Page 57 of Lyric Squared

As a woman who prided herself in having it altogether, I felt as if I’d lost control of myself the moment I shared my most intimate thoughts with a man who didn’t give two thoughts about mustering a reply. Not even a few words but had the audacity to show up to my home, and I allowed him. Not only did I allow his presence, but I allowed him to fuck me into a rage that forced me into a relationship that would possibly save me from embarrassing myself in front of my family again.

It wasn’t ideal, but it was my reality. So was the fact that Collin was a great man. He deserved me, and I damn sure deserved someone mentally stable and financially suitable for my lifestyle. I didn’t feel a single regret after agreeing to be his girlfriend because I knew he’d handle my heart with care. The only thing I was afraid of was being able to reciprocate his energy and give him all that he was deserving of.

With the glass of water in one hand, I popped the pill into my mouth with the other. It was small and easily glided down my throat with the assistance of the water that had been waiting for my arrival. Collin’s throat cleared in the distance.

“Are you alright? Is everything okay?”

“Yeah,” I answered with a nod, “everything is fine.”

“Then, why are you taking medication?” He wanted to know.

“Preventative measures. But I’m fine. I promise.”

“Okay. If you’re not feeling well, we can reschedule.”

“It’s fine, Collin. I don’t want to reschedule. Here is exactly where I want to be right now, with you.”

“Music to my ears. I ordered for you already if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t. So, what am I having?”

I put the entire Plan B fiasco being me as I adjusted my posture and straightened my body. With my chest piercing the air and my head held high, I felt a bit more control of the moment as I waited for Collin to run down the order.

“A chicken and cheese omelet with a side of breakfast potatoes and fresh fruit.”

“Look at you,” I boasted. “You’ve got me all figured out, huh?”

“Not quite, but I’m trying.”

“A man that pays attention to detail… I like it. I like it.”

“It’s the least I could do, right?”

“If you say so.”

“Now, about this trip,” casually, he revisited.

“Where are we going? When? And for how many days?”

A trip sounded like the perfect solution. With everything going on around me, I could use the break. It had been over a decade since I’d left the city with anyone other than family or Ever, but I was willing to let my hair down for once.

“Ahh. I was thinking of Aruba and in the next sixty days? I have a shitload of important dates coming up, but I have a week break coming up in about thirty-eight days.”

“You know your schedule too well,” I tittered. “I don’t even know what my schedule looks like next week so definitely not next month.”

“It’s the only way I function. Otherwise, I’ll lose my shit. My calendars are set forty-five days ahead of time at all times. Ialways know what’s coming up so that there are no surprises. Now that I have a lady in my life, that’s important. I can block off early morning meetings and start my weekends on Friday now, so that you never feel neglected and time is always carved out for us to get to know each other better and help this thing we’re starting to grow.”

“I like the sound of that.”

“So do I.”

“So, saaaaaaay, about a month and a half from now you want to go to Aruba?”

“I do.”

The waitress returned with hot plates in her hand. She sat my food in front of me and then Collin’s in front of him. Conversation ceased until she disappeared again.

“I’m ready to make fond memories with you,” Collin revealed before forking his benedict.