Love Don't Cost a Thing (7 page)

“Yes, I’m up. I got in pretty late from the job.”

“I know how it is. Don’t be late for work. I want to see you there on time, mister.”

“Babe, when are we going to move in together?”

Monica took a deep breath. “Colin, I’m not ready for that yet. You said I could take my time.”

“I know, but we’ve been engaged for four months now,” he reminded.

“Yes we have, four wonderful months even though you’re still splurging and buying me everything I don’t want or need. You also said that you would slow down on the spending.”

“I like nice things and I enjoy buying my woman nice things.”

“That’s all well and good, but besides that, you said that I could take as long as I need to if I said yes to your proposal. And what was my answer?”

“You said yes, Moe.”

“So there you have it. Babe, I’m not going anywhere and I do love you, but I need to do this in my time.”

“From this point on I promise I won’t say another word until you tell me that you’re ready to seal our commitment.”

“Good. Oh, by the way, my sister is coming to visit me. Can you swing by the airport today around one p.m. and pick her up? I haven’t seen her in over a year now.”

“Sure, but you never told me her name. And how will I know it’s her?”

“Her name is Leah London and she looks like me. If you want to be technical, I look like her. She’s the oldest. Make a sign with her name on it. I’ll let her know to look for the sign.”

“How long is she staying?”

“I think for a week, maybe longer.”

“If she stays longer you can let her stay at your place and you stay with me.”

“Colin, the whole point of her coming to the States is to see me and spend some time with me.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Well, it’s always an option for you. I’ll see you later.”

“Fine babe, you have a great day.”

“You too, later.”

****

Colin left work at about twelve thirty to head to Denver International Airport. He drove in his black, four door Porsche.

I guess I have to get used to sharing her. I can’t have all of her time. Come on Colin, this is about to be your sister-in-law… it’s only a week… I just wish we could get married already.

Traffic held him up a little, causing him to be a few minutes late. He jumped out the car and ran with the sign in his hand. He stood at the arrival terminal holding up the sign,
Leah London.

Colin heard someone calling from behind. He turned around and saw Leah walking up to him. “Hello there, you must be Colin? I saw you with the sign when I was coming down the escalator.”

“Yes, I am. And I take it that you’re Leah?”

“Yes, nice to meet you, Colin. And thanks for picking us up.”

“Us?” Colin asked puzzled.

Leah pointed to the baggage area. “Yes, my friend Justin and his friend Preston are also with me. I hope you don’t mind. They’re retrieving our bags.”

Colin felt stunned. “No, no, I don’t mind,” he responded hesitantly.

“Good, because I know Moe would really want to see this guy,” Leah stated as she pointed towards Preston at the baggage belt. Preston grinned back.

What?
Colin gasped.

Colin quickly glanced over Justin and Preston. It was enough for him to gain a surface surveillance of two male subjects he knew nothing of. Justin, a white male with black curly hair and a medium build, six feet even at the most with a beard and mustache, and grey eyes. Preston, who was more of his concern because Leah said that Moe would really want to see him. Preston was six-one and looked educated. He had reddish brown hair, a clean shave, was well dressed, and had green eyes. Colin felt concerned.

More importantly, why didn’t Moe tell me they would be with Leah as well?

Colin led them to the garage where his car was parked. He hit the automatic unlock switch and the trunk of the car raised up. The men loaded the trunk with their luggage. Leah and Colin got in the car.

“Leah, why would Moe want to see Preston?” Colin inquired.

“Oh, Moe didn’t tell you about Preston? He’s her BFF. Is she home waiting for us?”

No. Moe didn’t tell me about the BFF.
“Hm. No, she’s still at work. She wanted me to drop you off and let you into her condo.”

“That’s fine. I’ll wait for her. That’ll also give us time to unwind and take a shower.”

“Alright, I’ll let Moe know that you all are settled in when I get back to the office.”

“Thanks again, Colin.”

****

Colin stopped at Monica’s office after work before she left for home, and knocked on her door.

“Yes. Come in.”

He entered. “Hi.”
“Hey, I tried to call you around one, but you didn’t answer your phone. You probably still had it on silent.”

