“I love your look today. It’s urban and classic. You’re killing those Monolos,” he sang in between kisses into my neck until the elevator rang its arrival at our destination. As the doors opened, it had caught me gazing deep into his eyes, feeling aroused, but also full with questions and doubts stemming from those texts from Dawn Taylor. He let off me and with a quick jerk of his chin, prompted me to lead us out of the elevator. It was hard for me to break my gaze deep down in his honey brown irises. Once again, I was lost in the rapture of Azmir.
As we entered the designated section of the restaurant, I was so happy to see Kim. My heart warmed at the sight of her nestled next to Petey, demonstrating a rare display of affection in public. I really had hoped that they’d work things out. I held no judgment in my mind if Kim still wanted to be with him, nor did I hold contempt in my heart towards Petey for his transgressions. I was just happy to see two people who had been together so long persevere. I wish I’d had the same endurance.
As we approached them, Petey stood with his hands in the air and shouted, “Damn. I thought you two wasn’t gon’ come, man! What ‘chu doin’ to my man, Ray?”
I shot him an expression that feigned offense to his carnal allegations and popped him on the arm before hugging him. He returned the enfold with adoration.
“Hey, baby girl! Good to see you again.”
“Hey, Petey,” I sang before leaving his embrace. I didn’t forget about his deceptive orchestrations the night before, but until I had proof, I couldn’t react.
I went over to hug Kim while she was seated and then sat next to her.
“Hey, girl! You look cute.”
“Thanks, Kim. I appreciate that.” I gave a graceful blush. “You’re glowing. Is there a baby number five in the oven?” I teased to her delight.
“Girl, no! I would love another child, but my ass is too old. How ‘bout you carry it for me and then I’ll take over.”
“Deal!” I acceded and together we giggled like life-long buddies. “Where’s everybody? It’s almost one o’clock.”
I looked around the private room of the restaurant, landing my eyes on the buffet table that the wait staff was assembling. The food smelled delightful. I was starving.
“Man, that food smells good! I am hungrier than a runaway orphan. Azmir didn’t feed me last night,” I joked.
“From what I heard he was too busy tryna’ feed from yo ass!” Kim bit out with humor.
I scrunched my face with a smile. “What are you talking about?” I asked knowing full well what she meant.
“You know them bitches can’t keep their mouths closed for shit. On the way back to the room, they was talking about how they hooked Divine up by setting up a whole bunch of candles in y’all’s suite and shit.”
Showing poise, I smiled with a closed mouth. “Oh, so that’s who did all of that. It was a nice scene.” I nodded. She laughed at my discretion. “So, what’s going on with you? You seemed a little unlike yourself last night—not with me, but you didn’t socialize with the other girls.”
“Girl, dem bitches ain’t shit. I’m too old to call phony foes friends,” she snapped.
I gave her a playful pout. I didn’t know how else to respond. It would have been deceitful of me to ask for details when likely I had gotten them all from Chanell. I didn’t want to get involved. They all had a history; I was the new chick.
Speaking of Chanell, she flew into the private area with the local girls in tow. I braced myself, not knowing what type of vibes I’d be getting from them during this function. I looked over in search of Azmir to find him in the corner talking to Petey. I put my purse in the seat to the left of me to reserve it for him, though I doubted anyone wouldn’t have already known it.
Chanell waved at me from across the room as she talked to the wait staff. I could only imagine the lack of etiquette in that exchange. I loved Chanell with all my heart, mostly because of her rawness and sincerity, but I was fully aware of her dearth in the class and decorum department. What was more interesting was how they used her as a front man for coordinating this weekend’s events.