Page 102 of Deeper

While Zander was quick to flash a smile, it suddenly dawned on me that if I said yes, this would be my first official event as his girlfriend. Leaving me to question, if I was ready for my debut.

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Zander left Saturday for New York, leaving me behind. Even though he had business to take care of, he made good on his word in providing my moving arrangements.

It happened sooner than I thought. Monday, they showed up prepared to take furniture, and what’s more, pack for me as well. I was unprepared and hadn’t a clue what to do. For one, Victoria had a pretty much fully furnished apartment. Even the spare room she was giving me housed her makeup kits and extra clothing. It just left me with the task of selling more than half of my belongings since the idea of storage brought on an unnecessary monthly bill.

Victoria was sweet about it, making excuses for me to keep some things to figure out how to work them into the apartment.

She was my best friend, and she wanted me to have some sense of myself when I came to live with her. So, we kept my TVs, the small 32-inch went into my bedroom, and my 43-inch went into Victoria’s room as the TV out in her main room was 60-inches—a gift from a past lover.

We kept my air fryer, and I got rid of my dishes. We kept my electric hot comb and hair dryer, and I washed and donated my bathroom towels and a good amount of unused clothing. We kept what food I had, and I got rid of my cleaning tools. I collected my few books and films and made room for them in my new bedroom. It was smaller than my old one, but it made prioritizing that much more prominent.

Zander’s crew was practical, patient, and professional. They worked around my schedule, and the man in charge, Sal, even went as far as to help me sell all the things I didn’t want and decide what to pitch.

In a record of four days I was moved into Victoria’s apartment. When I went to tip the crew for their service, Sal declined, stating that Zander had paid them wellwithgratuity.

Of course he had.

“You think you can get him to pay rent for two months?” Victoria joked as we sat at a table in our favorite club. It was Friday night, and we were having a much-needed girls’ night out. The Boot was booming with people, and the DJ was aiming to satisfy with her smooth set. The lights were dim and the vibe was just right. It was the weekend and everyone wanted to unwind and feel good for a moment.

My best friend was joking, but her words made me remember a conversation from a week prior. I stirred my drink with my straw, focusing on the red liquid whirling around and around. As a gift for taking me in last minute, Zander had wanted to pay July’s rent for Victoria. It had been the end of the month when my landlord had given us our notices, hence Zander’s rush on my moving out so quickly. It was Friday, July third, and I had turned in the keys to my old apartment on Thursday.

“Tori,” I warned.

She knew this was a sore moment for me, a lapse in my usual character to let Zander do such a thing. “Kidding, relax.”

“The only reason I even agreed is because I do feel like I’m invading your space, and I’m partly sure he wants to get into your good graces.” I gave a shrug in an attempt for casual.

Victoria rolled her eyes and settled back into her chair. “Girl, I’ma buy his little album, but the image is soiled. I had to throw my vibrator away.”

I choked on my drink. I grabbed a napkin to wipe at my mouth, careful not to ruin my lipstick. “Victoria.”

She bore no shame as she simply waved me off. “Too many memories, like, it’s done. Besides, H. came crawling back.”

Ah H., her most likeable ex. His name was Harold, but he chose to go byH.He was the total package: tall, good-looking, respectable, no kids, and he had a great job. In the end, he’d gotten cold feet and broke up with Victoria to chase randoms because he wasn’t ready for love.

“Be careful,” I warned. “Some people don’t realize what they have until it’s gone, and some men realize it and think they want it back, but they only repeat the cycle of hurting you.”

Victoria pouted. “But he’s so good in bed. Look, whatever, trust me, I’m going to break bank before he gets back into these panties.”

Vindictive Victoria, gotta love her.

“There’s something I need to talk to you about,” I brought up as I set my drink to the side. “Zander got invited to the Dymond Dinner and he wants me to be his date.”

Victoria’s mouth dropped open. “Oh my God!”

I cringed at the thought of it all. The Dymond Dinner was such an extravagant event, and what would little ole me be doing there? “I told him I’d think about it.”

My best friend’s nostrils flared as she gave me anoh come onlook. “Bia, the Dymond Dynasty Dinner is like theroyalmeal,” Victoria said. “You’re nobody if you’re not invited.”

“I’m happy for him, but I am me, and I wouldn’t know what to say or do.”

“Say you’ll be by his side. This is a big moment, and besides, don’t let such hot property like Zander Khalil be alone by all those famous and thirsty chicks.”

“That’s the thing, he’s pretty sure Jolie will be there, not to mention possibly Teddy.”

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