“Now, why you had to go and say that to the man?” Rodney scolded Vance.
“He needed to know.” He shrugged.
“It still wasn’t right and you know it.”
Vance shrugged again. They weren’t going to last anyway. The nigga was a square and Zara was hoe. Bad combination.
“Anyway, what time you wanna head to Travis’s tonight?” Rodney asked.
“I don’t feel like going out.”
“You don’t?”
“Nah.”
“But just a minute ago, you said you were going.” Rodney frowned, confused.
“Nah, I ain’t in the mood. Just gonna chill here for the rest of the night.” Vance slouched, staring at the TV screen.
The plan was to watch the NFL pre-season game and have a few drinks with the fellas but he no longer felt up to it for some reason. His mood was much lower than usual and he suddenly felt the need to lay in his bed. The alcohol seemed to be affecting him more than he expected.
“You alright?” Rodney asked him.
“Yeah, I’m good. Go on without me.”
Chapter 16
Zara let out a deep breath, overwhelmed. She couldn't believe Sean had done this for her. She had expected a typical dinner and a movie, but for him to rent a private yacht, she was impressed. Throughout the evening, they were wined and dined by the cruise’s official staff, who served dishes of freshly steamed shrimp, filet mignon, mashed potatoes, and string beans. The food tasted like heaven.
As they ate on the deck, soothing jazz music played in the air. The beautiful Manhattan skyline brightened up the city under the darkened skies, reflecting a myriad of colorful lights on the dark blue ocean of the Hudson River. The yacht swayed with the tranquil waves, mirroring the rhythm of the warm winds dancing across the atmosphere.
Zara tried not to be impressed, but damnit she was. No one had ever done this for her. On top of that, Sean had been nothing but a gentleman the entire time. He pulled out chairs and opened doors, the little things she had forgotten men were supposed to do for a woman.
They spent the night getting to know each other. He was open in sharing aspects of his life, like his family, his career, and his childhood. He had grown up in a two parent household in a small town of Rochester. His father was a lawyer, while his mother was a stay at home mom that took care of him, and his two younger sisters. He was biracial. His mother, a Haitian woman and his father an Irish man. He was now an accountant with two master’s degrees that lived in an upscale condo in New York City.
Sean seemed to be everything a woman could ask for. Successful, no kids, no baby mama drama, not to mention, sexy as hell. With his light mocha skin, striking hazel eyes and full pink lips. He was gorgeous. He seemed to be clean cut, not necessarily her type. She usually preferred her men with a little bit more...edge. But over the years, her poor choices in men led her to nothing but heartache. So now, she was more open to exploring outside of her taste.
She shared bits and pieces of herself with him. Like where she grew up, what she did for a living, and certain things she enjoyed. She left out the dark periods of her life, not ready to delve so deeply with him. She was taking it slow. This was the first time she was dating in years. It was going to take a lot of getting used to.
"So, what's the catch?" Zara folded her arms.
"The catch?" He smirked.
"Yeah, I mean you're successful, you have no kids, and you're fine as hell. Why the hell are you still single?"
He laughed. "Wow. Well, uh I can tell you right now that there's no catch. And to answer your other question, I'm still single because women are scared of a good man."
"Really."
"Yes, really."
"And how so?" she asked, interested. She had to hear this.
"Well, women claim that they want a good man but they really don't. They'll say they want to be respected and treated like a queen, but when a man actually does that they run from it. Instead, they'll go to the no good scumbag who treats them like shit, only to cry and complain and say men are this and that. When really it's their own insecurity that is stopping the blessings of them finding a good man."
Zara had nothing to say. She wanted to dispute that, but she couldn't, because she fit the description of the very same women he was talking about. She would never tell him that though.
"So, is that what happened to you?" she asked.
"Yeah, pretty much."
"So, what happened?"
"She cheated on me."
"Damn."
"Yep." He let out a sigh. "We were together for 2 years. I gave her everything, I was the best man I could've ever been to her. I loved her. But she still cheated on me with her ex, who actually used to beat on her in the past. Crazy ain't it?" He chuckled.
Even in his smile, she still sensed his hurt.
"You still love her?"
He grew quiet. "Unfortunately, love doesn't go away that easily."
She nodded, tracing her finger along the brim of her flute. She understood that wholeheartedly.
"I'm learning to move on though. That's what life is all about. Get hurt, but you learn and move on."
"So, what are you looking for now?"
"Honestly? A woman I could bond with, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and sexually," he said, his last words sparking flutters in her stomach. "I've met plenty of women in my life, many I connect with, but I have yet to connect with on that level."
"So, what do you think of me?" she asked, staring at him.
"I'm drawn to you." He rested his elbows on the table, gazing at her. "When I look at you I could already tell you're different. You have an uninhibited realness about you that I don't see in a lot of women these days. You don't hide who you are. You're blunt, honest, at the same time there's a story behind your eyes, behind that smile. And it only makes me wanna know you more."
Her heart warmed in her chest but she tried not to let it show.
"You're smooth with your words." She took a sip of her water.
"No, just honest."
*
"So, you had a good time tonight?" Sean asked, when they arrived at her front door.
