Reach (Love Me Now Series #2) | Complete

👑 Chapter 20 👑

Markey's POV

When we pulled up at the restaurant, Lacey and Chaz were already there.
I walked up to the maître d of the restaurant and said,"I have a reservation for four under the name of Monroe."

The maître d asked if I meant six. He said that they had received a call earlier today saying that Mr. Monroe would be adding two extra people to his reservation.

Something was off. Who would call and say that I wanted to add two extra people. Since they made the call, it seems as if they were planning to show up. I decided to just get along with it. I wanted to see who had the audacity to interrupt my date.

When we neared the table we saw Marley. As soon as she spotted us she began waving.

"Hi everyone, it's about time yall got here. Brent and I have been waiting for you guys. I told you I would be seeing you soon."

"Leya, it had to be you. How did you even find out about the date tonight?" It all makes since now. She must have gotten Brent to do her dirty work.

"Oh dear brother, do you think that I have no mind at all? Do you think that I can't tell when you are hiding something from me?"

"You are definitely not capable of telling when I am hiding something from you. I am hiding something from you as we speak and you still haven't noticed that it's missing."

"If you tell me what I'm missing and give it back, I will tell you how I found out about tonight."

"I have the key that you made to my house, here. Now spill."

"I was on the phone with Leigh when you were getting ready to go."

"Ok, the fun time is over. It's time for you to go."

"No, let her stay. Your sisters are such good company. Besides, I want to tell her all about the fashion show you took me to tonight."

"You took her to the fashion show!?! I asked you to bring me a million times and you always say no. What's going on here Key? I'm so jelly!"

"Can the two of you stop talking to each other? I only want Mariah to talk to me."

"Oooh Rye-doll, you're in big trouble. Have you still not given my brother your number yet? Is that why he is so cranky?"

"Nope, and he won't be getting it any time soon."

"Ok so don't give me your number. How about you just come warm my bed instead?"

"Ok so that is very awkward coming from my brother's mouth. And now I understand why you nickname is Key. Even though it seems as if Key needs some WD 40 to crack this lock."

"Ok so I have heard you guys refer to him as Mark, Markey, and Key. What is the difference?"

"Actually his name is Markey. As in Markey and Marley. Leigh and I grew up calling him Mark. Whereas these few call him Key."

"So Key is just a nickname."

Where was she going with this?

"Yes, just like Mark."

"I can see where Mark comes from, but why Key?"

I had to find a way to keep that bit of information from coming to light....

Luckly, someone's phone began going off.

Mariah pulled her phone out of her purse and answered.

"Hello?
Yeah this is Rye.
You want me to meet you where?
Yeah that's fine. In about 5 minutes? Yeah, I'm not that far.
I can't wait to see you.
Love you, bye."

I only caught her side of the conversation and the fact that she was talking to a guy. Whoever he was, I didn't like him. Mariah was mine, and I was going to make sure he knew that.

When the phone call ended, Mariah wouldn't meet my eyes. When she finally did, her gaze was filled with guilt.

The waiter came around to take our orders. While everyone was ordering their food, I grabbed Mariah's hand. When she turned to look at me, she had a determined look in her eyes.

"I know that this isn't exactly what you had planned for the night, but I have to go. I truly have been having a great time, but..."

"I understand, you have something else to do." She was bailing on me, and I would be lying if I said that my ego didn't take a hit.

"Actually, I don't quite think you do. I'm not ready for the night to end, but I have to do something right quick. Would it be too much to ask for you to give me a ride, but in a bigger vehicle?"

It seemed as if she were deliberately holding back a bit of information. I knew that she was going to go get some guy, but maybe I should tag along and check out the competition.

"Nothing is ever too much for you."

I turned to the rest of the group at the table, "You guys go ahead and enjoy the rest of your meal. Mariah and I are going to go run an errand right quick, can we switch cars Chaz?"

"Yeah sure," he said as we switched keys.

"Is that your new way of saying yall going do the nasty?"

Mariah turned beet red. Lacey looked at her with a smirk on her face. Marley just looked at me like that was really a question. The whole time, Chaz and Brent were laughing like the baboons they are.

"Jesus Leya, is your head always stuck in the gutter? You are worse than me. Actually, although that does sound like a good idea, Mariah asked me for a favor. Before you ask, it's not that kind of favor. Hopefully though, she can pay me back with that kind of favor."

The last part was just to see the look of shock on Mariah's face. She did not disappoint.

"I had a great time with you guys tonight but I'm afraid I really must be going. Bye."

She ran out like the restaurant was on fire.

"You guys are truly horrible," Lacey said.

"I'm only letting her know what I like. She will be mine someday and she might need a few hints."

With that I walked out to the restaurant. Mariah was waiting by the car. I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her.

"Sorry doll, I just get caught up in my own jokes sometimes. I didn't mean to embarrass you."

"I'm not embarrassed per say. It's not like sleeping with you would be a chore. If it's something you truly want though, you're going to have to work for it. You don't expect me to open my legs after one date did you? Close your mouth hun, I'm not as innocent as I seem."

This girl was feisty and I loved it.