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by Candace Mumford

  The ladies arrived back at the table and sat down.

  "Are you all right? I thought I was going to send out a search party to look for you."

  Jevon asked.

  " I'm good." Sherica said putting a smile on her face even though inside she was seething! Where the hell do I get these crazy ass friends? Sherica thought to herself.

  " What's wrong baby?" Tyson asked " You have this look on your face."

  "Nothing. Had to deal with some bitches in the bathroom but I'll tel you about it later.

  So what did you order again I forgot?" Jazzlyn said smiling.

  The couples laughed and talked al during dinner with Jevon and Tyson keeping the ladies laughing with stories about them as kids and teenagers." So you mean to tell me you two were bad boys?" Jazzlyn said in amazement.

  " Yep. We're good now,hell when I meet Tyson he stayed in a fight with somebody.

  Tyson was fighting the world!" Jevon said laughing.

  " I just wanted to be left alone. You already know how I am. I just like to be left alone,leave my family alone, keep my name out your mouth and I don't like any drama.

  If you bring it to me though that's another story. I went through a crazy stage where I wouldn't even talk to white people at all to be honest. My parents talked to me and got me through that stage especial y my dad. He just told me straight up one day boy surely you don't think your white ass can go through life as a white man never talking to white people? It was a stage and I got through it" Tyson said laughing.

  " It never gets old though Tyson? Dealing with people and the whole black-white thing?" Jazzlyn asked.

  "Of course it does. What can you do about other peoples ignorant mentalities? Some people will live their entire lives being ignorant and they'll die that way. What choice do I have though? Turn my back on my family? So I can live a happy "white" life ? Never that.

  So I just learned to be selective about who I have in my life. I know who my real friends are. When it comes to dating I try to be just as choosy. I think I've been lucky that any of the relationships I've been in,when they ended it was never an issue of race." Tyson said.

  " I mean hel I feel like I know off the bat she's black and she can clearly see I'm white so any issues with that should have been thought about before you took my number."

  Tyson said.

  " I completely agree Tyson." Sherica said raising her eyebrow at Jazzlyn. " Oh my God you guys this seafood fettuccine is delicious!Jevon you'll have to roll me out of here."

  " Nahh. We're gonna dance that off at the club." Jevon said laughing.

  The couples spent the remainder of dinner discussing various topic and enjoying each others company. Almost shutting the restaurant down."We'd better get out of here almost everyone else is gone." Tyson said.

  The men paid the bil and tipped their waitress nicely and they walked out to the parking lot." You all sure you want to hit up Club Zooms? Or are you in the mood for something else?" Tyson asked.

  " Club Zooms" the ladies both said at once.

  " I haven't been to Club Zooms since the night we real y started talking, Tyson do you remember?" Jazzlyn asked.

  " Yes I remember you and all that drama. Something good came out of it all though.

  So it's all good as far as I'm concerned." Tyson said softly. The ride to Club Zooms was comfortable and quite. Sherica and Jevon talked to one another in the backseat getting to know one another better.

  " So let me ask you something Jevon...when I first met you I would have never thought you were a detective. How does all this work when you're out and about. I mean are you always "on" so to speak or are you going to relax instead of looking for crimes ?"

  Jevon laughed " When I first started I may have had a different answer for you but truthfully unless someone asks me specifically, I keep my profession to myself. First off I do like my money. So what do I look like working and I'm not getting paid? Hell I have a stack of cases I'm working on as we speak. Aint no way I'm going to be out on a date or at the grocery store just waiting for someone to mess up so I can do for free what I'm trained and paid to do professionally. Hell they can keep that stolen candy bar.

  You wait and see. Once you're a lawyer, see how many people you know are going to hit you up for free legal advice and shit. You're going to have to put the breaks on al that fast. " Jevon said.

  " That's true. People ask me questions now and I have to remind them I'm not a lawyer yet." Sherica said.

  "I know your family is proud of you. I just met you and I'm proud of you moving forward and working towards your dreams. A lot of people don't have it in them to do it.

