I smiled. “Of course.”
Cane nodded and went towards the back.
I stared at the glass on the bar, seeing that it was half full. That’s how my life was feeling right now. Hopefully being here would help me realize my purpose in this world.
***
As the days progressed, I was slowly adjusting to living in Tyler. I hadn’t heard from Jade since that night at Visions, which was a relief to me; I just hoped she didn’t go blab her mouth to anyone at home, especially with Brooke since the two were good friends. I wanted to tell Brooke when the time was right, so hopefully Jade didn’t beat me to it.
I was going through my closet trying to find something to wear for the day, when my phone rang. I looked at the picture of Brooke across my screen, which made my anxiety level go up. I sighed, knowing she knew where I was. I hadn’t heard from her since the day I left Houston. I sighed as I answered the phone, knowing this would be an interesting conversation.
“Hey.”
“Don’t hey me. What the hell are you doing in Tyler?!”
I took a deep breath, hoping I didn’t become upset with my bestie. I didn’t like her tone, which would automatically make me go off on her, but she had every right to be upset with me. “I know I said I was going to call-”
“Which you haven’t. I had to hear from our boss that you’re bartending at a club in Tyler! What are you thinking, Kia? Wait, let me take that back because you’re not thinking.”
“I said I needed some time away.”
“A three-hour drive from Houston is not going to take whatever issues you have away. In fact, running away is not going to solve anything. If you’re not happy, then you should just tell Cory you’re not happy and move on with your life.”
“It’s not just that, and you know it.”
“No I don’t, Kia. Right now, I feel like I don’t know you at all.”
“Because I didn’t tell you where I was?”
“Exactly. You’re my best friend, you tell me everything. It’s sad that I haven’t heard from you in days and that I had to hear from someone else where you were.”
“Yeah, because she accidentally spotted me.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m just disappointed, that’s all.”
“You were the one encouraging me to find myself.”
“Which I get; I just wanted to keep in contact with you just to know if you’re still alive. I was worried about you and the fact that you weren’t returning my texts or calls really had me concerned.”
“I know and I’m sorry.”
“Your dad even called me. I couldn’t explain to him that you disappeared.”
“I know. I should call him.”
“Yeah, you should. He’s concerned.”
I sighed. I did send Cory a long text when I stopped for gas in Palestine, telling him I needed to find myself and to not contact me. He had tried to call me and text me asking me why I left, but I couldn’t come to terms with talking to him.
“Has Cory tried to contact you?” I asked Brooke.
“He has come by the job, asking if I knew where you were.”
“Please, Brooke, do not tell him I’m here.”
“Cory may not be one of my favorite people, but even this is cruel for him. You owe him an explanation, Kia; but you know what, keep doing what you’re doing. Let’s see how far it’ll take you.”
“Please don’t be mad.”
“Mad about what? You said you needed to find yourself, so hopefully you’ll be able to.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“And I won’t say anything. Just please, stay in contact. And call your dad.”
“I will. Thanks Brooke.”
“No problem. Just stay safe.”
I told Brooke thanks and hung up. It was good to hear from her, but I just didn’t need the judgment or lecture. Not right now. I just wanted to continue trying to rediscover myself, so I needed to figure things out.
I picked up my phone and scrolled through my contacts. I glanced at my dad’s number, wondering if I should call him, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I threw the phone down on the bed and laid down. I looked up at the ceiling, asking God if I was doing the right thing. It’s too close to the holidays, so I didn’t want people to worry about my whereabouts, but a part of me didn’t feel as if I could enjoy Christmas anyway. I hadn’t since my mom passed. It’s just not the same without her.
I rolled over onto my side, wishing she was here to talk to. I just wish she was here period.
8.
Cane
After last night, I didn’t know what to expect with Kia the next day, but I was ready for it. It was something about her that made me want to know her better. She clearly had baggage, so I wanted to know what type of person she was so I knew what I was getting into with her on a professional and maybe personal level.
Since it was the start of the weekend, I decided to leave work early and head to the club to look over the sales totals from last night. I was by the bar when I heard footsteps approaching. I looked up to see Kia walking towards me.
“Hey. What are you doing here so early?” I asked.
She gave a tiny smile. “I didn’t have anything to do in my hotel room, so I figured I could get an early start with work. I already told Karla I was coming.”
I nodded. “At least you have good work ethics, but that doesn’t mean you’re on the clock yet.”
Kia rolled her eyes. “Figures.”
“You could keep me company though.”
She gave a sideways glance and went to sit at the bar. “I’m surprised to see you here.”
“What? This is my club.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I just figured you do have a day job.”
“Despite what you think, I do care about this club. It’s important to me, especially since it was my brother’s club at first.”
“He sold it to you?”
I nodded. “Yeah. He decided he didn’t want any part of it when he got married.”
“That’s understandable.”
“I do want to say that you did pretty well for your first night. I had my doubts at first, but you look like you got it.”
Kia smiled. “I’m glad that you approved.”
