“Adrian I love you.” I whisper just as our lips meet. He kisses me and then he pulls back. He lens into my neck and he whispers.
“Alanna, I know you do.”
After a moment of kissing Adrian pulls back and he begins to pace around the room and I take a seat onto my bed as I watch his movements.
“Baby, I need you to do something for me.”
“Anything,” I say quickly. He walks over to me and kneels by the bed.
“Baby, I need you to call Maggie and tell her that I want to meet her and Emma. Can you do this for me?” I smile at him as I gently stroke his hair.
“Of course,” Adrian quickly takes out his phone and he dials Maggie’s number. The phone rings as I hold it to my ear. I wait patiently for Maggie to answer.
“Hello,” a woman says in a strong voice.
“Hello, am I speaking with Maggie?” I say in a soothing tone.
“Yes who’s calling?”
“I don’t know if you remember me… it’s Alanna Hart?”
“Oh, of course, I remember you dear. I was heartbroken when I heard that you were attacked. How are you dear?” I smile at her kind voice and I quickly reassure her that I am fine.
“I am good, listen Maggie there is something that I need to talk to you about. Is now a good time?”
“Yes, go ahead dear.” I quickly glance at Adrian as I begin to explain the situation to Maggie.
“Adrian would like meet you and Emma. Would that be something you are interested in?” I quickly take Adrian’s hand as I see his anxiety building. Maggie takes a while to respond and as I wait for her to reply, my heart begins to race.
“I have been talking with Emma about Mr Black and she would like to meet him. She is home just now if he wants to stop by?” I smile at Adrian and he quickly smirks at me.
“Okay, we won’t be long and thanks again Maggie.” I hang up and I quickly hand Adrian his phone. He slips it into his inside jacket pocket and then he gently takes me by the hand. He leads me out into the hallway and we start for the door.
Adrian escorts me into his black Rolls Royce that is waiting by the front doors of Columbia. As the car pulls away, Adrian reaches over and grips my hand.
The car comes to a stop and I look out of the window to our surroundings. I quickly realise that we are in Harlem. Adrian notices the emotion on my face as he opens the door for me.
“Adrian this is a poor neighbourhood.” I say as I step out into the cold street. Adrian takes a deep breath as I link my arm into his. He walks me up the front stoop of the building and I again look around. The streets are messy and there is graffiti all over the walls of the building. Loud bangs and police sirens fill the air. I quickly glance to Adrian; he stands in a three-piece suit with a massive gold Rolex on show. His hair is pushed back and he has a little stubble on his face. I try to conceal my fear as Adrian buzzes Maggie’s apartment but inside I am shaking.
“Hello,” Maggie quickly says. Adrian quickly responds.
“Hello, its Adrian,” I hear the buzz as the door unlocks. Adrian quickly escorts me up the two flights of stairs and he turns to me as we approach Maggie’s apartment.
“Baby, I need a kiss before we go in.” He quickly pulls me towards him and he ushers me with a nervous kiss. I break free from him.
“Adrian everything will be okay. Maggie is lovely and I am sure that Emma is too.” I try to reassure Adrian all the while my heart is pounding. We slowly walk up to Maggie’s door and Adrian knocks firmly. It does not take long for Maggie to answer and when she does, I can see that she is in a state of shock. She is dressed in a black turtleneck sweater and dark blue cords. She quickly smiles at me but she cannot tear her eyes away from Adrian.
“Hello, please come in.” She says quietly. Adrian gently pushes me in the through the door and then he follows. I glance around at Maggie’s apartment and my heart sinks. The apartment is small and has a few pieces of old tired furniture here and there. Her kitchen is tiny and very cluttered. She walks us over to the sofa, Adrian and I take a seat as Maggie hands us a coffee each. Maggie quickly sits down on the chair opposite us and she smiles as she again stares at Adrian.
“Well, how is everyone?” Maggie asks as she takes a bite of chocolate cake. Adrian gently lays his coffee down onto the table that sits directly in front of us. He clears his throat as begins to talk.
“Maggie, firstly I would like to thank you for looking after my Alanna she told me that your cooking was the best she ever tasted and I thank you for forcing her to eat.” I gently slap his leg as he laughs at his own words.
“I would also like to thank you for meeting with me.” Adrian flashes Maggie a deep smile as he awaits her response.