Roemy
I stood there for a minute after Case left, trying to catch my breath.
My legs were still shaking and I could feel the wetness between my thighs.
I looked at myself in the mirror and barely recognized the woman staring back at me.
My lip gloss was smeared and my skirt was wrinkled in places it shouldn’t be.
I reached under my skirt and pulled my panties down.
They were soaked and completely ruined. I balled them up and threw them in the trash before reapplying my lip gloss.
I needed to get it together. I had a whole line of people waiting for me out there and I couldn’t walk back out looking all flushed.
I fixed my hair, smoothed down my skirt again and the bathroom door swung open.
Shamari stuck her head in. “Girl, what the hell you doing in here?” she asked, her eyes scanning me up and down. “Your line’s getting long.”
“I’m coming,” I said, grabbing my phone off the counter.
“You good?” she asked, narrowing her eyes at me. “You need more time?”
“I’m fine. Just needed a minute.”
“Mhm. Well, come on. You got fans out there ready to meet you.”
I followed her out of the bathroom and back into the ballroom, where the energy was still high.
Music was playing, people were laughing and talking, and the line at my table had grown since I’d left.
I put on my professional smile and walked back over, sitting down in my chair as if nothing had happened.
“Sorry about that,” I said to the woman at the front of the line. “Bathroom break.”
“Girl, no worries,” she said, grinning. “I just wanted to tell you how much I love your books. I’ve read allll of them and they’re so good. Like, the way you write sex scenes? Chef’s kiss.”
I laughed. “Thank you so much. That means a lot.”
“Can you sign this one for me?” She handed me a copy of my second book, When It Talks Back, and I opened it to the title page.
“Of course. What’s your name?”
“Kayonna.”
I wrote a quick message and signed my name before handing it back. “Thank you for supporting my work. I really appreciate it.”
“Of course. And girl, when’s the next book coming out? I need more.”
“I’m working on it.”
Kayonna took a picture with me, and Shamari handed her a swag bag filled with bookmarks and stickers and we moved on. The next person stepped up, then another and another. I signed books, posed for pictures, hugged readers, and answered the same questions over and over.
Every now and then, I caught sight of Monisa moving around the ballroom.
One minute she was talking to festival organizers and the next she was speaking with booksellers and sponsors.
She’d occasionally glance toward my table to make sure everything was running smoothly before disappearing back into another conversation.
Meanwhile, my phone kept buzzing on the table the entire time, but I ignored it.
I knew it was Case in my DMs, probably saying something nasty.
God, help me. My pussy was getting wet again.
I refocused, got back to my readers, and then Regis texted.
I felt the vibration and pulled my phone out just enough to see his name.
I slid the phone right back into my purse. I didn’t have the energy to entertain him when all I could think about was Case’s lips and hands on me.
About an hour later, a woman carrying a camera and microphone approached my table. She had a press badge clipped to her shirt and a bright smile on her face. “Roe Blackwell?” she asked.
“That’s me.”
“I’m Jessenia from Channel 14 News. We’re doing a segment on the conference and we’d love to get a quick interview with you.”
Before I could answer, Monisa appeared beside my table like she’d materialized out of thin air. The woman could smell media opportunities from across a ballroom. “Channel 14?” she asked pleasantly.
“Yes, ma’am.” Jessenia smiled.
Monisa extended her hand. “Monisa Brooks. Roe’s agent.”
Jessenia’s eyes widened immediately. “I’m well aware of who you are. It’s an honor, Ms. Brooks.”
“How long do you need her for?”
“Five minutes.”
Monisa looked at me. “Are you good with that?”
I nodded. “Excellent.”
“Perfect. She’s all yours.” Then Monisa stepped back and let me handle it.
Jessenia positioned her camera while I stood and made sure my hair was perfect.
After a quick countdown, the interview began.
“I’m here with Roe Blackwell, one of the best selling authors at this year’s Black Erotica and Romance Conference in Wellrocke City,” she said.
“Roe, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us.”
“Of course. Thanks for having me.”
“So, you’re the keynote speaker this year. How does that feel?”
“It feels amazing. This conference is such an important space for Black authors, and being recognized in this way is truly an honor.”
“Your books have been described as spicy, steamy, passionate, and unapologetically Black. What inspires your stories?”
