“ARSEHOLE!” I shove him.
“What?” He giggles.
“You know damn well what detective,” I snap back at him as I grab my boots.
“Oh, come on. I’m just messing with you,” he pleads.
“Two can play that game,” I smirk at him as I slip my boots on.
“Camilla-” I cut him off.
“Shall we make a move, detective?” I throw back at him.
“Yes, of course,” he smirks.

Pulling up at my building, I see Kay pacing back and forth, chewing on the end of her thumb through the window of my apartment.

“That doesn’t look good,” Jonathan says, leaning over and looking through my window.
“For Kay that is a full-blown shit fit.”
“I’ll walk you up,” he winks at me as he slips out of the car.

Standing outside my building doors, its déjà vu. A soft smile creeps across Jonathan’s face as he leans in to kiss me. As his lips get closer to mine, I hear a familiar voice interrupt, and my stomach stinks immediately.

“Detective Harris,” Sterling calls from the bottom of the stairs.

Jonathan looks at me confused before it registers on his face who it is. As he turns, I grab at his shirt in an attempt to keep him with me, but I’m not fast enough, and he slips through my fingers.

“Sterling Darcy, how are you, man?” His tone is friendly as he meets Sterling halfway, pulling him into a hug and patting him on the back.

I reluctantly walk down the stairs, and, standing next to Jonathan, I take his hand. I try not to make eye contact with Sterling, but I can feel his gaze on me as he steps back from Jon.

“I’m not too bad, detective. What about you? What brings you to this neck of the woods?” He looks at me and smiles.

“I’m good, I could ask you the same thing, man,” he chuckles. “I’m dropping my girl off at home,” Jonathan looks down at me and winks.

“Oh, what a gentleman you are, detective.” Sterling’s words are spiteful, but he tries to cover it with a friendly tone.

“What are you doing here?” Jonathan’s gaze leaves me and moves back to Sterling.
“I live here, right, Camilla?” Sterlings tone almost boastful.

I don’t say anything, instead look up at Jon whose expression is one of confusion.

“Oh, wow! Small world”
“It is, isn’t it?” Sterling smirks at me before looking back at Jon.
“So, how do you know each other?” Jonathan’s question sounded more suspicious than curious.
“We’re friends, right, Camilla?” Sterling looks at me, smiling.
“Neighbours. We live across the hall from each other.” I look up at Jon trying to reassure him, but he doesn’t look at me.
“Oh, we are more than that, Cami,” Sterling replies suggestively.
“Camilla?” Jonathan looks down at me.

“We’re just friends. I’ve known him since I moved here,” I look at Jonathan. “Nothing more,” I state, glaring back at Sterling.

“Ouch Cami, I’m hurt,” Sterling says in a teasing tone. “I would have thought it would be more like friends with b-“. I cut him off before he can continue.

“Jonathan, let me walk you to your car,” I smile up at him.

“That won’t be necessary, Melek but thank you anyway,” his eyes fixed on Sterling. “What were you going to say, Sterling?”

Panic sets in and I squeeze his hand tightly, causing Jonathan to pull his gaze away from Sterling to me. Walking past Sterling, I pull Jonathan behind me and head towards his car. I can feel his reluctance, but he doesn’t fight me. I look back at Sterling, who is standing there with a smug look on his face. Once at the bottom, I turn and face Jonathan who looks annoyed but more confused than anything.

“Is there something going on between you and Sterling?” He asks quietly.
“No, nothing, Jonathan,” I smile softly at him.

My stomach twists into knots. I don’t want to lie to him, but I don’t want him finding out from Sterling of all people. This is something I want to tell him myself.

“Has anything ever happened between you?” His eyes searched mine.
“No,” I shake my head nervously.
“Ok,” he sighs, leaning in, kissing my forehead.

I almost puke when he does this. He’s kissing a liar.

“I’ll let you go. Kay needs you,” he smiles.
“Thank you for last night and breakfast this morning. I had a lot of fun.” I stretch up on my tiptoes and kiss his cheek.
“You’re welcome, Melek,” he winks at me.
“I’ll talk to you tonight, ok?”
“Definitely.” He replies, pushing the hair that’s fallen on my face behind my ears and quickly pinching my nose between his fingers.
“I’ll see you around, Sterling” Jonathan calls over my shoulder.
“Yeah, you too, Detective,” Sterling replies through a smarmy grin.

