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?”

uncle, Jocelyn didn’t catch why he was poking around, “We’re fine. What about

hearing this, threw out an invitation, “How about

School was out and

brow furrowed, “Why the dinner invite?”

he replied. “Will you join

already having plans

no biggle, “Alright then,

headed back

a twinge of guilt but inviting him along would raise eyebrows among her

explain that?

didn’t

colleague’s new beau was some rich kid. Loaded for sure, but his family wasn’t all that cultured,

you’d need a guide not

pretty tight, walked arm in arm

“First time

Jocelyn chuckled along.

here?” Ursula sounded excited, “Those cars outside

from up front stepped back, whispering, “Heard Willow’s here too. Wonder if we’ll run into her

rush? She’ll be at the

same, man. If the students see me starstruck like them, there goes my

was a parade of exquisite dishes, each

bottle of Lafite, a luxury beyond

excused herself to the

was one in the room, but she opted

way back, she

walking away from her, towards another door, and she saw a flash of a

door

on that door, forcing herself back to

girlfriend, so she didn’t even have

group left the private room, all smiles and chatter.

Melvin had been, wondering if

a ride waiting. Jocelyn had called a car too, but

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

apricot trench coat that billowed as she walked, her

the door of a silver Porsche open for her. The woman took the passenger seat, and Melvin closed the door tenderly

looked over

his eyes, quickly replaced by a hint of annoyance. Then he got in the car, which sped off

of his, did he think she was tailing him?

taste rose in

his Facebook, and considered asking if he’d be coming back tonight.

her drop the phone and pull the covers over

makeup, yet

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