Black Rose

Fifteen

Raine POV

I tried calling Suri for the umpteenth time since our last conversation over the phone yesterday went left. What I said to her was completely out of bitterness over her cutting the trip short for work after she constantly scolded me for handling business during the vacation. I've told her time after time, she'll never want for anything, yet she still doesn't trust me. At least that's how I feel when she paced around the beach house shoving her belongings in her suitcase because "work called". However my instincts tell me, Victoria is the sole reason behind her decision to go back home. Once we made it back from Culebra, I explained my relationship with Victoria to her and although she claimed it didn't bother her, I knew better than to take that for an answer. You can tell a woman you slapped another female on their ass twenty years ago and they will hold a grudge towards you for the rest of your life, so I know it bothered her. Victoria, on the other hand, found joy from getting a rile out of Suri yesterday and I didn't appreciate it in the least. Even though I am upset about her leaving, no one will speak badly about her in my presence, so I had words with Vicky and she didn't take them kindly. Needless to say, I made her go home, wherever that may be. Since my stay here was no longer special, I chose to fly back home as well and hopefully rekindle Suri's and I friendship. I opened the front door, preparing to load my luggage in the car and came face to face with Victoria.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, turning around to the lock the door.

"I came to apologize." She said, pointing down at my bags. "Are you leaving?"

"Yeah." I kept it short and simple. Lee came up and grabbed two of my bags while I kept one. "Thank you."

"My pleasure, Mr. Mercier." He replied and left us standing there in an awkward silence.

Growing annoyed with her presence, I started my journey to the car, only for her to grab my arm. "Raine, seriously?"

"Seriously what? You said you wanted to apologize but you haven't opened your mouth to say anything, so I'm leaving."

"Ok, look I'm sorry for disrespecting your little friend. It wasn't my place to answer your phone without your consent." Shaking my head at her half ass apology, I proceeded to make my way down the path to the car. "Well, you can at least tell me if you accept it or not."

"No!" I yelled over my shoulder and got in the car, shutting the door behind me. Looking out of the window, I smirked seeing her stomping over to a cab I hadn't noticed. She was silly enough to think I'd say all is well after giving a meaningless apology. Sitting back in my seat, I retrieved my phone from my pocket and dialed Suri's number again, but she sent me straight to voice mail. Sighing out of frustration, I ended the call and leaned my head against the seat. I couldn't fathom the thought of losing this woman over my careless action of speaking before thinking. To go five years without the love of your life is painful enough and here I am screwing it up again. In need of great advice, I called my father. He always has the best solution for everything.

"Hello, son." He answered on the first ring.

"Hey dad. Are you busy?" I asked.

"I'm never too busy for my only son. What's going on? What did you do?"

I kissed my teeth, hating the fact he knew me so well. "You know how I am when I get upset. I say things I don't mean and that's what happened. Now I'm trying to get back on good terms with this girl, but she's ignoring me. What do you suggest I do?"

"Raine, your mother and I have told you about your reckless speaking and the consequences that occur as a result of it. Who is this young woman and how long have you've been acquainted with her?"

"About six years." I mumbled, knowing he'd grow infuriated.

"Six years!" He exclaimed loudly in my ears. "Why haven't you brought her around to meet us?"

"It's complicated dad. She's actually an ex of mine from college and we recently crossed paths when I moved to Seattle."

"Again, I ask, why haven't your mother and I met her. Hell, I didn't even think you were into women during college."

I frowned up, feeling offended by his unintentionally insult towards my sexuality. "I've never been into men dad, but we're getting side track here. Tell me what measures to take to get in her good graces again."

"Well, what's she like? What does she do for a living?" He queried.

"She's an amazing painter and has her own art Gallery. She's definitely on the loner side of society. It's hard for her to connect with people and open up to them for personal reasons, but once you get to know her you'll grow attached. Her witty, unique personality will keep you reining for more of her and God don't let me get started on her intelligence and angelic beauty."

"Wow son. It sounds like you're in love if I'm not mistaken." I nodded as if he could see me. Indeed I am still in love with Suri. "Usually, I'd have all the answers to your problems, but this is one I can't help you with son. You have to figure out the best way to show how regretful you are being that you know her on a more personal level than I do. She'll also appreciate your efforts more knowing you cared enough to win her over without any assistance from your old man."

"You think so?" I asked doubtfully.

"Are you kidding? You're a Mercier and Mercier men can do anything we put our minds to. You got this son."

"Thanks pops. What's been going on with you and mom? I haven't spoken to her since I left the country."

"We have some news to share with you when you return and before you ask it'll be better to tell you in person."

"Ok, I should touch down no later than six this evening, so I'll stop by tonight. Or is tomorrow better?"

"Tonight will be fine."

"Alright pops, I'll see you then. Tell momma I love her. Bye." Ending the call, I released a breath and closed my eyes. I had a lot of brainstorming to do if I wanted Suri to forgive me. She isn't an easy person to please once you cross, so a simple dinner date and flowers wouldn't suffice. She's nothing like other women which forces me to be more creative and think outside of the box. My phone vibrated in my hand and looking at the number and message being shown on the screen, I cursed under my breath.

305-738-1512
I'm in town for the weekend and we need to talk, so call me when you can.

"Fuck!"