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?”

why he was poking around, “We’re

an invitation, “How about I treat you

out and everyone was free to head

“Why the dinner invite?”

better than eating alone” he replied. “Will you join me?”

having plans for

like it was no biggle,

that, he headed back

of guilt but inviting him along would raise eyebrows

explain that?

didn’t call out

all out, taking them to 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

you’d need a guide not to get lost.

Ursula, her colleague with whom she was pretty tight, walked arm in arm at the

time at a posh club

Jocelyn chuckled along.

bump into a wealthy bachelor here?” Ursula sounded excited, “Those

Wonder if we’ll run into her and get an autograph

the rush? She’ll be at the school

the same, man. If the students see me starstruck like

parade of exquisite dishes, each seemingly worth half a

bottle of Lafite, a luxury beyond their usual means.

Jocelyn excused herself

was one in the room, but she

her way back, she spotted Melvin in

she saw a flash of a white floral dress brushing against his pants as he entered.

door closed.

urge to knock on that door, forcing herself back to

so she didn’t even have the right to catch

the private room, all smiles and chatter.

had been, wondering if he was still there.

had called a car too,

sight of Melvin and a woman, who was fully dressed, stepping out of the club. The

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

for her. The woman took the passenger seat, and Melvin closed the door tenderly before

moment, he suddenly looked over and locked

replaced by a hint of annoyance. Then he

did he

bitter taste rose in her throat.

Facebook, and

thought of the woman in his car made her drop

Jocelyn applied makeup, yet it couldn’t conceal

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