“But she still has papers on her. You don’t know if they’re going to reconcile. You’re putting yourself in a sticky situation that could both hurt and break you.”
“They’re not getting back together.”
“And how would you know that?”
“He cheated with her best friend and got her pregnant. He left her a freaking voice note telling her how he couldn’t take being married with children no more, and how he wasn’t coming back home, on their anniversary. If that ain’t an indication that it’s over, I don’t know what else would convince you. I knowmessing around with her was a mistake—a beautiful one—but you know how I am. I saw an opportunity to go get what I wanted and took it. I didn’t plan on doing thenaked tangowith her, but I also didn’t stop it from happening either.”
Sheena guffawed. “The naked tango is wild.”
“Shut up, Sheena!” Mama scolded with a light smirk.
“Sorry, Mama, but you know that was funny. Basil do not use those kind of words, so it’s funny to hear him say that.”
“Naked tango, funky chicken, or however the hell you want to filter it, it’s still wrong,” Mama said.
“You right, Ma. It was wrong, but only because I know she’s not ready. Her husband did the ultimate deceit, so I can understand her pulling away. But she came on to me like she was ready, when she put me in the friend zone prior to us—playing around.”
“Then you should have had more restraint. So, what now? She put you back in the friend zone, and now you’re mad about it?”
“Yes, but I’m not mad at her. I’m mad at myself for allowing it to happen.”
“As you should be. Let this be a lesson to you, baby. I don’t want you around here losing weight again because some floozy want to play in your face. That catastrophe with you and Nyami was enough for me. I don’t want you getting into another problem or situation like that again. If it’s meant to be, then you will have her. If it’s not, don’t dwell on the failed attempt. Just move on until the one that’s made for you comes along. You’re still young, so there’s no rush.”
I chuckled. “I’m pushing forty, Ma. Don’t you want more grandkids?”
“I do, but not at the expense of you getting hurt.”
“I hear you.”
“Good.”
Sheena cleared her throat. “I understand you completely, Mama, but I truly believe this is going to work out between them. I only say that because I have known you guys for over fifteen years. I have gotten to know the type of person Basil is. He has a good heart and a genuine spirit. And the way he is with children is something most men do not possess and act as if they need a damn handbook to care for them.
“I, for one, say give her some time. Don’t crowd her, don’t pressure her, don’t even flirt with her. I promise, once you do that, you’re going to have her in no time.” She winked and held her glass up to salute me. She was right, but I wasn’t going to tell her that. Sheena always thought she had the answers to my problems. Talking about she was praying Ciara’s prayer over my love life.
As much as Sheena joked around and got on my nerves sometimes, I knew she wanted me to be happy. They all did, and hell, . . . so did I.
I knew my one was coming soon. The question I really wanted to know was when? I had the money, the business, the good sex, and the ambition. All I was missing now was someone to share it with.
I satat the table next to Leo and his lawyer. This was the final hearing that would release me from this sham of a marriage. I paid not one single glance to him, even when I felt him staring at me several times. My mom sat behind me, and I was happy to have her here for moral support.
Judge Pierce cleared his throat after reviewing our statements. “Mr. Hill, you are ordered to pay Mrs. Hill ten thousand in alimony, and fifty percent of your income in child support. Both Mr. Hill and Mrs. Hill will split the tuition costs for the children’s education. Mrs. Hill will obtain the property in which she and the children reside, but is ordered to reimburse Mr. Hill for the personal items she destroyed. The father will receive weekend visitations with the children, per his request. Mr. Corvin, does your client agree to these terms?”
“He does, Your Honor.”
“Mrs. Hill, do you agree to these terms?”
I nodded. “Yes, Your Honor,” I replied.
“As of May 26, 2024, you both are now legally divorced. If there are no other remarks, these terms will go into effectimmediately. Court is adjourned.” Judge Pierce banged his gavel, and I stood, relieved yet upset that this was even our life now.
I hurried and moved toward the door with my mother in tow so I wouldn’t have to speak to Leo. I saw that he sported a knot on the side of his head from when I knocked him over the head with the vase. That gave me a little happiness, knowing that I did something to his lying, cheating, dirty ass.
“How are you feeling?” Mom asked once we made it to the parking lot.
“Relieved, but still a little sad. I never wanted this for me or the kids.”
“I know, baby. He wasted a lot of years, not speaking up sooner. When I see that bitch Nora, I’m definitely slapping fire from her nasty ass.”
