Loving My Fiancé’s Sister, page 7
I don’t make it far before I run into my ex walking alongside his new victim.
“Willow… I mean, Ms. Daniels, good morning.” I so desperately want to sneer, but I know I can’t because he is our school principal.
“Good morning Mr. Johnson.” I nod in his direction and try to scurry away only to be stopped in my tracks.
“Ms. Daniels, do you mind coming to my office after school?” Uggghhhhhh! I don’t want to!
“Oh, sure, I don’t mind.” When he smiles and licks his lips, I feel my stomach bottom out and nearly lose my appetite for the donuts I was just craving a second ago.
“Great, see you then.” Walking off, I hear the new teacher start laughing, and I roll my eyes. When I make it to my room, I lock my door and dig into my delicious donuts, grateful that they are still warm and start texting Bailey.
By the time I’m done, I only have enough time to go to the bathroom and get the kids just in time for the next lunch bell. The rest of the class, I run through my lesson plan without any problems then send them off at the end of the day. Though as the last little one is released to their parents, I groan, thinking about going over to Jermaine’s office. I hope he’s not trying to harass me after the things he’s put me through in our relationship.
Annoyed and ready for a verbal altercation, I knock on Jermaine’s door and wait for him to allow me in. I thought he’d be a while because he’s never prompt about anything.
“Who is it?”
“Willow.”
To my surprise, he opens the door with not only urgency but with a wide smile.
“Willow! Just the woman I was waiting on. Why don’t you have a seat? Would you like a bottle of water?” I frown, confused at his hospitality. What in the world?
“No, thank you. I’m fine. Is something the matter with my class or a student?” He takes a seat after unbuttoning his suit jacket then turns to look at me with admiration.
“No, there is no problem at all. I wanted to personally thank you for speaking with your family about the budget cuts we were experiencing here.” Huh? “I know you always cared a lot about this school and the kids here, which is why we never worked out, but still, I never knew you’d ask your brother-in-law to donate to our cause. You must love it here, and though I saw it as a negative before, I can appreciate a woman with a goal and passion. How about you allow me to take you to dinner tonight that way we can discuss where you can have the money sent and why don’t you invite your brother-in-law and sister out as well. It can be a double date. I know I heard wrong.
“Wait, aren’t you getting things twisted? First, we are not together, so there will be no date, not now and not ever. Second, what do you mean donation and brother-in-law?”
“No need for modestly Willow, I know you did this so we can get back together.” He stood up and came around his desk then dared to grab my hand to pull me up, but I swat it away, shaking my head vigorously.
“Do something like that again and I’ll file a sexual harassment complaint against you. I SAID that’s NEVER going to happen, SIR.” He sneered at me, shoving his hands in his pockets, then backed away.
“Whatever. Anyway, thanks. Dismissed, Ms. Daniels.”
Stomping from the office, I go to my classroom and gather my belongings. I run out of the building mind in a tailspin, unsure what to think. When my bus finally stops, I get on and take my seat, placing my headphones in my ear. There must be some type of mistake. Bennet doesn’t know anything about me, and he couldn’t have gotten any information from Audrey because she doesn’t keep up with anything involving me. Even if she knew about what I was up too, she’d never tell Bennet because I’m sure she wants to keep us far apart. I snort and look out the window, frustrated and bothered. What in the hell is going on with my life? Since when did it turn into a soap opera?
Once I make it home, I run a bath still fuming about Bennet possibly concerning himself with my affairs until I think about the innocent kids who will benefit from whatever any donation. It had to be a hefty sum for that jackass to react the way he did.
Since the school is in a low-income area, we do not get the same benefits that privately funded schools and facilities get. Unfortunately, the new administration barely gives a shit about the students he’s supposed to be responsible for, so it’s been harder than ever to get funds in the right hands for us teachers to do things for the kids. We used to offer more than essential learning but now can’t afford extra teachers for specialized subjects like a foreign language, music or dance. If teachers want anything extra for their classrooms, be it markers, glue, or construction paper, it comes out of our pockets. It’s not always easy, but when you put the kids first, you do what you can when you can. Yeah, as I thought I shouldn’t mess up a good thing.
