Page 44 of The Dating Prohibition
“You know, it’s you independent bitches that think you’re God’s gift.”
“Be very careful with that word.” She held up a finger in warning.
“What word? Bitch?” he said again, drawing out the word like it was a dig.
“Well, I could also call you a bitch.” Kendra’s back straightened, her chin held high. “Coming over and interrupting our night and having the nerve to be upset when no one’s interested in you so you lash out. Nowthat’sa bitch-ass move, in my opinion.”
He took one step forward. “Is that so?” His tone was menacing, but his approach was nothing new. Just another man who thoughthe was a prize when most women considered his absence a blessing.This guy is why we all choose the bear.
Kendra stood up out of the booth directly in front of him, ready and willing to stand on business anytime someone trespassedinto the space she shared with her girls. “What is it that you think you’re ’bout to do, Donovan?” She narrowed her eyes athim and gritted her teeth, her honey-colored midi dress hugging her curves as her heeled sandals had her towering over Donovan,his jacket now looking like he’d been standing outside in rainy conditions.
“Hey, Keke, you good?” Eli, their favorite bouncer, sidled up next to her.
“Yeah... You know, this guy was just leaving.”
Eli nodded. “Alright, then. The door is that way,” he growled and gestured, his face stony, his umber skin glowing under theneon lights.
“I’m not leaving,” Donovan retorted.
“I think you are,” Kendra replied, unblinking.
“Like I said,” Donovan retorted and venomously ventured a step forward, but Eli blocked him from getting closer to Kendra.“Bitch.” Flecks of spittle escaped his mouth as he spoke, and Eli swiped at the side of his face before placing his extendedfingertips against Donovan’s chest in warning.
Eli worked for one of the many federal agencies headquartered in DC during the week, but on the weekends he would work the door of the lounge. A big, bulky guy, he was maybe six foot one, but he was at least 280, having played football incollege before blowing out his knee. “You should apologize to the lady,” Eli warned, advancing a step closer to Donovan, their faces less than a foot apart.
“This has nothing to do with you, man,” Donovan barked back, though some of the force in his tone had dissipated.
“Well, it has everything to do with you. Start walking.” Eli stepped forward again.
Donovan, who was much smaller in stature, maybe five foot nine and lucky if he was 160, took a step back and held up his hands.“Alright. Alright. I’m out.” He sent one last glare in the the ladies’ direction and turned toward the door.
Eli plopped a kiss on Kendra’s cheek. “The weirdos always find you, man.”
“Bruh.”
He chuckled and followed Donovan out the door.
A server slid up to the booth with a tray of mezcal margaritas with chamoy and tajin rims. “Ladies, these drinks are fromthe DJ. He saw some friction over here and decided to get you another round.”
“Oh, please tell Bo we said thank you.” Lani beamed.
“Will do.”
Kendra slid back into the booth and raised her fresh glass to the DJ booth.
Bo, also known as DJ BlastOff, pointed a finger in their direction as his body moved to the beat of the music. He’d just transitionedhis set from hip-hop to soca, and the floor was packed with whining bodies.
Kendra turned and watched Shonda study him. Headphones on his head, one side pulled behind his ear.
“He looks super familiar. Did you date him at one point?” She glanced at Kendra.
“He asked me out, but I wasn’t interested. We’re friends though. He’s never held it against me.”
Shonda nodded. “It was nice of him to buy us drinks.”
The server returned with two rows of shots.
“What are these?” Lani exclaimed.