“Oh, yeah. I got your missed call, but as soon as I got back, the Director called me into his office. I think something is brewing.”

“What do you mean?”

“I can’t really say, but we’re getting a lot of briefing and even still they’re not telling us everything just yet.”

“You think something is going down soon. I don’t know, but you know how they are. This can go on for months on end.”

“Yeah, that’s true.”

Colin walked over to Monica to give her a hug and kiss. She welcomed his affection.

“I missed you today.”

“Likewise, babe. I had a rough day today too. How’s my sister.”

“She’s good and was getting settled in when I left her.”

“Good, that’s good, I can’t wait to see her.”

“Anyway, Moe, before we leave I have a question for you.”

“Shoot.” She laughed. “I like saying that.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Monica walked behind her desk and sat down, and Colin took a seat in the single chair next to it.

“Come on, spill the beans so we can get out of here. What is it?”

“Moe, who is Preston and why didn’t you ever mentioned him?”

“Preston is a good friend. Actually, he was my best friend for a long time. Why? How do you know about him?”

“He’s here with your sister along with Justin.”

Monica jumped to the edge of her seat and screamed. “Ah, really? Shut up! I don’t believe it.”

Look at her, she is glowing and ecstatic. Is there more to this Preston?
“Why didn’t you mention that he was coming or that he was your best friend?”

“Colin, I didn’t know that Lele…”

“Wait, who’s Lele?”

“Lele is Leah. That’s what I used to call her. And have you shared everything about your past with me, Colin? No, you haven’t.”

“Hold on, babe, I was about to say no I haven’t. But I thought we had time to share and now things are coming out all at once at me.”

“No, it’s not. And nothing has come out at you at all. This is my family and if we are going to be together, you have to make them your family.”

“I hear what you’re saying and I don’t have a problem with that.”

“Honest, babe, I didn’t know they were coming with her. I wouldn’t keep anything from you like that. What sense does that make? And I have nothing to hide from you.”

Colin took a deep breath to swallow the lump he was feeling rise up in his throat.

“Are there any or were there ever any feelings between you and Preston? Should I be concerned about him?”

“No and no, sweetie, not at all. I’m wearing your ring. Like I said, we’re just friends.”

“When we get there, I would like you to introduce me as your fiancé. I will follow you home.” Colin planted a wet, heated kiss on her lips, thrusting his tongue deep into her mouth, reminding her of his claim and stake.

I hope she really is being honest with me and herself. No, I trust her. All these vultures around here and she never gave me a reason not to trust her with them. But that Preston better watch himself, or I will. I definitely don’t have confidence in him. He looks like he’s up to something.

They both left to go to Monica’s condo.

****

Colin noticed Monica’s eagerness as they were coming up the elevator. He grabbed her hand to hold on to it.

“This elevator is so slow. I can’t wait to see my sister.” She withdrew her hand to remove her gloves.

No hand holding, that’s fine.

Monica unlocked the door and grabbed Colin’s hand again as they entered the condo.

“Hello, I’m home! Where’s everyone?”

Leah, Justin, and Preston greeted Monica and Colin at the door.

“Moe, we’re so glad to see you. I miss you sissy! Aw!” Leah yelled as she hugged her sister tight.

Colin slanted his eyes as he watched Preston’s actions. Preston’s eyes met Colin’s as he refrained from hugging Monica. She then bypassed Leah and ran to Preston and gave him a hug and a kiss on his cheek.

Colin cleared his throat and waited.

Monica broke from her embrace with Preston. “I’m sorry, babe. Everyone, this is Colin. I know he picked you up from the airport, but I just wanted to properly introduce you. He’s my fiancé.”

“Moe, girl, I must say, you have very good taste in men, just like your big sis. Did you two have any plans for tonight? Come, sissy, come sit next to me.”

Monica went and sat next to Leah, and Colin sat in the single arm chair where he could monitor everyone’s behavior. He was quiet as he studied the environment and everyone’s behavior. They all were reminiscing about their past.

She looks so happy, but is it because of her sister or Preston? I see Preston watching me as if he’s completely conscious of what he’s doing in front of me. If he touches her, I’ll smash that dick’s head!

