Page 3 of Aug
I rejoined Koen just outside of their private section. He had changed positions as well. While I gathered the youngest of the bunch, he began rounding up the most difficult. Seeing everyone searching for their purses, phones, cosmetic mirrors, lip glosses, and other shit lowered my stress level significantly.
One by one, they lined up in front of us. Balle was the first, which was expected. Tiana was beside her. Roaman followed. Slowly, everyone met us with Rugger, the third set of eyes, tailing in the back.
“Let’s move,” Koen commanded.
Hands linked as the assembled line headed out of the door. Careful not to lose a single soul, I stayed in the middle, observing the floor for stragglers. With as much alcohol in their system, one was more likely to hit the ground than not.
We pushed through the single door and then the double doors. Roulette, the private entertainment club created by Roulette Childers, was on another level. The establishment was something straight out of a mafia movie.
High ceilings.
Red decor.
Custom moulding.
Red carpet eighty percent throughout.
Just as expected, Saint was waiting to claim his prize. On wobbly legs, Balle released Tiana from her grasp.
“Follow them,” I advised, leaning into Koen.
“And her?”
“I’ve got her.”
Tittering, he nodded. “I’m sure you do.”
My shoulders lifted and fell. My adoration for Tiana was growing swiftly. Though the words had never left my mouth, I wasn’t surprised to know those around me were beginning to take notice. Just as the thought approached, Balle called out.
“Tiana! I love you, babe. Be safe.”
Her legs and head dangled. Her midsection was spread across her fiancé’s shoulder. I tried holding my laughter inside because this was no laughing matter. However, Balle was as composed as they came. To see her in rare form was comical.
“I love you back!” Tiana yelled across the lot as Saint began to stuff Balle into the car.
“August, take care of her. Be nice!”
She didn’t let the door close before making sure I heard her warning. Chuckling, I nodded in Balle’s direction.
I will, Rome. If she lets me.
“This way.”
I motioned for Tiana to continue following me. When we reached the SUV, I opened the back door. Tiana shifted her weight from one side to the other. Her arms were folded over her chest, and her eyes were straight ahead. On me.
“Get in,” I demanded.
She turned on the heels of her feet and headed in the opposite direction. She pulled the passenger door open and climbed inside. Sighing, I slammed the back door and made my way around the front of the vehicle. I settled into the front seat.
The engine started without hesitation. Music disrupted my train of thought. I extended my hand and twisted the nob to turn it down until there were hardly any noises coming from the speakers. Breathing is all that could be heard as I turned toward Tiana.
“Don’t fix your fingers to open doors when I’m around. Save that energy for that ballet shit they have y’all doing for hours on end.”
“I can–”
“Put on your seatbelt and be quiet. I’d hate for you to say some shit you don’t really mean tonight.”
I spiked the volume of the stereo as I pulled into the assembly line of cars we’d formed. From my peripheral, I could see every move Tiana made. She obliged, securing herself in the seatbelt as I’d suggested.
