Need Your Love

Chapter 3-2

The wrath of Johnette’s words warmed Garrett’s face. Sweat dripped down his back. What had he gotten himself into?

He probably shouldn’t have brought Johnette to a family event like this just yet. They had only been going out for a few months, yet she clung to him as if they had been married for years.

“Well, we’re back. Let’s go, Johnette. Where’s Dad?”

“He got tired of waiting for you and hitched a ride.” Johnette rolled her eyes and grabbed her purse. “It was nice to meet you, Mary Ellen. I hope to see you again soon.” She rushed passed Garrett with a huff.

“It was nice to meet you,” Garrett said. Eron stared at the floor. “I’m sure we’ll see you again.”

Garrett walked away, then jogged a couple steps to catch up to Johnette, her high heels clicking loudly on the paved parking lot. When they got to the car, Johnette paused outside her door and looked away. Garrett unlocked her door, then ran around to his own side of the car.

Johnette’s rage wafted off her in waves. Her mouth twisted into a scowl, she glared. She tossed her pocketbook onto the front seat. At first, Garrett didn’t say anything, thinking that she knew what was going on. Then, he realized she really didn’t have any idea what had transpired and tried to play it cool.

“Nice wedding and reception,” Garrett said, “for a couple of old people.”

“How would you know? You missed most of the reception.” Johnette stared straight ahead, arms folded. She did not look at Garrett at all.

“I’m sorry. Eron and I got talking business and lost track of time.” Just hearing Eron’s name made his ass throb for more from Eron.

“You left me alone when I didn’t know anybody, Garrett. Even your father didn’t talk to me very much.”

Poor, Dad. Now he’s taking flack for my disappearance.

“Don’t take that too personally, Johnette.” Why hadn’t he said something more reassuring?

“Who was she?”

“Excuse me?”

“Who was she, Garrett?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Johnette.”

“She left her mark on your collar.”

Garrett touched the edge of his collar. The oil and paste of his cousin Jill’s lipstick transferred from his shirt to his finger. He wiped it on his pants before returning his hand to the wheel.

“It’s not what you think.”

“It never is. I don’t know why you don’t admit it. I can smell the s*x on you.”

Other girls, women, had told Garrett that they wouldn’t go anywhere until they had a shower because “they smelled like sex.” He’d never smelled it before.

“I was with Eron the whole time.”

“Ha! You expect me to believe that? What, you and Eron Lassiter played dress up with lipstick and had s*x with each other? I may not have gone to some fancy school like the rest of these people, Garrett, but I’m not stupid.”

There’s no use arguing. Once Johnette’s, or anyone’s, mind was made up in situations like this, it was impossible to change it.

Garrett took in a deep breath. “Listen, I’m sorry that I lost track of time. Eron and I got bored and just went for a walk to get some air. The next thing we know, it was late. I didn’t do it on purpose. I’m sorry. And the lipstick, that’s my cousin’s, she stumbled into me earlier.”

“Why didn’t you say so!” Johnette turned toward him in the car. A light chuckle followed the smile that spread across her lips. “You let me think the worst.”

The tension started to float out the window as Garrett got closer to Johnette’s house.

“Thank you,” she said quietly when they arrived. “I really did have a lovely time. I love your Aunt Susan.”

Garrett pulled up to the curb in front of her house. He jumped out of the car before she reached for the door handle herself and let her out. Johnette’s father was still a bit old-fashioned when it came to his daughter. He was raised by a man who used to help women get in and out of a wagons and buggies. Garrett walked her up to the first step and gave her a peck on the cheek.

Garrett ached as he drove to his own apartment. Even his head hurt with confusion, but he held out hope that he’d indeed see Eron Lassiter again.

Soon.