  You're showing your son something great and he's little and doesn't even know it yet.

  He will though." Jevon said.

  Sherica couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face " Thank you for saying that Jevon. You can't even imagine how nice it is to hear that. My family is supportive

  now. It wasn't always the case though. They see I'm serious about getting my degree.

  Motivated and other than class and work, I'm home being a mother to my son. My mom was surprised when I said I was actually going on a date tonight. Usual y when I go somewhere it's just to hang out with the girls and get away for a little "me" time you know?"

  "Wel I'm glad you made an exception for me tonight. I intend to make sure you have a good time."Jevon said just as they pulled into the packed parking lot of the club. "

  Damn they packed up in here tonight. Tyson and I will look around and get a table so you ladies aren't standing up all night."

  The couples made their way into the packed club. Tyson took Jazzlyn's hand and lead her through the crowd. Just as Jazzlyn was walking past she heard a male voice say

  "Damn those sistas fine as hell...at least the caramel honey is with a brotha." He said obviously referring to Sherica.

  Why the hell can't people just mind their own damn business? Jazzlyn thought with a frown.

  " Jazzlyn, let's hit the ladies room and freshen up real fast before we sit down."

  Sherica said. Tyson and Jevon were busy pointing to various areas in the club they could possibly get a seat. " Y'all look for us in this area" Jevon said. " I think I see some people leaving,so we'l grab that table OK?"

  Jazzlyn and Sherica headed towards the ladies room when Sherica heard someone cal ing her name and they both turned to see who it was. Trevonne was waving her hands." Girl let me see what Trevonne is up to. I haven't really had time to touch base with her lately." Sherica said.

  " OK girl. If I make it back to the table before you, I'll let Jevon know you ran into Trevonne." Jazzlyn said continuing on to the ladies room.

  " Hey girl!" Sherica said leaning in to give Trevonne a hug." How have you been? I've been meaning to get in touch with you but I've been a little busy."

  "Wel you're not too busy to be out at the club with my best friend. You know what Sherica, I think it's kinda fucked up on your part to have totally dumped me as a friend.

  Yet you have al the time in the world to hang out with Jazzlyn now."

  Sherica's eyes locked on Trevonne " Trevonne let me clear something up for you real goddamn fast. Yes I met Jazzlyn through you years ago...but my friendship with Jazzlyn is not, nor has ever been dependent on you. Are we clear on that? As for your "best friend " comment. Where the hell was all that "best friend" shit when you were cocking your legs up fucking the hell out of your best friends man?"

  "That has nothing to do with this Sherica!"

  "No it has everything to do with it Trevonne. It has everything to do with why you're over here alone instead with us. You created this divide not me. Now I'm standing here telling you I'm sorry. I haven't had much free time to call you and touch base with you these last few weeks,I was already a busy person with school,work and being a mother to your nephew...who might I add, have you thought to ask about him instead of worrying about who I'm hanging out with?" Sherica asked.

  " Don't even go there Sh
erica. You know I love Isiah." Trevonne said feeling suddenly guilty because she had only been thinking of hanging out with Sherica and hadn't cal ed and asked about him at al .

  " Look Trevonne, you know you're my girl and I don't want to come at you like this,but you already know I'm not the one. I had every intention of getting together with you. If you weren't busy tripping I could tell you why I've been so busy with the little bit of free time I do have!" Sherica said smiling.

  "Uh-Oh! I know that look Sherica! What's going on?"Trevonne asked.

  "OK. Real fast because I real y have to get back to the table. Wel you know Jazzlyn is seeing her neighbor Tyson right? Wel a little while back, remember I told you her and Tyson had a little get together?"

  Trevonne nodded " Yes I remember."

  "Wel that night I met Tyson's best friend. His name is Jevon. I don't have time to tell you in detail right now, because we're actually here on a double date. We all just came from dinner together. Wel since I met him, the little time I do have in the evenings has been spent talking to him. I do not have to tell you how that goes!"Sherica said with a smile plastered on her face.

