If Only

Chapter Three

            After what felt like hours I was back in my office going over emails. I needed to make sure all my meetings where set up for the Ivory Coast and everyone I was supposed to be meeting with was aware of the meeting dates and times. I also had to call the producers over at BBC News, they wanted to air a special about the Ivory Coast and I was honored to have been asked to comment on the current state of the Ivory Coast. I was super nervous, this would be the first time I would be interviewed on live tv. My boss was super excited and proud of me, and I think the success of this interview and this trip I would be getting a permanent raise. I was so busy emailed and researching, just preparing for my trip, that I didn’t realize that it was 5:00 already. I didn’t detached for my computer for the day until my phone rang, it was Ash. “Hey Chica!” she greeted. “Hey babe, what’s up?” I said. “Nothing much, just checking on you. Seeing how you been.” She said. “I’m good girl, just preparing for our trip.” I said while I logged out of my computer. “Oh shit! I forgot! When do we leave? Do I need to pay for anything?” she asked excitedly. “Girl no, just you. I do need you passport info so we can get you in the system and stuff. We leave Sunday and will be back next Sunday.” I answered everything in one breath. “I’m so siced for this trip! But anyway how’s love treating you?” she asked. “Girl a mess! Donavan is being crazy clingy and won’t leave me alone, and Chaz sent me a dozen red roses and begging for more.” I said.  “Are you considering it?” she asked. “I don’t know. He seems so sincere, but aren’t all liars like this at some point?” I asked. “Your right girl. Just follow your hear, you know I am here for you regardless of what you choose.” Ashlee said. “Thanks Ash, that’s why you’re my best friend.” I said. “No problem boo. But what are you to?” She asked, changing the subject. “Nothing leaving work. I worked straight through lunch now I am starving. I think I might swing by Applebee’s and get a chicken penne to go.” I said. “Cool Beans. Lets get together for lunch or dinner one day this week.” She said. “Will do. I will talk to you later.” I said. “Smooches” She said while hanging up.

            I called Applebee’s while I was walking to my car to place my order. I realized this is the first time all day that I had my phone. I saw that I had missed notifications from both Chaz and Donavan, I decided that Chaz was worth replying to. I got in my car and hooked my phone up to the car’s Bluetooth and called Chaz. It rang for what felt like forever, finally he answered. “Hello?” “Hey Stranger. How’s it going?” I replied. “Hey Ari, nothing much just getting off work making my way home.” He said. After he said that it dawned on me that I didn’t know what he did. “Oh, what do you do for a living?” I inquired. “I am the CEO of a merger and inquisitions company.” He said. “So you’re in the business of buying out failing companies?” I asked. “Yes, putting it plainly.” He laughed. “That seems profitable. Do you enjoy your work?” I asked. “Yea it’s pretty cool. I have my good and bad days, but I mean what job doesn’t.” He answered honestly. “Oh okay.” I said, I had nothing else to say or ask. “I’m sure you didn’t call to ask about my work, so what’s up?” He asked. “Nothing much, driving to get my dinner, I just left work as well.” I answered. “What made you decide to call? I feel like I pushed you too far last night and I wouldn’t hear from you again.” He said. “Well I saw I had missed notifications from you so I decided to call. Last night was pretty intense, and in a storybook world I would just fall into your arms and we would ride into the sunset. I am sorry Chaz, I am just a little jaded and scared. Of course you seem perfect and sweet right now, what guy doesn’t do that in beginning? How do I know this isn’t temporary? I am not set up for another heartbreak Chaz.” I said. “I understand what you are saying Ari, I can ask you to take a chance, to let me prove that I am different, but what would that prove? I don’t want to be pushy, but I honestly can’t get you out of my system. You’re so sincere and lively. You’re so passionate when it comes to your beliefs and morals. Who wouldn’t want an amazing girl like you? You deserved to have the world handed to you. I wish I could be that guy.” He said. “Oh, Chaz, where were you 2 years ago. You would have been exactly what I needed. But right now I am too scared to take chances. I can’t make another gamble with my heart, maybe you’ll hurt me, and maybe you won’t.” I said. “That’s what you’re not getting. I would never hurt you. I just want to love you.” He said. “Chaz, please try to understand what I am trying to say to you.” I said. “Fine. I’ll let it go. You said you were getting dinner, from where? It is a date?” He asked, with a hint of jealousy in his voice. “Oh god, no I am getting Applebee’s to go ALONE than I am going home ALONE and spending my evening ALONE.” I said annoyed. “Are you interested in company?” He asked hopeful. “No, I will talked to you later.” I said as I hung up. I didn’t even wait for a reply. I was so annoyed, I asked him to stop pushing up on me and here he goes pushing up on me. I swear guys really are going to be the death of me. I pulled up to Applebee’s and went and got my order, I just wanted to be home.

            I pulled up to my apartment complex and noticed a familiar looking car parked in one of my designated spots. I prayed I was wrong, but deep down I knew I wasn’t. I took the elevator to my apartment and I noticed Donavan standing outside of my door. “What took you so long?”