14. Monroe

"Tell me again what the bitch had on!" Tessa squealed into the phone. This was my second time giving Tessa the rundown on what had happened a few nights ago, and it felt good to be able to vent to her. London had gotten me a new phone that blocked my location and wasn't trackable, making it okay for me to talk to Tessa. I was glad too because not talking to her for the last couple of days had been hard.

"Girl, nothing, the bitch was naked!" I shouted. My blood boiled again at the thought of seeing the naked woman sprawled across London's bed. At first, I wasn't sure what I'd seen. I thought my eyes had been deceiving me, but when London hung up and kept rejecting my calls, I knew what I'd seen was real. The scene had bothered me more than it should, but it made me realize that I was getting too wrapped up in London. He was helping me regain my life, and that was supposed to be it.

"Well, you had to know a man that damn fine had hos."

"Yeah, but I didn't expect to see her legs agape on his bed the night of our wedding."

Tessa laughed, but I didn't see anything funny. The whole thing had rocked me to my core. "It just reminded me why I need to chill on him. He's been preaching that I needed to heal, and I've been the one pressing him for more."

"I bet you have. The man is fine and seems damn near perfect."

"He is perfect. He didn't gaslight me about the situation. He apologized, answered my questions, affirmed me, and reassured me that I had a special place in his life. He's so different, Tessa, except for the whole being a ho part." My thoughts traveled back to last night and how London had spoken life into me. It was beautiful, and it filled my heart in a place that had been empty for so long.

"Stop, he's not a ho; he's single. You said he put her out, right?"

"Yes."

"And he told you the truth?"

"Yes, Tessa, the man basically told me he would wait for me to heal. He told me to go out into the world and live life, and when I come back, he'll be waiting."

"Girl, that is beautiful. You're living a true fairytale. I'm a little jealous," Tessa replied and I giggled.

"I wouldn't say this was a fairytale—more like one of those urban romances I like to read."

Tessa and I shared a laugh.

"Girl, exactly like it!" she shouted into the phone still in laughter. This felt good. Tessa's laughter had been one of the only things I missed.

"How do I look?" I asked her as I twirled in front of the camera. I was wearing a pair of jeans and a white button-down shirt. The red apron that read Vanessa's was tightly wrapped around my waist. I had taken Aunt Vanessa up on her offer to help around the restaurant. I figured it would be fun and help pass the time while I was here.

"Perfect. I can't believe you"re going to work at a restaurant."

I couldn't believe it either.

"It's London's aunt"s restaurant, and I figured it'll help me gain work experience."

"You"re crazy; restaurant work is hard."

"Probably, but I won't know unless I try." I gave myself one last glance in the mirror before running down the stairs. I had to be at work in ten minutes.

"I guess you're right. You"re on an island somewhere and you choose to go to work." She shook her head back and forth in disapproval. Choosing not to respond, I grabbed my purse.

"I have to go before I'm late on my first day." I disconnected the call before she could say anything further. I liked being able to talk to Tessa, but I didn't need her opinion now. I was doing this. Placing my phone in my purse, I headed out the door. The sun and fresh breeze sailed through my nose. It felt weird walking the path to the market without London, but there was a certain peace that came over me as I walked the beach alone. I was starting my first day of work. I couldn't help but feel a little anxious. I rounded the stairs and walked into the door of the restaurant.

"Monroe!" Alyza greeted me, throwing her arms around me in a hug.

"Reporting for duty." I fanned my apron.

"Great; come with me. I'm going to show you the ropes." She walked off, signaling for me to follow her. I moved my feet quickly across the tiled floor. There were no customers yet, just a bunch of empty tables and chairs. As we walked around the restaurant, I could see Alyza's mouth moving, but my nervousness wouldn't allow me to focus on what she was saying.

"Girl, are you listening?" Alyza came to a stop, and my body crashed right into hers.

"Huh… y-yeah," I stuttered. "I'm sorry, just nervous."

"It's okay, you'll pretty much just follow me around today and show guests to their seats. That's it."

I nodded, attempting to calm my pounding heart.

"There's my new niece! How are you, beautiful?" Aunt Vanessa screamed as she came walking toward me, arms wide.

"I'm great. Thank you for letting me work here today. I don't know what I would do all day without London here." I was so nervous, so I kept running my hands down my apron.

