“I have to go so I can be home, looking disgusted when my husband gets there. That’s not the way I want this evening to end, but unless Scott suddenly decided to move out, that is precisely what I’m going to do.” She wasn't happy about leaving, and it showed in her expression.
“What's wrong?” Marcus asked.
Panthea took a deep breath and got out of the car. “I'm not ready to go yet,” Panthea replied.
“Then why are you?”
“Because I have to. I wouldn't do you like that.”
“Then why did you get out of the car?”
“Because I don't want to go.” She laughed.
“Well, if that's the case, I'll make it easy for you. I'll say good night. I enjoyed my evening, Panthea.”
“So did I. I just hate that it has to end,” she said, as she leaned against the car.
He wanted to say that it didn’t have to end. Marcus wanted to be with Panthea, and she wanted to be with him. They both choose the polite option.
“But I have to go,” Panthea said and got back in the car. “I’ve never cheated on my husband, Marcus.” She started the car. “Except with you, inside my mind,” she said and drove off before Marcus could say anything.
6
Olivia sat in the lobby of Marcus’s office building waiting for Garrett to arrive. He was impressed when Olivia called him the night before and told him that she had pictures and information on Scott Daniels that she wanted to share with Marcus. Garrett told her to meet him at Marcus’s office at ten o'clock the next morning. Olivia wanted to go by herself, so she could meet Marcus and establish a working relationship with him.
She looked at her watch. It was ten-twenty. “Why black folks can’t ever be on time?”
Olivia grabbed her purse and started walking toward the elevator. Once on Marcus’s floor, Olivia spotted the receptionist. She made her way over to the desk.
“Good morning,” the receptionist said when Olivia approached the counter. “How can I help you today?” the woman said nonchalantly.
“My name is Olivia Wayne. I’m an associate of Garrett Mason. I’m supposed to meet him here to see Marcus Douglas.”
“Mr. Mason isn’t here, and he doesn’t have an appointment this morning. What is it in reference to?”
“Scott Daniels.”
“If you would have a seat, I’ll see if I can get somebody to help you.”
“Thank you,” Olivia said and took a seat in the waiting area.
She took out her cell phone and called Garrett. It went straight to voice mail. Olivia picked up a magazine, cursed Garrett again for being late and began flipping pages.
A few minutes later the receptionist told Olivia that Marcus was in a meeting, but somebody would be with her shortly. When Olivia looked up and saw Garrett getting off the elevator, it was eleven o'clock. She looked on as Garrett approached the receptionist. Suddenly the woman had sprang to life.
“Good morning, Mr. Mason,” the now bubbly receptionist said.
“Good morning, Angela,” Garrett said and signed in. “Is Mr. Douglas available?”
“You know he’s never too busy to see you,” she cooed.
“I was meeting an associate,” Garrett said and looked around. “Nevermind, there she is,” he said and waved Olivia over. “I’ll see you later, Angela.”
Garrett started walking as soon as Olivia got to him. As they walked down the hall, Olivia said, “You’re late.”
“Got a late start this morning.”
“Late night?”