Accepting Destiny (4 page)

I then realize how that sounds
, and think I have probably just pissed him off, even more than he already is, though I can’t understand why. Oh wait, yes I do. This is possessive Jackson.

“You should have called me,” h
e says to me, while still staring down Chase.

“You told me you had a late meeting, so I didn’t want to disturb you. And he was already there.....” I drift off.

“Well, he can go now,” he takes a deep breath. “Thanks for getting her here safely, but I can handle it from here.” He tells Chase.

“Of course, I apologize.
I didn’t mean to infringe on your territor
y
Bentley
,
” Chase says as he cocks his head sideways.

“Ally, it’s been a pleasure. Glad you are doing all righ
t after your little....incident,” he says to me while looking at Jackson - continuing the pissing contest.

“Thanks for the ride Chase.
I’ll call you if I need you,” I say, as I turn back to the car. That’s why I’m here after all.

Chase nods his head goodbye, then takes a card from the salesman now standing back from us, probably waiting on the fireworks.

“So, you can’t do the Maxima huh? Well, the Altima is just as good, and a bit less expensive,” The salesman reluctantly speaks.

“She’ll take the Maxima,
” Jackson says as he walks off towards the building, leaving me standing beside the car that I can afford, the Altima.

“No, Jackson. I can’t afford that one. The payments will be too high.” But he doesn’t listen, he just stalks off with the salesman, who is now grinning from ear to ear. “Jackson, wait!” I scream at him, jogging my chubby ass towards him, but his long legs move so much faster than my short ones, so I’m out of breath by the time I reach him.

I grab his arm, “Stop!”

He turns back to me with a facetious look on his face. “Jackson, I’m getting the Altima....I can’t afford the Maxima, even on my new salary.” I say as I am shaking my head.

“Nonsense, get what you want,” he says.

“I can’t AFFORD what I want! Unlike you, I am not made of money and can’t just make a wild purchase for the sake of making a purchase. I have to budget this stuff out
, and not get myself in too deep,” I tell him, but he’s not listening.

“I’ll buy it for you,” h
e says, turning back towards the salesman, who walked ahead of us.

“What? No hell
, you won’t! I can do this on my own.”

“Alexandra, be reasonable. You want the car, I’ll buy you the car, end of conversation.”

“Argghhh! Jackson stop! I will not let you buy me a car, damn it!” I say as I pull out my cell, scrolling through my contact list.

“Who are you calling, Ally?”

“That is none of your business,” I tell him as Heather answers the phone. “Hey, it’s me. Can you come down to the Nissan dealer and pick me up?”

“Why, didn’t Jackson......” Then silence
, because she realizes she’s busted.

“How would you know Jackson....wait, are you interfering again Heather? Jesus, why can’t you let it go and quit messing in my life?”

Okay, now I’m angry cause I have too many interfering people in my life, and I’m sick of it, damn it.

“I’m sorry, Ally. He called me to let him in through the gate
, to surprise you, but I told him you weren’t home. He made me tell him where you were, I tried to.......he’s so demanding,” she says on a whisper.

“Yes, I am very well aware of that fact. Now get down here and pick m
e up before I kill someone!” I end the call, shoving my phone back in my purse. “I’m done here Jackson, you can go now.”

I know, I’m probably being an unnecessary bitch, but I can’t help it. First the Sally issue, then my car dying, the
standoff with Chase and Jackson, now this. I’ve had enough for the day, and a new car will just have to wait. I’ll just rent a car until I can get a new one.

Jackson just looks at me, almost dumbstruck. I know, I’m probably the first woman who has ever said no to him.....and I’ve said it a lot over the past few months, but he needs to understand that I am my own person. I don’t need him to come to the rescue all the time. Sure, I need rescuing sometimes, like in that old warehouse I was taken to....but still.

We stand there staring at each other for a bit, neither of us budging, until the salesman clears his throat, jolting us both out of our trances.