I nodded and went back to looking at the totals. Kia sighed, making me looked back at her. “What’s up?”
Kia shook her head. “It’s nothing. Just have a lot going on right now.”
“I wouldn’t know since you never talked about why you’re here.”
“Because I rather not.”
“Like I said, I don’t really need to know your past, but I do need to know if you’re in some trouble. I don’t need that here.”
“And I assured you that I’m not. You don’t have to keep asking me that.”
“I just need to know if you’re legit. I trust Karla, but I just don’t want any drama here.”
“Well, you should be telling yourself that.”
“You are really testing my patience with your attitude.”
“And you are with mine, with your arrogance. You pass judgment on everyone but yourself, but you’re just as flawed.”
“And you based that in just one day?”
“Yes, I have.”
“You don’t know anything about me.”
“Just like you don’t with me, so stop assuming.”
I gave her an annoyed look, but she was right. I probably shouldn’t automatically assume anything about her. But, she was hiding something. I just had that feeling.
“Okay, fine, let’s just start over. And we won’t assume anything about each other. Got it.”
“Got it. I won’t assume that you’re a womanizer, just like you won’t assume that I’m troubled.”
“Fine.”
I went back to my sales totals, as Kia began drumming her nails on the counter. I looked at her, wondering if she’d get up and do something. I couldn’t stand when anyone did that.
“Am I bothering you?”
“What do you think?”
She nodded and got up. “I guess I need to find something to do.”
“Please do.”
Kia stood up and went towards the restroom. I put down the paper I was holding and ran my hand through my hair. I looked over to see Karla walking in. She gave a surprised look, which I wasn’t in the mood for.
“Don’t start, Karla.”
“What? I didn’t even do anything.”
“I know that look. You’re wondering why I’m here. I can’t be at my own damn club?”
“Yes, but you’re normally not here this early.”
“Well, I decided to be.”
“Are you okay?”
I ran my hand through my hair again and sighed. “I’m cool. I just have a lot going on. But, you have the ideas for this year’s theme for the party?”
Karla shook her head. “No, because I wasn’t thinking about it.”
“You do know Christmas is coming soon. I need to have something to start promoting the event.”
“I got it, Cane. But, is Kia here? She said she was coming in early.”
“Yeah, she’s here.”
Karla nodded. “That’s why you’re in a pissed off mood. It’s about her.”
“It’s not about her.”
“I know you. It is. You’re trying to figure her out and you can’t.”
“You really need to mind your own business.”
Karla giggled. “I’m like that pesky little sister that you can’t get rid of.”
“You got that right.”
“Listen, maybe this time around you’re not going to get what you want. Besides, I told you not to talk to her.”
“Who made you my mother? And I always get what I want. So, get that part right.”
“If you say so. Not everyone wants you, Cane.”
“Correction, every woman does. Except you, but I don’t want you anyway.”
“The feeling is mutual. As for Kia, don’t try and figure her out. If she wants you to, then she will eventually. But only on a platonic level.”
I nodded, not listening to what Karla was saying. Right now, I needed to get back to my work, which she and Kia were distracting me from.
***
Once I was able to get through my reports and get the club open, it was another night at Visions. I was in the office looking at cameras, seeing that it was another good night. I glanced at the bar, seeing Karla and Kia in action. They looked good together and they were bringing in the customers, so that’s a plus for me.
I leaned in my chair, thinking about what the two said to me earlier. Maybe I should try and be a bit nicer to Kia. She hadn’t done anything to me; besides, she’s bringing me money. Last night’s totals were great for a Thursday night, so I needed to keep her around.
I noticed she was gone and only Karla was tending the bar. I seen the huge crowd forming, wondering where the hell she was. I looked at the cameras again, seeing the outside of the club near the Dumpsters, which made me enlarge the screen. She, along with some guy, were talking. Based on their body language, they look like they were arguing. I studied the two, wondering if she knew the guy and why they were in the back of the club. I quickly got up and headed to the door. It looked like she was trouble after all.
I went outside to see the two actually going at it, but it was mainly Kia that was yelling. “Is everything okay out here?”
The guy looked over at me, giving me a crazed look. “We’re good.”
I stared at Kia, who looked irritated, yet scared. I came closer to her, wondering if she needed my help. “It doesn’t look like everything is cool.”
“It is, so can you please leave us alone right now?”
Kia stared at me, her eyes pleading me not to go.
“Maybe you need to leave,” I said as I walked over to the guy.
“I’m having a private conversation with my-”
“Cane is my boyfriend, Cory.”
I gave a confused look, as the guy name Cory was giving one to me. I didn’t know what Kia was talking about, but I definitely didn’t want to be apart of it.
“What?” the guy questioned.
“That’s why I didn’t want you coming. I’ve been secretly seeing Cane for two months now.”
“Huh?” I whispered.
Cory stared at me, wondering what the hell was going on. I wished I knew the same thing.
“You what?! You’ve been cheating on me?!”
