Page 1 of Because You're Mine
“Finally!”I said out loud once I approached the table. Walking through the soon-to-be crowded lounge, I felt the humidity in the air tickle my arm. My senses were always heightened when in the midst of strangers. It’s almost as if the universe is making me aware to keep my tricks at bay.
Shimmying my jacket from my shoulders, I slid into my seat and looked around the lounge to see if I could spot a waitress. “After the week I’ve had, I need more than a margarita. Where is a waitress so I can order some shots?”
My job worked the hell out of me today, and all I wanted to do was unwind and have some good laughs with my friends. When Ashley texted us and asked if we wanted to link up atUrban Oasis for hookah and drinks, I was more than ready to accept her invitation.
“Sabrena, youliterallysit at a desk all day, checking to make sure there isn’t anything blocking the exits at various Dollar Generals,” Ashley spoke from beside me. “You have the easiest job of us all.”
Rolling my eyes at her sarcasm, I also ignored the laughs from our friends, Trevor and Abby. Just because I’m not a paralegal, accountant, or engineer like them doesn’t mean my job is less stressful. As I glared at her, my finger twitched. I badly wanted to snap my fingers and turn her into the gnat she sometimes acted like, but I refrained. She was my friend, and harming her wouldn’t sit well with the others. Deciding I didn’t want to get into it with them about things concerning me tonight, I left it alone and continued to look for someone to take my order.
“Leave the little witch alone, Ash. I’m sure she would rather spend her days riding on her trusty broom.” Trevor winked, causing me to grin. “Don’t worry about her, baby. I've got your back. If I didn’t bat for the same team as you, I’d knock your pretty ass up and change your life.”
“Trev, please!” Ashley laughed, sipping her Lemon Drop. “If you weren’t into men, I’m sure you’d be selling the same dream to ten women. You’d drain that bank account trying to keep up, sir.”
As I listened to the two of them go back and forth, I finally waved down a waitress and placed an order for food and drinks. I wasn’t going to let my so-called friends get on my nerves tonight. I already was craving greasy food and a couple of shots, but if the banter continued, I was going to need a lot of tequila to endure a night of camaraderie.
“The vibe in here is so nice tonight.” Abby smiled as the waitress came over and placed the hookah stand on the table. “Ipromise you… Fridays are when the finest men in the city come out.”
“Maybe tonight will be the night your meek ass takes one home.” I wiggled my brows at her as the shots I ordered were placed before me. Picking one of the glasses up, I smirked when the alcohol began to chill in my grasp. Turning to Abby, I wiggled my brows. “I mean… I’m sure, being as though your job is moreimportantthan mine, you getting your back beat in would relieve hella stress.”
Now that the tables had turned, the gang laughed as she was the butt of the joke. I grinned at her discomfort before throwing back my first shot of Patron. Biting into the lime, I glanced around the lounge as I grooved to the charming sounds of Chris Brown’s latest song. The DJ always did his big one, but Friday nights hit different. The people all about danced in their seats or migrated to the dance floor with drinks in their hands and smiles on their faces. Everyone seemed to be in their zone, and while I joked with Abigail, I hope that tonight it will be me who gets a little bit of action.
“Where in the hell is Janelle?” I heard Ashley damn near yell across the table at Trevor. “She told me that she and Donovan were going to come by.”
I popped a French fry into my mouth and found myself inwardly groaning at the mention of who we call the Black Barbie and Ken. Janelle and Donovan are equally attractive and have been together for a little over two years. We often joke with them that they’re too fine for each other and are starting to favor one another. They’re the only ones in our friend group in a serious relationship, and the way they love each other is nothing short of a fairytale romance.
“Donovan had a brand meeting today, and Janelle had a photoshoot for her gloss line,” Trevor answered as he typed awayon his phone. “Her pretty ass just texted me and said she would be walking in shortly.”
No sooner than the words leaving his mouth, Janelle and Donovan came strolling toward the table like the Obamas. Dressed in designer clothes from head to toe, they complemented each other so well. Walking hand in hand, Donovan led her through the mini sea of people like she was the most precious thing in the world to him. There was no doubt in my mind that she was.
