Page 45 of Defending the Post

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I’m sorry.

Tracy

He playin’ for keeps.

Me

Marquise is a hoe and we both know it.

Tracy

WAS a hoe. Girl, fuck him and spend his money.

Me

We are friends.

Tracy

Whatever. Noah came back for you.

I covered my makeup free mouth at her comment because I forgot about him. Keeping Marquise from carrying me out of the party became my sole purpose.

Marquise

First you turn on the water and then lather with the soap.

I couldn’t help but laugh at his text message.

Me

Go to bed.

I slid off my rings, and placed my earrings and necklace on the vanity.

Marquise

Hurry up. You made time for a party. Make time for me.

A faint giggle left my mouth as I flipped over the phone and proceeded through my shower routine.

It took me forty-five minutes to shower and moisturize my skin. Marquise burst in the door right as I pulled the string on my shorts. His grill and gold chains no longer adorned his body.

“I could’ve been naked while you kicking in the door,” I said between gritted teeth.

Marquise folded his arms, leaning against the door frame.

“Let’s go. Where is the energy you had at the party? The Alien Lord is waiting,” he said.

I mimicked his stature, folding my arms. “I told you I was tired.”

“That’s not gon’ work. You got dressed up for the party with your makeup, a fresh haircut, and ripped jeans. After you get busted you want to givemethe tired version of you,” he said.

I knew this party would be the topic of conversation between us for a while.

“I’m going to bed,” I announced.

“Nah, You would’ve been shaking your ass right now if I wouldn’t have showed up.”

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