A Whole New World (Minnelli Family Series book 2)

One Last Time

Mélissaire "Missy" Devereaux
Early December; championship day

I left Hope and her boyfriend at the hotel so I could get a good seat for them. After the drama surrounding Antonio, I decided to skip Jaguar Walk altogether. I was still embarrassed. Plus I didn't want to see him. I don't know what made me think we could be with his reputation.

"You seem distracted girl...what's on your mind?" Hope sat down in her seat next to me.

"In a way, I am. I don't know how I got caught in Antonio's web. It all happens so fast." I spoke honestly as the team ran out on the field.

"It's complicated but I can see why you're hurt. He didn't tell you even though he knew you and Lynn were cool. But she was foul as hell for fighting you. I know in my heart that you wouldn't have slept with him again had you known their history. That's just girl code." Hope twisted her lips in disgust. "Men aren't always going to give you a laundry list of who they've dated and to think so is unrealistic. If you want nothing to do with Antonio, do it because you really want Deion and not because you're trying to get over Ant. Neither man really deserves the back and forth. And neither do you. Don't forget that." she gave me a hug and we turned our attention to the field.

It's the last 10 seconds of the championship game. Jaguars are tied with the Wolves at 10. Antonio hadn't been able to break free all game. Our quarterback, Xavier Underwood, threw up the ball in Antonio's direction. He caught it and took off full speed to the end zone! TOUCHDOWN! 16-10 JAGUARS WIN!! Hope and I grab each other, screaming in excitement. The band breaks out in fight song and the crowd goes crazy. The football team runs on the field.

"Are you going to the after party before I sell this ticket?" Hope asked me once we were back at the hotel. I nodded my head and left their hotel room. Hope knew I was going to sit this party out. I showered and laid down. If I was serious about letting Antonio go, I had to stop going where I knew for a fact he was going to be.

Antonio Minnelli

When Missy told me she was done with me because of my ex, I knew she was just bluffing. I mean I thought she was bluffing. I pulled up to the party alone. Amiri was with his girl and my parents were flying back to Louisiana in the morning. I combed the crowd for that familiar pineapple Afro. But no matter where I looked, she was nowhere to be found.

"Looking for someone?" Lynn came up behind me in the hallway of the venue.

"You already know I don't fuck with you."

"We had something good though. You act like you can't forgive one outburst." She whined. "We can't even be friends?"

"Nah I had already made up in my mind that I was over you. Jumping people because we have something going on and I'm not your man is desperate."

"You made me this way. I was fine before we fucked."

"I haven't slept with you in over a year. I have no ties to you. Let me go because I for damn sure let you go." I pushed past her and headed for the party again.

"Hope! Where's ya girl?"I stopped at her table. I dapped hands with her dude or whatever before taking a seat.

"She said she was going to stay at the hotel. She's tired."

"I feel there's a double meaning in that."

"That's for you to interpret. Not me." Hope nodded her head and I dismissed myself.

*omniscient view*
Antonio didn't stay at the party long after speaking with Hope and Eric. He didn't see any women worth taking back to his hotel. His mind and body yearned for one person. He went up the stairs, worked his charm and got in the lobby with no problem. Pressing the elevator number for the 3rd floor, he suddenly felt nervous.