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He walked over, reaching out his hand as if he wanted to wipe her tears away. He didn’t though. “Promise me you won’t tell anyone anything about this. I could get into a lot of trouble if someone knew. Telling would only make it worse.”
Everything inside her screamed to do the opposite, but she agreed because she wanted to help him any way she could. “Okay.”
“Earth to Remy?” Emma said, waving a cupcake in front of her face.
She snapped out of the memory, shaking her head. “Sorry. I was just thinking.”
Her phone buzzed in her pocket. Remy jumped as her heart raced. Was it him? She read the message as her body rushed with excited tingles.
Mikel: Come see me when you get off work. I’m home.
“Judging by that look on your face, I’d say all your worries have been put to rest.” Emma chuckled.
Remy’s friend’s smile was laced with a hint of concern. “He wants me to come over after my shift.”
“I can finish up here and close. Why don’t you clock out and go talk to him before you go crazy?” Emma offered.
* * *
Remy gripped the cupcake container tighter as she rang the doorbell to the Evans family house. She had been there countless times before, but something about this felt different. She was there to see Mikel. Unease and uncertainty wound around her, gripping tightly, making it hard to breathe.
Footsteps came closer, and the door opened to reveal Jasmine. “Hey, Remy. I didn’t know you were coming over. I was just on my way out to meet a friend.”
“I, uh, I’m actually here to see Mikel.”
Jasmine crooked her eyebrow, studying her with an intense green-eyed glare. “You … and Mikel?”
Remy chewed on her bottom lip as she nodded. “Is that okay with you?”
“I just can’t believe it. I mean, I know you’ve been ogling him for years, but I never thought he’d …” Jasmine waved her hands.
“Oh.” Remy ran her shoe over the paint peeling on the porch.
“I didn’t mean it like that, Remy. My brother is as closed off as they come. You’re so open and trusting. I just never saw him settling down with anyone.” She placed her hand on Remy’s shoulder. “But I’m glad it’s you. I wouldn’t trust any other bitch with his heart.”
Remy smiled as her heart filled with elation. Butterflies danced in her belly at Jasmine’s acceptance. “So, does this friend you’re meeting happen to be of the male kind?”
Jasmine’s eyes fell to the ground and then returned to hers as she smirked. “Is there any other kind for me?”
“Be safe and have fun,” Remy said.
“I always wrap it up.” Jasmine winked.
“If you need anything, let me know.”
“Will do.” Jasmine nodded, looking past her to the driveway where a car had pulled up, driven by the captain of the football team.
“See ya later.” Jasmine waved as she ran out to catch her ride.
They drove out of sight. She wasn’t sure if she’d done the right thing for her friend, but the fact was that it was Jasmine’s body and she could choose to do what she wanted. She just wished she would make some safer choices.
Remy walked into the house, closing the door behind her. She took the stairs towards Mikel’s bedroom and knocked.
Mikel opened the door. He was shirtless—all his defined muscles were on full display, highlighted by the shadows of the dark hallway. She met his tired eyes. His hair was mussed, like he had just gotten out of bed.
“Remy?” he questioned as if he thought he was still dreaming. He rubbed his bloodshot eyes. He smelled like cigarettes and alcohol.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you up. I brought you a carrot cupcake.” She offered the container awkwardly.