I stand on the sidewalk, watching Jonathan as he walks to his car. Opening the driver’s door, he stops, smiles, and blows me a kiss before getting in. It’s at this point that I feel Sterling standing close next to me. 

“What did you tell him?” He says through a fake smile, waving to Jonathan.
“Nothing, arsehole!” I snarl at Sterling while waving to Jonathan. “Now step the fuck back.”
“I thought you liked me this close, Cami,” he leans down whispering in my ear.
“Fuck y-” He cuts me off.

“Now, now, Cami, no need to get nasty, my love. You wouldn’t want your precious detective to know what his little ‘Angel’ has been up to from someone like, oh I don’t know, Sienna?”

He looks down at me as Jonathan drives off.

My head snaps up to him.

Did he just say, Sienna? I think to myself.

“You bastard!” I shove him. He stumbles backward. “That’s how she knew where he was on our date,” I scream at him.

He shrugs his shoulders as he starts laughing.

“I fucking hate you!” I yell as I pull my hand back to slap his stupid face.

Before I can make contact, someone grabs my hand. I swing around all set to lay into whoever dared to stop me when I come face to face with Laila. All the anger leaves my body at the sight of her. She looks at me softly as she releases my hand, letting it drop to my side. 

Laila is looking absolutely stunning wearing a white button-up blouse,  the buttons are undone at the top with her gold locket necklace hanging in between her cleavage. Gold hoop earrings, her hair in a messy bun at the back with a few stray strands hanging over her beautiful blue eyes, blood-red lipstick, a high waisted black pencil skirt, black stockings, and matte nude pumps.

She oozes sophistication and power. Sterling immediately picks up on it, and his shoulders drop.

Out of the corner of my eye, Kay runs out the doors of our building and down the stairs. She grabs me and pulls me to the side as Laila approaches Sterling. Laila begins backing Sterling up until his legs hit the black hand railing leading up to our building, leaving him no room to escape her.

“What’s your name?” Laila asks quietly, as she scans his face.
“Ster- Sterling,” he stutters.
“Hmmm,” Laila hums as she smirks at him.
“I-” Laila cuts Sterling off.
“Oh no, honey. This isn’t a two-way conversation. I talk, you listen. Do you understand?” She asks sternly.
“Who do you think you are?” Sterling snaps back.
“I don’t answer your questions, pet.” She winks at him as he begins to fidget under her intense gaze.
“Do you like messing with women, Sterling? Does that get you off?” Tilting her head to the side, she says, “that’s a yes or no question, pet.” A little giggle leaves her lips.
“No,” he stammers out.
“No, Ms. Laila,” she corrects him.
“Ummm no, Ms. Laila.”
“Hmmm,” Laila hums. “You’ll leave Camilla alone from now on, do you understand me?”
“She’s-” Laila interrupts him.
“No, no, pet. That’s yes, Ms. Laila,” her tone demanding.

Sterling looks like he’s about to piss himself out of fear, and I love every minute of it. I knew Laila was dominant, but she has never shown it before now.

“Yes, Ms. Laila,” he repeats after her.
“Good boy now runs along.” She steps back allowing space for Sterling to scoot out and leg it up the stairs.

Laila giggles as she watches him run off like a scared puppy.

“How do you do that?”
“Do what, honey?” Laila says, turning around.
“Get men to just submit like that” 

“All men are babies, Cami. When they throw a tantrum like that, you just remind them who’s in control,” she smirks, confidence pouring out of her. “You must never indulge their behaviour. Sterling likes when you snap back, so I took that away from him.”

“That was epic! Do you think that he’ll leave Cami alone, though?” Kay asks, linking her arm in mine.
“You never know with men, but he may think twice next time he sees her,” Laila smirks at Kay.

I hope she’s right, I think to myself.

Opening my door, Laila immediately drops her bag, kicks her shoes off, and pulls her skirt up, tugging her stockings off and throwing them on top of her bag.

“Thank fuck! I’ve been dying to get out of those things since I put them on,” she hisses “Do you have anything to drink?”
“Beer?”
“Peeeerfect,” she hums as she walks towards my kitchen.

Kay walks past me and into my bedroom, grabbing her phone and heading for the lounge. I hang my bag up, pull my boots off and head for the lounge as well. I flop down next to Kay, who is furiously texting on her phone. Looking up we see Laila walking towards us with a beer in hand.

“So apart from Sterling outside, how was your day my sweet?” I ask, scooching over and making room for Laila.

