Page 41 of Jade: Chance Are

“I know, go and help Raheem,” I answer as I also know, I’ve had my last fill of him.

“You will be here when I get back, I don’t want to have a déjà vu moment Jade.”

“Yes, Naseer. I’ll be here. I still have a contract to fulfill.”

“Good, I’ll call you when I land.”

“Okay”

We hung up and I closed my laptop, not like I was getting anything done anyway. I sleep alone on this bed with sheets that smell of him. I turn and I see the ring Knox gave me. Guilt washes over me as I realize, I didn’t think twice about taking it off when Naseer told me to.

I picked it up and put it back on. Reality is downloading, fantasy is moving towards the stowage.

The rest of my day was uneventful.

I wake up when my alarm goes off. I decided to dress casually today in boyfriend Jeans, a black boat neck blouse, and ballet flats. My hair is in a ponytail and light makeup. No need for a shield today. I call the twins on my way to work and talk with them. I saw a billboard advertising the lounge and the reality of Mr Darabi and Friday evening brought my mind to high alert. I will visit my children soon. Hold them just to be sure they are fine.

My workday is normal, nothing out of the ordinary. I miss Naseer. He hasn’t called me yet. He texted about his safe landing, promising to call me later, I’m sure he’s fine. I told myself and returned to work, instead of having lunch inside, I decided to go out and get some air. Feeling a bit refreshed I return to work until Lucy tells me a woman is asking to see. I don’t have any friends here. The only person scheduled to see me is James and that’s not till Thursday. Could Mr Darabi have found me, now sending a woman to remind me of the NDA I signed and the money I accepted?

You won’t know unless you speak with her. I will have to leave if this person is from Mr Darabi. I told Lucy to let her in.

The elegantly dressed tall blond woman comes in. She’s wearing a sage pantsuit with a white lace Cami. Matched with black strappy sandals. Her long blond shining, she’s a woman who has taken her time to look sexy and ravishing and she just had to have the red lipstick.

There’s no way a woman like her won’t draw the attention of men. I’ve certainly never seen her before. I rise from my desk as she walks in, I can see her sizing me up. In a split second, I noticed a look of disdain, but it was quickly replaced with a practiced smile.

“Hi, I’m Chloe and you must be Mariam,” she says reaching out for a handshake.

“Yes, I’m Mariam Diaz, how may I help you?” I shook her hand, still perplexed, she asked to see me.

“May I?” She gestured to the chair.

“Yes, please.” I take my seat as well and wait for her to speak.

“I must say, you are not what I expected in competition.” She gave me the once over again, then rolled her eyes with a shriveled look like I was beneath her based on my casual outfit.

“Competition?” I quizzically asked.

“How can we come to a compromise and resolve this amicably to benefit us both.” She gives a stiff smile, her face almost cracking open at the stiffness.

“Chloe—may I call you Chloe?” She nods. “I think, you have me mistaken with someone else. I’m not in competition with anyone and I have no idea what we could have to compromise about for an amicable result.”

“We have Prince Naseer.” She drops the bomb. I sit back, not sure what to say. Of all the things I expected. Naseer’s name wasn’t one of them. She’s relaxed like she finally got me. I have no idea who she is, so my shield automatically comes right up.

“You still have me mistaken for someone else,” I repeat maintaining an even tone.

“You are Mariam right and the moment you stepped into this building; Prince Naseer has canceled all appointments with my services.” She leans forward to make her point. “So, I’m asking how we can both keep our businesses running.”

“You still have me mix-up with someone else,” I state again. She’s starting to infuriate me and I’m trying my darndest not to release my wild side on her.

“Please stop being coy. Prince Naseer has said, “You are enough.” She air quotes. “Since I still want his business let’s negotiate,” she states it’s a no-brainer and we should negotiate or call dibs on who gets Naseer when, where, and how.

“Can you start by telling me what your business is,” I ask but I’m certain I can guess even though I would love to tear her eyes out. I maintain my calm facade.

“Velvet Escapade, we provide the best private and intimate experiences. He was my best client until you opened shop.”

“You mean sex,” I succinctly state.

“Intimate experiences,” she purrs tossing her hair back.