? The Deal ?
Written by Idara Kingsley
? Chapter 11 ?
? Charlotte ?
He suddenly turned cold to everyone, including me. I saw no reason for the sadness. Dude was supposed to be happy that we were giving his ex a taste of her own medicine. It was our plan, he should take his soft heart somewhere else.
You don’t sign up for something like this and bring in your emotions. I’ve encountered with Noah, and I never regretted the stunt Brian pulled at the restaurant. He was acting like a child who haven’t sulked his mother’s bre-ast for so long. It irritated me.
My eyes scanned the clubhouse, hoping Brian would come out and have us talk. He was nowhere around, just bunch of workers.
I bit my lower li-p. fu-ck it! Maybe I shouldn’t have agreed to the deal we made. He was making it ha-rd for me.
My phone beeped in my pan-ts pocket. I reached for it immediately. It was a text from Zoey.
ZOEY: Where you at?
Instead of replying, I shoved my phone into my pan-ts pocket.
I looked around one more time. When I did not see a sign of Brian, I walked out of the clubhouse and got into my car. I drove away to my house. He can go fu-ck himself.
Zoey was on my porch when I arrived. She had wrapped me into a hug and peppered ki-sses on my cheeks. “I’ve been here for like thirty minutes girl.”
“I’m sorry. You don’t have your spare keys with you?”
“Uhuh. I thought you might be home.”
Zoey had the spare key to my house, so did I to hers. We exchanged in case of an emergency. To say, it was a great idea. Once, Zoey’s parents locked her in for being stubborn and disrespectful to them, but I snuck in with the help of my keys and stayed with her all day, while we stuffed our faces with ice cream and burritos.
We got into the house. All our helps were on a two days break. Mum had made me clean up and cook dinner last night. I wasn’t used to it but she made me do it.
The macaroni and cheese turned out bad. I wasn’t even able to eat my own food. It was so bad that I offered to trash the food for mum and I. She wholeheartedly agreed and made me promise never to cook. We ended up ordering pizza.
“How’s Jack?” I asked Zoey, as I walked to get us some yogurt. I took the yogurt with me, with two spoons.
“He’s good.” I could see the light blus-h that had spread across her cheeks. Aww, someone was so in love. I remembered how I used to act like a love struck teenager when I was with Noah. Every tease about him made heat spread across my cheeks like a wildfire. It was sad how everything ended between us. Anyone who knew Noah and I, would never believe we would go out separate ways or end up so badly like we did. It was quite unfortunate.
“Is there something you ain’t telling me?” I narrowed my eyes at her, trying to give her the, I know you got something look. She threw a throw pillow on me that landed directly on my face, causing few locks of my hair to fall on my face. I blew it off and turned back to Zoey, who was still smiling. “Come on tell me.” I whined like a four year old deprived of her favorite candy.
“Okay… But you gonna tell me what’s happening between you and Brian. Agreed.”
Ah jeez. Here she goes, making me want to lie to her face. I hated lying to her but in Brian and I, situation I had to lie to her. “Agreed.”
“So, Jack and I had our first s-ex.” The redness of her cheeks de-epened.
Her confession took me off guard. It wasn’t like she was a saint, but Zoey being Zoey, wouldn’t have to sleep with her guy until she noticed their relationship was strong. Plus, the trauma her guard was putting he throu-ghwas enough to make her hate s-ex.
I didn’t want to spoil her mood. Instead, I wanted to give her more reasons to always smile not withstanding what she was going throu-gh. “How was it?” I wiggled my brows at her.
“Heaven. It was the best I’ve ever had.” She said in a calm voice. She looked like she was reminiscing everything that happened. “It felt really good. So, how about you and Brian?”
I gulped. God please help me not to stutter. “Well, we haven’t gotten int-imate yet.”
“Why?”
“We’re taking everything slowly.”
She nodded slowly, as if trying to believe me.
“You know, I’m still trying to get why you rushed into another relationship. It’s been b-arely two weeks after your marriage disaster, but look at you, already in a relationship. It doesn’t look right.”
Now I was dumbfounded. I didn’t know how to make up words to give a meaningful answer to her doubt. It seemed like Zoey, wasn’t letting it slide until she got an answer from me. Not just an answer, a reasonable answer that would make her have no more doubts about Brian, and I.
I cleared my throat, “You see, it ain’t about the time we get together. I mean, what’s the difference. If I stay for so long and if I stay for a short period of time, I don’t see how it’s bad. Besides, Noah, have moved on. Why does my own seem wrong?”
