Page 10 of More to Love

“And drunk so tell me the details.”

I shook my head and threw back what I poured. EJ sat waiting patiently for me to respond. I wasn’t going to get out of this, so I fessed up.

“All the man did was pay for our singles, compliment me, and ask for my time.”

“Do we have to Uber home? I feel like you and that man gon’ get freaky tonight. I pray you do because I heard about the female he deals with and she really ain’t shit,” Daria voiced.

He was in a relationship so that was strike one. He knew it and came at me the way most men did. Entangled. I shook my head in disappointment.

“What you mean she ain’t shit?” EJ inquired. I was curious as well on my end, hoping her answer would justify why he stepped to me the way he did.

“You know I gets all the tea at the shop, right? Well, I do her best friend Jamilla’s hair on the regular and although she doesn’t ever say her name, I know exactly who she’s talking about because Hendrix is the only fuckin’ Mercer I know around these parts. Anyway, she spills all her business about how the girl got another nigga in the next city over and how it should be her with Hendrix instead because of how faithful he is.”

I looked back and our eyes found each other. I had sympathetic ones for him this time because he seemed like a genuine and kind man. I wondered if he approached me the way he did because of his knowledge of the things his lady did.

He threw a wink my way and instead of shying away, I stood and made my way to him. I was tipsy as well so maybe the liquid courage was on my side. I was more interested in helping him get revenge than anything, even if he wasn’t aware of the betrayal that was occurring in his household.

“You got that,” I said as I stood in front of him getting a lap dance.

“Be sure, Sorimah.” His gaze covered me from head to toe and my temperature rose a few notches.

He didn’t have to look at me the way he did. While we were at the bar, I saw the lust in his eyes, but it didn’t overshadow the genuine curiosity he held about me. From the way he held eye contact to the way he blushed just from speaking to me, said he was a man that knew what he wanted. I was on his radar.

“I don’t speak unless I am,” I replied with a challenging demeanor.

He took his time giving me a response. I damn near stood there looking stupid, but I knew what was coming next. His friend next to him gave me a onceover before he nodded and continued minding his business.

“Look bitch. If he wanted to entertain your fat ass, he would. Get the fuck on!” The stripper that was in their section felt the need to speak to me, but I wasn’t the one to test or even come for.

I looked down at her with the mug of the century. She was just another female to me before she opened her mouth, but since she wanted the spotlight so bad, I was going to give it to her.

“I might be a fat bitch, but I ain’t never been an ugly one. Hoes like yourself get fat confused with that term a lot. Y’all can’t stand to see a fine ass bean bag like me pull the nigga you’re so desperately trying to gain attention from. Remember who’s throwing the money and who’s bent over picking it up. We are not the same and never will be love. Hendrix, when you’re done, come find me.”

“No need. I’m yours.”

With that, he pushed the stripper to the side and gave me his undivided attention. I could tell that while he was unresponsive during that time that he was contemplating on what his next move should be. I understood that completely because what I didn’t want to do was make him do anything he didn’t want to.

I intertwined our hands, and he politely disconnected them. I was curious as to why that occurred, and he gave me an answer before I could get offended. I was pulled to the side so that what he had to say was heard only by my ears.

“I have a woman Sorimah and what I won’t do is disrespect her publicly. It’s way too many people in here and cameras are a messy hoe’s best friend. We can meet up somewhere and continue this conversation there.” He pulled out a business card and handed it over.

“Being alone with me is risky Hendrix. I don’t want to create problems in your life.”

“I’m a grown man that can deal with the consequences. I want more time to hear what you have to say. Who knows, I might need your service one day.” He was smooth with his words, and I knew what he meant by it.

“We both know what will come of this. Conversation, alcohol, and then⁠—”

“More time Sorimah. You’re granting me that, right?”

“I’ll text you the details.”

“Much appreciated.”

I respected that. He let it be known that he put his woman’s image first, but it was followed by a sea of envied emotion. I softly nodded and went back to my booth. I was instantly harassed, and I tried not to give them too much because I could tell Hendrix wanted his privacy. Plus, I had a tad bit of shame hovering over my head.

“Come on. I’m calling an Uber for both of y’all. I have somewhere to be.”

“Oooohh, Ri!” Daria got on my nerves. She really didn’t know how to hold water.