Page 99 of Tarek

I’m focusing on other people’s problems when clearly I have my own, calling it a coping mechanism. Besides, Rhet isn’t one for relationships. Women want him, but he just fucks them and throw them aside. Still, they keep clamoring for his attention even though he has none left to give.

“Rhet came to the Glasshouse, and he caused a scene because his P.A. was on a date,” I raise my eyebrows at Dax and sipped my whiskey. I know it can only get juicier from here.

Raising my hand like I’m about to testify I continue.

“I mean all the way to the front door. Her friend came to pick her up. The P.A. went home mad with Rhet. Not that she had much choice,” I add.

“Rhet caused a scene. Banner our friend, caused a scene over his P.A.” Jasper sits back in disbelief.

“Well, I went to a charity that mom sponsors. I literally bumped into the PA. She is a cutie,” Cole stops to look across the room. His attention shifts for a second and he shakes his head.

We all wait for him to continue. “I thought I saw someone. Anyway, long story short, he became territorial about the P.A.”

Jasper burst out laughing, “Will wonders never cease to exist. Is this the same PA, he is home with right now?”

Dax nods. “We called earlier. He is staying home with the PA.”

“The PA lives with him too? Shit he is a goner,” Cole mutters.

Dax shakes his head. “No, no I don’t think you guys understand how bad it is. Remember the Union Award? Tarek where the fuck were you, anyway?”

I recall watching Penny’s ass walk away from me in that sexy black dress, and I swallow. “Living. Continue your story.”

Dax squints, rubbing his bottom lips with his thumb. If I were a weaker man, I might have squirmed in my seat. But I’m not.

“He got flustered when he saw how sexy her dress was, insulted her, beat the shit out of the P.A.’s boy toy, and then he ran after her,” Dax says.

Cole leans back into the booth as he takes his money out. “$500.00 that this is a phase, and he dumps her within four months.”

Dax pulls out his money clip. “You didn’t see the madness in his eyes at the awards. $500.00 she’ll be pregnant and he’ll be married within six months.”

“Married?”

“Pregnant?”

I chuckle. “Dax, this is Rhet we are talking about.”

Dax nods. “And that fucker is falling hard in love. $500.”

I reach into my side taking out my money clip and slap the money on the table. “$500 saying that he leaves her in six months.”

Jasper stares at the money and chuckles like a hyena. “Fine, $500 on what Dax said.”

The crowd claps as Teresa walks off the stage.

“What happened to the friend of the P.A.?” Dax asks, his light blue eyes search my face.

“I had dinner with her,” I reply nonchalantly, not wanting to have Penny in this discussion.

“You had dinner with PA bestie. The plot thickens,” Cole a sip of his gin.

I didn’t want to talk about Penny. I didn’t want to talk about anything that we were doing and that’s it.

“Nah she is cool. But that’s it,”

Dax eyes are still probing mine. I choose to ignore him. Jasper gestures for a new drink. Is he supposed to be drinking?

“Are you supposed to be drinking this much?” I ask. Feeling concern for my friend.

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