Who's That Girl?

CHAPTER ONE-2

“Will I see you later tonight?” Ulysses whispered in Wanda’s ear.

“Excuse me?” She glanced at Osana and whispered, “She might hear you.”

“I don’t care.” He took her hand with an eager smile. “I’m going crazy being this close to you and not having you.”

“I told you it’s over, Ulysses.” She snatched her hand away then smiled at passing guests. “This is your uncle’s birthday party for his memory. Getting with his wife should be the last thing on your mind tonight.”

“It’s always on my mind.” He blew his warm breath toward her cheek. “I think of you all the time. I won’t stop until—”

“Stop it,” she whispered, glaring at him.

He leaned back, smirking.

“Who is that?” Osana pointed to Teddy and a young, black woman that Wanda hadn’t ever seen.

The woman appeared to be around Osana and Ulysses’ age and she strutted through the guests with confidence as if the party were for her. She looked stunning in the black dress that clung to her large bosom, small waist, and pronounced hips. She had luscious, almond-brown skin, slanted eyes, and a wide nose that brought attention to her sunken in cheekbones. Her long, straight hair swayed from side to side as she moved and her plum lipstick sparkled under the lights.

“Damn, she’s something.” Ulysses tore his gaze off Wanda. “Kinda looks like Uncle Anthony.” He chuckled, sipping champagne.

“What a stupid thing to say.” Osana huffed. “Why would she look like Anthony?”

Shit.

Wanda held her breath as butterflies filled her stomach.

Wait a minute. It can’t be. Could it?

Wanda gripped the edge of the table as Teddy and the woman approached.

“Hello, all,” Teddy said.

“Uncle Teddy.” Ulysses dipped his head. “Glad you could make it. We—”

“Who is this?” Osana pointed to the woman.

Teddy smiled. “She’s my special friend.”

The woman smiled, allowing Wanda to notice that she had Anthony’s cheekbones.

“God, Teddy.” Osana grimaced. “You’re old enough to be her father for god’s sake.”

“He’s not my date,” the strange woman said. “Get your mind out of the gutter.”

“Then who are you?” Osana looked her up and down. “This is a private birthday party, and you weren’t invited.”

“She’s with me, Osana,” Teddy said with an obvious fake smile. “She’s my guest.”

“Does she have a damn name?” Osana stood. “Something feels off here.”

“Do I threaten you somehow?” the woman asked.

Wanda sipped champagne while staring at her.

“Threaten me?” Osana chuckled. “In case you don’t know I’m Osana Royal and we’re celebrating my deceased father’s birthday.”

“Your father?” The woman stood back. “From what I hear he didn’t have any children or at least not any he claimed.”

Wanda’s mouth fell open.

“Anthony was my stepfather.” Osana squinted. “Teddy, who the hell is she?”

“Yeah go on and tell her.” The woman smiled. “I can’t wait to knock her off her high horse.”

Osana got in the woman’s face. “Who the hell do you think you are?”

“Enough.” Teddy stood between them. “Wanda, I need to speak to you in private.”

“What for?” Osana snapped. “You bring some stranger to my father’s party and act like it’s a big secret? Whatever you got to tell Momma you can tell us.”

“I’m not talking to you.” Teddy gestured to Wanda. “Wanda, can we please talk inside? It’s very important.”

“Sure.” She rose from the chair, holding her breath.