"Nonsense; there's plenty to do on the island." She waved me off. "Lyza give you the rundown of your day?" I nodded. "Good. It's Friday, so things are going to get pretty busy. Just relax and remember Rome wasn't built in a day." She patted me on the shoulder before she headed back into the kitchen. I appreciated Aunt Vanessa for this experience. I wasn't getting paid much for today, but it wasn't about the earnings. It was about the experience.

"Let's go get the menus ready." Alyssa led me over to the front door.

"Have you worked here all your life?" I asked Alyza.

"Yeah, pretty much. This isn't my only job, though."

"Really? What else do you do you?"

"I'm a museum curator. I curate artifacts for several museums in the US. When it's the off-season for me I work here. This place always seems to bring me peace. What about you?"

"I've never had a job. Women aren't allowed to work in my family."

Alyza's eyes bulged, and her mouth flew open.

"In this day and age! That's crazy!"

"It's a family tradition." I shrugged my shoulders as I folded the menus.

"It's stupid. Women should be able to do as they please just like men do."

"Well, I'm doing as I please now."

"I heard that. How does your new husband feel about that?"

I wanted to fill her in on the naked woman that was in his room, but I decided against it.

"Our situation is complicated."

"Doesn't look like it. Regardless of the circumstances that brought y'all here, Royale has never proposed or married anyone before. I can't say he's in love, but I can say you mean a lot to him."

"You think so?"

"He left you at his safe house alone." She unlocked the door. "I know so. Come on; it's time to greet customers. I see a few walking up. "

I followed behind her and took my place at the entrance. This was my first day of work.

"Welcome to Vanessa's. How many?" I greeted the first set of customers as I showed them to their seats.

"Finally."I exhaled as I stumbled into the villa. My feet were feeling a pain I'd never known before. Alyza said it was from wearing sandals to wait tables. I made a mental note to wear tennis shoes tomorrow. Besides the throbbing feet, my first day of work had gone smoothly. I'd made a few minor mistakes, but it wasn't enough for Aunt Vanessa to fire me. As time went on, I knew I would gain more confidence in my abilities.

Working provided a thrill that I'd never experienced. It had ignited something inside of me and I'd spent most of the day trying to think about what I might enjoy doing for a living. I'd never had the option before and now the options were endless.

I kicked off one sandal at a time before walking into the kitchen. The moment I flicked on the lights I knew something felt different. The inviting scent of fresh flowers filled my nose, and I spotted a beautiful bouquet of red roses and a gift box lying on the counter. Shock filled me as I moved closer. A slight smile appeared on my face while I read the card on the roses.

Chocolate,

You're a working woman now.

Congratulations on your first day of work.

- London

A smile as big as the Grand Canyon displayed on my face at his thoughtfulness. How he'd left this surprise to celebrate my first day of work from out of town was insane. I looked around briefly hoping he'd appear out of nowhere so I could thank him, but that was a long shot. London had surgery until later this evening. I picked up the gift box and removed the lid. A book on healing from family trauma stared back at me. My heart skipped a beat as I combed my fingers through the pages. I'd asked him to heal me, and this was his response. Some women would be offended, but I was in awe of his effort. As I strummed through the book, a brown note fell out and into the palm of my hand. My eyes scanned the message.

You asked me to heal you, but I can't.

I can only offer my hand to hold while you heal yourself.

I glazed over the message a few more times, allowing it to seep into my soul. London was truly unlike any other man I'd ever encountered, and I honestly didn't know how to proceed. A small arrow in the corner of the paper told me to flip it over. This time instead of the typed cursive font the message was handwritten.

Go get dressed. I'm taking you on a self-care date. First door on the left.

I smiled reading London's note. I didn't know what I'd done to deserve such treatment, but I was grateful. I admired the flowers for a while before running upstairs to get dressed for my self-care date. London had this idea in his head that I needed freedom, but I was beginning to think the only thing I needed was him.

As I entered the bedroom, I was greeted by a beautiful silk pajama set hanging on the bathroom door. I wasted no time running into the bathroom and jumping in the shower. I couldn't wait to see what London had planned for me. I washed my body quickly and placed my hair into puff balls. For some reason, it felt like I should apply a little bit of makeup, so I did. Just enough to give me the perfect natural glow.

