Read Online Permanent Resident at the Purse Table by Keisha Bass - Free Book Online Page A

was?”
    â€œUntil further notice.” Rene walked out of the house and slammed the door behind her.

Chapter 7
    With Valentine’s Day less than twenty-four hours away, Toni was overjoyed to be in Miami. Thoughts of Eric and the trip they took to the Florida Keys last summer pounded her brain since she’d arrived. Her emotions were all over the place. She missed Eric, but was determined not to call him. Being a few states over made it easier for her to stick to that decision.
    Toni had given her heart to Eric a long time ago in high school and he still had a hold of it. But as deep as that love ran, the hurt caused by his infidelity ran even deeper.
    She stood on the balcony of her ocean-view room of the luxurious, resort-style hotel, taking the postcard photo in. The bright sun kissed the bluer-than-blue water, as the fresh breeze hit her face with the right amount of serenity to calm her nerves. She could stay in that spot all day.
    If it were not for the four-thirty wake-up call in the morning, she’d order the hotel’s most expensive wine and relax with nature’s beauty and her thoughts until she fell asleep. Her creative director for the shoot, however, would have something to say if she showed up a sluggish, tired mess. So she chose a good night’s rest over an alcohol-induced one.
    She opened the mini fridge and took out a bottle of water, remembering the good times she and Eric shared. A knock at the door broke her concentration.
    â€œWho is it?”
    â€œConcierge, ma’am.”
    She opened the door.
    â€œGood evening. This was dropped off for you at the front desk.” A thin kid in the full getup complete with a bellman’s hat handed her a manila envelope.
    â€œThank you.” She turned to grab her purse.
    When she returned with his tip, he reached out for it. “Thank you, ma’am. Please let us know if you need anything.”
    â€œYou’re welcome. I will.”
    Toni sat down on the plush bedspread and pulled her itinerary out of the envelope. The hair and makeup team expected her in their trailer by five in the morning. Her bedtime would have to be eight o’clock. It was seven o’clock Houston time, but eight in Miami.
    She was a little hungry but decided against ordering room service and chose an apple from the complimentary fruit basket in her room. A heavy meal wouldn’t do her any good anyway. Doing a shoot in summer wear usually included a bathing suit or two. As she bit a huge chunk out of the apple, her cell phone’s ringtone played a smooth R & B rhythm.
    Who would be calling her now? Maybe Ava was checking to see if she’d made it okay. She dug it out of her purse, but didn’t recognize the number. It was a Houston area code though, so she spit the apple into a tissue and answered it.
    â€œHello, Toni. It’s Roderick from the other night. How are you?”
    She smiled. “Yes, I’m doing good. How are you?”
    â€œFine now that I’m talking to you. Are you busy?”
    â€œNope, just sitting here in my hotel room relaxing.” She lay back on the bed. His call was a nice surprise.
    â€œSo you made it there all right. Good. How was your trip?”
    Besides the thoughts of Eric? “It was great. What are you up to today?”
    â€œNot much of anything. Rode my motorcycle and enjoyed this perfect day. I wanted to see when you’d be back in town, so we could go out. Maybe dinner and a movie?”
    She nodded her head with every word to convince herself to go. “Yes, I’d like that. I’ll be back Tuesday morning.” A diversion from Eric could prove to be what she needed.
    â€œI know Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, but we can celebrate just as well on Tuesday evening.”
    â€œCelebrate what?” Why did he mention Valentine’s Day? She hadn’t known him a full day yet.
    â€œHopefully, a new friendship that can turn into something