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She started pulling me through the crowd until we found the restroom down a hall off the main room. It was one of those single-stall situations with a sitting area and full-length mirror. Siani locked the door behind us, then spun around to face me.
“So we’re just going as plus ones to galas now?”
“I could say the same about you.”
She scoffed. “I have no issues saying I’m dating Tariq. I like him. However, you insist on being on an island of denial.”
“Since when are y’all dating?”
“This isn’t about me.” She pointed a finger at me. “Did he buy your dress?”
I looked at the ceiling. “Yes.”
“Mmhm. Probably broke you off something for your hair and shit too.”
“So?” I threw my arms up, exasperated. “It’s not like I’ve never had niggas break me off some bread for my hair or clothes. He’s not special.”
“Belle, I don’t care what you say. This shit with Cardez is different,” she said, taking hold of my hands. “Plus you said you’re not taking his money anymore. Again, when have you ever done that with a man?”
Months ago, I would've been fine being arm candy, because it’d give me the opportunity to work the room and scope out my next catch. But I’d agreed to come because I wanted to. That was the part I couldn’t deny anymore. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”
Siani squeezed my arm. “Nobody does. Now let’s get back out there before your man thinks I kidnapped you.”
“He’s not my man.”
“Girl.” She didn’t even look at me. “Let’s go.”
I found Cardez talking to an older man. He saw me coming back across the room and his face relaxed slightly.
I was reaching for a glass of champagne off a passing tray when I felt somebody approaching from my left.
Gideon.
He still had that pretty boy demeanor in a navy blue tuxedo with a glass of champagne.
“Nadia Spencer.”
“Gideon,” I said, keeping my voice even. “Hey.”
“Hey?” He laughed and pulled me into a hug. “That’s all I get? I haven’t seen you since Tariq’s day party. You never hit me back about dinner.”
“I’ve been busy.” From the corner of my eye, I saw Cardez making his way to us.
The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as I felt Cardez’s arm slip around my waist, pulling me into his side. Gideon’s eyes flicked between me and Cardez.
“Gideon Locke,” Gideon said, extending a hand to him.
“Cardez Montague.” Cardez shook his hand. “You related to Congressman George Locke?”
There was a slight shift in Gideon’s demeanor. “He’s my father.”
Cardez nodded. “Small world. My family donated to his last campaign. Tell him the Montague family sends their regards.”
“I’ll do that.” Gideon turned back to me and smiled. “So, this is what you’ve been busy with?”
“Something like that.” I swallowed.
Gideon laughed and sipped his champagne before looking at Cardez.
