Chapter 3 The start of all the changes

Boston POV

It all started months ago after only living in Chicago for a few months. That's when my life was changed forever!

"Wow! Boston, I'm so happy to have you in Chicago with me! Did I mention that to you already?" Raphael says, smiling at me as my friend and right-hand man, who I sent here in advance to open up our new office and hire a team of architects and designers.

"Yes, Raphael. You did mention it, but it doesn't hurt to hear again." I teased him.

"Well, I'll repeat, my friend, so you won't forget how valuable you are around here," Raphael exclaims, laughing, putting his arms around my shoulders.

"I'm still trying to adjust, Raphael. Things are so different here in Chicago. Do you know how often I've gotten lost this week alone trying to get to this office?"

"I know! Don't you love it?! You discover something new each time. Of course, navigating the streets of Chicago can be tricky, especially as a visitor or if you just moved here, but you'll catch on. Oh, by the way, how does your mother feel about living here? I didn't tell you to bring your mother with you." Raphael looks at me, shaking my head.

"Well, you know my mom. She followed me here to teach my dad a lesson and show him how much he needed her. But, Raphael, you know my mom is a control freak. So now all her attention is focused on me. But I finally caught a break when I convinced her to move into her place two days ago."

Raphael chuckles, "Good for you, Boston! So what am I hearing about you returning to a relationship with Brenda again? Is that true?"

"Well, I thought last year when she moved here that it was over, that it would be the end of it. But now that I'm living here. Her parents and mom, you know, they're relentless. So I couldn't tell her or them no, so we are sought of a couple."

Raphael shook his head again. "See, I left my people back home in New York. I didn't move way to Chicago to go through the same things I would go through back home. I came here to experience the freedom of being single! How will you experience any freedom living with your momma following you around? Then you get rid of Brenda, and now you are back with her!"

"Don't ask. I know it doesn't make any sense."

"I suggest you come clean and tell your parents you don't want this arrangement. Tell your father to merge with another business that doesn't have a daughter."

I look, and Raphael furrows his brows. "I wish it was that simple. Brenda and I argue for more than we have sex. But I'm about to change that. I think she's just waiting for me to propose to her. Things will get better between us once I take the big step. Right?"

"Well, I hope that works out for you, buddy. I do. But honesty is always the best policy."

Several months later, at my apartment:

"So you're leaving me just like that?"

"Yes, Boston, I need my space. You need your space. You know you don't love me!"

"Don't say that! I care for you deeply and would never think of leaving you despite not being in love, but I do love you."

"We both know your loyalty is to a fault. It used to be cute, but now how loyal you are is disgusting! It's not a good enough reason anymore. So please, just let me go."

"Is this permanent or what, Brenda?" Boston asked, standing by the front door, hoping she wanted to leave.

As usual, I got no answer. Finally, Brenda opened the door, picked up her Loui Vuitton bags, and left me there. I looked down the hallway as I watched her go. Then I got aggravated at how many light bulbs were blown out in the hallway ceiling.

"What's up with this superintendent of this building!" I said, frustrated, as I pulled out my cell phone calling the manager's office to report maintenance again about replacing those light bulbs.

"You barely could see your hand in front of your face! It's so dark in that hallway."

A few days later, at work:

I tried my hardest to focus on meeting with my business partner Raphael and my employees. But my relationship with Brenda was becoming harder and harder to define, especially now that they were separated.

Despite our troubles looming, I felt I could still call her my girlfriend. I thought about calling her and taking her to dinner to discuss their future. "Hmm...that would make her happy."

Two days later, I discovered it had the opposite effect on her. She told me she needed time to think about our relationship.

It's been a month since Brenda moved out of the apartment, and now she's staying at a friend's place. But neither had officially ended the relationship, even though we weren't together.

Raphael calls out my name as they sit in the conference room. "Boston...Boston!"

"Yes, what is it?"

"Is there anything you'd like to add before I conclude this portion of the presentation?"

Raphael asked, looking a little worried because I was his friend. Raphael was a true friend, and I was my only friend here in Chicago. We've been friends since we were in college together. There was no one I trusted more than Raphael. He was also the chief financial officer of this new budding fashion graphic design business. I needed to shake this feeling that was starting to consume me and focus on the task at hand; the vision of the department here in Chicago for the coming fiscal year.

I stood up from the conference table and said, "Raphael, as usual, you've managed to paint the financial picture very well. So we can conclude the meeting here, everyone."

The staff of five left the conference room. Raphael didn't leave the conference room with the others during the meeting. He could sense that something was bothering me. So I remained, not knowing whether it was business related or personal.

"What happened in there? Are you okay?" Raphael asked.