Precious Stones by Darrien Lee Page A

now, but if I have two more, there’s no way I can work.”
    â€œI can understand you wanting to be in your office every day, but seriously, Keilah, if you don’t have to, don’t push yourself unnecessarily. Hell, you could probably be just as productive working from home. You do that sometimes, anyway, don’t you?”
    â€œYes,” Keilah answered.
    At that time the waitress came over to see if they wanted any dessert. Both ladies declined and continued to enjoy each other’s company for a little while longer before finally asking for the check. When the waitress sat their checks on the table, Keilah quickly snatched Tori’s out of her hand.
    â€œI got it!”
    Tori grabbed both checks out of Keilah’s hand. “You got the check all the time when we were in college. I have some paying back to do, so it’s my treat.” Tori handed both checks to the waitress along with her credit card. After the waitress walked away, Tori said, “I’m so glad we got together. We’re going to have to do it more often.”
    â€œWe will,” Keilah replied as she pulled her lipstick out of her purse and reapplied it. “And keep me posted on that new man.”
    The waitress returned to the table with Tori’s receipt and credit card.
    Tori signed the slip and said, “I’ll definitely keep you posted.” She handed the receipt back to the waitress and said, “Thank you.”
    The two ladies grabbed their purses and headed toward the exit, where they hugged before the valet returned with their vehicles.

Chapter Nine
    Ramsey and his friends started out their day with brunch at their hotel, during which they enjoyed an abundance of smoked salmon, eggs Benedict, strawberry and banana waffles, gourmet scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, and a multitude of omelets and other delicious breakfast items. As Ramsey waited for the chef to finish making his steak and veggie omelet, he felt someone slide their arm around his waist. Startled, he quickly turned and found his old flame, Andria, smiling up at him.
    â€œMy, my, my. Ramsey Stone, you have gotten finer and sexier since the last time I saw you.”
    He eased out of her embrace, and without making eye contact, he said, “Are you stalking me, Andria?”
    â€œDon’t flatter yourself. I’m here on business. What about you?”
    He looked her in the eye and said, “Pleasure.”
    â€œOooh, I like the way that sounds,” she replied as she scanned his body up and down.
    Anxious to get his omelet so he could put some distance between himself and Andria, he said, “Well, it was nice to see you. I hope all is well.”
    She licked her lips, and with a seductive glare she said, “I’ve been better, but seeing you has made my day.”
    The chef handed him the plated omelet, and Ramsey said, “That’s great. Well, enjoy your trip.”
    Andria grabbed his arm as he turned to walk away.
    â€œRamsey, is there somewhere we can go talk? I would really like to catch up with you.”
    He pointed over at Neil and Kyle and said, “It’s really not a good time. I’m here with my friends, and it wouldn’t be appropriate.”
    She walked closer to him and asked, “In that case, aren’t you going to invite me to join you? I haven’t seen Kyle and Neil in a while.”
    Ramsey looked her in the eyes and politely said, “No. Sorry. This is a guys’ weekend.”
    She frowned upon seeing that she wasn’t getting her way.
    â€œ No? What do you mean, no? Have you forgotten that you used to be all up in this?” Andria asked as she grabbed her crotch. “I haven’t forgotten how you dissed me over that bitch—”
    He put his finger in her face and yelled, “Don’t you say one more word, Andria, or I swear to God, I’ll—”
    â€œYou’ll what?” she yelled, drawing attention to their