Page 72 of Curvy Girl Summer

I turned and looked at him. “What?”

“Monday…” He grabbed a glass and shifted it from one hand to the other. “What are you doing?”

“Working…” I cocked my head to the side. “Why?”

“Meet me here. Seven o’clock. I have something for you.”

My eyebrows shot up. “For me?”

“Ahmad, I need some help over here,” Asia called out from the other side of the bar.

He glanced over to her and then back to me. Pointing his finger, he said, “Monday.”

He turned away before I could respond. So instead, I lifted my hand in a wave and left the bar.

11

“Even though you couldn’t come back for the concert, I hope you’re finding something to do with your time,” I told Jazmyn as we were concluding our call. “Getting out would be good for you.”

“I know. I know,” she sighed. “It’s just been a long summer.”

“I’m sorry, girl. Let me know if you want us to come down for a weekend.”

“I appreciate it, but it’s just a lot of work to be done. It wouldn’t be any fun, and I wouldn’t want you to waste a trip.”

“It wouldn’t be a waste. I’m here if you need me. And Nina feels the same way.”

“I know. Thank you.”

“If you change your mind, just say the word.”

“Okay. Thanks. I really do appreciate it. Now you go shake off that date with Mike and just enjoy the concert.”

“Yes, ma’am. And I’ll send you pictures and videos.”

“Thank you.” She paused. “For everything. I’ll talk to you later, girl.”

She sounded sad, tired, and maybe a little overwhelmed.

I resigned myself not to push the issue and let her conclude the call. My heart went out to her. I knew she was dealing with a lot, and going back home for the entire summer was the last thing she wanted to do. I felt bad that while she was dealing with such heavy stuff, Nina and I were going to a surprise concert by one of our favorite artists.

The pop-up event featuring India Davis would’ve been just the Saturday-night thing that Jazz, Nina, and I would’ve been first in line to attend. But Jazz was out of town and Nina was meeting me at the venue after her date, so I dressed in a formfitting, shimmery pink dress and headed out alone.

My phone vibrated just as I was about to toss it into my bag.

“I know you’re not calling me from the date,” I answered with a smile.

“Girl,” Nina replied.

I stopped in my tracks. “Everything okay?”

“I’m dressed like a fucking video vixen right now, and after being an hour late, this dude just texted me and canceled.”

“What?”

“Yeah. So, he’s done.”

“Did he give a reason?”

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