Page 119 of Treason's Temptation
“Catch,” he called out, tossing the keys to me.
“I didn’t actually think that would work,” I admitted, slipping into the driver’s seat and adjusting it because Ward was much taller than I was.
“I’m feeling generous. You better not kill us either.”
The truck zoomed through the parking garage while I giggled at Ward holding on for dear life. Once we hit the main street, I slowed down, cruising to Icy Delights. Their Caramel Frappuccino ice cream had been my favorite since I was a kid.
The breeze curled around us after I parallel-parked the truck with ease. Ward pulled the door open, and it was packed for a Saturday night, but we waited our turn patiently. We gave the cashier our order and stepped aside to keep the line moving.
“Of all the flavors you picked, butter pecan! You act as old as your brother,” I joked, but Ward was frozen beside me.
When I looked up, his eyes weren’t on the menu anymore. They were glued to a woman at the end of the line, staring right back. It felt like I’d opened the wrong door and intruded on a private moment, watching their smiles twitch like nervous teenagers.
Finally, she stepped out in line and walked over.
“Hey, Darren.”
Ward smirked, likely at her using his government name, “Hey, Kelis.”
“Who’s your friend?” she asked, wearing a smile, but I read the curiosity behind it.
Ward opened his mouth, probably to stumble over something, but I beat him to it, flashing a polite smile.
“Hi, I’m Navie.”
“Oh,” she blinked nervously. “You’re umm, Tre’s girlfriend, right?”
“Guilty.”
Her eyes floated to Ward, clearly thinking I was someone other than his best friend’s girlfriend.
“Sorry. Hi, I’m Kelis,” she introduced, realizing how awkward the silence made things.
“Nice to meet you.”
Ward was still quiet, like he was too star-struck to speak or didn’t trust himself not to ruin the moment.
“Do you wanna join us?” I offered.
“Oh no. I need to get going. It was nice seeing you, Darren.”
Poor girl, didn’t even get her ice cream, trying to flee so fast.
“It’s late, let me walk you out,” He offered, tapping into the one area that he never failed.
Kelis wanted to resist but knew better, spinning on her heels for the exit. Ward gave me strict instructions to sit down, but I wasn’t going anywhere. Not until he answered my questions.
“So, who was that,Darren?” I asked as he approached with his hands tucked in his pockets.
“I brought you to get ice cream, and that’s how you do me?”
“Kelis has to be important because you didn’t correct her like you’re doing me.”
Ward chuckled, sitting down, mashing his spoon into the waffle bowl.
“An old friend.”
“An oldgirlfriendthat you’re still in love with.”
