Chapter Text
That's what I am: A WOMAN IN LOVE. The very fact of this will cause plenty of problems for me and the man I love due to the
rules and protocols of the organization we work for. He's the head of our team and if I'm promoted his place in the chain of
command would call any advancement into question (was I promoted because of our intimate relationship? Did I enter into the
relationship in a bid to 'fuck my way to the top'?) Though no one can reasonably say that I'm not qualified I'm a Woman Of Color
and always suspect because of that. I've heard the whispers: 'affirmative action hire-this way the brass can kill two birds with one
stone-tick the woman and minority box at the same time'...it doesn't bother me but it kinda does.
Even a woman who mentored me was heard to remark once that my looks put me at an advantage over other women in the task force;
ie I would get all of the plum undercover assignments because of my physical attributes. I can't argue that attractive operatives are
useful in distracting both male and female 'marks' but 'soft skills' and guile are equally important. I'm good at what I do and no attempts
to denigrate those abilities or detract from my skill set says more about those detractors than about me. Robert pushes me to be better:
to reach HIGHER, and HIGHER THAN THAT...I am ambitious and I know my business; I thoroughly enjoy my profession and leaving it
would hurt but not more than losing him. THAT would devastate me more than I can describe.
The point of all of this is that I would reject any opportunities to rise in the ranks if any of those got in the way of what we have: I'm
no virgin; I have a past with more than one 'situationship' in my thirty-four years on the planet but none has ever affected me this
way. I love this man as I have no other. I've never said 'I love you' to any man before but I don't hesitate to tell my man daily-many
times a day. For the first time in my life, I can see a future with a man: wIth ROBERT SULLIVAN. He is beautiful both physically and
mentally. He's not without fault and I love him despite those deficiencies. I'm hopelessly in love with him. I would marry him in a
heartbeat if he were to ask. I have turned down half a dozen proposals but I'd accept HIS without a second's hesitation.
You and I will make each night a first
(Every day a new beginning)
Every day a beginning
(Darling, do you know you make my spirits rise)
Spirits rise and their dance is unrehearsed
They warm and excite us
'Cause we have the brightest love
I'm ANDREA ELENA HERRERA and I am a WOMAN IN LOVE.