Session 33

Chapter Seven

Waking up the next morning in a strange bed, in a strange house, wearing men’s clothes, and smelling like men’s cologne was disconcerting. This had never happened before. My head pounded. I didn't know where I was, who I was with, or what I was supposed to do. I was on the verge of freaking out until flashes of the night before assaulted me. I had been at Naomi’s house. I was in Naomi’s house.

Relief washed over me, but not enough to alleviate the awkwardness settling in my bones. I swung my legs over the side of the bed, letting my toes touch the cool hardwood floor. My head throbbed with every move, my body heavy with the kind of exhaustion that came from too much liquor and not enough dignity.

I peeked out of the cracked bedroom door, holding my breath as I listened for signs of life. Voices and laughter floated down the hallway, but I couldn’t make out who it was. Not ready to face the world yet, I darted into the attached bathroom and used it quickly. Grateful to find a new toothbrush and toothpaste, I brushed my teeth, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My curls were smashed on one side, my lips were dry, and my eyes were bloodshot. Beautiful, I thought sarcastically, rinsing my mouth out and splashing cold water on my face. What now?

The smell of bacon wafted through the air, and I assumed Naomi would be in the kitchen. I headed back to the bedroom door, peeking out again before opening it.

The stairs were to my right, leading down to where the sound of laughter grew louder. Before descending, I paused, taking in my surroundings for the first time. The house was pristine—white walls, white furniture, white carpet that looked like it could swallow my bare feet whole. Everything was so clean, so intentionally placed, like it belonged in a home decor magazine.

It wasn’t hard to find the kitchen. It was like the one at my grandmother’s house—not open concept. There was a door you had to open. I took a deep breath, exhaling the anxious energy bubbling in my chest before pushing the door open.

Cassius, Naomi, and Jonas sat at a long kitchen island, laughing. Cassius was the first to see me. He just stared. His eyes on me made me feel naked. I wished I’d taken the time to put on a bra. I wanted to turn back around and go upstairs, but I forced myself to stay put and match his stare.

I watched Naomi follow Cassius's line of sight. “Morning, Angel, how’d you sleep?”

I smiled at her before answering. “I slept well. I’m sorry to have inconvenienced you. I’m not a heavy drinker. I should have slowed down last night,” I said, looking away, embarrassed and hoping I hadn’t done anything I couldn’t remember.

“Girl, anyways. We all were drinking and having fun. Get a plate. I cooked bacon, eggs, waffles, and grits. Sit down. We were just talking about one of the many adventures of Cassius and Jonas—man-whore one and man-whore two over here.”

Jonas laughed, but Cassius looked away. I could’ve sworn he looked embarrassed.

Not even trying to be cute, I stacked my plate with food and listened as they told stories of the fun times the three of them had together: strip clubs, trips to exotic places, wild parties, and long nights. I felt some kind of way about not having my own story to tell, but no one seemed to notice. Again, Cassius spent the morning staring at me when he thought I wasn’t paying attention. I tried my best not to read into what the stare meant and ignored it as best as I could. Jonas and Naomi kept talking. Cassius, though, got quiet.

Naomi turned to me, catching my eyes. I paused mid-bite, fork in hand. I guessed I hadn’t participated in the conversation enough for her. I swallowed the pancake before speaking. “Y’all sound like y’all have a lot of fun. I don’t know anything about strip clubs and wild parties.”

“Not as much fun as Cassius. Tell her about how you once got so drunk at a strip club that you ended up blowing ten grand on strippers,” Naomi said, directing it at him, then turning to me. “We had to pull him out. I swear he’s got a sex addiction.”

Cassius’s face turned red. “Naomi, why in the fuck did you tell her that?!” he snapped, his voice tight with anger. He stood abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. “If I wanted her to hear the story, I’d tell her myself.”

“Why not?” Naomi challenged, crossing her arms. “We’re talking about the fun we had. Did you not have fun that night?” Her voice had an edge to it—mean and cutting.

Cassius glared at her before storming out of the kitchen, the door slamming shut behind him. The room fell silent, the tension thick.

Jonas shook his head at Naomi. “Why did you do that to him, Naomi?” He stood and followed Cassius out.

Naomi turned to me, her expression softening. “I’m sorry about that, Angel. I love Cassius like a brother, but he’s… complicated. He’s been staring a hole in your face since yesterday, and I’ve never seen him act like that around a woman. I just don’t want you getting caught up in something you don’t deserve. He’s not for you. Trust me on that. He’s on demon time.”

