One night in Manhattan

To the window...to the wall

Shelby, being caught off guard by the woman's voice and boldness adjusted her stance to see Fatima more closely allowing Zac to move past her. He breathed a sigh of relief. "Yea let's go." He said walking away from Shelby never bothering to turn back. He could hear Shelby calling his name but he kept walking. He and Fatima made it back to the dance floor and she tried taking his mind off what happened by dancing sillily in front of him. He smiled softly but when Lauren joined in making it a sandwich, he couldn't help but smile and dance along with the girls. Another song played and Lauren quietly dipped out, going from dance partner to cameraman. They were having such a good time that they'd all forgotten about Shelby's antics. A crowd started forming around Zac and Fatima as they danced watching in jealousy as the two moved perfectly in sync. Shelby noticed the growing crowd and fought her way to the center to see what was going on. The moment she saw Zac holding Fatima's waist she was pissed. She along with her Rum punch in hand tried to step between Zac and Fatima but Zac swatted her away gently not realizing who it was. Lauren on the other saw clear as day who it was and pushed her hard out of the way. She shook her head at Shelby letting her know that she was not the one to try. Not getting the clue, Shelby steps forward again. This time, Zac did see her. "bro Not this again. Forreal Shelby go somewhere."

"You think you special don't you?" she snarled at Fatima. "You're just another whore. There will be another you next week." Fatima didn't say anything. She was waiting to see how Zac handled it. "Fatima. I apologize. Just give me a sec." He stepped closer to Shelby who clearly thought she won. "Say another fucking thing to her and I promise I will make your life hell. Leave me the fuck alone Shelby." Zac turned away looking for Fatima so they could exit. Lauren was already by her side. He took Fatima's hand and they began walking toward the door. They'd only taken three steps before he felt ice-cold liquid on his back. Shelby grabbed her drink from the table beside her and launched it on him. Well, them. Fatima felt it too and Lauren's face told both of them that she was ready to pop off. "Nope Zac. Let her have it. Just keep walking" Fatima coached as they continued to make their way to the exit. Her arm was tied into his to make sure he stayed by her side.

In the parking lot, Lauren and Fatima walked over to the car allowing Zac some breathing room to cool off.

"Fatima." Lauren said in a tone that only Fatima understood.

"Not now Luar."

"Then when? It's obvious.."

Fatima cut her eyes at her best friend. "Not. Now." She said bringing the conversation to an end before it could really begin.

Of the trio, Lauren was currently the most inebriated. Fatima was more of a smoker, so she babysat her two drinks all evening and then there was Zac who had only taken one shot and a beer. He was the designated driver for the evening.

"Hey. You alright?" Fatima asked when she spotted him heading back towards them.

"Yea. I'm sorry about that y'all. Fatima. I'm sorry you got drink thrown on you."

"Zac, you're good. You ain't know she was gonna do all that."

"Yea you right. My bad y'all. I just needed some air. If y'all wanna go back inside, we can. I'm not about to let that ruin the night."

They were having a good time inside, but they knew the vibes wouldn't be the same after that show. Fatima checked the time on her phone, It was 1am. "I have a better idea. Let's go to the chicken spot. I'm starving." Lauren agreed and Zac thought it was best also. "Iight bet. Lemme go let J know we out." The girls accompanied him back inside saying their goodbyes. Out the corner of her eye, Lauren spotted Shelby again. This time she was drunkenly grinding on some man in the wall. Fatima peeped too but neither said anything. Jordan and Jamar hugged the ladies and were sad to see the trio go. They had no idea what transpired between Zac and Shelby and Zac was glad. He didn't want to bring down anyone's mood. But an audible gasp from the crowd brought the attention over to where she was. Shelby projectile vomited on a few people in the party. Jordan ran over to the scene to inspect it further. Zac simply shook his head and left, not even checking to see if she was alright. He no longer cared.