Chapter Ten: "...Despite how things may change..."

It’s crazy how life happens, you know.
 
You never quite know how things are going to end up. It’s kinda like my daddy says, ‘Don’t unpack all your stuff whenever life takes you some place new because you never know when you’ll need to uproot.’  I used to think that was the craziest statement ever, but as I get older it makes sense.  You never want to give anyone all of your emotional baggage and you never put all of your eggs in one basket.  You never know when that stuff can be used against you or when all of your hard work can come crashing down.
 
I wrote in my last blog on Curves, Curls, and Cake that people are ever-evolving.  No one has arrived at anything yet.  Every choice we make, good or bad, takes us to the next step of our development.  I think I have made some pretty good choices in my life so far.  Since I still have more living to do, I will be careful to continue to choose wisely.  I always want my later to be greater.
 
But even this control freak can’t control everything.  I’ve come to accept that.  So I’ll just keep the words to the Serenity Prayer floating around in my mind:
 
“God, help me to accept the things I cannot change…
The courage to change the things I can…
And the wisdom to know the difference.”
 
I’ll especially need help with that last part, Lord.


                                                                                                                 -  Parker
 

​
 
“No, Mom, I don’t know why they want to meet with me.”  Parker took a sip of her latte and leaned back in her chair.  “Yes, I’m nervous.  There’s been a lot of drama over here lately…Yes, I prayed about it…I know I shouldn’t worry if I prayed about it Mama, but still… Ok, ok. I’ll let it go…How is me having a date to Tricie’s wedding on the subject?!...” She laughed as she looked down at her clock, counting down the minutes to her meeting.  “Trust me, there is no one here at this office that I would ever go to McDonald’s with let alone my sister’s wedding…And if I don’t find a date I’m still gonna look fantastic, thank you so much!... Ok, Mama, ok.  I will try to find a date…I said try, I can’t make promises.  But I have to go, it’s two o’clock….Thank you, I appreciate your prayers…I love you too, Mama…Ok, bye.”  Parker put her phone in her drawer and sat at her desk for a moment.  It had been a few months since the first round of layoffs when her firm was bought out and Trina had been promoted.  Since that time, she had worked extra hard in order to keep her position in place.  I know Mama said pray and don’t worry, but I’m worried.  Trina has been trying to get me out of here since we first started right out of college.  She took moment to check her appearance in the mirror, making sure that her appearance was on point.  Ok, Lord, give me strength to handle and grace to accept.  Whatever it will be will be in my best interest.  I have to remember that.  Parker began walking down the hall to Gerald’s office.  Whatever will be will be in my best interest.  I trust….You’ve got to be kidding me!  Parker’s heart dropped as she saw Trina sitting in Gerald’s office.  She took a deep breath to compose herself before anyone noticed her initial expression and knocked on the door to announce her arrival.  “Gerald, you wanted to see me?”

“Parker, yes, please come in.   Have a seat.”  Parker sat down next to Trina and nodded to acknowledge her presence in the room.  “How has your day been going so far?”
 
“It’s been well, thank you.  Hello Trina.”
 
“Hi.” Trina replied in a condescending tone. 
 
“Gerald,” Parker asked while turning her focus away from Trina, “I thought this meeting was going to be a one-one-one sit-down.”
 
“Trina is your direct contact as far as management is concerned, so I felt it best for her to be here.”
 
No, you just wanted to show off in front of your sugar baby, you dirty old buzzard.  “Ok, well, what did you want to meet with me about?”
 
Gerald took a sip of water and let out a ceremonious cough.  “As you know, McMyers and Foster has been closely monitoring the progress of all of their employees, both grandfathered and newly acquired.  Since putting you on Trina’s team, I have noticed that you have done extremely well with the new accounts we have placed under your care.”
 
Well, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, right?  “Thank you, sir.”
 
