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He and Jet went back and forth until his friend called the final shot. “Eight ball, corner pocket.”
The ball went in with a thunk, and Jet straightened with a smirk on his face.
“I’m convinced you only invite us over to beat us in pool,” Montez said.
“No way. You guys are my brothers…andI like beating you in pool.”
Drevon stood. “Let me see what damage I can do at this table.”
Montez sat in the vacated seat and thought about how much his life had changed in a short time. He no longer went prowling the streets for a hookup, and he felt satisfied—content—in a way he had never felt before.
All because of Desiree.
20
After leaving Jet’s place, Montez drove to a gas station a couple of miles away when he noticed his fuel gauge was almost on empty. As he pulled to a stop, he had a sudden urge to see Desiree, though they hadn’t made plans to see each other tonight.
He tapped out a text.You home?
Desiree:Yes.
Montez:Omw.
Desiree:Use your key.See you soon!
She added a heart emoji at the end, and Montez smiled.
He hopped out of the Navigator and stuck his card in the reader. As he was filling up, a sleek black sports car pulled under the canopy across from him. Out stepped Royce Brayden with his dreadlocks loose around his shoulders.
Montez quietly groaned. He could have gone the rest of his life without ever seeing that guy again. They nodded at each other, and Montez continued pumping the gas.
Royce inserted the nozzle into his car, but soon after he looked at Montez. “My wife had the baby. A boy. I don’t know if Dee mentioned it.”
Montez didn’t feel like talking to him, but there was no need to be impolite. “No, Desiree didn’t mention it. Congratulations.”
“Thanks. He came a little earlier than planned, but he and my wife are fine. I’m not taking leave right away because of the upcoming promotion, but once that’s been decided, I’ll take a few weeks for sure.” Royce paused. “I’m not surprised Dee didn’t mention we had the baby.”
Montez frowned.
Royce followed up with an explanation. “Because she doesn’t care about that kind of thing. I mean, you probably know that, right? Marriage, family—none of that means anything to her. Everything is a competition and a means to an end. That’s why she and I didn’t last.”
“Really? I thought you didn’t last because you were an asshole.”
Royce appeared startled at first, but then he laughed. “You’re crazy, man.”
Montez forced out a laugh too. “Yeah, that’s me. Crazy.”
The pump stopped, and he replaced the nozzle.
“Look, I’m not trying to talk bad about Dee,” Royce started again. “She’s a great woman. Smart, funny, sexy as hell. But, uh, I didn’t get the impression you two have been together very long, so word of advice—be careful. That’s all I’m saying. Relationships don’t mean much to Dee. The most important thing in her life is work. That’s her priority, always has been, and probably always will be.” He shrugged with one shoulder.
“Thanks for the advice, but I considerDesireeperfect the way she is. We’re good.” Montez kept his response short so he could get the heck out of there before the urge to connect his fist to Royce’s nose became too difficult to resist.
Without another glance in his direction, Montez climbed into the SUV, silently fuming, and headed to Desiree’s apartment.
The drive there didn’t take long, and when he arrived, he let himself inside with the key.
“Honey, I’m home,” he called.
