Behind me, I heard Jasmine gasp at the same time Princess’s jaw dropped.
“I’ve always wrapped up with you. So what—you was poking holes in my condoms? That’s some grimy shit, even for you,” I spat.
“B-b-but…” she stammered, running her hands through her braids.
“But nothing. Go inside and see if your girls can help you figure out who that baby’s father is, ‘cause I’m not the pappy,” I shrugged.
“You know she was out with some nigga last night, right?” she spat, glaring at Jasmine. “She’s just using you!”
“Girl, fuck your loose pussy ass!” Jasmine yelled, hitting the button to roll the window up.
I shook my head as I rounded the car to get back in. We pulled off, leaving Princess on the curb looking stuck.
“Ain’t no baby,” I said finally, breaking the tense silence. “You feel better now?”
Jasmine snorted. “Whatever.”
“So we good, right?” I asked as I merged onto the highway, taking us out of the city.
She shifted to face me. “I don’t know, you tell me. You’re the one who got in your feelings and ghosted me.”
“You right,” I admitted.“My bad.”
“Your bad?” she repeated, disbelief lacing her words. “Is it going to be ‘your bad’ every time you have a temper tantrum? Because that’s what the fuck that was. What I look like chasing a grown ass man who can’t communicate?”
Clyde’s words echoed in my head as I clenched my jaw, fighting the urge to clap back.
“There’s more to it than you think,” I said. I couldn’t just come out and say Marcus was the opps—not after she made it clear she didn’t want to be wrapped up in that part of my life.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
I exhaled, staring at the road. “You want to get back with him?” I asked, deflecting.
Jasmine's eyes narrowed as she glanced out the window. “Where are we? This isn’t the way my apartment.”
“I need to stop past my mother’s house, and then we’re going to my place.”
“What? Why?”
“Because…” I trailed off. Shit, I wasn’t even sure I knew why I was doing this. I hadn’t brought anyone around Ma in years, and only family ever came through my spot. I just knew this felt right.
* * *
“I’ll wait in the car,” Jasmine said as I cut the engine.
“It’s too hot for all that,” I said, opening my door. “I just need to grab something—it won't take long.”
She looked like she wanted to argue, but instead sighed and unbuckled her seat belt.
“Ma!” I called as I unlocked the front door. Inside, the house was quiet, and still, there was no sign of her anywhere.
“Your mother's house is beautiful,” Jasmine said behind me.
“Thank you,” my mother's voice floated down the hall. She came from the half-bathroom, drying her hands on a paper towel. A wide smile spread across her face as she approached.
“Cash, baby, why didn't you tell me you were coming?”
“You know I like to surprise you,” I said, kissing her on the cheek. “Gotta make sure you ain’t got no little boyfriend running around here.”
