“Don’t you let that man back in, Tati. You always said a baby was your line that a man can’t cross. Why do you keep letting this fool think he can have a chance? Divorce him and be with Jah.”
“Girl, Jah ain’t trying to settle down. Have you seen how fine that man is? I’m sure I’m not the only woman that man is putting through the mattress.”
“Does his phone ring when you’re around? Has any woman approached you? If the answer is no, then there you have it.”
“Casi, we creep on the low. No one knows but your ass. We don’t go anywhere where anyone can approach me. He took me out a few nights ago, but it was the next town over. His phone does ring, but when he’s with me, he gives me all his attention.”
Casi threw her hands up and shrugged, “There you go. But whatever you want to do, Tati. You’re hardheaded as hell and going to do you.”
“And is! Now that the pill is down, let’s take a birthday shot, bitch.”
“No, how about I take two shots because you may be growing my niece or nephew in there?” Casi joked. I hung up the phone in her face.
“You look good,”Kileen said.
“Thank you,” I said dryly.
Why did I agree to have dinner and then sit here with an attitude? Because I hadn't talked to Jah since I left this morning.
“So, I wanted to say I’m sorry about the therapy session. I had some things going on at work, and it had my focus off. I’m just glad you’re gracing me with your presence.”
“Don’t be cute,” I told him.
“I’m not being cute. You know how us men are. We have to lose you before our eyes are open. They’re wide open now.”
Three. That’s the number of times his work phone went off as we sat at this table. Granted, he never picked it up, and he neverflipped it over, so I was able to see it was an unsaved number. My irritation was high, but I was still trying to give him the benefit.
“Since it’s your birthday, I wanted to give you this.”
He popped the box open and slid it across the table. Inside the box was a brand-new wedding ring, bigger than the one he bought me the first time.
“Do you like it?” He smiled big.
“It’s cute.” I let him place it on my finger.
“I’m hoping this one doesn’t come off your finger.”
Our conversation was flowing okay, but my mind wasn’t here. As hard as I was trying, I was ready to go home and call Jah. When Kileen dropped me off, I stripped out of everything and dialed Jah’s number.
“Happy birthday again. Did you enjoy your day?”
“I did.”
“I didn’t want to bother you since I took up two days with you. How are you feeling? You know, since the rubber popped and all.”
“Jah, you don’t have to worry. I grabbed a Plan B, and if that didn’t work, I’ll handle it.”
He got silent, so I pulled the phone away from my ear to see if he hung up.
“You still there?”
“Yeah, I’m here. Whatever you want to do if the pill doesn’t work is fine with me. I’ll take care of the bill if that’s what you want.”
The hell did he mean if that’s what I wanted? I wanted a house full of kids with my husband, but we see how that worked out.
“Are y’all ready for the twins to start school in two weeks? I know that would give Lonni some breathing room to get some things done.” I tried to take the conversation away from us.
“Time is flying. We’re ready, though.”