"Yeah, I did thank you," she said softly with a smile.
She really enjoyed their date tonight. She didn't expect to, but Sean had been nothing but great company. For him to actually take her on a private yacht to be wined and dined, she couldn't have asked for anything better.
"So, I'd like to see you again if that's okay with you," he told her.
"Yeah, I'd like that."
"Okay, good." He smiled.
Blushing, she dug in her purse for her keys.
"Aye, can I ask you something?"
She looked up. "Yeah?"
"Um..." He paused, as though he were thinking of the proper words to say. "That guy I met in there, uh, I forgot his name. He was a friend of Reyna's fiancé..."
She raised a brow. "You mean, Vance?"
"Yeah, him. Uh, I don't mean to be nosy but were you both ever in a relationship at one point?"
She frowned. "No, why?"
"It's just..."He opened his mouth to continue, but then shook his head.” Never mind forget it."
"No, why'd you ask?"
"Well, I wasn't going to say anything but...he said some things that, I'm not gonna lie, kind of bothered me.”
Her heart pounding with unease, she shifted on her other heel. "What did he say?"
"He told me that you were bad news and that you were...how do I put this....promiscuous?"
Her heart lunged to her throat. "He said that?"
"Yeah," he said lowly.
She was shocked. She knew Vance hated her. But for him to actually disrespect her in front of her date was cruel and showed just how deeply he was trying to hurt her. Out of all the things he did, this one took the cake. And she had enough.
"Look, I only brought it up because I want you to know that I don't care about any of that. I'm here to get to know you and so far I like
what I see. So, let's see where things go from here. Okay?"
She nodded, too angry to even speak. Vance had yet to feel her fury.
They said their goodbyes and Zara headed inside.
She kicked off her heels then stormed up the stairs, rage trembling her insides like a ravishing tidal wave. She didn't even stop to think. All she wanted was to beat the shit out of Vance. She was sick of his shit.
"Vance!" she bellowed. She knew he was home because his car was the only one parked in the driveway.
She arrived at his room door and banged on it with all of her might. "Vance, open this fucking door!"
The door swung open.
"The hell is wrong witchu?" He roared.
Clad in nothing but his grey sweatpants and wife beater, she instantly hated him for not having the decency to put a proper shirt on. If this were any other day, she would've lusted at his muscles, but she was too angry to even focus on that. She barged in his room and his frown deepened.
"What did you tell Sean today?"
"What?"
"I said what did you tell Sean today?" She yelled.
"I told him what he needed to hear." He said, turning away.
"What he needed to hear?" She grabbed his arm roughly and stood in front of him. "You had no right to tell him shit! How dare you?"
"The man had a right to know what he was dealin' with. Better he find out now, than later when you open ya legs to the next nigga. I was just looking out for the man."
His words cut her like a sharp blade.
"Fuck you."
He dropped his gaze to her breasts with a smug smile. "Knowin' you, you probably would."
"You don't know a damn thing about me."
"Shit, I know enough. All I gotta do is go back to the hood. I know plenty of niggas that already hit that-"
She slapped him.
He froze, too shocked to move a muscle. She glared at him, her insides burning with fury. The muscle in his jaw twitched, and he slowly faced her, anger now smoldering his dark eyes. Zara didn't cower away. If he wanted to hit her back, then she was ready. But, she swore to god, she wasn't going down without a fight.
"Let me tell you something." She stepped to him. "You wanna blame me for what happened to Trish for the rest of your life, then go ahead. But I'm done dealing with your shit. I'm sick it! You could hate me all you want, you could resent me, you could feel however you wanna feel about me, I don't give a fuck! But you will respect me-"
His lips clashed into hers and her body stiffened with shock. Caught off guard, Zara remained still. He clasped the back of her neck, as his tongue barged the barrier of her lips like a wild animal in its cage. Her blood riveting with anger, Zara tried to muster up the strength to push him away. But the touch of his soft lips weakened her, subduing her to its hypnotizing touch. She kissed him back, unable to resist any longer. She clung his shirt in need and pulled him closer. They stumbled across the room. He slammed her against the wall. She felt his anger, his rage, his lust, dripping from his tongue as it thrashed hers without mercy. Heavy groans escaped his lips, emitting vibrations through her own. He wrapped her thigh around his waist and she moistened at the feeling of his hardness rubbing against her aching womanhood. He ran his hand up her inner thigh and touched her clit. She gasped. He rubbed her nub through her laced material, and a moan tore from her lips. Her womanhood ached for him, the thirst for him yearning to be quenched. He pulled at her underwear and reality struck her like a bolt of lightning.
She broke the kiss and pushed him away. She glared at him. Silence thickened in the dim room with nothing but the sounds of their heavy breaths. Vance's throat heaved, as his drunken eyes pierced hers. She averted her gaze, wiping her trembling hand across her moist lips.
She hated herself for giving into him. And more so, she hated her own reaction to it. That despite the anger and disgust she felt for him, her body ached to feel every piece of him inside of her, pleasing her in ways unimaginable. She hated herself for being so fucking weak. If they had gone any further, she would've proven him right, that she was nothing but a hoe that opened her legs. The fact that she had gotten so close to proving him right, angered her.
