Page 2 of Reticent

“Yeah. So?”

My brows shoot up in surprise. “Really?”

“You act like it’s a bad thing.”

“No. Of course, it isn’t. I think it’s very cool. I lost my virginity in the back seat of a Honda Civic to a boy who never talked to me again.”

Her mouth sets into a frown. “Wow. I’m sorry.”

I shrug. “I’m over it. It wasn’t like I was in love with him or anything. I just wanted to get it over with. But trust me when I say it was very underwhelming.”

“That sucks.” Skylar zips up her makeup bag.

“You’re telling me. What I would give to be fucked right by a man who knows what he’s doing.” I hold up a finger. “Just one time.”

Skylar snorts in surprise. “Maybe tonight will be your lucky night.”

I roll my eyes. “I don’t know about all that.”

* * *

As predicted, Niko isn’t happy with Skylar’s outfit either. “You”—he points to her as soon as she steps into the living room—“don’t bend over. And you”—he points to me—“wear a jacket.”

I twist my lips in annoyance. “It’s still hot outside.”

Niko drops his head to the back of the couch. “You guys are killing me.”

“Have fun, ladies.” Jordyn gives a mischievous grin. “Be good … Or maybe not. Just be safe.”

“We will.” Skylar checks her phone. “Uber’s here.”

“Do you have cash on you?” Niko looks between the both of us.

“Yes, Dad,” we tease in unison.

We head to the front door, closing it behind us as we step out into the warm air. Houston summers are brutal like they are in New York. The humidity is out of control, and I regret not getting my hair braided. I hope this silk press holds up with all the dancing I plan to do.

Chapter Two

Vivid is more than a nightclub. It’s an experience. One that hooks you from the moment you walk through the doors. The people. The lights. The music. The decor. It’s a whole vibe.

“I love it here,” I shout over the music, raising my eyes to the massive LED chandelier. I’m not just talking about this upscale nightclub. I’m talking about Houston. Being here right now with my sister and crashing at my brother’s place, it feels right. It feels more than a vacation. It feels like home. Once upon a time, it was.

Skylar hooks her arm through mine and rests her head on my shoulder. “Missed you, Yazzy.”

“Missed you too, Sky-Sky.”

We freshen up in the overcrowded bathroom before heading to a bar on the lower level. We do a round of shots before finding Skylar’s roommates on the sunken dance floor.

“Do you see him?” Esme asks.

Liv’s gaze scans the area. “I doubt he’s here. Training camp starts next week.”

“Who’s he?” I ask.

“Daryl Foxworth,” Skylar answers. “He owns this place.”

You don’t have to be a football fan to know who Daryl Foxworth is. Even if he didn’t play for the Cincinnati Eagles, one would know him from his fuckboy exploits mentioned in the blogs or his famous football Hall of Fame father.