Chapter 21

Rome I woke up and glance at Julia who was sleeping next to me with her hand thrown over my torso. She looked adorable just lying there peacefully. Last night she returned and took care of my hands like she said she would. She ended up lying next to me and we talked about her dreams and aspirations. She wanted to be a business owner some day and she enjoys helping the less fortunate.

She even got me to tell her a little bit about myself. That was the most I've ever said to her, and I guess we just ended up falling asleep in the middle of it all.

Rolling over on my side I caress her cheek. There was a reason why I stayed away from women, I was scared of them destroying me like they did most of the men in my family. It was as if someone cursed the men of our lineage for us to have bad relationships with women. This time, however, I was scared of hurting the woman next to me. It was vivid that she was far more different than the other women I came across.

The way she kissed me back last night and the way her small hand caressed my cheek it was enough to melt a piece of my stone-cold heart. Now I was scared that I would be the one to destroy her instead of having it the other way around.

That is the last thing I want to do. She has been through so much and it's time for things to get better for her, but I am afraid that I'm not the one she deserves.

I should have never let her in the way I did last night. I should have just called her friends in and have them console her.

I sigh and continue to watch her. Even in her sleep she seemed content. She was this beautiful human in and out, she didn't allow her pass and even her current situation to turn her bitter. If that wasn't the most amazing thing then I don't know what is. Leaning over I pressed a kiss on her forehead, before removing her hand from my torso.

I needed some time to think, and I won't be able to do that with us living under one roof.

Julia Today marks five days since Rome left and haven't even return my calls. I stopped trying after the third day when Emmie told me I should stop before she claws her eyes out from having to see me act so desperate over a guy. I wasn't acting desperate; I was just worried.

I remember waking up in his bed alone and having Kylashay and Emmie tease me about not sleeping in my room with them. They later stopped when they realized nothing had happened and that he ended up ditching me. I thought we were actually becoming friends, but I guess I read too much into it and he's just still that cold hearted man.

The training for the new workers for Rome's hotel was over therefore I returned to my duties as a maid. I already made enough to last get me on my feet for at least a year. I won't be moving back to Palmville though, considering the fact that it was just too expensive. I'll just stay here in Livingston. I have a few job applications that I plan to drop off soon and there is this beautiful apartment complex fifteen minutes away from here that I had already checked out.

The land lady was such an amazing person which is a plus and the rent was nowhere as expensive as the one I had to pay while living in Palmville.

After I was finish tidying up the kitchen from all the work I was doing in here, I wash my hands and grab the plate of cookies and make my way outside. Jimmy was working today, and I made it our routine of making him something every day.

"Hey Jim," I say as soon as I saw him.

He turns around to look at me, a wide grin on his face as he stares at what I have in my hand.

"I bought you cookies today."

He didn't even wait for me to give him the plate, he took it from my hand and start to stuff his face.

"If you continue like this Julia then I won't be able to do my job properly."

I shrug. "It's not my fault that you got all up in your feelings when you came to the understanding that you're the only one who hasn't tasted any of my cooking. I'm just trying not to let you feel left out."

"It's definitely working," he says before putting back the foil paper over the plate, "I'll take this home since my wife have also taken a liking to your threats."

"That's why I baked you so much," I smile.

He returns the smile before it abruptly disappears.

"Are you feeling better today?" Jim asks.

He wasn't aware of what my problem was, but he knew something was up which made me a bit sad since the past few days. He’s been very kind to me, much more than Josh since I haven't even spoke to him in three days. He used to call me every day, we were that close of friends. Jim, however, was very supportive, and I can't believe that he was the same rude guy I met my first day here.

I did not like him one bit yet look at us now. I like the fact that he picked up on things that most men didn’t. He sees my scars, my bruises yet he doesn't ask about them because he can tell I don't want to talk about it. Instead, he would just ask if I was doing well today and say things like, 'you're still pretty with that bandage.'

"Much better Jim, thanks for asking."

"It's no problem Julia, that's what friends are for isn't it?"

I nod and he continues, "Before I forget, Melanie wants to meet you. She told me to ask you when you'd be free so that she can invite you over for dinner."

I was also eager to meet Melanie, Jimmy spoke so much about her, and she seems fantastic. I also wanted to see what they were like together considering they've been together since high school. I believe that their love for each other was extremely special, and I wanted to get a peek of that. Who knows maybe their good luck will rub off on me?

"I'm free tomorrow, will that be a good time?"

"I'm sure it will be, she doesn't have any clients for tomorrow."

"Fantastic then."

Jimmy told me that Melanie is a real estate agent, the company she works for wasn't that major or well known, but she was the best realtor they have there, and Melanie love her job, considering that it's her dream job.

I found that amazing since I'm not even sure what my dream job is anymore. All I know is that I don't want to spend the rest of my life working for people who mistreats me and see me as inferior. I want to be my own boss and I want to be the boss my workers will love and respect.