“I wouldn’t say I was throwing him in your face. I’m reminding you of your promise to be more discerning when picking your partners. Red flags are never invisible.”
She rolled her eyes dramatically. “Shut up. Anyway, you gon’ step to Rissa or what?”
I placed a finger over my mouth. “If I do, I wouldn’t tell anybody.”
“You can tell me. Your secrets are always safe with me.”
I stole a quick glance at Rissa again. “Same.”
“Bro!” Gemma called out. “You got it bad.”
Forcing my attention back to Gemma, I said, “You know I always got your back. And I’ll do anything for you.”
She hugged me. “I’m aware. I love you for it.”
I kissed the top of her head. “Don’t look too hard. But I did notice quite a few ladies clocking your movements.”
Gemma stiffened and nervously fluffed her hair. “Really? Cute?”
“Very.”
She grinned. “Where?”
“Start with Floral Dress. Pixie cut, shy smile, no earrings. Over on the other side of the DJ table. She walked by like three times since you came over here. Looks a little shy, but she can’t stop staring.”
Smoothing a hand over her dress, Gemma asked, “What if she’s looking at you?”
“I’m not getting that vibe.”
“I look okay?”
I raised a brow. “I told you . . . that ass is ass-ing.”
She cracked up. “Boy, stop.” She turned to walk away. “Handle your business,” she shouted as she neared the other side of the ballroom.
When she made it to Floral Dress’s table, Gemma slid in beside her. I smiled to myself. Gemma had been through a lot, losing both parents before she graduated from college. She deserved happiness and I hoped she would find it someday.
Seconds later, I approached the bar, ordered a bourbon, and glanced at Rissa. Before the bartender walked away, I said, “Get her another.”
A smirk formed on Rissa’s full lips. “I was wondering when you would come over here, Baby Boy.”
Let’s be real, my nickname was irritating as fuck. But hearing her calling me that hit different. “Just admiring the view.”
Rissa arched a brow. “Stepping your game up, huh?”
I leaned in. “If I said yes, would you let me take you out?”
“Out where?”
“Wherever you want me to take you.”
She let out a cute yet sexy as fuck giggle. “I’m flattered.”
“I’m serious.”
“Boy, you were still drinking out of a sippy cup when I went to my first school dance. Besides, Paityn would kill me.”
“Tyn is about to disappear with Bishop.”
