Then Who

Arriving at the club, we are able to skip the line to get in courtesy of the guys, and are able to head straight to our VIP section. After a few toasts and light talk we make our way to the dance floor while the guys stand watch over us on the closer to the bar.

"Na na! That dress is to die for! When did you get it," Rylie yells as we are dancing together.

"Kai bought it when we went shopping that weekend," I yell back.

"You look really good, he can hardly keep his eyes off of you," she says and nods in his direction.

I take a look in his direction and smile when we make eye contact causing him to wink at me in return.

"Thank you! You look good as well. We all look good tonight," I yell to her and the others.

"Woooo," we all yell as we continue dancing together.

We dance for a while as the alcohol works its way through our bodies. Twisting our bodies and grinding against each other draws the attention of a few unwanted guests. Unwanted by our men of course, we are okay if they join our dance party as long as they keep their hands to themselves. Nevertheless, neither they nor we are granted the opportunity to find out as they are stopped from joining us before we have the chance to find out.

"Whew, I'm hot I need a drink," Susu says fanning herself.

"Me too," Jasmine says.

"Same, let's go and get something to drink and cool off for a little bit," Nova says and the rest of us agree.

When we make it back to our section, the guys are coming behind us carrying bottles of water. Taking our seats we relax and fall into individual conversations.

"Drink this," Mekhi says handing me the bottled water after he opens it.

"Thank you," I say gratefully taking the bottle from him and taking a drink.

"Are you enjoying yourself," he asks.

"Definitely! Aren't you enjoying the view," I ask him with a mischievous smile.

"Absolutely," he says rubbing his hand lightly up and down my naked spine.

"If you're going to keep doing that, then I'll be ready to leave," I say softly with seduction in my eyes.

"Hmm, it sounds tempting however you have already dragged me out here so I think I'll have to pass," he says into my ear sending goosebumps across my very exposed skin.

"You're a tease," I pout softly.

"I'm a tease but you come out here tonight all legs, breast, and back? Listen love although I have already had the pleasure of seeing what lies under the bits of fabric that's covering you, I have no idea what you taste like," he says into my ear leaving me feeling bereft.

"You did pick out this dress," I say looking him in his eyes burning with passion.

"And I don't regret it, it's a feast for my eyes," he says leaning back and signaling the waiter for drinks while I drink more of the water.

"More drinks," Naomi asks and Mekhi nods.

"Yay drinks," Melissa yelps.

"Woo woo," Rylie and Naomi says.

After another round of shots and some slushy tropical drink, I can really feel the alcohol in my system. I'm not drunk but there's definitely a buzz. Mekhi cuts off my alcoholic beverages and gives me water to drink.

"I'm going to the bathroom," I say to Mekhi standing up.

"Lena, where are you headed," Susu asks.

"Bathroom, wanna come," I ask her.

"Sure, let's go," she says standing.

"I'm coming too," a few of the girls' voices says.

"Alright," I say and next thing I know all of us are searching around for the bathroom.

"Thank goodness we finally found it," Jasmine says pushing open the door after ten minutes of searching.

"And that there are enough stalls for all of us," Nova says walking to an available stall.

"I concur," I say observing the cleanliness of the bathroom.

"Na na, you're buzzed," Rylie says with a giggle.

"Yeah that was the plan," I say giggling walking into a stall.

"Truth," Rylie replies.

I sigh after relieving myself, then wipe, flush and exit the stall. I stand at the sink lathering my hands up with soap looking at myself in the mirror. I still look good, just need to touch up my lip gloss. I dry my hands and use the lotion provided.

"Hey, I'm going to wait outside okay," I yell out.

"Alright, don't go far," Susu says.

"I won't," I reply.

I exit the bathroom and find a place to stand that's visible for us to see each other. While waiting, I hear a familiar voice call my name.

"Lena," the voice says and a hand grasps my shoulder.

"Yeah," I say turning around with a smile. Immediately my smile falter's putting a face to the familiar voice.

"Wow, you look stunning," Jay says with wonder in his eyes.

"What are you doing here? Did you follow me down here," I immediately ask him.

"No, I didn't follow you! I'm actually surprised to see you here of all places. Are you here alone," he asks.

"I don't believe you! Please take your hand off of me," I say pushing his hand away.

"Come on, don't be like that Nani," he says with a pleading voice.

"Be like what? You freaking hurt me Jay! Do you think everything is supposed to be all sunshine and lollipops just because you said sorry and want me back," I say loudly.

"Lena I just want…" he says placing his hand back on my shoulder before he's interrupted.

"Hey, who the fuck are you? Get your hands off of her," Susu says tearing Jay's hand off of me.

"Who are you," Jay says confused.

"Lena, do you know him," Susu asks looking between the two of us.

"I wish I didn't," I say angrily.

"Nani, don't say that," Jay says with hurt in his eyes.

"No, let's go," Susu says pulling my hand.

