Southern Love
Page 57
Two glasses later and much of her anxiety had faded. She could do this. Picking up the routine was like riding a bike. In fact, now that everyone was older and more mellowed out, she didn’t have to try so hard.
Jermaine leaned forward in his seat and grinned. “Remember that party we had at my house the summer before senior year?”
They all let out a collective sigh and groan. Shayla placed a hand over her face. “I barely remember it.”
Peaches laughed. “Me too. How many shots did we take that night?”
Devin took a sip from his drink before saying. “Too many.” But there wasn’t any disappointment in his voice.
Shayla grinned. “How many did you take? That was the first time you got drunk.”
He nodded. “The first and last.”
Roxanne clapped her hands. “And a good thing too. Oh, Devin, I’ll never forget the way you were on that couch. Moaning and saying you were going to die.”
Devin shook his head while they all laughed. “I felt terrible. What was that stuff?”
Jermaine snapped his fingers as if trying to remember. “Some stuff my cousin brewed up. That crap will rot out your gut.”
“I believe it,” Devin said. He bumped Shayla with his shoulder. “I wouldn’t have gotten through the night without you.”
She couldn’t help the blush that came across her face. Since his parents were out of town and they’d all been too drunk to drive home, they spent the night at Jermaine’s. It was the first time she’d slept with a guy, even though there wasn’t much sleeping on her part. Devin fell asleep with his head in her lap and she spent most of the night rubbing his head and wishing he were sober enough to make a move. Though nothing happened, holding Devin and the gratitude on his face the next morning made up for it.
Peaches grunted. “Devin didn’t drink after that night.” She smirked at Shayla. “We can’t all say that.”
Devin shifted away from her on the couch. Shayla’s smile froze. It was the first reference to the disaster that was Homecoming. She narrowed her eyes at Peaches, whose smile turned sly before she looked away. Although Peaches always claimed to not look down on Shayla for what happened that night, she’d taken a perverse pleasure in bringing it up afterwards. Especially whenever Shayla tried to bridge the gap between her and Devin.
Jermaine quickly changed the subject to something else. She gave him a grateful smile and joined in. Realizing no one was going to go there, Peaches let it go but kept her eyes on the door marked ‘office’ across the dance floor. Eventually Devin relaxed again and stretched his arm out along the back of the couch. Every so often his thumb would brush the skin on her back exposed by her gold halter top, sending a shiver down her spine. He seemed oblivious to his affect on her, while she kept taking deep breaths just to breathe in his cologne. The urge to curl up into his side, the same way Roxanne was curled up next to Jermaine, overwhelmed her. Maybe it was the alcohol, or the way his copper skin glowed beneath the lights, but she went with it.
She flipped her hair over her shoulder and pretended to pull on the waistband of her leggings as a way to scoot closer to him. His fingers toyed with the ends of her hair where it brushed against his hand. He gave her his half smile, his eyes telling her he knew she was trying to get closer. She couldn’t help but return with a smile of her own.
“Hey, Devin, I thought that was you.”
Devin turned away. “Hey, Kia.”
The moment shattered. Shayla slid away from Devin. She wasn’t supposed to be flirting with him. Not only had she forcefully reminded him why she was wrong for him, but her cousin loved him. She pushed her champagne flute away before she drank more and really started acting foolish.
When she met her cousin’s eyes the warning she’d given previously was there. “What’s up, Shayla?”
Shayla smiled. “Nothing much. My friends just decided to celebrate my homecoming.”
Kia licked her lips and smiled at Devin. “Well, I hope you don’t mind me borrowing Devin for a minute. I was hoping he’d dance with me.” She looked back at Shayla. “Besides, y’all have just been sitting here talking.”
Fighting back jealousy and the urge to answer her cousin’s challenge Shayla, gave Devin a slight nudge. “Go on. It’ll be fun.”
Devin nodded and stood. “Sure.”
Kia’s eyes lit up and she reached out to take Devin’s hand. Forgetting her promise not to drink, Shayla gulped down the rest of her champagne as she watched her young, sexy cousin sashay across the room to the dance floor with her man. He’s not your man.
“C’mon, Jermaine. Let’s dance.” Roxanne said. Jermaine groaned but got up and followed her onto the floor.
Peaches’s smile returned as she refilled Shayla’s glass. “Devin looks good with your cousin. I know a lot of people who want to see them together.”
Shayla cut her eyes at Peaches. “Are you one of them? I remember you used to crush on Devin pretty hard back in the day.”
Peaches’s smile became brittle. “I didn’t crush on Devin.”
Shayla swirled the champagne in her glass. “Whatever you say.”
“I’m over that. Just like it seems he’s over his fascination with you.” She looked out on the dance floor. “Looks like Kia’s auditioning to fill the empty spot in his bedroom.”
Shayla took a sip of the bubbly liquid. She looked out on the dance floor and swallowed hard. Kia was bumping, grinding, and damn near sexing Devin on the dance floor. Didn’t the girl remember he was her boss? When did Kia’s breasts get so big? They almost popped out of the top of her black and silver dress. And she knew her aunt wouldn’t approve of the length; it barely reached mid thigh. When Kia bent over and rubbed her butt against Devin’s crotch, Shayla gripped her glass. Did he have to put his hands on her hips? Granted it was to put space between them, but still. All Kia had to do was hike her skirt up and Devin could easily slide right home.
