Rituals for Love (9781476761893) (9 page)

Dru smirked. “Fourteen months.”

“Long engagements have their perks.”

I regarded my brother and thought Dru had her hands full.

Terrence tossed the conversation to Cain. “We didn't get a chance to talk at Jade's party. What's good?”

Cain looked at me. “Did you share the news?”

All eyes quickly focused on me. “Not yet.”

My mother eagerly asked, “What news?”

What a way for Cain to phrase a question. They probably thought we were engaged or I was pregnant. I swiftly put their speculation to an end. “Cain and I are opening a spa and eatery together.”

My mother relaxed in her seat.

“You guys are making moves,” my brother said.

“Your sister created an incredible business plan. We would've been crazy not to move on it.”

“Actually, he surprised me for my birthday with keys to the property in Manhattan.”

“That's some gift, Cain. That'll be hard to top in the future.” My mother stood and patted Cain on the shoulder on her way out of the room. “Let me check on dinner.”

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Where's the building?”

“It's in SoHo,” Cain answered.

“And it'll have a spa and a restaurant?”

I explained my vision to my family. I was still in disbelief that it was soon to be a reality. I would be the owner of two businesses. How many people wanted to start a business but hadn't taken the leap for whatever reason? And here I was taking the leap once more. “We have our work cut out for us, but we're convinced it'll be worth it.”

“What's the name of the spa?”

“Genesis,” I said.

“Your daughter came up with that name.”

“He didn't ask all of that, Cain.”

“I was just mentioning it in case he was curious.”

“That's the second comment you've made about the name of the business. If you don't like it, then just say so.”

“I told you I'm fine with it.”

“That's what you said, but I'm starting to think otherwise.”

“You didn't collaborate or decide jointly on the name?” That was Terrence.

“Don't start, Terrence, unless you want to revisit Egypt.”

He put his hands up in surrender.

“Remember what was just said about compromise, Jade and Cain,” my father interjected. “It applies to relationships and business.”

“We know, Dad. We have a lot of decisions to make
together
. We've already met with the lawyer, and we're meeting with the contractor tomorrow.”

“I know you kids know what you're doing. Whenever you're ready, I'd love to see Genesis.” That was the architect in my father wanting to check out the building.

“Of course. Jade and I can take you by there.”

“I'll tag along if you don't mind.” I knew Architect Jr. couldn't resist.

“We'll pick a date that works for everyone in the next couple of weeks,” I said.

“Jade,” my mother shouted from the kitchen, “I need you to come set the table.”

“Excuse me.” I jumped up. “Mom needs me.”

J
ade and I held hands as we walked through Genesis with the contractor, Hal Moss. It was her first time seeing the inside space. Excitement glimmered in her eyes. Hal had his clipboard and a voice recorder. He wrote down some things and recorded others.

Jade leaned in and spoke quietly to me. “I can't believe this space is in such great condition.”

“That's because the company that owned the space filed for bankruptcy. It was an upscale men's clothier.”

“I was expecting it to be ravaged inside.”

I chuckled. “Our renovation shouldn't be too difficult.”

We continued the walk-through, informing Hal of our expectations for the spa. We discussed our requirements from top to bottom: the reception area, lounge and locker rooms, spa service rooms, salon area, and restrooms. Jade went into overdrive as we discussed the restaurant and kitchen. She made sure he was clear on every detail.

“I'll run the numbers and will have a proposal for you in a few days,” Hal said.

We shook hands and I led Hal to the exit. Jade was wandering the space when I returned.

She turned to face me as I approached.

“So what do you think?” I asked.

“I have no words.”

“Come on, give me just a few.”

“I love it.”

“I can tell.”

“This space is absolutely spectacular. I can envision exactly how it should look.”

“Do you have any concerns?”

“My only possible concern is that they get the kitchen design right.”

“Don't worry about that. Hal is one of the best and his team is extremely talented. When I walked him to the door, he said he thinks he could get the job done in six to eight weeks.”

“That quick? How's that possible?”

“He's one of the best and I told him you're a real taskmaster that likes to crack the whip.”

“You didn't!”

“Of course not.” I kissed her on the lips. “I told him that he needs to do everything in his power to make my lady's dream come true. He has two teams. That means two shifts.”

“Did he mention how much this is going to cost?”

“You heard him. He'll have the proposal in a few days.”

She pulled away from me. “Two teams on one job is expensive. Cain, we need to revisit our discussion about financing Genesis.”

“What about it?”

“As an equal partner, I intend to contribute capital to this venture. And, for me, that will require traditional financing.”

“Absolutely not. Borrowing money we don't need doesn't make good business sense.”

She gave me a look I couldn't read. “If you're providing all of the capital, then this is your business.”

“We're equal partners, Jade. We completed the legal documents that declared it last week.”

“You know what I mean, Cain.”

“I know you want me to ascribe to what you're saying, but I don't agree. I don't know what else I can say to assure you that this is your business as much as it is mine. We have so much more to do than split hairs over this. Please stop worrying about financing.” I knew her well enough to know that she was still thinking about it. I hoped she understood my position. There was no reason for us to take money and pay interest on it. I grabbed her hand. “You want to walk through again before we leave?”

It took a moment, but eventually she nodded and the smile returned to her face. “We can do that.”