“That’s because he never loved you and was finding it ha-rd to let you go. But, you loved him, Charlotte. You couldn’t let him go. You were hurt.”
I was tongue-tied. Zoey was spitting facts. At a point, I wanted to agree to her, but when I remembered I deal I would lie to her without involving my emotions.
“I feel like you’re using Brian to heal. You want to feel loved again. Think of his feeling, think of how everything would turn out when he finds out.”
I almost choked on my saliva. So, Zoey was thinking I was with Brian because I was trying to heal? At least, she believes it ain’t fake. The joy in my heart was enough to burst it open. Finally, she wasn’t thinking of us acting for social media. Yo, Zoey was smarter than this.
I still had to convince her that Brian and I were madly in love with each other. I won’t say madly yet. It looked extreme.
“I’m not using him to heal. We found out we like each other, so we grabbed the opportunity.”
“That ain’t possible. Does he know of your marriage.”
“Yeah, and it makes no difference.” Zoey, please just believe me. I almost cried on my inside. She was one of the smartest people I know. She’d definitely find out, and trust me, that would be putting our friendship on the line.
“I care so much about you, Char. I hate seeing you hurt. I want you to be happy. I don’t want any guy hurting you no more. I’m just scared that your relationship with Brian, wouldn’t go well.”
“You don’t have to bother yourself. I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself.” I a-ssured her.
“You sure?”
“Definitely.”
She gave me a weak smile before taking a full spoon of yogurt into mouth.
________
Later that night I pondered on everything Zoey, said to me. I couldn’t think straight no more.
What Brian and I were doing, was it right? Should I back out now that it wasn’t too late. Hell no, I already signed the deal. He could sue me for not completing our signed agreement.
Now, I was thinking I made a wrong decision.
fu-ck it, I was gonna do it. I was gonna take everything I had in me to make Noah, so jealous and bitter for leaving me. He dumped my as-son the alter, embarra-ssed me and called me desperate, fool and a joke in different ways. I was slapped on the face by him. I was mentally deranged. I was still trying to collect my broken self, so why the sudden pity towards the a.sshole who planned to ruin my life. Why do I have to back down just to let things go? I was gonna let him know that without him, I could live a happy life without having his ugly face stuck in my business.
I was gonna show him I was fierce and still that bitc-h he knew I was.
Watch your back Noah, you wouldn’t know what suddenly hit you.
? The Deal ?
Written by Idara Kingsley
?Chapter 12 ?
? Charlotte ?
“No too much alcohol Charlotte, no funny videos on the internet, no smoking, and be careful on your way.” My mum cautioned me continuously as I set out for the official opening of Brian’s, clubhouse.
I nodded at her like a two year old, knowing fully well I’d do the opposite of what she talked against, except smoking, and not being careful. I knew for sure, Zoey and I would drink to our satisfaction, until we are unable to walk or drive back home. Brian would sure have us in one of the rooms instead of us risking our lives.
“Sure mum, I’m not a baby.” I said and quickly gave her a ki-ss before turning to walk away.
“Charlotte.” My mum called after me. I turned back and met her standing on the same sp-ot.
“Be careful, and take a guard with you.” She said in her usual soft and sweet voice.
I nodded, waved to her and walked out of the door. It was high time I got a house of my own. I couldn’t stand my mum having to treat me like a baby. The guard by the door, opened the car door and I hoped in. Zoey was sitted in the car too, applying mascara and li-pstick. She shot me a smile and continued applying her makeup.
“You look hot.” I complimented her.
“I know right, Jack picked them up for me.” She said, pushing her hair backwards.
I smiled at her, “you’re lucky. Isn’t he supposed to be with us?”
“Yeah, his brother got into trouble so he had to leave to get his brother out of jail.” Her face twisted. I knew she was hurt that he couldn’t make it.
“I’m sure you’d have so much fun.” I nudged her. She shot me a smile, which I returned wholeheartedly.
..
..
..
The blaring sound of music could be heard from the clubhouse. A lot of cars were being packed at the parking lot. I was awed by so much people’s attendance. It was a surprise, as Brian was a well known celebrity. He was also generous and sweet to a lot of people, so the love was ma-ssive.
The inside was full to the brim. Guys were dancing with ladies, some ladies were drinking away, while some danced in their own circle. It was amazingly beautiful and way different from the usual clubhouse I used to know.
