“It’s nothing.” Although, her abrasive brush off and the fact she couldn’t look Mr. Wellington in the eye said otherwise. It’s not that she was ashamed of her side hustle but, at the same time… she didn’t want Adem to think any less of her because she took off her clothes to make a living.
She’s not so sure his crowd, as she judged by this event, would approve of him slumming it with a girl like her. They’d call her trashy. Probably label her a slut even though she’s never slept with those she’s given lapdances to.
And clearly it’s not what he’s thinking. In fact, it’s far from it. Not only would someone like Leyla probably burn in a church after stepping foot in it, but she wasn’t even Catholic. So, she’d have no reason to join a choir or listen to Mr. Wellington give sermons on Sundays.
The thought was quite laughable, really. So much so, she practically keeled over and choked on her second glass. Champagne dripped from her nose and she had to take a napkin just to keep it from spilling onto her knock off dress, as he so kindly put it earlier in the night.
“HI-LAR-IOUS,” she barked, while punching him in the arm to keep quiet. “Don’t think my cries for mercy had anything to do with you.” But they did. He was quite the charmer. Most guys couldn’t even find her clit let alone make her orgasm. Adem was the rare exception. “Seriously though. I have no idea who that guy was. I mean, he could’ve easily mistook me for someone else. Aren’t pastors supposed to be like, undercover pedophiles? Maybe, I’m the girl of his dreams. It happens.” Two points for modesty. “In that case, you two could relate. I’m pretty sure you’re in love with me. That’s why, you brought me here to meet your parents. Speaking of…. where are they? Are you gonna introduce me or are you too ashamed to be seen with me in public?”
Adem couldn’t contain his own laughter and joined in. Her laugh was contagiously cute. “God, I can’t take you anywhere huh?” He teased, closing the small space between them to gently brush the champagne off her nose and cheeks. Really he just wanted an excuse to touch her. She was beautiful in a way he’s never seen before. It was like she was made up of magic. She was all pixie dust and starlight. If she could see herself through his eyes she would see that she sparkles way brighter than every string of light and adorned jewelry at this party. Her kind of glisten and shine couldn’t be bought. She embodied an enchantment he couldn’t seem to break free of.
“Sure, sure,” he retorts in the same teasing tone while giving her a gentle nudge. As their conversation continued, Adem led her over to a gorgeously lit bar. Because of the warm weather, the event was being held outside and there was a strict rule that no one was to step foot inside the building. Mr. Wellington and a few other adults were partaking in more nefarious activities inside. There were drugs, illegal gambling, hired escorts, and armed security. Wellington couldn’t risk his image being tarnished, but he also couldn’t refrain from indulging in sinful proclivities. He loves his wife and his religion, but he was born with too much temptation, and no matter how hard he prays, he can’t seem to calm his demons.
“You’re way off mark. No one is more devoted to God than him. Trust me. He wants to make the world a better place. I don’t think he’s ever run a red light.” He laughed, but his smile quickly faded the minute he saw his mother seated on the couch with the other stepford wives. Meanwhile his father was inside, discussing a new lab he hopes to open in Siesta.
“I’m not embarrassed by you, I’m embarrassed by them. My dad is an evil genius and my mother is over there. She’s the director of photography at Vanity Fair. If you really wanna meet her, it’s your funeral. She’s never liked any of my dates. But I wouldn’t take it personally. She comes from a long line of bitches. If you wanna see real evil, you should meet my grandma.”