I nodded, swallowing hard. “I understand, Naomi. I appreciate you looking out for me, but I don’t want your friend mad at you because you’re trying to protect me needlessly. I’m not interested in Cassius.”

She gave me a look that said she didn’t believe a single word I’d just said.

What did she want me to do? Swear I didn’t want him? Draft a legally binding agreement? She was partly right though—despite what I said, there was something about Cassius that made me curious, but I knew better than to touch and open flame. Still, there was a little voice in the back of my head, whispering… What’s it like on the other side of caution?

I shook off the thought. I finished eating.

After breakfast, I decided it was time to go home. I said goodbye to Naomi and told her I’d buy her lunch at work on Tuesday. Jonas wasn’t around. Cassius was waiting for me, leaning against a sleek black car when I made my way back outside in my borrowed clothes. His intense gaze locked onto mine, and my heart skipped a beat.

We met at the driver’s side door of my car.

“Leaving so soon?” he asked.

I nodded, trying to appear calm. “Yeah. I need to get ready for my week.”

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” I replied, my curiosity piqued.

“Why did you say I was sad last night?”

I frowned, confusion knotting my brows. "I said that?"

He nodded, his gaze steady. "Yeah, as an excuse for why you wouldn’t kiss me after I asked."

My jaw dropped. "Wait—you asked to kiss me?"

Cassius grinned. Then he licked his lips—thick, soft-looking lips. "I did. And you said I looked sad."

I shook my head, trying to wrap my mind around this revelation. "I must’ve been really drunk. Normally, I’d tell you no because, honestly, I don’t know where your mouth has been."

He burst out laughing, the deep rumble of it making my clit flutter against my will. The tension eased, just a little, as he replied, "Fair enough."

We stood there, the moment stretching between us, I broke it, "Look, Cassius, your interest in me is… flattering. But Naomi’s right. I’m not looking for any drama."

His grin turned hard, his ice-blue eyes darkening, like he’d heard me but decided to ignore it. "You sure? You look like you could use some excitement." His gaze dropped, lingering on my lips just a beat too long, and I felt a shiver race up my spine.

I tried to laugh it off, keeping things light even though he had this way of making me feel completely exposed. "I’d ask you to elaborate, but I’m afraid of where that would lead. So…" I slid past him, keeping a safe distance as I opened my car door. "Have a good day, Cassius. It was… nice meeting you."

But, of course, Cassius wasn’t done. Before I could pull out of the driveway, he was at my window, tapping lightly on the glass. Reluctantly, I rolled it down, curious despite myself.

“We should be friends," he said, his voice smooth as Marvin Gayes. But the way he said "friends"—slow, and laced with heat—had my heart tripping over itself.

I tilted my head, studying him, trying to figure out what angle he was working. "Friends, huh? We’ll see, Cassius."

"Why we gotta see?" His voice dipped low.

I smirked, narrowing my eyes at him. "Because I already had you figured out before Naomi warned me. One look and I knew you were vain, problematic, surrounded by too many women, and way too reckless with your money. No ambition. But…" I paused, dragging it out just to mess with him.

"But what?" he pressed, leaning closer.

"But you’re handsome," I admitted, knowing I was feeding his ego.

He grinned even wider, cocky as hell. "You think I’m handsome?"

I couldn’t help it—I tittered. At least he had a good sense of humor. "Downright gorgeous," I said, rolling my eyes. "And that’s the problem. Men like you are nothing but trouble. Eventually, I’d get curious, then stupid, and it would all end badly for me."

Cassius’s head tipped back as he laughed. When the laughter faded, he leaned in closer, his face just inches from mine, and said, "Maybe you’re right. Maybe I am all those things. But maybe… you’re wrong. Maybe there’s more to me than what you see."

I raised an eyebrow, trying not to let him rattle me. "There’s not," I said simply, shaking my head. "And there’s nothing wrong with you being you, Cassius. Goodnight. Again."

As I shifted gears, ready to drive away, he leaned in once more. "Wait, wait," he said. His tone was curious now. "Are you sad, Angel?"

I froze for a moment, caught off guard. Then, tilting my head, I gave him the truth. "Yes," I said quietly. "Most days, I’m so sad and lonely I could cry."

The honesty of it hung in the air between us, heavier than I expected.

Cassius opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it, the usual confidence in his expression faltering. For once, he seemed at a loss for words.

Before he could think of anything to say, I backed out of the driveway, leaving him standing there, watching me with an expression I couldn’t quite place.

I chuckled softly, shaking my head. I’d probably just shattered whatever illusions Cassius had about me. And maybe… that was for the best.