“Meh, had a meeting with my editor just now. That was two hours of being eye fucked by geriatric patients,” she rolls her eyes and flops down on my couch.

Kay and I look at each other and start laughing.

“That bad, huh?” Kay breathes out between laughing.

“He always insists on having the heads of publishing there, and they are fucking useless!” She huffs out as she takes a mouthful of beer.

“Jesus, Laila. You have literally made my day,” Kay giggles out.

“I’m glad someone is enjoying my misery,” Laila replies, rolling her eyes and placing her beer on the table in front of her. “What have you two trouble makers been up to?”

“Gabby message Kay” I sigh.

“Camilla stayed at the detective’s apartment last night,” Kay quickly follows up, trying to take the heat off herself.

“Whoa! What’s with the drive-by Kay?” I reply sarcastically.

“Ooooh, you stayed at the detective’s place last night. Is that the one I saw leaving before shit went down with Sterling?” Laila asks suggestively.

“Yes,” I coyly replied.
“Did you fuck him?” Laila shoots at me.
“NO!” I blurt out.

“Shame, I would have climbed that Adonis straight away.” She lifts her brow, suggestively winking at me. “Now what’s this business with Gabby?” She asks, turning her attention to Kay, who is attempting to disappear into my couch.

“She messaged me and wants to meet up,” Kay says quietly.
“Go, Kay,” I softly say, smiling at her.
“Definitely, but not alone. I don’t trust that bitch,” Laila’s every word dripping with hatred.
“Agreed,” I smile at Laila and Kay.
“Ok, text her now and tell her you’ll meet her in an hour,” Laila states.
“Where?” Kay reply’s quiet.

“Brooklyn Bridge Park. I was there with Jon yesterday, It’s quiet and open. She can’t start anything there,” I smile at Kay.
“Ok,” Kay slinks off to my bedroom.

“Good! Now, the real reason I’m here is to give you your invites to my book signing and after-party in two weeks.” Beer in hand she disappears down the hall and after a lot of cussing and rummaging, she reappears with the invitations in hand.

Kay makes her way back into the lounge as I look over Laila’s invitations.

“She said yes,” Kay says nervously.
“Good,” Laila and I smile at her.

Laila leans over and hands Kay her invite. As Laila continues to drink her beer, I scan over her invite. Kay lets out an ear-piercing squeal. I drop the invite, and Laila chokes on her mouthful of beer.

“What the fuck, Kay!” I yell at her.
“YOU’RE HAVING STEFAN WALKER CATER YOUR EVENT?” She screams, jumping up and down.

I look at Laila as her eyes flick from me to Kay.

“He is,” Laila’s tone boastful.
“Do you know who Stefan Walker is, Cami?” Kay gushes at me.
“Ahhhh, no,” I shrug my shoulders.
“Christ, Cami,” Laila sighs.
“What?” 

“He’s the chef at one of the top Michelin Star restaurants in New York. He owned a very successful café in Canada before relocating here. Rumour has it he did it for love,” Kay continues to gush.

“He’s a big deal, Cami,” Laila says quietly.
“I can see that,” I roll my eyes.
“Can I meet him, Laila? Please, pretty please?” Kay gets down on her knees, begging.
“Of course, Kay, goodness.” Laila shakes her head.

“YES! YES! YES! OH MY GOD! I’m going to meet THE Stefan Walker,” Kay claps her little hands together in excitement.

She’s so cute! I think to myself.

“Another beer, Laila?” I ask quietly.
“Thanks,” she winks at me.

Sunday, late afternoon

Watching Kay and Gabby together was surreal, sad, and anger-inducing all at once. I wanted to give them their space, but I also wanted to rip her head off. I don’t hate a lot of people, but I can honestly say that I HATE Gabby, but IF Kay chooses to be with Gabby after this, I will respect her decision. As much as it would pain me, I want Kay to be happy and if she thinks Gabby can do that then so be it.

“So… Sterling,” Laila breaks me out of my thoughts.
“Yes,” I look over at Laila.
“Are you and him-” I cut Laila off.
“No,” my answer abrupt as I look over at Kay again.
“But there was something, right?” 

“We slept together a few times. It shouldn’t have happened, and I regret it.” I sigh looking at the ground.
“No judgment here, babe,” Laila says, putting her hands up in the air.

“I know, it’s just a mess at the moment. Jonathan almost found out this afternoon, and instead of owning up to it, I lied to him and I feel like shit”. 

