“Paul, you know we’ve never been able to just hang out without fucking,” she said and smiled flirtatiously. “Nah, for as much as I would like to catch up on old times, I’m in here trying to make moves. Maybe another time when the playing field is a little more even. Later.”

Paul watched Isabel disappear into the crowd and felt the pang in his loins. Even though he and Isabel were fuck buddies, there had always been something more under the surface that neither of them would admit to. Not only did she have some bomb-ass pussy, but Paul enjoyed being around her. With Isabel he never had to worry about what he said or did. With her he could always be himself and that was something he greatly missed.

“Who was that?” Larry asked, slightly out of breath. Paul turned around a little startled because he hadn’t heard Larry approach.

“I see you’ve decided to take a break, Twinkle Toes,” Paul teased him.

“I was about to tell you that you needed to get out there and shake a leg with one of these bitches, but I see you’ve got everything under control. Now stop avoiding the question. Who was that?”

“Oh, that was Spanish Isabel.”

“You mean shorty who had the friend?”

“Yeah.”

“Man, I sure am mad I fucked that up. Shorty head was fire!” Larry declared.

“Yeah, and you probably could’ve still been getting it if you hadn’t been so petty,” Paul told him.

“Fuck that bitch and her man. It was fun while it lasted.”

A girl wearing tight capri pants walked by and touched Paul’s hand. She waved at him and disappeared into the crowd.

“I sure am glad I decided to come out tonight,” Paul said, watching the girl walk away.

“I see you, ya thirsty muthafucka.” Larry pushed him. “You got a bunch of tender young joints to experiment with and a guaranteed whorebag you can slide with. You’re batting a thousand, my nigga.”

“You know I ain’t on it like that, Larry. I’m good with one girl, I don’t need the headaches of multiple bitches.”

“Bullshit, Paul. I see that thirsty-ass look in your eyes,” Larry said seriously. “I knew that all it would take is one night for you to be back in your element before that dirtbag side of you resurfaced.” Larry gave Paul a pound.

“Nah, man. I’m just trying to get my drink on and enjoy the night. I’m feeling good and can’t nothing blow mine right now.”

“I don’t know about that.” Larry gave Paul a smug smile and turned him around to see who was heading in his direction.

“Was that Don B.?” Rhonda asked when she made her way back to where Reese was standing.

“Yeah,” Reese said, trying to hide the shame in her voice.

“Did you say anything to him?”