My eyes met with a random guy, who looked so familiar. He was rocking a girl who kept pouring liquor down her throat. She was all over him. He looked so familiar but I couldn’t place where I had met him before.
“Come on bestie, let’s dance.” Zoey pulled me into the dance floor. She was so full of smiles. I looked down at Zoey’s hand, she was holding a shot of liquor. Oh boy, she’s gonna be so hyper tonight.
I began moving my body to the rhythm of the music, but my eyes were on the search for Brian. Maybe he would be at the VIP section with his friends and teammates.
“Why ain’t you dancing?” Zoey screamed at the top of her voice, and into my ear, almost making me go deaf.
I shifted away from her and used my palm to cover my ears. “I’m looking for my boyfriend.” Eish, weird. It was so weird to say Brian was my boyfriend, but I still said it to make our relationship look real and full of love. “Don’t drink too much okay?”
“Okay.” She replied and began dancing towards thx dance floor.
On my way up, I took a shot and rushed upstairs. Bouncers were at the door to the VIP section.
I did not recognize any of the bouncers, but I was one hundred percent sure that they knew me. Like who doesn’t know Charlotte Hudson? Duh, everybody knew me.
I made to walk past them, but they blocked my way with their huge bodies.
What the hell. I looked up at their strong faces. “Move.” I commanded. They didn’t move, instead they stood there staring at me like I was an ant. “I said move!” I said in an irritating tone. They were obviously ignoring me on purpose. The stare they gave me was enough to make the hairs on my body stand up in fear.
“Your VIP pa-ss, ma’am.” One of them said, holding out his hands.
I blinked. Brian obviously did not tell me of all these. He was getting me embarra-ssed. I wasn’t supposed to be embarra-ssed by some mere bouncers that I could pay a thousand times.
With anger written on my face, I walked to a corner with less noise and brou-ght out my phone to call Brian. He picked up almost immediately as if he was expecting my call.
“Did you plan to have your stupid as-sbouncers disrespect me.” I yelled on the phone.
“Excuse you?” The music made him to b-arely hear me. I knew he did anyways. “Where you at?”
“Get your as-sout here.” I hung up immediately. I went back to see the bouncers, still standing there. They looked tough, and definitely not afraid of anyone. How they stood on one sp-ot for too long got me a bit worried for them. Not like I care anyways.
The door behind them opened, revealing Brian with his phone on one hand and a glas-sof wine on one hand. He looked around till his eyes landed on me. His eyes grew a bit wide as he scanned me from my toes up to my face. When our eyes met, he smiled at me before walking towards me.
“Hey.” He tried to engulf me in a hug but I pushed him aside, almost making him spill his wine on his shirt. I was unapologetic about it. That was for having his stupid bouncers embarras-sme. “What was that for?” He asked, wiping the drop of wine that poured on his shirt.
“For having me embarra-ssed by your bouncers.” I spat out in anger.
He chuckled and pulled me into a hug. I didn’t know why I felt that way, but I still wanted to be wrapped into his arms. I felt safe in them.
“I’m sorry okay? I forgot to give you a pa-ss.”
“Okay. I’m here now, do I need to put more pressure on anything.”
He nodded and unwrapped his arms around me. “Yeah. My bestfriend is having doubts about us, so let’s prove to him we’re real.”
“Does that mean us ki-ssing?” I narrowed my eyes at him with a devilish smile on my face.
“Yes. That would make him believe us.” He replied.
I nodded.
I composed myself and walked with him to the VIP room. But, I didn’t forget to give the bouncers a mock smile and two punches on their stomachs. They didn’t move not withstanding my punch. Damn, my hand hurts so bad. It was not that surprising they weren’t hurt.
The VIP room was more attra-ctive than the hall downstairs. stri-ppers were giving a show on the stage, men were gawking at them and spraying cash on them. I watched in awe. The stri-ppers were giving their all, moving, twisting and dancing on that pole without falling off. They did it perfectly with their a-sses up in the air.
Brian held me and we walked past everyone and into another room. It was the VVIP room. Just some guys and girls were inside, drinking and laughing away. The music in the VVIP room wasn’t as loud as the others. In short, I loved the VVIP room than every other place. It looked relaxing.
We walked to some guys who were all arguing over something on their table. They shut up the moment they saw Brian and I, walk in hand in hand. They weren’t staring at Brian, but me.
“Hey guys, meet Charlotte, my girlfriend.” Brian introduced me to his friends. He planted a quick ki-ss on my li-ps. Damn him.
