Page 72 of Tainted

“What do you really want, Sydney?”

Her smile faltered for a split second before she recovered. “To know why you’re so hostile with me. Everyone has such nice things to say about you. I’d love to meet something other than your attitude,” Sydney fired back.

“Seems like I met yours at Kenyon’s house.”

Sydney smiled and leaned back in her seat. “I didn’t mean anything by it. Kenyon is just private,” she shrugged, carefully selecting her words, “I wasn’t expecting to see you, that’s all.”

I smirked at her, switching from calling him Keyes to Kenyon all because I did.

“What’s the deal with y’all anyway?”

Since she begged me here, I figured I’d ask some questions of my own. Their relationship status, or lack thereof, seemed to be a sensitive subject for them both because she couldn’t give me a straight answer either.

“We’re close and sometimes invite friends to the fun.”

“That’s pretty vague. Are you two even really in a relationship?”

Her smile tightened a bit. “Our situation works for us, and we think it could work for you, too.”

I met her gaze, unblinking. “I’m not really interested in… that kind of arrangement,” I said, watching her smile falter for a moment.

“What are you interested in, then?”

I paused, considering my words. I was interested, but not in the way she thought. And certainly not with her involved. But I didn’t tip my hand. Not yet.

“Just getting to know people better,” I replied, letting the words hang between us.

Sydney’s lips pressed into a thin line, and I could tell she was annoyed. She expected me to be an easy addition to her little game.

“Well,” she sighed, her voice too sweet to be sincere, “I know we got off on the wrong foot, but I see something in you. Kenyon does, too.”

“Oh, he does, does he?” I smirked, mouthing a thank you to the waiter as she sat my Jamaican Jerk wrap in front of me. “Cute but I’m sure there’s a line of women who would be more than happy.”

“I don’t want other women, Nova. I want you.” I watched her move from across the table to the seat next to me, “There’s something about you that feels... right. I can’t explain it, but I know it when I feel it. Kenyon feels it too,” she added, trying to throw his name around to sway my vote.

“You’re persistent, I’ll give you that.”

“Only when it’s worth it,” she replied.

We chatted more over food, and Sydney wasn’t as bad as I had thought. At least when she wasn’t trying to fuck me, but Sydney delivered one last message before we went our separate ways.

“Listen, I’m trying to respect your wishes, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes or costs to make that happen. Have a good day, beautiful.”

After leaving lunch with Sydney, I still felt unsettled trying to reconcile their relationship with Diamond’s comment still circulating my thoughts. By the time night rolled around, I found myself in Rajah’s car, heading to some late-night cookout she swore I couldn’t miss. I wasn't sure I was in the mood for it, but Rajah’s energy always had a way of pulling me in, and tonight was no different.

“Who’s cookout is this again?” I asked

“Some niggas from ‘round the way,” Rajah replied.

“What niggas?”

“Just some neighborhood people. It’ll be plenty of food and drinks, so relax and have a good time away from the damn club.”

“I’m down for that.”

“Shit me too. Tayshaun is with his trifling daddy. I started not to let him go. The last thing he needs is for that nigga to rub off on him, but Mama needed a night off. Let him feed his ass for once.”

“Well, you picked him.”

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