AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Did Holden stick his penis in your vagina?”
She’d almost never brought up my ex since he moved out. And this context was definitely awkward.
Why did I not have wine with this dinner?
I kept my answer generic. “I’ve had sex, yes. Because I’m an adult. And when you’re an adult, you can decide whether that’s a decision that’s right for you.”
She crinkled her nose. “Why did you do it?”
“Because…it can be pleasurable with the right person.”
“It sounds horrible to me—like it hurts.” Kiki cringed. “I’m never gonna do it.”
“You don’t need to think about it for a very long time.”
I could only hope that when Kiki was my age, she handled such matters better than I had.
• • •
The following Saturday, Shala’s husband offered to take care of the kids so she could get out for a night. She’d asked if I wanted to meet her at one of the bars in Meadowbrook Center. I’d spent enough time lamenting the self-inflicted end to my “friendship” with Troy, so I figured a night out would do me some good. A distraction was much needed.
As expected, the Kaleidoscope Lounge was packed when I stepped inside. There weren’t a ton of options in Meadowbrook, but the few bars we had were all modern and popular.
Shala had her purse on a stool next to her to hold the seat for me until I arrived. A band was setting up in the corner as the singer tested the mic.
She lifted her glass. “I’m already on my second drink. Is that bad?”
“No. That’s why we both got Ubers, right? And you totally deserve to get drunk tonight, mama.”
I ordered a glass of red wine, pretty much the only alcohol I allowed myself since I could justify the resveratrol as a health benefit.
“How’s Kiki doing with the whole period thing?” she asked.
“She’s handling it okay.”
“I’m so glad. I suppose I’m fortunate to have boys in that respect.”
“See? I couldn’t imagine dealing with a boy. I think we’re comfortable with what we know.”
“You’re amazing for doing what you do for her.”
I shrugged. “It’s not that commendable. Anyone would have done it for their sister.”
“I beg to differ. Some people would’ve taken off and let their parents handle it all. I know that’s what my selfish siblings would have done. You didn’t have to do what you did.”
I’d never looked at it that way, especially since I took some of the blame for my sister’s death. But even if things were different, I couldn’t imagine leaving Meadowbrook and Kiki behind.
After a few minutes, the wine started to hit me, and I felt relaxed for the first time in a while.
Three glasses and nearly two hours later, the feeling of euphoria was even better. That, unfortunately, came to an abrupt end the moment I spotted him. My stomach dipped.
Troy Serrano.
He was at a table across the bar, sipping on a bottle of beer and laughing as if he didn’t have a care in the world.
My heart began to race. Why? He looked so damn good. His hair was damp and slicked back off his face. And the white sweater he wore accentuated his tanned skin and clung to his pecs perfectly. There was no denying how beautiful he was. I just wished I didn’t have to bear witness to it tonight when I was trying to forget about him. Why he’d chosen not to venture to Trenton or Philly instead of staying in Meadowbrook, I didn’t understand. Shala and I only came here so she’d be close to home. She wanted the option to head back quickly if she needed to.
Damn it.
Troy hadn’t noticed me yet. He seemed surrounded by both men and women. I couldn’t tell who he was here with or who he’d just happened to meet. The inability to distinguish drove me crazy.
I wondered if I should make up an excuse and leave so I didn’t have to deal with this.
“Are you okay?” Shala asked.
It was no wonder she’d figured something out, considering how long I’d been staring over in Troy’s direction.
“Yeah. I just noticed that Troy is here.”
She turned around to get a look at him. “Oh wow. Yeah. Is that a bad thing?”
“Can we switch seats so I’m not facing him?” I asked.
That was cowardly. But the only way I could continue to relax tonight was if he didn’t notice me.
Shala narrowed her eyes in confusion but complied. “Sure.”
Once my back was to him, I felt a little better, albeit still preoccupied with the fact that he was just across the room. Of all places, why did he have to be here tonight?
“Everything okay with you and him?” Shala asked.
“We don’t really interact anymore after I stopped chaperoning the outings.”
“I never asked you about the day I saw you in the parking lot. Things seemed tense. Something tells me there’s more to the story here.”
