Page 29 of Senior

“It’s not. I saw the way she was looking at me at the birthday party.”

“What looks were you seeing because all I saw on her face was a look of disgust. That woman doesn’t want you, man. When are you gonna let that shit go?”

“Tonight is gonna be the night. I can feel it.”

“Okay, well when you’re feeling it in your chest ‘cause she turned you down once again, I don’t wanna hear it.”

“Just be ready at eight.”

“I hear you.”

I disconnected the call and lit another blunt. This was going to be interesting.

I walked into the hole in the wall with Blake around eight twenty. It was Friday night, so the place was packed. Being who we were, we didn’t have a problem finding a spot, however. Blake’s thirsty ass wanted to sit where he could survey the whole space for Jeanie. All I could do was shake my head at him as he made a group vacate their spot so we could sit down.

“You should be ashamed of yourself, with your old ass,” I said as the server cleared and wiped down the table.

“Fuck you. Aye, baby. Bring a bottle of brown over here. I don’t care what it is, as long as it’s not some cheap shit.”

“Yes, sir.”

I watched as he watched her ass while she walked away. It was damn shame he was still up to his old tricks while simultaneously stalking his wife.

I shook my head. “That’s why your ass is here now. A wandering eye and a friendly dick.”

Blake glared at me. “I know your friendly dick ass ain’t talking. Need I remind you that you have six kids by four women?” He looked around. “There goes one of them right there.”

I followed his gaze to see Stephanie sitting alone, sipping on a cocktail and talking on the phone.

The white strapless dress complimented her golden brown skin and hugged her Coke bottle curves in ways that made me jealous. Who was I kidding? Any article of clothing that graced her body made me jealous. Her salt and pepper tresses held soft curls. Her nails and toes matched the dress with a classic French manicure, and her face was free of makeup.

She was flawless.

Always had been. I licked my lips as I watched her laughing with whoever she was talking to. My brows furrowed. Who was responsible for making her smile like that? Was it another man? Was she meeting someone here?

I quickly had to shake that jealousy shit off because it really wasn’t my business. She was a single woman, free to do what she pleased with who she pleased. I couldn’t be out here acting like Blake’s ass… even if we did share a kiss that I could still feel against my lips.

I decided to go speak.

“I’ll be back,” I said, standing.

“Thirsty ass,” Blake mumbled as I walked away.

I made my way across the crowded room to her table. Her head was down and she was looking into her phone, smiling and talking. As I slid into the booth beside her, she looked up at me and rolled her eyes.

“Who’s got you grinning like this?” I asked, not bothering to hide my annoyance.

She kissed her teeth as she turned the phone around to me. There on the screen was Darlyn. When she saw me, she frowned.

“Papa, I’m mad at you,” she said, folding her little arms.

“Why did you put my grandbabies out, Stanley?” Stephanie asked.

“Because I needed some adult time and your grandbabies and their cousins don’t listen.”

“Whose fault is that?”

“It ain’t mine.” I turned back to Darlyn, who still wore a frown. “Papa will come see you tomorrow, okay, princess?”