Page 132 of Tarek

There is a pause. “Are you going to bring Levi?”

Levi was my… what do I even call Levi? I guess my friend with benefits.

I sigh. “Levi went too Charleswood to see his client Eryx somebody. I can call him, and he can be my date.”

“Great! See you tomorrow. Love you sis.”

“Love you too, bro,” I hang up and continue my run. After this I will get me a curried chicken and rice for dinner.

I slow down, thinking of the possibility of seeing Tarek again. I haven’t seen him in over a year. God I miss him. Knowing Tarek, I don’t think he will want to see me. Maybe by now he will have a new girl on his arm. Some super model or heiress that is normally his style.

I have two minds about Tarek. I want to see him and explain why I left, the other side of me just wants to go the event and dip out.

The latter will be the least problematic. I just need to make one more lap and I will head home and pack.

* * *

PENNY

I didn’t realize how much I missed Lakeshore since I came back. I sent a text to Zeeta asking if she would like to have breakfast together tomorrow. Of course, she said yes. Zeeta is aware of Tarek and my situation. But I didn’t want to burden her with my problems. Especially since she is a wife and a mommy now. I refuse to make my best friend’s life miserable. She will never understand my perspective and that’s fine with me.

It doesn’t take me long to get to Lakeshore Grand Hotel. I know I could have stayed with my brother and Roxy or at my mom’s house. But I like my privacy. Ever thoughtful Archer, with Roxy’s help sent me three dresses for tonight. I chose the gold one. The moment I lifted the matching cape, I knew Roxy had picked this.

Before I could examine the dress more, the phone rings and I answer.

“Hello.”

“Well hello beautiful. I saw your text message,” Levi’s deep voice seeps into the phone.

I chuckle. “Are you available? I know its last minute.”

“I am always available for you Penny,” Levi replies.

“I can meet you there and we can walk in together. Is that okay?” I play with the edge of the cape.

“No prob. See you there,” Levi states as he hangs up the phone.

I should begin to get ready. I know when Archer sees me, he will be shocked that I dyed my signature red locks black. I think I am in a different phase in my life. One of healing and self-discovery.

Maybe Tarek will be shocked too. Blinking I clear my thoughts.

“Stop it, Penny,” I say out loud to myself sitting on the edge of the bed. Ever since my feet touched Lakeshore, it’s like my brain can only focus on Tarek.

But maybe if I see him, I should look my best. The first I am going to do is hit the shower and then head downtown to get my make up done. I am not doing all this for Tarek, I am doing it for my brother. The media will be at this event and I have to look my best. It’s not for Tarek, it’s just for my peace of mind.

* * *

TAREK

“Violet is currently engaged to Killian Borden. They say it’s because of the necklace,” Melaine cries.

I can’t believe that I called her to be my escort for the night. I should have told Archer no. The street light flits over the windows. The trees look like giants passing by.

“I mean we all know that you have like a cupboard filled with gold necklaces. Why is it so hard to give me one?” Melaine stomps, her heel slamming into the carpeted floor of my limo.

Melaine was a beautiful woman, beautiful fair skin, red hair, plump gorgeous body. But her voice sounded like nails scraping against a chalk board.

I watch her with disinterest as she continues to try to get a necklace from me. She is right there is a running joke that my necklaces have the power to get a girl married. But to me it’s like an FDA stamp on chicken. When men see the necklace, they know that the pussy was approved by me. Of course, they would like to see if it’s true. I am a connoisseur of good food and lush pussy.

---