Adjusting her dress, Zara turned away and left his room.
Chapter 17
Vance immersed himself under the cold shower, hoping the pellets of water drumming against his skull could beat the spiraling thoughts out of his brain. He slammed his palm against the tile wall in sheer frustration. He didn't understand why he couldn't get her out of his mind. All he could think about was how soft her lips felt, the caress of her silky tongue in his mouth, her sweet taste that nearly drew him insane. He didn't know what pushed him to kiss her that night. He wanted to blame his intoxicated state, but he knew exactly what he was doing when he kissed her. And he hated himself for doing so
To keep any ounce of his sanity left, he stayed with Laurie for a few days. He couldn't be under the same roof as Zara. There was no telling what he would do in her presence. It was already hard enough working with her. He just needed time to clear his head and rid this obvious sickness that had come over him.
The drawback of the glass door snapped him out of his thoughts, and he turned his head to see Laurie standing there, naked.
"Good morning." She smiled.
Before he could utter a word, she hopped in the shower.
"Mmm, I see someone is in a good mood." She looked at his erect manhood, biting her lip. When she placed her hand on it, he stiffened and pulled away.
"I don't got time for this right now."
She blinked, shocked. He understood her reaction. This was the first time he had ever turned her down for sex.
She cleared her throat, looking away. "Okay, then."
Vance stepped out of the shower and grabbed his towel, before leaving the bathroom.
He knew his response left Laurie bewildered. But lately, his desire to have sex with her had gone out the window. In fact, they hadn't even done anything since he'd been here. A large part of him still couldn't get over her deceiving him the way she did, and it was hard to pretend otherwise.
Vance looked at the time on his watch. It was 9:30 am. He had to hurry up and get ready to leave. Today, was the annual ‘End of the Summer’ bbq at the center. And with Vance as the lead coordinator, he had to make sure everything went according to plan.
As Vance began to get dressed, Laurie entered the room, her body clad in a towel. She folded her arms as she stood at the doorway, watching him.
"What's wrong with you?" She asked with a frown. "Ever since you got here, you've been acting differently."
Vance let out a sigh.
"You've been doing nothing but moping around. Every time I try to talk to you, you barely say a word. Then you turn me down for sex. Which you've never done. What's been going on, Vance?"
"I just got a lot on my mind right now."
"Really, like what?"
Vance ignored her, placing on his sneakers. "You're still mad at me for what I did aren't you?"
He didn’t respond. She scoffed, shaking her head.
"You really have a problem with letting things go."
"You expect me to let some shit like that go?" He glared at her.
"Yes! I would hope so. I've already apologized a million times-"
"You lied to me. That ain't something I could let go."
"So, what else do you expect me to do at his point? Get an abortion? Is that what you want?"
Vance didn't bother to answer her. Here she came with that rationalizing bullshit again to guilt him for feeling the way he did. She acted like he didn't have a right to be angry. She was the one that was wrong, not him.
"Answer me, Vance. Is that what you really want?"
"I don't got time for this right now." He stood up. He wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of feeding into one of her 'woe is me' arguments right now. He had other things to do.
"No, answer me" She blocked him when he attempted to leave. He
fought to keep his calm. "Would you rather me get an abortion? Yes or no."
"You know what, Laurie? Do what the fuck you wanna do, iight." He shoved her away and left the room.
*
"Ugh, I'm so nervous," Zara mumbled as she stepped onto the yard.
"Don't worry, sis. Everything will turn out great," Reyna assured her.
She sure hoped so. Today her students would be performing her choreography for the first time in front of a crowd. Although she had performed dances in front of crowds in the past, this would be the first time she had ever put on an actual show. This moment meant a lot, because it was her chance to prove herself as a dance teacher. She had a lot of faith in her students. They had rehearsed endlessly for this day, but that still didn't make her any less nervous.
She didn't know how big of an event this would be, until today. About 200 people from all ages came out to enjoy the festivity. Hip Hop music blared from the DJ booth, as people ate, danced, socialized and played games.
The bright sun beamed across the atmosphere, punishing the city mercilessly with its sweltering heat. Zara dressed for the occasion, a baby blue T shirt decorated with the words, 'Brookfield Center', and denim shorts with sandals.
"Why aren't you taking any food?" Reyna asked, collecting food from the buffet.
"I don't feel for anything right now." Zara simply picked up a bottle of water off the table. She was too nervous to eat.
"What's up, Zara?"
Zara turned her head to see Derek, one of the basketball couches.
"Oh hey, Derek." She smiled as they shared a hug.
"What's going on?"
"Nothin' much. How about you?"
"I'm good as always. You ready for today? I heard ya students are performing."
"Yeah, I'm a little nervous."
"Oh don't worry, they're gonna do fine."
"Hope so." She then turned to Reyna. "Oh and this is my sister, Reyna. And Reyna this is Derek, he coaches the youth basketball team here."
"What's up, how you doin?" He greeted as they shook hands.
"Hey, nice to meet you," Reyna said politely with a smile, before collecting more food in her plate.
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