Part forty two

Monae's POV

With a towel wrapped around my body, I walked into the room busily drying my hair and made straight for my bed where I last remember I used my phone. While I was in the bathroom, I heard it trill a couple of times so I figured it was important and I need to return the calls.

After what seemed like three minutes of searching endlessly, I found it stuck between two pillows. There were three missed calls from Imogen and another from Karen, I made a mental note to call her back right after returning Imogene's call.

She picked it up on the first ring, there was shuffling in the background before she spoke up. "Finally, someone decided to pick."

"Lmao excuse me sis, I called you."

"Whatever, it doesn't make a difference and you decided to talk to me."

"Woosh, do I smell jealousy on there?"

"A big fat one for that matter yes, I am because whoever you're with has decided to keep you all to himself. I hardly see you anymore Nae, I miss us, I miss our sister bonding times."

"I do too Imo, I do. I'm up for them again anytime, yeah but you seem to be the hindrance here."

"Seriously me?"

"Yeah, your work, schedule..business. They eat all your time up, when have you had a minute to yourself?"

"You're right though, I noticed it so I took a day off from work. Rex can mange without me and daddy is far away on a trip, he wouldn't notice."

Tilting my head, I placed the phone on my ear and supported it with my shoulder, walking to the closet as my hair was dry now. "I'm sure he wouldn't besides it's for your own good so even if he does, he won't mind. So what do you have in mind cause I'm for anything."

I'm reeking boredom for real. With Michy being at home, it's a surprise I have nothing doing. Since his ass is locked up in his study for two days now, I don't get to see him like I want to so I'm either in my room trying to study or with Heidi and just lazying around.

Judging by the noise in the background, I can tell she's in her closet, parting hangers upon hangers all in the search of getting something to wear. "Since I've been so stressed lately, I thought of going to the spa. I could really use them massages and all that stress releasing shit they do there."

"Sounds perfect, I could really use some pedicure too, my nails are all chipped." I held my hands up a little to inspect my nails which looked as if they've been immersed in dirty water for decades.

"Sis not more than mine, so I'm gonna get ready and you call you when I'm done."

"Where we meeting at though?"

"Our spa, La Diva's of course."

"Alright, so imma meet you there. I just took my bath so I'm gonna get ready myself."

"Okay, see ya."

"Okayyyy bye." I hanged up, going towards the mini wardrobe in the center of the closet, I threw my phone on its carpet covered top.

Counting four hangers with my eyes, I picked the next one. A simple black and white wavy romper dress that I had stuck in the closet since I bought it, I'd been meaning to wear it for sometime now but because I had no where going, I never bothered to take it out till today.

I mean right now, it was the first dress that came into mind when I got out of bed to take my bath and hit town to get myself new hair supplies and while I'm at it, prolly get my hair done or maybe later but I don't think that will happen, plans changed..I'm going to the spa.

I decided to work on my hair first because it was going to take a great deal of time to style it into something bomb for the outing and since I had already washed my hair, I jumped right in and applied the left over edge booster in my hair after I parted it at the side.

In the middle of brushing my hair back with the bristle brush, a call came in on my phone. I wanted to ignore it but I had the feeling to pick it up and when I did, I found out it was daddy.

"Good day sweetie, how you doing?"

"Good day to you as well daddy, I've been fine and yourself?"

"What can I say? Work keeps getting busier and demanding as the days roll but I can't complain so I'm good."

"That's great to hear, thank God though."

"Very much and always. I actually wanted to discuss something with you, I should have done that in person but I had this emergency trip which had me rushing out of the country. This is just between you and I, I need nothing but the truth from you."

"I can't hide anything from you, ask and I'd tell you the truth."

"I know, I know, it's Michele. Do you uhm, truly love him and is he someone you see a future with?"

I wondered what sort of question was that, it took me by surprise cause I wasn't expecting that after the talk he had with him. Brushing it away, I nodded. "Yes dad, I truly love him very much. I've never had this kind of feeling for any other man before and I see a future and eternity with him. This is too soon but as I'm speaking to you he and I are engaged."

