“Well maybe you need someone to go kick his ass,” Stella said.
I laughed as our drinks were slid over to us.
“Thanks…” I let the statement hang in the air as I waited for the bartender to give me his name.
“Alejandro,” he finally replied as he wiped the counter beside us.
“Thanks, Alejandro,” we said in unison.
He smiled widely and winked.
“He’s hella cute,” Stella said.
“Maybe you should see about him then, friend,” I said, smiling widely.
“Ooh, I see what you’re doing there,” Stella said, pointing a finger at me. She laughed then took a sip of her drink. “Oh yes, this is probably the best lemon drop I’ve ever tasted. I see Alejandro is good with his hands.”
He looked over at us at the mention of his name and locked in on Stella. “You can say that.” He winked and she blushed while batting her eyes.
“I just did,” she said.
Marsha and I looked at each other then each of them and decided to let them have their moment. We walked further into the lounge and noticed an outdoor area. I looked back at Stella who was staring at us with ballooned eyes and I motioned that we were heading out there. She nodded but continued to look at us in a panic. I guess she needed her girls for her confidence. I mouthed, “you got this”, then stepped outside.
I scanned the area then handed Marsha one of the shots I was holding and she smiled. We took them to the head then walked over to the only available couch. The second we plopped into our seats, a man approached us. I instantly pulled my dress down and looked at Marsha. She was on edge too because he got to us rapidly.
“How are we feeling today, ladies?” he asked.
His accent was thick, non-native, and reminded me of someone trying to imitate the French. He was an average height man with bushy eyebrows, deep-set eyes, and a crispy lineup and fade but a scraggly beard. He had white teeth though and was kind of charming, but in a scary kind of way. I didn’t like him.
“Doing well,” I replied. There wasn’t more that needed to be said.
“Would you like to join me and my friend Ernesto? You two look a little lonely over here.” He smiled and I withheld a laugh. He couldn’t be serious.
“How do we look lonely when we’re here with each other?” I asked.
Marsha giggled then took a sip of her drink. He looked her way then back to me as if he was insulted.
“Did I tell a joke?” he asked.
“No but you clearly are one,” I mumbled.
“What did you say? Speak up,” he said, his tone and accent changing. I knew he was a playboy. One who played plenty of games to bag women and didn’t like being rejected. Good thing I had my taser on me.
I stood to face him and handed Marsha my drink.
“I said, no, but you clearly are one,” I repeated, slyly putting my hand into my purse.
His hand raised like he was going to strike me. “Bit…”
Before I could pull out my taser and he could get his words out, he was grabbed by his wrist and it was swiftly brought behind his back. I heard the crack of his bones and the crunch made my stomach churn.
“You should think before you raise your hand to a woman,” Armond said to the man. He held his arm against his back and reached for the other arm and pressed it into his chest as he pushed him into the nearest wall. I heard another crack then a whoosh of air coming from his lungs, followed by blood. Did Armand just strike him and I didn’t see it? Was his push into the wall that detrimental?
Marsha looked at me and gulped hard followed by emptying her entire drink down her throat. I couldn’t help but pick up my frozen drink and take a few sips. Armond had shown up out of nowhere. I hadn’t seen him when I initially scanned the space.
The man’s friend, Ernesto, saw what was happening and made his way over to us, yelling at Armond to let the man go or else. I wasn’t sure if he realized it was Armond, or if he was even aware of who Armond was, but it was clear Armond knew them. Armond continued staring at the man who harassed us with a smile on his face, completely ignoring Ernesto’s antics. The look in his eyes was terrifying even from the side and I knew nothing good would come from this.
Before Ernesto could fully approach Armond, his body collapsed to the floor. Spurts of blood splashed against Marsha and I realized Armond had shot this man without even looking at him with his other arm still latched against his friend. Noticing a speck of blood in my drink, I instantly put it down and grabbed Marsha’s hand, pulling her up. We had to get the hell out of here. Armond didn’t care about any onlookers in this crowded ass place and bodied a man like it was nothing.
