Page 21 of The Sweetest Surrender

Octavia snorted out a laugh and held the steering wheel tight as she maneuvered into a parking spot at the same time someone else tried to take it. They parked and checked their appearances one last time before making their exit. When Octavia strolled around the car, Selena got a good look at her getup.

“You’re talking about me, look at you.” Selena placed her hands on her curvaceous hips. “You’re one of those hussies my mother always warned me about… leaving the house in that catsuit.”

“What?” Octavia said. “I’m covered completely. You on the other hand,” Octavia whistled as they sauntered closer to the entrance.

“Yeah, yeah, but your curves are putting a massive beat down on that outfit.” Octavia laughed as Selena chuckled. “Did your husband see you leave the house like that?”

“Nope, but he knows we’re going out for drinks.”

At the door, the bouncer didn’t even ask for ID, deciding they were racy enough to enter the lounge without it. The bouncer removed the rope and stepped to the side as Octavia and Selena made their way in. The lounge was supremely dark with pockets of light hanging over the bar, tables, and the stage. For a Tuesday night, Velvet Café held a crowd reminiscent of a Friday night. Taking their eyes around, Octavia and Selena noticed there were more women in attendance than men.

“Must be a girls’ night out,” Octavia said.

“I think this place has specific days for things, like Monday’s all you can eat, Tuesday’s buy one get one drinks, etcetera.”

“In that case, we came on the right night,” Octavia countered.

“True story,” Selena said. “Let’s grab that table to the left.”

“I’m right behind you,” Octavia said.

The women moved through the venue, turning heads of men and women as they sashayed to the table. Selena smiled and winked at a few leering men as they passed by. At the table, they removed their coats and tossed them over the third chair that would be unoccupied during their stay, and sat down, both crossing their legs simultaneously.

A jazz band played on stage, and the women sitting in the front row grooved in a waving lean back and forth in their seats.

“Jazz music moves me every time. I could certainly get used to hearing it,” Octavia said.

“You and me both. We should make this a weekly ritual; a way to unwind for the week and take a load off.”

“Speak for yourself. I don’t have any unbearable loads at the moment.”

Selena’s hope-filled gleam dropped. “Okay, you’re supposed to be supportive and say, yeah, girl, let’s do it!”

Octavia laughed. “Then I wouldn’t be honest.”

Selena pursed her lips. “You’re right. You dumped us enough to spend time with Jonathon before he was your husband.”

Octavia laughed harder. “Well,” she panted, trying to catch her breath. “At least you know.”

Selena rolled her eyes.

“Are you hating?” Octavia asked.

“Just a little bit.”

Octavia guffawed again. “Have you talked to Jordan?”

“Hey, girl, how about those twin babies?” Selena said, avoiding the question.

“Really?” Octavia folded her arms. “Oh, okay, I see how it is, but just know, I’ll be getting in your business a lot more. I won’t let you rest much like you didn’t let me when I was under the gun.”

“What would Jesus do?” Selena countered, causing Octavia to laugh again.

“You’re a true piece of work, you know that?”

“I’ve been told a time or two.”

A waitress wearing black pants and a maroon shirt with the Velvet Café logo attached, strolled up to the table. Her hair hung straight to her chin, cutting off in sharp edges. She held a bright smile, and a maroon lipstick colored her lips.

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