  " Sherica I'm so happy for you! Is he nice? Does he look good? Wait a minute I know his ass is fine! I met him once here. I want al the details. How does he feel about kids?"

  Trevonne asked firing a hundred questions Shericas way.

  " He seems like a really good guy. Nothing like I thought initially. You see I'm on a date with him so that's saying something already. As for Isiah, they haven't met and they wont unless it feels like this is going somewhere. You know I'd never bring anyone around my son."Sherica said .

  " Wel I hate to be the bearer of bad news. I came here with Lamont tonight" Trevonne said. No sooner had the words come out Trevonne's mouth than Lamont was standing at Shericas side "What's going on baby ?" Lamont said " You still looking good" Lamont said eying Sherica's body.

  " How about you ask how your son is doing Lamont? Trevonne,I'll give you a call later OK? I really need to go now."

  Lamont grabbed Shericas arm.

  " Don't leave so fast. You know I'l always love you Sherica. I want to see you. Get back in my sons life like I should be. I've been getting myself together. We need to talk."

  Sherica snatched her arm out of his grip and looked at him with blatant disgust.

  "Lamont I'm not going to discuss our son here in a nightclub. As for you coming by the house to see him, you're not welcome. I would never have thought I would need to put any stipulations on you seeing your son but you've disappointed him far too many times for me to al ow you to do that again. The times you did bother to show up you were more concerned about trying to screw me than see him. I'm not going there with you again." Sherica said.

  "You really want to see your son? Do something for him? Take your ass downtown to the child support office. Get caught up on your delinquent payments and get yourself a visitation order. I'l be happy to follow it. I'll cal you Trevonne." Sherica said walking back to the table.

  Jazzlyn was already back at the table talking to Tyson and Jevon.

  As Sherica approached the table Jevon stood up and took her hand leading her towards the wall. " Are you OK?"Jevon asked.

  "Yes. I'm fine I just ran into someone I hadn't seen in awhile and it caught me off guard." Sherica said with an agitated look on her face.

  " Who did you run into? Because I saw some guy grabbing your arm. What was that about?" Jevon asked.

  " I thought you didn't play detective on your time off?"

  " I do when it's of interest to me. You're of interest to me Sherica...in case you didn't know."

  Sherica looked at Jevon with the strangest feeling he meant every word he'd just said.

  " I feel you do. If you want to do something for me now, can you give me a hug please. I really feel like I could use one al of a sudden. We'll talk about everything else tomorrow OK? I just want to enjoy us tonight." Sherica said as Jevon pulled her close and wrapped Sherica tightly in his arms. Sherica felt like she could melt into him right on the spot,crowded club and all. Sherica also felt something else she hadn't experienced in a long time. She felt safe.

  Tyson and Jazzlyn looked over and saw their two friends hugging and smiled at each other. " I think this is going to be IT for Jevon. About damn time. " Tyson said smiling. "

  So I know you looking al good and everything but you aint too cute to dance! Come on let's go, I like this song" Tyson said standing up.

  " Umm baby?" Jazzlyn said looking hesitant" Can you dance? I mean if you have the off beat, two left feet thing going on,we can just sit and have our drinks. I don't mind."

  Jazzlyn said sincerely hoping she was putting him at ease if he didn't know how to dance. Tyson busted out laughing so loud a few people turned to look and see what the commotion was about.

  " Please. You better hope you aint embarrassing me out on the dance floor. Get your ass up Jazzlyn. I'm gonna teach you about you and your stereotypes!" Tyson said.

  Jazzlyn got up and walked with Tyson to the dance floor. Scared the entire way thinking Lord please don't let this white man make a fool out of me out here on this dance floor.

  Hell this is my spot and if he shames me too bad out here I'l have to find a new club to go to from now on!