If he wants to invade my privacy by asking my family members about me or the worst-case scenario, having a background check done on me, so be it. If it benefits even one child who doesn’t have a guaranteed meal at home, it’s worth it. I’ll just take this donation as compensation for leading me astray.
After thinking everything over, I get out and call Bailey, and we talk about the mess I’ve gotten myself in. She unsurprisingly has my back one thousand ten percent even though I’m in the wrong. She just can’t stand Audrey. We get off the phone when her husband gets home promising to talk tomorrow, and I make my way to the kitchen, where I heat some leftover spaghetti, I made the night before the party, then make a beeline for the living room where I take out a wine bottle from my dry bar.
I poured myself a glass of wine to have with my dinner and turn on the television to further decompress only to pick up my fork and place it back down because my phone starts ringing. Begrudgingly I answer.
“Hello?” I don’t wait for a reply I just shove a tasty forkful of spaghetti into my mouth and do my best to hold back the hum of deliciousness that wants to escape.
“Willow? Hello?” Of course, it’s Audrey. Why didn’t I look at the caller ID?
“Yes, Audrey, what can I do for you?”
“Tsk,” she clicks her tongue in the way she’s always done signaling she’s annoyed “really Willow? Is that how you greet all of your family and friends? It’s no wonder you’re lonely and having to pay male escorts.” Lord, please give me strength.
“Audrey, please, is there a reason for this call?”
“Of course. I’m doing you a favor since you’re uncouth and don’t know any better. You were supposed to call me at some point this weekend to offer your congratulations on my engagement.” I was expecting her to say something full of shit, but this took the cake, making me almost spit out the sip of wine I’d just taken.
“Excuse me? Why exactly would I do that when I did that at your engagement party that I was invited to last minute?”
“Tsk, as my twin, you are supposed to have called and said it on a more personal level, AFTER the party. Instead you, as always make me reach out to you. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were jealous.” She giggles into the phone and I grip it tighter still praying for patience. “It’s okay. I know you are, but don’t worry I’m sure you’ll meet yourself a nice janitor at the school you work for and possibly live paycheck to paycheck ever after.” This time she fully burst out laughing, and my chest tightened.
“AUDREY! WHAT. DO. YOU. WANT?!”
“Oh, calm down Willow, I was only joking about the janitor. Anyway, you shouldn’t be so angry. Men find that repulsive especially coming from a woman of your skin tone. You’ll only attract a gangster or thug who takes pride in putting women like you in their place.” Oh, fuck this! I take my glass and down it in one go. Is she serious? Has she been drinking? Maybe she’s baiting me to whoop her ass one good time so she can tell mother and dad? She’s ridiculous; however, I haven’t been the best sister for popping it for her man, so I’ll let this get on by.
“You’re right, Audrey, and I didn’t mean to be insensitive. Congratulations again on your engagement to Bennett. He seems perfect for you.” Yeah, a bunch of perfect assholes.
“Whatever it’s too late now. I’m calling because mom and I are going to look for dresses this Saturday with my bridesmaids, and Bennet suggested I invite you.”
“Uh… well, I don’t think- I mean, thank you for the offer, but I’ll be busy Saturday so I cannot make it.”
“It’s not like I care if you’re busy or not. I’d rather it just be the wedding party, but since Ben is a needlessly caring family man, he insists that you should join us. He believes I’ll regret not including you.” She snorted. “Though I don’t get it since he’s never cared once about me inviting mother anywhere. Why does he have to threaten to not pay for anything unless you’re there?” She huffed out. “I don’t care if we’re family. This is my wedding, after all, and I should get what I want. But he didn’t back down, so you HAVE to come. That means cancel your mundane plans.” I put my glass down and grab the full bottle chugging. After a few gulps, I set the bottle down on the table, wipe my mouth and sigh. Take one for the team Willow DO NOT ruin your sister’s life and tell her where she can shove that less than half-assed invitation of hers while giving her a play-by-play of her man eating your ass two days prior… no, no, no, don’t do it!
