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My gaze lowered. The familiar foldedgoodbyenote was pinned between his fingertips. A sinking feeling crept through my entire body. Taking it from his hand, I averted my attention to the floor. I’d been carrying it with me everywhere. “Where did you find it?”
“It was by your car in the parking lot.” Sighing, he lifted my chin, forcing my sad eyes to his worried gaze. “You know Jen and I are here for you. Our home is always open to you. You’re family to us.”
Nodding, I wiped away the single tear that had escaped one of my watering eyes.
He withdrew his hand, taking a drag of his cigarette.
“I know.” I sniffled. “I just keep it in my bag to—” My voice trailed off. I couldn’t finish my sentence.
“To remember him. I get it.” Smoke drifted from the corner of his lips.
Two dancers exited the dressing room. As they passed, I slid to the side. Once they were out of earshot, I took a deep, shaky breath.
“Do you want to just hang out upstairs with Jenna tonight?”
Shaking my head, I tried my best to mask the misery. “No, I’ll be okay.”
“I’ll be back in a bit to check on you. I have to handle something in the Blue Lounge.” He tapped his earpiece with a hint of a smirk before shooting a more concerned glance at Ice Man.
Shifting my weight back and forth, I nodded. Just as I was about to speak again, three more dancers strode past.
“’Scuse us, Mr. Knighttt,” Trina sang.
Taking a step out of the way, he nodded. “See you soon, Miss Wilson.”
Resting my hands on my hips, I shook my head. “You have to stop with that.”
He glanced over my shoulder before leaning close to my ear. “I can’t play favorites with my wife’s best friend.” He took a step back, inhaling the cigarette once again. “And you still work for me.”
Snorting, I whirled around waving a hand, calling out over my shoulder, “Fine, Mr. Knight.” I made my way to my bag. A vibration was coming from the side pocket. Sliding my phone out, I flipped it over, gasping at Chance’s photo on the screen. The blood drained from my body. My breath was whisked away as I sharply inhaled, fighting for air. I couldn’t believe he was calling me!
Checking the time, I knew I needed to be out on the floor, waiting on tables. Chance knew my schedule inside and out.Has he had a change of heart about our estrangement?Maybe he wants to tell me he loves me. Gulping, I prepared myself for both the best and the worst. I longed to hear his voice after so much time. Cautiously, I inched the phone to my face, resting it gingerly against my ear.
Hello?
Muffled music blared through the earpiece.
Hello?... Hello?I called out with my palm around the mic, trying to make sure he could hear me as the music of Euphoria was also playing loudly on my end, only one room over.
Suddenly, I froze, my eyes dampened, and my fingers could no longer muster the strength to hold the phone. My knees became weak when I heard familiar sound; a sound I didn’t want to hear right now. Not ever! The phone tumbled, landing on top of my bag. My legs gave way beneath me. Catching myself on the seat, I crumbled, my rear hitting the floor with a thud. Tears erupted from my soul.
2
PAINFUL TRUTH
CHANCE
Entering Liquid Dreams Nightclub, I peered around the enormous open two-story interior, observing the swarms of people grinding on one another. Green lasers danced over the crowd while multiple disco balls twirled. Multi-colored lights flashed around, synchronized to the beat of the music. The DJ’s dubstep mixes entranced everyone.
I scanned the club, and took a deep breath, remembering the last time I was here. It was before Amber, and I was a different person then. To say I was a bad boy before her would’ve been an understatement. There was no way I would be in this atmosphere if we were still together. At least, not without her by my side.
Mindlessly, I glanced around at the crowd as we pushed through the tight spaces between the crushing bodies. A few pulled phones out, snapping photos. Annoyed, I realized I hadn’t been in the club for a full minute yet and we were already spotted. While I wasn’t surprised, there was no sense of privacy for any celebrity in West Hollywood.
Simone and Layla shimmied their way towards the VIP area, following Dean’s lead. Reluctantly, I trudged along, taking notice of many attractive women along the way. As we neared the VIP entrance, the bouncer pulled back the black velvet rope, leaning in with a handshake when I passed. Recognizing several people at two tables, I nodded with acknowledgement as we strode over. Dean loudly greeted them, and the girls found a seat on one of the couches.
“The Almighty Chance Hardwin returns to the club scene,” Andre Butler, called out as he stood, arms outstretched, a broad flawless smile on his face. “Great to see you, man!” He pulled me in for a quick hug before I properly welcomed my other friends.
“Hey, Dre. Hey Marcus.”
