Page 22 of Rekindled

"I don't think that's true."

"I know it is. Have you seen him?"

Journee smiled. "Well, Maven, have you seen you?! You don't look like you're still hung up over your ex."

"Hung up?!"

"Yes, hung up."

"Oh, well then we'll have to fix that, won't we? Because Maven Young doesn't gethung upover no dude. Not now, not never."

"Oh, hello ego," Journee huffed.

"The way I used to line them up and take them down before Kai." I kissed my teeth. "My little black book was more like a big ol' directory."

I stuck out my tongue and Journee leaned forward to shove me.

"It would be a lie if I told you I missed wild Maven." She folded her arms. "Rooming with you was like living in a brothel."

"Well, you must get reintroduced to her. Didn't you say visiting the lounge was in the plans tonight?"

"I did."

"Perfect." I stood from my seat. "This will be the perfect time for me to wrangle one of Colorado's finest to get me right tonight."

Journee rolled her eyes. "Do you think that's a good idea?"

I placed my hands astride my waist. "I think it's the best idea I've had all day."

"And how do you think Kai will feel about you getting all friendly with the locals tonight with him obviously in attendance?"

"As if I should care." I huffed. "I'm single and he's single. Neither one of us have an obligation to the other."

Journee sighed in defeat. "Maven..."

"It's a holiday weekend and the New Year is only a week away. It's time to be out with the old so I can usher in some new."

"By returning to your old ways?"

I tilted my head to the side. "You team Kai or team Maven?"

"You know I'll always have my girl's back."

"Okay then."

"But." She held a finger up for emphasis. "I'll always tell her when I think she isn't making the wisest of decisions and this might be one of those occasions where I have to tell my girl she isn't being so wise."

"I think I'm being Yoda level wise."

"Why are you so damn hard headed?" she mumbled. "Ugh."

"Whatever." I flipped my hair over my shoulder and popped my lips. "We're hitting up that lounge tonight and I plan to look my damn best. Freak'em dress and fuck'em heels galore. By the time I get done tonight, Kai will be as much in my past as our relationship is. Believe that."

∞∞∞

Smooth R&B played around the nearly packed lounge as Zyair and I relaxed on the couch in VIP. We'd split from the women the moment we stepped into the building. Thought it would be a good idea for each of us to catch up with one another separately.

"I kissed her," I blurted, taking a sip of my drink to not have to say more.