Permanent Resident at the Purse Table by Keisha Bass Read Free Book Online

was going to deliver. “Sex is a beautiful thing in a marriage. And you know I’m no saint, but I want to take a shot at doing things the right way. ’Cause obviously what I’ve been doing ain’t working. Then I feel my relationship will truly be blessed.”
    â€œI know all that, Ava, but it’s hard to say no to those muscles, that smile, and those captivating green eyes.”
    Ava’s brow rose as she stared over Rene’s shoulder. “Shh. Speak of the devil.”
    Rene turned around to look behind her. “Ishmael?”
    â€œSurprise.” His six foot one inch frame stood next to Rene. As he bent over to kiss her, he had to hold his belt buckle so his pants wouldn’t hit the floor.
    Just because he halfway did the club promoting thing didn’t mean he had to walk around like he was the next big thing to hit the rap scene, baggy pants and all. What did Rene see in this wannabe thug?
    â€œI’m sorry, babe. I had to see you,” Ishmael said.
    â€œNow?” Rene rubbed her forehead, seemingly conflicted and embarrassed.
    â€œI couldn’t wait any longer.” He extended his hand toward Ava for a handshake. “Hey, Ava. How are you?”
    Shaking his hand was the last thing she wanted to do. “Just fine, Ishmael.”
    â€œAnd you’re looking fine too.” He winked at Ava. “Don’t mean to bust up your girlfriend time, but I really needed to talk to Rene. And I needed to start working off those towing fees she had to pay. I plan to pay her back with some one of a kind interest.” He grinned. “If you know what I mean.”
    Ava rolled her eyes. “I wish I didn’t.” Snapping her fingers and disappearing like a genie was the super power she needed at that moment. “I’m going to leave you two alone, so you can talk.”
    â€œYou don’t have to go, Ava.” Rene stuck out her hand.
    â€œNo, it’s okay. I need to go home and plan the menu for an event I’m catering in a few weeks.” Ava rubbed her hands together. “It’s the first time I get to plan the menu from scratch.”
    â€œBe sure to put your famous chicken and dumplings on that menu. They’re the bomb.” Ishmael seemed happy to see her go so he could work his magic on Rene.
    â€œWill do.” She gave them a two-finger salute.
    â€œAre you sure, Ava?” Rene’s eyes saddened. “Please stay.”
    Ignoring Rene’s plea, Ava didn’t want to be the third person on a two-person bicycle. “No, I’m good. Y’all go ’head.” She threw her napkins on her plate, and picked up her tray. “Hope it all works out.” Yeah, right. Please, Lord, forgive me for that lie.
    Ishmael confidently grinned. “Oh, it will. Thanks.”
    â€œI’ll call you later, girl.” Rene half smiled and added an awkward giggle.
    â€œYou do that.” Ava nodded and scurried through the tables and into the mall traffic. It was just like Rene to kick her to the curb for Ishmael. He had a hold over her that Ava didn’t understand. Could his stuff really be that good? They’d probably make up two seconds after Ava left. More power to them. Ava could find something to do. She could go home, grab a good book, and jump into a bubble bath. Maybe roll by the Krispy Kreme drive-through first.
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    Rene sat still with her eyes following every motion Ishmael made toward her. He scooted his chair closer. She leaned back and awaited his explanation.
    â€œI’m sorry, Rene. I know I should’ve paid more attention to where I parked your car, but my plan was to run in and run out.” He rubbed the side of his low-cut fro with a dollar sign trimmed into it. Ironic, since he never seemed to have any money. “But you know when me and my homeboy Mike get together, a five-minute confab turns into twenty or thirty minutes.”
    â€œYeah, I know that. And