Page 53 of Reclaim

“I still say get Jagger to see him. It’s easier and much more effective.”

“I’m ignoring you now.” I walk backwards, hoping to end the conversation.

“Whatever. Hendrix better take his top off, or I’m taking mine off in protest.”

Rolling my eyes at her, I wave her off and turn in the opposite direction. God knows what the hell goes on in her head half the time.

* * *

Choosingto meet Jagger and Hendrix at the youth club, Taylah and I walk towards a crowd of people on a field who seem to fit the bill with their athletic apparel.

“I’m going to find a bathroom,” she announces. “I’ll be right back.”

Standing on the outskirts, I let my eyes roam the green expanse looking for a familiar face.

“Looking for someone?” The gravel in his voice has my body erupting in goosebumps. Spinning, I throw my arms around him, irrationally missing him more and more everyday. After an amazing weekend, I feel everything about us is deeper, more personal, and irrevocably sensual.

“Nope, I found him.” Giving him a quick peck on the lips, my excitement is put on the back burner when I see the woman from the restaurant walking with some of the young kids.

“What’s she doing here?”

“Who?”

“Your friend from the restaurant.” I watch the puzzle pieces fit together for him, understanding written all over his face.

“That’s Stacey.”

“You’re telling me, Stacey who you often mention after the days you volunteer here, is also the woman who was all over you that night?”

“I thought you knew that.”

“How would I know that?” Being in public, I try to keep my voice low and facial expressions to a minimum. “And what? you thought I’d be okay with you spending time with the woman who would’ve fucked you in broad daylight if she could.”

“So what’s this about, you don’t trust me?”

“I trust you just fine. It’s the reminder of how much she wanted you that I can’t seem to get past.”

“I don’t want her.”

I bite the inside of my cheek, holding back my reply. He might not want her now, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t a brief moment where they weren’t intimate. “Does she throw herself at you here too?”

“No, we manage to stay out of each other’s way for most of the time.”

“Hey Jagger.” Taylah’s interruption saves the day.

“Hey Taylah, thanks for coming.”

“Someone die? What happened in the three minutes it takes someone to go to the bathroom?”

I look up at her and shake my head. If looks could kill, she’s the only person that would be dead right now.

“I’m going to meet the others. I’ll see you after the game.” He leans over to kiss my mouth, but I give him my cheek at the very last minute.

“I see how it is,” he says under his breath before walking away.

“What the fuck, Em?”

“Remember the girl at the restaurant that night we saw him?” I ask, jogging up her memory.

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