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  "Damn, Mike. What are you going to do?"

  "I don't know. Eva promised me she wouldn't tell Charlie about us, but I have a feeling she will."

  "Maybe she won't. If she does, she's losing her best friend."

  I sighed again and ran my hand down my head. I couldn't believe this was happening. Just as soon as I was doing well with someone I could grow to love, this scandal pops up.

  "Don't stress yourself out over this. It not like Danielle or anyone else knows."

  "That's just it. Danielle knows enough to destroy what I have with Charlie."

  "What you talking about?"

  "I can't say right now, but I'll tell you soon."

  I looked over at the bar and noticed Charlie talking to someone. I could tell from the expressions on their faces that the conversation was pretty tense. I looked at the scene for a few minutes wondering if Charlie knew the guy.

  "Mike, you there man?" Chris asked.

  "Yeah, I'm here. Listen, I'll call you back later."

  I hung up my phone and started to walk towards the bar. Whether Charlie knew him or not, I wasn't going to stand around and let them continuing talking. Not while I was watching.

  15. Charlie

  "Hey, Char. It's really nice to see you," Derrick said smiling.

  I looked at Derrick and sighed. Derrick still could take my breath away. He looked so handsome standing in front of me. His caramel colored skin looked as if it was glowing under the club lights, his hazel eyes were staring wide and bright at me, and his low cut fade was now a little wavy from the last time I saw him. Even though he was finer than ever, I knew what Derrick was all about, so whatever he was about to spit at me, it wasn't going to work.

  "Derrick," I said coldly.

  Derrick smile at the rude tone I was giving him.

  "I understand you're still upset with me. I hurt you. If I could go back to that day with Theresa, I would in a heartbeat. I felt bad about it then, and I still feel bad about it now. I can't believe I was so dumb to cheat on you."

  "I'm glad you realize how dumb you were that day. Now if you excuse me, I have a date to go back to," I said while walking away.

  "I know about your new man. Eva told me."

  I turned around and looked at Derrick wide eyed. How could Eva tell Derrick about Michael! I didn't want him to know I had a new boyfriend.

  Why Char, because you never got over Derrick?

  "So it's true? You're dating Michael Collier?"

  I sighed and went closer to Derrick.

  "It's true. I'm dating Michael Collier. So what. I moved on Derrick. What do you want me to do? Forgive you and go back to you as if nothing ever happened? I can never get over the fact that you cheated on me. And with Theresa of all people!"

  "How many times am I going to have to say I'm sorry about what happened that day? I feel so bad about it, and I will never forgive myself over it."

  "Evidently, you were not feeling guilty when you were feeling Theresa up, were you?"

  Derrick started to laugh at the remark I made. I guess what I was saying to him was funny.

  "What the hell is so funny?"

  "You know you always looked beautiful when you're upset. That used to turn me on. It still does."

  I looked at Derrick and rolled my eyes. I couldn't believe he was being so nonchalant, while I was showing my frustrations to him.

  "Why do I bother?" I said while walking away again.

  "That's your solution to everything. You walk away whenever there's a problem. Real mature, Charlie."

  "I know you're not talking about someone being mature. You couldn't be man enough to tell me you wanted out of the relationship!"

  "I never wanted out! I was with Theresa because you wouldn't give me any!"

  Several people that were around the bar looked over at us with curious glances.

  "May we help you?" I asked in a hostile voice.

  Derrick looked at me and sighed.

  "I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry."

  "That's why we broke up. Because I didn't want to sleep with you?"

  "I'm sorry, Char. I didn't want you to know about that. Charlie, I loved you, I still love you, but we'd been together for three years, so of course I would have wanted more. I understood your beliefs, and I respected that, but I wanted more. You weren't ready to give that to me."

  A tear started to run down my cheek. I really didn't want to hear what Derrick was telling me, but I at least I knew the real reason why he was with Theresa.

