Keep you to myself, p.13
Keep You To Myself, page 13
From the outside looking in, every woman wanted the lifestyle men showed them they could have; not the one they actually lived. Torin thought for sure Vince would scale back after Don’s trip up state, but by the looks of it, he had no plans to. The flashiness and being on the scene was what ultimately had his boy booked and sentenced.
“You probably right.” Vince chuckled. “You been good, though?”
Whenever she came in contact with anyone close to Don, especially one of his niggas, they always asked how she’d been. The truth was, they knew exactly how she was living: like the boss ass woman she was. Some genuinely cared, like Vince, but Torin knew they were reporting her status to Don. Torin didn’t need him checking for her unless he had a check for her.
“Yep. Your mom ordered some plates from me the other day,” she said.
“Word? And she ain’t even say shit. I’ma have to hit you up for a lil’ something I got coming up.”
Now, he was talking her language.
“Okay. Just let me know when.”
“Bet. I’ma hit you up on Instagram.”
Torin nodded and Vince went on his way. She was thankful he hadn’t asked for her number. Between Chelsea and DJ, she knew one of them had probably given Don her new number. He hadn’t reached out, per her request, over a year ago, so she was grateful for that.
“Girl, Vince is such a hoe,” Leighton said, coming to stand by her.
Torin snickered. “What’s new, honey? Who were you chopping it up with?”
“That nigga Nudy’s fine ass. He been on me heavy ever since I saw him at the Future concert some months back.”
“You know I don’t care for men with hair, but he’s fine.”
“Mhm. Real mothafuckin’ fine. You want another drink?”
Torin nodded her head. Chatting with Vince had made her sober up some. Before they could get out of the section and head to the bar, the DJ decided to turn up on them one time. As soon as they heard the piano keys at the beginning of “Pop It”, the duo stayed planted where they were.
Sexily, Torin rolled her hips before putting an arch in her back and doing exactly what the song said. Her low-sitting, sleek, twenty-four-inch ponytail draped over her shoulder as she put on a show. Torin wasn’t new to clubbing. She and Leighton had experienced the nightlife early in their adult years. As they ventured into their respective careers and focused on what really mattered, it became less appealing.
Right now, though, they were turning the fuck up. Almost every woman in the building had the same posture as Torin until Megan Thee Stallion’s verse came on. There were certain lines you could only shake ass to, and others you rapped word for word and did both.
“Young bitch lit, you know I’ma shake sum’. If he got money, you know I’ma take some.” Leighton meant every word as Torin followed up with the next line.
“Whoever I’m fucking these bitches want next. You eating my leftovers, that’s not a flex,” she rapped.
Bitches ain’t fuckin’ with me and this jewelry.
Holding up her iced-out wrist, the diamonds on her Audemars danced. She ran her fingers over the diamond Cuban link chain around her neck and smiled brightly. Torin had a healthy spending habit on kitchen appliances, house decor, and jewelry. That was okay with her, though, because she could afford it. Her jeweler, Naaziq, looked forward to seeing her face at least once a month.
The day party looked like a nightclub as everyone turned up. Across the way, in another section of the lounge, Jade, Simone, and some of their homegirls were tossing back shots of D’Ussé. Jade was on her third one, needing to keep the high Silas sent her out of the door on. She almost didn’t want to leave, but had already been assigned as the designated driver.
“I’m so mad my baby daddy and his friends are here,” Simone fussed.
Jade used a napkin to wipe her mouth. “I don’t know why you thought he wouldn’t be. He has to keep his eyes on you,” she snickered.
“And I’m trying to keep my eyes on that.”
Lust dripped from Simone as she licked her lips. Jade didn’t know which man she was talking about; there were too many in the vicinity. Yet, the one who caught her attention was just the one she wanted to see.
“Look at all them fucking tattoos on him. Whew. Got a bitch hot.” Simone chuckled, fanning herself.
Jade almost broke her neck. “Um, no.”
“What you mean no? Ma’am, you’re married, not blind. You can’t tell me he isn’t good looking.”
