I fought the urge to roll my eyes. “Uh, thanks.”
“Anyway, if you’re down to fuck, I am willing to fuck you too.”
I choked on my water. “W-what? Me too?”
She nodded. “I mean, technically, Rachel and I were going to share Geo, but he insisted on bringing you. Something about you probably not getting any pussy, and I was only invited to help remedy that. Consider it a favor.”
She shrugged her shoulders as the waiter set another drink down in front of her. I stared at her in incredulity because there was no way that I was hearing what I had just heard.
“What kind of weirdo wannabe dysfunctional ass fake ass twin shit is that?” I spat, standing up from the table.
“Yo, it’s not a big deal. Stop acting like a crybaby punk bitch.” Tracy laughed, throwing back the rest of her drink. “Let me help break your dry spell, and then we can go on about our business.”
My jaw clenched as I balled my hands into fists before shoving them into my pockets. I am usually not the type to get mad or raise my voice, but there was a part of me that wanted to curse her ass out. Looking over at George, the smile on his face faltered, and he immediately dropped his head. Of course, that muthafucka wasn’t about to say shit. Luckily for him, I would talk for both of us.
Standing from my seat, I stood next to George and glared down at him. “What the fuck?”
George exhaled before turning to face me. “Look, I was only trying to help. I mean, I have the perfect opportunity to fuck both women tonight, but I wanted to do you a solid. Tracy was willing to relieve that built up frustration you have before she came back with Tracy and me. Technically, she didn’t want to, but that was the only way I was going to accept both of them.”
“Wow!” I yelled sarcastically. “So, I was solely collateral damage?”
“Bro-” George began, but I had already pulled out my wallet and dropped a fifty-dollar bill on the table.
“Consider my debt paid. I’m gone.”
With that, I stormed out of the front door. I can’t believe I wasted my gas for this shit. I could’ve finished more of my gaming prototype, but no, I was out getting offered sympathy pussy. Shaking my head, I hopped into my car and headed back towards my apartment. The only upside about this night was that I wouldn’t have to deal with George’s ass again.
.
Natalie
I packedup two jars of my signature lavender and honey body butter and a copy of theI Choose Youseriesby Rielle Knight.
“Anything else I can do for you this evening?” I asked my customer.
“No, but I want to say I love your store. Your body butters be having me smelling so delicious, and I always find great new to me authors in here. Not to mention, my book club loves the fact that the majority of your books here are from independent authors.”
“Thank you so much! Our Black authors don’t get enough credit out here, and I want to do my part.”
“When you put me on theRnB seriesby Olivia Linden andMesmerized By Youby Tash, I fell in love. I tell everybody about your store, no matter where I go!”
“Yas! I love to hear it! Go ahead and keep sending them my way.” I smiled before handing her the items. “Well, have a great evening and be safe out there.”
“You, too!”
I waved goodbye before locking the door behind the woman as she left the store. Drawing the blinds, I exhaled a long breath as I took a seat in the chair I had set up for a reading corner. After collecting a few months of deposits from Lawerence’s hush money, I was able to open Body Butter & Books. I had to use damn near all the money to get this place going, but I didn’t regret it. I had only been open for a few months, but I was thriving.
Though I loved my store, I was exhausted. Tuesday through Saturday from nine in the morning until eight in the evening, I was working by myself. My trust issues led me to only hire temps for the holiday season. Sure, I wasn’t entertaining anyone at the moment, but still, I didn’t want anyone interfering with my business. There would not be a repeat of my past business endeavors.
I rolled my shoulders and scolded myself. Why was I complaining? Hell, majority of my revenue came from online orders, and the customers only came in for pickup orders. Sure, throughout the day I got walk-ins, but they weren’t consistent. I could handle the store by myself with no problem. Besides, I refuse to have another Lawrence and Sandra situation on my hands.
I felt my phone vibrate in my apron pocket, and I smiled when I looked at the screen.
“Hey, little bro!” I sang, placing the phone on speaker.
“What’s up, Waterhead? Let me guess, working.”
I snorted out a laugh. “For your information, I already closed for the day.”
