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Aella didn’t budge. “Or, I’m tired of having my fuckin’ time wasted. Why are you here, Cassius? Make it plain, quickly. Or you’ll be talking to my back as I walk away.”
That knocked Cassius off his square. He wasn’t used to pushback, but Aella wasn’t taking her foot off his neck. It instantly registered that his usual tactics weren’t anywhere near enough to smooth things over.
“I’m sorry,” he blurted, deciding that an apology was the best route. “You’re right. The last time we saw one another, I talked a lot of shit I didn’t follow up on.”
“Cool,” she nodded. “We done?”
“No,” Cassius declared, feeling his ego skyrocket at how she handled him. “What are you doing tomorrow night?”
“I have plans with my sister.”
“Can I take you out before that?”
“Eh,” Aella shrugged. “My day is full. Maybe some other time.”
“Elle,” Cassius called as she turned, heading for the door.
It was as if his words had fallen on deaf ears. Aella didn’t look back, nor did she respond. Instead, she left him outside alone, nursing his pride and contemplating his next move.
“Now, I know you said your future potential husband was cute,” Ria began, making her sister groan. “But that man who showed up here last night was hand-crafted by God himself. And the man upstairs obviously took his time. Remind me again why we’re fighting him so hard?”
“Damn, Ria,” Aella chuckled as they strolled down the sidewalk. “Get right to the point, why don’t you?”
Although she was sure he’d perceived it that way, Aella hadn’t been being petty when she told Cassius her day was booked. She had morning meetings, then she and her sister had hair and makeup appointments before getting ready for a business gala their family was attending later that evening. She was already exhausted, and it wasn’t even two p.m. And having their security details increased was irking her nerves.
“No. I’ve been impatiently waiting all day to get the tea on you and Mr. Man.”
“There is no tea. He’s attractive and full of shit. I don’t have time for it.”
“Elaborate,” Ria demanded as their pedicure service started.
“He’s hot and cold. I don’t like inconsistency. It feels like he thinks random visits, a little flirting, and a smile will have me melting in his palm.”
“Well, that’s what women who aren’t used to having anything tend to do, so I can see how that became part of his playbook. I can’t lie, though, him refusing to take no for an answer last night and popping up at what he thought was your window was kind of romantic.”
“Please,” Aella rolled her eyes. “It’s more like his inability to accept rejection.”
“Damn, bitch. You strict.”
“And you aren’t strict enough.”
Ilaria shot her a dirty look. “A’ight now. All that wasn’t even necessary.”
“You stay out of my business, and I’ll stay out of yours,” Aella snickered.
“Did Mama tell you about the invitation to his welcome home party?”
“Yeah. I doubt I’m going.”
“Well, good luck with that. The last time I talked to Daddy, he made it abundantly clear that attendance was non-negotiable. Which probably means…” Ilaria trailed off.
Catching her meaning, Aella rolled her eyes. “I swear I would love to know what it’s like to have a normal life for one day. Just one.”
“Agreed,” Aella flipped her hair. “But switching subjects, around about when do you plan on squashing your beef with Daddy? The awkwardness in the house is stifling.”
Aella released a heavy sigh. “I know. Things have been so hectic that we haven’t had a moment to address the elephant in the room. But I’ll admit that I do miss the old man.”
“Then you should talk to him, Elle. Get everything in the open and over with.”
