Page 20 of Ex- Factor
I scoffed, narrowing my eyes. “There is something wrong with you.”
He laughed. “It’s you. You’re what’s wrong with me.”
I didn’t say anything else to him. This man had me ready to risk peace for passion, and that scared the hell out of me—because I knew exactly where that road led.
Chapter Eleven- Eshe
We spotted Angel and Cassius near the stage, on a purple velvet couch shaped like a cloud. The lounge was packed, it usually was because it was known for it’s food and famous guest. I had meant to come when I saw it on Instagram, but then I saw their menu prices and changed my mind. Music played low in the background. Angel was in a yellow dress that made her skin look edible. Cassius looked good too, fresh line-up, dressed similar to Silas. Cassius gave Silas a chin nod and dapped him up.
Angel stood. “I didn’t think he was going to actually bring you. He be trying to keep you to himself,” she said, pulling me into a hug. “You look good, girl.”
I laughed. “So do you,” I said, returning the compliment and leaving the rest of it alone. I wasn’t trying to unpack Silas and me tonight, especially after what he’d said in the car. I would overthink and wouldn’t be able to enjoy the show.
We sat, ordered drinks, got comfortable. The music started and Jill took the stage before we could start a conversation. Silas slid his arm behind me on the couch—not touching, but close enough that I could feel the heat from his body. I had to exhale long and deep to ignore the way my body reacted.
Midway through the show, the band took a break. A piano player came out to keep the vibe going while they told us to refresh our drinks, hit the restroom, all that.
That’s when a shadow crossed the table.
I looked up.
And my eyes landed on Donte and Sinica. I hadn’t seen Sinica since her reception, and I hadn’t seen Donte’s ass since that night we argued.
He looked good. Suit jacket, no tie, watch gleaming under the lights. Sinica had on a white dress, makeup done to perfection. Her stomach was flat, which meant they’d had their baby. I had been avoiding looking at her social media without blocking them and making them think I gave a fuck. I really was over the entire thing. It’s funny how watching the love of your life get married could make you let go. I let myself stew in that shit so it hurt so bad God himself couldn’t have talked me into going back.
Donte’s eyes were locked on Silas.
I stood up slow, keeping my voice neutral. “Hey, Sinica.”
“Eshe. Didn’t expect to see you here,” she said in her snooty tone—saying I didn’t think you could afford it without saying it.
I motioned to the group. “This is Silas, Angel, and Cassius. This is my childhood friend Sinica and her husband Donte.”
Silas stood and gave a lazy smile. “Donte, huh?” He turned to me, tone casual. “As in… your ex? With your childhood friend.” He looked between them, then at me. “Y’all together?” he asked, knowing damn well I had told him they were weeks ago.
Sinica’s face twitched.
“You didn’t tell me they were together,” Silas said, eyes on me now. “You’re such an understanding person. I would not speak to people who betrayed me like that.”
He leaned in, kissed my forehead. “I’m sorry they treated you like that,” he said, looking me in the eyes, laying it on thick.
Then he looked directly at Donte. “Show’s about to start again. Y’all should probably go back to your seats.”
They walked off without another word.
I smacked his arm. “What is wrong with you?”
Cassius chuckled. “Yo, you wild.”
Angel grinned, sipping her drink and shaking her head. “You just couldn’t help yourself being messy.”
I crossed my arms. “Why you being petty?” I said, though I was feeling good having somebody stand up for me once.
“I’m being protective. I’m protecting your peace,” Silas said, voice low and steady. “Big difference.”
I sighed. “All you probably did was put batteries in his back, and he’s gonna find a reason to bother me again.”
Silas looked pleased. “Good. Let him. Give me a reason to rearrange his face.”
