Page 76 of Finding Jess

Sam blinked, surprised. “Already? It’s not even midnight.”

Tiana shrugged, but there was a glint of something playful in her eyes. “Yeah, well, I’m tired from the weekend,” she leaned in, lowering her voice, “Besides, the best girl in here is already spending all night thinking about someone else.”

Sam felt the flush creep up her neck. “I’m not—”

“Yeah, yeah,” Tiana cut her off with a dismissive wave. “Anyway, can you give me your key card? I forgot mine in the room.”

Sam hesitated for a second, her hand instinctively patting the pocket where she’d stashed it earlier. “You sure you don’t want me to go with you?”

Tiana smirked, letting out a low chuckle. “Not unless you really want to give Jess another reason to be jealous.”

Sam frowned as Tiana held out her hand expectantly, wiggling her fingers. With a sigh, Sam pulled out the card and placed it in her hand.

Then Tiana leaned in, pressing a quick, friendly kiss to her cheek. “Good luck, babe. And remember what I said. Go get what you want.”

Before Sam could respond, Tiana slipped away, weaving her way through the crowd with that effortless confidence she always had. Sam watched her go, a strange mix of relief and anticipation settling in her chest.

“Where’s she going?” Scarlett’s voice came from behind her, and Sam turned to find her standing there, with Jasmine following close behind.

“Heading up early,” Sam replied, nodding toward her retreating figure. “Said she was tired.”

They lingered by the bar a while longer, conversation ebbing and flowing as they sipped on their drinks. The club had reached its peak. Every foot of the dance floor was filled with people.

Sam glanced back every so often, catching glimpses of Jess still talking with Joanna. The woman was leaning in close, but Jess’ smile looked tight and strained.

Sam forced her attention back to Scarlett, who was animatedly telling a story about her latest work drama. “And then she toldmehow to do my job,” Scarlett said, rolling her eyes dramatically.

Jasmine snorted, hiding her smile behind the rim of her glass. “I’m surprised you didn’t say anything back.”

“Oh, I wanted to,” Scarlett replied with a scoff. “But I’m trying this new thing called ‘professionalism.’ It’s exhausting.”

Sam chuckled along, but her gaze drifted back to Jess once more. Tiana’s words flowed back through her mind as she watched Jess lean away from the woman’s touch.

“So what happened between you two last night that put her in such a bad mood this morning?” Scarlett asked, giving Sam a pointed look.

Sam arched one brow as she took a sip of her beer. “What happened toJess tells me everything?”

Scarlett shrugged lightly. “She didn’t wanna talk about it.”

Sam nodded, swirling the drink in her hand. “Then I guess nothing happened.”

Scarlett rolled her eyes as she looked out to where Sam had been staring. “Well, I’m glad she’s putting herself out there again.”

Sam turned away, taking a swig of her beer.

“Even if she does kinda look like she’s dying to get away now,” Scarlett continued with an amused chuckle.

Sam looked back over her shoulder once more, catching the obviously fake smile Jess had on her lips.

Scarlett sighed, setting her empty glass on the bar. “Well, I’m ready to head back,” she said, looking between Sam and Jasmine. “But I don’t want to leave Jess here by herself.”

“I’ll stay,” Sam said immediately.

“You sure?” Scarlett asked, although she knew she wasn’t surprised by the offer.

Sam nodded with a reassuring smile. “Yeah. I’ll hang out until she’s ready to leave. Make sure she gets back okay.”

“I think I’m gonna go with you,” Jasmine added, stifling a yawn. “I’m not really used to these late nights.”

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