Page 18 of Cookies and Cream

“Babe? Baby? Simon! What the hell is going on over there? Is someone trying to kill you?” I hear Layla’s voice, and I forgot I was still holding my phone.

I raise the phone to my ear and continue to back up. There’s no way I’m getting anywhere near that lunatic. Erin can claim whatever she wants to. I have cameras all over this place, including in my office. I’m a small business that deals in cash, and we can be the target of thieves if we’re not careful. Having insurance, cameras, and even bouncers on busy nights keeps my business in the black and off the news.

“Where do you think you’re going? You can’t keep rejecting me, Simon!” Erin screeches, grabbing a pair of scissors and hopping off the desk.

Before she can make it to me, I slam the door in her face and hold the knob so she can’t get out.

“Cookie, I’m gonna need you to call the police. I need to hang up so I can use both my hands to hold the door.”

I let my phone clatter to the floor, so I can hold the door. Erin is beating on the door and screaming at the top of her lungs.

“Freddie! Sal! Sammy! Somebody! Fuck!” I yell out, hoping somebody will hear me over the loud music.

Finally, Sammy comes out of the kitchen, frowning. When he sees me holding the door, he rushes over.

“What the hell is going on?”

“Call the police!”

Sammy’s eyes go wide, and he nods before he hustles back inside the kitchen to call for help.

It took about ten minutes for the cops to show up because they already patrol the neighborhood because of all of the restaurants and bars in the area. And even though Erin stopped yelling, I didn’t let go of the door knob until the cops showed up.

Of course, it wasn’t as cut and dry as them arresting Erin when they got there because of her lies. She actually told them I locked her inside my office because she wouldn’t have sex with me. She had gotten redressed before they got there. With her tears and all-American looks, they believed her stories until I volunteered to show them the surveillance video.

The police were placing Erin in handcuffs when Layla pulled into the parking lot. She jumped out of the SUV and rushed to me. Layla flung her arms around my neck and kissed me.

“Are you alright? What the hell is happening?”

“Why are you acting like she had a gun or something. She tried to attack him with her vagina. I think he’ll live.” Sal rolls her eyes and walks back into the bar.

“Wait! What? So, she wasn’t trying to kill you?” Layla asks, confused.

“It’s a long story. Let’s get a drink, and I’ll tell you all about it.”

FOURTEEN

COOKIES AND CREAM

LAYLA

The story that Simon told me about his stalker was crazy! I realized he had several admirers whenever I was at the bar, but my baby is charismatic and a flirt. However, I had no idea he had stalkers. We always joked about it, but an actual crazy chick threatening to kill him was insane. Who in the hell gets buck-naked in a bar? Anybody could’ve walked in that office. Who does that?

When the slow music starts to play, I’m brought out of my thoughts, and I stand with the rest of the audience. I turn to face the cathedral doors, and I am in awe when Tae walks through with her father. She makes a beautiful bride, but I can’t help but glance back at the man standing as a groomsman for his best friend. Simon looks like a whole meal in his light grey suit.

I have seen Simon in everything from jeans to shorts, but when he wears a suit… whew, baybay! I want to drool at the vision he makes. I hope I don’t get struck down from the impure thoughts running through my mind in this church. I had to cross myself and ask the good Lord for forgiveness.

When Tae makes it to Zane, we all face the front and have a seat. Simon is intently staring at me, and I can feel myself blush. Our eyes stay connected even while the couple exchange vows.

Simon and I continue to look at each other until it’s time for Maddox, the best man and Zane’s twin, to hand the groom the rings. The ceremony is short and sweet, and in a blink of an eye, Mr. and Mrs. Reid are jumping the broom. Everyone cheers while they make their way down the aisle. You can feel the genuine joy in the air for the two of them.

Once we make it to the reception venue, it’s all party and fun. The bachelorette party didn’t have shit on the wedding reception. I have worked up a thirst since we’ve danced to almost every song. I had to finally take a break and go to the bar for a drink while Simon and the guys are outside smoking a celebratory cigar.

“Oh, girl! I see you and Simon are cutting up tonight!” Tasha bumps my hip with hers.

I laugh at my crazy best friend because we have been burning up the dance floor tonight. It reminds me of when we were in Vegas.

“If there is one thing me and Simon can do, it’smovetogether.” I gyrate my hips in a circular motion and stick out my tongue.