Page 8 of Lily In The Valley
“You already know. Me and one of my frats about to link up for a bit.” He cheesed into the camera.
“Hmph. Have fun I guess.” I poured myself more wine before heading back over to my sofa.
“What, you gon’ miss me?” He sat his phone down and peered into my soul it felt. “Say the word, I’m all yours.” The way he bit his lip was distracting, the subtle glint of gold from the grills on his lower teeth catching my eyes.
“Khalil, you flatter yourself too much.” I took a swig of my wine; my mouth having gone dry. “Let me not keep you from dogging out the women of Houston. I’ll talk to you later.”
Khalil let out two barks before picking his phone off the counter. “You know me, Lily-girl. That’s the only way I know how to be. Especially since you ain’t trying to put me on a leash.”
I nearly choked at his last comments. “Bye, Khalil,” I said, ending the call, staring at the ceiling, my phone pressed to my chest like it could hold his voice a little longer. I didn’t know what fresh set of drama tomorrow would bring, didn’t know if my top match would be the one, didn’t know why Nessa’s news triggered a sadness in me, or why Khalil going out festered like a wound on my pinky toe. I grabbed my cell phone, typing out a quick message to Lynn.
Me
Come pick me up. We’re going out tonight.
Lynnie-Mae
I know you're up to something, but I’m down. Be there in an hour.
Chapter 3
Khalil
As I steppedinto the dimly lit lounge, the DJ had the floor jumping with his set consisting of Boosie, Future, and Sauce Walka. The bass pulsed like a second heartbeat under my skin, mixing with the low buzz of laughter and conversation. It didn’t matter that it was a Thursday night. The spot was alive with energy. Cologne, perfume, and weed hung in the air like the quiet suspension of tension before a storm.
Maverick Washington waved from a booth near the back, his white teeth and dark skin gleaming under the violet-blue LED lights. I weaved through the crowd, dapped up a few familiar faces, and slid into the booth beside him.
“Man, what up, Mav?” I clapped him on the back, our fraternity handshake flowing out of us like second nature.
“Shit, finally catching a break from traveling.” He laughed, signaling the waitress with a nod. “That jet lag life ain’t cute no more. Got me thinking about settling down somewhere.”
We ordered drinks and fell into easy conversation. I updated him on EcoVision, the community centers Zay and I were renovating with Nessa’s parents’ foundation. Mav told me about his latest tech projects, his move from Silicon Valley back toTexas, and how Houston was starting to feel like home. I fully understood what he meant. Something about how the city made you slow down but speed up. It had me considering putting down some roots myself. I had my career; all I was missing were the flowers to bring some life to the foundation I’d created.
As Mav spoke, my eyes drifted toward the bar where a woman caught my attention. She was about 5’6”, cocoa-butter skin, weave flowing down her back in soft waves. Her dress clung to her like a second skin. Although I preferred women with a little more height, a little more presence, there was something about the way she smiled at the bartender that made me stand up.
“I see you, bruh.” Mav chuckled. “Send me a signal if you dipping out early.”
I made my way to the bar, casually leaning in until she turned to notice me.
“What’s your name?” I asked, eyes steady, voice smooth.
She turned, smiling like she’d already decided I was hers. “Tasha. What’s yours?”
“Is that your real name, or one of the fake ones y’all females give out to avoid stalkers?”
She laughed playfully. “Depends on what you plan on doing with it.”
We slid into conversation, her responses quick, almost rehearsed. She was all hands and flirty laughs, leaning in close to emphasize I had all her attention, begging to ensure she had all of mine. I kept it light, tossing her a few half-smiles and letting my gaze drift when she was lost in her own storytelling. My phone buzzed with a text from Kelly.
Lily-girl
What poor unfortunate soul have you trapped so far?
Me
Chill out Lily-girl. Go to sleep.
“Who’s texting you?” Tasha asked, her tone clipped but bright, a sharp thorn kissed with sugar.
