Picture Perfect

5.

He grabs the bottle of the most expensive tequila I've never heard of and looks at me as he pours two shots.

He walks closer to me sliding one of the shot glasses toward me and the front door opens.

"I really like how Elijah couldn't hold the door open for us or nothing." Jabari's mom comes in speaking out loud.

"And let all the ac out? As long as you took to get out of that car, should know better than that momma." Kyler laughs going over to hug the both of them.

They get over to me and I return their pleasantries. I've only been around his parents once before so I'm not exactly familiar with them enough to say too much.

"That top is gorgeous on you." His mom admires my shirt.

"Oh thank you." I smile and her expression changes.

"You're bleeding my love. Right here on your cheek." She moves to get a paper towel and wets it a bit.

"I am?" I perk up and widen my eyes. "Oh no, it's okay." I try to keep her from wiping my face because I managed to hide my bruise with makeup. It's been about 3 days since then but it's still very apparent and it doesn't help that the scratch is taking it's time to heal. Bleeding through the makeup is crazy.

I gently take the towel from her hand and run into the bathroom to examine myself in the mirror. I try to stop the bleeding but it only gets worse as the plushy patch of skin that grew over the cut is now removed.

"Fuck." I whisper as I look down at the paper towel to see that my makeup is all over it meaning the bruise is more than likely now visible.

After a few minutes of trying to figure out how I'm going to get out of here without causing a scene. I decide to suck it up and walk out.

Just as I'm closing the bathroom door, I'm greeted by the sight of Eli and Bari stepping down from the last stair. His arms are wrapped around her from behind. That was quick.

He laughs and she holds onto his hands as he playfully kisses the side of her neck.

"My people know what's up. We need to go upstairs and finish our conversation."

"Stop it. You think you deserve some just like that? My anger is not even cold yet."

"I don't give a fuck." He growls nibbling on her ear.

Even when Gare and I were good, we were never like this. Never always all over each other. Not that I didn't want it. He just wasn't like this. I thought only wanting to be all up on me when it's time to get his dick wet, was normal. But its apparent that guys who wouldn't mind showing you the affection you want and need, do exist.

"Let me talk to my friend." She pulls away from him and he smacks her behind allowing her to come over to me.

Shit.

She approaches me with open arms and is too quick in her trek over. She takes me and wraps her arms around me.

"I'm so sorry bestie. I'm all yours now. Today was a fucking mess but it's time to eat, and get litty titty. How many shots in are you?""

I try to avoid looking directly in her eyes as she steps back but she knows somethings up.

"Hey, you good? Were you crying?" She hooks her finger under my face.

"Nah, I'm good. I gotta go though. Gare called, and-"

She examines me.

"No, fuck that nigga. He did this shit to you?" Her expression changes.