If this was a date, I wanted to look my best. I slid my oiled body into the silk pajama set. It fit me perfectly, making me do a little twerk and three-sixty in the mirror. Nobody could tell me I didn't look like I belonged in a TLC video. I was giving nineties fine, and for the first time in a long time, I felt comfortable in my skin—like nobody else's opinions of me mattered. This moment needed to be documented. Taking out my camera, I snapped a few selfies before trotting off down the hall to the first door on the left as the note had instructed.

"Should I knock?" I asked myself as I stared at the white door. My hand moved back and forth between turning the knob to tapping on the door. Deciding I didn't want to startle anyone if some awaited me, I knocked. When I received no response, I turned the doorknob. Tears instantly slipped from my eyes.

"Oh my God!" I gasped as I spun slowly around the room taking it all in. Every wall was covered from floor to ceiling in books. London had made me a little home library. My mouth dropped, and my hand flew to my lips in a pure state of disbelief. There had to be over two hundred titles in here. My feet guided me around the room, and my hand touching the spines of every book I could reach. Some of the titles were familiar and some weren't. I walked the length of the shelves until I reached a fuzzy rug that housed a cozy looking recliner. In front of the chair, a small end table sat with a bottle of chilled wine. Another note lay on the table.

Because you said reading brings you peace. This date is with your peace.

More tears rained down my face. I didn't know how London had managed to pull this off, but I was honored that he would go through all this trouble for me. Suddenly, my legs were too weak to support my body. Slowly, I lowered myself into the chair, allowing my body to slink down into the cushions. I couldn't wrap my head around how a man I'd just met could know exactly what I needed and when I needed it from many miles away.

The urge to hear his voice and thank him for this swept over me. Pulling out my phone, I went to his contact and pressed call. He could have very well been in surgery still, but I had to try. The phone rang four times before going to the voicemail. I sighed, deciding on sending him a selfie of me in my new library instead. I captioned it, enjoying my self-care date, and pressed send. Grabbing the bottle of wine and the glass off the table, I poured myself a drink. Snuggling up into the chair, I pulled a book off the shelf closest to me and cracked it open. I didn't get far before my phone started vibrating in my lap. Seeing London's name flash across the screen, I swiped to answer the video call.

"Hey," I greeted him as he came into view looking fine as hell in his white coat.

"How are you enjoying your date?" His deep voice sailed into the phone. "You look beautiful."

I smiled. "It's perfect. How did you do this, and when?"

"A magician never reveals his secret." He smirked, causing me to giggle.

"This was a magic trick because I didn't see not one book get carried into this room."

"I'm glad you were surprised."

"I was; thank you. You didn't have to do any of this. I'm very grateful." I stared into the screen as he moved around what appeared to be his office. London had to be the finest doctor practicing. The way he could pull off scrubs and street attire was the sexiest thing on this planet.

"I read somewhere that healing begins with self-love. An important piece of self-love is being comfortable alone. You comfortable, Chocolate?" He plopped down in a chair behind his desk.

"Very!" I pulled the phone back so he could see how I was lounging in the chair. I watched as he bit into his bottom lip. His eyes were locked on me.

"You know you"re fucking beautiful." It was more of a statement than a question.

"I do," I boasted. London's face lit up, and he broke into laughter.

"Oh, you cocky now, huh? Must be them silk pajamas."

My mouth fell open.

"Yep, my inner Chili coming out," I joked back. "No for real… I have you to thank for this newfound confidence. So, thank you." I blew a kiss into the phone.

"Nah, Chocolate, this is all you. I'm just holding your hand remember?" He referenced the note that he'd put in the self-care book.

"And I appreciate every moment. This is perfect." There weren't enough words to express how thankful I was for everything London was doing for me. He was truly heaven-sent.

"You"re perfect." He shot back. At this point, I was smiling so hard my face hurt. A knock on his door sounded, and I could see the change in his demeanor. He was going back into doctor mode. "I have to get back to work, Chocolate. Sleepover again tonight?" He was referring to how we had fallen asleep on the phone last night. I'd been pissed at him, but it all seemed to fade. Whatever this was, whatever we were doing, I was going to lean into it fully. There was no chance that God had made a mistake sending this man into my life.

"Yes, just make sure your weekly whore is canceled this time." I giggled, but I was serious.

"Everybody been canceled, Chocolate." His voice was firm, and the smile that was plastered on his face had me speechless. This was the second time he expressed dropping everyone for me, and it made my heart swell. The knock on his office door sounded again, making him stand from his desk.

"Enjoy your date."

"I will!" I replied, waving goodbye as I disconnected the call.