Friend-Zoned (Friend-Zoned 1)

Ghost replies, “We don’t play that way anymore. Tina is hers. Not ours. ”

I am so confused.

Omarr smiles a completely ugly smile so different from the one I saw just a minute ago that I wonder who this man really is. He utters, “Then she’s free rein and you know it. ”

Ghost’s body stiffens and he moves to step closer to him. I quickly put a hand on Ghosts chest.

I say softly, “Ghost, honey, let’s go back upstairs now. I don’t want to dance anymore. ” I end on a whisper.

Ghost’s eyes soften when he looks at me. “Yeah. ”

Omarr stops me with a hand on my arm. He offers, “I meant what I said. Think about it. ”

He hands me a business card and I take it more to placate him than anything. Ghost looks like he wants to pound this guy into the ground.

Ghost doesn’t let go of my waist til we’re upstairs. He drops his arm but takes my hand in his and walks quickly. When I dig my heels in to stop him from taking me wherever in the hell he’s trying to take me, he turns to face me and says urgently, “We need to talk. Now. ” When I still hesitate, he goes on, “I can carry you across the goddamn club, Tina. Your choice. ”

Okey Dokey!

I nod. Ghost drags me along to a hidden door in the corner of the club. He’s angry and I’m not sure what I’ve done wrong here.

He opens the door and we step inside the security room. My eyes widen in wonder.

I whisper an astonished, “Wow. ”

Before I’m given a chance to press buttons and break things, Ghost ushers me into a chair.

He sits opposite me and drags my chair forward til I’m face to face with him.

Then he sits there leaning forward with his elbows on his legs and his hands pressed together on his lips for a long while.

I’m freaking out!

My neck is hot and itchy. Just as I’m about to confess to whatever crime he accuses me of just to get out of there, he speaks, “Ever met that man before?”

I quickly shake my head no.

He sighs, “Damn it, Tina. Out of all the guys in the club. ”

He stops suddenly and I lean closer to him wide eyed hoping he’d continue. He does but it’s not what I was hoping to hear. “Omarr wants to claim you. He wants you to be one of his girls. ”

When my brow furrows and I purse my lips is disgust, he keeps talking, “Oh yeah, one of his girls. One of many. He contacts you again, you need to call me. I don’t care what time of day, just fuckin’ call. You feel me?”

I can’t speak. I’m temporarily voiceless. So, I just nod.

He holds out his hand and I give him the business card Omarr gave me. He puts it in his pocket.

Ghost opens the door and guides me to it. As I’m about to exit, he says, “I’ll text you my numbers. Be smart, Tina, and be safe. ”

I look at him like what the heck is that meant to mean?

He gives me a curt nod and closes the door behind him.

Jiminy Crickets!

***

I’m back at the booth and everyone is chatting away.