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Sucks to know that someone else finds it odd that this pretty woman is here. And here I go, curious to know if Alex finds her more attractive than me. Although none of this shit should matter. None. Interesting to know she’s searched me up, but I shouldn’t be surprised figuring Alex and I have been photographed around town. I wonder if she would look more attractive on his arm. She is taller, her hair is longer, her eyes are sultry, and she is straight from Italy.
I clear my throat as our plates are removed, and people start playing musical chairs with each other. I feel restricted at the end of the table as I watch Alex remain in his spot. Soon Panther Duke is beside me, telling me about him and his fiancé’s trip to Harlem the last time they were in New York. He’s not receiving my genuine ear as I spot Priscilla sitting next to Alex. He’s both turned and tilted toward her. He’s talking and appears to be looking at her mouth. Her face is serious before she spills the giddiest of laughs.
My private clenches as in, ‘Let’s lock it up and throw the key away.’ No reason to have fun with Alex’s body anymore. Fuck me for having these feelings come about again!
¨You two aren’t really together, are you?” Panther’s tone of voice drops. His question demands my attention as he moves his head from Alex to me.
“Huh?”Huh? Did I really just say that? Who else has been noticing me watching them?I want to examine the table, but adding more embarrassment is not what I need.
“I see all kinds of partnerships, and no, I don’t think she can take your place. She’s nepotism’s best. Easy on the eyes and keeps her grandfather’s name alive.”
Dear God, I want to believe in Mr. Duke.
He taps my hand, shifting my eyes to his.
“Micola, you’re the best kind of artist. You create from the heart, and you share your love with children.You are the best kind of artist. It has little to do with your name. Your name benefits Alex; that’s a fact. But he can’t deny your magic. The way he talked about you in that meeting.” He shakes his head.
I nearly gasp, eager to listen. I sip some wine and sit back in my chair.
“What? What meeting?”
“The Zoom meeting, the only meeting I had with him, thanks to you. He was very passionate. But, see, I remember catching the vibe you two weren’t together when I first spoke with you. Something you said automatically placed you two in an agreement rather than a relationship.” He brings his white wine to his lips while adjusting his green militia-like beret on his head. He’s pretty awkward, which typically translates to someone who isn’t afraid to speak the truth.
¨Really?¨ I ask, hoping he gets my drift that I don’t need him to explain.
¨Yes, but when I met Mr. Masters, I saw the love he has for you. It’s almost clingy, possessive, dare I say. I think he carries a lot of regret. I can feel it. Maybe what he’s done to women? Who knows, but he doesn’t want to risk losing you as a partner. But, I will say… I’m not saying he’s not sleeping with PP, but he’s not willing to give you up for her.¨ Panther gives me a sly smile.
¨Did you refer to her as PP?¨ I refrain from spilling over with laughter.
¨Are those not her initials?¨
I shake my head out of mere delight. He slaps my hand and chuckles, and when I glance up, I see Alex blazing his eyes through me. He has got to be uber-curious what we are talking about over here. I have yet to see Panther and Alexander have a decent conversation. Priscilla has taken her hair out of her long ponytail and is shaking it out. Even her bleached armpits are stunning.
In less than ten minutes, Alex has made the decision to slide his ear into mine and Panther’s conversation surrounding US politics. I doubt he wants to say anything regarding the topic, but he’s a deep listener. The odd thing is that Priscilla decided to shift with Alex. The two of them appear to be working the table as a couple. Priscilla is back in her odd chair beside me while Alex is on the other side of Panther, who is on the right corner of me.
I swear I could feel a bundle of sexual energy when they both moved to my table end. And if Priscilla doesn’t stop flipping her hair from side to side, sliding her thin fingers down her pretty thin neck, and tapping her nails against the table, I may scream. Instead, I say yes and yes and yes again as the hired servers continue to top my wine.
I’m not on my best behavior, but this is the last day I have to play this girlfriend role with Alex. Perhaps when midnight strikes, and I am officially off the clock, he can pull Priscilla into his bed while I masturbate on the veranda. Reminds me of old cheating days.Fuck, stop being so triggered, Micola.
¨So, all I’m saying is I think relocating out of the States is looking like a good thing for us artists.¨ I finally wrap up the conversation as I can tell the man of the night is dying for a word with Panther Duke.
I get a ding from my phone. It’s Simon sending me photos of the two of us that are published on an international art social page. I’m not sure why he wants me to see them. In the photos, we’re talking to each other. I slide my chair back and excuse myself from hearing Alex struggle through his conversion with Panther. If Alex wants someone to support him with conversations from people on different paths than him, let’s see if Ms. Priscilla Pisano is capable.
I shift to the bathroom when I get another ding.
Again, it’s Simon. ¨I have to say, we look awfully good standing next to each other.¨
I blush. He’s not lying. Simon is attractive, and with that color fit that plays so well with his eyes, I take a deep breath. Alcohol has a way of making me all randy, and lord knows, now is the time to slow it down. There’s no way I’ll be bending over for Mr. Masters tonight, although the thought gives me chills. I’m probably better off hooking up with Simon because why not? He’s been very persistent in keeping up with me. He compliments me all the time, and he loves what I do, and he loves children. Does it get better than that?
Staring at my reflection, I wash my hands under the bathroom sink’s water. It’s getting late. Paula and Kilo have already left for another occasion, and there are only five people remaining at the table. It may be a good time to return to say my goodbyes. Who cares if I’m the ¨girlfriend¨.
When I open the bathroom door, Priscilla is standing in front of me. Alex is positioned behind her, scanning her backside over. He winces and steps back as I exit.
¨Heading out?¨ I ask Priscilla, quickly regretting it.
I don’t want Alex thinking I’m jealous. Hasn’t he had enough of jealous Micola?
¨Maybe.”
