Morgan retreated to the restroom and she locked the door as she exhaled. She clicked on Messiah’s number, her fingers stabbing the screen of her phone as she sent him a text.

Morgan:

Why are you ignoring me?

Messiah:

I’m not ignoring you, shorty. I see you, clearly.

Morgan:

You act like the night at the lake didn’t happen. Like you didn’t feel it.

Messiah:

It’s not the time or place for this conversation. Where are you? Just come out and enjoy your party. People are looking for you.

Morgan:

How am I supposed to enjoy anything with that bitch smiling all in your face? I hate that she’s here with you. I hate her, period.

Messiah:

Hate is a strong word, shorty. lol. You should save it for more appropriate things…like broccoli.

Morgan smiled at that and shook her head.

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Morgan:

I felt something that night, Messiah. Something real.

Messiah:

Just drop it. We both know the rules. You’re young and I know what you think you feel but…

Morgan clasped the phone, as she waited for Messiah to finish his text. He was brushing her off, dismissing their chemistry, as if she was too childish to distinguish real from fake. Morgan’s pride was injured.

Messiah:

I can’t, Mo. Off principle. It ain’t right. I’m out. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day. Didn’t mean to ruin the vibe.

Morgan rushed out of the restroom. She wanted to stop him from leaving, knowing that she didn’t really want him to go; but by the time she emerged from her hiding spot, he was already out the door.

Ethic watched Morgan from afar, amazed at how quickly the years had passed. When he had first gotten custody of her, she was just a little girl. He had tried his hardest to replace the family she had lost; and although it was a cheap substitute, he hoped Morgan knew that he loved her like she was his very own. She had blossomed into a beautiful, young woman and he knew that he tended to hold on too tightly, but it was out of fear. He knew that all that glittered wasn’t gold. He didn’t want her to learn that lesson the hard way. So, he was overprotective; not just with Morgan, but with Bella and Eazy as well. They were his world and he would do anything to keep them out of harm’s way.

“You’ve done her father a real service, Ethic,” Dolce whispered in his ear. “Not many men would have stepped up to take care of her the way you have. You should be proud.”

“I just worry. I see a lot of her sister in her. She wants to move too fast and I’m trying to get her to pump the breaks,” Ethic admitted.