Colin’s cell phone went off. “Excuse me.” He got up and went into the kitchen for some privacy, but still keeping everyone in plain view.

“Hello?”

“Colin. This is Neil. I’m calling from the Bureau.”

“I knew that it was the Bureau because of the extension. What’s up?”

“The Director wanted me to get you and a couple of the Agents to come down and go over some new evidence we just received. I can’t say too much over the phone. Come now.”

“Will do, Neil. I’m on my way.”

“Moe, can I talk to you for a minute please?” Colin requested as he walked to the door. Monica followed him out.

“What is it? Are you leaving?”

“Yes, I got called back to work. I wish I didn’t have to leave. I’ll call you tonight, afterwards.”

“Oh, alright. But is everything OK?”

“You seem to be giving Preston a lot of attention.”

“I was talking about the job.” Monica snarled.

“Oh, ah, yeah. That’s what I meant to say. Yeah, yeah. Everything is fine. You go and spend time with your family. Like I said, I’ll call you tonight.”

Colin walked back to the living room.

“Good night, everyone. I’ll try to stop back by here, but I have to go now.” He turned to Monica who was standing beside him and planted another deep kiss on her lips, then left.

****

Colin walked into his office. He found Neil sitting there waiting for him.

“Were you waiting long?”

“No, I wasn’t. I used the spare key you keep over the door post to get in.”

“Yeah, remind me to hide it somewhere else.”

“What’s up with you? You’re not yourself. You seem down in the dumps.”

“I don’t know if I’m going to be much help to you tonight. Dude, my head is spinning with all these thoughts!”

“What thoughts? Women? That’s normal dude, shit, you’re a man. That’s what we do!” Neil grabbed ahold of his manhood as he boasted.

“Stop playing needle dick, I’m serious!”

“Bro, come on, don’t insult me like that. You’ll mess up my image saying things like that. Tell me what’s on your mind. I may be of some assistance.”

“It’s Moe.”

“Don’t tell me she wants out!”

“No. She’s not talking like that now, but…”

“But what? Come on, Colin. Say what’s on your mind, bud! How can I help you if you’re only going to tell bits and pieces?”

Maybe this is stupid and I should forget about it. I can’t. I got to talk to someone before I explode.

“Moe’s sister, Leah, is here from Africa.”

“And…”

“And she brought guests with her, her fiancé and…”

“And?”

“And Moe’s best friend who happens to be a dude. Bro, she never even mentioned him, not once. If they are best friends, shouldn’t his name have surfaced at least once during our conversations?”

“It would seem so. And that definitely doesn’t sound good. So, does she have feelings and shit for him or something?”

“That’s what I thought. I just have this feeling about the dude. I don’t trust him.”

“What did she say?”

“She said they’re just friends and that I haven’t shared everything either.”

Colin got up and began to pace the office floor scratching his head. He stopped dead in his tracks to look at Neil, waiting for some suggestions.

“I’m your best friend and she knows that. Other than that you have nothing else to share except your family. Does she know about that?”

“She does.”

“Come on, Colin. I see you two together all the time and anybody can see you two are in love with each other. You have to trust her if you want her.”

“I know, but what if that rat-face cunt came here to try to get a chance with her?”

“Well you know how to handle yourself. While you were there did you give him the superior stare and look him up and down, giving him gestures to let him know not to tread on your turf?”

“I did, but she’s not all mine yet, not until she says I do.”

“You should’ve pissed on his leg, I would’ve.”

“No, bro, we’re above that. But I do have to admit it would’ve felt good beating the snot out of him. Then again, we’re agents. We have to be professional on and off duty.”

“Yeah, you’re right, but he would’ve understood then. What’s the hold up in the marriage department anyway? You have to encourage her.”

Colin banged his fist on his desk. “What the hell do you think I’ve been doing, Neil! She keeps saying I’m rushing her.”

“Easy big guy. Don’t pop a blood vessel on my account. I’m just trying to help.”

Neil got up and moved his seat further away from Colin. Colin covered his face as he fell back into his office chair.

“Ugh! I hate this shit. As soon as things are perfect some shithead comes around to fuck it up. It never fails.”