In fact, I have a ring waiting back at home and was hoping to propose this weekend when we had our date. The one I finally got you to agree on after you got fired. I was so sure this was going to be our time. You don’t need to make a lot of money, and you know that. I wanted you, for life, Melody, but I should’ve known you always wanted work more than anyone.”
I look around, entirely uncomfortable with the conversation now. I wish someone would come and save me from this. “I . . . I didn’t even think you were in love with me . . . “ I can’t find anything else to say, and I don’t know if it’s the right thing. Of course, I feel bad for crossing my signals and for hurting him, but this really is out of left field.
He throws some cash down on the table that will probably more than pay for the meal and stands up, his anger out of control. Though, he must know it since he’s preparing to leave. “You’re an emotionally absent, fucked up, bitch, and I only say it because I care enough to wake you up. Not everything is work, and you can’t save kids if you can’t save yourself.”
Chapter Two
Mikel
I walk in the door and spot Ion, already having found a spot to sit and fade into the background a bit at this party.
Though Ion is younger and our upbringing was markedly different, there’s something that makes us kindred spirits. Neither of us likes all the pomp and circumstance. I don’t mind letting loose every once in a while, and I even get energy from being around all these people, in costumes, celebrating what Mariana and I have cooked up. I just don’t like to get involved in the fake conversations, the shallow flirtations. I like the simpler things.
And that’s why, even as much as this party for Hopeful Futures has to do with me, I make a beeline for the king of the Clans and take a seat across from him, lounging comfortably as he nods to me.
“Mikel, it’s been too long.” He actually sounds like he means it, and I give him a smile as he passes me a cigar, lighting both mine and his.
I take in a drag, enjoying the smooth flavor and the slow buzz it gives me. I cross a leg over my knee and relax into the conversation that comes naturally, which is, luckily, nothing business related.
That’s the other thing about Ion, he knows where business belongs. Even though this party is for a charity, it’s still a party.
And it’s the one thing I enjoy about being here in the States; some time off. My trusted associate, Amo, makes sure, as much as he can, that what I’ve left behind runs smoothly. A man from one of the local tribes I’d given a job, which has afforded his family a better life. And I could trust the man with my life.
“How has life been for you in South Africa? A little slower than in New York.”
I chuckle and shake my head. “Some may see it that way, and I guess it’s true. But there’s still drama, just different.”
Ion nods and takes a drag of his own cigar. “What about the women?”
I shoot him a look, and he knows it’s a loaded question. His laughter tells me even more that he knows. He’s poking fun at me, as a friend and as my boss.
I’ve always known it’s been expected of me to provide an heir for my Clan, and technically, I did that. Or at least, I tried. Whether or not that heir will ever take my place, I can’t say. And I likely won’t know while I am alive. Though, the situation with Willow gave us both hope, but it had been a few years since either of us had mentioned something.
And since, I haven’t even attempted to be with a woman for more than a nameless single night.
“You know how women and me are. And now that I’ve got all this gray hair, well, my prospects are dwindling.” The words are bitter, but they come out with a comical tone. I’ve accepted that as a part of my life.
“You would be surprised. There are women who like that kind of thing.”
I try not to react at the strange moment right after, when Mariana makes her way to us, in some black number that makes her