“You’re welcome.  However, the M and F team has some concerns with some of the acquired team.  Trina, James, and Travis had to give me a report of the progress of the teams that they manage.  This report was then provided to my boss and reviewed.  The final determination was that the work that was being done by three teams can be done by one.  As a result, we were forced to review the individual reports of each of the team members to determine who we are going to keep and who we unfortunately have to release.  Each of the members on this new team will report directly to me and essentially will manage themselves.”  Gerald leaned forward in his chair.  “Parker, I appreciate all of the work that you have put into this company since I hired you five years ago.  I have watched you develop into an incredible marketing professional with a knack for building something out of nothing.  If there is anyone who deserves a long-standing,  upward-moving career, it is definitely you.  This is the reason why it hurts me to let you know that we have to let you go.  I’m sorry.”
 
You’re serious?  I’m fired?!  Parker looked at Trina, who sat smiling in her chair.  She did it.  She got exactly what she wanted.  Wow.  Maybe I needed to sleep with a married perve so I could keep my job.   “Gerald, you tell me that I am incredible professional and that I have brought a lot to this company, but you are letting me go.  I don’t understand.”
 
“If I may,” Trina responded in a condescending tone, “when I provided my team reviews, you were the lowest.  The accounts that you managed are minor…”
 
“You gave me these accounts.  It started when you gave my major account to Mark, who I am assuming is retaining his employment.   For the past few months, I have received nothing but scrutiny and underhanded behavior from you.  I could care less if you didn’t like me on a personal level.  My goal in life is not to be liked by everyone in this office or otherwise.  But you made it clear that everything you did is personal, Trina, and that is undeniable.”
 
“Parker, please.   I am way too professional to sink to the level of making my life about you.  Do not get mad at me because you couldn’t cut the mustard.  The M and F team are looking for the best of the best.  I was asked for my opinion as a supervisor and I gave it.  Now McMyers and Foster is prepared to give you an exceptional package, and I’m sure that you will find employment soon.  Use me as a reference if you need to.  But your time here is finished.  Please have your desk cleared out by the end of the day.”
 
Parker rose to her feet, standing tall in her heels and making Trina nervous.  It is taking everything in me not to smack the living daylights out of you!  I mean I might as well, I don’t work here anymore!  What are they gonna do to me?!   After taking a deep breath, she smiled.  “Alright.”
 
“Alright?  That’s all you have to say.  Alright?”
 
“Yes, Trina, that is all that needs to be said.” She turned to Gerald.  “I will have all of my things out of my space this afternoon.  I expect to have my severance package information as soon as possible, including a reference letter from you.”
 
“What about from me?”
 
Without looking at Trina, Parker continued her response to Gerald.  “I have to be honest with you, Gerald.  I am extremely disappointed in how this situation unfolded.  But it is what it is.  Thank you.”
 
Parker turned to leave the room, and Gerald called out to her.  “Parker,” she turned around, “I meant what I said.  I expect great things from you.  Good luck to you.”  She simply nodded and shut the door. 
 
Instead of standing outside of Gerald’s door to hear what was said after she left, she began the walk back to her desk.  Her heart was heavy as she kept the tears from falling down her face.  This is supposed to work out for my good, right?   She allowed one tear to fall as she continued to make her way to her desk.  I don’t see how, God.  I really don’t…
 
“Parker?  Parker!”  One of her coworkers ran to catch her.  “What did they say?”
 
She fixed her face quickly so no one would see her broken.  “They let me go, Anita.  I’m headed to my desk now to go clean out my things.”
 
“Are you serious!?” Anita reached out and gave Parker a hug.  “I’m sorry, Parker.  Hey, look at it this way, a closed door always brings something better.  Maybe it was just your time to move on.”
 
Says the person who still has a job.  Wait, let me not be bitter, because she’s right.  There will be something better. I just have to be patient enough to get it.  “You’re probably right.  Hey, have you had your meeting yet?”
 
“Not yet,” she replied nervously, “but whatever happens, I know it will be well.  You take care, ok?”  Anita waved as she made her way down the hall to Gerald’s office.
 
As soon as Parker made it to her desk, she pulled out her cell phone and called Sydney.  She mumbled under her breath as the call went to voicemail.  After opting to not leave a message, she shot Sydney a quick text and then called Lydia.  Not my first choice, she thought, but I need to talk to someone right now…
 
“Hey, Park.  What’s going on?”
 
“I got fired.”
 
