it. But it was a must I stand my ground. My partnership depended on it, and I worked damn hard to get it.

I would just have to be professional when we work together and stay away when it was not work related, I know my attitude and it wouldn’t end well if I didn’t. If only my fuckin’ hormones would have stayed away for this trip. I could feel my body shifting and my cycle planning to creep her miserable ass in. I made a mental note to pack my calming teas and heating pad. They were essential during hell week. Lord, why couldn’t you have waited or came last week.

I was finishing the last of my packing and singing to SWV when I got an email alert. Lifting it I noticed it was from the McCallum firm. How weird someone was there working when it was a Saturday. I unlocked my phone and pulled up the message.

Ms. Livingston,

Change of plans. We leave tomorrow afternoon. Be ready flight details have been sent to your assistant. Try not to be late.

-Pharaoh McCallum.

I frowned instantly getting pissed off. I told Mrs. McCallum I had a very important meeting on Monday that I could not miss, and I would fly in right after. Pressing on the email reply I prepared to respond with as much professionalism I could muster up when talking to Pharaoh’s ass.

Mr. McCallum,

Thank you so much for your email. Per my email itinerary to Mrs. McCallum, I am not available until Monday evening to fly out. I have a standing meeting that I just can’t miss. Thank you so much for your understanding.

-Blythe Livingston

I closed out of the email and placed my phone on the bed. How dare he change plans when I had already made all the arrangements with his mother. He was definitely gonna be a problem I could feel it. The email pinged almost immediately. I picked it up anxious to see what his rude ass would reply with.

Not negotiable.

-PM

This son of a bitch. Who the fuck did he think he was. I will show his ass. I refused to miss my meeting. I would grace him with my presence when I said I would. Exiting my email, I sent a text to Autumn asking her to keep my flight for Monday night. My phone was ringing within seconds.

“What the hell is going on? I was told to cancel it?” Autumn’s voice boomed through the phone. Her cycle had just started this morning, and her attitude was always worse than mine during hell week.

“Hi my baby. Disregard his email. I need to fly out Monday evening, midafternoon at the earliest. You know why.” She sighed before responding.

“Are you sure? The change seemed important. I don’t want anything effecting you making partner.”

“I’m sure. You know I can’t miss my Monday visit. She’s more important than anything.”

“I know B. Okay I will rebook your flight for Monday. I’m turning my phone off, these cramps, headache and attitude is gonna have me beating everybody’s ass tonight. Love you, bye.” She hung up right in my face. I chuckled, pulling up my door dash I added all her favorites to my cart and requested they be delivered to her in the next hour before tossing my phone on the bed and continuing to pack.

Monday Morning

The sound of the alarm alerted us that the heavy metal doors were opening, and it startled me from my thoughts. I looked up and watched the women in orange jump suits flood in anxious to see their families. They looked tired and worn down but it didn’t stop the smiles from creeping on their faces as soon as they spotted their loved ones waiting patiently to visit with them.

I noticed a younger woman with two French braids run over to a table full of small kids, the youngest looked no more than three years old. When she got to the table she squatted down and they all rushed into her arms tripping over each other to get closer to her embrace. I couldn’t imagine that all five were her kids being that they were so young. But the way they hugged her as if she was the key to their hearts changed my mind. These were her lifelines, her creations, her world, and they had to schedule time to see her.

It made me think of my mom and my core memories being in this very room. Every conversation was scheduled or written on paper. So many times, I waited anxiously for our visits so I could tell her my exciting news. A letter may not be enough so I would ask my aunt to schedule a visit. I needed to feel her energy in my exciting moments as well as in my moments of pain. She always made everything ten times better even if it was from behind the bars.

“Hello pretty girl.”

“Hey momma!” My thoughts were pulled away as my mom approached the table. She was hands down the most gorgeous woman I’d ever seen. Even donned in the orange jumpsuit she was still the epitome of beauty. It looked like she had just taken down her French braids because her hair cascaded down her shoulders in a deep crimped wave. Her skin glowed and looked glossed. I didn’t know what changed from last month, but she looked even more radiant today.