Page 16 of Taming a Menace

“Whatever. I’m ready when you are,” I said, giving my outfit a final glance.

Since I couldn’t think of a good excuse to back out, I followed my sister to the door and locked up before going to her car. I knew I was in desperate need to get out of the house. I hadn’t gone anywhere other than work for far too long.

Once we made it to Isis’s car, she found the perfect song. An up-tempo track by Carteay filled the air before she finally backed out of my driveway and took off into the night. As anxious as I was about going to the club, it felt good to be going somewhere for a change.

We vibed and listened to her favorite singer as we journeyed to our destination.

One of Carteay’s slower songs played, prompting me to sing along.

I loved hearing how she was ready to risk it all for the man she loved.

If only there were men who were worth taking such a risk for.

So far, I had learned that even when it didn’t feel like a risk, men were unreliable.

My whole world had been upended by one fool who didn’t know how to keep it in his pants.

After a short drive we made it to Glass, the club where the after party was being held.

I had never been to Glass, but from what I could tell from the pictures and videos I’d seen on social media, it was pretty nice.

I was grateful to see that the line wasn’t so long when we pulled up to the front of the building.

Isis was able to find a parking spot in the lot across the street, so we didn’t have to walk far.

“I see Patrice standing by the entrance,” she said as she switched the car off.

“I guess she’s waiting for us before she goes in.”

“Yeah, she texted right before we left your house and said she was pulling up. Come on,” she instructed as she climbed out of the car.

“I’m coming.”

I followed my sister to the building where we met our girl standing out on the sidewalk.

“Y’all look good as hell,” Patrice complimented as we got closer to her.

“You’re one to talk. Look at you. I love that skirt,” Isis said, referring to the pleated mini skirt our friend wore.

“Thank you. I decided to show some leg tonight. I get tired of wearing pants all the darn time,” Patrice noted.

Both she and my sister were teachers at the local tech school.

My sister had been a nursing instructor for a little over five years, and she loved it.

Patrice taught something with computers.

I was never quite sure on the details, but I loved hanging out with her.

She was fun. She and Isis were good at pulling me out of my shell.

It didn’t take long for us to clear security and get inside.

The music was loud but not so bad that my head was ringing.

I didn’t know the song that was playing which didn’t come as a surprise.

As we walked deeper into the club, I scanned the room for somewhere to sit.

The heels I’d chosen to wear were comfortable, but comfy shoes didn’t mean I wanted to stand up all night.

“I see a table over there,” I said, pointing to a section of empty tables.

“I didn’t come here to sit down all night, Iyla,” Isis fussed.

“We won’t. I just want to have somewhere to rest when I do need to sit.”

“Baby, rest is the furthest thing from my mind. I want one of these young boys in here to follow me to a hotel and let me show them the real definition of a cougar,” Patrice informed us.

“Girl, please. One of these young ass dudes will have you signing over your check to them,” Isis teased.

“I’m telling you,” I said, joining in on the laughter. “Don’t call me for a ride when you don’t know where he is in your car.”

“Whatever. Y’all are just some haters. I’m trying to get my groove back.”

“Baby, when did you lose it?” I asked her.

“Never and I don’t ever plan to.” Patrice sassed.

“Let’s get something to drink,” Isis suggested.

“I told you I’m not drinking anything else tonight,” I mentioned.

“And I told you that I’m not trying to hear that. I’m driving, and you’re going to have a good time tonight. Let’s get these margaritas flowing.”

“Ice, do not forget you’re the designated driver,” I warned.

“I haven’t forgotten. I’ve been hydrating all day, and I only had two shots back at your place. I’m still good for at least one more drink, maybe two.”

“Don’t make me have to take the wheel,” I threatened.

“Baby, Jesus has the wheel. You just make sure you’re keeping your eyes peeled for a man to keep you entertained for the night.”

We headed over to the bar and stood aside while we waited to place our orders. As we stood there, the song changed to something I actually knew. Determined to at least attempt to have a good time, I gyrated my hips and moved to the music.

“Yes, honey. This is my song,” Patrice said, joining me as I vibed to the beat.

“How may I help you beautiful ladies?” the bartender asked, drying her hands on a towel.

“Give us three strawberry margaritas,” my sister ordered for us.

