Page 29 of Jagged Edges

“You’re such a pooper.It’s your birthday weekend and there are so many parties going on in the city. Why do you want to be cooped up in the house?” Melonie fussed, as she always did.

She loved nothing more than having a good time, but it hardly included me. I simply didn’t have the ends that she did to enjoy each and every weekend. She knew my situation and always offered to pay, but I refused. There would come a time that I would be able to afford the fun my best friend wanted to have, but it hadn’t come yet. With my social anxiety, I wasn’t in a hurry, either.

“Rest, Melonie. I told you that. Tomorrow, I got back to work, so I’m just trying to enjoy this time off. Reality is going to set in really soon, babe.”

It was only five, and I was beyond exhausted. Before my date with Bello tonight, I wanted to get at least an hour and a half of sleep. Though I wasn’t one-hundred percent truthful with Melonie, I did want to get back to the loft to get some rest. I was still tired.

“I’m sorry, B. I guess I just feel like, besides this shopping trip and your stay at the loft, you’re not really celebrating you and I don’t like it.”

“I know, babe, but this ismyway of celebrating myself. By resting. I’ve been on the go since the day she kicked me out. Nonstop. This weekend is what I need to get right mentally, physically, and emotionally.”

“I understand. I’m just making sure you know how special you are and how special this day is,” Melonie turned and reminded me.

“I know, Melonie. This has honestly been the best birthday I’ve ever had. Without you in my life, this wouldn’t have even been possible. So, trust me. You’ve shown me, with your presence, how special I am. As well as this day. I have no doubts about it anymore. I get it, now,” I chuckled to lighten the mood.

“Good. Now, do you need help getting upstairs because I made a dick appointment the minute you said you wanted to be back by five.”

“No. The guy at the front desk told me to let him know when I make it back. He’s going to send a cart and a bellman.”

I searched inside the new hobo bucket bag that I’d gotten while shopping earlier. The minute I was in the car after purchasing it, I switched it with my old, raggedy one. I found the sticky note with the number written on it that belonged to the front desk and sent a quick text.

“I was going to wait to give this to you, but I don’t see the point,” Melonie told me, handing me an envelope at the same time.

I accepted it, curious of its contents as I did so. “What’s this?”

“Everything we didn’t spend, today. I wasn’t honest with the amount of money my uncle had given us each. There are five thousand dollars left and I saved it just for you. I want you to get out of the van, babe. It’s time for you to get your own place. This will take care of the first four months, at least, along with a few pieces of furniture.

“I’ve been searching and I found a few studio apartments under a thousand dollars a month. Maybe we can go look at a few this week? With the first few months covered, that gives you time to rest before finding a better job.”

“Melonie,” I gnawed at the inside of my jaw, trying to find the words to thank her.

“Don’t mention it, babe. You deserve more and I know the material things don’t mean shit to you. That guilty look on your face every time we made it to the counter was humbling, even for me. So, I made sure to set something aside for you so that no matter, you’d be okay and that guilt wouldn’t eat you alive while you laid awake at night.”

“Thank you so much, Mel!” Emotionally mounted, I unbuckled my seatbelt and all but jumped into the passenger seat to hug her. She was everything to me and I wanted her to know that I deeply appreciated it.

“That’s what friends are for, Brisk. Now, go get some rest,” She suggested, “That man is looking rather creepy waiting for you to get out.”

“I love you, friend.”

“I love you back, babe,” Melonie finalized as I got out of her car, blowing a kiss in the process.

Fourteen

Mansion wason another level tonight. I cruised through the rubbish with Brisk’s hand locked in mine and her ass pressed against my pants. Her grip tightened with each person we encountered that was too close to comfort. One look in their direction and the space she required was given. We finally made it to our destination, a VIP suite with a balcony view of the action downstairs in the main pit.

“Are you okay?” I asked as we settled, away from the crowd and into our own space.

“Umm. Hmmm,” Brisk responded with dishonesty.

From the fidgeting limbs to the arm that was looped within mine though we were alone proved otherwise. When I attempted to break the physical contact, she pulled me closer. Together,we walked to the balcony and gazed into the crowd beneath us. It was obvious that this wasn’t her scene, which made me regret the decision to bring her to Mansion. However, the food was my only reason for visiting. I had no interest in any other aspect of the club tonight. The dining experience was phenomenal.

“We’re leaving,” I announced.

“What? We just got here,” her forehead clustered as she spoke. Confusion was evident.

“And, we’re just leaving, Brisk. This isn’t your jam. I apologize for considering it, even.”

“It’s just that… Well, I have social anxiety.”

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