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Fabian's rejection stung, and the surge of anger and hurt boiled over inside her. She'd leave him to his business and Tasha. She spun on her heel to make her retreat and collided with a server carrying a tray of drinks.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Loretta apologized, helping the server gather the spilled glasses.

"Miss, be careful," said the server in a whisper, as he handed her a napkin. "You are better off not being with these persons. They're no good for you."

Loretta's eyes sparkled with surprise at the words of the server. She nodded subtly, taking the napkin.

As she walked away, Loretta noticed Mikel staring across the room at her. Their eyes met, and he arched an eyebrow-just inquiring if everything was fine with her. She forced a weak smile to her face and nodded.

Her evening turned into one big blur; though she did the things she was supposed to do, she faked all her amusement. Loretta kept her distance from Fabian, Roy, and Tasha and nursed her hurt feelings.

As the night wore on, L