Actually, Jade could tell her much more about Synovi besides his looks. The thing about sneaking around in her marriage was that she had to do just that. She hadn’t even told her sister that she stepped out on Silas and she’d never regretted it until this moment. Showing her hand would mean she’d have to confess about her affair, which she never planned to do. Jade was taking this with her to the grave.
She gulped the water she’d asked for and cleared her throat. “Yeah, he’s handsome. Looks way too young, though.”
“Not to me,” Simone chirped.
Her sister's thirsty behavior had Jade ready to knock her upside the head. She couldn’t lie, though, Synovi looked delectable in the clothes she’d just bought him earlier that week. The white Polo crewneck and denim jeans were simple, yet Synovi made it look like a million bucks. The white and red Pumas on his feet wouldn’t be as clean once he left the function, but there were more where they came from. A single gold bracelet, a gift from GiGi, slightly dangled from his wrist and he sported a fresh haircut.
Jealousy bubbled in her gut as she noticed a few women gawk at him. They did it boldly, too, yet Synovi paid them no mind. His gaze was transfixed on the beauty making her way through the crowd, in his direction.
Torin was the type of pretty that captured your attention beyond looks. You could feel her aura as she passed you or entered your space. A few people stopped her on her way to the bar, and Synovi could’ve sworn he felt his heart pound a bit quicker when she smiled brightly and laughed at something he figured was beyond funny.
He looked on as she tapped Leighton, whispered in her ear, and they snickered together. Synovi wanted to know what was so amusing so he could repeat it just to see her enchanting grin.
You trippin’, he thought as she and Leighton finally made it to the opposite end of the bar. From his position, Synovi had a clear view of her fit and he nodded his head at the nice switch up of attire he’d previously seen her in. Gone were her lounge, comfortable clothing. Torin figured if she was getting out of the house, she might as well show some skin and enjoy the warm weather KC decided to bless them with for the weekend.
The end of her lightly frayed denim shorts played peek-a-boo with the cuffs of her butt cheeks. Her white, backless body suit had her breasts sitting lovely, while the red, white, and blue Fendi Mania logo boots set the look off. They stopped right at her calves.
“Whoever that girl is, got him in a trance,” Simone whispered in Jade’s ear.
Weirdly, both sisters were still watching Synovi’s moves. Simone for her own personal reasons, and Jade because… well, why the hell not? She, too, wanted to know who Torin was and why Synovi hadn’t broken his concentration.
Waiting for her drink to be made, Torin aimlessly peered around the lounge. Eerily, she felt eyes on her and began searching for the culprit. Her head swiveled to the left, spotting Synovi immediately. While his height would’ve been the main reason he stood out, that wasn’t the case this time.
He’d garnered the attention from the ladies due to his fine ass ducking away in the corner, trying to keep a low profile. Torin couldn’t help but chuckle at the relaxed scowl she was sure he didn’t know he was rocking. It was so damn sexy, she had to lick her lips.
“Oop. Ain’t that your lil’ friend,” Leighton jested.
“Mhm. I’ma go speak.”
Leighton sipped her drink. “He looks like he doesn't want anyone in his space.”
“Anyone but me. I’ll be right back.”
Saying excuse me more than a few times, Torin finally squeezed through the crowd , until she stood directly in front of Synovi. It took everything in her not to bury her face in his chest and latch on to him like a newborn to a tit.
Why does he always smell so good? My God!
Regardless of his minimal funds, Synovi never lacked on his appearance or hygiene. That was one thing he would never sacrifice. Plus, he knew how to make shit stretch and last. He smelled of Boss Hugo Infinite and marijuana. The mixture was intoxicating and had Torin feeling tipsier than the liquor in her cup.
“Hi,” she beamed.
Synovi chucked his chin upward. “What’s good?”
“I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”
“I wouldn’t expect you to see me anywhere.”
Torin shifted her weight to one side and pursed her lips. “We being mean today, or do you still have manners?”
