As long as she leaves when we’re done.
Another relationship is not what I need right now.
TWENTY-ONE
ADORA
Somehow, I managed to avoid him all week. Instead, I’ve been busy looking for apartments close to the new shop, which is coming along nicely with the help of Merci. She did some setting up while I was sick, which I appreciate.
It’s Friday night. Jerome is in bed, Bianca has gone for a shower, and I’m sitting here wondering what I should do.
“I’m going to head to bed,” Bianca says, walking out of the bathroom.
“I might take a walk. Is it okay if I leave Jerome here with you?”
She waves me off. “Of course. He’s an angel, and once that kid is asleep, he doesn’t wake up.” She’s right. He’s a heavy sleeper, that’s for sure.
Grabbing my jacket, I call a cab. I don’t intend to walk to my destination. And I know where I’m going. As soon as the cab arrives, I think about sending Joey a message.
He’s been quiet.
Then again, so have I.
I put my phone away, not knowing what to say to him.
“Thanks for the sex and for looking after me. Let’s do it again sometime.”
But after.
How he asked me to leave.
That stung more than I’m willing to admit.
A lot more.
The cab stops in front of the dark alley. I’ve been here before, and these places don’t bother me.
When I push the door open to the club, the lady behind the desk smiles at me. “Color?” she asks.
“Red.” She scrunches up her nose at my choice but says nothing. I’m not here to fuck or watch anyone getting fucked. I’m here to see Jake. “Is Jake in tonight?” I ask.
“Oh, honey, you’re dreaming. That man doesn’t see anyone.”
“I’m not looking to fuck him. I need to talk to him.”
She steps back after she’s attached my wristband.
“Can you at least tell him Adora is here? I’ll wait at the bar.”
“He won’t come,” she replies before returning to her stand and opening her phone. Sighing, I head down the stairs, noticing how packed the place is tonight. I try not to look around, but how can you help yourself? The surroundings are hard to ignore.
Everyone is wearing colored wristbands, each indicating their willingness to participate. Some want it more than others. Some are here for their partners. Some just to watch. Walking to the bar, I sit as the bartender approaches.
“What can I get you?”
“Water.” He raises a brow but pours it anyway.
“Anything else?” he asks. I shake my head as the stool next to me is pulled out, and Jake takes a seat.Just like I knew he would.