Ep. 9 - Friday Night, Pt. 6 - Could It Be Him?

“Ummm do you need a ride, or did you drive?” He asked her while trying to stay focused. Her legs called out to him and he was trying hard not to stare. Chan felt awkward around her. He was out of his element. He was surprised by the reaction he was having.

“My friend drove us here, I need to see if she is ready.” Chan gently rubbed the back of Malia’s neck and shoulder,

“Are you sure you cannot stay a little longer? I have been enjoying our time.” She loved his forwardness, and his ability to tell her how he felt!

See this is the difference between little boys and grown men. Men don’t have a problem expressing themselves to a woman. Little boys try to act like they don’t care about anything or anyone. I like a man who is bold enough to say what’s on his mind. That is a massive turn-on.

“As appealing as it sounds, I really must go. I have a designer coming in very early who has to catch a plane by noon to New York. I need to be well-rested and ready to work.” “I can respect that!” He smiled at her. She took her hand and gently stroked the side of his face, leaving him wanting more. One thing Malia’s mother had taught her was to know when to excuse herself. Always leave a man wanting more, was Sandy’s motto. The alcohol was starting to kick in and she didn’t want to loosen up too much. Malia told Chan a half-truth. She did have a designer coming in, but she is a local girl who lives in Vancouver just across the I-5 bridge. Julissa was not coming in until 1 PM. Malia had no plans of going to the Pioneer location before noon. She could have stayed out longer, but she did not want Chan to get the wrong impression of her.

“I need to talk to Erica. Please excuse me.” She said. Malia found Erica talking to a few people,

“Hey, were you almost ready to go or did you want to stay longer?”

“No, I am not!” She looked Malia up and down with a dirty look.

“The party is just getting started.” She rolled her eyes as she took a sip of her drink. “Ok… well, how am I supposed to get home if you’re my ride? I have to work tomorrow, you know that! You know what……. don't worry about it! I will get an Uber. Umm, I think I left something in the car. What's the ticket number so I can tell the valet and get into the car?”

“Bitch, I don’t remember!” Erica replied, rolling her eyes. Malia looked disgusted. “FINE! I will ask Eva to grab it.” If Erica was not ready to leave she could have just said, so what’s with all of the attitude? Erica crossed her arms and smiled

“Ask your novio rico to take you home!” Erica could tell by looking at Chan, that he had money and she was right.

“You two have been wrapped up in that whack-ass conversation all night!” Her tone was sarcastic, but jealousy was running the show, not her fake comedic performance she was putting on! Malia did not have time for Erica’s foolishness, she turned and started to walk away when Erica called out to her.

“Hey Malia, I saw Mike!! Mira, papi chulo is looking damn FINE, don’t you think? He has a lot of girls at his table and honey he is buying the bar tonight for them.” Malia looked over in Mike’s direction. She saw him grabbing some big booty woman’s butt while kissing her. He looked up and noticed Malia and Erica looking at him. Malia felt repulsed at the sight. Erica waved at him trying to be cute.

“Perfect timing, right? I could not have planned that better even if I tried. ¿Qué piensas?” At that moment Mike knew he had fucked up. He could tell by the look on Malia’s face he had gone too far. He didn’t want Malia to see him doing that, but the damage was done. He stood there feeling mad at himself for acting so foolish. FUCK MAN! At the rate I am going, she will never speak to me. I need to talk to her. I need her to know that this is not who I am. I need her to see that I have changed. I need to make this shit right between us. I need her to understand this is the alcohol, not me! He knew he had to get to her and fast. Erica laughed uncontrollably. Malia felt sickened by his gesture in public with that THOT. Everyone in Mike’s crew saw the look on Malia’s face. They knew Malia was not having that. Rashaad, DeVon, and Carlos laughed.

“Our boy fucked shit up with her!” Said DeVon.

“My boy for them streets, but he might be able to turn it around with her fine ass. She got thick huh?” Said Carlos. They all nodded

“Yeah, she did!”

“You two don’t know Malia like I know her. She wanna kill that nigga for real!” Rashaad laughed as he took another shot.

“Why don’t you run over there like you use to and get in the back of the line. That is where he hid you in the past? He treated you like the Hunchback of Notre Dame!” Erica said, staring at Malia with hate in her eyes. Her horrible behavior tonight was extreme, even for her. She was acting like a straight demon.

“BITCH, I can’t believe you! I was right all along, you have NOT changed! Maybe you have fooled Eva and everyone else, but I am not fooled by your act! You are a bruja! Go cast your spell somewhere else, it won’t work on me. You are pathetic and no one has EVER loved you or liked you for that matter. You played yourself, not me BITCH!”

Erica lunged at Malia.

“FUCK YOU, YOU DUSTY ASS BITCH! I WILL KILL THIS HOE. MOVE!!” Her friend grabbed her just as she tried to swing at Malia. Malia angrily walked away. She knew she hit a nerve with Erica and that’s what she wanted. She went outside to get away from the chaos in the club.

“CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT ARROGANT BITCH WOULD SAY SOMETHING SO FUCKED UP TO ME? SHE KNOWS MY MOM IS DEAD AND MY FATHER WAS NEVER THERE! WHY WOULD SHE SAY THAT???” Erica’s friends tried to calm her down, but she was irate and hard to control. The fact that Maila said no one loved her or liked her really cut Erica deeply. She was pissed and felt Malia had crossed the line, but in Malia’s eyes, she asked for that shit. Malia’s hands were shaking badly. She wanted to punch Erica in the face! Malia was hurt by the things Erica had said to her as well. She wanted to fall apart and cry, but she had to get an Uber and get home. Part of her wanted to go back in there and ask Chan for a ride home. The other part of her was too embarrassed and emotional to go back in there. Everyone who saw Malia and Erica fighting knew that there was a serious problem between them. Chan noticed it too and went after Malia when he saw her walk out. When Mike saw Malia head out alone, he knew it was his chance to talk with her. Antonio saw Chan going after Malia and he also saw Mike heading in the same direction. He knew there was going to be a problem if he did not intervene. Antonio finally caught up with Mike.

“Hey bro, where you running off to, the party is that way?” Antonio stepped in front of Mike, trying to block him from going after Malia.

“Look, I don't have time for small talk right now! I need to find Mel!” Mike said.

“She went upstairs to my office. She was upset about something that happened with Erica. I told her to chill there for a minute and cool off.” Antonio replied.

“I saw that guy she was talking to go after her. I need to speak to her now! Is he with her?” Mike looked frustrated.

“No, I didn’t see him up there. I was just with her.” Antonio could see Mike was coming unglued.

“Relax! I am going to go upstairs and bring her back down. Just wait here!”

“No, I need to talk with her now!” Pushing past Antonio to get upstairs. Antonio was pissed. He motioned for his security guards to show Mike to his seat.

“What the fuck is going on?” Mike looked confused.

“I know what you are trying to do, but I am not going to have any drama here tonight. You need to return to your seat, and I will bring her down!”

“Whatever man!” Throwing his hands up.

”Get off me!” He yelled at the security guards.

That should have given Malia and Chan enough time to leave before Mike starts looking for her again. Antonio grinned as he walked upstairs.

I’m so embarrassed by the way I acted. I really let that hoe get to me! DAMN!!! I am so disappointed he didn’t ask for my number! What the hell is that about? I thought we had a vibe? Men are confusing! Leaning her head back against the brick wall, Malia closed her eyes. It just makes me not want to put myself out there anymore. Did I do too much? Did I have too much to drink or say? Looking down at the ground. I don’t want to focus on Erica! That jealous whore! How could she treat me like that? After all of these weeks of buttering me up, she pulls this? I have never hurt her, but for some reason, she seems to hate me and for the love of God, I don’t know why. She has to be mental. Well, I am done for sure now. Malia looked down at her phone,

“Oh great! My phone just died! How can I order an Uber now?” She closed her eyes tightly, trying to fight back tears. A man working for the club walked over,

“Ma’am, would you like me to get you a ride home?” He could tell she was upset.

“Yes please, thank you.” Malia went deep into her thoughts and tuned out the noise of the traffic, and the laughter of old friends standing on the sidewalk having a smoke together. I still can’t believe Mike was here tonight! That was an upsetting surprise! He acted so smugly and cocky, oooooh he makes me sick...I don’t know!! Seeing him brought so many memories! Ugh! I loved him so much! I would have done anything for that man! He had my heart and he stumped on it over and over again. My anger for him won’t let me forget how he treated me. A small part of me wishes I could have had a civilized conversation with him. If for nothing else to show him how I don’t need him, and how much I have grown. DAMN! That was a missed opportunity! What would I even be hoping to gain from a discussion with him?? He is dangerous to me and FINE AS FUCK! He looks better now than he did then! That’s kind of scary actually……I need to stay far far away from him! I have had too much to drink and I am talking real stupid now! Do I miss him? What is there to miss? He cheated on me and humiliated me! Enough said!! Chan walked outside with his hands in his pockets. He frantically looked up and down the crowded sidewalk for her. The curbside attendant was trying to get Malia’s attention for her ride.

“She’s with me, she won’t need that ride after all.” The man nodded,

“Okay, sir.”

“This is for you.” Chan handed him a $100 bill along with a parking stub for his vehicle. “Thank you, sir!” Chan nodded and walked over to Malia.

“What are you doing out here alone?” He looked around.

“It’s too late for you to be alone out here. You do know that Portland is not the safest city right?” Looking her in the eyes. Upset and tired, Malia felt like she was being scolded by her father.

“I am trying to get a ride home………sir.”

“At this time of night?” He lowered his head to look at her strangely.

“Well, it beats walking!” She said sarcastically. Chan chuckled and shook his head.

“I can take you home.” He said with a serious yet soothing voice.

“No, thank you…..I don’t want to inconvenience you.” She said looking forward.

