Page 16 of Gang of Roses: Rebel

I laughed. “Damn. You ain’t have to embarrass him like that.”

She leaned back in her chair. “I wasn’t interested.”

“For a second, I thought you was gonna at least let him buy you a drink.”

She looked at me like I’d completely lost my mind. “Why would I let another man buy me a drink when I came here to chill with my best friend?”

A grin tugged at the corner of my mouth before I could stop it. “Fair enough.”

“You sure that’s all that was?”

“What?”

“You over there watching me like security.”

I chuckled. “Old boy looked thirsty. I just wanted to make sure you was straight.”

“Now you know I can handle myself.”

“I know.” I raised my glass. “I’m just glad he knew when to keep it moving.”

She clinked her glass against mine.

“Now that... I’ll give you.”

Rebel laughed into her drink, and the two of us burst out laughing all over again. We sat there talking for a while, slipping right back into the same easy rhythm we’d always had. No matter how much time passed, nothing ever changed between us. After a few minutes, I glanced down at my watch.

“They should be here any minute.”

Rebel nodded. “Jenay and James?”

“Yeah.”

“I haven’t seen them since they moved back to Magnolia.”

“Me neither.”

Ten minutes later, they arrived for the date. Jenay walked in first through the door.

Time had been good to her. She was dressed in a fitted cream jumpsuit that hugged every curve without trying too hard. Gold hoop earrings framed her face, matching the layered necklaces resting against her chest. Her caramel skin practically glowed beneath the soft lights of the lounge, and her shoulder-length curls bounced with every confident step she took.

Walking beside her was James. That nigga looked like he’d spent the last few years living in the gym. He stood about six-three with broad shoulders that stretched the sleeves of his black bomber jacket. A fitted white T-shirt, dark jeans, and fresh white sneakers completed the look. His beard was neatly trimmed, and his low fade was sharp enough to make a barber proud.

As soon as Rebel spotted them, a genuine smile spread across her face. We were all cool back in high school, so I knew she wouldn’t have a problem doing me a solid and hanging out.

“There they go.”

James smiled just as wide when he saw her. “Damn, Rebel.”

She stood up, and the two of them hugged like old friends.

“It’s been forever,” Rebel said.

“It has,” James replied. “You look good.”

“So do you.”

For some reason, that exchange irritated the hell out of me. I couldn’t explain why. It wasn’t like the nigga had said anything out of line. Hell, I’d invited him. This whole thing had been my idea.