“So, are we doing this?” He says,

“No,” I say

“Yes,
” Jackson says.

“No, we are not. I will buy my own damn car when I’m ready.” And
, I’m gone. Heather’s tires squealing as she whips her car in to the parking lot, honking her horn. “I’m outta here, guys. Arthur, thank you for your help. I’ll be back when I’m....alone.” And I glare at Jackson, pointing his finger like I’m daring him to do something about it.

This morning’s intimate moments are now overshadowed by anger.

I jump in Heather’s car, slamming the door. “Get out of here, now. Before Jackson tries to command me again.”

“What the hell is going on, Al?” She asks as we pull out of the dealership parking lot, Jackson in the rear view mirror, standing there with his mouth open.

“What’s going on? You really want the answer to that question? Well you mig
ht not like my answer, H,” I snap back, causing her to flinch. “I’m going to say this one time only, so make sure you understand me. BUTT OUT! You know I love you, H...but you have to stop with this shit. It’s driving me crazy. If Jackson wants to visit, he’s going to have to call me himself to let him in the gate. And, quit telling him my plans!! I had everything under control with Chase, and Jackson comes in with guns blazing, trying to take over. Now I don’t have a car, and I have no way to get to work tomorrow. So, be ready at seven thirty because you’re taking me.”

I cross my arms over my chest and sulk like a child. Mature, I know, but it is
, what it is.

“Geez, sorry Al. Forgive me for t
rying to help,” She says sarcastically.

“I can appreciate that, H. But you aren’t helping! This started in Miami and you haven’t let it alone since. Well, you
did once, when Madison was arrested, but that didn’t last long. Worry about your own love life, and leave mine alone. Please,” I’m begging now, flashing puppy dog eyes at her, while we sit still behind a big truck.

“Okay
, okay, I’m sorry. I just know you, Al. You’ll give up on anything good before it even happens because you think you aren’t worthy of it. I’m tired of seeing you pass up on good things because of your damned pride. But I’ll back off, if that’s what you really want.”

“Yes, it’s what I really want, Heather. Focus on your own issues
, and let me focus on mine. If I need advice, I’ll come to you but I don’t need you making decisions for me. I get enough of that with Jackson.”

She stares at me in confusion, but she says no more. Thank God for small favors, because I’m t
ired of talking myself, cause damn if no one listens to me.

We are finally at peace with each other by the time we pull in to the parking lot at our apartment complex. She parks in front of her building
, and I trudge my way down to mine.

“Seven thirty, Heather, be ready!” I toss over my shoulder as I walk down the sidewalk to my building.

I flop my frustrated, exhausted body on the sofa face down in the pillow and let out a yell, hoping the pillow muffles the sound a little. Then my body starts moving, arms slapping the sofa, my legs kicking in, and I’m thrashing about. Yes, I’m having a little temper tantrum. I think I even let out a little scream.

I feel much better afterwards, but when I peek at the clock I see it’s already nine o’clock
, and I haven’t eaten, bathed or anything. Shit, I guess I’d better scrounge up something to eat and then take a shower to wash the grime of the day off me. Before I make it in to the kitchen, I get a text message. I stop, staring back in to the living room, trying to decide if I am going to look at the text or ignore it.

I decide to ignore it. I have had enough for today
. Whatever it is, can wait until morning, Or later, whichever I decide. I need to assign alert tones to my contacts, so I know who it is, before running for the phone.

I grab a Hot Pocket out of the freezer, unwrapping it
, and inserting it in to the little silver sleeve to get it crispy. Why do I bother with that? The filling only leaks out onto it, causing it to stick to the pastry, then I burn my fingers trying to pry it off. Yes, it happens quite often. So often, you’d think I’d learn by now.

I set the microwave for three minutes and head to the bedroom, slipping out of my clothes and starting the bath water. I’ve decided to opt for a bath tonight instead of a shower.

