Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 98524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
“Nah, I’m gonna worry about it.” EJ sat up in his chair with a grin. “’Cause I’ll be honest, I didn’t think you’d ever get with a woman again with that stick up your ass.”
Deke reached over to slap EJ on the back of the head. “Shut up, EJ.”
“Bruh, slapping me on the head is getting old. You know that, right?”
“Obviously not if it shuts you up.”
“Exactly. And why are you even here?” Javier questioned. “I am surprised you are not sleeping around with one of your fans.”
“I’m becoming a changed man, you feel me?” EJ dusted imaginary lint off his T-shirt. “These women are getting too dramatic. Y’all didn’t hear about that one girl who tried to trap Javeon in her apartment with him? The police had to get involved. Nah.” EJ’s head shook. “It might be time for me to settle down before I end up trapped too.”
Davina laughed as she sipped her margarita, then she turned her attention to me when Deke asked EJ, “How the hell did Javeon get caught up in that?”
“You okay, sis?” she asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I said. “It’s just a lot for everyone. I keep thinking if that guy gets visitation or even custody, I probably won’t be able to see Aleesa as much anymore.”
I glanced at Javier, who was still going back and forth with EJ and Deke. EJ said something that made Javier and Deke howl with laughter. I smiled.
“But at least he’s smiling,” I murmured.
“It’s a good thing he is. You guys definitely needed this. How are things between you two?”
“We’re doing just what you said. Going with the flow, letting it happen naturally.”
A warm smile claimed her lips as she cut a glance at Javier again. “He’s going through this battle, but I have to tell you, sis, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile like this before. He seems so content, even with all that’s going on. I don’t know what you’re doing to him, but it’s making him very happy. And you . . .” She reached across the table to hold my hand. “Your eyes are so bright, and you looked so confident when you walked into this place. I love seeing you like this. I love that you’re embracing life again.”
“I love that we both are.” I held her hand tighter. “You and me, sis.”
“Still a little scary, though, right?” she said in a low, playful voice.
“Um, hell yes it’s scary.” I bubbled up a laugh. “I mean, this guy apologizes right away for his mistakes and holds himself accountable. I didn’t think men still did that.”
My sister laughed. “The good men do.”
“So it’s getting serious, huh?” Deke asked. He was looking between me and Javier. Javier wrapped an arm around me as he gave me his attention, waiting for my response.
“We’re not putting any titles on it,” I said, holding his gaze a few seconds before focusing on Deke. “But it seems to be getting there.”
“Well, don’t get any ideas about proposing to her at my wedding, Valdez,” Deke said.
Javier scoffed. “Why would I do something like that?”
“I’m just saying.” Deke tossed his hands into the air. “Some people do it and think it’s a romantic gesture. That shit is selfish—unless you ask the bride and groom, of course. Can’t just take away from their big day like that.”
“Can I hook up with somebody at your wedding?” EJ asked, smirking.
“Absolutely not,” Davina countered. “Keep it in your pants.”
Deke snorted. “Get the fuck outta here.”
EJ threw his hands into the air. “I swear I can’t win, man. Next time we do this, I’m bringing a girl. I feel like a third wheel right now.”
“What girl?” Davina asked. “Is there someone in particular?”
EJ seemed to hesitate. “No. Just whoever.”
I looked at Davina at the same time as she looked at me. We both knew he was lying.
A group of women shrilled in the distance, and EJ examined them over his shoulder. Three women eyed him right back, smiling and batting their lashes.
“I think that’s my cue, ladies and gents.” EJ rose from his chair. “A foursome sounds about right, doesn’t it?”
“You are terrible,” Javier groused with a slow and exhausted roll of his eyes.
“What happened to not getting yourself trapped?” Deke watched EJ push his chair in. “’Cause that, my guy, looks like a huge trap.”
“One more night of living won’t kill me.” EJ took off just as quickly as he spoke, ducking under the velvet ropes to leave the VIP section.
A waitress appeared and set down a new round of drinks. I had no idea when someone had put another order in but was grateful for it.
“Let’s make a toast,” I said, raising my glass.
“Okay.” Javier picked up his drink with his free hand. “To what?”
“To amazing futures. To happiness . . . and hope.”