Chapter 11

I rolled over the next morning and groaned as a turned to lay flat on my back. I tried to open my eyes but the light that was creeping in from in between the curtains instantly made me shut them. What time is it I thought? I reached to my right and realized Rico wasn't by my side. I instantly shot up and regretted it, I was so sore. Rico really gave it to me good, too good I thought. I crab walked to the bathroom and heard chuckling coming from behind me. I slowly turned my head looked over my shoulder and cut my eyes at Rico.

"What's so funny"

"Oh nothing whats wrong with you wheel chair Jimmy" he laughed

I mustered up all the strength I had in me and charged at him. My tactics completely backfired as he picked me up and spun me around. I couldn't help busting out into a fit of giggles. He made me so happy. He planted a kiss on my forehead then one on my cheek before asking "are you done being mean to me?"

"I'm not being mean, you're the one thats laughing at me and calling me wheel chair Jimmy"

He bust out laughing again

"SEEEEEEE" I said pouting.

"I'm just teasing you baby, I love you crippled and all" he laughed

His laugh immediately caused me laugh as well, "you can't never be serious man"

"I know" he said

"So what are we doing today"

"I don't know babe you'll probably have to go in and do some things around the boutique to keep yourself busy. I have a meeting with the team today."

I frowned. He knew I had intentions of just being laid up with him all day. Its not too many times when we don't have Janae with us. I was definitely disappointed.

As if he could read my thoughts he put his arm around my waist and pulled me in a little closer to him instantly comforting me and putting me at ease.

"I'll be right back Ma. I mean you could always just come with me and sit and play nice with the other wives"

I instantly rolled my eyes and playfully pushed him away from me.

"Thanks but no thanks I'll go to the Boutique."

He patted my butt before saying goodbye and assuring me that he was going to be right back. Even though it was for work I was so annoyed. I didn't know if I was just being a brat or if it was the stress of Rico working for Julian's team that had me so on edge. It was like constantly living in the unknown. I felt like I was walking on the edge of a never-ending building ledge and at any given moment life was going to send a big gust of wind to knock me clean off the building. It was only a matter of time before I bumped into Julian or he bumped into me and even though it has been so many years I still couldn't shake him.

I took a long hot shower and then get dressed simply in a black bodycon midi dress paired with my black Tory Burch sandals and hand bag, I pulled my hair up into a high ponytail and headed out to start my day. The drive from home to my boutique was a pretty smooth one which was surprising because people in Atlanta all drove like bats out of hell. Before I walked in my eyes landed on starbucks and instantly a halo of heart eyes surrounding my head. I deserved it.

"Hi welcome to starbucks what can I brew for you today" a barista said with a smile.

I smiled back and said "I'll have a venti Iced Vanilla Chai with whipped cream"

"$7.56, anything else I can make for you today ma'am?"

"No, that's it thanks.

I grabbed my drink and as i turned for the door I was stopped by you woman that looked to be about my age. I didnt recognize her and I was always good with names and faces so I was certain this wasnt someone that I knew.

"Excuse me ma'am where did you get your dress from. It's poppin"

I blushed a little before little before answering her. "It's actually from my boutique right next door."

"You own Haute857?"

"Yes ma'am I'm Heaven Cassanova, pleased to meet you" I responded while extending my hand.

"Wow I get to meet the legend in the flesh! When I heard you were moving from Chicago to Atlanta I was so geeked. I actually have an event coming up for a client of mine and would love if you could style me for the party"

I was taken aback, I wasn't anybody special. It was truly humbling. A huge smile spread across my face. "I'll do you one better, I'll style you and your client for free if you agree to promote the brand"

Her face lit up "Deal"

I handed her a card with my contact information and she agreed to email me over all the specifics of the event date, theme and things of that nature. Maybe coming back wasn't such a bad thing I thought to myself after my exchange with this young lady but what I didn't know was that I was in the eye of a hurricane and couldn't even begin to fathom the pandoras box change of events that was going to be unleashed into my life.