"I'm sorry but I'm disappointed in you Monae, so you didn't find it necessary to inform me of your engagement?"

"I'm sorry too dad, I had no idea of his plans, it was a surprise proposal. I actually thought you were aware."

"I won't deny that I knew, he made me aware of his intentions but what I didn't know was it was going to be this soon. Are you really he loves you back as much as you do? An engagement doesn't guarantee love."

"I appreciate you looking out for my happiness. I'm not him but I know and feel that my love is reciprocated as much as I give out."

"Alright, I get it. To be honest with you, I know he does, I was only making sure and looking out for you. He's a very good young man and I like him very much but that doesn't mean I'm not going to dig deeper and find out for myself what his true intentions are."

"He's a good man dad, I don't know him as long as you have but for the little while that I know him, Michy is a very good man. He's one in a million, the love and affection he shows me, attention and all that. Ha, dad, he basically treats me like a queen and I'm extremely happy that he's my man."

"If he makes you happy then I am also happy. There's something that I need to ask, has be told you something?"

"About?"

"His—"

"Oh there you are!" Heidi exclaimed, face palming.

"Shh."  She nodded in understanding and left the closet.

"Dad, what were you saying?"

"Not now princess, it seems you're busy. I'm going to call you later and tell you about it."

"Okay dad, I'll be waiting for your call."

"Till then please take care of yourself and do everything that makes you happy, congratulations sweetie. You have to call Roxie and tell her about it, she's going to be so happy and thrilled."

"Aarh, dad. You've reminded me, I need to talk to her. I wont take more of your time, bye."

"Bye, I love you."

A noise behind me caused me to look there and saw Heidi was back. "I love you too, dad." I told him and hanged up.

"Gosh, I'm so sorry okay? I had no idea you were on a call with your father."

"It isn't a big deal, you ready?"

"Yup, as ready as I can ever be, but you are not."

I did the other side of my edges, smoothing them with my finger. "Who says I'm not?" I put the brush and gel back on their place and turned around to face her. "I only need to get into that, pay a little attention to my face and we will be out of here before you know."

"Just because you filling up for my brother, I'll forgive you and leave you to it while I check something downstairs."

"Okay, I'd be done before you get back."

"Hope so."

After strapping on a bra and panties, I slipped into the dress which took a little bit of time to zip up and when I was done, I breathed out in relief, walked to the wardrobe for a towel and wiped the little sweat formed on my body.

"I need to lose weight." I said to myself as I checked myself out in the mirror, "a tiny bit of it or imma just have to change my wardrobe." I prodded the extra skin I've added on and sighed, I need to hit the gym real soon.

Done with what I'll call the difficult part, I applied minimum natural make up on my face. I was in love with the result, unashamedly, I titled my head to the left and the right and fawned over my face while making kissy faces into the mirror.

I slipped my feet into a brown Hermès Oran slippers and grabbed a rattan bag as well as my phone. After spraying, I went into the room, searched for my purse and car keys, stuffed them into the bag and headed for the door.

I found my way to Michy's study to inform of him of my outing.

*********

Just as I showed the trapgatter and was waiting to be for the cars on the other side to make a way for me, my phone which laid on my laps started with a call. I ignored it and waved at a driver in appreciation.

I knew it was Imogen, her impatient ass has called me a couple of times while I was driving. She should have known better not to call knowing despite well I was behind a wheel.

Pulling up in front of the building, I turned off the engine and took out the keys, grabbed my bag and stepped out of the car. The air outside was warm compared to the cold and chilly air that was blasting out of the air condition in the car.

Wind carrying sand blew past, making me slide on my sunglasses as I made my way to the other side of the building where the spa was located.

The door opened and I stepped in, I gave a bright smile to the mascot who I didn't know also is the door man now, reminding myself to tip him well before we leave.

"You're late."