"Give me five minutes, please! Just five minutes," he says grabbing my other hand.

"Lena," Susu says with inquiring eyes.

"Five minutes. That's all you have. Nothing more," I say to him.

"Are you sure," Susu asks.

"Yes," I say nodding my head.

"Alright," she says letting go of my hand and walking away.

"Say it," I say to him after Susu is out of ear shot.

"Nani, I'm sorry. I truly am, if I could go back I would never do that to you," he says still holding my hand.

"First, you aren't allowed to call me Nani. The Nani you know, is gone. Second, if we all had the gift of foresight then many things would be different. Since we can't go back in time there is no point in thinking about or living in the past. I'm over it," I say to him through gritted teeth.

"So what about the future? Am I really not in your future," he asks.

"Honestly, you're not! How could I let someone who broke me have a place in my future," I ask him unabashedly.

"Don't say it like that," he says shaking his head.

"Say it like what? You literally broke me. No loving you, broke me. Caring about you, broke me. Allowing you to fill every available space in my heart and mind broke me. But you know what, I'm stronger now," I say to him angrily feeling my blood boil.

"So there's no love left for me in your heart? Not even an ounce," he asks.

"No, I have no love for you," I answer him firmly.

"If not me, then who," he inquires.

"Don't worry about who! As far as you're concerned he's far better than you'll ever be," I say with a huff folding my arms and rolling my eyes.

"I don't think you're telling the truth. You just want to make me jealous so that I can beg and plead with you. Is that what you want," Jay asks to my surprise.

"I don't know which part you had trouble understanding but I'll make it crystal clear for you. I already have someone that I love! And you know what else he loves me too," I yell at him.

"I still don't believe you," he says firmly but the hesitation in his eyes show otherwise.

"Whether you believe it or not is your own business. It has nothing to do with me," I say and feel a big warm hand on my waist.

"Is there a problem baby," Mekhi asks before kissing my forehead then looking me in the eyes.

"No, I was just having a discussion with… an old friend," I say communicating with my eyes and relaxing my guard knowing that my safety net is here.

"Hmm," he says then turns to look Jay up and down.

"How are you? My name is Jay, I'm Lena's friend" Jay says sticking his hand out.

"I'm Lena's boyfriend, Mekhi," he says shaking Jay's hand rather firmly. I can tell by the strain of Jay's smile.

"I'm ready to go back," I say tugging on Mekhi's sleeve.

"Okay love, it was nice meeting you," he says to me then Jay grabbing my hand.

"Yeah, same. Have a good night. Lena, I'll call you some time," Jay says.

"I don't think that's a good idea, goodnight," I say waving as I turn to leave.

"I hope that you can respect her wishes," Mekhi says sternly.

"There's nothing wrong with a little healthy competition," Jay says confidently.

"You're right, but you can't compete for a heart that's no longer yours. I hope you can understand that," Mekhi says with finality and we finally walk away.

"Did Susu go and get you," I ask him.

"No, I met her on the way here," he answers.

"Thank you for rescuing me! Did you hear everything," I ask him blushing.

'I wonder if he heard me say that I love him.'

"I heard enough," he says squeezing my hand.

"Well," I say looking for him to say something more.

"Well…whatever you want me to know, I will just wait for it to come from you to me directly," he says.

"I understand," I say nodding my head.

"Are you okay, after all of that," he asks.

"I am now," I say.

"Okay," he answers.

"I think I want another drink," I say to him.

"Can you handle it," he asks me.

"As long as you're here I know I'll get back to the room safely," I say to him.

"As much as I don't want you to drink, I understand it. Just one more okay," he says.

��Okay," I nod in agreement.

"Okay," he says and we head towards the bar.

We get to the bar and Mekhi helps me onto a stool, then drapes his jacket over my shoulders. I order a very strong cocktail, while he stands behind me. I silently let my tears fall as I think about that idiot Jay and the audacity he had to not only show up where I am but ruin my evening as well. Unbeknownst to me, Mekhi has my bag brought from the VIP section we were in and has called for someone to pick us up.

"I'm ready to go when you are," he says into my ear while rubbing my shoulders.

"Okay," I say nodding my head after clearing my throat.

I quickly wipe my tears and nose, then drink the rest of the cocktail in one go. Afterwards, I slam the glass onto the counter and wipe my mouth with a napkin.

"Be careful," Mekhi says steadying me as I stumble a little from the stool.

"Thank you," I say keeping my head down not wanting him to see my tearstained face.

"You're welcome," he replies wrapping one hand around my waist protectively while the other holds my hand.

We walk through the club to the door. Reaching the door we step outside into the cool evening air. The moment I inhale the fresh air, a new wave of bitterness hits me and the tears begin flowing once again. When the car arrives, Mekhi opens the door for me and helps me into the car. After he gets into the car he helps me fasten my seatbelt and pulls me into his embrace as I silently cry into his chest.