Page 155 of Curvy Girl Summer

“Aaliyah,” he growled as I swung the door open.

Asia stood wide-eyed with her keys in hand. “I, uh… Oh, um… Well, damn!”

Surprised, I was frozen in place.

Looking from me to Ahmad, she took a step back. “A man in baggy jeans and a loose-neck T-shirt fell over and had to be escorted out by security. But don’t worry, big bro, I took care of it while you were taking care of Aaliyah.” She cocked her head to the side. “Very professional.”

My face heated with embarrassment. I didn’t know what to say, so I shook my head. “Sorry, I have to go,” I said, finally getting over the shock.

“I knew you two had feelings for each other,” Asia snickered.

“We were talking,” Ahmad started to explain.

Ignoring them both, I quickly walked away. Maneuvering through the crowd, I found my way back to Tyrone.

“Hey,” I greeted him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I’m not feeling too well.”

Ty’s face went from annoyed to sympathetic. “What’s wrong? It wasn’t the nachos, was it?”

“I’m not sure, but I just want to thank you for a nice time. I’m going to head out. I have a car coming.”

“Hey, hey, hey…” He stood up and pulled cash out of his pocket. “I’m not going to let you walk out of here by yourself. What kind of man would that make me?” Looking over his shoulder, he signaled for someone.

When I saw who it was, my stomach lurched.

“What’s up?” Ahmad asked. “What can I get for you?”

“The bill,” Ty answered just as the live band started playing. “We’re about to head out.”

“You’re leaving?” Ahmad shifted his eyes to me. “Really?”

“Yeah,” Ty answered.

“I need to get out of here,” I said at the same time.

“I can send your waiter over with the bill,” Ahmad replied through clenched teeth.

Ty shook his head, handing him three fifties. “It’s cool, man. This should cover it. I need to get this beautiful woman home.”

His face hardened as he took the money. “Okay, then.”

I started to explain. “Well, it’s—”

“The sooner we get this paid for, the sooner I can get you home,” Ty interrupted me, grabbing my hand.

Before I could react, Ahmad was already stalking his way back to the bar.

I sighed, sliding my hand from Ty’s. “I’m sorry. I need to leave now.”

“I’m only parked a couple blocks that way.” He pointed in the opposite direction of my building. “I’ll get my change and then take you home.”

“It’s okay.” I held up my phone. “My ride is already here, and I’m”—I put my other hand to my twisted gut—“not feeling well.”

He nodded with understanding. “Okay, I’ll get my change and settle up, and then I’ll call you and check on you.” He stepped up and brought me in for a hug. “It was good to put a beautiful face to a beautiful voice.”

I hugged him back. “Thank you. It was very nice meeting you.”

“You sure you don’t need me to walk you out? If you give me five minutes—”

---