Two more glasses and a song later, she’d about worked up enough anger to break up Kia’s freak show regardless of the consequences when the music changed. It took a second for her alcohol and anger clouded mind to register what played, but once she recognized the opening strains of LSG’s “My Body” all of the blood rushed from of her face. Her stomach churned queasily and memories of that song playing in a dark room, and warm breath that smelled like stale beer against her neck flew through her mind. She shook her head to clear the memories, but it was useless.
Pushing down the disgust and anxiety that came whenever that song played, she stood. Hoping to escape to the bathroom for a few minutes and regroup. She put her glass on the table. When she straightened, instead of making her escape she met Tony’s black eyes. He smiled, a knowing glint in his eye. He hadn’t changed much since high school. She briefly wondered why Jermaine, the nice one, had to go bald and gain weight. Tony’s body was sculpted beneath the tight black v-neck shirt and white slacks he wore. His dark skin was barely creased with age lines and it gleamed in the lights just like the polished furniture. His smile widened, revealing even white teeth while his narrow eyes swept over her from head to toe.
It took all her self control to hold back her shiver and paste a nonchalant smile on her face. She would not let him know how much he repulsed her.
He held up a bottle of cognac and two glasses. “Welcome home, Shayla.” His voice was low, smooth and it made her skin crawl. He entered the VIP and sat where Devin had before. “Sit.” He said to Shayla before turning to Peaches. “What’s up, Peaches?”
Peaches grinned. “Chillin’ with Shayla. How you doing, Tony?”
Tony nodded. “I’m good. Give me and my girl a minute.”
With a sly smile, Peaches stood and left the VIP. Tony opened the bottle and poured the liquid into the glasses. He raised a glass to her and cocked a brow. “Sit. Unless you’re afraid of me.”
Shayla straightened her spine. He was an asshole that had no control over her. She took the glass and gave him her coldest smile. “I’m not seventeen anymore. This time I’ll fight.”
He laughed and stretched out on the couch. “I always liked it when you fought.” He lifted his glass. “I hope you like the song.”
Shayla gulped the cognac. It burned her throat, and she wished it was just as easy to burn memories away. “I should have known you picked it.”
“Why not? It’s our song. I look on that night fondly.”
“I don’t think about that night.”
He tisked. “You hurt me, Shayla. We were the most popular couple in school. Everyone wished they could be us, and it all started that night.”
She took another swallow and welcomed the warmth in her stomach and lightness in her head. She could do this. “How long have you owned this club?”
“Just like old times. Change the subject when you don’t want to talk about something.”
“Damn right.”
He snickered and slid closer. “I got a better way to change the subject. Why don’t we go on the floor and give Devin and your fine ass cousin some competition.”
Her eyes flew back to the dance floor. Devin and Kia had stayed on the floor with the music change. Bile churned in her stomach when she saw how close Devin held Kia. She closed her eyes and finished her drink. “I see no reason to do that.”
Tony’s fingers slid across her back. She stiffened, but didn’t pull away. She kept her eyes closed when he whispered in her ear. “I hear you got caught sucking some politician’s cock in Atlanta. Good ole Shayla.”
She jerked away. “That’s not what happened.”
He scoffed and sipped from his drink. “You gonna blame it on the alcohol again?”
“Fuck you, Tony.”
He smiled. “Sounds like a plan. We can go to my office.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You haven’t changed a bit.”
He shrugged and refilled her glass. “Why should I, being myself got me everything I’ve wanted.” His gaze swept over her. “I never understood why you wanted to change. Run off to Atlanta and try to play the good girl. You’re no good girl. You’re just as fucked up as I am. Otherwise you wouldn’t be up to your same old tricks. You just moved on to bigger fish. Face it, Shayla, that night I got what I wanted only proved you’re just as scandalous as me.”
“I said no.”
He cocked a brow. “Once, and that doesn’t count.” He tipped his glass to her.
Confusion whirled around in her fogged brain. The old feelings were back. Humiliation, anger, fear, uncertainty. She reached for the charm on her neck to keep from tapping her hands. Had she done enough, fought enough, or had she just been another drunk girl at a party, too fucked up to realize she was making a mistake. Her heart pounded in her chest as anxiety crept up her throat. She gulped from her drink to shove it down. She didn’t feel the burn of the alcohol, just welcomed the dulling of her memories.
Tony grinned and brought his glass to his lips, but his hand froze. “Devin, glad you came to the party.”
Shayla’s head snapped up. She blinked to bring Devin into focus then wished she hadn’t. His disappointment was back. She was stupid for coming. Stupid for asking him to come, and wrong for forcing him to witness her reunion with Tony. He deserved someone better than her, someone like Kia.
With her practiced smile she reached out a wobbly hand and picked up the bottle of liquor. “Join the party.” She said with forced cheer and refilled her glass.