“Are you serious?!”  Lydia rolled her eyes as she blew her wet fingernails.  “I’m sorry to hear that.  Well, their loss.  I heard The Hopson Agency was kicking their butts anyway.  That’s why Tweedleson merged with McMyers and Foster.  They thought it would give them leverage.”
 
“Why do you know all this?”  Parker asked with a slight laugh.
 
“I know all things money.  Besides, this came up in convo with the mom’s club.  Anywho, it’s probably best that you got off that sinking ship.  What kind of severance package are they offering you?”
 
“Don’t know yet.  I should be getting my paperwork before I leave so I can make sure that I approve it.”
 
“Do you want me to make a few calls for you?  One of the mom’s at the boys’ school is married to the head of HR at Hopson and I’m sure I can get you in there with no worries.  How soon can you get me a resume?”
 
“I don’t know if that’s what I want to do yet.”  Parker answered honestly.  “I mean, maybe this is God’s way of telling me that I’m supposed to be doing something else.  Maybe I have a different calling.”
 
“Like what?”
 
“I mean, I have always made enough to afford my rent, utilities, car note, and insurance off of the money I make from InTheKnow alone.  It’ll mean an adjustment, but maybe I need to put my focus toward my media presence.”
 
“Hey, I’m all for it.  You have my support regardless, just make sure you get paid.  I hate to see a woman of talent have her time wasted.”  Lydia took a sip of her orange juice.  “But I’m sorry to hear about your job, Parker.  I really am.”
 
“It’s all good.  How are you feeling?”
 
“Nauseous, but that’s to be expected, right?”  Lydia laughed uncomfortably.  “I’m well.  The doctor said I’m progressing nicely.”
 
“Has Tony made it back from his trip yet?”
 
“Not yet.  He’s supposed to be back today or tomorrow.”
 
“How long has he been gone?”
 
“A month.”  Silence filled the space on the phone between the two of them.  After a moment, Lydia continued.  “Calvin won’t even talk to me…”
 
“He should be the least of you worries.  Say good riddance and cut your losses.  Your concern should be fixing your marriage and nothing else.”
 
“I know, but what if this baby…”  Her heart dropped as she heard the front door close.  She cursed to herself and then took a deep breath.  “Parker, can I call you back?”
 
“Um, sure.  Is everything ok?”
 
Lydia looked over her shoulder, waiting for Tony to come into their bedroom.  “I don’t know yet.  I’ll call you back.”  Lydia hung up the phone without saying goodbye.
 
Parker gathered all of her things, throwing away papers that she no longer needed and shredding documents that would be considered private property.  She stopped only to retrieve the email with the information on her severance package.  After printing the documents, signing them, and returning them to Trina’s secretary, she gathered the remainder of her things and left the office.  Her mind went blank as she pushed the elevator button and rode the five floors down to the main floor.  It wasn’t until she got outside that she pulled out her cell phone to call her mother.  “Hello Ma…well, it didn’t go well.  They let me go…No, you calling someone won’t help but thank you…Lydia said she knew some contacts at another company, but I need to pray for direction first…yes, Mama, I know it will be ok…Right now?  I’m gonna head home.  I need some time to think…Peach cobbler, huh?...Can I take it to go?...Ok, I’ll stay for a little bit.  Let me make a run first and I’ll come by…Love you too, Ma.”
​

---

“How was your trip?”
 
“Fine.”  Tony walked into their bedroom and began to change clothes.  He put his shoes in their appropriate box, put his sports jacket on the appropriate hanger, and set his briefcase down on the side of his dresser.  “It was fine.”
 
“Just fine?  You’ve been gone for a whole month and I haven’t talked to you.  I would’ve thought you would’ve had more to say than just fine…”
 
“Well, I didn’t think you’d really notice me gone, Lydia.  You seem to find other ways to keep yourself busy while I’m away on business.”  Tony stared straight at Lydia until she looked away.  “Oh, and I didn’t spend the whole time away on business.”
 
“Then where were you?” Lydia asked, slightly raising her voice.
 
“I was at a hotel nearby.”
 
Lydia was stunned.  Excuse me?! You were at a hotel and you didn’t think to call or stop by your house and see about your wife?  This man has lost his ever-loving mind!!  She immediately began to yell.  “You mean to tell me that I’ve been here dealing with these two boys by myself while pregnant and you’ve been having a mini-vacation without me!  What is wrong with you?!”
 
