Chapter 12

Jocelyn lay on her bed, a restless heat coursing through her body, dissipating as Melvin left. His departure marked by an unexpected phone call, a first in their shared moments.

It was the first time he’d bailed on her mid-action because of a ringtone.

Even though she didn’t know who was on the other end, she could tell it was someone big deal.

Before Melvin split, he did drop a line, “Don’t wait up; hit the hay early”

But Jocelyn couldn’t catch a wink.

She was wondering, was it a guy or a gal who called Melvin? Was he gonna make it back tonight?

It wasn’t until half-past three in the morning that she finally dozed off.

Sure enough, Melvin didn’t come home all night.

Jocelyn was no fool, Melvin never admitted she was his girlfriend, so she had no right to grill him about his whereabouts.

After three back-to-back morning classes, and no call or text from Melvin over lunch, she got antsy. She hopped onto his Facebook, hesitated for a sec, but still shot him a message. [Are you home today?]

After sending it, she was glued to her phone screen, but no reply. Just about before her afternoon class, her phone buzzed

She checked it right before stepping into the classroom.

It was just one word.

[No.]

This had never happened before, and her woman’s intuition screamed one possibility at her.

He must be with some chick.

But in the three years they’d been together, she’d never seen him give any woman the time of day. Where did this mystery woman come from?

Then again, maybe it wasn’t about whispering sweet nothings to some dame, but rather he was schmoozing a client, talking shop.

Thinking this eased her mind a bit.

After the last class of the day, Preston caught up with her, “Jocelyn.”

At school, Preston was respectful of his teachers, including her.

Jocelyn turned, “Yes?”

Preston looked concerned, “You and Melvin doing alright?”

didn’t catch why he was poking around, “We’re fine.

this, threw out an invitation, “How about I treat you

class today. School was out and everyone was

furrowed, “Why

he replied. “Will you join

already having plans for a

shrugged it off like it was no biggle, “Alright then, I’ll just order some

headed back

him along would raise eyebrows among her colleagues, and how

explain that?

the end, she didn’t call out

some swanky club that must’ve cost an arm and a leg. Turns out her colleague’s new beau was some rich kid. Loaded for sure, but his family wasn’t all that cultured, so they put teachers on a pedestal

was so big, you’d need a guide not to

and Ursula, her colleague with whom she was pretty tight, walked

the place. “First time at

Jocelyn chuckled along.

here?” Ursula sounded excited, “Those

here too. Wonder if

rush? She’ll be at the school

If the students see me starstruck like

parade of exquisite dishes, each seemingly worth half

Lafite, a luxury beyond their usual

through, Jocelyn excused herself to the restroom.

but she

her way back, she spotted Melvin in

from her, towards another door, and she saw a flash of a white floral dress brushing against

the door closed.

urge to knock on that door, forcing

even have the

private room, all smiles and chatter.

room where Melvin had been, wondering

a car too, but it was still

fully dressed, stepping out of the club. The hem of the woman’s dress was familiar. It was the one

masked and with waist-lerigth wavy hair, wore an apricot trench coat that billowed as she walked, her presence exuding

for her. The woman took the passenger seat,

over and locked

his eyes, quickly replaced by a hint of annoyance. Then he got in

he think she was tailing him?

bitter taste rose in her

pulled out his Facebook, and considered asking if he’d be coming

the woman in his car made her drop the phone and

Jocelyn applied makeup, yet it

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