The doctor came in and I went out to get everyone. April said Azmir went to make a phone call and would be right back. According to the doctor, the results revealed the alcohol didn’t mix well with a specific medication she had taken, but he assured she’d be fine. She had to stay overnight for observation because of the stomach pumping procedure. He said they wanted to hydrate her before releasing her. So ultimately, she was fine. However, he explained that he contacted her oncologist and he strongly advised that Michelle stay and have the biopsy performed right away the following day. Hesitantly, Michelle agreed.
The doctor left and we talked a little before Michelle called me over closer to her to speak privately. “Rayna, I’m fine now. Please go back and see if Azmir will forgive you for running out on him. If he’s asleep wake his ass up!” I got a good laugh out of that one.
“Well, I don’t have to go that far. He’s here,” I said with a big Kool-Aid smile.
“What? Where?”
“He could be right outside. If not, somewhere near. He didn’t want me to drive so upset and out of sorts.”
“Guuuurl, go…get out of here!” she fired off.
“I don’t know. I don’t want to leave you here alone, Michelle. I was planning on telling him to go home and I’ll pick up my car later.”
“I’ll be fine. I’m a big girl, Rayna! Think about it, it’s almost four in the morning and daylight will be here shortly. Go!” she pleaded.
“Where’s Erin?”
“She’s over a playmate’s. She’ll be going to school with her in the morning. Go!” Michelle demanded almost screaming.
“Okay, but I’ll be calling you in a few hours!” I warned. I kissed her and said my goodbyes to the group.
When I stepped into the hallway, Azmir was sitting in a chair with his head cropped back on the wall covering his eyes with his arm. He heard me walk up on him and peered up.
“Is everything okay with Michelle?”
“Yeah…she was misbehaving last night and apparently became overly toxic,” I said giggling to myself ruefully.
“What?” Azmir’s brows furrowed.
“It’s a long story. I’ll explain in the car.”
“Oh, you’re ready to go?” he looked surprised.
“Yeah. It’s after four in the morning and I don’t like having you out this late. I appreciate the ride.”
“Don’t rush on my account. I’m fine. I know that’s your girl in there.”
“She requested…no—demanded that I leave and sends her apologies for ruining your big night.”
His mouth twitched up into a smirk. “You are crazy, girl. Come on.” He stood up a wrapped his arm around me, blanketing me with his signature fragrance that did things to my body, my mind.
We walked to the elevator and as we waited, he pulled his head down against mine. “You had me scared there for a moment. I can’t stand to see you upset like that.” More comfort. I could get used to it. But I won’t.
When we got back to his place, I started grabbing my things to get ready to go home. He asked if I had plans to leave at that hour. When I told him yes, he insisted that I stay and get a few hours of sleep before hitting the road. I didn’t exactly come prepared to spend the night but I was so sleepy that my eyes were burning. I put up a little of a fight before accepting his invitation. He gave me a T-shirt of his that fell to my knees. After changing in the bathroom, I went back out into the living room where he was. It was almost five in the morning already. I sat next to him on the sofa and snuggled into his arms drinking in his aroma, his warmth, and all that comes with dominating masculinity. He was so comforting.
When I woke up only a few hours later, I was in his bed. I don’t think I’d ever slept in a more comfortable bed in my life, even if it were only for a short amount of time. The sheets were so soft and they smelled like Azmir. He was right, the sheets felt divine!