Page 177 of Tarek

No, he loves me, and I love him, and that’s all that matters.

“Hello? Are these two seats taken?” A beautiful woman with dark hair asks, and a chubby woman with rich red hair stands beside her.

“You can sit,” I reply barely looking up. Rhet and Zeeta are off together, and Tarek and I are leaving soon.

I take my phone out, and begin to text Archer, asking him about my new baby niece. I can’t stop staring at the photos of Taylor and those squishy cheeks. I just want to kiss them through my screen. Archer sends me two more pics and I sigh.

“Aww is she your daughter?” The brunette leans in, her voice is soft and curious.

Proudly I lift the phone to show them. “No this is my niece, Taylor.”

They both coo over her dimples and dark hair.

“And you are about to have a baby too. Congratulations,” The red head said. But there was something in her tone that sounded snide, almost mocking.

“Thanks” I give a tight smile and tuck my phone away. I look in Tareks’ direction hoping for a rescue, but he is deep in conversation.

Trying to fill the awkward silence, I ask “What’s your names?”

They exchanged a look and a smile like they rehearsed it.

“I am Veronica,” the brunette says. The light pink dress washes her out, making her look almost ghostly.

“I am Melody,” She smile sweetly but it reeks of deceit.

“So how long have you and T been together?” Veronica asks casually. Who the hell is she calling T?

“Long enough.” My voice sharpens. Irritation flickers beneath my skin. “Is there something you would like to say or ask?”

Melody tosses her red hair over her shoulder, all practiced indifference. “Oh honey, we didn’t mean to upset you. Don’t get aggressive okay.”

Veronica touches her throat like she genuinely concerned. “We have to be careful with what we say, pregnant women are so emotional.”

Melody gaze sweeps over me. “She is no different from us.”

My pulse spike. My hands curl into a fist against the table as I shift to stand. This conversation ends now.

“He’s going to leave you, you know.” Veronica says softly, its almost sounds like pity.

Please, God, don’t let her be talking about Tarek.

“Who is?” I ask.

“Lover boy over there” Melody answers her voice dripping in disdain. But her eyes betray her. What I see isn’t hate, its longing. And it makes me want to scream.

My chest hurts. I shouldn’t entertain this shit. I should walk away. I figured out who they are. Tarek’s exes just fucking perfect.

“Look,” I begin, forcing a smile, “I am too tired to speak to any of Tarek’s disgruntled?—”

Veronica’s laugh cuts me off, her shoulder shaking. “Oh, honey, you are no different from us.”

I force a laugh in return. “Please tell me how.”

Melody leans forward, elbows digging into the table, chin propped on her knuckles. “Oh, sweetheart. Your time will come. He’s already given you the sign.”

The air in my lungs feels thin. My face stiffens; I freeze. I refuse to look bothered.

“And what sign is that?”

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