Synovi smirked and her clit produced a heartbeat of its own.
“Nah. I ain’t trying to be mean to you. Who you here with?”
Torin looked over her shoulder for Leighton. She was still in the same spot with Nudy back in her face.
“My best friend. You?”
“Couple niggas I’m coo’ with. Thought you had a lot to get done before Easter on Sunday,” he reminded her.
Torin’s eyes brightened. She’d mentioned having to do so much to prepare for the holiday and the influx of orders she’d received. Plus, other engagements.
“Not you remembering I said that and calling me out.” She chuckled.
“I don’t forget much. Only things that don’t matter.”
“Oh. So, I matter to you?”
“You can try to.”
His answer was more honest than she needed or expected. It damn near made her want to take a step back from him, but she was stuck in place. In his presence, planted, captivated by his allure. Torin felt like a goofy for not wanting to move.
“I’ll remember that for later. You not drinking?” Torin asked, noticing he didn’t have a cup in his hand.
“I don’t drink like that.”
“So, what do you do?”
“Torin.”
The way he lowly grumbled her name made her body shudder. She giggled as her frame literally quivered in front of him.
“Boy, don’t say my name like that. I almost forgot I promised to keep things professional between us.” She laughed, and Synovi put an end to the sound immediately.
“Promises can be broken.”
Torin blinked twice and thirstily searched for her straw with her mouth. She missed it a few times, too focused on Synovi staring at her. Those damn eyes.
“Relax. I’m just fucking with you.”
Yeah, okay, she thought and swallowed the lump that formed in her throat.
“Mhm. What are you doing when you leave here?”
“You nosey like your sister. Y’all must've inherited that trait from y’all mama.”
Torin sniggered. “Actually, I got mine from my daddy. Thank you very much. What’d yours give you? Impatience?”
“I wouldn’t know. Never met the nigga.”
“Oh,” Torin exclaimed. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Don’t be. Why you wanna know what I’m doing, though?”
Glancing to her left, Torin noticed Jade still staring at them. She peeped her the minute she invaded Synovi’s space, and she’d been tuned in since. Torin was seconds away from walking over to their section and asking her what the issue with her eyes was, but then it hit her.
“Your mama has been mean mugging me since I walked over here,” she joked.
Synovi frowned. He knew his mama hadn’t brought her ass to a day party and she couldn’t even handle her responsibilities as a parent.
“What?” he pressed, following where she was looking. His nostrils flared when he noticed Jade crazily staring them down. “That ain’t my damn mama.”
“Could’ve fooled me.” Torin chuckled and focused back on him.
She made Synovi do the same as she used her index finger to turn his head. Whoever she was, clearly had an issue, but that had nothing to do with Torin.
Jade saw red. Actually, red and blue lights as she struggled to contain her anger. She was sure she’d be going to jail if she acted on her urges and smashed a bottle across Torin’s head. Since she couldn’t do that and cause a scene behind a man who wasn’t her husband, she pulled her phone out to send him a text.
Jade: Really, Synovi? You just gon’ have that bitch in your face like that while I’m right here.
Her leg bounced as she waited for him to acknowledge her message. Feeling his phone vibrate, Synovi grabbed it from his pocket, glanced at the screen with no expression, and slid it back into its place. Jade chuckled angrily and stood up from the couch.
“Where you going?” Simone asked.
“To speak to someone. I’ll be right back.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Synovi saw her walking in their direction. Jade’s eyes were trained on him, and the look he gave her made her stop dead in her tracks. She’d never seen him look at her with such disgust since they’d met. Synovi wanted her to walk over to them if she had the guts. He was going to ignore her ass like she claimed her husband did.
Taking the hint, Jade pivoted and headed toward the restrooms. “Why would he embarrass me like that?” she hissed as angry tears filled her eyes. “And who the fuck is that bitch all in his face?”
Jade didn’t have an answer to either question, but she promised she’d be getting one before the night was over.
