Page 24 of Love Delayed
“I feel you. I’m aroundmy folks often, too, because work is home, and homeis work.”
“What is it like to live in afancy hotel?” I asked excitedly.
“Home, I guess. I’venever stopped to think about it. I’ve watched itgrow and change over the years. The hotel industry hasjust been my life.”
We ended up talking for hours, and he invited me to a movie. When I heardmy parents coming in, he made sure I had hiscell phone number, and I rushed to greet my parents. After they filled me in on their evening out, Iasked if I could go to the movies that Tuesday.
“I don’t see why not. Who’s going? Courtney, Arianna, and Mia?” my mother said, naming my girlfriends.
Iswallowed hard, lowered my head, and replied, “No. I wantedto go with Marcus.”
“Marcus who?” my daddy questioned.
“MarcusDiaz-Coleman,” I said softly.
“Zee, who is that?” mymother asked. “A boy from school? We don’t knowany Diaz-Colemans. Do you, honey?” she asked my dad.
“He isn’t from school,” I said, lifting my head. “He’s a boy I met last week when Iwas working downtown with Mama’s Kitchen. He was nice, Ma, and he asked me out to the movies. CanI please go?” I asked, waiting to be told no.
“Was that the young man you were talking to whenwe picked you up from work?” my dad asked.
Ilooked him straight in the face and decided to behonest. I knew I was only sixteen and hadn’thad any boyfriends like Zaria, so I understood why datetalk coming from me was strange.
“Yes, Daddy, that washim. We kinda ran into each other when I wasworking, and he came out to introduce himself before youpulled up. I just want to hang out with him. I won’t be out late or anything like that,” I added, nearly begging for their permission.
My parents lookedat each other, and then a smile grew on mymother’s face.
“Of course, you can go. It’sfine as long as he comes by early enough tomeet us.”
“For real?” I asked, bursting as I leapedfrom my chair.
“Yes, you may go,” my father confirmed.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” I celebrated, giving themboth hugs and kisses. “Do I have permission to callhim?” I asked, and my mother nodded yes while continuingto smile.
I walked out of the living room, andbefore I could hit the bottom step, I heard myfather say, “I told you she likes boys.”
“Indeed, youdid,” my mother replied.
What they said gave me pause, but I was too excited to tell Marcus we hada date to question it. So, I hurried to myroom to call him.
Present Day…
I had the same nerves I had back then I experienced now when I asked for him.
“Yes, Mr. Coleman is in. One moment, ma’am,” she said, and I was placed on hold.
This time, it was Jhene Aiko’s “While We’re Young” playing. As I listened to the words, tears came to my eyes because there was a time in my life when I felt these lyrics for Marcus. It was like the song was never-ending. It pricked my heart more and more, and I got emotional because I missed him and what we had so much at that very moment.
Fear overtook me, and I quickly ended the call. I put my phone down and let out a loud cry that was a mixture of all the emotions I had bottled up inside of me. It was everything from our initial breakup. How could he have been so angry with me for going after my dreams? When we were together, I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it without anyone’s help. But now I knew I didn’t have to back then when I had a good man like Marcus in my corner.
I fell on my knees and cried out to the Father, repenting for everything again. As if He hadn’t forgiven me already, I wanted Him to know I truly meant it. I prayed for everything to be renewed––to heal from my losses and move on from the marriage I didn’t consult Him about first. I released it all to the Father.
When I got up from the floor, I released a deep breath and went to the bathroom to clean my face. Then I returned to the kitchen and sat at my island, still in deep thought. I wanted answers as to what to do next. A minute later, my phone rang. The caller ID read Royalty Inn and Suites. I already knew who it was, so I answered.
Chapter Ten
Marcus