“Katlin,” Victoria said with a nod. “How are things?”
“Well,Victoria,things aren't so great. You know…with me being out of work and all.”
Victoria looked Katlin up and down, smiled, and responded with, “A woman with your…umm…talents will always find work.”
Katlin narrowed her eyes and stepped closer. Victoria’s fists clenched involuntarily.
“Bitch, why don't you try that shit that you pulled in the office on me right now?”
“Well, Katlin, one would think that I wouldn't have to,” Victoria responded, narrowing her own eyes. “I mean, I pretty much proved my point. Or so I thought. I see you need more proof. And I see you want me to prove it to your friends too.”
“Okay,” Natasha intervened, grabbing Victoria’s elbow. “This isn't the time or place for this.”
“Bitch, ain't nobody talking to you! Mind you own motherfuckin’ business!” Katlin shot at Natasha.
Shit, Victoria thought to herself.
Unbeknownst to Katlin, Natasha had the worst temper ever. She was known to go “blackout crazy” when pushed. And if pushed hard enough, it would take more than Victoria to pull Natasha off of the target of her rage. If Katlin pushed the wrong button, they would never make it to the back of Walmart. She and Natasha would be on the evening news beating the shit out of three hoodrats in a Walmart parking lot. Jack would be humiliated.
“Tash,” Victoria whispered.
When Natasha didn't answer, Victoria looked over at her. Whereas she would appear normal to most, Victoria recognized Natasha when she was ready to blow. She had to think fast and smart.
“Look, Katlin, maybe we could pick this up some other time. Or, maybe you can just accept that ass whooping and take it as a lesson to keep your hands off other women’s husbands.”
With that said, Victoria pulled her 9mm from her purse and held it by the side of her leg. She would have loved the opportunity to beat Katlin’s ass one more time, but she’d put Jack through enough with her almost arrest at Natasha’s birthday party. Victoria couldn’t bear to cause him anymore shame.
Katlin’s friends stepped back immediately, but Katlin didn't budge. Apparently, Victoria with a weapon wasn't intimidating to Katlin, but her confidence fled when Natasha placed her .45 to Katlin’s temple.
“Do you want to die today?” Natasha asked in a calm tone.
“N-n-no,” Katlin stuttered in a whisper as she began to tremble uncontrollably.
“Good. Then get yo’ ghetto ass friends, and get the fuck out of here.”
As Katlin backed away looking terrified, Victoria looked around to see if anyone had been watching them. When she didn't notice anyone, she bumped Natasha, urging her to lower her weapon.
“Come on, Tasha. We need to get out of here.”
When Katlin and her friends got into their car, Natasha tucked her gun in the back of her jeans and grabbed the shopping cart. Victoria followed her as she pushed the cart towards their car. Natasha looked over at Victoria and laughed.
“I swear to God, being your friend is like a hardcore, white knuckle, rollercoaster ride,” Natasha declared.
“Yeah,” Victoria admitted. “It can be a bitch.”
