Page 9 of Calculated Kisses with a Scorpio (BLP Signs of Love #10)
A Few Hours Later
“I’m sorry, what?”
My eyes lowered as I listened for my father to repeat what he’d just said.
His words had me so stunned, I started hearing colors, so he needed to repeat himself. I didn’t want to get aggravated after having such a good day, but I was well on my way. Steven’s actions had solidified that he wouldn’t be working on my team when I took over.
Pops sighed.
“I know. The fundraiser is usually for c-suites, board members, and our sponsors, but Steven dropped off your invitation before he left. He also made sure to include that spouses were invited. I pray that the young lady that received that two hundred- and seventy-five-dollar arrangement can make it.”
I chuckled. “I know you’re not complaining, old man. Your wife’s arrangements cost a lot more. You and Gramps been keeping Mrs. Mary in business.”
“Absolutely. I think after forty years of your mother getting her flowers, she might actually divorce me if I stopped.”
We laughed because we both knew that woman wasn’t going anywhere.
Mary’s Flower Shop was another staple in Rushin Springs.
Flowers that can’t be right.” She huffed as she got closer. “I don’t want to take legal action, but you can’t just fire me.”
I spun on my heels and looked at her.
“Actually, I can. Diamonds & Moore is an at-will company. You made us liable for a lawsuit, so you have no place as a store manager. Speaking of legality, my attorneys have the footage of what happened, so call whatever lawyer you need to. You’ll lose even more money, but I don’t mind doing this dance with you. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go.”
“Kairo . . .”
I turned and kept walking to my car.
Camille threatening to sue me was comical. It was as if her brain refused to understand that she had been caught red-handed. I wasn’t sure what she wanted, but working for me again would never happen.
I climbed in my car, started it, and drove to the front just as Finley and her family exited the church.
“Don’t make any detours, Kairo. Gammy just took the pot roast out of the oven.”
“I got you, Ma. No stops, straight to the house, right?” I smiled, and Finley and our siblings laughed.
“Keep being cute and get banned from dinner.” She raised her left eyebrow, and I laughed.
I helped Finley down the few steps, opened the passenger side door, and assisted her inside.
Finley was more than capable, but in my presence, I didn’t want her doing too much. Once I was in the car, we sped toward my childhood home. Gospel music played lowly in the background as we sat silently. This was the first time in a long time I’d been in the physical church building.
I was a faithful member of bedside Baptist, but knowing Finley would be there had me up early and out of the house.
“Did you and Camille ever have a relationship?”
I was so caught off guard, I pressed the brake instead of the gas, and the car jerked.
“No, but what made you ask me that?”
She shrugged.
“She almost stared a hole in my head as you helped me in the car. Camille and I haven’t been close in years, but the look she gave me was of one catching her man coming out of another woman’s house. Y’all may not have had a relationship, but y’all surely had something.”
I gave Finley the rundown on the situationship with Camille.
It happened before her, but I needed Finley to be able to trust me.
I had nothing to hide, so being transparent would always be my first choice.
When we pulled into the circular driveway of my parents’ home, I shut the car off and turned toward her.
The intention of having Finley ride with me was for me to check in with her, but her aura was easy to read.
She was comfortable with me and simply enjoying the ride.
I had to do everything in my power to keep things this way.
“Does knowing about my past with Camille have you thinking about backing out?”
She shook her head. “No, it doesn’t, but understand that if she gets disrespectful, I will pop her in the mouth. I don’t let people talk to me crazy.”
“I got you. She won’t even have access to you, so I’m not worried.”
I was granted the most beautiful smile. The urge to press my lips against hers was present, but I kept the thought inside my head. The time would come for all of that, and all I could do was pray that she was ready.