{Last time on Suds, Lique and Shantel gathered around a candy-topped island and shared secrets. Actually, Lique did the sharing and we're not really sure what Shantel was doing? Any guesses on why Shantel kept the videos but made Lique delete them from her phone?

And what about Lique bringing Sylus' son to Shantel's home? Too soon or unavoidable given those circumstances?

Anywho, let's get back into it. Ready, Set... Suds!!}

~

TERRANCE stepped back as Jeanette approached with two slushed cocktails, rimmed with strawberries, and placed them on the coffee table.

"I'm so glad we're making up, muffin," she said. "I already rescheduled your tux fitting. The big day will be here before we can blink."

Terrance kept his distance, using the coffee table as a buffer. "Jeanette, I was serious. It's over between us."

Jeanette laughed. "Negative." She crossed her arms. "You said you loved me."

"I did, but—"
"You also said that she was just your kid sister."
"She was, but—"

Jeanette shook away his excuse and slid the silk robe off her shoulders. "Then you said that none of your previous lovers were as open as I am. Made you feel as free as I do." A sly smirk raised her contoured cheeks. "Among other things."

Terrance rubbed the back of his head, regretting his loose lips. "I didn't realize it back then, but I'm in love with Lalique."

Jeanette shrugged, unfastening her bra. "I already told you. I don't mind if you keep her on the side." She stepped out of her underwear, posing in her birthday suit. "I'm the complete package. You get everything you want with me. Even her."

Terrance averted his eyes. "I'm sorry, Jeanette."

She placed his key on the coffee table, posing as she slinked around the table toward him.

Terrance walked in the other direction, avoiding the minefield she spread at his feet. "I'm not here for that."

"No?" Jeanette changed course, slowly rounding the table in the other direction. "Then why are you here?"

"I need to know what you sent to her."

Jeanette moaned. "You could have asked her. But you came to me. And I'm feeling frisky."

Terrance averted his gaze as she tried to seduce him. In a flash, Jeanette pounced over the coffee table, into his arms, and pinned him on the sofa.

"No," Terrance shouted, twisting with his hands in the air, trying not to touch her bare body. He kicked the coffee table and glasses shattered on the floor.

"Touch me," she goaded, writhing as she clung to him, plastering wet kisses on his neck. "Hold me," she prodded.

Using his forearm, he pushed her away enough to roll out from beneath her and fell on the floor.

Jeanette chased. But Terrance jerked away and scampered out the front door. He didn't stop until the elevator doors slammed shut behind him.

He grabbed his racing chest and recoiled, panting. Lique, he thought. Terrance pounded a fist in his chest, chastising himself for getting caught in Jeanette's web. He should have never came here.

He gathered his composure and reached into his pocket for his phone. Then he searched his other pocket as the elevator dinged on the first floor.

The door opened and he was face to face with Mr. Montgomery.

~

JEANETTE slammed the door and stormed back to her living room. "Why is he making everything so hard?"

She looked around the room at throw pillows on the floor, spilled drinks, shattered glass, and shuffled furniture.

Sighing, she scooped a pillow off the floor and found his phone hiding underneath.

"Yes," she squealed, jumping up and down. "He'll have to come back for his phone."

Jeanette sat on the sofa, searching through his messages. She chuckled.
"Looks like kid sister has been ignoring his calls all night. No wonder he's in a tizzy."

Then Lique's face lit up his phone as her call came through.

Jeanette frowned, then a mischievous grin formed. "Hey sis," she answered. "Did you get the videos I sent you?"

Lique quieted and Jeanette let her thoughts run wild, deciding to push her over the edge.

"I bet you'd look great on camera." Jeanette teased, "You should join us sometime."

"Can I talk to Terrance?"

Jeanette faked a sultry sound. "He has a mouthful right now." She moaned. "Maybe he'll call you later."

Then Jeanette ended the call, laughing as she skipped to her bedroom, leaving the mess behind.

~

LIQUE stared at the phone. Her mind jumbled and she stood, rushing to her door. Then she took a deep breath, remembered her special dreams and went to her prayer closet instead.

~

Mr. Montgomery smirked. "I gather everything with the girl has been sorted out."

TERRANCE dragged a weary hand down his face. "Jeanette and I are not getting married." He stepped out of the elevator, brushing shoulders as he walked by.

Mr. Montgomery turned around. "And you're sure about that? It's quite difficult to start a new relationship with nothing."

Terrance met Mr. Montgomery's glare. "Jeanette loves you," he said. "Would do anything to make you happy. Why don't you try loving her back?"

Mr. Montgomery smirked. "Are you trying to school me boy?"

Terrance shrugged. "I don't care what y'all do. I'm out." Then he turned his back on the Montgomerys and walked away.

~

LIQUE abandoned her oversized jacket in the car and wore only a light cardigan over her summer dress.

The last month of school was her favorite time of the year. The sun was shining. The work was less rigorous and most of her students had already been accepted into even more prestigious academic centers. Her work was pretty much done.

She skipped into school, toting her blue crate of goodies and wearing a huge smile.

Mrs. Grainer pushed a pair of librarian glasses up her sharp nose. "Good. I caught you," the principal said. "Let's meet in my office."

"Now?" Lique asked. "I don't have much time to set up before the kids arrive."

"This won't take long," Mrs. Grainer said, shuffling back to her office with Lique in tow.

Lique sat across the massive desk with the blue crate in her lap. "What's up?"

The stoic principal grunted. "You are one of our best teachers. Young yet talented. I would hire you again if I could."

Lique frowned. "Why would I need to be hired again? I've been here since I graduated."

The principal nodded. "We are unable to invite you back next year."

"What?"

"In fact, as of this moment, we must let you go. I'm sorry, Ms. Thompson. I wish there was something more I could do."

Lique nodded, wrapping her mind around the shock. "May I ask why?"

"The Director has decided to move in a different direction with the STEM program. He thinks it best to have a more experienced teaching staff. Although I disagree, this is above me. I've been asked to escort you out of the building."

She gestured at a box beside the door. "Those are your belongings."

Lique nodded. She placed the crate on Mrs. Grainer's desk. "Can you make sure the substitute allows the children to complete their candy cell models? They've been looking forward to it all year."

The principal nodded and stood. "I'm terribly sorry about this." She handed Lique an envelope. "A letter of recommendation."

"Thank you," she said, sliding the letter into her box. Then she exited the building through the side door, hopped into her car, and left.

~

SHANTEL clicked into her office suite.

"Your 8:30 is waiting in your office."
Shantel stopped short. "What 8:30?"

Her secretary shrugged. "The meeting was already scheduled when I got here. I assumed you penciled him in." She shuffled through papers on her desk "Should I call security?"

Shantel shook her head. "Who is it?"
"A Mr. Garrett Avers."
Shantel laughed. "Can you bring him a cup of coffee?"
"Yes, ma'am."

Shantel stepped into her office, leaving the door open.

Garrett stood, flashing a gleaming smile at her. "Ms. Shantel Frazier."

"Mr. Avers," she said, greeting him with a firm handshake. "What a surprise."

"A good one I hope."
"Jury is still out on that one." Shantel hung her jacket, tucked her bag away, and sat at her desk. "What brings you here?"

Garret rounded the desk, pushed her files away and sat on her desk. He fashioned a smile that would have made the average woman fall at his feet. "I'd like to take you out. On a date. And I'm not leaving until you agree."

Shantel scoffed, crossing her arms as she leaned back. "You're welcome to wait in the lobby. But get comfortable. I hear it takes a long time for hell to freeze over."

{Stay tuned: Bubbles are popping left and right.}

Please don't forget to vote!!
🌺