“For you, NEVER!” He stared at her as if she was a puzzle he was trying to solve. To him, she seemed a million miles away.

“Here, take my coat!”

“I am good, thanks.” She held her hand up stopping him.

“This is not a request, it’s an order. Put it on!” His voice was more forceful this time. She looked at him strangely as he helped her put his coat on. He was delicate and warm with her. Her hair got caught in his jacket, he carefully pulled it out and fixed it. She was shocked by his forceful yet gentle manner

“My car is this way.” He nodded with his head in the direction of his car. Two valets held the doors open for them. Chan had a beautiful, sleek, black, two-door Maybach coupe on chrome rims sitting in front of the club.

“Wow……that’s all you, huh?” Chan threw her a little smile as if he was glad she was impressed. He stood on the passenger side with his hand on the door and waited for her to buckle herself in. Just as they were pulling off, Mike came outside looking around for Malia, but she was nowhere to be found.

“Damn!! I missed her!” He was visibly upset and mad at Antonio for playing games with him. Antonio purposely kept Malia away from me so she could leave with that other dude…… I know it! That’s fucked up! Mike walked back inside the club.

“So, how fast does this car go?” She asked.

“How fast do you want it to go?” He looked at her. In a playful voice, she said

“As fast as you can go!”

“Well, let’s see what I can do for you Ms. Malia, hold on.” He made a U-turn in the street and took the freeway on-ramp. The car raced through traffic, switching in and out of lanes at an alarmingly high speed.

“So, you like to drive fast?” He asked,

“I do!” She replied. Chan got off on an exit leading back toward the waterfront. A song by Nas came on the radio, Malia noticed Chan didn’t turn it off.

“Are you a Nas fan?”

“Ever since Illmatic.”

“So what is it that you like about Nas?” She asked

“He is a lyrical genius. His words are thought-provoking and deep. Not everyone can do that.” Looking at Malia.

“I agree!” Resting her head on his incredibly soft headrest, she closed her eyes. I guess it’s safe to say that I am normal! She had started to feel hopeless that she was not interested in finding a relationship outside of her dream life. After she started having those dreams last year, it changed her mind about love. I am tired of being alone, I want someone I can come home to. I am still not sure if I am ready to risk putting my heart out there again. Could he be the guy from my dreams? She stared at him. He does sound like him. The way he rubbed my neck felt the same. Everything about him seems so familiar. It is clear I have had way too many drinks. When she looked up, she noticed Chan looking at her like he could read her thoughts.

”Ummm, the road!” Pointing with her hand.

“I got you. You are in safe hands!” Everything about this man spelled out SEX and she wanted some. He was handsome and Malia was mesmerized.

“What are you thinking about?” He asked, gazing at her.

“Nothing, just the words of the song, that’s it!!” When Chan pulled up to Malia’s condo, the two of them sat silently for a few moments, trying to think of something to say to break the ice.

“So, you like hip-hop music?”

“Yeah, I love it.” He replied. Looking at him seductively.

“I had a nice time talking to you this evening. I wish it didn’t have to end!” Chan leaned towards her, face to face,

“You know it doesn’t have to end right?” He looked at her like he wanted to take her in the car. Malia was turned on by his words. She moved in closer for a kiss, and Chan leaned also. She placed his hand on her thigh. He pulled her in closer. Before their lips touched, Malia placed her hand on his knee and looked up at him. Just as their lips touched, Chan’s phone rang loudly. They both looked disappointed by the timing of the call. He shook his head.

“I am sorry! I really have to take this call.”

“It's fine.” Chan answered the call speaking mandarin. He seemed upset about something. He hung up the phone and kept looking straight ahead without saying a word.

“Sooo, do you want to come up? I can make us coffee and we can finish talking?” Drinking coffee was the last thing on her mind. All she wanted to do was take his clothes off. It had been so long since she had sex. Being around sexy Chan, took her to places mentally she had abandoned years ago.

“That sounds really good………..but I have to get back to my office. There is a problem in Shanghai at one of the offices, and it can’t wait. I am sorry.”

“I understand, business comes first.” Chan was surprised by how laid back she was about him blowing her off. His last girl was the opposite. She wanted to be first, all the time, and with Chan, that was next to impossible. Malia being a businesswoman, she understood the sacrifices a business owner has to make to be successful.

“Let me walk you to your door since we cannot continue our talk.” Chan knew they would not be talking long if he made it upstairs.

“No, it’s okay, just get to the office.” She said while fixing his tie.

“Are you sure? I can walk you up.”

“True, but then I may not want you to leave.” She stared at him with her sexy eyes. Chan smiled at her shyly. She thought it was cute that he was a little shy with her.

“I will be fine. My doorman will see to it that I make it safely inside. Thanks for the ride home Chan!”

“You’re welcome.” Malia walked into her place. She felt disappointed that Chan could not come up. A good bubble bath and a glass of wine will relax me before bed. On second thought, let me call Wendy first.