With his mood almost ruined completely, Synovi gave his attention to Torin, who still hadn’t left his side. He didn’t know what it was about her, but he didn’t mind the way she seemed to insert herself into his life. So far, it seemed she was in it for the better.
“I’m not taking a shot, man,” Synovi said as the bartender went to fetch two shots of tequila.
She’d gotten him to move away from the wall and sit with her at the bar. They’d been there all of ten minutes and she was trying to get him to loosen up.
“My name isn’t man, and okay, fine. Glad to know you’re not easily influenced.” She chuckled.
The glasses were slid in front of them with two lime wedges on a saucer.
“You taking both?” Synovi questioned.
“If I take both, you’ll be driving me home.”
It was a joke, but obviously Synovi didn’t find humor in it. “Good thing I know where you live.”
Torin eyed him before picking up one of the glasses. Tossing it back, she grimaced and stuck her tongue out.
“Whew. I’m giving this other one to Leighton.”
She swiveled in her seat in search of her. Whatever she and Nudy were discussing had them in a deep conversation before he realized Torin was trying to get his attention.
“Yo’ girl calling you,” Nudy said, nodding his head Torin’s way.
Leighton looked behind her and said, “Let me go see if she’s good.”
“A’ight. I’m ’bouta head out. You straight?”
She smirked. “Always.”
Watching Nudy’s back as he maneuvered through the crowd that parted and made room for his departure, Leighton confirmed what she already knew. I’ma run that nigga’s pockets for sure. It was the only logical thing to do since he’d taken up her time. Fair was fair.
“Leigh. Come take this shot,” Torin said as she approached them.
“Oh, lawd,” Leighton tittered. “You know I’ve been drinking clear. Why didn’t he take it?”
“I don’t drink,” Synovi answered.
“Good to know.” Leighton tossed the shot back with ease and didn’t frown at all. Instead, she smiled and said, “I’m guessing you two made up from the stunt she pulled.”
Torin playfully rolled her eyes. “Let’s leave the past in the past, shall we? That’s old news, right?”
When she turned on the barstool to face him, Synovi couldn’t help but nod and agree. “Yeah. Time to give her somethin’ new to talk about.”
Torin hated she couldn’t decipher the true meaning behind his words. She was grateful he was talking, though, so she’d listen to whatever he had to say. It didn’t matter if it made sense or not.
When commotion from the back patio tried making its way inside the lounge, Synovi hopped up from his seat. He was already stuck in a corner and didn’t want to be there if the fight escalated. Sensing his urgency to head out, Torin climbed from her chair as well, stumbling in the process. Synovi’s eyes met her glossy ones.
“Where yo’ keys at?”
“My purse.”
“Hand ’em here.”
He’d asked her to do one thing while he did another. Pulling her through the lounge and gang of people who decided to stay until shit jumped off, Synovi glanced around to see if he could spot Jade and D’Marco. Her eyes were on him like he was her prey. It was eating her alive, not knowing who Torin was or what she meant to him.
Nodding his head toward the exit, Jade took that as him wanting to speak to her, so she began gathering her things to head out as well. The truth was, Synovi was motioning for her to leave before things got crazy. She had more to lose if gunfire erupted.
“Aye, boah,” D’Marco called out to Synovi. “You good?”
“Yeah. I’ll get up with you niggas later on.”
D’Marco gave him a head nod and they slapped hands before parting ways.
“How do I know I can trust you to drive her home?” Leighton quizzed as they finally made it through the crowd and outside.
The front of the lounge was still packed with partiers as well as the parking lot. Thanks to daylight saving, the sun wouldn’t set for another hour or so.
“You can’t. Just know you’ll see her later,” Synovi said, making Leighton dramatically place a hand on her chest.
“Well, excuse the fuck out of me.” She laughed. “Torin, you sure he’s all the way together up there?”
Playfully, Torin ran a hand over the back of Synovi’s head, loving his soft waves. “Feels like it, but we’ll see. You leaving?”
“Girl, yeah. About to see what Nudy is on.”
“Okay. Be safe. Love you.”