I had to be nice to people. Wow, I haven’t been nice, ever. I had to brace myself up and put a smile on my face. “Hey guys.”
They all grumbled a reply. It made me a bit uncomfortable like they hated me. A lot hated me, but I never expected it from Brian’s friends. I expected a warm welcome from them for being their friends girlfriend.
Brian led me to a seat. We sat down and he offered me some wine. I took a sip, and relaxed in my chair, ignoring his friends. I wouldn’t talk to them, for having to grumble on our first meet up. Like who they hell does that?
“I still can’t believe Charlotte Hudson is sitting right here with us.” One of them said. I couldn’t make out who said it, as I wasn’t staring at any of them.
Brian bent down and whispered softly in my ears. “Are you okay?”
I nodded and downed my wine. I took another glas-sof random some I saw on the table, and nursed on it.
“We’ve finally met the media queen.” A blonde haired guy broke the silence. I looked up to meet him staring at me. Ashton Whites. I knew him to be a very good basketballer, and Brian’s, bestfriend. He had to be the tallest among all of them. He was built, and so handsome with his stylish blonde hair.
I nodded slowly. “And I’ve finally met one of the best basketballer.”
A smile breaks on his li-ps. “Who’s the best?”
I grinned, and leaned into Brian. “My baby, obviously.”
All the guys made some hailing noises at Brian. I leaned in and gave him a quick ki-ss. I really be over acting most of the times.
“Damn, I can’t believe you guys would date. You literally dragged each other ones on social media.” Another guy chipped in.
I blinked. Brian and I dragging each other? That was a shocker to me. I couldn’t believe I dragged him ones. It was so ha-rd to take in.
“You don’t remember?” The guy asked again. I nodded. He sat up and picked up his wine. “He talked of girls being all over him, and you literally dragged him by saying no one cares about his existence including you, so it’s a shocker to see you guys together.”
I chuckled softly. I had forgotten about our little drama on social media so soon. People never tend to forget things. I still had to clear them on it anyways, because it seems it was giving them doubts of Brian and I.
“You see guys, I began as I sipped my wine, “you never get to judge people based on their past. Brian and I may have had a fall out, but that does stop us from loving each other. Did I convince you guys already?”
“Yes. Definitely. Totally. ” They all chorused in different words.
With my devilish smile, I poured all the wine into my mouth. I was becoming tipsy already from too much wine, plus the liquor I had before going to meet Brian. I still reached out for another wine and drank it.
When I reached for another again, a hand stopped me. By now, I was so drunk.
“You don’t have to take so much wine, babe.” Brian said, holding my hand back.
“Don’t tell me what to do, I love this wine. Give me more.” I knew I was embarra-ssing myself , but I couldn’t stop myself either.
Brian let out a frustrated breath and stood up to carry me out of the place, before I spill the beans.
I was still stubborn to leave the. We had a good struggle before I followed him.
“Sorry guys.” I heard Brian whisper to his friends before we left.
He was carrying me bridal style to somewhere I didn’t know. I still cared less. He pushed a door open and closed it with his leg. Slowly and carefully, he dropped me on a bed.
“Stay here, okay?” He said softly and tried to walk away from me.
Unconsciously, I pulled him back, making him crash on me. “Don’t go.” I begged.
“You’re tipsy, you need to sleep.”
“If you ain’t gonna stay, at least get Zoey, she’s downstairs and might be tipsy already.
“Okay, just stay here okay?”
I didn’t want him to leave. I’d feel so lonely. So, I held him back, pressing him against my body. His hands brushed my bre-ast as he made to move away from my hold.
We paused.
Our eyes were literally on each other. In his eyes, I could see he was a bit drunk but not like I was.
Without thinking, I pulled him down, tilted my head and crashed my li-ps on his. He didn’t fail to ki-ss me back.
He ki-ssed me like he was hungry for me, like he had been meaning to ki-ss me a long time ago.
He was an expert, even in ki-ssing. Damn, the guy was talented.
Soft mo-ans escaped my li-ps as his hands moved on my wa-ist, ma-ssaging it softly. His hands got into my clothes, and he began playing with my already had as-snip-ples. I mo-aned into his mouth.
His hands were slowly moving to touch my p.ussy, but he stopped almost immediately. He jumped off me and flew off the bed. Regrets were in his eyes.
He regretted having to make 0ut with me.
Without much thinking, he ran out.
I looked around the room, trying to swallow whatever just happened.
Did Brian I just made out right on the bed?