Free Close Quarters: A Novel (Zane Presents) by Shamara Ray Page A

my head up and met Melina’s eyes. “What’s up, Mel? Are congratulations in order?”
    She nodded. “We got engaged last night.”
    “Congratulations,” Kai cooed.
    “Yeah, good luck,” I scoffed, then redirected my interest back to the Yankees.
    Kai looked at me, her brows wrinkled.
    Melina’s smile wilted. “Don’t mind him. He’s anti-marriage, and correct me if I’m wrong, Malik, anti-dating.”
    “If that were true, I wouldn’t be asking Kai to be my date on Saturday for Terrence’s engagement party.”
    Kai glanced at me and then Melina.
    “Then I suppose it’s Kai who will be needing the luck,” Melina said before walking off and slamming her bedroom door.
    I cleared my throat. “I’m sorry about that, Kai. Sometimes Mel can be a little high-strung.”
    “I think I’d better be going.” Kai slipped her shoes back on. “Apparently you have some issues to discuss with your roommate.”
    I walked Kai to the door. “I hope you won’t let what Mel said discourage you from accepting my invitation.”
    “I’ll go with you on Saturday, though I’m not sure about your approach or intent.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “How or why you invited me. Good night, Malik. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    No sooner had I closed the door behind Kai, did Melina come flying out of her room.
    “Don’t start, Mel.”
    “How dare you disrespect me in front of your company!”
    “You’re overreacting. I didn’t say anything that can be construed as disrespectful.”
    “You make a snide comment to me, in front of a complete stranger, another one of your many hoes, and you don’t see why I’m upset.”
    “You’re always upset. Everything upsets you. You walk around here acting like the Queen of England; like I’m supposed to bow and curtsy for your ass. You talk to me any ol’ kind of way, but I’m supposed to watch what I say to you? Then you tell Kai I’m anti-this and anti-that, trying to throw a wrench in my program, and you have the nerve to stand there talking about respect.”
    “You’re damn right. You don’t care for Ellis and you don’t have to. But I expect you to respect me, him, and my relationship with him.”
    “Take your own high-and-mighty advice. Respect my shit and stop calling my company hoes. You don’t know a thing about any of these women.”
    “And neither do you.” Melina glared at me for a moment, then retreated to her room.
    I plopped down on the couch and closed my eyes. Melina could slam all the doors she wanted, but nothing could shut out the truth.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
MELINA
    M y girls were expected to arrive at any minute. I invited them to lunch to share the news of my engagement. I was already seated with my hands concealed on my lap when the hostess escorted Charlee and Giselle to the table. They were chattering back and forth, barely stopping to acknowledge me while settling into their chairs.
    I interrupted their banter. “Hi, ladies.”
    Charlee grinned. “Sorry, Melina. How you doin’, sis?”
    “Well,” I said with a sigh, “I don’t know.”
    That got their attention. Charlee and Giselle were watching me with tentative eyes.
    “I’m . . . ”
    “What’s wrong?” Giselle asked.
    “I’m . . . I’m . . .engaged!” I thrust my hand forward, showing off the proof to my claim.
    Giselle screamed. Charlee grabbed my hand and inspected my jewel. My litany spilled out of me. I provided them with a play by play of the evening and then ended the story with a wiggle of my ring finger and grandiose smile.
    “Obviously, I don’t need to ask if you’re happy,” Giselle said.
    Charlee frowned. “I do. Are you?”
    “I want to marry Ellis. So, yes, I’m happy.”
    “What about his mother?”
    “Unfortunately, she’s part of the package.”
    “And you’re sure you’re ready for this?”
    “Charlee, I’m ready, I’m happy and I’m in love. What more could I ask for?”
    Charlee raised her hand to signal the waiter. “A bottle of