Chapter 22
IMANI’s POV
The atmosphere was filled with the scent of roses and a hint of caramelized sugar. There were very few people seated; that is why I preferred to come here.
Except for the occasional clanking of cutlery and the hum of jazz that radiated around me, the world around me was quiet.
Well, mostly.
“…I never imagined he’d actually approach me! While his wife was across the room? The audacity of men sometimes…” Jay’s voice cut through the calm, then he trailed off, his gaze flickered to the door.
“And yet you're still obsessed with them.” I took a sip of the champagne.
He turned his eyes back to me “Unfortunately, I was born this way, babes.” He sighed dramatically, “You think I would choose to love such horrid creatures? Please.”
I raised a brow, “So you’re a horrid creature then?”
He gasped, feigning offense, “I am the sole hope that gender has left, and have you seen this ass?”
I rolled my eyes, “I’d rather not.”
“But a lot of men would, it's just a shame the ones I actually like are either married-“
“Or mentally unstable.” I added
He laughed, “That especially… or just unavailable.” His eyes saddened, and he glanced at the door again.
“Jay.”
“Hm?”
“Are you expecting someone?” I asked.
He straightened up, “No, why?”
“You’ve glanced at the door twice now,” I noted, “If you planned a date, then-“
He laughed, a little bit too loud, “I’m taking a break from seeing anyone babes… I don’t have the energy for their bullshit.”
I looked at him for a moment, his eyes quickly shifted to the door and back.
“I’m just looking at which celebrity walks through that door,” he said quickly, “You know how much I love gossip.”
Jay was the kind of person that would light up the room with a single smile. I had grown to love that smile.
I had seen it too many times to know that this one on his face didn’t reach his eyes.
But I said nothing about it. He never pressed me when I hid things from him, and I would return the gesture.
That’s why we’re best friends. Through the silence. The secrets. The lies. We stuck by each other.
“What events are coming up this month?” I changed the topic.
He picked up his iPad immediately, burying his face in it, “Nothing so far- well, open to the public, that is.”
“I see.”
He scrolled absentmindedly, “You know how these elites are… they have their inner circles and it comes with its perks.”
“I have no interest in joining any second-rate club.” I dismissed, sipping my glass of champagne.
“Is there any company planning a launch between this month and next month?” I questioned.
“None that I’ve heard of,” he raised a brow, “You’ve never liked going for events, so why the sudden interest?”
Because some idiot thought it was smart to trail me. “I’ve just been a little bored lately, that’s all.” I shrugged.
“Babes, I’ve known you long enough to know that you’re never just ‘bored’”
“People change, you know.” I replied, my tone light.
“Not you, babes. You’re still the same coldhearted bitch I’ve always known.” He teased.
I chuckled dryly, the memory of who I was settling in my mind.
Laura was kind, gentle, tolerant, too trusting, naïve. Utterly foolish.
She would never believe that she would become what I was today- a coldhearted bitch. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“And you’re still the same lover boy whore I’ve always known.” I smirked.
“We go so well together, don’t you agree?” his eyes twinkled.
Before I could respond, I heard a familiar voice.
“Imani?”
I turned to him, and a smile grew on my face, “I never thought I’d see you here.”
He adjusted his gold rimmed glasses, “It’s truly not my scene, but I’m glad I stopped by.”
He held a seat across from me, “May I?”
“Of course.” I smiled.
He took a seat not too far from Jay, and he was already stealing glances at him. That whore.
“I was hoping to see you one of these days.” Dwight said.
“Oh really? For another dance, I hope not?” I teased.
He laughed, “My knees can’t take anymore of that, I’m afraid.”
“Well, you don’t look weak to me.” Jay muttered, loud enough for me to hear.
He chuckled lightly, “I wanted to speak with you, actually.”
“Im sure you could have done that by now, if you wanted to.” I said.
He chuckled, “The timing wasn’t exactly… right.”
I cocked my brow, “So what changed?”
He stole a glance at Jay, and I understood.
“Jay,” I said gently, “You can take the rest of the day off.”
He turned to me, “No, it's fine, I’ll work my full hours,” then he turned slightly to Dwight, his eyes glistening “I’m very effective in my duties.”
I almost rolled my eyes, “Jay. Take the rest of the day off.” I said more firmly this time.
He reluctantly rose from the chair, “It was nice meeting you, Mr. Dwight.” He said sultrily before leaving.
His glare didn’t go unnoticed. He’ll forgive me eventually.
“He’s quite a sight for sore eyes.” He spoke.
I scoffed, “Depends on which angle you’re looking from.”
He laughed again, “Your sense of humor would add more years to my life.”
“Would that benefit me or ruin me?” I countered.
He adjusted his glasses, “I’ve taken a liking to you Imani, you’re… different.”
“How so?”
“You’re fearless, and I know it’s not out of sheer stupidity.” He gestured to a waiter.
“Are we talking about the interview or the auction?” I asked.
“That too. What a ruckus you caused.” He said as the waiter poured him a glass of wine.
We stayed in silence until the waiter walked away.
I smirked, “I see no big deal in speaking my mind, and it was impromptu at that.”
“For some reason, I highly doubt that you would go live unprepared.”
“Well, I wasn’t the only one prepared. And I have a feeling you know that.” I said.
He took a long sip of his wine, before he spoke. “I know a thing or two.”
“Way more than you let on.”
“You flatter me far too much, Imani.” He chuckled, “But yes, someone did tamper with the interview… but it's not who you’re thinking.”
My eyes narrowed slightly, “So it wasn’t Simmons?” I knew he wasn’t the only one, but I didn’t want to let that on.
“He had his part to play, but the strings are being pulled by someone else.” He said.
“And this person is…?” I questioned.
He glanced at his watch and smiled, “How about we finish this conversation another time? I fear if we keep talking, I'll miss my appointment.” He rose from the chair.
“You really love playing games, don’t you, Dwight?”
He adjusted his glasses, a sly smirk on his face, “We all need some fun here and there, wouldn’t you agree?”
I hummed, taking another sip of my champagne.
“There’s an event coming up, and I’d like you to be my plus one.” He turned to me, “The Sims industries anniversary.”
I paused. Was that when the launch was taking place? Was it Cody that sent that man?
“We can continue our conversation then.” He held my hand in his and placed a kiss.
His eyes smiled at me and he walked away.
He definitely knew things that I didn’t, and he wasn’t going to give it away that easy. I needed to stay close to him, but at a safe distance.
I left soon after, getting into the car.
“Gerald, to the apartment.”
He nodded and the car was put into ignition. Jazz music played from the radio as we drove, my mind roaming as I turned to the window.
I wish I had caught that man. I had my ways of extracting the information I needed. It wouldn’t have taken long.
And then, out of nowhere, a pink Lamborghini crashed into us.