Page 83 of Devanté
CHAPTERNINETEEN
Even though she knew I didn’t drink, Molly handed me a champagne flute after Blake’s speech. “You need to loosen up a little bit. Blake dropped a bomb on everyone and you were right beside her. I know you’re feeling some of the effects,” she said, drinking from her own glass.
I nodded and kicked back the bubbly amber liquid without a second thought. I was nervous for Blake. I stood in the middle of the room watching as Mr. Perez and a couple of other executives pulled her off to the side for a private conversation. They, no doubt, wanted to know what the hell she was thinking pulling a stunt like that in front of everyone.
I wanted to be by her side. I was her protector. What if Perez said some fuck shit to her and I needed to step in?
I had to reel myself in. Blake was a big girl and she’d been handling herself like a pro. Shit, she’d been handling herself without me for eight years. She didn’t need me to step in and protect her. She had to do it on her own.
I grabbed another flute from a server passing by with a tray full of them. I still kept my eyes locked on Blake and Perez. “Devanté, you have to calm down, Blake is fine.”
“I know,” I said, finally looking away. Molly patted my shoulder and I noticed red bruises circling her delicate wrist. “What’s this?” My brows furled together as I held her hand in mine. “You okay?”
“I’m fine.” She tugged away from me and smoothed her hand down her dress. Color crept onto her cheeks as she avoided my eyes.
“What the hell is going on with you lately?” I smirked. “This isn’t from someone hurting you, is it? Well…not in a way that would make me have to fuck someone up.”
“No, Devanté,” she huffed.
“Wait…” I glanced over my shoulder at Noa working the room then back at my shy assistant. The color on her cheeks deepened and she angled her body away from me. “You and Noa?” I lowered my voice so none of the people around could hear.
“Can we just focus on you and Blake tonight?” She tucked a silky black lock of hair behind her ear and cleared her throat.
“I didn’t know you were into girls, Molly.”
“I didn’t either. Now leave it alone.” I held my hands up and chuckled.
“Hey, I won’t bother y’all. I’m glad you’re doing what makes you happy whatever it is. Life is too short to let time get away from you without being happy.” I finished my second glass of champagne and grabbed another when I saw the tray floating by again.
Even though I was talking to Molly, that didn’t stop people from butting into our conversation and filling the space with needless words and shallow smiles. I knew how to navigate though. It’s what I did. I could smile and put on a face with the best of them.
Evidently, I’d stayed away from alcohol for too long because I was knocking back champagne like water. I saw Molly’s disapproving glances whenever she wasn’t tucked against Noa’s side. I ignored them.
After my fifth glass, I steered myself to the bathroom. I still kept my eyes on Blake. At least she was smiling and nodding. If I saw a single frown, I’d break that entire conversation up without hesitation.
I left the noise of the party and went to a bathroom away from everyone. I knew better than to go into a bathroom where there were swarms of people. I’d been followed more than a few times.
I couldn’t wait to get the fuck out of the party and take Blake to my room or her house. It didn’t matter where we landed as long as we were together.
After I washed my hands, I took a minute to sit on the plush bench in the lobby of the bathroom. It was quiet in there and the soft remnants of jazz music were muted behind the thick door. I looked at my phone and saw a text from my mother about Mrs. Yelinda’s birthday party. I wasn’t ready to deal with Blake’s mother. I didn’t have the mental capacity to think about going to her party or asking Blake about it. I’d talk to her about that later.
I slipped my phone in my pocket and stood up, ready to rejoin the festivities. The bathroom door pushed open and I got ready to excuse myself thinking another guy was coming in. Instead, Gabi sauntered in and locked the door behind herself.
“God, I’ve been hoping I could get you alone. Can we talk?” She flashed me a bright smile that I guess was supposed to sway me.
“No. We don’t have anything to talk about. You should be out there talking to your dad. Seems like he’s ready to fill your role as his daughter with Blake.”
“Whatever. I’m not thinking about that cow. I miss you, Tae.”
“What the fuck makes you think I want to talk to you when you just insulted Blake?”
“Are you serious about her?” She laughed like she was waiting for me to join in. I folded my arms and looked at her like she was stupid.
“What do you think?” I said, lifting an eyebrow.
“I think you need a reminder of who would look better on your arm. You’re a fucking supermodel, Devanté. You can’t have someone like her beside you. You need…”
“I need someone shallow as a puddle? I need someone with no ambition other than to make money off of deception and chaos? I need someone whose head is as empty as their heart? Nah. I’ll pass.” Gabi blinked lined eyes and scoffed like I slapped her across the face.
