Wanted For Pleasure

Chapter 69: because I love her

"You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that's so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life."

Chris Omar Vaughn

"Thanks for coming to visit, bro." I dapped up Jabari.

He walked tall beside me along the sidewalk shortly after arriving.

"No doubt, I never been to New York. You like it here, huh?"

I swung my lanyard as we ducked under some tree branches.

"It's cool."

"See, I couldn't live here." He paused to think.

"Well, I never thought I'd be in Colorado, either, so." He corrected himself.

"This is it." I alluded to the door on our left.

Cleo had been badgering me to come to this brunch spot, claiming it's the best in the city. I'd be the judge of that.

Since all Jabari knows is how to eat, I figured we could reconnect over a meal. I was just happy to have him around, not realizing how much I missed him.

The hostess greeted us with a broad smile and high-pitched "Welcome in!"

"Just two?" She squeaked, looking between JB and myself.

"Unless you wanna join us?" Jabari flirted. I shook my head at him and his constant flirting.

The hostess laughed. "Too bad I'm on the clock. Right this way, guys!"

She grabbed two menus and then led the way to a table in the back.

Jabari nudged me and rolled his eyes when he was disappointed at the hostess's flat back.

I chuckled and just kept thinking he better stop, Jasmine can sense when he's being a creep. He left her back home - mostly because she can't stand my ass now and didn't want to see me- but she'd come running if he so much as thought about cheating.
I missed Jasmine even though her sass rubbed off on Morgan, and even though she (they both) hate me right now.

Jabari didn't crack jokes with the hostess anymore, just read over the menu and rushed her away once we both put in for a couple glasses of water.

Once she walked away, Jabari curled his lip like he was disgusted.

"I can't stand a bitch with a flat ass." He scowled, his animated facial expressions being the best part.

"I can't stand you." I joked with him, shaking my head. Sometimes all you can do is laugh and shake your head at JB.

"How you hear about this spot?" He asked me, looking around.

Candor was a brunch spot on Main Street. It didn't look different than any of the other restaurants, nothing special. Same modern look, that "hipster" feel. Each of these places wanted a "vibe" so bad but they're actually missing the ambiance. You can only have but so many string lights and hanging plants, you know?

"Cleo told me about it." I said casually, scratching my ear.

"Who the fuck is Cleo?"

"I didn't tell you about her? Uh, we work together. She's cool."

When I recognized the look he was giving me I quickly shut it down. "No. She's gay."

He looked relieved. "I was about to say. Damn, so you haven't gotten any yet?"