“You don’t think you’re overreacting? How long you plan to keep this up?”
“‘Til I put that nigga down,” he said with a shrug.
“Cash…”
“The game is the game, love. He knows just like I do. I’m sure he’s thinking the same about me.”
* * *
Monica and I trudged through the parking garage after finishing a grueling twelve-hour shift. Another wave of OD cases came in today, and Cash’s warning about Marcus kept replaying in my mind.
“What’s up with you and Jelani?” I asked, tossing her a look. She’d told me she’d gone on a few dates and was even being friendly to Dr. Matthews. I didn’t know if she was trying to get Jelani out of her system or if she truly moved on.
Monica shrugged, twirling her keys in her hand with a tired smile. “Other than him not leaving me alone? Nothing.”
“So you’re over him for real?” I asked, digging out my own keys from my purse.
She hesitated. “I mean… I’m not completely over him. But I know he’s definitely not good for me.”
“So you blocked him?”
“No…” she shook her head. “I can’t deny that I like him, but trust? Yeah, not so sure about that, you know,” she sighed as she unlocked her door. “Maybe he needs a few years, and he’ll calm down like Cash.”
I snorted. “Cash? Calm? You got jokes, Mo’.”
“You know what I mean,” she smacked my arm. “Cash knew he wanted you. There were no mind games. You saw how quick he shut that shit with Princess down. Now, baby brother? That one be talking ‘bout being done with other bitches, but can I trust him after he was being messy in my crib?”
I thought back to Jelani’s face at the club when he realized how badly he fucked things up with Monica.
“I don’t know, sis. He was looking like a kicked puppy when you kept blowing him off at Mansion.”
She rolled her eyes. “Please. He’s just mad ‘cause he can’t get what he wants. And don’t be defending him just because you’re in good with the family now.”
“Girl, bye!” I laughed, heading toward my car. “See you Wednesday.”
Monica paused. “You sure you don’t want a ride to your car?”
“I’m good. It’s just down there.” I waved her off and pulled out my phone to call Cash.
“‘Sup, beautiful.” His voice had me cheesing immediately.
“Hey,” I said softly. “I just got off and heading to my car.” Ever since he told me about Marcus, Cash wanted me to call and check in with him after I got off. I thought it was overkill, but I humored him. I walked down the steps to the lower level, where I was parked.
“You coming over?”
I sighed. “No, I’m exhausted. I don’t have the energy for the drive, babe.”
Cash’s house was almost thirty minutes from the hospital, while my apartment was only ten.
“That’s why I keep telling you to let Hassan pick you up and drop you off,” he scolded.
I rolled my eyes. “Having my building watched isn’t enough? I don’t need a driver too. I’ll be over tomorrow… unless you want to come to my place.”
He sucked his teeth. “And sleep in that small ass bed? Tuh.
I let out a tired laugh, but it faded when I saw a figure leaning against my car.
“Cash,” I whispered, walking slower. “There’s someone by my car.”
