Page 39 of Beautiful Beginning

After our fourth drink, we ended up in the middle of the dance floor. No expectations looked much likeno cares.And I twirled my ass in a circle. Backed it up to a few guys who approached, and when nobody was around I danced like I was giving a show. “Me and Chaz haven’t danced like this.”

Lauren scoffed, “Could you see him in a club?” She placed a cup in my hand. “Drink up and keep dancing. Don’t worry about him.”

“But” I said between sips, “I want things to work with him. I don’t care if he won’t let me back it up to him in front of all these people.” I swung my hand and dripped liquor down my chest. “Oops.”

Nia reached over and hovered a finger in front of me. “Shhh… dance. Bend it over like this.” She fell forward. “Then drop it low like that.”

I could only watch because my balance was a little off. Standing still and swaying side to side with the beat was a challenge. “I’m good.”

A familiar voice asked, “You sure about that?”

The club was dark, and the flashing lights didn’t assist in my ability to find the face. But as it neared I recognized him. “My iced mocha.” I smiled.

“Your iced mocha.” He laughed. “Looks like you could use one right now.”

I nodded my head and pinched my fingers together in front of my face. “A little too much alcohol.” The heaviness in my stomach became uncomfortable. I looked across from me and said, “We should go.”

Lauren stopped dancing abruptly. Left the guy behind her looking mad. “Let’s do it.” Her arm reached for Nia and she led the way off the dance floor.

But my first few steps were a little wobbly. The heeled boots I wore felt heavier each time I tried to pick up a foot. “Wait…” I called out to the two of them, but they continued walking.

A hand wrapped around my waist. “I got you.”

My eyes tried to focus on his face. But through a few blinks his features were hard to make out. Either way, he helped me to the exit. Then I told him, “The car is far,” like it was his job to help me the rest of the way.

He chuckled and said, “Can’t have you falling across the parking lot.”

I shook my head. “Nope.”

Lauren and Nia finally looked behind them when we got to the car. Nia’s eyes bulged and she said, “Oh. Ugh… what’s going on here?”

“You know iced mocha,” I mumbled. “He’s helping me to the car. Didn’t want me to fall.” My eyes drifted closed as I stood there.

“Here I’ll help you get her inside,” his voice sounded even deeper.

I started lowering, and when my ass hit the seat I rested my head back.

“Make sure she sleeps on her side,” he warned and sounded like somebody’s daddy. But not mine because he was no longer Mr. Reliable.

“We got her.” I don’t know which one of them made that declaration, but I trusted either one of them had me.

“Damn,” Nia said as the car started moving. “That man is fine.”

The two of them went back and forth about the different coffee drinks he could represent.

I whispered, “But he’s iced mocha already.” And like a flash of cold water hit my face I shouted, “Chaz. I want to call Chaz.” I searched my purse for my phone. Trying to unlock it before Nia snatched it from my grip.

“Now?” She blurted and it felt like a slap to the face.

I blinked a few times trying to make her face come into better focus. “Yes, now.” I reached for my phone. “I need to talk to him.”

She dangled it in the air. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Too many drinks plus late-night phone calls don’t mix.”

“Unless it’s a booty call. But not on some I need to talk about my feelings.” Lauren stared into the rearview mirror. “If that’s what you are about to do.” She turned to Nia. “Keep the phone.”

“But my feelings matter.” I stared at the window. “My feelings for him matter.”

“Okay, Nia, give her the phone then.” Lauren pulled into a parking spot in front of our apartment. “Let her see how it works out.”

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