  "I understand if you wanted more from the relationship, but that doesn't change the fact that you cheated on me. That will never be an excuse for what you've done to me."

  Derrick nodded his head in understanding. "I understand, so I don't expect you to accept my apology. But, I do want to know one thing. I told you how I felt about you, so it's your turn. Do you still love me, Char? Because I never stopped."

  I looked at Derrick with tears streaming down my face. I couldn't believe I was letting Derrick get to me. I didn't know why I was giving him the time of day, or why I was crying. From the looks of it, it seemed like I was still in love with Derrick; I just didn't want to express it.

  I looked down at the ground when someone put a hand around my waist. I looked up and noticed it was Michael standing in front of me.

  "Is everything okay, Charlie?" he asked while looking at Derrick.

  I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand and nodded my head yes.

  "Everything's fine, Michael."

  "What did you do to her?" he asked to Derrick.

  "It not what you think, man. We were talking and it got pretty emotional."

  "What were you talking about?" Michael asked as he was about to get into Derrick's face.

  "Don't Michael. Everything is fine," I said as I stepped in between Michael and Derrick.

  "Michael, right. I'm Derrick Marberry," Derrick said as he extended his hand out to Michael.

  "I know who you are. How you know Charlie?" Michael said without shaking Derrick's hand.

  "I guess she didn't tell you. I'm her ex."

  "That's explains why Charlie crying. Listen, why don't you walk away from her now?"

  "Why? You going to do something to me pretty boy," Derrick said.

  "Just go."

  "I'm not going anywhere until Charlie says so."

  Eva, Ashley, Brandy, and Kim walked over to us wondering what was going on. I looked at the scene wondering if the two were going to beat the crap out of each other. I had to put a stop to this before anything got started.

  "Stop it you two. There's no point in trying to fight. Let's just go Michael," I said while grabbing his hand.

  Michael and I walked out of Range in a hurry. I didn't want to stay in there any longer after the scene I'd just been a part of. If I wouldn't have stepped in between the two, they would have started pounding each other into the club floor. When we reached Michael's car, Ashley, Eva, Brandy, and Kim ran outside to check on me.

  "What happened, Char?" Ashley asked.

  "What did he say to you?" Brandy asked.

  "Nothing. We're just going to go. You all have fun," I said.

  "Don't let Derrick ruin your night girl. We were all having so much fun," said Ashley.

  "Derrick didn't ruin it. I'm really tired from today's events, so I'm going home."

  "What about the sleepover we were going to have?" Eva asked.

  I looked at Michael and told him I'd be right back. I walked over to the girls as we started to walk away from Michael.

  "I'm not going back to your place Eva. I'm going to spend the night at Michael's."

  "What? Don't you think that's a little soon, Charlie?" asked Brandy.

  "We're not going to do anything. We're just going to talk. Michael's parents went to Las Vegas and they won't be back until Monday. He didn't want to go back to his house alone, so I agreed to stay with him."

  "Oh please, Char. I can't believe you fell for that. That boy will tell you any
thing to get into your drawers," said Eva.

  "Will you shut up, Eva! I'm so sick and tired of you having this grudge between Michael and our relationship. If you don't approve of our relationship, then stay away from me. I don't need you to look down on me and whatever decisions I make."

  Eva looked at me wide eyed while the others looked at each other.

  "You don't mean that, Char," said Ashley.

  "At this point, I do. If you can't be happy for me and this relationship, then forget you," I said as I walked away from my friends. When I went over to Michael's car, I looked back at them and noticed Ashley and Eva arguing. I sighed and put my head in my hands. Ashley, Brandy, and Kim walked over to me. Ashley smiled and put her arms around me.

  "Don't worry about Eva. You know how she can be," Ashley said softly.

  "I know. I just don't understand her behavior lately. It seemed like she hates the fact that I'm with Michael."

  "Don't let Eva get to you. And please don't let Derrick crawl his way back into your life. From what I saw today, Michael seemed like a good guy, so hold on to that."

