Page 98 of Tarek

“Good night.” He closes the door behind him. I hear his tires screech, and I am stuck standing in the middle of my living room.What the hell just happened?

* * *

TAREK

When did I become a pussy? I ran? Penny was perfect. I have looked for faults that would make me want to give her a necklace, so we can end this thing. However, I don’t want whatever is happening to us to end. I enjoy her laugh, her mind. I look forward to the ding on my phone. It doesn’t matter what I am doing, I leave.

Last week I was in the middle of a meeting with a new investor, I wrapped that meeting up so fast, to make it to her. I’m becoming addicted to her presence, and I don’t like it, because it frightens me. What if she doesn’t feel the same? But what is the feeling I am feeling? Love? Infatuation? Lust? I have no fucking idea, but until I figure it out…maybe I should stay away.

My car passes through the gates of Nowhere. Months ago, I would just have sex with some forgettable body and this feeling would be cured. But now, the only body I want to touch is Penelope’s.

Am…am I falling in love? The thought makes me stall on the stairs as I pass my keys to the valet.

What is love anyway? Like how do you know you are in love? Pushing through the lobby I pass through security ignoring everyone that is vying for my attention. The dark curtains pull aside, and Teresa is back on stage doing a new number. I walk to the bar and knock my two fingers on the walnut bar top. Within seconds a whiskey on the rocks is sent my way.

“T!” I hear my nickname shouted and I look across to the roped off alcove section. I let go a sigh of relief, because I see my boys. I need them more than they know.

I walk down the side aisle and climb some stairs, behind the roped off area.

Placing my drink on the table, I slide in next to Jasper who is sipping on a glass of what smells like rum. Cole has a blonde sitting on his lap, Dax is scrolling on his phone, and he looks down right pissed.

“Fuckers, what brings you to Nowhere?” I ask, grabbing all their attention.

“Available non-problematic pussy,” Cole replies, snuggling into the blondes’ neck.

“A-grade alcohol,” Jasper raises his glass and smirks.

Dax says nothing since his focus is taken by whatever it is on his phone.

I don’t bother asking what’s going on with Dax. I am 100% certain it’ll be darker than necessary.

Cole taps the blonde off his lap, and she goes out into the crowd. “How are you doing?

“Between you and me I’m fighting everyday not to release my demons on people,” I reply thinking about Pastor Joseph and my mini break down with Penny. I still can’t believe I left.

My eyes scan the crowd, everyone’s attention is fixed on the stage.

Jasper flicks his finger at a passing waitress; she hurries to our table.

Cole looks at her from head to toe and smiles. “Well, hello darling.”

As expected, she blushes while tapping the POS system. “What can I get you gentlemen? Mr. Tarek?”

Dax and Cole make their orders; she punches it in.

“Is there anyone at the table who’s vegetarian? We have a special menu available.” She bends forward, giving Jasper a full look at her cleavage.

“I’m a vagina-tarian. Does that count?” Jasper says casually.

She smiles, pushing her hair behind her ear. “Let me get your orders.”

“You do that,” Dax states, still not looking up from his phone.

“What the fuck is happening with Rhet?” Jasper asks.

Cole, Dax, and I all look at each other with a dark smirk. I chuckle pointing at Dax. “What do you know?”

Dax pushes his phone into his pocket and his smirk broadens. “No, you go first.”

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