“Nope. Have a good day, Logic.”
“Aye,” Logic called out before she ended the call.
“Yes.”
“What kinda wig do you have on today?”
“You’re an asshole,” she giggled. “Bye.”
“Don’t say that shit like this the only time we’re gonna talk today. Call me when you leave.”
“I’ll think about it.” Tyler ended the call before he could get another word out.
She knew it wouldn’t be the last time they talked because since leaving Rahlo’s house, they talked at least twice a day, every day. They hadn’t seen each other in person because ofhis crazy schedule, but Logic made it clear that he’d pull up whenever she needed him.
Exiting her car, Tyler grabbed her purse and a couple of board games she bought for her mother. The last time they were together, Maple mentioned something about Chutes and Ladders, so Tyler went to Walmart and bought it along with Candyland and Guess Who. She couldn’t wait to see the look on Maple’s face.
“Good afternoon, Ty,” the receptionist greeted as Tyler stepped through the double doors.
“Hey,” she said with a smile, shifting the bags on her arms.
“Ms. Maple is a popular lady. You’re her second visitor today.”
“What?” Tyler's brows met in the middle of her forehead. “Who else was here?”
“Your aunt is here. She’s been here for about twenty minutes.”
“Where are they?”
“The sunroom,” the receptionist answered, taken aback by Tyler’s sudden change of attitude.
Dropping the clipboard on the desk, Tyler pushed her purse on her shoulder and dashed down the hall. She ignored Mr. Rogers calling her name and other residents telling her to slow down. Turning the corner to the sunroom, Tyler was stopped by Nurse Hawkins.
“Hey, hey!” She stuck her hand out. “Are you ok?”
“What is she doing here?” Tyler pointed to her aunt, who was now staring at her with a smug expression.
As if she were Queen Sheeba, Carla sat there dressed in her Sunday’s best. The dress she wore hugged her body like a glove, diamonds adorned her wrists and ears, but her makeup was shitty. Tyler could see the dark circles and bags that she tried to conceal. It was clear that she was going through something, and Tyler would bet her last dollar that it had everything to do with Oakwood and Darryl.
“She came to visit your mom, was she not supposed to?” Nurse Hawkins inquired. “I know she’s not allowed to make changes, but I didn’t know visitation was off the table.”
“They are. I want her removed from the list. She’s not allowed to be here.”
“Oh, girl please.” Carla waved her off. “Ain’t nobody doing nothing to her nutty ass.”
“Carla, I’m trying to be cool, but if you don’t get the fuck outta here, I’m going to beat your ass with these board games.”
“Whoop her ass,” Mr. Rogers instigated, rolling around the corner. “I knew it was something about her long neck ass I didn’t like. What she do to you, baby girl?”
“Sir, mind the business that pays you before I roll your cripple ass in that lake back there,” Carla snapped.
“You can’t threaten the residents. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” Nurse Hawkins tried to calm the situation.
“So, it’s a problem with me visiting my sister because this lil girl walks in here thinking she runs shit. Yall need to make sure she isn’t stealing people medication instead of trying to put me out.”
“You can go.” Maple shooed Carla away. “You can go away.”
“Hush Radio, ain’t nobody talking to you. Go eat some puzzle pieces.” Carla snorted before turning back to her niece.“I’m still trying to figure out how you’re paying for this place. I know you don’t have any money, and I know Dexter broke ass ain’t helping you. How are you footing the bill, Tyler?”
