Page 24

I glanced at him and nodded. Ms. Rachel looked at me for a minute, tapping her chin.
"Okay, got it," she finally said. "I'll bring you some water and a flight of some of our more exotic juices. Let me know if you need anything else."
I nodded again as I handed her the menu. She disappeared as quickly as she'd arrived. Embarrassed as I remembered the question I'd asked him, I let my gaze sweep around the cozy little spot. I could feel Real's eyes on me, and I did my best to ignore that. Finally, I couldn't take the silence any longer.
"Sooo..." I cleared my throat. "How did you find this place?"
He shrugged. "I know people."
"Like the hostess?"
What the fuck was wrong with me?I didn't care about these things! Once again, Montréal Hamilton was not my man! Still, when he chuckled and said, "I know her real well," I felt an unfamiliar sinking feeling in my chest. But always the actress, I graced him with my trademark half smile and a soft, "Mmm."
I'd studied for this role as hard as any chick trying to make a come-up in Hollywood. I knew better than asking questions like that—men liked mistresses who asked about and listened to them. They wanted undivided, adoring attention and I was good at faking that and a lot of other shit, too. Not that I ever had to fake with Real.Ugh!
"Why did you leave the bed last night?" he asked suddenly.
Oh, God! Where was that water? Stay cool, Everly.I'd just give him a half-ass answer and do my specialty—change the subject.
"I need my own space when I sleep. I like to move and stay cool. Now, what do you have planned for?—"
He shook his head, stopping me.
"You slept good as fuck in my arms, shorty. Don't play on my?—"
He paused as another middle-aged woman in uniform appeared. She was obviously related to Ms. Rachel; her pretty face had some of the same features.
"Word be getting around, ain't it?" Real asked, grinning.
She ignored him at first, serving our waters and flights of multi-colored juices before tucking the tray under her arm.
"You doing anything with yourself besides talking noise? Surprised a woman as beautiful and classy as this putting up with yo' nonsense," she fussed at Real.
"I ain't gone keep coming here giving y'all my hard-earned money and getting mistreated!" he complained even as his smile grew bigger.
She sucked her teeth at him, then turned toward me. Her face instantly smoothed, and she smiled.
"My name is Ramona and I'll be helping take care of you. You want a mimosa?"
"You ain't offer me a mimosa," Real objected.
"This lady needs a little alcohol to put up with you. Matter of fact, baby, I got some tequila and shot glasses if you--"
Real scoffed, shaking his head at the sassy woman.
"It ain't even noon, Mona!"
"It is somewhere. Now, stop interrupting me. I also got some nice whiskey. Unfortunately, I don't have?—"
"A license to sell liquor?" he muttered.
"I don't need a license to do the Lord's work, Montréal Hamilton."
I couldn't hold my laughter in anymore. They kept squabbling and I laughed until tears filled my eyes. Real mugged me.
"Her old ass ain't that funny."
But he smiled as he grumbled.