It was good seeing her enjoying herself. She was a homebody and didn’t get out nearly as much as women her age. It had always been that way but since I’d gone to prison, it had worsened. Baby girl was an introvert at heart. The more I was around Ever, I noticed she was, too. They were a match made in boredom.
“You’re driving her home,” I leaned over to Laike and said.
“Already on it.” He nodded.
“But let her enjoy herself. We just have to watch them.”
“Nigga, you been watching Ever like a fucking hawk, anyway. I’m sure that ain’t no problem for you.”
“It’s not,” I responded with a chuckle.
I witnessed Ever’s entire demeanor change. Once we settled in from the restroom, her infectiousness was absorbed by the guilt that she felt for rejecting me. I wanted to let her know she had every right and that I wasn’t fucked up about being turned down, but I was afraid that it might’ve made things between us even more awkward. So, to spare her the agony, I decided to dismiss myself from the table and go grab another drink from the bar.
I slid back in my seat with her eyes on me, stalking my every move. I left the white Styrofoam cup that I’d been sipping from on the table and nodded toward the bar to inform Laike it was my destination. When I stepped away from the crew, I sensed the regret that had settled into Ever’s spirit.
“Cheer up,” I told her as I leaned in her ear before tapping her on the shoulder.
She snapped her neck around in my direction but before she was able to say anything, I took off. Ever didn’t owe me an explanation. It was her right to deny me access to her if she wasn’t ready. I just needed her to stand on that and not back down because she thought I was indifferent about her choice. I wasn’t. I respected it and wouldn’t try swaying her in any way. If I wasn’t the nigga for her, then life would continue. It wasn’t the end of the world.
“Hi,” the bartender greeted as I stood against the wooden bar.
“What’s up? Let me get an Old Fashion.”
“Sure, coming right up.” She smiled at me, flashing her perfect teeth.
Her big, fake pornstar titties were the only thing I saw, though.I’ll pass. There wasn’t shit I could do with her. She returned with my drink a few seconds later.
“Here you go. I’m Amy. If there’s anything else I can help you with just give me a holler.”
“Bet.” I nodded as I responded, ready for Amy to get the fuck out of my face.
Before she could, I felt a small hand on my back and smelled a fruity mix up my nostrils. The elegance of the voice that followed up piqued my interest.
“Can I have a shot of Jack, please,” the woman beside me asked the bartender.
“Coming right up,” Amy told her.
“Your momma never taught you to keep your hands off strangers?” I asked her, turning slightly to get a good look at her.
“She did, but when they’re as handsome as you, I find it kind of hard.”
“I’m Luca,” I introduced myself.
“I’m Kasey,” she revealed.
Her dark skin and perfect hair would do. She wasn’t Ever, but she was close enough. From the smile on her face as she licked her lips, I could tell that she was into exactly what I was into.
“Lock me in.”
“I was just about to ask.” She chuckled, pulling out her cell and unlocking it.
I punched my new number in after opening my phone to retrieve it.
“You don’t know your own number?” she teased.
“Just got it today.”
“Hmmmm. Crazy ex?”
