The Retreat Read Online Free Page A

intelligent, and had a great body. Jamal was certain that by the end of the night, they could be at his place eating cheesecake while listening to Sade, right before they headed to the bedroom and made some music of their own. The thought alone awoke some urges within Jamal.
    â€œI would love to, but I’ll have to pass,” Jamal declined.
    Mylessa slumped down from his news. “Well that’s too bad. Maybe we could get together for a drink one day?”
    â€œI’m sorry, but I don’t drink.”
    â€œOh, so you’re just a good little church boy.”
    â€œI go to church, but I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m good.”
    â€œYou’re better than most men,” Mylessa said as she looked back to a group of guys who had been eyeing her and chuckling ever since she’d walked over to Jamal’s cubicle. “Some other time.”
    â€œHave fun tonight and be safe,” Jamal said as he returned to his computer. But he was unable to shake thoughts of the curvaceous Mylessa.
    Terry, Jamal’s coworker, walked past Mylessa and stared at her from behind. Jamal saw Terry coming and decided to turn on his iPod with Marvin Sapp playing.
    â€œWhat’s up, pimpin?” Terry asked.
    â€œNothing, just trying to get work done,” Jamal said while typing on his computer.
    â€œSo what did big-booty Mylessa want?”
    â€œShe invited me to Club Infusion.” Jamal shrugged.
    â€œYou’re going to go, right?” Terry leaned in.
    â€œNaw, I have plans.”
    â€œWhat plans could you possibly have that beat getting the hottest girl in the office to make you grits butt-naked?”
    Therein lay the reason Jamal did not like to interact with Terry. Thirty years old and Terry was still mistaking the office for a school playground. Jamal ignored him, and eventually Terry left. The day was almost over, but it was only Monday and the week was still young. Jamal felt the vibration from his cell phone, and a familiar number appeared. Jamal pressed talk to answer the phone, but held it down by his black slacks until he made it to the lounge, which was across the way.
    â€œWhat’s up?” Jamal asked.
    â€œThe results came in,” Chantel said.
    Jamal’s heart nearly jumped out of his chest. He knew the results would be in today, but he was not sure if that was good news or bad.
    â€œI’m on my way.” Jamal hung up the phone. Two pieces of news in one day.
    Jamal left the lounge and went back to his desk to shut down his computer and grab his black messenger bag. He made his way toward the elevator and passed by his coworker, Christal.
    â€œYou leaving early?” Christal asked with her mouth open.
    Christal reminded Jamal of Serena Williams. She had both Serena’s facial features and curves. Even though Jamal found her attractive, she spent way too much time in the club, and while at work, she made gossiping her full-time job.
    â€œYeah, I got to take care of something,” Jamal replied.
    â€œBut the sun is still out.” Christal pointed toward the window, where a gorgeous blue sky awaited Jamal.
    â€œOh, so you’re trying to shoot?” Jamal asked.
    â€œNo, I’m not trying to clown you. I’m just saying that I hardly see you leave when the sun is still out.”
    â€œHave a good evening.” Jamal turned away from Christal and headed toward the door.
    From the elevator, Jamal made his way to the parking lot. Jamal opened his car door and tossed his messenger bag in the passenger seat. He put the key in the ignition and tried to start the car. The engine sounded like a record being scratched.
    â€œCome on, don’t do this now. Please, God!” Jamal pleaded.
    Jamal tried to turn his car on several more times, but he could not get the engine to start. He assumed that the battery had died and he would need a jump. For now, the most important results in his life were on hold.
    Â 
    Chauncey