Body and Soul Read Online Free Page A

and Alexis came in.
    Alexis ran and kissed Edward. They were glad to see each other. Wayne and I used to be that close until Alexis came into the picture. But that didn’t mean that we didn’t love each other. Well, not until we were all sitting around, and Maggie said, “I hear you’re engaged, Alexis.”
    “Where did you hear that?” Alexis said.
    Because I didn’t want the matter to get worse, I fessed up. “I said it. I made a mistake.” I looked to Wayne and he was upset. His brow had double rows so I knew he was beyond pissed.
    “I didn’t want anyone to know until Wayne asked me.” She really did love my brother and I could see it in her eyes and face. Her eyes lit up every time she looked at him. But when Maggie and Edward glanced at each other it was for reasons other than love.
    Maggie looked like a gold digger, and he looked like he needed something or someone to satisfy a craving that had never been satisfied, or never will until the right person comes along.
    Ryan looks around and checks his IPhone. “It’s time to get dressed and party.”
    When you are as young as me and Ryan you look for a party. Wayne gets up, “Alexis and I will take the jeep to the lodge. You can go with Edward, Robin.” I wanted to go and I didn’t want to.
    “No. I’ll wait on you,” I say standing and walking with Wayne. “We have to eat and shower and well we may not make it.” He’s smiling at Alexis and I can see that they are ready to go to bed and fuck into tomorrow.
    Ryan stands and says, “Come with us Robin. I don’t have a date.” He’s good looking and I want to be around Edward.
    “Come on, Robin. We want you to go.” Well not all of you, I’m sure.
    “Ok,” I say turning and meeting Edward’s glance. Looking at the warm glow in Edward’s eyes, I saw no reason not to go.
    I dressed and walked out of the room and met everyone sitting waiting for the limo and chatting. My hair was in strings of curls down my back and I wore a black long sleeve dress with a white strip down the center. It was a designer dress that Alexis bought me.
    Edward and Ryan said at the same time, “You look beautiful,” and they both laughed at the coincidence. Maggie had to add her two jealous cents in. “Is that dress a designer?” She says glancing at it and touching it.
    “Yep it’s real,” I say turning around on my heels only for Edward.
    “Did you borrow it from Alexis?” Maggie says with a snicker.
    “No.”
    Edward interrupted her. “We have to go now, Maggie. You can discuss the dresses later, I have to get there soon, it’s beginning to snow.” Ryan took my cape Alexis loaned me and put it over my shoulders.
    “Don’t pay any attention to my sister. She thinks she’s the queen of the social set. She has to give everyone the once over before she accepts them.” I didn’t care what she was, and it had nothing to do with society, it had to do with Edward. She watched at how he’s gazing at me and she doesn’t like it.
    When we arrived at the lodge, the party is well under way. I felt so uncomfortable because I’m the only black woman there and everyone’s eyes are on me. I held on to Ryan for dear life. “Don’t leave me,” I said to him.
    “Don’t worry they are gawking because they have never seen a beautiful woman like you. Look around, my sister is nothing compared to you. And the other homely woman are from around here. They’ve never seen a woman with class and style.”
    He made me feel awesome for a while. We walked into a large room which is like a ball room and there set more food. I wished I hadn’t eaten but I was too full to eat anymore. I had a drink of wine and some cake. More wine, more cake until I felt tipsy. It was good Wayne didn’t come. The music began and Ryan stood and held out his hand, and I took it and we walked to the dance floor, and when Edward rose with Maggie, everyone cheered him on and whistled.
    “What’s that about,” I asked Ryan.
    “It seems