Line Of Trust

Chapter 2

Desiree was sure that all was well after talking to Taylor. She actually felt as if a huge load had been lifted off her shoulders. When she woke up the next morning, she couldn’t help but have a broad smile on her face. The previous night had ended on a high note. After she and Taylor recommitted themselves to each other (that was the only way she could think of describing what had happened between them), he had insisted on going back to his place. Desiree had tried to talk him into a sleepover, but it didn’t happen.

She thought this was a bit weird, mainly because she had never had to try to talk him into one before. That said, she still had a surprisingly calm feeling.

Desiree got up, splashed some cold water on her face and brushed her teeth. She then made her way to the kitchen where Cynthia was seated reading the paper.

“Since when do you read the paper?” Desiree asked smiling.

“Since when do I need a valid reason to read the paper?” Cynthia asked. Desiree smiled. “There are a number of changes going on in our lives Dee. Rochelle is keeping house, I am reading the paper… try to keep up Miss Young,” she added. Desiree laughed as she poured herself a cup of coffee.

“I’m sorry about dinner last night,” Des said as she sat down.

Cynthia laughed. “Trust me when I tell you that I really don’t want to know why you didn’t make it for dinner. Is the man of the hour still asleep after the damn good loving you gave him last ni… this morning?”

Desiree sat down at the table.

“Actually he’s not here,” she said, shrugging. Cynthia put the paper down and looked at her cousin.

“Really? That’s a first,” she said.

“I know,” Desiree said. “I asked him to stay over but he wouldn’t. He seemed a bit distant too,” she added. Cynthia looked at Desiree’s disappointed frown and then stood up to pour herself some coffee.

“Did you tell him? You know, about Mark and Leon?” Cynthia asked.

“Yeah I did. Why? Do you think that could be the reason why he was acting distant?”

“Well, that depends on how he took the news,” Cynthia replied. Desiree found herself thinking back to the previous night and how Taylor acted when she told him. The way he had looked at her, the way he had touched her, all his reassurances… he seemed quite fine to her. In fact, it was after telling him that they made love. Wild, passionate love.

“He took it quite well if you ask me,” Desiree confirmed, looking at Cynthia. “And we decided to sell the painting Leon gave me.”

“Really? Have you settled on a price yet?” Cynthia asked.

“Actually, I was thinking of having it appraised. I know It’s worth a couple grand but I know this little gallery downtown. I’ll go down there just to be sure of what exactly I might be in for.”

Cynthia smiled.

“Right about now, I kind of envy you,” she said.

“Have a crazy, annoying ex-boyfriend and maybe next time it might be your turn,” Desiree replied smiling.

“So did you both arrive at that decision together or was it a one way decision?”

“It was a consensus,” Desiree answered. Cynthia shrugged.

“Then what is the big deal? You guys are just fine,” she said.

“I wish I felt the same, because to be honest I feel like there’s a big part of me missing this morning.”

“Girl, there’s nothing to worry about. Sometimes a man just needs some time away from his woman,” Cynthia said as she sat down.

“A break? Really?” Desiree asked. Cynthia smiled.

“Yeah, the whole absence makes the heart grow fonder idea.” Desiree rolled her eyes.

“Well, has that worked for you? Ever?”

Cynthia shrugged and then nodded.

“Yeah, a number of times actually. It’s all about having all the power,” she affirmed. Desiree took a long sip of her coffee, thinking about these words.

“What the hell does that even mean?” she finally asked.

“Well, let me put it like this honey. Relationships are all about power. It’s basically a power play between two people… or more, depending on what kind of relationship you’re in,” Cynthia started. Desiree looked at her and laughed. Cynthia continued.

“Normally, women are the ones to take the time off, being too busy or too tired… stuff like that. It’s all about who gets the upper hand. This time I’m afraid to say, Taylor seems to have the upper hand,” Desiree shook her head as she thought about what was being said.

“Where the hell do you get this stuff?” she asked laughing. Cynthia lifted the paper and showed her the column that had taken her attention earlier.

“The rise and fall of chivalry: A breakdown of why and how relationships fail. It’s part of a ten-part series. I am already on part six and I swear the last time I was this enslaved to a book, I was dead hooked on Esther Bank’s work,” Cynthia said as she put the paper back on the table.

“We have all seen those books lined up your wall, Cynthia. Your obsession with Esther is not over yet,” Desiree said.

“Well, I can’t help it if the girl writes quality stories now, can I?” Cynthia asked. Desiree shrugged.

“I guess you can’t,” she said as she took another sip of her coffee.

“But on a serious note, whatever is up with your man could be nothing. Just chill out and everything will be fine. Give him his space,” Cynthia said.

Why the hell would I want to give him his space? Is he already bored with me?thought Desiree.

“I guess I’ll do exactly that,” is what came out of her mouth.

Cynthia reached over and gave her cousin’s shoulder a little squeeze.

“That’s my girl,” she said before standing up. “Want some breakfast? I made some waffles earlier.” She brought her cup to the sink and rinsed it off before putting it in the dish rack.

“Why the hell did you make me have coffee then? You should have led with that,” Desiree exclaimed as she walked to the kitchen counter. She helped herself to a waffle and then walked back to the table.

“I thought the maple syrup on the table would give it away but I guess I gave you too much credit,” Cynthia teased. Desiree shot her a dirty look.

“I see the paper also has a column about smart talk, huh?” she said as she poured some syrup on her waffle. “ Don’t make me swat you – as soon as I am done eating, of course.”

Within seconds a huge chunk of her waffle was gone.

Cynthia ignored her cousin’s last remark and changed the subject. “So, what are you up to exactly? Normally you’d be up and gone by now, even on days when you’ve an afternoon shift.” Cynthia picked up her bag.

“I called in sick today,” Desiree responded. Cynthia put her bag on the counter and walked over to her cousin and bestie.

“What? Why didn’t you tell me before? How are you feeling?” She swiftly felt Desiree’s forehead. Desiree pulled Cynthia’s hand away from her head almost as quickly.

“Relax. I’m not really sick.”

“Then why did you call in sick?” Cynthia asked, looking at her. Desiree took a long deep breath and shrugged.

“I was feeling kind of low with the whole thing with Taylor last night. I needed some time to myself.” Cynthia sat down next to her and gave her cousin a stern look.

“Okay, all newspaper sh*t aside, you are taking this thing way too seriously,” she started. Desiree looked at her, mildly shocked.

“Wouldn’t you feel the same way if you were in my shoes?” she asked.

“I would, but I would also give myself the benefit of the doubt,” Cynthia responded. “For starters, I would definitely like to think that I did right by myself and my boyfriend by coming clean. That way I would be able to sleep at night. But until you can accept that Dee, I don’t think you will be okay with Taylor. Ever.” Desiree looked down to her waffle, brought it to her mouth and took another bite. She then focused her attention back on her cousin.

“I almost feel like you’ve told me a whole lot of nothing in so many words,” she said. Cynthia smiled.