“Coming right up,” she said.

I continued to dance next to Patrice as we watched the girl make our drinks. I had to admit that I was already feeling better about coming out. Isis passed the first drink to Patrice, then picked up the second one and turned to me.

“Dang, lil mama, I was just about to ask if I could buy you a drink,” a man said, grabbing my hand before I could reach for my margarita.

“No, thank you,” I said, gently pulling my hand away as I turned to dismiss him.

He wasn’t hard on the eyes, but I wasn’t here for that. I just wanted to have a good time with my girls.

“Maybe next time.” He shrugged as he moved closer to the bar.

I got my drink from Isis and immediately took a sip. It was so good. I wasn’t big on cocktails but would take a good margarita any day.

“Thank you, Ice.”

“You’re welcome, love. Let’s move over to one of those tables so I can sit down between songs until my girl comes out,” Isis suggested.

My girls and I danced our way through the growing crowd until we made it to the sitting area. There were still a couple of empty tables, so we quickly claimed one.

“Nah, sis, don’t sit down yet because your ass will never get up,” Isis said, grabbing my arm before I could sit down.

“I don’t want to hear that. As soon as my feet even act like they want to hurt, I’m sitting my ass down.”

“Well they aren’t hurting now. We just got here, and this is my song!”

“What song isn’t your song?” I asked, rolling my eyes.

I protested but joined my girls as the DJ came on the microphone reminding everyone that Carteay would be making an appearance tonight. Once the beat dropped again, the crowd went wild, including us.

I was actually having a good time. I couldn’t believe it. Just as they always do when a group of women are dancing, a couple of guys danced their way between us. One of them placed his hands on my hips, attempting to dance with me.

“I’m good. I’m just out having a good time with my girls. My man doesn’t like me dancing with other guys,” I lied.

I’d learned over the years to let men down easy. Their egos weren’t built for harsh rejection.

“That’s cool,” he said, moving over to dance with Patrice.

I took another swig of my drink and started to look around. I knew I should have gone to the bathroom before leaving home because we had just made it to the club, and I already had to pee.

“My people are saying Ms. Carteay and her team are pulling up to the building!” the DJ announced.

Knowing that my sister wouldn’t want to leave the dance floor once she was on stage, I decided that I needed to go ahead and use the bathroom while I had the chance.

“I’m running to the bathroom right quick,” I told them, placing my drink on the table.

“You want us to go with you?” Patrice asked.

“No, I’m fine. Somebody needs to make sure we don’t lose our table. I see the crowd is growing.”

“Hurry back, my girl is here,” Isis informed me.

“I will,” I assured her as I walked away.

I had to maneuver through the crowd as I made my way to the bathroom.

There were more and more people piling in.

Sweaty bodies rubbed up against me, reminding me why I didn’t enjoy the club as much as I used to.

I was relieved when I finally made it to the bathroom door.

When I opened the door, I threw my head back at the sight of three other women waiting in line to use the bathroom too.

I knew I should have come at the first inkling that my bladder was full.

I was glad that I didn’t drag my girls to the bathroom with me since there was a line.

At least the bathroom was clean. Just like the pictures depicted, Glass was a pretty nice spot.

I could see why club goers seemed to love it.

When it was finally my turn, I hurried into a stall and emptied my bladder. I finished up and washed my hands before walking back out to the dance floor. I moved toward the back to walk around the crowd instead of through it this time.

As I made my way back to my girls, I yelped as somebody wrapped their arms around me from behind. I quickly shoved at their hands as they leaned closer to speak directly in my ear. The groan that came from him sent a rumble down my spine and straight to my pussy.

Could it be?

“What’s up, Moon? What you doing here, mama?”

It was him.

It was sickening how my body responded to his mere presence. If Keywan’s voice alone didn’t flood my panties, that fucking cologne was about to drive me up the wall. The heat from his body set me on fire. Just in case I was imagining him just like I had done night after night, I turned to face him.

“Remember me?” he asked with that devilish grin that just seemed to work for him.

“How could I not?” I asked, tilting my head.

He was dressed in a plain white T-shirt and a pair of white jeans. A diamond chain adorned his neck and glistened under the dancing strobe lights. He looked so fucking good it should have been a crime. See why I had no business at the club? There was too much temptation in places like this.