I woke up the next morning, the sunlight streaming through the window as I stretched. Gently shaking Vincent from his slumber, I whispered, "Vincent, wake up."
His groan cut the morning stillness. "What time is it?"
"It’s 9."
He propped himself on his elbows, gratitude in his voice. "Thanks for waking me up."
I stood "Waking up beside you feels surreal, like it can't possibly be happening."
He asked "And why is that?"
"I always thought I didn't fit the mold of someone you'd choose—appearance, wealth, all of it," I admitted while dressing.
Vincent's response was immediate and fierce. "Maya, stop. You're absolutely stunning, and your spirit is incredible. Your money—or lack of it—means nothing to me."
His words coaxed a smile from my lips. "Thank you. But what are we, truly?"
He now stood as well, the question hanging between us. "What do you want us to be?"
"A couple. I want to be your girlfriend," I confessed, closing the distance between us with an embrace.
"So, be mine?" A hopeful smile played on his lips.
"Absolutely." I kissed him.
“How about a quick trip to Miami with me today? We’ll return by tomorrow,” he suggested with a hint of excitement.
The idea thrilled me. “I’d love that. What brings you to Miami?”
He smirked, leaning in. “I’m eyeing a spot that’s part restaurant, part strip club. It’s time to ink the deal, and I need to be there to handle the paperwork.”
“A strip club?” My eyebrow arched in intrigue.
“Yep. I hear they make a lot of money.” He chuckled.
“Do what you must. I’m off to shower.”
“Great idea. I’ll hop in with you.” We both got undressed and got inside the shower.
*******************************
Waiting for Vincent in the foyer, I struck up a conversation with Anastasia.
“You must be eager to see Rose again,” she noted, her curiosity clear.
“Absolutely. It’s been two weeks. Though, being her dad’s partner now... it’s a bit strange.”
Her eyes widened. “It’s official then?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t rush things,” she cautioned with a gentle smile.
“We’ll take our time.”
There was a knock on the door "I'll get it." Anastasia stood, she opened the door "Irene, what are you doing here?"
I watched as an older woman with blonde hair walked inside, Rose walked in after her.
"Where's Vincent?" Irene asked.
“He’s preparing for Miami,” Anastasia explained. “I was told that Rose wouldn't be back until tomorrow.”
“Plans change when business calls,” the woman—clearly Irene—said sharply. Her gaze fell on me next. “And who might you be? Another one of his skanks?”
I held my ground. “Actually, I’m the nanny.”
Irene gave me a once-over, brushed past me, and headed towards the stairs. "Vincent!" she yelled.
Vincent came down the stairs in a hurry. "What's going on? Why are you yelling?"
“Strangers and my daughter—unacceptable!” Irene bristled. “First Sabrina, now a nanny?”
Vincent’s retort was sharp. “Not like you’re here to help.”
“Excuse me?” Anger tainted her voice.
"Why are you here anyway? You're supposed to be dropping Rose off tomorrow," he asked, puzzled.
“It doesn't matter, I don't want people around my daughter that I don't know or like!" Irene yelled. "I have to approve!"
I intervened. “Arguing in front of Rose isn’t ideal…”
Irene snapped at me. “Stay out of this!”
As tension mounted, Anastasia ushered Rose away upstairs.
Vincent’s voice grew firm. “You won’t disrespect Maya. Leave. Now.”
"What you're not gonna do is come into my house and Disrespect Maya so you can get the fuck out," Vincent said.
"Don't talk to me like that!"
"I just did."
Irene scoffed "Fuck you!" She turned and stormed out of the house.
After the door clicked shut, Vincent apologized. “Sorry, Maya. She’s difficult.”
“No apologies needed.”
"I just wanna say I'm glad that's over with because she is not a good person." He sighed.
"I can tell." I stood "I think you should go check on Rose though to make sure she's okay."
"Yeah, you're right. I'll be back." He walked upstairs.
A few minutes later Anastasia came down "I can't believe she did that. I mean I've worked for Vincent for years and I've seen some things but never to the point of that. When they argued it was also never in front of Rose."
"That's my only worry, I don't want Rose to see that. She's still young and seeing them both go back and forth like that could hurt her."
"I had the chance to speak to Rose and I think you should go speak to her, She's very upset and I think you can calm her down," Anastasia replied.
"Oh, okay. I'll speak with her." I stood and walked upstairs, I knocked on the door.
Vincent turned around "What happened?"
"Can I speak to Rose alone please?"
"Sure." He left the room.
"Hey, Rose."
"What do you want?" She sniffled.
"Is everything okay?"
"No, you promised me that you wouldn't leave me and then you did!" She started to cry.
"Rose, I'm sorry." I sat on her bed and pulled her into a hug "You don't have to worry about me leaving again, I'm not going anywhere, I promise."
She wiped away her tears "Okay."
After comforting her for a while I went back downstairs "She was upset with me because I left, but I spoke to her and she's better now."
Vincent stood "That's good, but Since Rose is back I'm gonna need you to stay behind with her. I don't travel with Rose for her safety, she doesn't like to travel with me either."
"Oh okay, that's fine with me."
"Thanks." He kissed me "Anastasia let's go before we're late. If you need anything then call me Maya."
"Okay, bye."
"Bye." They both grabbed their luggage and then left.