Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE

Reaching over to shut off my alarm, I stretched out feeling sleepy and tired. I didn’t sleep much last night too many things running through my head.  It was seven thirty in the morning and I had to get up and get ready for work. I dragged myself out of bed and walked over to my closet yawning noisily. Thank God it was Friday and I could dress down.  I rummaged through my hangers and found my favorite pair of dark blue, Seven brand jeans.  Hmm, what color top should I wear? I found a white cotton tank top and a red blazer with three quarter length sleeves to layer over it.  Reaching down I grabbed my white strappy wedge shoes. I found my lacy white bra and thong set by La Perla to make me feel sexy.  The finishing touch of my outfit would be my big hoop with rhinestones earrings and a silver long length necklace with a butterfly pendant.

After laying out my outfit on my bed I walked in to the shower and turned the water on hot. Taking off my nightgown I hung it on the hook behind my door. I stepped in to my hot shower and let the warmth of the water engulf me. I took my shampoo and squirt some on my head, massaging my scalp and releasing the smell of a flowery meadow.  Hot showers always relax me. I let my head fall back so I could rinse out all the soapsuds out. Once I was satisfied I applied my conditioner and reached over for my body wash and loofa so I could scrub my body clean. Washing my body reminded me I had a waxing appointment today at three PM.  I had to be smooth all over for Saturday night. Finishing up my shower I grabbed my white fluffy towel and towel dried the water suds that had formed on my skin. I dressed and then returned to my bathroom to blow dry my hair.  I was going to leave it down for the day.  I applied my makeup wearing brown smoky eyes and bronzer instead of blush. I wanted to give myself a golden glow.

I arrived at my office a little before nine. I walked straight to my office and turned on my computer and then went to the break room to fix myself a cup of coffee.  I was going to need it if I was going to make it through this morning’s meeting.  I ran in to Yousef, my boss.  He is from Iran and in his early thirties.  He started young in the mortgage industry and has become very successful. He has the brightest blue eyes, and beautiful olive colored skin. “Good Morning Yousef, ready for today’s meeting?” I asked, making small talk while we both fixed our coffees. “Yes, Alessandra. I’m waiting for Joann to print out the handouts so we can see where we are this month and how close we are to meeting this month’s goals.” He said, taking a sip of his coffee. “I believe you and Robert are neck to neck for top producer this month” winking at me, he walked out of the break room.

I walked back to my office to gather a note pad and a pen for notes.  The meeting would be starting shortly.  I knew I had at least ten more closings that were a sure thing for this month therefore securing me top producer this month.  I only hoped that Yousef would take this in consideration and possibly give me a promotion when he did our quarterly reviews.

The meeting had ended almost two hours later and it was getting close to lunch time.  I wasn’t going to be taking lunch today since I would be leaving early for my waxing appointment.  I fixed myself a sandwich from the stuff I kept in the office fridge and ate at my desk. Today had been quiet, I hadn’t heard from Rose, Abel or John even though I didn’t expect to hear from him.  I decided to text Rose.

*Leaving in thirty minutes to waxing appointment, what are you up to today*

She replied immediately *really busy at work, have a few deadlines to meet* she text back. I decided on leaving her alone and finished answering some emails I had before I left for the day. I stared out of the window and let my mind wonder. Daydreaming about how Saturday would be and what Abel and I would do once we saw each other again.

Karina and I arrived home about seven in the evening.  I had taken her to eat and play at Chuck e Cheese’s. “Well honey, what should we do now” I asked as I sat her down on the couch.  “Mommy… I.. I want to watch Aladdin” she said clapping her hands enthusiastically. “Okay, honey let me get our blanket and put the movie on.” I told her walking toward the DVD player and putting on Karina’s favorite movie.  We watched this movie at least four times a week. I brought the blanket and draped it over Karina. I needed a drink, wandering over to the kitchen I served myself a glass of moscato, grabbing a plastic bowl I put in some rinsed grapes for Karina to snack on while we enjoyed the movie.

Halfway through the movie Karina had fallen asleep and I was still watching Aladdin trying to convince princess Jazmin that he would be a great suitor. If only I could find a prince like him. Sighing I reached for the remote and was deathly browsing the channels when my smartphone beeped, it was an email message from Abel.

From: Abel Price

Subject: Hello

Date: March 22, 2013

To: Alessandra M. White



Hello Babe,

I was just writing to make sure you had a better day. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow, three years is too long to have last seen you.  All the details are set for your birthday celebration.  I have reserved the main VIP area for you and your guest. Per your request there will be three bottles of Grey Goose with an assortment of juices to mix with and two bottles of Armand de Brignac for the champagne. The club will be hosting that champagne for the night. I can serve something else if you’d prefer?

Abel, XOXO

He’s thought of everything. I’ve never had that champagne, but I’m sure he would make a good choice knowing I would be celebrating my birthday. I have to call Rose tomorrow and tell her what Abel has planned. I type a response to his email.

