As soon as the tear fell from my eyes, I rose from the sofa and walked out. I just couldn’t let him see me cry. His words and his actions never matched up. I thought he would’ve run out behind me, but when the elevator closed, I knew my heart was done. Assoon as I closed the door to my car, my phone rang. Seeing Jah’s name, I hurried and wiped my face.
“Hello,” I said as normal as possible.
“You aight?”
“Yeah…yes, I’m fine.”
“Happy early birthday,” he said.
I pulled the phone away and noticed the date. I had two days before my birthday.
“I know it’s early, but I know I have to share you with your friends and family. So, can you come to me tonight? I have something special for you.”
“Honestly, I was going to call you. I’m having a rough day and just want to be held.” I sniffled.
“I knew something was up with you. You didn’t even answer my call this morning. Come on and lay it on me. I’ll have the door unlocked.”
“I need to run home, and I’ll be over.”
“Take your time.”
I disconnected the call as Kileen was walking out of the building. Before he could make it across the street, I started my car and pulled the fuck off.
ELEVEN
JAHMIR
I was so happy to see my baby pulling up in her blue Tesla. It had been two hours since we got off the phone, and the shit had been on me heavy. She got out with a small bag and her purse. Her eyes were red. A nigga had shit set up for her, but I put it off until she was feeling up to it. As soon as she crossed the threshold, I handed her a glass of chilled wine.
She took it, gulped it down, and crashed into my arms. I kicked the door closed and picked her up. I sat on the sofa and let her straddle me and cry as I rubbed her back. Besides her sobs, the crackling from my fireplace was the only thing that could be heard. I didn’t know what was hurting, but I wanted to kill whoever it was. My jaw clenched just thinking of who it might be. It was time for me to really find out who her husband was.
“I’m sorry for coming over here like this. I know you had everything planned for me.” She lifted her head.
I wiped her tears, “Fuck all that. We can do that whenever you’re up to it. What’s going on with you?”
“Nothing, I’m better now that I’m here with you.”
“Tatiyonna, you can’t come over here and cry on me like that and don’t expect me to try to handle it.”
“I don’t want you to handle anything. I’ll be fine. I just needed to get that cry out. I’ve been holding it in for a while.”
I looked at my watch, “Lift up.” I patted her ass.
I went upstairs, came back with two bags, and placed them at her feet.
“Do you think you can be ready in an hour? I have a place I want to take you to and it’s the next town over so no one will see us.”
She pulled a dress and a pair of shoes out.
“This is beautiful.”
“Just like you.”
“My hair.” She raked her fingers through her curls.
“Nothing is wrong with your hair, Tatiyonna.”
“My makeup. I can’t wear a dress this sexy and not have my makeup on. Please,” she whined.