“Hey, guys!” Janelle beamed as she approached the table. Per usual, her long, butt-length braids and makeup were flawless. Her coffee-colored skin glowed under the lively lights of the lounge. “Sorry, I’m late. The shoot lasted longer than I anticipated.” She placed her purse in her seat as she let go of Donovan’s hand and made her way around the table to hug everyone. “I told Donovan that I would catch an Uber and for him to come without me, but you know how that goes.”
As I watched her hug and kiss the cheeks of each of our friends, I couldn’t help but take her in. Her body was sculpted perfectly from being dedicated to a strict diet and the gym. Her jeans hugged her curves in a way that made you think they were specifically crafted to fit her. Her smile was blinding, and the air that surrounded her was always light. I’ve always been good at reading people, and Janelle was one of the purest beings I’ve ever encountered.
“Hey, my baby.” She smiled, pulling me from my seat as she hugged me tightly. “I’ve missed you the most, pretty girl. How have you been? I haven’t talked to you in a week! I thought we were supposed to go to the shop and get matching tattoos.”
“Sorry, I’ve been busy with work.” I smiled sheepishly, causing her to frown. “I promise… I will talk to Slim and schedule a day for us to see her.” Dragging my eyes to Donovan,I watched as he pulled the chair out for her to sit. “Just let me know when you’re free.”
Nodding, she gave her attention to her boyfriend, kissing his cheek before thanking him for his chivalry. I felt like I was invading a private moment, so I diverted my eyes back toward my other friends. To people who didn’t know us, I’m sure we looked like an odd bunch. We were all various shapes, colors, and sizes, but we were our own little family.
Ashley was the mother of the group. She was the one who always wanted to be in charge, which is why she made the perfect paralegal. She was the thickest of all the ladies and would fight at the drop of a dime. Her light skin and honey eyes drove men crazy, and she ate it up. She was secure within herself without their compliments, and I envied her for that.
Trevor was the smartest of the crew. He was a mechanical engineer and was great at his job. His being gay didn’t mean shit because he knew he was that nigga. The way he dressed and carried himself turned heads everywhere he went. Men and women loved him, and he was self-assured about who he was.
Abigail was our snow bunny and the accountant of the crew. She was so intelligent that it made her awkward at times. She was the typical blue-eyed blonde, but she fit in perfectly with us. The rest of them met her at college, but she and I clicked when we finally got to hang out. I give her shit, but I love her.
Janelle was the prettiest of our crew and a successful entrepreneur. Her looks had propelled her into the beauty industry, and now she exclusively sells her lip gloss brand. I’d known Janelle since middle school, and we were friends before meeting the others. Janelle was everything I tried to be as a young girl, and even now as an adult. She has an aura that can’t be duplicated, and everyone who meets her immediately loves her.
Then there was me, the little witch bitch. My friends often poke fun at me because I’m covered in tattoos and walk around with a book of spells. They tell me all the time that one day, my hocus pocus is going to provide me a first-class ticket to a mental institution. They think my appearance and beliefs are just part of my persona, and I let them. For over ten years, we’ve been friends, yet they didn’t know me at all. I let them see the parts of me that are safe to keep the lines clear to those who lurk in the shadows. It’s better for everyone.
“Sabrena, did you hear me?” Donovan tapped my arm, causing me to jump and snap my eyes toward him. A jolt rushed through my bones—unfamiliar, but thrilling. I felt a presence outside of the five faces surrounding me, but knew to ignore it. Shifting my gaze from his face to where his fingers once touched, I looked up just as he asked, “Are you okay?”
“Y-Yeah, I’m fine,” I stammered, taking a sip of my water. “What did you say?”
“I’m buying the next round of shots, and I was seeing if you’re on brown or white.” His glare at me never wavered. “Maybe you should skip this round.”
“Leave my friend alone, baby. She’s good,” Janelle stated, coming to my aid as she often did. Smiling at me, she winked. “Let’s turn up tonight, sis. Whatever’s on your mind, we can discuss tomorrow. Deal?”
Blinking a few times, I willed myself to focus on the conversation. A familiar feeling was seeping into my bones, and I tried my hardest to shake it. Taking a deep breath, I finally returned her smile. “You have a deal, friend.” Dragging my eyes to Donovan, his were on me as he still awaited my answer. “I’m drinking tequila tonight, thank you.”