"In the end I'm here and that's all that matters, right?" I beamed at Imo, pulling her cheeks.

"Yeah right." She said boredly.

"Welcome back to La Diva's Monae, it's good to see you around here again and with your sister."

"Thank you Kim Seo Dan, you know with the magical services you provide, I can't stay away too long, right Imo?"

"Yup and we're up for the newest treatment you were briefing me on before she came."

"Ah yes and from what you were telling me about being stressed, I was even going to recommend it to you. You can combine that with yoga classes we have here as well."

"I'll put that into great consideration, so shall we?"

"Yes miss Winchester, please follow me."

"What is it about?"

"You'll find out soon."

********

Unable to hold it in any longer, the wide grin on my face escalated into a chortle, a loud one to say and I had to stop and catch air.

Imo and I ended up at an eatery just like old times after spending the whole day together and I was actually having a good time.

I was enjoying it and every minute of it reminded me of the good and happy times we had together as sisters before that.

Seeing it was going to change my mood, I pushed it to the back of my mind and focused on what Imo just told me about an embarrassing moment she had in an elevator with a guy while on the trip.

That brought another grin to my face. "As funny as that was, I can't keep shut about the guy being a jerk, a contemptuous douche."

"For real, it took all in me not embarrass him the more. I kept it cool and told him sweetly I don't do old men and sis, you can imagine the rage on his face after he realized I had insulted him in a very nice way which took minutes by the way."

"Oh so aside him being a jerk, he's also dumb? Really, I feel for you sis."

"I later found out he wasn't a business man like he claimed, apparently he was one of the hotel staffs and he's known for harassing unsuspecting female guests if the hotel. Can you imagine?"

"I can and the management needs to do something about him before shit turns crazy one of these days."

"That's what I told them and they promised to, asking me to lodge there on my next trip. I looked at the head like he was crayy but didn't say anything and walked away, end of story."

"Such a hilarious though I must say."

"I can't deny it is." She said, her eyes flickering to the engagement ring on my finger for the umpteenth time today.

"Ask me and I'll tell you, rant it all and I'm here to apologize."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"So are you going to deny you're hurt I didn't tell you I was engaged?"

"Oh so you know?" She day her glass down, leaned back in her chair and crossed her hands over her chest. "And here I thought I was your sister and we share everything, leaving no secrets between us."

"Look Imo, I understand you perfectly well. I know you're hurt and that possibly thinking I don't consider you a sister anymore—"

"You've read my mind correctly, damn accurate. So the question is yes or no?" She narrowed her eyes at me.

I exhaled, hesitating a bit as I thought of the words I had to say to clear that mentality she has. "Both answer will mean the same if I don't clarify. I do consider you as a sister, the love I had for you is still intact after everything so don't ever think that."

Her eyes softened at my words and I thought I saw a smile breaking on her lips but she was quick in holding it back and looked away from me at her side. "Why then didn't you tell me about it? Do you know how I felt when I saw that ring on your finger? I felt betrayed that the person who I consider a sister doesn't feel the same way about me."

"It's not that actually, believe me. It wasn't my intention to keep it away from you or not invite you, like why will I? I'm not that evil to do that to the very person who went against her mother and showed me love. This whole thing," I pointed to the ring, staring at her face. "Was a surprise, he surprised me with a proposal so how could I have invited you?"

"Fine, I understand but you could have at least told me after it?"

"That's where my fault lies, I'm sorry but things became awkward and something else after the proposal, I couldn't tell you and don't worry you had nothing to do with it. I'm very sorry."

"You know, it won't take just sorry to pacify my bruised heart."

"Okay so what will? Tell me and I'll do it in a heartbeat."

"I don't know for now but I'll tell you when I do, remember not to back out if it, okay?"

"Anything babe."

"Good." Her smile vanished, making me cock a brow at her. "You still haven't introduced me to your fiancé, why?"