Kia took a deep breath and sighed. “Cane came to Houston a few months back for business. I met him at the clinic. We sort of hit it off. He’s been coming down to visit since then.”
The guy started chuckling, which had me a bit confused. I didn’t know whether to play along with this or to be annoyed. I couldn’t believe she had me in some relationship drama. I don’t do relationship drama.
“And you expect me to believe this? Hell, he looks more confused than I do.”
I guess I could help her out, I thought. She looked desperate, so I’d put her mind at ease by going along with her charade.
“Listen, I don’t know what’s going on, but Kia and I have been dating. She never told me that she was involved with anyone.”
“I’m not talking to you; I’m talking to Kia,” the guy said.
“Cory, I-” Kia began.
Before Kia could say anything, I pulled her into my arms and my lips went to hers. She was a bit stunned, but she got into the kiss, especially since she deepened it. We continued the kiss as her lips parted, inviting me to go a bit further. She softly moaned when my tongue grazed the tip of hers, making me become curious to what else she could do with that tongue of hers.
We finally pulled apart as Kia stared at the guy she called Cory. He looked furious, as his eyes daggered to the two of us.
“I don’t know what the fuck you’re doing, Kia, but I’m not leaving town until we fully talk.”
“There’s nothing to talk about, Cory. Please, just go back to Houston. Now, I have to get back to work,” Kia begged.
He scoffed and stared again at Kia before looking at me. “You better be glad I’m not trying to kick your ass right now, but I’m more mad at my fiancée than you.”
“We broke up, Cory.”
“You broke up with me through a damn text, Kia!”
“Please, just go.”
He came up to me with a pissed expression. “You better watch your back.”
I gave him the side eye as he went towards the parking lot. I glanced at Kia, realizing she had some explaining to do. “What the hell was that?!”
Kia sighed, knowing she was going to have to tell me what I just walked into. “I’ll tell you everything later, but right now, I need to get back to work. I’ve been out here too long.”
“Kia…”
“Please, just let me get back to work.”
I watched her go back inside, wondering how she just turned the tables on me. She better explain what she just put me in. Although the kiss was fucking good, I didn’t need her bringing shit into my life. I had enough to deal with.
9.
Kia
When I started my shift, I was not expecting for things to turn into total chaos. I knew what I did was wrong by leaving and not saying anything to anyone, but I just wanted an escape from my actual life. I wanted to be able to just be happy because that’s something I hadn’t experienced in a long time. Maybe I went about it the wrong way by not telling Cory, but for the short time I had been by myself, it felt pretty good to be independent and not have to worry about another person crowding my space. Maybe that’s something I needed for a long time.
The bar had been packed when I trying to get some ice and Karla bumped against me.
“Sorry,” I replied.
“Girl, I was just trying to get your attention. It’s loud in here and I wasn’t going to yell across the bar.”
“What’s wrong?”
“That guy been checking you o
ut since he’s arrived,” she mentioned.
I looked over to where Karla was staring and nearly passed out. I quickly closed my eyes, hoping if I opened them that the sight I was seeing would disappear.
“Is everything okay?” Karla slowly asked.
“Huh, I’ll be back. Will you be okay for a few minutes?”
She nodded. “Yeah, sure.”
I quickly grabbed my phone from my pocket and rushed away from the bar, hoping I wasn’t seen. I went to the restroom, almost knocking over someone who was walking out.
“Sorry,” I whispered before going in.
I dialed Brooke’s number, praying that she answers on the first ring.
“Hey, girl-”
“Did you say anything to Cory that I was in Tyler?”
“Well, hello to you too.”
“Please, Brooke, just tell me you didn’t say anything.”
“I swear, Kia, I didn’t. I haven’t even talked to Cory since he came to the clinic.”
I went over to the sink, ready to throw up. More likely Jade said something to Cory. She’s the only person who knew I was here.
“K! Are you still there?”
“Yeah, I’m here. Has Jade mentioned anything?”
“I don’t know, sweetie. If she did, she wouldn’t have to me. Maybe this is a sign that you need to talk to him. It has been a few days since you’ve been gone, Kia, so you need to toughen up and face the music.”
“Fine. I’ll talk to you later.”
I disconnected the call, not knowing if I should go back out there. I didn’t want Cory to see me. I began pacing in the restroom, unsure of what to do. Maybe if I stayed in the restroom long enough, he’d be gone.
I sighed, ready to face whatever was out there and opened the door. I took a deep breath, seeing Cory standing outside of the restroom.
“I figured you would come out eventually.”
“Cory-”
“So, you packed up your things and decided to come here to bartend? What the hell is going on with you, Kia?”
“There’s a reason why I did it, but I can’t explain right now. I’m in the middle of my shift.”
“I haven’t seen you in a week. You disappeared on me, so I deserve an explanation to why you left. Now.”
I saw the hurt and disappointment in Cory’s eyes, which made me a bit sad. Although I had my issues, I never meant to hurt Cory. “Cory, I said all I had to say in the text that I sent. I left because I needed to find myself.”
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