“Yeah, I did, but I’m okay,” she replied, unable to look me in the eyes.
I could hear cabinets opening and paper towels tearing in the other room, so I took that moment to address the elephant in the room.
I slid closer to her on the couch and gently lifted her chin. “Look at me. You good, you protected, and you always got my respect, which goes a long fuckin way in this world.”
She swallowed.
“I appreciate you for keeping it one hundred and not telling anybody about what happened earlier. You didn’t tell anybody, did you?”
“No, I didn’t.”
“That’s what I’m talking about. And just know, I got you. Not just down here in Vegas, but also when you're at home. Just keep it real with me, and I got you for life.”
She nodded her head slowly.
“If the police come to you and ask you anything, tell them that we were together for hours and you didn’t see anything. You can even tell them that I was dickin yo ass down if you want to.”
“Why would I tell them that lie? Why can’t I say we were eating? I mean, I didn’t get any dick.”
I leaned back slightly, studying her.
“You keep it one hundred with me, and who’s to say you might not one day?”
“That’s if I even want it.”
“Oh, you do. I know that’s a fact.”
She playfully rolled her eyes.
“But y’all should come out tonight, for real.”
“I don’t know if Ari will want to. She’s been acting really stuck up lately.”
“That’s why you, as her friend, need to convince her to put something on and come out. I want y’all to have a good time, and there isn’t a reason to sit in this apartment thinking about what-ifs and worst-case scenarios and shit.”
“You right, I guess. I will see what she says.”
“Alright. Do that. Now, give me your phone.”
“For what?”
“So that I can put my number in it and you can contact me whenever you need.”
“Okay, I guess that will work.”
She handed me her phone, and I put my number in before I stood and walked into the kitchen. Ari was on her hands and knees, wiping up the spilled food from the floor.
“I’m about to head out, Cyn. I have to get back to the club and make sure everything is running smoothly. I hope I get to see your homegirls tonight. Especially someone special to me.”
Ari looked up from the floor, smirking as she shook her head.
“We will see, Proctor.”
“I hope I will see you.”
I gave Cyn a hug, then walked out of the penthouse feeling somewhat accomplished with this visit. Like I told my son, it doesn’t take much to get loyalty from a woman who wants to fuck, even if they never have a chance.
Making them think they do is just enough.
