“Men like him get bored. Why do you think there are three of us?”
“Because one of you clearly can’t satisfy his needs. You’re so confident in your position in his life, why you over here pressingme? Why are you sitting here in cahoots with two other bitches vying for his time? Sounds like whatever this little polyamorous situation was, it was temporary. Mozzi needed a little more substance in his life.”
“Oh, and that’s you?” Gill scoffed. “Some small town hood rat knocked up by some thug? How long do you think he’s going to go along with that? How long before he realizes that you and that little bastard just ain’t worth it?—”
Smack!
Coast’s open palm landed across her cheek, sending Gill’s hair swinging with her face. A wave of gasps and chatter spread through Comfort Kitchen when she stumbled away from her. Brim was on his way inside when he saw things get heated from the car. He knew from the power behind Coast’s slap when he crossed the threshold that she didn’t need his help. When Gill tried to come for her, he quickly intervened. Stepping between them, he nudged her off when she tried to lunge for Coast.
“Take a walk.”
“Fuck you!” Gill spat. “This bitch got me fucked up!”
“You got Mozzi fucked up if you put a hand on her. I ain’t gon’ be able to stop that nigga, so you might want to tread light on this one,” Brim warned.
Gill glared at him, rubbing the ache from her cheek before looking past him at Coast. She threw her hands up, ready to get busy if it came to that. Roni and Lin arrived up front to check on her, but Gill yanked away from them both.
“Don’t fucking touch me!”
“Are you okay?” Roni queried.
“I’m fine. No thanks to you bitches!” She snatched her purse from Lin’s hand and stormed out.
“So much for solidarity,” Coast joked.
The bell above the door chimed once again. Watching Sipes slip inside turned Coast’s blood cold, but Lin recognized him and smiled.
“Well, well. What do we have here?” Lin teased. “Come on, Roni. Let’s let the parents to be have a chat.” She dragged her past Sipes and out the door, leaving Coast with Brim at her side.
“Been trying to reach you. We need to talk.”
“We don’t have anything to talk about,” Coast argued.
“Get the fuck out of here, Coast. I know you pregnant, and I know it ain’t that nigga Mozzi’s baby.”
“I don’t care what you know. You can’t prove shit, and I don’t owe you shit.”
“You think a nigga slow? I got an auntie that work in child services, among other connections. Ain’t shit to get a court order for a paternity test,” he threatened.
“Then I guess you better get to it.” Coast tucked her arms across her chest and popped her neck.
The minute he lunged for her, Brim stepped in. Darkness swirled in his eyes, which never blinked while challenging Sipes. Shooting daggers at her past Brim, Sipes nodded and backed off. Brim was a big nigga, and the pistol on his hip was even bigger.
“How long you been fucking with this nigga? Was you fucking him when we was together?” Sipes brows drew together.
“That ain’t none of your fucking business! How long was you fucking Arwen in the apartment where I was paying bills?” Coast spat.
“That shit was different?—”
“Fuck you, Sipes! Ain’t no excuses for being an ain’t shit ass nigga!” Coast bumped past him to leave, with Brim watching her back to the door.
“You can say all the fucked up shit you want about me, Coast, but I ain’t never put your life in danger. You been with this nigga how long and already got shot. I guess karma decided to spin theblock on yo’ ass.” Sipe sniggered like a female. “Lucky for you and my baby, you survived.”
She swirled on him, eyes burning with rage, looking him over. She used to think he was the best thing since sliced bread. Now, every time she saw him, she wondered what the hell kind of spell he had her under. Although still attractive, and stylish, everything with Sipes was surface level. There was nothing beyond that, and she couldn’t believe she hadn’t seen it before.
“This is my baby, Sipes, and I swear to God if you come for me, you better be ready for everything that comes with that. Stay the fuck away from me!” She barked over her shoulder.
Brim opened the door for her, and Sipes’ blood boiled when he saw her hop into the brand new all black Jeep. He didn’t believe for one second that she hadn’t been fucking Mozzi the whole time. She had to be. That nigga wasn’t cashing out on her like that for no fucking reason. The most Sipes had ever done for her was take her to the mall and let her shop ’til she dropped.
