Page 2 of The Best is Yet to Cum

“Why are you staring?” she asked.

“I thought you were beautiful the first time we were introduced, but I believe you were wearing a headwrap. I had no idea you had locs.”

“Thank you. Winston hated my locs, especially when I first started them. I wore headwraps a lot because I didn’t want to hear his mouth.”

I shook my head, dismissing thoughts of Winston’s punk ass. “They look great on you.”

“I appreciate the compliment.”

The server returned and took her drink and food order. Before the hostess walked away, I told her to have the chef hold my food until hers was brought out.

“So, why’d you come alone? None of your friends interested in joining you?”

“I didn’t ask anyone. After everything I’ve been through this year, I wanted some time to myself.”

“That’s understandable. I’ve only had the pleasure of being in your presence a few times, but it didn’t take much to see that Winston didn’t deserve you.”

“I wish it hadn’t taken me so long to see it. I wasted so much time and gave that raggedy nigga my youth.”

“I wouldn’t call it a waste if you learned from it, and you’re still young and beautiful as fuck. Don’t give up on love because you loved the wrong person.”

She was quiet for a moment. “Are you married?”

“No, and it’s been several years since I was in a serious relationship.”

“Why is that?”

“The woman I was in love with wasn’t in love with me.”

“Did you give up on love because you loved the wrong person?”

I smirked because she had me on that one. “No, but I haven’t been in the market for love.”

“You’re handsome, educated, and gainfully employed. I’m sure you’ve had a plethora of women to choose from since that relationship ended.”

“Maybe.”

The server returned with a glass of wine for her and another Sazerac for me. She took a sip and placed her glass down before eating another oyster.

“Listen, if you were friends with my ex, I’m sure there wasn’t a shortage of women. He seemed to be able to find a willing one every time he stepped out of the house.”

“Let me clear something up before we take this conversation any further. I knew Winston through my partner, Evander, who knew him through his friend, Eddie. We were cool, but I ain’t never hung out with the nigga unless one or both of them were around. He’s not my friend.”

“If you say so.”

“It doesn’t sound like you believe me, but that’s the truth. I have no reason to lie to you.”

“Did you know he was a cheating asshole?” Her expression hardened as she questioned me.

“Not immediately, but after being around him for a while, it became apparent.”

“And you still—”

“Mona, chill. I told you Winston isn’t my friend, but we all chastised him about his cheating ways. I can’t control what a grown-ass man does, but if it makes you feel any better, he never brought any woman around us. I haven’t seen him in over a year.”

Her expression softened. “You’re right, and I’m sorry for talking to you as if you were partially to blame for Winston’s behavior.”

“It’s not a big deal. I’ve never been in your shoes, and I’m sure it’s difficult. How about we don’t talk about Winston anymore? Tell me about Mona.”

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