A few minutes later, I am soaking in my tub holding a glass of wine and my Hot Pocket. This is my idea of gourmet dining at its finest. I pop the last bite in my mouth and wash it down with the wine, cringing at the taste and then staring at the floating crumbs in the tub. Nice.

Once my fingers and toes become prune like
, and the water is cooling, I decide to get out and get ready for bed. As I’m drying off, my phone goes off again. Damn it! Can’t people leave me alone for one night?

I head to the living room and locate my phone, pressing th
e
hom
e
button.

H - What time did u say?

A - Geez, H. Seven thirty - be prompt please

H - Ok

That girl will be late for her own funeral. Whatever would she do without me?

Then I look at the next text, which is from Chase.

C - You make it home ok?

A - Yes, thx. Sry for earlier

C - No prob. He’s a bit intense huh?

A - You have no idea

C - Well, good nite, cya soon

I think at first, that he was being nice. But then
, I wonder if I don’t have another persistent man in my life. Nah, not Chase. He’s just being a cop, and after what I went through, I’m thankful that he cares, considering I have not heard from Jackson since I left him standing in the parking lot at the dealership.

I laugh out loud. He looked pitiful, like he had no idea how to handle a woman telling hi
m
no
.
Well, if he keeps this shit up, he’s gonna hear it a whole lot more. Arrogant bastard.

Sleep comes quickly for me and before I know it, the alarm is going of
f signifying the end of my slumber. Here’s hoping Heather doesn’t let me down, cause I really don’t want to have to call a taxi, to take me to work. She’d be in super trouble if she did that to me, again.

Heather isn’t always together. She’s a true blonde
, and her picture should be next to the definition in a dictionary. You have to tell her to be somewhere, an hour before just so she makes it in time. She hates it, preferring to be fashionably late, but today she will have to be on time. I send her a quick text, making sure she is awake and getting ready, reminding her that I will meet her in the parking lot at seven thirty.

I get ready and grab my purse, digging in
, making sure my Blackberry is there and my personal cell. Shit, I forgot to charge it and it’s down to thirty percent battery. I glance at the clock, and see that it’s seven fifteen, so I plug it in for just a few minutes to get as much charge as I can.

I stand at the counter, eating a banana
, watching the phone as it charges. Why? I have no idea, but maybe I can will it to charge faster if I stare at it. I toss the peel in the trash, grab the phone and charger, then head for the door.

I reach the end of the breezeway
, and turn towards Heather’s building. I don’t see her waiting and my heart starts racing. I scan the parking lot for her car and see it parked in the same space she parked it last night, so I know she’s home. I pound on her door at the same time I am calling her. Nothing. She doesn’t answer her phone and she doesn’t come to the door.

“That’s it, Heather! I’m done with you! I can’t rely on you to do anything except
, let me down,” I yell at the closed door, meaning every damn word.

I walk back down towards my building as I try and locate a taxi service on my phone, but before I can get Google open I feel a strong presence. You guessed it. Bentley.

“What are you doing here?” I ask in a huff.

“You need a ride to work don’t you?” He says as he cocks his head to the side.

“And what are you, my knight in shining armor? I’m pissed at you and now really isn’t the time for your demands. I’ll call a taxi, go home...or to work, or wherever it is you need to be, Jackson. I’ve got this.” I toss over my shoulder as I walk back to my door.

“Alexandra,” h
is deep voice growls at me.

“What?” I turn, stomping my foot like an errant child.

“Get in the car,” He says as he opens the door to his BMW. Figuring it’s cheaper than a taxi, I move to get in the car.

“Fine, but this is the last time you pick me up for work. I’m a big girl and ca
n get myself around just fine. and I’m tired of you telling me what to do.”

I slide in to the supple leather seat, resting my head on the headrest and closing my eyes. No, I open them right back up and send Heather a scathing text.

H - Dmn U!

I don’t even wait for an answer before I toss the phone in my purse, really not giving a damn what her response would be, cause it won’t mean anything. She has screwed me for the last time, and it didn’t even feel good.