“I guess I have no choice then. Right. Where do I need to be, and by what time? I hope it’s within the bus route because my car isn’t running.”
“The bus? Come on Willow, that’s even beneath you, just rent a car or call one of those car escort services. Honestly, it doesn’t matter how you get there as long as you’re present. You won’t be trying on any other the dresses because the colors I’ve chosen are spring-tone bright, and they won’t look good on your skin tone, so that’s why I simply cannot allow you to be in the wedding party. I hope you understand.” I grit my teeth and hold back tears.
Understood. The time and place if you will?”
“Saturday at eleven o’clock on the dot. We’ll be at the Vera Wang Boutique in Beverly Hills. Please make sure you dress accordingly. This is an upscale boutique I’d appreciate if you didn’t embarrass me with your hideous African attire.” At the end of my rope I don’t say anything at the quip and just keep my mouth closed. “Willow? Hello? Can you hear me?” Still I remain silent. “God, I swear this girl is too broke to pay her phone bill. Why did I have to share a womb with someone like her.” At the sound of the call disconnecting, I drop the phone feeling utterly numb with a loss of appetite. Going into the kitchen, I put away my half-eaten plate of food then march upstairs and head to bed. Tomorrow will be a brighter day. I’m sure.
Willow
The week leading up to today felt like a bad omen. From my allergies bothering me to a few of my babies getting sick and Jermaine constantly trying to hit on me. I knew that today would be no better for today is the equivalent of battling a Dark Souls boss. If I can make it through today, I can make it through anything… maybe.
As I get off the bus and longingly watch it drive off, I take in a deep breath then let it out giving myself a nice little pep talk. I can do this. Today I’m just here to just stand around smile a bit and maybe if I feel up to it, tell Audrey she looks nice in the dress she picks out for herself. Yup! I can do it!
I pump myself up as I walk the last half mile to the boutique they are meeting at, mumbling about how far this place is from my house. If it were closer, I would have taken a car service but the trip from Bennet’s home to my own nearly wiped my account clean. I have just enough to get a car to pick me up without dipping into my savings. I’m not used to spending this much money on such useless things. I really hope my car repairs are done by the time this debacle is over.
Standing in front of the shops, I check the time and see that it's now ten minutes after the designated time I was supposed to be here. Great, I know I'm not going to hear the end of this. I open the door and before I could set one foot in the door I’m greeted by a lovely older woman.
“Good afternoon and welcome to Vera Wang. My name is Gisella. What may I assist you with today?”
“Hello, Gisella, I’m here joining Audrey Daniel’s party. My name is Willow Daniels.” She looks down checking her iPad. When she finds my name, she looks back up with a smile. “Right this way Ms. Daniels.” As she leads me to my sister’s private room, she gives me her business card and proudly explains the history of Vera Wang and how the famous woman started her empire. It was so inspirational to hear and definitely made me want to purchase a wedding dress even though I was nowhere near getting married any time soon.
“These dresses are all so beautiful. I’ve always found myself to be a simpler woman, but I have to admit being here and seeing these extraordinary dresses changed my mind.”
“I indeed understand the feeling. I've been married forty-nine years and I’ve been trying to convince my husband to purchase me one of these beauties for our upcoming vow renewal on our fiftieth wedding anniversary. I believe I’ve definitely earned it putting up with him for that long!” She laughs, winking at me. “The old coot hasn't budged yet, but I can tell I’m wearing him down.” We laugh as she as she opens the door to a grand parlor where my sister, my mother, Bennet, and Audrey ’s wedding party are all seated, conversing and being served.
I look around amazed at how resplendent everything looks then remember who my sister is marrying and even having grown up in a family where money was never an issue and having a successful entrepreneur father who gave us the world. Our differences in bank balances are clearly and wholly stamped in stone after seeing what this man can effortlessness pull together.