I would've thought that Jade understood that I would do virtually anything for her. I was investing in our future. Maybe I hadn't positioned Genesis in that way to her, but I wouldn't even consider going into business with a woman I was involved with if I didn't believe that we had a future together. I trusted Jade. I trusted her as my woman, friend and confidante. It was icing on the cake that I trusted her business savvy. It was her business acumen that was making her push back on my investing the capital. I understood it. I needed her to understand she didn't need to be concerned. It was her idea, her business plan, and she would be instrumental in every facet of the business. When I said we were equal partners, I meant it. I wouldn't have any power to make decisions that she didn't have. Hell, I trusted her to make decisions on my behalf. Not because I loved her, but because she was just that damn smart. We were about to embark on something monumental. The fact that I was putting up the capital should not be the cause of our first partner dispute.

Jade and I had never discussed my personal finances, but maybe it was time that I let her know that this investment was well within my means. That was the only reason I insisted on using my own capital. I could agree to her contributing her money to our investment, but why should she invest her savings? Traditional financing was out of the question. I hoped that once she was actively involved with the renovation decisions and hiring staff, she'd realize how much of a contribution she was actually making.

I led her through Genesis. “Do you want to snap some before pictures?”

“That's a good idea. I can't wait for the after.”

“It won't be long. Hal is stickler for finishing jobs on time.”

Jade fished her phone from her purse and started taking pictures. She stood next to me and took a selfie of us. She puckered her lips and snapped another photo. I pulled her close and kissed her. She kept taking pictures. I stepped back and laughed.

She scrolled through her shots. “Look at us.”

My hand cradled her head, our eyes were closed and lips touching. “Send me that one.”

Jade linked her arm through mine and started toward the door to leave. “We make a good team. I pray that we're just as good together as business partners.”

“We'll be
great
together, partner. You'll see.”

W
e ran side-by-side through Eisenhower Park. The humidity was low and gray clouds blotted out the sun. It felt more like a fall day rather than late summer.

“I don't know why I agreed to come out here,” Milan said, through huffs.

“Probably because you canceled on me for our workout at least three times in the past month.”

“We could've gone to the gym like we usually do.”

“No, we needed this. You needed this. No pain, no gain.”

I enjoyed running. Milan not so much. I used to run regularly with Bryce, but that felt like a lifetime ago. Most of the time I avoided running in Eisenhower Park just to prevent bumping into him. It used to be “our” park. I wasn't positive that he was still running there, but I didn't want to take any chances. I could only hope with the amount of time that had passed since our break-up that he had finally moved on. If he hadn't that would be a shock. He wasn't the most faithful when we were together, so I found it hard to imagine that he hadn't found someone else to be with by now. There were times I wanted to inquire with Bria, however, it would serve no purpose to open a can of worms that I wouldn't be able to close. I'd ask her about him, she'd tell him I'd asked, he'd send a message to me, and the next thing I'd know Bryce would
be ringing my doorbell. I wasn't going to risk any part of that scenario taking place. I'd rather wonder to myself once in a blue moon and be thankful that I was out of that toxic relationship.

After my relationship with Bryce, my life could have taken quite a different turn. I wasn't looking to start anything new with anyone. I wanted to work through the hurt and pain, and when I was ready, maybe begin to date again. But no, thanks to Milan, I jumped right in. Technically, I had gone from one relationship to the next. It wasn't planned. I started dating Cain and there hadn't been anyone else since. I wondered out loud. “Is it strange that I went from one relationship to the next? I mean, Bryce and I broke up and the next thing you know I'm in a relationship with Cain.”

“Where did that come from?” Milan replied, on an exhale.

“I was just thinking. The lake is coming up. Let's take a break.” We slowed our run and began to walk as we neared the lake. I sat on the ledge next to the stairs at Veterans Memorial.

Milan plopped down next to me. “What were you saying?”

“I asked if it was weird that I jumped from Bryce to Cain.”

“I don't think whether it's weird is the issue. In my opinion, the heart wants what the heart wants.”

“But I never took time to be by myself.”

“Who said you needed to be by yourself after a relationship?”

“Milan, you know all the stuff I went through with Bryce.”

“Yes, I do. I also know that Cain was then, and is now, good for you.”

“You don't think I should have spent some time alone and then maybe dated a bit before getting into a relationship?”

“There's no rule book when it comes to love. You dated Cain. You just didn't date anyone else and there's nothing wrong with that. You're happy, aren't you?”

“I am.”

“Then where is this coming from?”

“Nowhere really. I was running and started thinking about how Bryce and I used to run here. And one thought led to the next.”

“You're sure everything is okay with you and Cain?”

“Yes.”

Milan raised an eyebrow, making me laugh.

“Honestly, we're fine,” I said, with a chuckle.

“You have the perfect guy and you're wondering if you should have taken time for yourself after that nutcase, Bryce. Girl, I can't with you.”

“I was only asking if you thought it was strange that I—”

“I know what you're asking.
It
wasn't strange, but
you
sound crazy.” She started laughing. “You have a great guy and you're wondering about being alone and dating. I don't know about you sometimes.”

“Whatever, Lan.”

“I'm kidding with you but, seriously, it doesn't matter how soon you two became a couple. It's working, it's been working, and you need to stop reflecting on the past.”

“It wasn't that deep. The thought crossed my mind and I asked your opinion.”

“So there aren't any guys out there asking you on dates?”

“You and I both get asked out on dates all the time.”

“Those requests fall on deaf ears. After Nolan and I got back together, I wouldn't consider anybody asking me out.”

“Neither do I. Omar was flirting with me at dinner the other night. I don't pay that any attention.”

“Omar?”

“Don't give me that look.”

She put her hand on her hip. “When did you see Omar?”

“Almost two weeks ago.”

“And you're only mentioning it now? Look at you keeping secrets.”