Page 110 of Taming a Menace

Before I lost the courage, I picked up my cell phone from the side table and quickly drafted a resignation letter. I didn’t spare my superior the details of how I got involved with a patient over time and needed to step away from my position to reevaluate my life.

I forwarded that same message to Wyatt. I wasn’t about to let him have anything to hold over my head. He and I were over. There was nothing he could do about it. Once both messages had been sent, I felt lighter. I didn’t know what was to come, but I was ready for it all.

I woke up sprawled out on my living room couch. There was a major crook in my neck, but the smell of bacon wafted in the air promising to make it all better. I didn’t have to open my eyes to know that Keywan was already awake and making breakfast.

Rolling over onto my back, I gave my limbs a good stretch before I finally opened my eyes to face the day. In a matter of minutes, I had blown up my entire life. For far too long, my career had been the most important thing in the world to me. For once I just wanted to live for me.

I stood from the couch and strolled through my house to the kitchen where Key was singing under his breath as he cooked. He had cooked a feast. There was bacon, sausage, grits, scrambled eggs, hashbrown casserole, biscuits, and fresh fruit.

Keywan was so wrapped up in what he was doing that he didn’t notice me until my arms were around his waist. When I touched him, he almost jumped out of his skin, causing me to laugh. He turned to face me, melting my heart with that handsome smile of his.

“Good morning, beautiful.”

“Good morning. You’re up and at ’em this morning. I didn’t expect you to be up so early after last night.”

“I wanted to make the most of our last morning together. We didn’t have time for breakfast the last few times we saw each other. I know it’s your favorite meal.”

“This won’t be our last morning together, Keywan,” I said, rolling my eyes.

“You’re right. After all of this is said and done, we’re going to go on a honeymoon for a whole year.”

“Why not start now?” I asked him.

“Because your dick of an ex-boyfriend won’t let us be great. Now if you let me go down to his office and put my pistol in his mouth, I can get those pictures and whatever else he thinks he has on you. I don’t want to risk having to be away from you any longer than I have to though. I know he’s going to call the cops.”

“You won’t have to be away from me at all, Key. I sent in my letter of resignation last night. I’m not running away from this.”

“Why did you do that, Moon? I asked you to let me handle it.”

“And I declined. This isn’t on you to fix. I knew what I was doing was wrong, and I did it anyway. It was my responsibility to make it right. I told them all about our relationship and forwarded him the message, so he knows he doesn’t have anything on me.”

“What about your career? Won’t you lose your license?”

“Move in with me,” I said, changing the subject.

“I’m ready when you are, Moonie, but you have to think rationally.”

“Iamthinking rationally. I need somebody to pay these bills around here since I’m unemployed.”

“Come here,” Key said, picking me up and sitting me on the counter. “You sure this is what you want?”

“I’m sure thatyouare what I want. Whatever has to happen next, I’m ready for it. I want to live happily ever after with you. That’s what you said you wanted, isn’t it?”

“It is.” He nodded.

“Let’s start today. I don’t want to wait any longer.”

“You sure you don’t want me to just go beat the shit out of ol’ boy and take his phone?”

“I’m positive that I don’t want you to do anything that will take you away from me.”

“All right but don’t say I didn’t offer,” he said, quickly pecking my lips.

“Thank you, baby, but I think having you here is better than any of the alternatives.”

“Even your career, Iyla? I don’t want you waking up one day and resenting me.”

“Like you said, I can go back to school. I can do anything. I’m willing to do anything but let you go for a job.”