I entered, and she closed the door behind me but didn’t move from the door. I turned to face her.
“You alright?” she asked.
“You always ask how I am first.”
“That’s because, unlike me, you’ll be honest about it without me having to pull it out of you.”
I rubbed the back of my neck before looking behind me at the living room where we’d spent plenty nights laughing, talking, and exploring each other in more ways than one.
“Honesty is what brought me here tonight.”
“So, I’ve heard,” she said, casting her eyes down to the floor.
“Karima called you?”
“Yeah.” She looked back up with a sad smile. “She didn’t have to though.”
“What you mean?”
“I know you, Khi… as a friend. You don’t just disappear for days. You don’t just disappear from me for days.”
My chest tightened. “I’m sorry, Ju.”
Silence stretched between us, and I watched her chest rise and fall as she let out a deep breath.
Clearing her throat, she spoke. “Don’t do that. Never be sorry for growing, Mehki. Not even if it means outgrowing me.”
“Ju… I…”
“Mehki, you never promised us forever. What you promised was honesty and that you’d show up and care for us mentally and financially. Oh, and dick us down somethin’ proper.” She chuckled through tears. “And you’ve done that. You’ve also beenmy closest confidant and friend. I would be remiss to tell you not to go after something or someone who fits your life as you see it long term. “Does it hurt? Yes. Am I surprised? No.”
I swallowed hard. “Why you say that?”
“Chemistry never hides itself. The moment I saw your chemistry with Key at that spades tournament, I knew. And while it might not be love now, it won’t be long before it is.”
“I hate that I couldn’t do this in a way where I could have avoided hurting y’all.”
She stepped forward and grabbed my hand. “It would’ve hurt me more if you stayed because you felt guilty. I don’t want pity, Mehki. We’ve always moved on honesty. It’s best to end that way too.”
I pulled her into a tight hug, rubbing her back, as she cried softly into my chest. She was the first to pull back, wiping at her eyes.
“Okay, now, you gotta go.” She laughed a little. “I gotta grieve in peace.”
“Damn, Ju,” I let out.
“No, Mehki.” She opened the door, pushing me out of it. “Ya gots ta go.”
“Take care of yourself, Julissa.”
“You too, Khi.”
She closed the door, and I stepped out onto the street. Walking to my truck, the weight didn’t feel any lighter, and I didn’t expect it to. It just felt… honest.
CHAPTER 15
Right Where I’m Supposed To Be
KYIRIS
