Page 51 of The Phyre that Burns
The waitress arrived with what I assumed was the food the ladies had ordered. It featured a variety of finger foods, including chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, quesadillas, and mini egg rolls.
“That’s a lot of food, Nae. Are y’all expecting more people?” I asked.
“No, but me and Devyn wanted to make sure we had enough food to soak up the liquor we planned to drink, and remember, Phoenix is eating for two.”
I leaned in and whispered, “Drunk Nae used to be a lot of fun. You sure you don’t wanna come home with me?”
She tilted her head so she could see my face. The smile she wore made me think she’d decided to come home with me, and I got excited.
“First of all, nasty ass, getting drunk is not in my plans. Secondly, I’m going to the condo, and you’re not coming with me.” She kissed my lips. “I’ll be back. I’m going to the bathroom.”
She whispered something in Devyn’s ear, who then whispered in Phoenix’s ear, and the three of them exited the VIPsection and headed toward the bathrooms. Kevin and I sat down and poured ourselves a drink, and Lennon joined us, already sipping on something.
“Calinda’s blowing up my phone,” Lennon said over the music.
“Is she okay?” Kevin asked.
“I’m sure she is. I saw one of her friends at the bar, and I’m willing to bet she called her as soon as I walked away.”
“Why don’t you answer it and see what she wants? You know she’ll come up here if you ignore her,” I told him.
Calinda may have agreed to be his mistress, but she was a wild one. She wouldn’t hesitate to pop up unannounced and embarrass Lennon. His phone lit up again, and he stood and walked away before answering it. A few minutes later, he returned, looking annoyed.
“Her damn friend told her I was on a triple date. I tried to explain the situation, and she refused to listen. She was going off about already having to share me with my wife, and she’ll be damned if she shares me with another woman.”
Kevin and I fell out in laughter as he continued to share the conversation he’d had with his mistress. We were so entertained that we didn’t notice Kavia and Bianca approaching.
“Phyre, I’m surprised to see you here,” Kavia said.
My laughter ended as soon as I heard her voice. Ignoring her, I looked at Kevin, and he raised his hands while shaking his head, letting me know Kavia’s presence wasn’t his doing.
“This section is already taken, so please take your ass anywhere but here.”
I wanted her and her messy ass friend to disappear before Ginae returned, but Kavia was there to push my buttons and wouldn’t leave until she was sure she’d achieved her goal.
“I think I’d rather sit here with you,” she announced and plopped down next to me.
Whenever I was in Kavia’s presence, I worked overtime to stay calm. I had flashbacks of when my hands were tightly secured around her neck, her eyes wide as she gasped for air. God had to be testing me because seeing her three times in one month was cruel and unusual.
My body was tense as my arms rested on the back of the couch, but I was afraid to move them because they might end up around Kavia’s neck. I had too much to lose to end up in jail, so choking the shit out of this woman in this public establishment couldn’t happen.
“Kevin, if you don’t get your sister the fuck away from me, I’m going to jail tonight,” I said calmly, but loud enough for him to hear me.
“Kavia—”
“I’m not moving unless Phyre moves me,” she said, interrupting her brother and folding her arms across her chest.
I’d be wrong if I aggressively pushed her to the floor or tossed her ass to the other side of this section. I willed myself to keep my arms where they were as Kevin stood and grabbed Kavia’s arm. She snatched it away from him, and I could see the frustration on his face.
He shouted, “Are you drunk? Why do you always have to cause a scene?”
As the ladies returned from the bathroom, I saw the expression on Ginae’s face change from a smile to confusion, and finally, to a frown.
“This is the second time you’ve shown up, unwanted, I might add, and tried to cause trouble. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re about to get it,” Ginae spat as soon as she was close enough for Kavia to hear her.
Ginae’s words caused Kavia to stand, but before anything could happen, I hopped up and stood between them.
“She ain’t worth it, baby,” I said.