“I write the stories I wanna read. Stories where Black women are desired, celebrated, and allowed to explore their sexual desires without shame. I want readers to see themselves in my characters.”
“That’s beautiful. And what’s next for Roe Blackwell?”
I smiled. “I’m working on something new. Something a little different than what I’ve done before but still bringing all the spice readers know and love.”
“Well, we can’t wait to read it.”
“Thank you.” The interview wrapped a few moments later. As soon as the camera stopped rolling, Shamari was right there hyping me up.
“Yesss! Look at you. I’m so proud of you.”
Before I could respond, Monisa reappeared. “Good job.”
I laughed. “Thank you both. I was a little nervous, but that was an amazing opportunity.”
Shamari rolled her eyes. “Girl, bye. You sounded confident. The answers were good and…”
“…and thank you for not announcing a surprise release date.” Monisa chuckled beside us.
“That’s a real agent right there.”
“Damn right,” Monisa said to Shamari. “My job is preventing authors from creating problems for themselves.”
“I create opportunities.”
“You create stress.” I grinned.
She pointed at me. “You love me anyway. Back to readers now.” She glanced down before looking back at me.
“I’ve got a meeting with one of your foreign rights publishers in twenty minutes. You good?”
“I’m good,” I told her. Then Monisa smiled and headed off toward another group of publishing professionals.
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of more book signings, more pictures, and more conversations.
I loved everything about it. My readers didn’t play about me.
By the time things finally started winding down, I was exhausted.
My feet hurt, my face hurt from smiling and my mind was still stuck inside that bathroom.
Shamari, Monisa, and I started packing up my table.
Books were gone and the swag bags were snatched up.
All the table decorations were placed in a large tote, and Monisa headed out.
“You killed it today,” Shamari said.
“Thanks, girl.”
“That interview was fire and it was so dope to see how much your readers really fuck with you!”
“It was definitely an experience. I’m exhausted. I’m so glad it’s over.”
“You ready to get some food? ‘Cause a bitch is starving.”
“Yeah. Let’s go.”
We were heading toward the exit when I heard his voice. “Roe.”
My stomach immediately flipped as I turned around to see Case walking toward us with those sexy bowlegs. His eyes were locked on me with an intensity that had my pulse racing. “Hey,” I said.
“I saw you doin’ your interview.”
“Yeah?”
“You killed it.”
A smile tugged at my lips. “Thanks.”
“You looked good as usual.” He complimented me and Shamari just stood there looking back and forth between us like she was watching tennis. “Real natural,” Case added.
“Thank you again. I’m sorry. This is my cousin Shamari. Shamari, this is…”
“Case Wilson,” she said with a smirk before I could finish. “I know exactly who you are, Mr. Award-Winning Author.”
He chuckled. “That’s me.”
“I’ve read every book you’ve written.”
“‘Ppreciate that.”
“Roe didn’t tell me she knew thee Case Wilson.”
“We just met at the mixer last night. Remember?” I reminded her with a side eye.
“Right,” Case said. His eyes never left mine. “Just met.” The way he said it made heat crawl up my neck. Because we both knew exactly how much had happened since last night. “Well,” he said, “congrats again on the interview.”
“Thank you.”
“You deserve to celebrate. We still on to grab somethin’ to eat later?”
“We’re actually about to grab lunch so I… uh, probably won’t be too hungry later.”
His grin widened. “But I will be.” His gaze held mine another second as he licked his lips. “I’ll definitely see you later, sweetness.” The nickname hit me right between my legs. Then he winked. “Nice meetin’ you, Shamari.”
“The pleasure was all mine.” She replied breathlessly and I quickly nudged her before drool slipped from her lips.
Case laughed as he walked away, and I watched him go, knowing I should’ve stopped this.
I should’ve told him the bathroom was a mistake.
I should’ve told him none of this shit could happen again.
Instead, I stood there imagining exactly what would happen if it did.
My heart was pounding and I felt like I was standing at the edge of something dangerous.
“Girl.” Shamari grabbed my arm.
“What?”
“That man got it bad for you.”
“Shamari.”
“Don’t Shamari me.” She pointed toward Case’s retreating back. “That man was looking at you like he wanted to eat you alive.”
“Shamari…” I sighed as we started to leave the ballroom, waving at a few of the organizers all the way out. “I just wanna eat and take a nap.”
