Page 184 of Treason's Temptation
Treason stepped on the elevator, winking at me just before the doors closed.
“What is your problem with him?” I fussed.
“What’s his problem with me?”
“My childhood! Hello!”
“That has nothing to do with him.”
“He loves me, so yeah, it does. Stop being rude, or you will be banned from coming over here,” I enforced.
“Fine. I’ll be quiet because being nice isn’t an option,” Sloane groaned, throwing her designer bag on her shoulder. “You sure he loves you?”
“As sure as you are about Jaleb,” I quipped, pressing the button on the wall. “Are you still fuckin’ that woman’s husband?”
“Stay out of married people’s business.”
“You first,” I snickered, knowing she was.
If Sloane weren’t, it would’ve been the first thing out of her mouth because the only thing she loved more than money was being right. She deflected because she knew it was wrong. She just didn’t care, and that frustrated me.
Did she also know her parenting style was wrong and didn’t care enough to change it?Dazed, pondering the question, she tapped my arm so I could follow her off the elevator outside.
“This is a nice car,” Sloane approved, kneading her shoulders against the caramel interior. What seemed like a compliment on the surface was a segue to criticism.
“But?”
“He could’ve gone for the G-Wagon, but it’s nice.”
“Why, because it costs more? Not everything is about money.”
“I’m glad I’m sticking around because he’s really brainwashed you. Everything is about money. If you think otherwise, you’re lying to yourself.” Sloane propped her elbow on the door, “And love doesn’t pay the bills either while you’re over there in fairytale land.”
“Thankfully, I have both,” I replied, turning the music up for a conversation-free commute.
I pulled up to the curb and let the Valet park. After I reminded Sloane to be on her best behavior, we walked into the building. She paused at the entrance, collecting every stare in the room. Sloane enjoyed pissing people off. It was like a high she chased as I followed her further into the room.
“Hey, boo!” Daige opened her arms, waving me in for a hug. “I missed you.”
“Girl, you have no idea.”
“What are you doing after this? Let’s get lunch.”
“Dropping her off first,” I replied, pointing at Sloane scoping the room.
“Hi, I’m Daige,” she introduced.
“Abdul Hampton’s wife,” Sloane accepted her hand, “I know who you are.”
Daige cut her eyes at me, and I shook my head, begging her to let it go.
“This is my mom, Sloane. Daige is my friend, so play nice,” I warned.
“We’re going to need a drink after this,” she whispered, watching Sloane take a seat.
Daige had no idea how much I was craving a glass of Château Margaux. I tottered to the empty seat next to Sloane while Daige sat on the other side of me. Every eye in the room was on Sloane, which also fell on me.
“Why the hell is she staring over here?” Sloane whispered.
