Yours Truly

The Party Part 2

I stared at the bathroom door for a second, trying to process what just happened. Then I turned to look at Alicia.

Alicia: "What the heck was that about, Deja?! Do you know her?!"

Me: "No! That's the other thing I forgot to tell you. When I was leaving the gym earlier, that same girl was giving me a death stare. I've never seen her before today. And now she's here—at this party—with Jay?"

Alicia: "I mean... it is a big networking event. A lot of people from the area are here. But I get why you're weirded out."

Me: "You know how my mind works, sis. Anything even slightly off, and I'm on alert. Then she hit me with that smirk like we had some kind of history."

Alicia: "Don't even let it stress you out. Let's head downstairs for the presentation, network a little more, then bounce. Don't let her throw off your whole vibe."

Me: "You're right. Let's go."

We made our way back downstairs and found a good spot on the main floor to view the presentation. Most people were watching, but a few were still mingling, chatting over drinks.

The mansion had this open-concept layout that made it feel even more grand. As soon as you walked in, you were greeted by a massive round foyer. From the center, you could look straight up and see the balconies lining the second, third, and fourth floors. It was breathtaking.

While we waited for the presenter to start, I took in the wall art—massive pieces stretching all the way from the floor to the ceiling. It felt like every inch had something to say. As my eyes wandered up to the third floor, a chill ran through me.

Jay.

He was staring down at me—intense, still, like I was the only person in the room. But then, just as quickly, the moment was shattered. An arm slid around his bicep, and that same gym girl leaned into him. She angled herself just enough to block his view of me. I looked away instantly, grateful the presentation began just seconds later.

The timing was almost... too perfect.

I made a mental note: If they came together, she's probably his girl. And if she caught him staring at me earlier... that explains a lot.

Whatever it was, I wanted no part of it.

I wasn't available anyway—and that was by choice. My focus was my career. Love? That chapter was closed.

After the presentation, we did a bit more networking. I met some really dope entrepreneurs, and I was feeling excited about my next move. My ideas were flowing, and—for a moment—I felt like I belonged in that space.

Me: "Alicia, let's step outside and grab some pictures before we leave. I gotta at least get a few shots in this outfit."

Alicia: "Okay, let's go!"

We headed to the photo area they had set up outside. Most people had already gotten their shots, so there wasn't much of a wait. I handed Alicia my phone and started posing. I was on my fifth pose when a voice from behind stopped me cold.

Jay: "Still a natural with it, I see."

I glanced at Alicia, mouthing "WTH?!" before turning around to face him.

Me: "Why, thank you. I try a little bit."

Jay: "You definitely don't have to try hard."

His eyes scanned me quickly from head to toe.

A smile tried to creep onto my face, but I forced it away.

Me: "Thanks, but... aren't you here with your lady?"

Jay: "I'm—"

Before he could finish, she walked right up and grabbed his arm.

Gym Girl: "Hey babe, I'm ready to go."

Jay: "Okay, no problem. Uh, this is Deja—we used to go to the same church growing up. Deja, this is Loni. We're dating."

Me: "Nice to meet you, Loni."

She nodded with a half-smile. Fake. Transparent. I saw right through it. She gave off that overly territorial vibe for no reason—like she saw me as a threat. But I wasn't here for her games. I didn't want Jay. She had nothing to worry about on my end.

Me: "Well, Jay, it was nice seeing you back in town. Tell the family I said hi."

Jay: "I will. It was really good seeing you, too. Y'all get home safe."

As we turned to leave, I noticed Loni shift her stance. Jay's comment clearly got under her skin, even if he didn't mean it like that. I chuckled to myself as we walked to the car.

I was beyond ready to get out of my heels. Exhausted. As I drove, the music kept me awake—until my phone beeped, startling me with how loud the volume was. I had just hit a red light, so I glanced down.

Instagram notification.

From Jay 👀

April 11
@IamJay: "Hey, did you make it home safely?"

Me: "Hey, not yet—but almost. Did y'all make it home safely?"

@IamJay: "Yes, thanks for asking. We don't live together. We just date."

Me: "I didn't know lol. Ijs."

@IamJay: "What are you saying, if you don't mind me asking? 🤔"

Me: "I assumed you two lived together or something 🤷🏽‍♀️ Oh—and thank you for checking on me."

@IamJay: "Well, I gave you the truth. And you're welcome. I hope you made all the important connections you needed tonight."

The light turned green. I set my phone down and focused on the road. Ten minutes later, I pulled into my driveway just as my phone buzzed again. I checked it once I was inside.

@IamJay: "Dang, you left me on seen lol."

Me: "Oh no—it wasn't like that. I was driving and I don't text and drive. Sorry about that."

@IamJay: "I guess I'll let you slide this time lol."

Me: "You have no choice. 😅 But seriously, I appreciate you checking on me. I'm about to get ready for bed—I'm beat. Goodnight."

@IamJay: "Okay, beautiful. Goodnight. It was really great running into you again."

I didn't reply with words, but I hearted the message.

After showering and finally getting into bed, my phone buzzed again.

Jay was on a liking spree.

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EXCUSE ALL ERRORS

I don't leave cliff hangers on purpose. They randomly happen 👀

Hit the star...
Part 5 is coming soon..