I didn’t respond to what he’d said. Instead, I said, “I hope that made you feel better and more secure in your ability to be a good man to Shavozz and those boys. Dalen calls you Dad. You are everything I strive to be. The way you love Shavozz is inspiring, man. I admire the fuck out of you, and so does everyone you come in contact with. It’s not even in you to be like Dexter. So don’t dwell on that shit. Dwell on who you are.”
He slapped my hand then hugged me. “You right. Thanks, Mel. I need a fucking shower. Where did Arrow go?”
“He’s staying with Seneca. He said they had some shit to work out. He knows that Seneca and Kaysyn are fucking.”
DJ’s eyes widened. “Hopefully, they don’t kill each other.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
CHAPTER14
SANDRENE
Iwas in a horrible mood. I wanted to see Jamel so bad. I should’ve just fought my fears and took off to go to that damn wedding. When he couldn’t make it back in time to see me on Wednesday, I sounded like a spoiled child, whining because they couldn’t get their way. It was ridiculous, and I could tell that he was amused by the tone of his voice. I could hear the smile in it. Despite all that, we still needed to talk. I knew he was a playboy, but if he was being honest about only wanting me, I would give him a shot. We mainly needed to talk about me stripping.
As I parked in my spot at the club and was about to get out, I noticed that Jeremiah was here tonight. He was usually off on Saturday nights. Maybe he was filling in for Jeff. I grabbed my bag and purse and opened my door to meet his smiling face. “What’s up, Obsession? You good?”
“Hey. Yeah, I guess. Another night to make a bag, right?”
“Yep. You don’t seem to be in the best mood though. You sure you good?”
“Yeah. I’m a little off today, but when the music starts, I should be good.”
“What you dancing to tonight?”
“‘Obsession’ by Eric Bellinger.”
“Sounds like the perfect song.”
I smiled. “Yeah.”
“Well, have a good night,” he said as he opened the door for me.
“Thanks.”
I made my way inside to my locker, preparing to get dressed so I could get this shit over with and go home. Jamel and I had been texting throughout the day, so I checked my phone to see he’d messaged me again.Have a good night, gorgeous. Call me when you leave the club.
Thank you. Okay. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.
I can’t wait to see you either.
I put my phone in my purse as I shoved it in my locker then glanced around the locker room. I didn’t trust anybody here, especially Desire. The more I was around her, the more she irritated the hell out of me. I pulled out my outfit for tonight as I thought about Jamel. Bandz hadn’t been in attendance for over a week, and I missed seeing him front and center.
I chose tonight’s song not only because the title was Obsession, but because it reminded me of him. I realized that I now had an obsession. The fact that he could make me feel that strongly for him was miraculous. My entire soul was feeling down because I missed him. I knew it was my fault for ghosting him after what happened in the club last week, but damn. We hadn’t even FaceTimed. He refused. He said he couldn’t FaceTime me until after he’d seen me face-to-face.
After changing, I went on the stage and did my thing, leaving it in flames per usual. I always knew I was good at this, but after scrolling TikTok and seeing multiple videos of me with thousands of likes, I couldn’t help but stick my chest out a bit. I was loved by both men and women, and several had inquired whether I taught pole dancing classes. That was a thought. I just didn’t have anywhere to teach these classes. I knew it was something I would look into, because I surely couldn’t do this forever.
None of the jobs I’d applied for had reached out except for the terrible interview I’d had. They’d even had the audacity to call and ask if I was sure I didn’t want the job. I made more on a Saturday night than what I would make in a week over there. They could truly kiss my ass. As I walked back to the locker room, Desire was walking out. Jeremiah followed me with my bag. He handed it to me before I entered, and I thought I saw him give Desire a wink. Either she was doing some shit to him that he couldn’t forget, or he was desperate as hell.
I walked inside, and when I got to my locker, I opened it, immediately putting my money in my duffle bag then slipping on my clothes. Once I was done, I grabbed my phone from my purse and texted Jamel.I’ll call you as soon as I leave. I had a pretty decent set tonight so it took a little longer to get my money.
He responded before I could slip my phone back into my purse.A’ight. I’ll be waiting. Congratulations on a good night.
Thank you, Mel.
I dropped my phone into my purse then grabbed my things to get home. Taking a relaxing bath and drinking a glass of wine were the main things on my mind. My body was tired. I was still trying to adjust to dancing four nights a week. When I exited the locker room area, Jeremiah was standing there, waiting for me. I smiled at him, and he escorted me out. He was somewhat quiet, so I asked, “You good?”
“Yeah. Just thinking about some shit.”
