A Dose or Reality

Chapter 1 - Just Another Day

As I opened my eyes it felt just like another day to me.  But to everyone else I knew it wasn't. 

I like to keep things simple, but who was I kidding, nothing about me was ever simple.

I felt him pull me closer, and all I could do was smile.  I didn't know what we were, but I did know that he was waiting for me to define us. 

I didn't want to lose him, but I wasn't ready to commit to him the way he wanted.  I wanted to, but something just wouldn't let me go all in.

For every sweet moment, there is another one that is unsettling, my gut wont let it rest. I feel like there is some big secret that everyone knows but me.  I just can't shake this feeling.

"Happy 21st Birthday, Taylor", Quinton said.  I let out a small sigh, it really wasn't that big of a deal. 

My life was good, I was blessed with so many wonderful people in it, yet I still longed for something more.

"Babe, I am going to take a shower and head out, I have some things to do before tonight."

I nodded in agreement, there was no sense arguing.  Quinton had been planning this party for months, against my protests of course.  No matter how much I said simple, I knew that it was going to be the most over the top event I could imagine.

"Macy is with the girls at your parents. Your Mom and Dad will bring the girls to the party, and tomorrow I am taking the girls on a little trip.  You will have two complete days of peace and quiet to spend any way you like.

At this point, all I could do was agree, I knew this was important to him, so I just went along for the ride.  Having two days to do whatever I wanted, that was the best part of this birthday weekend so far.

What I didn't say is that I was going to go into the office for just a moment, I left my tablet in my desk and I want to have it for the weekend.

Q (thats my nickname for Quinton), would have a cow if I told him I was going to work on my birthday, even if it was just to pick up something.

"Tay don't forget the new CFO is starting on Wednesday, I invited him to your party too, since all the other executives are coming and you two will be working closely together on this new acquisition, is that cool?"

"Well it's already done, so why are you asking me now."

I didn't mean to sound ungrateful, but Q has this habit of doing what he wants then telling me about it later.

His mantra: "It is better to ask for forgiveness than permission".

I live my life the same way, but its annoying when he does it.  A smile slightly, it seems I can't take the same things I dish out.

"Q thats fine, I didn't mean to be snappy, I appreciate you going to all this trouble."

"Tay what's funny is that you think your spoiled moments bother me, imma do what I want anyway, we both know this."

"Well baby daddy, I guess we do."

His smile turned into a frown, he hates when I call him my baby daddy.

"I would rather be called your man."

My eyes stretched, he knew how to strike a chord with me.  With that he laughed, kissed me and headed out.  "Later babe, I will be here to pick you up at 8pm sharp."

"I know Q, you have told me like a thousand times, see you later."

I sighed as I looked at the clock, no matter what I couldn't sleep past seven.  It was my birthday and a Saturday and I still couldn't sleep in.