Page 62 of Curvy Girl Summer

“Damnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn,” Darius reacted with a hearty laugh.“Why am I catching strays? I didn’t say shit about Aaliyah throwing that ass back on you!”

My eyes bulged. “Wow! I was doing a little more than just throwing my ass back, Darius.”

Leon smirked, rubbing his hands together. “You were doinga lotmore than just throwing that ass back.” He shifted his gaze to Ahmad. “You, on the other hand, weren’t doing shit but grinning.”

“You mean to tell me that you two were out there looking like Dumb”—he pointed at Darius—“and Dumber”—he pointed at Leon—“yet you are talking shit about us?”

“Gahdamn!” Darius threw his hands up dramatically. “Another shot? I don’t think we werethatbad. You thought we were bad, Aaliyah?”

“I wouldn’t call you Dumb and Dumber. That’s too far.” I tapped my chin. “I’d say”—I pointed to Leon—“Rhythmless Nation and”—I pointed to Darius—“Tragic Mike.”

The four of us cracked up just as Terra-Cotta started playing their biggest hit to date. Shifting our attention to the stage, we spent the rest of the night enjoying the music, drinking drinks, and talking. It wasn’t lost on me that Ahmad kept his distance. But as the last song played, we caught each other’s eye over Leon when he bent down. Exchanging small smiles, we continued singing.

It’s cool. We’re cool. It was just a dance. We’re friends. He is clearly happily married, and he clarified that we were friends. Leon and Darius were just giving us shit. It’s fine. Everything is fine.

The show ended, and the DJ started playing music to keep people on the dance floor.

“I think I’m going to call it a night, fellas,” I announced as I finished my bottle of water.

“Nooo! Don’t go!” Leon cried out.

“Really?” Darius checked his watch. “Already?”

“Yeah, it’s my time. My ride will be here in five minutes.” Picking up my clutch from the couch, I flashed them a smile. “But thank you all for such a fun night.”

Ahmad rose to his feet. “I’ll walk you out.”

“Good luck with the dates. Let us know if you need any more advice,” Darius said.

“And if the dates don’t work out, I’m right here,” Leon added.

I laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Ahmad sighed almost comically loud. “Okay, that’s enough.”

“Oh, we’re just getting started,” Leon joked, blowing kisses at me.

I waved. “Bye, guys!” Holding only my thumb and pinky to my face, I wiggled my eyebrows at Leon and mouthed, “Call me.”

Putting his hand on the small of my back, Ahmad ushered me away. “Aight, let’s go.”

I cackled my way out of the lounge. As soon as we exited and the door shut behind us, the fun that was being had inside was silenced.

“I can still hear the music and the bass in my head,” I commented, pulling at my ears. “It was loud in there.”

“Not as loud as your laugh.” Ahmad folded his arms over his chest. “That hyena pitch is going to haunt me.”

Grinning, I pushed him. “You always got shit to say. But I’m going to let it slide this time because I had a great time tonight.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” He paused for a moment. “And next time we link up, you’re more than welcome to come out with us.”

“Well, thank you. I appreciate that.” I swept my eyes around the parking lot. “You leaving soon, or are you guys pulling an all-nighter?”

“Probably leaving in about twenty, thirty minutes. Darius and Leon aren’t gonna let that bottle go to waste. So, we’ll probably head out when they’re done.”

“Do you have a ride?”

There was a shift in his expression, and his eyes left mine. “Yes.”

---