Page 71 of The Cask

“I’m not mad. I’m disappointed, but I’m not mad.”

“Ebony,” he called out, following me to the edge of the sidewalk.

My body heated at the sound of my name rolling off his tongue. I stopped, but I didn’t turn around.

He came up behind me. Wrapping his arms around my middle, just under my breasts, he pulled my back to his front. “Please don’t be mad at me.”

“I’m not mad.” I sighed loudly as I broke out of his embrace. “She threatened me and made good on her threat so I’m disappointed that it doesn’t matter to you. But I’m not mad.”

He moved my braids and kissed my neck and then my ear. “I’m sorry it feels like that, but I swear to God that isn’t the case.”

I pointed to the walk signal. “I have to go,” I whispered.

I felt his eyes on my ass the entire walk to my side of the street. I heard him cough and I turned around. With one last lingering look, I entered The Cask.

I was surprised to see Kim Lowe, but I knew there was a possibility I hadn’t sealed the deal. But the fact that Omari kept Kim despite the fact that we both knew that she vandalized my property was the reminder that I needed that he was my enemy. No matter how sexy he was, no matter what pretty words he used, no matter how his touch made me feel, at the end of the day, he sided with someone who attacked me.

And if you’re not for me, you’re against me.

My plan was still in full effect. It was predicated on a number of things, but even the conversation I’d had with Omari on the sidewalk was going to work in my favor.

“Everything okay?” Alexis asked as we passed one another.

My lips curved into a huge smile. “Everything is perfect.”

And it was.

Day one of the festival was bigger than any other year for us. The music was empowering, the vibe was infectious, the food was incredible, and the wine was impressive. But I couldn’t help but notice how many people were pouring out of Luxe. Every time I walked past the window, it seemed like more and more people were there. It irritated me, but when I would turn around and look at the patrons of my bar, my spirits would lift. So much so that it seemed like the party was just getting started when it was time for final call.

“This was so dope,” I heard a woman in a feathered dress say to her friends. “And we still have time to make it over to Luxe for the contest!”

My smile immediately dropped.

“Tonight was amazing,” Diana cheered with her arms in the air.

Everyone clapped, whistled, and cheered along with her. I glanced at the time and knew I needed to speed up the cleanup process in order to get my plan underway.

“Because tonight was such a good night, we’re taking off early so you can actually enjoy what’s left of the festival,” I announced.

“What?” Louis gasped dramatically.

I rolled my eyes as he chuckled. Pointing at him, I said, “If the kitchen is clean, you are free to go.” Directing my attention to the bartenders and waitstaff, I smiled. “If everything is in, count out with Alexis and then you are free to go.”

By the time the band had packed up all their belongings, they were walking out with almost all my staff. When Alexis handed me the tablet with everything uploaded, I told her to go enjoy herself.

“I’m going to meet some friends up the street,” she told me. “You are more than welcome to come.”

I gave her a warm smile as I turned off the main lights. “I appreciate that, but no, thank you. I’m pretty tired. I’m going to go home and get some rest. I’ll finish Saturday’s set up in the morning.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.” I walked her to the door. “Enjoy yourself tonight!”

“I’ll come in early to help.” Her smile widened. “We had a great turnout tonight.”

“We sure did.”

She pulled out her phone and then shook her head. “They’re across the street. The carnival costume contest has just started apparently and they wanted to see it.”

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