I’m a professional auntie now, but I’m looking forward to the day this career becomes a part-time position.
“Hey, babe.”
David’s deep voice rumbles behind me, sending a chill up my spine. He stands in the doorway, hands in his pockets like he’s posing forForbes.
“Don’t call me that,” I snip. “What do you want?”
“To see you. I didn’t think you’d be here.”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I didn’t know if you were still in New York.” I wish I was, thoughI wish I could be anywhere other than standing next to him.
“We left months ago.”
“Are you still with that guy? Nerdy homeboy with the pretty eyes.”
“Liem. Why do you care?”
“I’m curious.” His voice is low, his tone smooth and just shy of flirtatious. “Last time I talked to him, he sounded serious about you. But I don’t see him here.”
“I wish I didn’t have to seeyouhere either.” I sound chipper, though I’m the opposite. I don’t want negative energy spilling onto Elle, but I worry she can feel my mood.
“You didn’t answer my question,” David says.
“He would be here, but he’s taking care of family right now. Unlike you.”
He sighs with frustration. “I’m not with her anymore. Nasha. We broke up.”
I pin my smile. Vengeance tastes sweet, but that lady—as much as I resent her—deserves better than what he put her through.
I swear Elle furrows her brow, as if saying,That man’s really trying to get back with you by saying his baby momma doesn’t want him? Chile . . .
“I know, right?” I whisper to her. We all know she’s been here before; she’s a wise granny still adapting to her rebirth.
David leans his shoulder on the doorframe. He’s staying. “You look good with a baby.”
Such a snide, shitty comment, coming from him. “Speaking of babies, how’s yours?”
“She’s good.” His response surprises me. “Myah looks nothing like me, but exactly like my mom somehow.”
“You’re in her life?”
“Of course I am.” His eyes narrow with suspicion. “Should I beoffended you assumed I wasn’t?”
“I’m still offended you fucked her mom while you were with me, so feel away!”
“I’m sorry. I really am,” he says again. He shifts his weight, uncomfortable. “If it’s any consolation, the reason she and I aren’t together is because . . . I found her cheating on me.”
My head snaps to look at him.Did he just say what I think he said?
“That’s right. My side piece had a side piece.”
Don’t laugh, that’s mean. I take a deep breath to collect myself. “Wow, that’s . . . awful.” I almost make it through the sentence before grinning.
“You can say it. I got what I deserved. Karma’s a bitch.”
“I’m not going to revel in your misfortune.”Aloud. “I’m bigger than that,” I say, knowing damn well I will be dancing to a club remix ofmy side piece had a side piecefor days.
