“I did!” We air-kissed. “You look amazing, Mina. Is that Alexander Wang?”
“You know your fashion.” She winked and laughed. “And you look ravishing as well!” I did a slight spin in my black, backless Ralph Rucci gown and Herve Ledger heels.
“Thank you, darling.”
“You don’t mind if I borrow her for a second, do you, brother?”
“Only if she’s wit’ it.” He shrugged, looking at me as if I were the only woman in the room. I blushed when he licked his lips, eyes roving from my feet to my head.
“Ew, you are obsessed!” Mina exclaimed in a playful tone. “I am not mad at it, though. So, what do you say, girly? You’re staying hugged up under this predator all night, or you want to hang out with the ladies for a bit?”
“Yo, Em!” someone called out to him from across the room.
“Go ahead, baby. Text me when you’re ready for me to come get you.”
“Okay.” He kissed my lips, then walked off as Mina took my hand, leading me across the room. I grabbed a champagne flute from a server walking by while Mina was being stopped by people who wished her a happy birthday and handed her money.
“Have you been doing this all night?” I asked her once we began moving again to a more secluded area where there weren’t many people. I imagined it was her section of the house becauseit was decorated in blush pink and gold with a big number thirty-six with a banner.
“Girl, yes. And I’m sure it won’t be the last.” We approached the area where four other women sat, sipping champagne, dripping in diamonds, and smelling rich as hell. Their aura screamed money, power, and respect. “Ladies! This is Yumi, Emery’s fiancée. Yumi, this is Kelsey, Kadence, and their little sister, Kamani DeVato, and this is Normani Banks.”
“Hey, ladies,” I greeted, holding my hand out and shaking their hands. Once I got to Normani, she stared at my hand for a second before finally taking my fingertips and giving me a little shake. I didn’t expect the shade, but she looked like the snooty type. She was beautiful, favoring the beautiful Lauren London, but she didn’t exhibit her America’s sweetheart behavior.
Note to self: Don’t talk to this bitch.
Her eyes roamed my frame before her red-painted lips turned up in a slight smirk, and she sipped from her champagne flute.
“You’re beautiful. Come sit!” Kelsey said, patting the seat next to her.
“I don’t want to intrude. I think I’ll go find Emery.”
“There’s no intrusion!” Mina said. “Do not mind this bitch. I swear she’s harmless. Please sit.” Mina gestured to the leather chair next to her as I reluctantly sat down.
“Hor D’oeuvres ladies?” a server asked, walking over with a tray of bacon-wrapped shrimp and some red sauce. We all declined while Mina refilled our glasses with Ace of Spades.
“So, Emery’s ass been single since I’ve known him. How the hell did he pop out with a fiancée and didn’t tell anyone?” Kamari queried, smiling at me.
I smiled lightly. “He was my high school sweetheart. We crossed paths again, and it took off from there.”
“Aww, a full circle moment. I love it!” Kadence exclaimed.
I nodded. “The saying is that if you love something, let it go. If it comes back, then it’s yours, is true.”
“So, you broke up with him?” Normani asked. I wanted to ignore her because her vibe was shitty, but I didn’t want to ruin Mina’s party.
“I did.”
“And now you’re . . . back.”
I made eye contact with her to let her know she couldn’t intimidate me. “I am.”
“No . . .” Her eyes perused me again. “That wasn’t a question.”
“Normani,” Mina reprimanded. “I’m sorry, Yumi. I don’t know what’s wrong with her ass tonight. Are you cool, sis?” she asked Normani.
She smiled. “I’m great. I’m not doing anything wrong here. My apologies, Yuma?—”
“It’s Yumi. And you can keep that apology, love. I know it isn’t genuine.” A few of the ladies giggled while I sipped my champagne, staring at her. I may have been reserved and didn’t like confrontation, but there had been many times I had to get in the field because hos would try me, thinking I didn’t have hands.
