I wasn’t antisocial, far from it, but the last thing I was going to do was beg someone to sit with me in the cafeteria. Every day at lunch I was joined by a player from Serbia who only spoke to me in his native tongue although I knew he could speak English. Dante extending an invitation to hang out was my only olive branch, and if this was going to actually work, I had to at least have a few allies. He wouldn’t have been my first choice, but he was the only one trying to connect.
But now I was regretting my decision and seriously considering docking Nori’s pay. Listen, I was in no way a cockblocker if you liked it, I loved it. But Anika was like a sister to me. And watching her stick her tongue down Dante’s throat was a visual I could have done without. I was about to call the night a bust and head out when Danessa entered the Waffle House and changed my whole perspective.Stick with it for the plot, I told myself.
Danessa didn’t immediately spot us, giving me a chance to linger over her frame. She was dressed casually in sweatpants, a cropped graphic T-shirt, and sneakers. The outfit was basic, but the bracelets, multiple rings, and brown lined and glossed lips really took the fit over the top. It was two in the morning and with little effort, this woman was the finest person in the room. And I know what you’re thinking, that’s an easy title to claim at a Waffle House but trust me it didn’t matter the setting, Danessa would always take the prize.
Anika’s sing-song laughter drew Danessa’s attention in our direction. Her face telegraphed her surprise to see me. That surprise quickly morphed into anger which I hoped wouldn’t beaimed in my direction. Approaching she cleared her throat to pull Anika from out of the crook of Dante’s neck.
Anika pushed Dante out of the booth jumping up. “You made it.”
“I thought you said you didn’t want to eat alone?”
“Oh them? They were here when I got here. Aldridge and I were just catching up.”
“I can see that.” Danessa’s eyes bounced from me to Dante.
“Dante Caldwell, it’s a pleasure to meet you. And might I add you are just as fine as your sister.” His eyes tripped down the length of Danessa’s body stopping at her ass, causing the muscles in my jaw to flex.
“Nice to meet you, Dante. Anika, can I talk to you over there for a minute?”
“Sure.”
The two sisters went to the other side of the diner, and I used that time to draw some boundaries. “Hey, just so we’re on the same page. Danessa is off-limits. No leering, no crude jokes, and absolutely no suggestion of an after-party orgy.”
“Listen, I’m happy with the chick I’m with. I know for a fact I’m getting laid tonight. Can you say the same?” Dante tagged me on the chest.
I wasn’t trying to get laid. I just wanted to see Danessa again.
When the ladies returned. Anika didn’t bother reclaiming her seat. “Dante, could you walk me to the restroom?”
“Why the hell would I do that?”
“Because I’m a lady and if you’re trying to get active tonight it would be in your best interest.” Dante didn’t need any additional convincing. He tossed his arm around Anika and they were off.
Danessa slid into the booth opposite me. “So did you and my sister plan this?”
“No, why would you say that?”
“Because I get that it’s a small world, but it ain’t that small.” She perused the menu.
“We ran into one another at Enclave, and she suggested we grab some food.”
“And how did I get dragged into this exactly?”
I expelled a breath of air. “That I really don’t know.”
Danessa bit down on her full lips. “You are and have always been a horrible liar.”
“I may have mentioned your name.”
“Umm. So who’s this Dante guy?”
“He’s my teammate. And he seems to have taken a liking to your sister.”
“Poor bastard.” She reached for one of the full glasses of water on the table and thought twice, pulling her hand back.
“He can take care of himself.” I placed my untouched glass of water in front of her.
“So I see you’ve taken my advice.”
