“What the hell does that mean?” I hear him say.
I look up to see his free fist clenched into a ball.
I crane my neck forward a bit, trying to eavesdrop.
“What do you mean out-of-network?…Why didn’t the doctor say anything?…Does she know?…Keep her away from the damn casino!…Yeah…Yeah…Just forward me the bill.”
He pockets his phone and continues to pace, stopping only when he realizes I’m watching.
“Oh, hey,” he says, donning the fakest of fake smiles.
“Is something wrong?”
“No, not at all. Why would you think that?”
“You seem a little stressed.”
“I’m just anxious for the droid appointment, is all.”
“Do you hope it’s a boy or a girl?” I ask, changing the subject.
“I honestly don’t care,” he insists. “For a while, I didn’t think I’d get the chance to be a father, so I’m happy with whatever blessing God gives me.”
“Why didn’t you think you’d be a father?”
He shrugs. “I’m always on the road…dancing. What sane woman would ever make a baby with me?”
“What sane woman, indeed.”
“Oh, sorry.” He smiles shyly. “I should have inserted the word purposefully.”
“Great,” I say sarcastically, rolling my eyes in jest.
“I’m going to get a workout in, if you don’t mind.”
“Go ahead, I have a few fires to put out, so take your time.”
After he leaves, I pull up Maria’s text box.
Samantha:What were you speaking to Toxic about?
Maria:Excuse me? That is between me and my brother. And his name is JOE!
Samantha:Well, I’m making it my business. Now either tell me, or I’ll find out another way, which will only stress him out.
Maria:If you must know, Miss Nosy, our momma had heart surgery recently, and we’re dealing with some paperwork.
Funny how Toxic didn’t includethatin the paternal questionnaire.
I want to ask her if she was being treated for a genetic condition, but I realize how insensitive that would sound.
Samantha:What type of paperwork?
Maria:Look, I’m not trying to show disrespect to the woman who gave me a job, but this is a family thing.
Samantha:Maria, I’m going to speak with you bluntly. How I would to my clients or people I’m intending to intimidate. During the conversation that you had with Toxic, I distinctly heard the words: out-of-network, doctor, keep her away from the casino, and bill. Me, coming from a long line of prestigious lawyers, knows enough to piece together what happened. Your mother had a procedure, the hospital was out-of-network, and you’re left with an enormous bill. Oh, and your mom might have a gambling addiction.
Maria:If you knew what was wrong, why did you ask?