From: Alessandra M. White

Subject: FW: Hello

Date: March 22, 2013

To: Abel Price



Hey Abel,

I did manage to have a better day. The breakup didn’t really affect me, if anything I feel as if a great weight has been lifted. Whatever you decide for the champagne is fine with me. The Grey Goose is a must since it’s our poison of choice. LOL.

Anyhow, I am also excited to see you. Have a good night!

Best,

Alessandra

I hit send and a small smile spreads across my face. I can’t help the excitement I feel that I’m going to see Abel again. The last time we saw each other was three years ago when Karina was born.  Abel had come to meet my daughter. I had this plan of moving out of state since I felt I needed ground between Karina’s father and me. Back then being a single mother frightened me. I had called Abel out of despair and needed something familiar in my too new life and just to catch up on how life was going for the both of us.  He had been determined to at least come and say good-bye when he failed to convince me that running away wouldn’t change anything. He hadn’t stayed long. He had shown me a picture of his daughter and at the time the picture of his girlfriend and baby momma. She was pretty I thought absently. Then that fast he had gone. 

Karina’s cry snapped me out of my musing. “Come on darling’ it’s time for bed” I whispered as I stooped down to pick her up and carry her to her room.  Setting her down on her crib I took her shoes off and set them on the wardrobe. I pulled her pajamas out and changed her in to them. Pulling her blanket over her I bent over the crib railing and gave her a kiss on her forehead. “Sweet dreams honey” I said, turning on her night light and monitor. I stepped out of her room and closed the door.

Walking down the hall to my room I decided to go read a bit before I went to sleep, but first I quickly peeled myself out of my jeans, tank top and bra and tossed them in my hamper. I want to be comfortable I thought as I pulled a big t-shirt from my drawers. I grabbed my book and sat on the dark brown leather chase lounge I had by the window. I drew the blinds slightly open so the moonlight could peek through. I had the perfect view of my room. I had opted for a dark mahogany four poster canopy bed with intricate carvings and top grain leather padding on the headboard with the beautifully carved brass canopy that I fell in love with.  The set had matching nightstands, a dresser with an intricately carved round mirror that hung from the wall and an armoire that discreetly held my flat screen TV. I had a solid red Egyptian cotton bed spread with black and red pillows that carried over the color scheme from my living room. I had bought a king size bed, why? I had no clue as obviously I didn’t share it with anyone. Thank God I had never brought John to my place therefore my room hadn’t been ruined with unwanted memories of our relationship.  Putting my book down, I walked over to my night stand and lit my lavender scented candle. I returned back to my chase and read until I couldn’t keep my eyes opened anymore.  Blowing out the candle and turning off the lights I slipped in to my bed and immediately fell in to a deep sleep.



Since I had become a mother there was no such thing as sleeping in. Karina was up by seven. I could hear her gibbering with her doll through the monitor. I got up and put on some pajama pants before heading over to get her from her room.

“Are you hungry sweetie?” I asked setting her down in the living room and turning on the television to the Disney channel for her to watch. I decide on making her favorite breakfast, scrambled eggs with ham and pancakes.

I was busy in the kitchen when the apartment’s intercom buzzed.  Setting the pancake mix bowl down I sauntered over to answer “Yes, may I help you” I said in to the speaker “Ma’am I have a delivery for you from a Mr. Price.” said a disembodied voice. “I will buzz you in, I’m in the second floor apartment 214.”I informed the messenger. I went to turn down the heat of the stove and remove the last pancake from the pan while I waited for the messenger to arrive at the door.

There were two timid knocks at the door. “Mommy, mommy the door” said Karina. “I know honey, I will get it now” I called out to her as I skipped toward the door.  Checking the peep hole I ensured it was the messenger then unlocking the deadbolt I opened the door. He had a large white box with a large lavender colored bow. “He handed it to me along with his clipboard to sign for it.  I set the box down on my entry table. I quickly signed and returned his clipboard. “Thank you” I said. Giddy with excitement I closed the door behind me. Clutching the box to me I just about pranced to my couch. I set the box on my coffee table so I could open it and see what it was.

Karina bounced off the couch, “Mommy you got a present?” she cried. “Yes, honey mommy’s got a present. Let’s see what it is okay” I told her. “I want to open it” she pouted. “Alright, pull the bow here” I instructed her. Losing interest with the bow, Karina returned to the couch and began watching her cartoons.  I finished untying the bow and opened the box, I found inside a delicate, champagne color sheath cocktail dress with rhinestones all over. I low V-neck line and long sleeves with delicate rhinestones too.  And a pair of matching Christian Louboutin Daffodile Pumps. “AAAAAHHHH!” I squealed, I have been wanting these shoes forever. How did he know?!? At the very bottom I found a note from Abel that read:

Alessandra,

I hope you didn’t already have something to wear tonight; I would love for you to wear this tonight.

Happy Birthday!

Abel, XOXO

PS: The limo will pick you up at 8:00 PM

I swooned, I was so excited. I placed everything back in to the box and went to finish up with breakfast.  Once Karina and I finished with our breakfast I went to shower Karina and pack her overnight bag, Grandma would be picking her up in a while for them to head to the park. And I would be seeing Abel again…I guess I couldn’t continue to evade destiny any longer.