Given Black Roses

*6*

There's a company party and I don't think I'm going to go. Ever since that day Joe has been giving me hell because I won't sleep with him and to make things more awkward he started seeing Stephanie once he found out we are friends. It's weird it's like he's trying to make me jealous and I don't. I don't know if it's jealousy he was aiming for but it's laughable. I think he thinks it bothers me but it doesn't. I'm going to store him it doesn't bother me That's right I'm going and I'm going to look extra fine just to irk his nerves. Stephanie busts in my room all ready.

Her hair straightened and lay down. She went with a black dress. "Tell me you're coming?"

"I don't know. You know how Joe's been treating me, he's not nice to me at all."

"He's nice to everyone in the office as I can tell. Why wouldn't he be nice to you? What did you do to piss him off?"

What did I do to piss him off? "Seriously?"

"Well Malita sometimes you can be a bit bitchy and snobby. You should make nice with him. It will make your life a bit easier."

"Or I can just find another job." I roll my eyes.

"I don't want you to do that. We can change things for you at work. Maybe ask for a different position." She sits on the bed.

"I don't want to be associated with him at all. Don't get me wrong I can handle his attitude I just refuse to continue to be disrespected by him or anyone."

There's a horn blowing Stephanie looks at her phone. "That's Joe, he wanted us to go together."

"Me and you or you and him?"

"Well me and him and wanted you to come. Maybe he's trying to make amends."

I'm going just not right now I'm going to show up late. "You should go he's waiting on you."

She smiles, "Alright. Imma text you."

I watch as she leaves. I flip open my laptop to search for some new jobs. I'm not going to apply right now but I'm going to save them in case I need to fall back on it. I look at the clock and it's already been an hour. I put on this sexy lucious dress I bought a few weeks ago.

{dress Malita is wearing}

I finally arrive and it's a little lit. Music playing, people drinking, and some even dancing. The party was at work. He owns the building so it's only fitting. I noticed Stephanie talking Tom. There's a table with snacks and drinks. I walk over pour myself a drink. To get through this party I'm going to need it. I find a chair and sat down. I nod my head to the song playing.

Someone sits beside me, "I'm glad you came. You always uptight in the ass good to see you a little loose-fun if you know what that is."

I turn and it's Joe smirking at me in his black suit.

"See you're still an ass, so nothing has changed." I roll my eyes. I'm going to confront him, "What's your problem? What is your issue with me?"

"Issue with you? Malita you're not an issue. I solve issues."

"So you're trying to solve me?"

"What is there to solve? Sooner a later you're going to give me what I want. All ya women do eventually, your friend did as soon as I asked for it."

I scuff at him, "see that's the difference between me and other woman. I will not have any sexual encounters with you I don't care how attractive you are or how much money you have."

"So you think I'm attractive? Malita I'm a patient man to an extent. Like I said sooner or later you will give me what I want plus more. And by the way you look amazing." He sips his drink and walks away.

Why does he keep saying that? I put it to the back of my head. I decide to head home early. I stop by Starbucks for a hot chocolate. I wait in the pick up line and a familiar voice pierced my ears. I somos drop my drink when I saw her. I haven't heard her voice in years but I recognize it anywhere.   It's her.