Page 18 of The Sweetest Surrender

Octavia Davenport strolled into the room with her sister girl afro slicked back in a tight ponytail that sprouted out the back. She approached the front of Selena’s desk, and her manicured hands sank into the wooden counter as she leaned to get a closer look at her friend.

“Is this about the news?”

That seemed to frustrate Selena even more. It wasn’t the end of the world, but it was beginning to feel like the end of Selena’s.

“Not exactly.” Selena sat up and leaned back in her chair, allowing the swiveling seat to spin one time around. She placed her hands back on her temples and rubbed slowly. “I didn’t mean to get loud. I know we have clients in the building. It just seems like my life is crumbling, and I can’t figure out how to get a hold of it before everything falls apart.”

The sincerity in Octavia’s eyes was shown in the subtle way she slowly sat in one of the visitor’s chairs and reached out to Selena.

“This is about your parents, isn’t it?”

Selena pursed her lips. If steam could sprout out of her nose, it would. Selena nodded.

“I wish I could say I understood, but I can’t. However, we could have a girls’ night if that would make you feel better, and you can release all that pent-up anger you’re holding inside.”

Selena could barely smirk. She knew Octavia was trying to help, but the only thing that could release her pent-up anger was a romp in the sack with Jordan. And by the way their night ended, Selena didn’t see it happening anytime soon.

“I may take you up on your offer.”

Octavia smiled softly. “Great, I can pick up a few things from the store, we could have wine, and I can make us dinner.”

Selena was shaking her head no.

“Why not?”

“Because the last thing I want to do is sit around you and Jonathon drooling all over each other.”

Octavia opened her mouth to protest.

“Don’t even try and convince me. If you really want to have drinks, we can go out. Besides, I may need a good ol’ one-night stand to really take the edge off.”

Octavia gasped and gawked at Selena. One thing was for sure, Selena didn’t have any semblance of a filter. Most of the time, she said what was on her mind, which wasn’t always a good thing, but that didn’t stop her from doing it.

“I thought you were dating Jordan?”

Selena shrugged.

“What does that mean?”

“I don’t know!” Selena stood suddenly.

“Whaaa?” Octavia was utterly confused. “I just saw you two last night looking like lovebirds, and now you don’t know? What happened between the time you left the hospital and went home?”

Selena just stared at Octavia for a long second. Madison happened, she thought. Her phone call had thrown Selena off, making her a Bitter Betty.

“I don’t think I’m the only one he’s dating,” Selena said.

Octavia frowned. “Why do you think that?”

“Madison Santari is constantly ringing his line. I think they have a thing.”

“Did you ask him about it?”

Selena shrugged and mumbled.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you,” Octavia said, folding her arms.

“No, okay, and I don’t plan to either.”

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