“Since never.” I sigh. I wish I could step out of Roland’s reach, but I don’t want to embarrass him.
He went out of his way to arrange this evening for me. I had no idea that Harmony was going to be at Nova tonight. When she texted me earlier to wish me a great second date with Roland, she didn’t give anything away.
“Do you like my new dress?” She twirls in place.
It’s pretty. Royal blue suits her. The fitted sheath dress matches the color of Rueben’s tie perfectly. They went to a lot of trouble to get ready for this, so I need to brush off what I’m feeling about seeing West with another woman and get my head back in the moment.
“It’s beautiful.” I reach for her hand. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
“Let’s get these ladies some wine.” Roland pats Rueben on the back. “I’m sensing they need a little private girl time.”
Rueben grunts and tosses Harmony a wink.
She leans into me, waiting until the men are out of earshot before she speaks. “Rueben is so getting lucky tonight. Is Roland?”
I narrow my eyes. “Not with me.”
She laughs with such force that for a second I think it’s fake, but it’s not. I can tell because of the snort that escapes her.
“Harmony,” I say her name, my tone firm and low. I should tell her right now that I’m not interested in Roland, but he deserves to hear that from me and not her. I need a few minutes to think without anyone around. There’s only one place in here that I’ll find that kind of solace. “I have to use the ladies’ room.”
Technically, I don’t have to use it.
I’ll go in and stand in a stall until I catch my breath and get over the initial shock of seeing West with another woman.
Why is it bothering me this much? He’s a handsome man. It only makes sense that he’d be out on a Friday night with an attractive woman.
A woman he’ll take home by the end of the night to fuck.
“I’ll be right back,” I spit out before Harmony has a chance to invite herself along.
I weave through the crowds, heading straight for the restrooms.
Once I reach the quiet corridor that leads to the ladies’ room I breathe a sigh of relief and rest my back against the exposed brick wall.
I cover my face with my hands, willing myself to forget the image of West with the blonde.
“Angel? Are you alright?”
My hands drop. I turn my head to look at him standing next to me.
He’s alone.
“West,” I whisper his name; the name I called him that night in Vegas.
He takes one step closer, his eyes darkening. A ghost of a smile touches his lips. “It’s about fucking time.”
Chapter 24
Jeremy
Finally.
Linny Faye is finally admitting that she remembers what happened in Vegas. I have no idea if seeing the tiara pushed her to this point, or if it’s the sheer weight of the constant denials.
She nervously looks past my shoulder to the end of the corridor. The restaurant beyond is bustling with people.
I saw her the second she walked in holding tight to the hand of the guy she was having dinner with the other night.