“Lydia, if I were you, I would not raise my voice right now or ever.”  Tony responded forcefully.  Immediately, she crossed her arms and became quiet.  “I needed to get away from you for a while.  I needed to think…”
 
“I needed you here…”
 
“Clearly you didn’t, because otherwise you wouldn’t have had someone else on the side giving you what you needed.  Tell me something, Lydia.  Has he been in our bed?”
 
“No.”  She answered quietly.  “He’s not been here.”
 
“Why do I not believe you…”
 
“I can’t make you believe me, Tony, but I’m telling the truth.  He hasn’t been in our home or in our bed.”  Tony just looked at her, staring right into her eyes with a calm anger that made her nervous.  She began to scoot toward the edge of the bed to move closer to him while still remaining seated.  “Look, while you were gone, I had a lot of time to think…”          
 
“Oh, you’re thinking now?”
 
“You were right, the girls were right, everyone was right except for me.”  She continued, ignoring Tony’s last comment.  “Calvin was bad news from the start.  He doesn’t want this baby and he doesn’t love me.  I was lonely when you were making all of these business trips.  I thought I needed companionship but all I needed was the patience to wait for you.  Calvin was a friend to me, and I ended up catching feelings…”
 
“You caught more than feelings…”
 
“Tony please, this is hard enough as it is.  Yes, I messed up, ok?  And while it hurts, I haven’t talked to him since our anniversary party.  Tony, I want to make this work if you do…”
 
“You messed up, huh?  Yeah, that’s cute.  Really cute.  I’m glad to know that he doesn’t love you, Lydia.  And I’m sorry to hear that you are so hurt and affected by someone other than me not loving you.  Nice to know where I stand…”
 
“No, that is not where you stand.  You know that I love you more than anything…”
 
“Oh save it, Lydia, really!”  Tony shouted at the top of his lungs.  “Just stop.  It’s old.  You’ve never loved me.  You got with me because you saw potential.  You saw that I was going to be able to make sure that your pockets were filled and your shopping habit was satisfied.  You saw the possibility of having the rich husband that wouldn’t require you to work unless you wanted to.   I guess you figured you’d love me later, right?  Well here’s the difference - I loved you from the start.  The moment I looked at you, I knew you’d be my wife.  That’s how strongly I felt about you.  I stopped communicating with every woman with a non-platonic past, I put a ring on your finger, I paid for an island wedding and honeymoon, and I stood in front of family and friends in the Bahamas seven years ago and promised before God that I would honor, love, cherish, and protect you until the day He removes the breath from my body…”
 
“Tony, please…”
 
“No, it’s my turn to talk.  I’ve listened to seven years of your selfishness, immaturity, pride, and vanity.  Everything had to be about you.  You wanted to live in the Northern Suburbs in a gated community, so I made it happen.  You wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, so I worked extra hard so you wouldn’t have to.  You wanted to start a catering business; I fronted the start money and passed your info to several of your now most lucrative clients.  This whole thing even down to the boys’ names.  Christopher was supposed to be a junior, Lydia.  But what did you say?  Hmmm?” Lydia stayed silent, so he continued.  “You said, ‘He needs to have his own identity.  Besides, I don’t want to name my first born Anthony Evander Brown, Jr.  I like Christopher Lewis.’ And what did I do?  I gave in.  And I never asked anything of you except for one thing – Love me.  That was your small price to pay for giving you your ideal life.  What woman in her right mind would pass that up?”
 
“Stop making it seem like I’m all in the wrong here!” Lydia finally responded.  “You spent so much time away that the boys didn’t know you.  I spent so many nights alone that I got used to feeling cold air on my shoulder instead of your hands.  What did you expect me to do?  I can only hold on for so long…”
 
“So that justifies it?  Me doing what I’m supposed to do as the leader of this house gives legitimate cause for you to find the nearest brotha and open up for him.  Seriously, Lydia, are you that delusional that you think that excuse is gonna work on me?  I know you’re smarter than that, and that is the dumbest mess I have ever heard in my life.   But fine, let’s go with your logic.  Maybe this was my fault.  Maybe I created this monster and shouldn’t be the least bit upset that now it has lashed out on me. If that is the case, then I can deal with the whining, crying, pouting, and adult temper tantrums that have come to be a staple of your character.  But one thing I will not do, Lydia Carter, is allow another man to freely sample what I have rightfully earned all of.”
 
