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“That’s your fault.”

My mouth dropped in surprise. “My fault? How?”

“No one told you to fold yourself in half like that.”

I giggled and shrugged my purse on my shoulder.

“If that’s what got you going, then I can’t wait to show you the other tricks I got up my sleeve. Did you drive?”

“I did,” he confirmed.

“Give me your keys.”

“Why?” he asked guardedly.

“Because you’re drunk, and I’m not trying to die.”

“Right,” he mumbled, retrieving his keys from his pocket. He dropped them in my open palm.

“Alright. I’m gonna call it a night with my study group. Meet me in ten minutes.”

I left the women’s restroom and returned to my table. My friends were miffed that I was cutting out so early and spent five minutes trying to change my mind. After what felt like an eternity, I finally broke away from the group and walked towards the exit, passing Hart’s table.

“Good luck, Warriors, and thanks for the drinks, hubby,” I said, winking at Marlon. When I glanced over my shoulder, Hart was shooting daggers at me. He mouthed, “You’re mine.”

And I returned the sentiment.

“I’m yours.”

Secrets

Vera

“Sugar?”

“What’s up?” I asked, speeding past a slowpoke who couldn’t find the gas pedal. I rolled my eyes when I caught Hart gripping the armrest between us.

What a weenie.

“How much did you pay the guy?”

My brow raised as I glanced at him.

“No, ma’am. Keep your eyes on the road, Sugar. I’m tryna see tomorrow,” he said, pointing at the road.

“Tryna, huh? You’re cute when that Texas comes out of you. And what guy are you talking about?”

“How much did you pay the guy at the DMV to give you a driver’s license?” I laughed at Hart’s concern but decided to put him out of his misery and slow it down for him. “Vera, I’m not buzzed anymore. The adrenaline burned all the alcohol off. Pull over. I’ll drive.”

“There’s nothing wrong with my driving. You’re under the influence.”

“I am under the influence, but not enough not to know when I’m being gaslit.”

“Sure. There are some things we need to go over that weren’t in the contract,” I proclaimed, suddenly switching subjects.

“Like what?”

“With the exception of tonight, you are banned from my apartment. I don’t want you running into my roommate.”