Chapter 9
Not for the first time that night, Devin wondered why in the hell he’d come. He should turn and leave Shayla here with her mission of self destruction that surfaced whenever she was around Tony. He watched as revulsion flashed in her eyes when Tony brushed against her. Her hand trembled when she poured another glass. Instead of leaving, his knees bent and he lowered himself in the neighboring chair. He cursed himself for a fool, but as usual he couldn’t resist trying to fix things when Shayla was upset.
Tony smiled at Devin, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Well, well, well. Dr. Jones left his home on Johnston Street and joined the regular people.”
Shayla gasped. “You live on Johnston Street?”
He met her eyes and shifted uncomfortably. “Yes.”
Her lips curved into a wobbly smile. He wished she didn’t look so happy to find out he bought a house on the street he once promised her he would. The moment was interrupted by Roxanne and Jermaine joining them.
There was a noticeable difference in Shayla’s behavior. Before Tony came she’d been relaxed. Now her laughter was forced, her smile didn’t reach her eyes and she was pressed into the side of the chair away from Tony. She flinched almost imperceptibly whenever Tony brushed against her.
She’d been the same way in high school after she’d hooked up with Tony. At the time he’d been so angry about her betrayal, he’d written it off as something she deserved. Now that he wasn’t bogged down with all of the hurt and teenage angst, he could see that she was scared. But why would she be afraid of Tony? Had it been fear in high school, too?
Anger caused his shoulders to stiffen as he watched them. She didn’t want to be here, so why pretend as if she did. Thankfully she’d just held onto the last drink she’d poured. After downing champagne like water when he’d danced with Kia — something he would regret come Monday morning — and nearly inhaling two shots of liquor when Tony came over, she didn’t need another drink. Her eyes were drowsy, her words slurred. He pressed his lips together in a frown. She couldn’t drive home like this.
He looked at Tony and frowned when Tony’s lips rose in a sly smile. “We had a lot of good times in high school, but the best night was Homecoming.”
Roxanne and Jermaine’s smiles froze before they both gave equally forced laughs. Shayla groaned and lifted the glass to her lips with shaky hands.
Devin reached out and took the glass. “Don’t you think you’ve had enough?”
Embarrassment flashed in her eyes before anger replaced it. “Disappointed in me again, Devin?”
Tony laughed. “Just as uptight as he was in high school. I guess that’s the reason you made your decision.”
Shayla glared at him. “Shut up, Tony.”
Tony shrugged. “Or was it because you know we’re just alike.”
Devin narrowed his eyes on Tony. “She’s nothing like you.”
“Tell yourself that.” Tony lifted his shot glass and downed the drink in one gulp.
Shayla jumped up. She swayed before righting herself and glaring at them both. “I’m not like either of you. I’m not as fucked up as Tony and I’m not as good as Devin. To hell with your pissing match, I’m going home.”
She took an unsteady step and Devin shot out of his chair. “You can’t drive.”
She tried to step away, but stumbled and knocked over the ice bucket that once held the champagne. It hit the floor with a loud crash and people nearby turned to watch. There was laughter as she tried to stand and straighten her halter top.
Tony laughed and brushed ice from his lap. “She got it, Devin.”
Devin rolled his eyes and reached for Shayla’s arm. She snatched away and with a frustrated sigh he hauled her over his shoulder. Her feet swung with her kicks as her small fists pounded into his back while she cursed him out. He tightened his hold on her legs, refusing to allow her to drive home drunk. Peaches ran over while Roxanne and Jermaine got out of the way. Tony just sat and watched with a satisfied smile
on his face.
Peaches took one look at Shayla and grinned. “Home girl up to her old tricks again.” She looked at Tony and winked.
Devin glared at Peaches, who had the decency to stop laughing and get out of his way. Shayla froze. “Devin, I’m gonna throw up. I won’t drive, just put me down.”
He quickly placed her back on her feet and held her as she tried to steady herself. Her skin was flushed and her mouth pressed closed. “I’ll drive you home,” he said taking her hand and leading her out of the VIP. He ignored the curious stares from those who’d witnessed the show on the way out. He’d get another lecture about Shayla when he returned to work on Monday.
She didn’t say anything when they got to his truck. After he helped her in and shut the door, she curled up in the seat and faced away from him. But what was there to say? He didn’t have to be the one to take her home. Roxanne or Peaches could have done that. The truth was he’d rather take her home than leave her there and find out through the grapevine that she’d ended up going home with Tony. He wasn’t even going to pretend he wouldn’t care if she hooked up with Tony again. Although her actions tonight made that possibility seem unlikely.
Why she was afraid of Tony? After Homecoming she used to try harder to prove she was happy whenever Tony was around. Before he thought it was only to rub their relationship in his face, but now he doubted that. I never willingly slept with Tony. Her words a few days ago rang through his head.
He thought back to that time in high school when Shayla had broken his heart so completely. Tony was the leader of their clique mostly because his ego couldn’t let him be anything less. Shayla confessed to him that she thought Tony was conceited and rude. They’d talk for hours about the hypocrisies of high school and the way everyone tried to be something they weren’t just to fit in. She’d said Devin was the only person she could be herself around.