Page 133 of Tarek

“We had sex like what, seven times. I know you are going to dump me. Why do you have to act like you don’t give a shit.” Melaine begins to fuss again.

I sigh, pressing down the screen divider to speak to my driver. “This is not an act. Hey, Ken, can you pull over for two minutes?”

The driver nods and quickly pulls to the side. Melaine continues ranting, not realizing that we came to a stop.

I dig into my pocket, pulling out my money clip I slide one hundred dollars out.

“Listen Melanie I–.”

“Oh my god, my name is fucking Melody,” she screeches.

“I suffer from a rare case of convenient amnesia,” I reply.

I bend my head and shake it. I should have stayed home tonight.

“My name is not that hard to remember.”

“Ken, the door.”

Ken slips out of the front and walks to Melody’s door and opens it.

“What’s happening?” she asks.

“This is where we part ways,” I said as I slip the money into her palm. “Get a taxi home.”

Melan-ody whatever her name is begins to tremble. “You are a disgusting man.”

Before she could finish, Ken gently pulls her out the car. I don’t bother to look in her direction. I am not interested in her cries or drama. That’s the thing though, I am just not interested in anyone. I can hear her fist bang on the back of the car, and I should turn around and say something. But why? What for?

Ken jumps back into the car and begins to drive away. “Do you still want to go to the party sir?”

Archer wants me there, he is a friend, but he is not a best friend. But still.

“Yeah, let’s go.” I say pressing the screen divider back up. I reach for the crystal decanter of whiskey, pull the topper and take a swing.

I can’t be drunk for my friend’s event, but a buzz will surely help.

* * *

PENNY

Somedays you know you got it right. You look in the mirror and think yeah…I am that girl. Roxy found me the perfect dress and tonight I am that girl. I admire myself in the bathroom mirror. The champagne-colored mermaid gown hugs my body just right. It shimmers under the light, one-shouldered with a cape sleeve that cascades down my side like liquid gold. My makeup? Smoky eyes kissed with a hint of gold. My locs are twisted into a low bun with golden cuffs. I look glamorous with a sprinkle of drama.

I examine my cape, and I exit the bathroom, Levi is leaning against the wall leaning for me. Lord this man is fine. He has that deep dark beautiful skin, big white teeth, muscles and brains. He is like Trevonte Rhodes but taller. It’s a pity that he doesn’t make my heart skip a beat.

“Ready,” he stretches his hand in mine. His voice echoes through the halls.

“I gotta hurry,” I say lifting my dress as I speed walk to the second door, the one that leads to the backstage. Levi opens it and as he leans in to kiss me, my heart skips a beat. The air shifts around me I feel him before I see him.

God, it’s Tarek. He’s nodding as he listens to an usher.

He looks gorgeous, his beard looks a little thicker. He looks leaner, chic.

The usher hands stretch directing him to his seat.

“Tarek,” I whisper, and he stops mid step, looking around and then his gaze lands on me.

I thought my heart was dead over the last year, but one look from Tarek and its beating out of my chest.

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