Everyone stops talking after Caleb drops the food off and kisses my hand. It reminds me of the night I told them what Torance had done. Nothing good comes from my friends being this quiet, even when they are eating.

“Max, what do we owe you for the food and drinks?” Adam pulls his wallet out.

“Y’all are all paid up. The food is on the house.”

“Tell Caleb thank you.” Trey places his glass on the bar.

“Ready?” Nessa asks.

“Y’all head down to the bar, and I’ll meet you there,” Trey tells Nessa before he steps away from the group. Adam, Nessa, and Forest head out the front door.

Wes and I soon follow behind Trey when he’s ready to leave.

Per usual, when I step out on the sidewalk, Trey and Wes surround me as we walk down 6th street toward the bar. They both glance at me a few times when strangers stare at me as they pass by. I never pay attention. Not when my protectors walk on either side of me. Most of the time, I figure the people are checking out the men with me.

“This dress looks great on you,” Wes finally speaks up when we are more than halfway there.

“It's the one you guys bought. By the way, what is Zoe going to think?”

“I don’t give a flying fuck what she thinks.”

Trey turns his head toward Wes, asking a silent question. Wes doesn’t respond, at least as far as I can tell.

“Looked like it did its job at Nectar,” Trey adds, smirking. “Ow! What the fuck was that for?” Trey glances over my head.

I blush, rolling my eyes. “I’m not so sure about that, but thanks.”

Ignition is playing in the background as we’re let into the bar.

“Found them.” Wes points in the direction of the dance floor where Adam, Nessa, Forest, and a few other staff are standing around a table.

Wes heads to the bar, as Trey and I push our way toward the group. As we shove our way through the club, a guy I push against grabs my ass. I turn to see who it is, but there are too many people standing around for me to know which one I should yell at. Trey grabs my hand and pulls me through the crowd. Nessa finishes her drink and hands me and Trey ours. I take a sip and almost choke because of how strong the drink is.

“Did you get me a triple or something? Fuck!”

“I don’t think so, but I’m not sure what the waitress brought us,” Nessa replies, picking up another drink.

Adam turns and takes the glass from my hand. “That one is not for you. Nessa, you gave her the wrong one, love.” He hands me another glass with amber liquid then scans me up and down.

“Damn girl. You’re hot in that! I didn’t realize earlier. Can Nessa borrow it?” He wiggles his eyebrows.

The group laughs as Nessa shakes her head.

“She needs to be dancing in that dress.” Nessa eyes Adam and Trey.

Adam takes my hand and guides me to the dance floor. We dance to John Mayer's Slow Dancing in a Burning Room. A few men notice me on the floor, and they approach, attempting to cut in. Adam glares at each one, causing them to move along.

There are hoots and hollers all around the room. Adam’s mouth forms a tight smile as he twirls me around the floor.

“Thanks for bringing me out here. I know you’d prefer dancing with Nessa. Why don’t we head back to the table?”

“You know she’ll kill me if I don’t finish this dance with you. Calla, you know there’s no reason for you to doubt yourself. You’re gorgeous. Torrence was a fucking idiot.”

“Thanks, Adam. But you know it's not that simple.”

“I do.” He kisses the top of my head. “Come on. Let's get back to the table.” Adam spins me in the direction of the group as the song ends.

Wes

I join everyone at the table, with drinks in hand, and scan the room until my eyes land on Calla. She and Adam are leaving the dance floor. As she sidles up to our high-top, the topic of discussion among our friends and coworkers is her night on the town.

“Y’all are a bunch of asses.” Calla shoulder-checks Forest.

“Hey, we’re just happy you got out and might get some action,” Forest chuckles.

Calla flips the table off.

“Look who's talking. If anyone needs to get some action, it's you,” she retorts.

Forest leans toward Calla. “I need to head out. I told Ella I wouldn't be too late picking her up from Nonna and Gramps’ house. You going to be okay with these fuckers for the night?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Go home to that pretty little girl of yours.” She kisses Forest’s cheek before pushing him toward the exit. “See you tomorrow, Forest.”

A young waitress stops at the table and unloads another round of drinks.

“Where did these--” Calla starts to ask, but the waitress just shrugs, places her tray under her arm, and walks away.

Trey, Adam, and I glance around, searching for the person that sent the drinks over.

“It's probably from them,” I say, tilting my head in the direction of Caleb, Max, and their hostess as they slowly maneuver their way toward our table.

Calla gulps down her first drink. What's their deal with the hostess? Max gave the impression he wasn't into her, but by the way they’re acting now, I’d say they’re both with her.

“Funny meeting y’all here. Calla, would you like another?” Caleb steps to the side of Calla, sipping his own drink.

“Not yet, thanks.” Calla slips around the newcomers and moves over to stand beside Trey, who is standing on my other side.

Calla

I grab Trey’s hand, pulling him to the beat of Sean Paul's Temperature toward the dance floor. Trey pulls me to a stop not far from the table, close enough that everyone can keep an eye on me. With my boys close by, I let down my guard and enjoy the rhythm.

“So, has anyone caught your eye tonight?”

“Darlin’, you know I’m not telling you that. Besides, tonight is all about you.”

