Page 84 of Devanté
“Tae…”
“Stop. Calling. Me. That,” I growled. She sighed and let her shoulders drop along with her gaze. “Excuse me, Gabi. I need to get back to Blake.” I reached around her slender shoulders and unlocked the door. I tried to walk around her but she wedged herself between me and the doorknob.
“Okay, I get it. You love her. That’s fine, Devanté but let’s not act like you don’t have other needs.” She slid her hand along my chest then down to my stomach. I grabbed her wrist and put her hand down.
“Blake takes care of all my needs. Trust me.”
“I doubt it. I’m sure she cooks for you and feeds you because…look at her. I’m talking about nasty, disgusting sex, Devanté.” She lowered to her knees in her expensive dress, pressing her bony knees against the cold marble. It was sad to see, honestly.
“Get up, Gabi.” I tried to help her stand up but she snatched away from me, tugging on my belt. I took a step back and she crawled forward. “Yo, you’re losing your mind. I don’t want you. Stop this stupid shit.” Anger flared to life, crackling beneath my skin.
The bathroom door swung open and I saw Gabi’s two cameramen stationed outside the bathroom. Their lenses were aimed at us and I knew the scene looked bad. I wasn’t concerned about them though. I was more concerned with who was standing there gawking at us.
“Blake, I can explain,” I stammered, moving away from Gabi’s grabbing hands. She stood up and brushed herself off with a snide smile.
“Your man still wants me,” Gabi purred. “He couldn’t wait to get away from you so I could suck his dick.”
“What?” I snapped. My heart thundered in my chest, raging against the lies spewing from Gabi.
College was happening all over again. I saw the anger flashing like neon lights in Blake’s brown eyes. She was going to pull away from me again after we’d just decided to be in a relationship. My heart crumbled thinking about having to fight to get her back again.
The thought was exhausting.
“You’re so pathetic, Gabi,” Blake sneered. I don’t think I’d ever seen her so pissed before. “You think Devanté would cheat on me with you of all people?” She shook her head and folded her arms. “Y’all make sure to get this on film,” she said over her shoulder to the cameramen. “I’m not even saying that to embarrass you, Gabi. I want you to look back at how low you were willing to stoop for even a piece of a man who said he didn’t want you.” The anger tugging on her face gave way to pity.
“I don’t like you but even I know you’re worth more than crawling around on the goddamn floor like an animal.” I blinked in disbelief at her words. She walked in, cloaked in esteem and beauty, and nudged Gabi over to the mirror on the wall. “You’re beautiful. You’re at least kind of smart, we went to the same college. I remember you making the dean’s list. You don’t need a man to validate you. Not even your daddy.” She stood behind Gabi in the mirror and made her stare at herself.
Gabi’s eyes were wet but she refused to let any tears fall. Blake placed her hands on Gabi’s shoulders. “Don’t be that pathetic woman who needs other people to confirm she’s a boss bitch. You have to do it yourself.”
“Why are you saying all this to me, Blake. You hate me. I hate you.”
“Because even though I don’t like you, I can see how broken you are and how hurt you must be.” She stroked Gabi’s hair and finally, the tears rolled down her cheeks.
“You shouldn’t be nice to me, stop.” She sniffled but she couldn’t unglue herself from Blake’s pull. I knew the feeling. I couldn’t shake the woman after eight years.
“It’s too easy to be mean and dismiss you like everyone else always does. You’re hurting and it’s obvious. Nobody is this snobby and bitchy without deep layers of pain.”
“You don’t know me.” Gabi tried to muster up some bite to her voice but it fell flat.
“I know in all the time I’ve worked at Watson, you’ve never visited your dad at work. I know he doesn’t invite you to his parties and he barely spends time with you. Now, you look for acceptance in every man you come across.”
More tears from Gabi.
I sat on the bench and watched my girl work. I was in awe. I’d never seen this side of her. I was used to angry Blake. I was used to claws out Blake. I loved those versions of her but this one…Kind Blake, she was a favorite.
“Stop doing stupid shit like chasing after Devanté or whatever man out there is unavailable and work on yourself, Gabi.” I leaned forward and watched for Gabi’s response. She gave a quiet nod then turned to face Blake.
“Can…can I hug you?” She asked, tearfully.
“No, I’m not there yet. You can apologize though. Start there.” Blake stood proud and calm like a beacon of peace.
“Right. I’m sorry, Blake. I’m sorry for everything over the years.” For once, I saw sincerity in her eyes. The mask was off and the real Gabi finally shone through. It looked good on her. She looked around Blake and stared at me. “I’m sorry, Devanté.”
“Yeah…I hear you,” I said with a sigh.
“You didn’t have to be so kind,” Gabi said. She was still astonished and it showed.
“I know but…when you’re kind, the universe reflects your heart. It’s something I try to live by.” Blake caught my eyes in the mirror and I smiled at her. The chemistry that always danced between us sparked even in the middle of Gabi’s emotional breakdown.