"Oh that?" I darted my eyes around, looking for something to say. I just possibly can't tell her it's because he has a hatred for Rex therefore he hates the other members of the family, can I? "Uh, you've been busy and he's busy as well. I was actually looking for an appropriate time to introduce you two over a bottle of wine and some homemade food."

"Really? Why do I feel that you're lying?"

"Girl, I know. It's been a long time yet you've not met your sister's fiancé but trust me, you will see him and many more times after that."

"Okay, if you say so." She said, looking at her watch. "It's getting late, I think we should start calling it a day."

"Think so too, wait let me call him." I took my phone from the table, unlocking it, I dialed his number.

"Oh feel free, I'm gonna go to the ladies, I'll be back."

"Okay."

He must have been waiting for my call because he picked it up immediately. "Baby."

"Sugar, I'm about to leave."

"That soon?"

I removed the phone from my ear and checked the time. I was surprised how quickly time had flown by. "It's almost seven, I don't need to be out that long, I'm almost a married woman."

"I love it when you talk like that, so where are you?"

"Majorie eatery, we came here for late lunch."

"Okay, that's a fifteen minutes drive from where I am now, stay put, I'm gonna come pick you up."

"No, it's fine. I can drive back."

"I insist, I'll have the driver send your car home, I'll see you soon."

"Okay boo, I love you."

"I love you more." Hanging up, I placed the phone back on the table and waited for Imo to return from the ladies. I picked the glass, sipping its content of pineapple and ginger juice while checking the time.

Minutes passed by, I think twelve minutes and Imo wasn't back, I thought of going to check up on her, like if she was okay. You'd never know. Before I could get up, I saw her approach with a broad smile on her face.

"Uh sorry for keeping you waiting, I met an old friend and I stopped by. It's crazy to see her here in New York."

"Don't worry, it's fine. Although I was worried, I'm at ease you're back and wasn't in trouble or something."

"I can never be in trouble Nae, stop being paranoid." She said, rolling her eyes.

"You'll never know and I can't help it."

Her phone ringing stopped her from saying something back. Imo furrowed her brows as she looked down on her phone, she looked like she was contemplating whether to pick it or not but she did.

"I'll be there right now." She quickly said back after listening to whoever was on the line and hanged up. "I'm sorry but I have to leave, something came up."

"Are you okay?" I asked in concern, I realized her mood changed after receiving that phone call.

She waved me off. "Yeah I'm fine, I'll talk to you later okay? Take care." Imo wasn't convincing enough, I knew something wasn't right. It looked like she wasn't going to tell me, maybe it's too personal to share, I let it be and only nodded.

Rising from the chair, I pushed it back and embraced her then pecked her cheeks with a bright smile. "You too, bye."

"Love you."

"Love you right back too."

Finally being left by myself, I called a waiter to come clear our table. I made the necessary payments and put my glasses back on, relaxed in my seat to just mind my business while Michy gets here.

Browsing on social media seems to be a hobby of mine to pass time, I found myself doing that but not for long, someone covered my eyes from behind and by the perfume and large hands, I knew it was Michy no doubt.

"Sugar." I kinda squealed, shooting up from my chair and turned around to hug him. I've missed my baby no lie, I wanted to spend the day with him after purchasing the supplies but since the plan changed, I had to abort that idea.

It isn't too late either, we can have the rest of the day to ourselves and enjoy it.

"Someone misses me." He teased.

I hid my head in the crook of his neck, hugging him tightly as if he was going to leave me.

"Very much." I muttered, pulling back to look at him. "Can we spend the rest of the day together? Like just us?"

"Of course honey, I'd love to. In fact, I was thinking about it."

"Great minds think alike." I quoted and grabbed my bag, "So my dear fiancé, show me what you've planned for us, tonight."

"Right on it queen." He rested his hand on my lower back as he led us out of the eatery, I saw people stare. Michy must have seen it too because he pulled me to him and snaked his hand around, pecking my cheeks as if to tell them, yeah she's mine.

The outside air has turned a bit cold laced with warmth, odd combo.

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