“Trey, one of these days the tables are going to turn, and I’ll be helping you with boyfriend issues.”

Trey chuckles. “Calla, Darlin’, when I find someone I need help with, I promise you will be the first to know.”

Wes

I sip my whiskey as I watch Calla dance with Trey. A few men try to cut in, with no success. Trey is most likely using his growly voice to tell them to fuck off. The song ends, and I hand over another drink to Calla as they move back to the table. Caleb and the hostess move away from our group, leaving Max with us.

“It seems Calla's making a big hit.” Adam winks at me.

“Leave the girl alone. Babe, drink up so we can head home. I’m getting tired, and I have to be at Belladonna before you do in the morning,” Nessa pipes in.

Adam gestures to the drinks filling the table. “You heard my wife. Drink up so I can head out!”

“Nessa wins. This is the last call for me, too.” Calla takes a glass and raises it. “Thanks y’all.”

The Belladonna crew clink glasses and bottles.

“Anything for you, Darlin’.” Trey gives Calla a side hug.

Another slow, sexual song begins to play, and Max steps up next to Calla. “Can I have a dance before you head out?”

Calla slips her hand in Max’s.

“You’re right. We need to bring her out more,” Trey tells me, patting me on the shoulder.

Calla glances back at us as Adam and Trey laugh, each taking another drink. I shake my head. Max cautiously leads Calla to the dance floor.

Calla

“Have you enjoyed yourself tonight?” Max places his hands on my hips as we move to the music.

Damn he has some strong arms. Makes me wonder how strong they truly are.

“Yes, actually. Is it that obvious that I'm a workaholic?”

“Not really, but Adam has made some comments about it before.”

My head falls back in laughter.

“He's such a mother hen sometimes. What else has he told you?”

“Just that you're a wonderful person that got hurt a while back. And that makes you very cautious,” Max replies.

“I’d agree with the cautious part.” I smile. “Not so sure on the wonderful. I think he gives me too much credit.”

“Well, I’d say you're pretty cool.”

“Thank you. You’re kinda cool, too.” I smirk.

Max places one hand over his heart. “Kinda? You slay me, woman.”

We both chuckle.

From the corner of my eye, I catch Wes as he pushes through the crowd. As one song ends and Lost in this Moment begins, Wes interrupts.

“May I?” Wes holds out his hand.

Max steps back, and Wes’s arms snake around my waist.

Wes

“Are you having fun?”

“Yeah, but I'm tired. After our dance, I'm going to head home.” Calla covers her mouth as she yawns.

“Come on party girl, I think it’s time to get Cinderella home. We’ll finish this dance another time.” We slowly head back to the table, and Calla attempts to collect her things.

Trey quickly pulls her purse toward him and pushes a glass of water in her direction.

“Why did y’all order more drinks?” Calla yawns again.

The guys chuckle.

“Darlin’, those are from your admirers,” Trey responds. “We’re not drinking those.”

She blushes and smiles in agreement, taking the water glass.

Max follows us out, walking next to Calla. She is in no condition to drive. However, neither am I. Not even the walk back to Belladonna will sober either of us up enough to drive home.

“Hey Trey, you grabbing an uber or are you--” I begin.

“I’m getting an uber. I’m not going to risk it. You want to share one?”

“Are you fuckers really going to call an uber?” Adam asks.

“Why wouldn’t we?” I respond.

“We’ll drive you home,” Nessa offers, snuggling into Adam.

“I’m in the wrong direction, and I was going to ask if y’all would take Calla home,” I explain.

Max leans into Calla and kisses her cheek. Tensing, I stop about fifteen feet away from her Jeep. My three friends turn to look at me, and Adam has a confused glare on his face.

“Dude! You wanted her to screw someone else, so either man the fuck up, or don't be an ass. This is exactly what you’ve been telling her to do.” Adam rolls his eyes as he chastises me.

“He's in love with her.” Trey chuckles.

Nessa sighs. “Wes, you need to tell her. You know she’s always cared for you.”

“The question is, are you still with Zoe? You keep telling me no, but have you kicked her out?” Trey demands.

“Man, I can’t do that. You know my parents would have a cow if I did.” I run a hand through my hair.

“Your fucked up reason for Calla to get laid is going to backfire. You do realize this don't you?” Adam growls. “This game you’re playing is going to bite you in the ass.”

Grimacing at their reminders, I glance over at Calla with Max.

“I know, I know. But I don’t want to be the rebound.”

“Are you fucking kidding me? Do you really think she’d do that?” Nessa gestures to Calla just as she turns toward us.

“Is everything okay?” Calla calls out.

“Yeah, we’re good,” I tell her.

“Alright. I’m taking Max home, since he’s on my way.”

“Are you sure you should be driving?” Trey asks her.

“I can let Max drive, if that makes you feel better. I’m not sure how many drinks you guys had, so if one of you wants to crash at my place, you can.”

“Ugh. Trey, instead of taking an Uber, can you go with her, please?” I beg.

“Yeah.” Trey jogs over to Calla’s Jeep as I blow out a deep breath.

Calla walks around to the passenger side and ducks into the small back seat. Trey and Max slip into the Jeep, and they take off.