Chapter 9 #3
As I listened to the playlist Nadir simply titled, “GOLDIE,” I couldn’t help but feel a way.
With each play, I listened attentively, trying to decode Nadir’s feelings about me.
Like what was the meaning behind me not wanting the world from him?
We laughed it off, but I wondered how much truth was in that statement.
The next song, “Recognize” by PARTYNEXTDOOR, played and I burst into a fit of giggles as the opening lines couldn’t have been truer.
We might have been entertaining other people, but now, I craved him.
I fluffed my hair in the bathroom mirror as I planned my night.
My suitcases were packed, the flight was confirmed, and the house was clean.
I didn’t want to sit at home on the eve of my trip.
Looking at index cards and years' worth of notes brought on a headache. If I had too much idle time, I’d think, which would lead to agonizing over my test. I called Raven to see what she and Sadé were up to tonight.
They were already out in D.C., having dinner with friends.
Adrienne was on a date with Q, which I was dying to hear about later, but knew she wouldn’t text me until tomorrow.
A night out wasn’t what I needed anyway.
What I needed was… a release.
There was one person who came to mind; the mere thought of him made me hot.
I shook my head in the mirror, ashamed of myself for what I was doing.
Especially after my lunch date with Nadir at My Place.
I laughed a little harder at his jokes, outwardly blushed at his compliments, and even welcomed his flirting.
Our hugs were cozier. I felt his lingering stares while I looked over the menu and his forehead kiss lasted longer than usual.
I felt the same when we parted ways at the festival.
It was impossible to hold back from Nadir, which was a scary thing to admit.
But being in that space with him felt too good.
My resolve weakened and I had a hard time stopping it from happening.
Nadir made it easy to show up as myself without fear of judgement or scrutiny.
Everything was changing so fast and I worried I could lose my friend.
My makeup was sexy; smoky eyes, light blush, and a vibrant red lip.
Raven had finally touched up my eyebrows and filled my eyelashes, so I didn’t need mascara.
I slipped into my red satin dress, then put on black strappy stiletto heels with a gold buckle.
A few sprays of perfume on my neck and wrists were the finishing touches to my outfit.
The sentimental playlist and the thoughts filling my mind emboldened my decision.
Before walking out of the door, I caught my reflection in the mirror then smiled.
I couldn’t believe I was on my way to seduce my best friend.
“Hey, Robyn!” Summer hugged me after I greeted Mel. They were at the entrance when I arrived. “I thought you were in Portland?”
When she released me, I replied, “I leave in the morning. Figured I could use a drink and vibe to some music to keep the pre-test jitters low.”
“I remember the night before my cosmetology exam. I don’t think I slept at all. Let me get you a table and an order of egg rolls.”
She led the way to the table I usually occupied near the bar.
The curved booth gave me a view of the entire lounge.
The round tables in the middle were filled with couples holding hands and staring longingly at each other and groups of girlfriends catching up while laughing over a bottle of wine.
An old school R pride glimmered in her eyes.
“When Nadir took over this place, he was so scared that he’d ruin everything his dad built.
I hope he realizes how proud Mr. Bennett would be. ”
My eyebrows met. “I think he realizes it.”
Summer shrugged. “We’ll see. I’m sure he’s questioning everything right now.”
“What makes you say that?”
“He’s in his office working on a presentation for his Uncle Harold. Whenever Nadir meets with him, he’s so irritable. I mean, I get it. Uncle Harold is such an asshole and so bitter that Mr. Bennett left Ray’s to Nadir.”
“I remember him telling me about that.” He touched on their meeting briefly during our lunch date. The way he glossed over it should’ve been cause for me to ask questions, but my mind was elsewhere. “I didn’t know it was still an issue.”
Summer laughed. “Girl, it will always be an issue. Even more since his wife left him. Now he has nothing but free time on his hands.”
She lowered her voice and put on a polite smile, prompting me to see who was coming. Peyton strolled over with a tray containing my food and drink. She placed my egg rolls in front of me with silverware, then my drink, a lemon drop martini garnished with dried rosebuds.
Once Peyton left, I asked about the baby, which led us to talking about the shower.
She and Ryder were so excited about becoming parents.
I remembered wanting what she had so badly.
Before I met Terrance, starting a family wasn't much of a priority for me.
Then something switched and my goals were put on the back burner.
I got caught up in the hype of being in a long-term relationship.
The more people asked about our plans, the less I considered my goals.
Hearing how Summer was able to still do hair three days a week, work at the club, and stay madly in love with Ryder had me wondering if I could have that one day.
“Anyway, enjoy your food. If I see Nadir before you do, I’ll let him know you’re here.”
“Thanks, Sunny,” I told her, pressing my cheek to hers when she leaned in for a side hug. “Don’t tell him I’m here.”
Her eyebrow hiked and a slow smirk spread across her face. “Why not?”
I lifted my shoulder, coyly replying, “I want to surprise him.”