“Willow!” At the sound of heels clacking against marble, I stop looking around and face my sister who’s now standing in front of me hands on her hips fuming and red as the wine that was in the glass on the table. “Last we spoke I could have sworn I told you to be here at eleven ON THE DOT. Now look what you’ve done! You’ve held everyone up with your poor black people time. I ask you for one thing that doesn’t require much skill or finesse and you can’t even do that. I swear you are usel-”
“AUDREY! THAT’S ENOUGH!” The deep and booming baritone voice came from the other end of the room, yet you’d think he was standing next to us from how loud he was. Audrey’s eyes went wide, and her mouth hung open shocked. My mother, ever the pleaser, came running to her side stroking her hair to soothe her growing tension.
“Why don’t we get started looking at dresses? We’ve waited long enough don’t you think?” I don’t miss the venomous glare my mother throws my way, but I chose to ignore it happy to not be on the receiving end of Audrey’s quips.
“Fine, we’ll get started but first I’d like to know why you were late Willow.” So much for that.
“I'm sorry for being ten minutes late Audrey but in my defense, I did remind you I had no transportation. You told me since I wasn’t in the wedding party and wouldn’t be trying on any dresses, so I didn’t think I’d hold up the show. I apologize for any inconvenience truly, but I did do my best to make it here on time. Unfortunately, I couldn’t take a car service as you suggested and had to take the bus, then still had to walk half a mile here. I did my best.”
“You took the bus? Unacceptable! Why wasn’t Willow invited to ride with us? There’s plenty of space in the limo. Bennett slid right in between Audrey and I looking down on his fiancé with a fierce gaze that would make even the toughest men fold. I turn my head not wanting any part of him defending me. Yes, this situation is uncalled for and I’m glad to have someone call out my sister, but I just didn’t want it to be him. This boss level is already harder than I expected it to be. Not only is my sister dressing me down in front of everyone for a minor time infraction, but jolts of electricity are shooting through my body, and I know it’s happening because of a man who’s not mine.
“But sweetheart I already told you that the limo was reserved strictly for the bridal party only.” Audrey pouted in his direction yet her soon-to-be-groom seemed unfazed.
“We’ll talk about this later. Since everyone is here, we’ll take your mama’s advice and get started.” He turned my way throwing me a gentle smile with warm baby blue irises. “Feel free to take any seat, Willow.” He nodded his head and a waiter quickly appeared next to me with a glass of wine. The authority this man exhibited had me and everyone else in the room in a state of awe and shock. The way he stood tall and spoke with his sexy Texan accent clearly drew a line between him and everyone else. It said, “We are not the same, and you will not question nor disrespect my authority.”
I blink trying to snap myself out of the trance he’d put me in, turning to the waiter taking the drink and walking away to the far side of the room. I take a seat and inconspicuously squeeze my legs together to hide my rampantly growing arousal.
“We’re sorry about that extremely rude and unnecessary interruption, Annie. You were talking ideal designs for finding the perfect dress for my perfect daughter, right? Let’s continue from there.” My mother sneered my way but smiled at the young mocha colored attendant who seemed extremely uncomfortable while watching me with a look of comradery and understanding. Well then, let the humiliation continue. I should have stayed my ass at the school meeting today!
I want to disappear. I shrink within myself and pull out my phone to text Bailey, who’s on duty today and sad because it’s her wedding anniversary. Not that her and Anthony could be together today anyway, because he’s serving on his biggest case ever, so both are in the same boat. Minding my business, I text back and forth with her drowning out my surroundings. At the feel of a tap on my shoulder I look up to see Audrey leaving the room with her consultant and Ben sitting next to me offering me a plate of hors d’oevres”
“It’s not much, nor is it great but it’s something.” He holds the plate like a peace offering making me unable to decline.
“Thank you.”
“So umm, how are you?” I raise my brow frowning and he nods blanching in understanding.
“I’d be lying if I said I was good. You saw what your fiancé just did and said.” I pick up a deviled egg and take a bite, instantly regretting it. Then turn to him with an accusing glare making him raise his hands in defense but with a smile on his face.
