NINE
I’m elated that Davia chose to stay after I touched her like she’s mine. Though brief, I can’t stop replaying how she felt and how good it would feel to hold her longer.
Retrieving our coats, I lead her through the side door of the club, the fading scent of paint in the air as we climb the metal stairs to the rooftop access. I exit into the cool temperature and close the door after she follows, dulling the music and voices below.
Davia looks around the space while buttoning her coat, taking in the covered seats, tables, bar, and firepit. “You have a rooftop lounge?”
“It’ll be ready in the summer.”
Her eyes glisten while admiring the city lights. “This will be so nice.”
“Yeah. I didn’t bring you up here to impress you, though.” I turn on the wire lights and lean against the wide column.
She rests against the opposite one with her arms folded. “Why did you bring me here?”
“Figured we could both use some air. No ulterior motives, so don’t trip.”
“Okay.” She stares at the city again.
After a few seconds, I ask, “How is your week so far?”
Her eyes flick back to me. “It’s been good. I did the final prints for my designs.”
“You have pictures of them? I’d love to see.”
“Really?” she sputters as if surprised. “You want to see a bunch of women’s fashion?”
“I’m curious about your work. Is it all right?”
“Yeah.” She takes her phone from the clutch, blue light illuminating her gorgeous face as she taps on the screen. She draws closer to show me. “The line is called Darling Sinclair .”
“Nice.” I listen as she divulges her muse while swiping through the looks. Reaching the end, I stare at her in awe. “I’m genuinely impressed, Davi. You should be proud of yourself.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“Sinclair is your last name?” I confirm.
“Mmhm.” She puts her phone away. “So, what’s your next venture? If you don’t mind sharing.”
“Owning a restaurant.”
“Good for you,” she applauds. “It’s dope that you have various sources of income.”
“Have to hustle hard to survive in this world.”
“My boyfriend said that once.” A low breath trickles out before she dips her head.
I stick my hands into my pockets and shift to her entirely. “Tell me something, Davi.”
“What?” she presses, looking at me.
“Why do you seem unhappy when he comes up?”
“No, I don’t.” She releases another tired breath.
“There it is again. Your voice sounded different just now. Like you’re sad.”
She shifts in place as if frustrated. “You don’t know me well enough to make assumptions.”
“I’m usually good at reading people.”
“Not me,” she argues. “I doubt you know what’s on my mind right now.”
“You’re wondering what it’d feel like to kiss me.”
“Excuse me?” she gasps. “I’m leaving.”
“Wait.” I reach for her hand as she’s about to walk away. “Don’t go.”
She stares at our linked hands, her breaths deepening with my gentle squeeze. There’s no way to describe the electricity coursing through my body other than it’s like we separated too soon in a past life, and we’re now resealing in this thrilling touch.
But she’s not mine . What if, for a second or even a minute, we forget that and just—
“Baby, stop.” Laughter resounds as the door opens, and Davia pulls her hand from me when Preston exits with a giggling Moya. They pause when they see us.
“Oh, my bad, bro,” Preston says after clearing his throat. “Didn’t know you were up here.” He rubs the back of his neck while Moya shifts in place.
“So y’all didn’t see the clear no access sign, huh?”
Both look at each other and chuckle.
“What were y’all up to?” Preston teases, resulting in a profound exhale from Davia.
I start to explain for her sake. “It wasn’t—”
“I’m heading home,” she rasps, hugging herself.
Damn. I’m not ready for our night to end.
“I’ll walk you to your car,” I offer.
“That’s all right. Goodnight.” She hastens past Preston and Moya.
I hurry after her down the stairs and through the club. She’s moving fast like she remembered leaving the stove on. Following her outside, I stall as she rushes across the street to her car. She gives me a slight wave before peeling off.
It hits me that my heart’s starting to mellow now that we’re apart. Does it mean Davia experienced the same thing? Is that why she left in such a hurry?