Page 32 of Loyalty, Lust, Love
“I do, but because it’s Memorial Day weekend, they tried to deny me.”
“Wait, who’s going to Jamaica?” Shyla asked.
“Obviously, not you since you don’t know anything about it,” Fateema said.
“Lynx, you’re going to Jamaica and didn’t tell me?”
“Shyla, this trip was planned and paid for months before I met you.”
“I guess that’s your excuse too,” Cornell said to Fateema.
“It’s not an excuse. It’s the truth,” she responded.
“What’s the occasion?” he asked no one in particular.
“Me and Bunny’s thirtieth birthday,” Lynx replied.
“Nice,” Cornell said, his voice filled with tension. “When is your birthday?”
“May thirtieth,” Lynx and Fateema said simultaneously.
“Your birthdays are on the same day?” Shyla questioned.
“Yes, and we’ve celebrated all but a few of them together since we met,” Fateema replied. “It’s our golden birthday, too, so it’s about to be epic.”
“It sounds like it. Is there room for one more?” Cornell inquired.
“Make that two because I’m definitely not missing this,” Shyla interjected.
“Nah, we rented a villa, and the regulations are pretty strict regarding extra people,” Lynx offered.
“I’m sure there’s a workaround. I’ll share a room with Fateema and?—”
“Nah, that won’t work. We’ll keep you in mind for the next trip… if you’re still in the picture,” Lynx said.
“You said that like you don’t think I will be,” Cornell said.
“I don’t.”
Cornell leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs and clasping his hands together. “Why is that?”
The tension was thick, and nobody said a word as they waited for Lynx’s response.
“You’re not her type.”
“Lynx!”
“Am I lying, Bunny?” He paused briefly but continued talking before she could respond, not that she planned to. “I’m a lot of things, but I’m not a liar.”
“I realize you’re best friends, but that doesn’t mean you know what kind of man she wants.”
“Oh, but Cornell, they aren’t just best friends,” Shyla stated sarcastically. “They’re soulmates… Isn’t that right, Lynx?”
“That’s right, and I know her,insideand out. Can you say the same?”
Cornell’s head fell slightly to the right, and he squinted his eyes. Memories of Lynx’s hands wrapped around Fateema’s waist at the repast the day before, their bodies barely an inchapart, and the subtle comments and awkward glances he’d ignored earlier came to mind.
He slowly stood and asked Fateema in a low voice, “Can I talk to you in the other room for a minute?”