Lydia sat in silence for a moment.  Tears began to fall from her eyes as she struggled to think of something to say.  After letting a few tears flow, she quietly asked, “Did you just call me by my maiden name?”  Tony let out a slight laugh, reached in his back pocket to retrieve an envelope, and then threw it on the bed.  Lydia took a look at the envelope, but did not open it.  “What is this?”
 
“Open it.”  Hesitantly, Lydia grabbed the white envelope and opened it.  Her mouth dropped at the contents inside.  “Until you can prove without any question that the baby you are carrying is mine, we are separated.  You can keep the house.  I have already gotten myself a condo not too far from my job.  I will still come to get the boys and make sure they are well taken care of.  But I am not going to lie next to a woman who might be carrying another man’s baby…”
 
Lydia threw the papers at Tony.  “This is ridiculous!  I am not accepting this…”
 
“You don’t have a choice.  Now I’m offering to make sure that you are medically and financially taken care of while you are expecting.  Unlike you, I think about the needs of others and I know that even though your business is successful, it is not enough to maintain the lifestyle that you have become accustomed to.  You will be on my insurance.  But as soon as this baby is born, there will be a paternity test.  If I am the father, then I will agree to counseling to try to work this out.  But if I am not, then this marriage is over…”
 
“What?! Wait, you can’t do this?  You can’t just walk away from me right now…”
 
“Why can’t I?  You walked away from this marriage when you let someone else in it.”  Tony walked to the closet and grabbed his jacket.  “I have already moved all of my clothing from my downstairs closet to my new place…”
 
“Wait, you planned this?...”
 
“I will see the boys this weekend.  All the terms are lined out in the paperwork. Any amendments to the agreement will need to be made within a week.   I suggest you hire a lawyer.”  Tony grabbed his shoes again, took a long look at Lydia, and then shook his head.  Without saying a another word, he left the bedroom.
 
Tears filled Lydia’s eyes as anger consumed her heart.  She could feel her heartbeat racing.  Lydia screamed at the top of her lungs and threw a pillow at the bedroom door.  Her cries for him to come back upstairs to talk went unheard.  She soon heard the front door close.  A few moments passed before the sound of his car was heard.  Lydia watched in tears as he pulled out of the driveway and down the street.  “What am I gonna do now?” she said between deep breaths.  She held her stomach as she sat back on the edge of the bed, allowing the tears to flow freely.

---

Urie tapped the side of her desk with an ink pen, waiting for her cell phone to ring.   Suddenly, she stopped.  Wait, why am I doing this?  This is Jackson that I’m waiting for.  He never does anything on time.  She picked up her cell phone and dialed the familiar number.  Urie was greeted by loud music and laughter.  “Hello?”
 
“Hold on, babe.”  Jackson made a joke with some of the men that he was with before stepping out in the hallway to talk to Urie.  “Ok, what’s up?”
 
“What was that all about?”
 
“Nothin’, girl.  What’s going on?”
 
“Umph.  Look, we need to talk…”
 
“Yes we do.  You want to explain to me why I couldn’t get into your place the other day?  I was trying to get a change of clothes, take a shower, and grab something to eat before I went out with my boys and I couldn’t get in.”
 
“About that,” Urie said calmly while chewing a candy bar, “I changed the locks.”
 
“You did what?”
 
“Changed my locks.  You don’t pay rent there.  You don’t pay any of the bills there.  And you definitely don’t live there.  I can do whatever I please with my property…”
 
“Really, Urie?  My stuff is in there…”
 
“Your stuff is in four garbage bags that are taking up residence at your mother’s house.  I dropped them off yesterday.  I figured since you had been out and about with your boys you wouldn’t have time to come collect your belongings so I made it very convenient for you to do so…”
 
“You done really got out your body, Urie…”
 
“No, you got out your body when you put your hands on me.  But even before then, you got another chick pregnant and then took her to an event that you knew I may be attending.  Are you that dumb or do you just boldy don’t give a crap?  By the way, how is Jaclyn Davita Moore doing?”  Jackson grew quiet, so Urie continued.  “Yeah, I talked to Rashawn.  That is her name, right?  Anyway, she told me about how you were there at the delivery, held her hand, named her baby after yourself, and proposed to her. She said she’d marry you in a heartbeat, but she’s still waiting on her ring.”
 