  "Ashley's right. Don't let people get you down on what you believe in. Listen to your heart to know what's right," Kim said.

  I looked at the three girls in front of me and smiled.

  "Thanks. I really needed to hear that."

  "Now go with your man. I think you two need the time alone," Brandy said.

  I smile as I got into Michael's BMW. Michael was already in the car listening to the radio. He looked at me and smiled.

  "You okay?"

  "I am now," I said as I leaned my head on his shoulder. He smiled and kissed my forehead. As Michael backed his car out of the parking space, I waved at Ashley, Kim, and Brandy. What I said to Eva was mean and thoughtless, but I meant what I said. If she couldn't be happy for me, then I didn't need her in my life. I looked out at the window and sighed. Tonight, I think I lost my best friend.

  During the drive back to Michael's place, I was practically falling asleep. I guess all the excitement and drama that took place today took a toll on me. I felt a soft touch on my shoulder. I looked up and saw Michael unfasten my seat belt.

  "We're here," he said.

  I started to blink my eyes furiously to get the sleep out of them. I looked around and stared at the elaborate house in amazement. From the outside, it was magnificent. The house was huge, with a circular driveway, a fountain in the center, and a beautiful landscaped lawn. Michael looked at me and smiled. He knew I was amazed at how beautiful his house looked.

  "Wow. You're fascinated by it and we're not even inside yet," he said.

  "I know. Your house is breathtaking."

  "Come on," he said as he got out of the car. He ran over to the passenger side and opened the door. He grabbed my hand to help me out of the car.

  After getting my things from the back seat, we went inside. The scenery from the inside was more elaborate than the outside. The house was decorated in cream and beige. As we step into the foyer, there were beige tiles in the hallway and a sculpture of a man holding something in the middle of the hallway. The beige tiles led to the living room, which was also cream and beige. There were cream leather sofas and chairs, and a huge TV sitting in front of the sofas.

  "You have a wonderful home," I said.

  "Thank you. An interior designer decorated it. My parents wouldn't know style if it hit them on the head."

  "Well it still beautiful. Besides, it shows they have good taste."

  From the looks of the clean sofas, I didn't know whether to sit or remain standing. Michael noticed the look I had on my face and told me I could sit down.

  "Not yet. Actually I wanted to change out of my clothes."

  "Sure. The bathroom is down the hall."

  "Thanks," I said as I grabbed my tote bag and went down the hall. I went into the bathroom and noticed it was cream. I sighed, put my belongings on the toilet seat, and looked into the mirror. I didn't know if what I had to wear was appropriate, but I didn't think I was spending the night with Michael. I took out my pink boy shorts and white tank and sighed.

  "Well this all I have," I said as I took off my dress.

  Michael knew I didn't want anything to happen, and I know he wouldn't pressure me, but I also knew I shouldn't tempt him either. But it's fine to tempted him a little, isn't it? As I put on my sleepwear, I looked into the mirror and sighed again. After a few minutes of looking at myself in the mirror, I grabbed my stuff and left the bathroom. As soon as I walked out, I suddenly had to catch my breath. Michael was standing in the living room wearing only a pair of plaid sleep pants. His bare chest was exposed, showing his muscled shoulders and his ripped abs. I had to take slow, deep breaths before I could say anything.

  "Did I catch you off guard?" he asked. "If so, I can put on a shirt. But usually this is what I wear to sleep."

  "No, it's good. I'm fine," I said as I went over to the couch. Suddenly I didn't feel too self-conscious over the outfit I was wearing. From the look on Michael's face, I could tell he liked what he saw.

  "You look good even when you're going to sleep," he said smiling.

  I smiled. "So do you."

  "Why don't we go to my room? We could watch a movie up there."

  I smiled as Michael took my hand. I got up from the couch and went with him to the spiral staircase that led to the second floor. His house looked more like a mini mall. It was so big and spacious. I counted to see how many rooms the house had. Michael looked at me and smiled.