“Listen, it wasn’t the best decision, but you did what you had to at that moment. This will be better coming from you than him, babe.” Laila pushes herself off the tree she was leaning on and rubs my arm trying to reassure me.

“Maybe,” I mumble, looking up and back at Kay.
“Whatever happens, you have Kay and me,” Laila smiles at me.
“I know,” I smile back. “Why did you want to know about Sterling?”
“I wouldn’t mind taking him for a ride,” Laila smirks.
“Go ahead, but watch him, he’s obsessive,” I caution.
“It’s me he has to worry about, not the other way around, babe,” Laila winks at me.
“Yeah, you’re right,” I giggle.
“Would it be weird if I invited him to the after-party at the book signing?” Laila asks cautiously.
“Keep him on a tight leash and away from me, and I don’t see an issue.”
“You know I will, but I must know, will your detective be accompanying you?” A cheeky grin spreads across her beautiful face.
“Maybe,” I wink at her.
“Oooofff, lucky bitch,” she huffs out.

Kay gets up from the park bench, doesn’t wave goodbye or hug Gabby, but instead begins strutting towards us like a damn male peacock in heat.

“Come on, I’m making an awesome exit,” she says through a smile and gritted teeth as she passes us by.

Laila and I look at each other confused but immediately follow behind Kay as she struts to Laila’s car where her driver is waiting. Thank the lord!

Micah, Laila’s driver, is about my age and married. He’s a new addition, and I’ve met him three times since he started driving Laila. Every time I’ve seen him, he is always dressed in a blue and white suit, no tie. I’m positive he made it too tight on purpose, but he says otherwise. He’s exceptionally tall, standing about 6″10. Light beard, nothing too long, and his hair is always combed to the side. Not a hair out of place. He’s very soft-spoken and is always smiling. He’s a nice guy, and I can see why he’s married.

“Ms. Martin,” Micah greets Kay as she steps into the car.

Laila and I get to the car just as Micah shuts her door softly and moves to the other side of the vehicle to meet us.

“Ms. Adams and Ms. Mills,” he says, opening the door for us.
“Thank you, Micah,” Laila says, placing her hand on his shoulder as she slides into the car.
“Call me, Camilla, Micah,” I smile at him.
“As you wish, Camilla,” he smiles back.

Now in the car, Laila and I stare at Kay waiting for the tea. Kay does her best to stare out the window and act as if nothing has happened, but we aren’t having it.

“So, spill,” Laila slaps her leg.

“There isn’t much to tell. She had to leave because her father got in deep with loan sharks, blah, blah, blah.” She twirls her hand in the air rolling her eyes and looking out the window again.

“Where to, Ms. Mills?” Micah calls through the partition.
“My place,” Kay replies.
“Kay?” My tone worried.
“I just want to go home, Cami,” she says, continuing to look out the window.
“Ok,” I reply quietly, looking at Laila.
“Drop Kay off first, Micah,” Laila instructs Micah.
“Of course, Ms. Mills,” he replies, closing the privacy window.
“We’re here for you, honey,” Laila says, reaching forward and rubbing her leg.
“I know,” she smiles softly and continues her empty gaze out the window.

The car ride to Kays is deafeningly quiet. Neither Laila nor I know what to say and are too scared to say anything in case it upsets her further. When we arrive at Kay’s building, she says goodbye quietly and slides out of the car. We both watch as she disappears into her building before Micah pulls away.

“What should we do?” Laila turns to me looking extremely worried.
“I’ll call her when I get home,” I sigh.
“Message me, ok?”
“Of course, Laila.” I smile at her.
“We have arrived at Camilla’s, Ms. Mills,” Micah announces as he lowers the privacy window.
“Thank you, Micah,” Laila replies softly.
“Thank you for helping with Sterling, the invitation, and Kay.” I lean in hugging Laila.
“You don’t have to thank me, babe. It’s what friends do,” Laila hugs me back tighter.

I step out of the car, Laila rolls the window down and reaches for my hand.

“She’ll be ok, Cami, she’s stronger this time than she was when Gabby first left,” Laila tries to reassure me.
“I know,” I smile at her.
“Text me later, ok?”
“You know, I will. Love you,” I kiss the back of her hand.
“Love you too, babe,” she says, waving and rolling the window up.

Her car pulls away, and I stand there watching it disappear down the road. I look over at Kay’s café, the blue neon lights flicker off, and I see Carl step out, locking everything up. 

Kay has worked so hard, please don’t let this ruin it. I think to myself as I turn and head into my building.