“And I skimmed your script isn’t bad. You need a little work, but we can interview you on Thursday.”
"Are you serious?" I sit up, fully awake.
“Yes, I don’t make the final decisions, but you’ll get your time with the show producers.”
“I’ll be there.”
He holds the line for a while. “Travel safely.”
“I will, thanks.”
I disconnect the phone. “I got the interview. Yes!”
I jump up and down, ecstatic. I'm finally getting my shot. Instinctually, I reach to call Carson and stop. The reality that I can't call him hits like a mighty blow. So, I switch gears and start dialing Daiya's number when I get an incoming text.
Ding.
Daiya: Where y’at?
A picture pops up, and it’s Lena sitting next to Carson.
Ding.
Daiya: Why is this heifer with your man?
Ding.
Daiya: I better see you in five minutes. No smoke.
I start typing but stop. What’s the point of going down there knowing he doesn’t want to see me?
Because bish, that’s your man. You know it. He knows it.
“I have to try.”
Me: I’m on my way.
I cross into the banquet hall for the second time today.
“Miss Montgomery, it’s lovely to see you.” Merrilyn hugs me.
“Is Carson around?”
“Yes. He’s not quite himself.”
“Yeah, I ran into him early.” I scan the room and don’t see him. “Since he’s working tonight, maybe it’s best that I schedule something with him before I leave. Can I get your number?”
“You’re leaving?”
I nod. “Work.”
“That explains a lot,” she mumbles. “Here’s my number and my email address.”
We're exchanging information, and the sight of my best friend and PawPaw on the dance floor stuns me.
“Aren’t they something?” Merrilyn says.
“Yes, they are.”
Pierce and Daiya are cocooned in a dance that radiates love. The protective hold of Pierce’s hands and the love shining in Daiya’s eyes is too much to behold. But I can’t look away.
Daiya called me yesterday, and I heard the difference in her voice. She really loves Pierce, and she’s trusting love, not the length of time she’s known him. She’s not running from her feelings like me. I think it’s time I take my cues from her.
Then I see the fat-ass rock on her finger.
“Is that what I think it is?” I gasp.
“Yes, he proposed,” Merrilyn confirms.
“That is so amazing. I have to go congratulate my girl.” I take a few steps and stop. “Do I need to buy a ticket?”
“No, you’re on the guest list.”
“I am?” I look around, trying to relax. This can go good or horribly bad. “Where can I sit?”
“How feisty are you tonight?”
I figure she knows Carson and I are on the outs. "I'm here to get Carson back."
“Good girl. There’s an empty chair at the table with your friend and Mr. Jansen.”
“Thank you, Merrilyn.”
"Anytime, Quanesha." She turns back to the door, and I stroll across the room.
I cut no corners with dressing for tonight, and every eye is on me except Daiya and Pierce. My silver sequin dress rides the curves of my breast, trim waist, and full hips, then fall in a puddle of fabric at my feet. The neckline dips in a V to my diamond-pierced navel, exposing the inner portions of my breasts. And the slip over my right leg doesn't stop until it reaches my hip.
Women mean-mugging, and men are willing to start an argument with their ladies to get a look. I have one man on my mind, and I search from one end of the hall to the other, walking over to the table.
“Bish…”
Daiya jumps to her feet, and we hold each other, dancing around in a circle. We can't squeal loudly, but we're still making a scene. But my girl is engaged.
Engaged!
"Oh my god, Daiya, I'm so happy for you."
“You probably think—”
"It doesn't matter what I think, boo. Pierce put a ring on it." We wave our hands like we’re Beyonce. “Did you tell your parents?”
“Not yet. I’m still adjusting to everything. So, we’re going to his lake house. Will you be okay in the city alone?”
Heat spreads across my skin, and I search the tables for Carson.
“What’s wrong?” Daiya asks.
“Do you see Carson?”
“Yeah, he’s right there.”
He's near the front of the room, talking with a small group. He stares but doesn't smile. I stare back, and we both know I'm not leaving until we talk.
"Quanie, I have my mace, and Pierce knows karate," Daiya offers.
I snicker. “So, you’re going to mace someone at a Christmas party?”
“Girl, I don’t know these people. But if someone has beef with you, they have beef with me.”
She’s looking over at Carson, and I look at her. Daiya’s the real MVP.
“Thank you for taking this crazy-ass adventure with me.”
Daiya smiles at me. "You are my girl. Heck nawl, it's deeper than that. You're my one and only sister. Who else would I roll with if not you? Girl, we're rolling until the wheels fall off. Four flat tires on squealing metal if we have to. And if you go, I go. If you say, 'no,' I say no. But for some reason, I feel it in my heart Quanie... tonight, it's time for you to say, 'Yes.' But if I need to lay these paws on Carson, you know I will."
"Nah, I fucked up, and I have to make this right."
“We need a real conversation the moment you get back home.”
“It’s a date. Love you, and congratulations.”
We hug, holding each other tight. What an adventure we've been on. She's engaged, and I'm in love. Who would have ever thought? I shake my head.
“Love you too, Sissy.”
“Hello, gorgeous. Can I have this dance?” Comes from over my shoulder in a thick African accent.
“Oh, hell no!”
I look at Daiya, shocked. “Girl, it’s a long story.”
“I’m not talking to you, but her,” he persists.
I open my mouth to decline.
“Nah, man. You can’t.” The cold tone in Carson’s voice captures my attention.
“Look.” The man counters.
"I'm with him," I tell the guy, not wanting any trouble. He leaves, and I walk until my breasts rest on Carson's chest. "I'm sorry."
White rage-filled eyes burn through me.
“Dance with me?” I ask.
“My team is waiting for me.”
I step back. “Fine, I’ll dance by myself.”
I ain’t playing no games. Or maybe I am.
This all started with a dare, and now here I am in unchartered territory. I'm in love, and I live in another state. My life's in Los Angeles. Carson's in New York.
What am I supposed to do?
Get him back.
I exhale. I’ll get him and work out the details later.
I take long strides to the dance floor. Throwing the hips, my mamma gave me. It's a low blow to use sex, but I'm not above using what I got to get what I want, and it's him. I backed off. But he can't deny our chemistry. And if he really loved me five days ago, he still loves me now, even though I'm probably the last person on earth he'll trust with his heart. The length of my split exposes the thighs he loves to wrap around his waist, and I glance back to make sure he's watching.