I don’t speak all the way to the office. I can see Jackson glancing at me as he drives, both hands on the wheel at the typical ten and two position, but his right hand is twitching, like he wants to move it. He’d better not touch me right now or I will explode, and not the good kind of explosion. The people in my life really need to lay off and let me live it. And Heather.......well, I’ve got news for her.

Jackson pulls up to the building forty five minutes later
, and I get out of the car, not waiting for him to walk around and open it, but he opens the back door and hands me my briefcase. “Thanks. And thanks for the ride, but not again. Okay?” I say as I turn towards the door.

“Alexandra. Why are you so pissed?”

Oh no, he did not just ask me that!

“Really
,Jackson? Where should I start, huh? First of all, you show up at the dealership like you own the place, then you get in to a pissing contest with Chase because he wa
s
helping me
!
Then you show up at my apartment this morning demanding I get in the car with you! Don’t you see how this looks? Come on Bentley, I know you’re smarter than that!”

“Alexandra, I.....” He looks down at his feet. “I don’t know what to say
, except I’m sorry. This is new to me and I need you to give me a chance to make this right.”

“There’s nothing to make right, Jackson. You want to try and run everything including my life. Well, I can do that on my own! If you want get to know me, then you have to try and GET TO KNOW ME! Don’t keep jumping in and trying to save the day. I don’t need a super hero.”

“You’re too damned independent for your own good, Ally. Do you know what happens when women go to purchase a car on their own? They get taken advantage of and end up paying more for a car because they don’t know any better”

“Did I hear you say I don’
t
KNOW ANY BETTER
?
Are you kidding me? I was with Chase! Oh wait.....THAT is really the problem here isn’t it? The fact I was with another man and not you. Jealousy really doesn’t become you, Jackson. He’s a friend.....hell, you’re the one that introduced us months ago.”

“I’m sorry, I just want you to myself Ally. I don’t share what’s mine.”

“Oh okay, here we go again with the possessiveness. So, this morning I’ve already seen your demanding arrogance, now I have to deal with possessiveness? Not today, Jackson. As I said earlier, I am not in the mood! Now, go.....do whatever it is that you do, I need to get inside.” And I turn on my heel to go inside, alone.

I leave him standing on the curb, a befuddled look on his face. He just doesn’t get it! But I don’t have time to try and
analyze it now, I have work to do and I’m already late.....again. Shit.

I rush to the elevators and thankfully, the
doors open as soon as I walk up. So I jump in and press the fourteen for my floor, but it feels like the elevator is taking forever. “Go!” I yell at the buttons, like they will listen, and press the accelerator.

I walk around the corner and stop, realizing this isn’t my cubicle anymore. Great, I’m so angry this morning I forgot where my office is. I turn to go back down the hall and meet Tim.

“Good morning, Ally. Running late again?” He raises an eyebrow out me.

“Sorry, car died on me last night and I had to catch a ride.”

“So, what are you doing here? Forget about your new office?”

Chuckling, “Yeah, I guess so,
” I say as I look around. “I’ve been here so long, that it just came naturally to me.”

By this time I am laughing uncontrollably, my belly is aching and tears are streaming out of my eyes. Tim is just looking at me
, like I have lost my mind. Maybe I have? Then I think, nope....can’t lose what I never had.

“I’
ll just be going...to my office,” I say on one final chuckle, but Tim is just standing there with his brows raised and a smirk. I feel really stupid now, but I shuffle my feet around him, and head back around to my office.

I drop my purse in my bottom drawer
, and head to the kitchen to make coffee. I walk in, and the room is empty. I expected to see Sally here this morning, lurking in the corner, waiting for me to come in, so she can pounce. But all is quiet. I make my coffee and grab a honey bun out of the vending machine, stopping one last time to look back in to the kitchen. Nope, no Sally. She won’t let this go, so I expect to see her stalking this way, or even waiting for me at my office.