Jackson struggled to find a response.  Finally, he said.  “So what do you want me to do, Urie.”
 
“I want you to go away.  You have no intentions on being in a relationship with me.  Not for real.  I was just a rest stop that you have become comfortable with and go to when you have nowhere else to be…”
 
“You know chicks be lying.  I didn’t propose to that girl.  Yeah, I have a baby by her, but we can move forward from that.  Let’s just keep doing us like we did after my son was born…”
 
“See, that’s not gonna work for me.  I want all of a man, not a quarter of a half-man.  Go deal with Rashawn.  Eva and I will be just fine.  You will be receiving paperwork so we can begin to work out child support arrangements…”
 
“Come on now, Urie.  You know I take care of my responsibilities.  I make sure Eva is taken care of.  You don’t have to do this…”
 
“Oh but yes I do.  See, I know you.  And if there is one thing that I know about you, Jackson, it is that responsibility and you are like oil and water.  They do not mix.  I can’t trust you.”
 
“So it’s like that.”
 
“Pretty much.  Go home to Rashawn.  Have a great day.”  Urie hung up the phone before Jackson could say another word.  She took a deep breath before looking out the window at the sunshine. I needed this a long time ago.  It feels right.  And oh so good…
 
“What are you still doing here?” Sydney and Parker came walking into her classroom.  Parker took a seat at one of the desks by the door and continued her conversation with Lydia.  Sydney sat on the edge of Parker’s desk and grabbed a handful of candy.  “We are gonna be late for our last day of school girls night if you don’t bring yourself on.”
 
Urie laughed as she began to finish putting her things away.  “Why do you all always find yourself in my classroom?  You all don’t work here.  You all don’t go to school here.  Your behinds are too old for high school.  So what is it?”
 
“You keep M&Ms on your desk.  You can’t feed people and then expect them not to return.”  Sydney smiled and stuffed a few more into her mouth.  “Guess what?”
 
“What?”
 
“I’m going to Mississippi with David next weekend.”
 
“What’s going on in Mississippi?”
 
“His family reunion.”
 
“Woah, Syd, that is huge!  Are you ready for something like that?”
 
Sydney sighed deeply.  “I don’t know.  I mean I like David a lot, and I do mean a lot.  But he comes from one of those old school Southern families like Lydia does and I don’t know how they’ll receive me.  From what David tells me about them, we have nothing in common.”
 
“I’m sure you’ll be fine.  You get along with everyone.  You have one of those personalities.”
 
“I guess.”  Sydney stuffed another few pieces of candy into her mouth.  “Urie, the speed that David and I are going is starting to scare me.”
 
“Then tell him to slow down.”
 
“That’s the thing – I don’t want him to.”  Both of them paused for a second.  Urie smiled a bit, which made Sydney smile in return.   “Urie, I haven’t felt this way about anyone since the infamous summer in Spain.  David is a wonderful man.  I love everything about him…”
 
“But do you love him?”
 
“Yes.”  She replied in a certain but feminine tone.  “Yes I do.”
 
“Then get ready to meet what could be your new family.”  Urie gave Syd a hug before returning to her packing.  “I’m happy for you.  First graduation from getting your second Master’s.  Then a road trip.  Things are turning out pretty good for you, huh?”
 
“Yep!  All I need now is a job.”  Sydney turned her focus to Parker, who had just ended her conversation with Lydia.  “What did she say?”
 
“What did who say?” Urie asked.
 
“Parker was taking to Lydia.”  Urie nodded, and then Sydney continued.  “Well, what did she say?”
 
Parker took a deep sigh as she prepared to fill the two ladies in.  “She doesn’t want to come to dinner tonight.  She says she’s going to go to her Mom’s place because she needs time to regroup.”
 