  "We have five bedrooms up here, but there are seven total. My parents' room is downstairs, so I basically have this floor to myself."

  "Wow. Why are there so many rooms? If it is just the three of you?"

  "Try telling my parents that. They believe in going all out when it comes to anything, especially material things," he said as we stopped at some double doors at the end of the hallway. Michael opened the door to reveal the most striking room I had ever seen in my life. His room alone could pass off as a loft or a small apartment. My house could fit into this gigantic room. He had everything a teenager could ask for. From a big screen TV, to a desktop and laptop computer. He even had a mini kitchen in the corner by his closet.

  "Wow. You don't even have to leave your room. This is amazing," I said.

  "Thanks. I love this room. I have everything I need in here."

  "I bet you could get away with a lot up here."

  "I have. My parents wouldn't know if anyone was up here or not. It doesn't matter anyway because they are never here."

  I looked at Michael with a sad expression on my face. It must be hard for Michael to never see his parents. Every child needs to have their parents around them, especially in this day in age.

  "Don't be sad. I'm not. Besides, I'm used to my parents never being here."

  "What do your parents do that keeps them away so much?"

  "As far as the disappearing acts my parents love to do, they attend a bunch of fundraisers to help out the city. No matter what type of charity, funding, or organization, my parents will be there with their checkbook in hand and a smile to boot. They said they do it to help organize the city; I think they do it to rub their money in people's faces."

  "I don't think that's true. They sound really generous."

  "You don't know my parents. They try anything and everything to be in the public eye. That's their way of being the center of attention, handing out big checks."

  "I know that's not all they do. I mean, this is a pretty elaborate house."

  "Well my dad is owner and president of Caldwell Bank. My mom is the owner and event coordinator for Bells' Talent Services."

  "Sounds like they have their hands full then with work and fundraising."

  "Yeah, they do," Michael said softly.

  "Enough about my parents. What about yours. What they do?"

  "My mom is a lawyer at Howard, Moore, and Preston. She trying to become partner, but it has been two years since she's been trying. My dad i
s an executive at Lawson's Ad Company."

  "Wow. Your parents have great jobs."

  "I know. They love their jobs too. Usually a person hates their job, especially if they've done it for so long. But I can tell from their determination and drive, that they feel like it is their first day every day."

  "That's good. Can I ask you something?"

  "Sure," I said as I lay on his bed. I didn't know if I should have, but he did say I could make myself comfortable.

  "It is cool if I lay on your bed?"

  "Not a problem. Besides, seeing you on my bed is a major turn on."

  I smiled at Michael. I could tell tonight was going to be an interesting night.

  "What do you want to ask?"

  "It's about tonight. I know it was pretty rough on you with the dance and then the club."

  "I'm fine Michael. All that is over and done. I'm not going to lie, it was painful to see Derrick at Range tonight, but there was nothing I could have done about it. That's just something I have to deal with."

  "Why did you talk to him though? I know that was painful listening to him talk about what happened between you two."

  "It was, but I wasn't upset with talking to him. Michael, sometimes in life you have to let go of the past to go on with your life. With me, even though I will never forget what Derrick did to me, I have let go what happened between us. I have to so I can move on with my life."

  "Just like I have with Danielle,"

  Michael went over to the bed and lay beside me. He looked into my eyes and started to caress my shoulder with his fingers.

  "For some strange reason, it felt sort of good to talk to Derrick about our relationship and why it ended the way it did. At least I know why our relationship ended, now."

  "Why do you care now? You're with me."

  I looked at Michael realizing what I just said. Why did I tell Michael that? He might think I still have feelings for Derrick.

  Do I?

  "I guess what I was saying was at least I can't have a vendetta towards him. There's no point in hating him over something that happened so long ago. I moved on and found someone who is nice, sweet, caring, and wonderful. Not to mention fine."