“Yeah, and apparently he’s tryna eat something too.” She giggled.
“Oh, my God. Shut up!”
“I’m serious.”
“Can we please go get food?”
“Oh, we’re getting food.” She looped her arm through mine. “And you’re telling me every damn thing.”
We left the hotel and caught an Uber downtown to a restaurant Shamari had found on social media. It was a cute spot with good reviews, and by the time we got there, I was ready to sit down and decompress. We got a table near the window, ordered food and drinks, and I finally let myself relax.
“Alright,” Shamari said, leaning forward. “Spill the hot tea. What’s up with you and Case?”
“There’s nothing to spill.”
“Roe, don’t play with me. I saw the way he was looking at you and I felt the energy. Something’s definitely up.”
“We only met at the mixer last night when we talked for a little. You were lit when we got back to the suite and only worried about meeting up at the bar with your author friend.”
“That’s it?” Shamari quizzed, eyes narrowed. “Girl, that man was practically undressing you with his eyes and you were letting him.” I took a sip of my drink and didn’t say anything. “Does Regis know about this?”
“There’s nothing to know.”
“Good ‘cause Regis ain’t doing nothing for you anyway.”
“Shamari.”
“What? I’m just saying. You been fucking around with his bum ass off and on for how long now? Three years? And when’s the last time he made you feel the way Case clearly does?”
I sighed. “Alright. Case and I have been talking a little bit in our DMs. That’s all. It’s not a big deal.”
“Talking how?”
“Just… talking. Nothing serious.”
“Uh-huh. Talking about what?”
“Shamari!”
She cackled. “Girl, I’m just asking. ‘Cause from where I’m sitting, that man wants you and you want him. So what’s the problem?”
“The problem is I have a… a…”
“A boring ass off-and-on situationship back home,” Shamari said, leaning back in her chair. “Cousin, you deserve to feel desired and wanted. And if Case is making you feel that way, then why not enjoy it?”
“Uh, I don’t know.” I tilted my head and we locked eyes. “Maybe because it’s wrong.”
“Wrong according to who? Regis? The same Regis who can’t even make you cum?”
I looked at her, shocked. “How do you know that?”
“You told me. Remember? Last month, when you got drunk at my birthday party and said you hadn’t had a real orgasm in forever.”
I groaned and put my face in my hands. “I can’t believe I told you that.”
“Well, you did and I haven’t forgotten. So if Case is offering to give you what Regis can’t, then I say go for it. Have some fun. It’s just a weekend.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“Yes, it is. You’re overthinking it. You’re here, he’s here, and you’re both feeling each other. What happens at the conference stays at the conference.”
I didn’t have a response for that. Part of me knew she was right and part of me wanted to just let go and see what would happen. But the other part of me was scared of what it would mean and what I’d be giving in to. “I don’t know,” I said finally as our drinks arrived.
“Well, you better figure it out,” Shamari said, flagging down a waitress. “‘Cause that man seems like the type to ruin your life in the best way possible.”
My phone buzzed on the table and I looked down. It was a DM from Case.
My breath caught in my throat. I stared at the message with my heart racing and my pussy clenching at the thought of what he was planning to do to me.
“Who’s that?” Shamari asked. I turned my phone so she could see the screen. Her eyes went wide, and then she started laughing. “Girl! That man’s ready to tear your ass the fuck up!”
“Shamari!”
“What? He knows what he wants and he’s not playing games.
You need to go to dinner and let him do whatever he’s been telling you he’s gonna do.
Let him show you why he’s the King of this erotica shit.
” I put my phone face down on the table, my face hot.
“You’re really gonna sit here and act like you don’t want that? ” Shamari asked.
“I didn’t say I don’t want it.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“I don’t know.”
“Yes, you do. You’re scared. But baby, you deserve to feel good. You deserve to be with someone who makes you feel alive. And if that’s Case, then go get what’s yours.”
I looked at her and saw the sincerity in her eyes.
Shamari wasn’t judging me or warning me.
She was encouraging me. She wanted me to be happy.
She wanted me to feel something real. And maybe she was right.
Maybe I did deserve this. Maybe I deserved to feel desired, wanted, and alive.
Maybe it was time to stop pretending and start living.