  Four songs and a mega mix later Tyson had literally danced his ass off. Jazzlyn was shocked! Not only did he know al the latest dance moves...hell he danced better than some of the black folks on the floor. Even having a small "battle" with a few younger guys on the dance floor during the mega mix. The DJ then slowed it down and Tyson pulled Jazzlyn into his arms " I love you Tyson." Jazzlyn whispered into his neck as she rubbed his back,swaying to the beat of the music. " I love you too" Tyson said kissing her neck.

  Darien looked over the balcony at Club Zooms watching Jazzlyn and Tyson dancing and having a good time. I can't believe she's stil fucking around with this white boy? I know he aint fucking her good. He must be breaking her off some change something terrible! I know my baby aint just laying up with this cracker because she really likes him. Damn it can't be! This is my fault really Darien thought shaking his head. Jazzlyn is only doing this because I broke her heart. She's trying out another race. A phase....that's what the hell this is. Getting revenge and paying me back for hurting her.

  I know she's going to bring it back home though. Is that cracker rubbing his hands on my girls ass? Darien thought to himself leaning over the balcony to get a better look. I should go down there and crack his goddamn head open! Darien thought taking a sip of his Grey Goose and cranberry. Nahh imma leave it alone tonight . I can't convince her I've changed if I'm out here acting up and causing a damn scene but I can't take looking at this shit right here. Darien thought feeling sick to his stomach.

  A few feet away on the balcony Kita stood with a new girlfriend from work she'd met observing the very same scene. With very similar thoughts.

  The pangs of jealousy she felt seeing Tyson holding another woman the same way he used to hold her,kissing her neck they way he used to kiss hers was enough to make her lose it right then and there. Maybe I should go down and casually bump into him?

  Sometimes when she was thinking about Tyson she could stil feel his lips...al over every inch of her body. Tyson's touch and the way he could just look at her would make her entire body tingle.

  I have to make him love me again Kita thought to herself. You don't find a man that makes you feel that way too often Kita thought to herself.

  " Kita we're going over to the bar do you want anything?" Monique asked.

  " No thanks. I'm good. " Kita said with a smile. Just as Kita was about to turn her head to continue looking at Tyson and Jazzlyn something caught her eye. Better yet someone. 6'2 ,chocolate brown skin and the deepest dimple she'd ever seen accentuated with a kil er smile. A smile that was walking right towards her.

  " Hello,I'm Darien. May I buy you a drink?"

  "Sure. I'll have a Grey Goose and Cranberry, my name is Kita by the
way."

  " Nice choice." Darien said smiling.

  Jevon and Sherica were deep in conversation when Sherica noticed a woman approaching them.

  " Hel o Jevon."Jevon turned in his seat to see who it was.

  " Oh hi Lisa. How are you?" Jevon said standing up,

  "Lisa this is my date Sherica. Sherica this is a friend of mine Lisa." Jevon said making introductions al around. Lisa looked at Sherica nastily before turning back to Jevon.

  " I'm your friend? That's it? I thought we were becoming more than friends Jevon?

  The last time I even heard from your ass,you said you couldn't talk because you were going to a party at your best friends house and I never heard from you again?" Lisa said getting loud and emotional.

  " Lisa I don't know what you thought, but I really suggest you take al your loud talking mess somewhere else OK? I clearly told you I was here on a date. Did you not hear that part?" Jevon asked starting to get pissed.

  "What about us Jevon?" Lisa said reaching out to touch his chest.

  " What us? There was never an us. Don't touch me either. What the hel is wrong with you?" Jevon said leaning in closer " We fucked. Once. That was it. Get the fuck over it and don't bring your ass over here again. Bye."

  " Asshole! You aint all that!" Lisa yelled before stalking off.

  Sherica sat watching the scene in amusement. Normally Sherica didn't like men who tried to play women when out in public. Ninety-nine percent of the time they were up to some shady mess. This right here, Sherica found amusing because he did tell this Lisa woman he was on a date with her and home girl proceeded to have a conversation regardless. Damn I know I did some crazy shit when I was in love with Lamont but I