Page 39 of Impacted by Love

"Matter of fact… I'll be right back." Quickly standing, I briskly hurry toward the bathrooms to catch Onesti on her way out.

"Shit!" Onesti yells, grabbing her chest when we nearly collide a few seconds later.

"Can I have a minute of your time?" I ask.

Onesti's eyes are void of emotion, making me wonder what's going on in her pretty little head. It also confirms that there is a possible misconception that I need to clear up.

"It won't take long. Can you give?—"

"Five minutes. You aren't the only one here with other people."

The sassy aggression in Onesti's statement and my quick assessment of the words bring an instant frown to my lips.

Who the fuck is occupying my sweet baby's time?

In two seconds, my face transitions, displaying several expressions when my mind wanders into unfavorable territory before settling on a grimace.

"Whose family are you about to cause to make an appointment with Eternal Horizons Funeral Home in two days?" My blood is heating like a three-alarm fire and simmering like a volcano on the cusp of erupting.

"The bitch your dumb ass is entertaining," Onesti snaps back.

My dick twitches at Onesti's grimace and the bark in words causing me to smirk.

Poke or put the tiger at ease? Eenie, meanie, miny Moe… how much further should I go?

Pulling Onesti into my body, I nuzzle my face in her neck, sniffing the aroma of her scent, feeling her body lean further into me while her hands grip my shirt tight.

"Asaiah." Onesti whimpers my name, and my arms tighten around her body, securing her in a way that extends the comfort I desperately need after my tumultuous morning.

"That woman will never be able to do what you're doing for me right now. The mere fact that you sought me out when the debacle happened with my parents is proof that I'm with the woman who is supposed to handle my situation. Give me five minutes to correct my mistake." My voice is softer than usual and soothing, and my hands lovingly rub along Onesti's back.

"Then what?"

Onesti's voice is breathy and trance-like, letting me know that I have effectively disarmed her anger while calming the storm brewing within me.

"Then we talk. Get rid of your companion, or I will." Releasing her from my embrace, I walk away to send Danielle on her merry way while praying she doesn't give me a hard time.

* * *

"Why did she throw water on you like that?" Onesti asks with a smile shining in her eyes.

I found out that Onesti's companions were her two best friends because the two of them escorted Onesti to my table like she was in witness protection. Jarielle first high-fived me for restoring the glow to Onesti's face. Then she threatened to inflict bodily harm if I broke Onesti's heart. Necia, on the other hand, went after Danielle, who had thrown water in my face after being dismissed. According to Necia, "Wasn't no bitch about to disrespect her brother in her presence," which I guess means Necia and I are cool.

"Some women can't stand the reality of losing what they threw away. That's neither here nor there. I'm sorry for being in this predicament in the first place, especially knowing you and I have recently set our parameters. Even though my parents had me worked up, it's no excuse, and I'm sorry."

"I'm here. I'm also capable of being more than the woman you share sexual escapades with. Talk to me. I'm listening."

"I'm not sure if you put two and two together, but my parents are on drugs. They have been for the bulk of my life. Unlike everyone in both extensions of my family, I'm the only person who hasn't turned my back on them. I've seen and done more than most my age, but the worst was raising a sibling as my own before puberty hit me."

Picking up my glass of orange juice, I take a couple of sips to wet my dry mouth, attempting to regain my composure. Talking about my life and history with my mom and dad can often leave me feeling like I live on a rollercoaster that only goes uphill. Just the thought of what I've been through nearly shatters me, making it difficult for me to lay myself bare to this beautiful soul.

My heart and mind are at war with my feelings of wanting to tether myself to Onesti or self-sabotage to prevent her from being tainted by anything that comes with being with me. Yet, seeing Onesti's intense eye contact expressing the three words my heart feels makes me willing to risk it all to achieve a life I've never experienced.

"I think this conversation would be best done in a quieter setting. How about we shelve it for now? You finish your meal, and then we'll go to Riley Creek to pick it back up," Onesti suggests.

Bzz. Bzz.

A text alert on my phone prevents me from answering Onesti, and I lift it to see who sent a message, hoping it has nothing to do with my parents. A sigh escapes my lips at seeing my pastor's name on the screen.

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