“Because I wanna make sure y’all are safe.”
Turning her body toward him, she questioned, “What’s going on?”
Noble didn’t feel comfortable sharing the battle between him and Tuck with Daysha. She would panic and go telling the hens at the salon all his business. To avoid that, he told her the bare minimum.
“Nothing, I just need to make sure nobody has access to y’all. At the condo, you’ll be protected.”
With pursed lips, she peered at him until she said, “I don't want to.”
Noble’s head fell back as he prayed for more patience. “That’s not an option, Daysha. Just do what I said. Why you gotta make this shit so hard?”
“I will once you tell me what’s going on? Does TLM have beef with somebody?”
“No.”
“Bullshit,” she lashed. “You think I ain't heard about what’s going on in the streets. Did that funny-looking bitch get you into some shit?”
Noble immediately glowered at her. “Watch your fucking mouth. I don't let her disrespect you so you can’t do it to her.”
Like a child, Daysha angrily folded her arms over her chest. “You really put her ass on a pedestal. I can’t believe you left your marriage to play side nigga.”
Daysha was so fucking predictable. Noble wasn’t surprised they had gotten to this part of the conversation. She always found ways to navigate their discussion to their failed marriage.
“Bruh, stay on topic. I need you to go to the condo.”
“Nope.”
Angling his head, he retorted, “Why you being so fucking difficult? Just do what I said. You know I’m not telling you this shit just because. It’s for you and my son’s safety.”
“I don't have to do anything you say, Noble. You're not my husband anymore. I don't need your protection. So, don'tcome to my job acting like you're about to save the day. Give that energy to your girlfriend.”
Noble cracked his knuckles and inhaled deeply. This woman had the ability to take him to the red zone. If he didn’t possess any self-control, she would’ve provoked him to a wrath so dangerous that it would place her in harm’s way.
After a silent countdown in his head, Noble said, “A’ight, cool. I’ll just make sure my son is good. Get the fuck out my car.” He popped the locks.
“What you mean by that?”
“Bye, Daysha,” he dismissed her. “You choose to be difficult when it’s not necessary. Get yo’ ass back to work.”
“No, you choose to play roles when you know it’s not necessary. Don't come here acting like you care about me when I know you don't. You're just like the rest of these niggas. Just because you wear nice fancy clothes and have some money don't make you different. You're a low-down nigga who don't even deserve my time!”
Noble didn’t care to respond. She already had this notion in her mind that he was the bottom of the barrel. He was done trying to defend his character. Yes, he had left her because he was never in love with her. Yes, he had only married her because she was pregnant. He admitted a long time ago that he didn’t handle her correctly. Noble wished he would’ve given Daysha good memories instead of heartbreak. However, their ending happened years ago and Noble decided that he would no longer dwell there.
“You right. Now, get out.”
Daysha stared at him, tears congregating in her eyes. “I don't understand you.”
“And you never will.”
Even when they were married, Noble held back a lot from Daysha. They weren’t compatible at all. She was water and he was gasoline. They were never supposed to be together. He was amazed they had lasted as long as they did.
“Wow,” she muttered, “you really don't care about how you ruined me.”
He sucked his teeth. “I don't anymore, Daysha. Now get the fuck out before I drag you out.”
She peered at him with so much agony in her orbs but Noble was no longer affected by her pain. He’d paid for the heartache he’d inflicted on her. He’d almost drowned in the guilt of pulling the rug from under her feet. Noble had been the villain in Daysha’s story for years so her words didn’t penetrate him how she thought it would. The days of being emotionally tied to her were long gone and would never return.
Reluctantly, she pulled on the handle and got out the car. Noble drove away, neglecting to ensure that she’d walked in the salon safely. He had more pressing matters to get to than arguing with her.