“What happened?”
 
“He gave her separation papers.  He’s staying in a condo not too far from his job and he is not coming home until Lydia can prove that the baby she is carrying belongs to him.”
 
“Wow!” Urie shook her head.  “That’s deep.  We are really going to have to be there for her.  She’s gonna need it.”
 
“She may not want my help,” Sydney responded, “especially after what I said at their anniversary party.  So we’ll see.”
 
“Sydney, ain’t nothin’ to we’ll see.  She’s going to need us, and we’re gonna be there for her…”
 
“Urie…”
 
“Urie nothing, Syd.  I know you two go at it sometimes.  At the end of the day, she is still your girl.  We have to stick together, Syd, despite how things may change…”
 
“What’s changed?” The room grew quiet as Bryce entered.  After acknowledging the smiles of Parker and Sydney with a nod, he continued.  “You must be talking about Lydia.”
 
“If you must know, yes.”  Urie shook her head as she looked at Parker and Sydney.  Neither of them took the hint that Urie was giving them to step out of the room, so she shook her head and said, “Can you please excuse us?”
 
“Why,” Parker teased, “what do you all have to talk about that is so secretive?”
 
Sydney grabbed Parker’s hand as she walked her out of the room.  “They have to talk grown folk’s business…”
 
“So!  We’re grown…”
 
“But we’re not invited to this convo.” She playfully pushed Parker out of the door before shutting it closed.  Once she was outside, she said.  “You can go ahead now.  We’re not listening!”
 
“Um, thanks.” Urie blushed as she looked at a laughing Bryce.  “You think this is funny?”
 
“I do actually.” He answered.  “I like your friends though.”
 
“I guess I’ll keep them.  So what brings you down here?  The candy?”
 
“Today, no.  It’s the convo that I’m coming down here for.  Did he actually call?”
 
“No, and I didn’t feel like the game of waiting so I called him.”
 
“And?”
 
“It’s done.”  Bryce nodded in approval.  Urie continued.  “There is one thing though.”
 
“What’s that?”
 
“I can’t fully take you up on your offer.”
 
“Really now?  Why?”
 
“Because I need time.  Bryce, I like you a lot.  You know that I do.  And the last time that we talked you let it be known that you want to get to know me…”
 
“This is true…”
 
“And I want to get to know you, but only after I’ve healed.  Bryce, that was ten years of my life.  I can’t put that to bed that quickly.  I’m going to need time.”
 
“Then time is what you will have.”  Bryce ran his fingers along the side of Urie’s face.  “I’m a patient man.  I already told you that I’m willing to wait for what I want.” Smiling, he took a step back.  “So, you teaching summer school this year?”
 
“I’m not getting anything repaired on my car or condo, so no.  Eva and I will be spending the summer in Arkansas with my family.  We need time away.  I need time away.  It’ll be good for me.”
 
“I’m sure.  Well, you enjoy yourself.”  Bryce turned to see both Parker and Sydney looking through the glass portion of Urie’s classroom door.  “Your girls are patiently waiting for you.”  He laughed.  “I’ll get out of your way.  Are you all headed somewhere today or something?”
 
“We are celebrating Sydney’s graduation from her Master’s program and Parker’s new job transition.”
 
“Oh, she got a promotion?”
 
“No, she got fired, but we know she will be transitioning into something better.”  After closing her briefcase, she looked at Bryce.  Urie’s heartbeat began to get faster, but on the outside she remained calm.  If he’s yours like he says that he is, then he will be here when I return.  It’s your time right now, Urie.  Don’t rush.  Walk into love this time.  For once, you hold the keys.    “So, I will see you when we get back?”
 
“When do you leave?”
 
“Monday morning.”
 
“Call me before then?”
 
Urie almost answered right away.  Instead, she smiled playfully before walking to the door.  Once she got to the door, she looked over her shoulder and answered.  “Maybe.”
 
“That’s all I get is a maybe?”
 
“Yep.” She teased.  “That’s all you need.”
 
“Then maybe it is.”  Bryce smiled back at her.  “You’re something else, you know that right?”
 
“That’s what I’ve been told.”  Urie winked at him before joining her girls in the hallway.