Page 89 of Obsessive Love

“I don’t havetime for you, Xoey,” I said, moving around her to fix the next plate of desserts that was supposed to be out. I’d been busy since I got here and didn’t see it ending any time soon. I’d spent the last thirty-six hours preparing for this, and secretly, I loved every second of it. The rush of putting together every recipe and designing them was bar none.

“Well damn, Bestie, I just came to check on you,” she pouted, and I rolled my eyes. I stepped back, looking over the bite-sized chocolate and marshmallow swirl cookies I’d just plated. It was a last-minute decision I made instead of using the cupcakes I’d originally planned to use. I couldn’t get the icing right and refused to put out anything that wasn’t perfect.

“As you can see, I’m busy,” I replied, handing the plate to one of the servers.

“I can see that, but I wanted to make sure you didn’t need anything,” she said, grabbing my arm to stop me from walking away. “You’ve been working nonstop since you got here. Have you eaten? Drank some water? Anything?”

“No,” I said, shaking my head. “I’ll do all that once this is over.”

“No, you’re going to do it right now,” she laughed and pulled me toward the door. “Let’s make you a plate, and then come back here and eat.”

We walked through the door to the party, even though I didn’t want to. Xoey let go of my arm, and I looked around. There were a lot more people here than I expected.

“I’ll be right back; I need to go speak to Mercy and Givens,” she said, then walked away. I watched as she approached the couple and shook my head. I had never met them, but everybody knew Mercy DeCorte and Givens Robbins. They were Black basketball royalty, especially since they recently announced their engagement. Xoey stood next to the man I’d met the day before, the team doctor, Hood. I was about to turn around and go back to the back when I noticed Pyrite approaching them. I could see a woman standing next to him, but I couldn’t see who she was because of how they were positioned. I could see that Pyrite was visibly upset and was talking to Hood. They exchanged a few words; the woman moved closer to Hood, and the group started laughing.

As if they knew I was watching them, the group turned to face me, and I mugged Pyrite. He gave me a pantie-wetting smile, and I flipped him off before turning around and walking away. I quickly made a plate and went back to eat my food.

There was a lone table in the corner of the room that I went to and sat down at. I’d ensured that all the other staff took a break and ate, so they wouldn’t mind if I did the same. I said a quick prayer and then started eating.

“I heard you were back here,” Diara said, entering the kitchen. We’d hit it off when I was going over the Queens’ dessert order. Diara was the only one who voted for a vegan cookie, and at first, I was against it. However, after we sat down and came up with a game plan, I fell in love with the idea. I wasall for inclusion, and adding the cookie was a perfect way to ensure we had something for everyone.

“Hey,” I covered my mouth with my hand and said. “You were looking for me?”

“I wanted to check in with you; I haven’t seen you since the arena opened back up,” she explained, and I nodded. “Pyrite said you were tied up dealing with something else, but I wanted to make sure.”

“Of course, he would say that,” I said, and Diara lifted her brow. “It’s a long story, but I’m good now.” I pointed to the empty chair. “Have a seat.”

“I wish I could, but I don’t have the time,” she denied, shaking her head. “I just wanted to say hi before I left.”

“You’re leaving?” I wasn’t surprised.

“I am, “she nodded. “I have something else to do, and I only came so Pyrite wouldn’t have to pay the fine for me missing.”

“You’re nicer than me because I wouldn’t have come.”

“I doubt it,” she laughed, and I shrugged. “Well, I just wanted to speak; the next time you’re at the arena, stop by my office to catch up?”

“Will do,” I agreed.

Diara left, and I went back to eating. Once I was done, I threw everything away and went back to setting trays.

“Fable!” Xoey yelled, coming into the kitchen. “Fable!”

“Back here, Xoey,” I replied as I finished my last tray.

“Oh, that looks good; what is that?” she asked, standing beside me.

“Pineapple upside-down cake bites,” I answered and handed her one. She bit into it, and her eyes ballooned. “Good, huh?”

“Hell yeah!” she said, nodding. “You got any more?”

I handed the server the tray, turned to her, and shook my head. “That was the last of them,” I said, pointing to the tray.

She narrowed her eyes at me and then turned up her nose. “You’re wrong for that,” she laughed. “But that’s okay because you’ll make some for girls' night.”

“Girl’s night?”

“Yeah, we all are getting together in a few weeks. You’re invited.”

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