“Oh…well, a part of my job at the practice is to scout out partnership opportunities that would benefit our services, reputation and/or increase revenue. I’d heard about the club and recreation center on separate occasions and his budding reputation had been mentioned, too. One day I searched him online and found the connection along with the rest of his ventures. It’s called Google, you should try it,” Michelle snorted, clearly finding herself amusing.
Much of it was missed by me because I was too busy thinking about Azmir’s grandeur, wondering if I could handle it all. I didn’t want a Google-ble guy. I wasn’t exactly sure of what kind of guy I wanted or if I wanted one at that time for the matter. But I didn’t want someone with a following or one who was accessible to so many. I liked my privacy and the insulated simplicity it provided. Suddenly it didn’t seem that would be maintained with a man like Azmir Jacobs in my life.
“Don’t,” Michelle bit out.
Huhn? “Don’t what?” I’d come out of my reverie.
“Don’t look for an out. Just give him a try.” There was a pause at her demand. Michelle knew me too well. She knew that I had doubts already and whenever I had a fear of something not working properly I’d bail. “That’s an order, Rayna,” she said before hanging up.
I reflected on what Michelle said for a few minutes after we got off the phone. I agreed with everything she said but practicing it was totally different. I couldn’t let myself get wrapped up in the possibilities of a relationship with Azmir. If he wanted something real, I’d know soon enough but it was too soon to know now. Besides, I was in the process of selecting a home to buy. At this point, I was deciding between two ranch styles in Redondo Beach and was meeting with the realtor Azmir recommended this afternoon to weigh my options—the realtor who took me on for free. That was extremely odd to me until I pressed him about his pro-bono offer and he assured me that he’d owed Azmir a favor and this was how they decided he’d settle up. It wasn’t the most compelling explanation. I wasn’t a personal friend of Azmir’s for him to call in a favor, but what could I do, beat the truth out of the man? I shook it off and dreamed of the nearing possibilities instead. I couldn’t believe in a matter of a week I’d be a homeowner!
The next few weeks flew by. Between the house-hunt and running the practice, I had my hands full. A little over two weeks after our excursion while in my office, Azmir texted me asking: Have you given any consideration to my invitation?
I had to think for a minute until I suddenly recalled him asking me to go away with him on a business trip in Mexico a couple of days after my Hollywood tour. He explained that I’d be company during his off hours in the evening because he’d be gone throughout the days. This trip was for about three or four days and was guaranteed to be relaxing above all else. He swore the views in Puerto Vallarta were impressive. I’d forgotten about it because it sounded more like an escort type of hook up than a vacation to me. I wasn’t impressed at all. Plus, getting away from work wasn’t that feasible in March.
I typed back: Good 2 hear from you. Sorry, my answer is still the same. You’regonna have to get 1 of your many girlfriends to go…
I had to giggle to myself about that one.
In seconds he text back: I’m working on getting 1 girlfriend but I’m still on the chase I see.
I paused for a second.
He was really trying to lay it on thick. I took a deep breath, told myself I wouldn’t allow these cheap tactics to lure me in and text: Sorry?
He ended our correspondence with: We’re only in Feb. I’m not giving up yet.
I smiled and went about my day.
Two days later Sharon paged me while I was in with a client. “Ms. Brimm, could you come to the front desk as soon as you’re freed up?”
I told her I would.