Page 24 of Beneath The Surface


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“I better go. I know Simba is probably chomping at the bit to go outside. Thanks again for the dance. It was nice to meet you; hopefully, we’ll see each other soon.” I finished my drink and set the glass down at the bar.

A smile spread across her lips, and those perfect white teeth sparkled. “Yes, I’d like that. I’ll invite you over soon. Maybe the day after tomorrow,” she said. “El is coming for dinner tomorrow evening.”

I knew the expression on my face was one of jealousy, but I couldn’t help it. “Sure, you know where I’m at.”

I walked away, but not soon enough.

“There you are you’re not leaving before that dance you promised, " Nicole said as she pulled me to the dance floor. I had an awful feeling I would regret not running out sooner.

The music started with a blast as Electric Slide vibrated the speakers. Guests went wild and started forming lines. I suddenly felt stuck in the 80s and wondered if I should feel my hair to see if I had a mullet going on, or smack myself to see if I was dreaming.

Shaking my head slowly, no, no, no, I knew I was doomed as my sister started to shake her ass and tell me to dance.

I glanced over and saw Olivia watching. I was a million percent sure I turned fifty shades of red as I danced, and was full swing into a deep dip and turn. I wondered how much she’d seen, but the evidence was in her eyes and the smile she hid with her hand.

The song finally ended, but not before killing any pride I had left, along with any dignity.

“You’re such a sport; love you, bro,” Nicole said as she kissed my cheek, and I hugged her, telling her good night and to be safe.

Olivia

Eventually, however, the denial turned into emptiness and my childhood ended.

Floyd C. Forsberg,The Toughest Prison ofAll.

I felt heat sweep through my body as I danced with Parker. He was a man of many surprises; his attraction didn’t escape me as we danced. I’d been with models, male and female, but this man triggered all my sweet spots with his smoldering eyes.

After my mom passed away, I’d had my fair share of parties and sadly, I was no stranger to sex while trying to fill the hole in my soul. I had started experimenting with drugs a bit and having one-night stands with friends or associates.

Alex was the person who finally made me straighten up. Not only was our relationship unique with him helping me through detox and recover, but he cared enough to listen and guide me out of the rabbit hole I was going down. Admittedly, some of the best sex I ever had was with him. I laughed at myself and wondered why this thought had popped into my head.

Rushing from the restroom, I remembered I had promised Niki I’d say bye before I left. After a few moments, I found her on the dance floor with Parker. I ordered another wine and sipped it while I waited for the song to end. I scolded myself for getting so worked up over a man, one who was my friend’s brother, of all people.

My mind went back to our conversation. There was something about when I mentioned selling the house that threw Parks off a bit. Still not sure what it was. Then, I recalled my reaction when Parker's sister called him Parks; now, look atme: I was doing the same thing in my head. I let a little giggle escape as I watched the others dance, and I thought about Parks. I could still smell his natural body scent and cologne from our dance. My lower back was warm, and he had held me close with his hand resting there. Taking a swig of my wine, I thoughtOh, the hell with it.I grabbed my handbag and left without saying goodbye. They would not remember; they’d all been drinking anyway. I wanted to get home and out of these clothes; I wanted my robe and to stargaze.

I hopped in my car, then thought twice before driving and called an Uber. I couldn’t get home soon enough. As the Uber driver pulled into the driveway, I couldn’t help but look over and see Parks’ truck in his. With a smile, I bid the driver a good night and strolled to my mailbox, retrieved the mail, and went inside, kicking off my shoes as I did so.

Feeling a bit more relaxed at home, I poured myself a glass of wine and headed to my room. I removed the tight dress and bra but left my lacy thong in place; I grabbed my pink silk kimono and slipped my arms through, wrapping it around me loosely. With a sigh of relief, I retraced my steps from earlier after getting my wine and went out to the lanai. This time, I sat on the wooden Globo hanging chair I'd brought back from the Keys. It had three sides that housed deep, white, cloud-like deep cushions. I placed my drink on the attached side stand and laid my head back to rest. It was a beautiful night; the air was balmy, and I could feel my ass hanging out, but I didn’t care.

Looking up at the millions of stars, I realized I missed my mom. We’d come out here and sit for hours, just talking or simply stargazing. I wasn’t sure why I was feeling so nostalgic, as a tear ran down my cheek. Hearing something, I quickly wiped the tear away and sat up, alert that there was a commotion.Wrapping my kimono around me tighter, I waited as a voice grew closer, smiling as I watched a dog approach my lanai.

“What are you doing out this late? Who do you belong to?” I asked the dog as his ears perked up. I started petting him; he was well-mannered and taken care of, as I knew from experience. Only moments later did Parks walk up. “There you are, Simba!” He looked at me, and our eyes locked.

I smiled briefly. “Did you lose something?”

He laughed. “Yeah, I guess I did. He usually doesn’t run off, but now I see why he did. He’s got good taste,” he flirted. My body tingled under my kimono; I couldn’t help but squirm a little as I sat up straighter.

“You’ve got a nice setup here. I’ve never been over here; I’ve only seen it from the water a few times while driving my boat past.”

I smiled at him and glanced at the water. “You have a sweet dog. Would you like a nightcap?”

When he didn’t respond immediately, I thoughtOh God, will he retreat to the awkward silence again?

“Sure. Let me put Simba back in the house and I’ll walk back over,” he said as he went to grab Simba’s collar.

“He’s welcome to stay. I miss our dog, Dozer.” I sighed and looked fondly at Simba.

“You sure?” he questioned, already releasing the dog.

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