Page 17 of A Major Love

“The hell is that supposed to mean?”

“You were in your feelings and haven’t talked to me for several days. That, my boy, doesn’t sound like somethingmyboyfriend would do.”

“I was giving you time to cool off.”

“Cool off? You were the one heated, not me. I’ve been cooler than the other side of the pillow.”

“Fine. You’re right. I overreacted about you declining my invitation to move in with me, but I’ve cooled off. I came to apologize and make up, only to find out you’re leaving for several months. I don’t like this shit, Dynastie.”

I shrugged. “I’m not sure what to tell you because I’m not changing my mind.”

“When are you leaving?” he asked.

“My flight leaves tomorrow at seven.”

“In the morning?” I nodded. “Damn. When were you planning to tell me?”

“Whenever I talked to you again.”

“You’re saying you would’ve left without telling me had I not stopped by or called?”

I nodded as I spoke. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

This conversation had already taken more time than I wanted, causing me to fall behind. I had dinner plans with Zena, a woman I’d met at Onyx City University during my master’s program. She was married with three kids, so we didn’t get together too often.

It was time for this nigga to go, so I headed out of my bedroom and to the door for him to do just that. I could feel Jordan behind me, a little too close for comfort.

“Jordan, I think you should go.”

I reached for the doorknob, but he grabbed my arm before I could touch it, yanked me away from the door, and flung me a few feet away. I lost my balance and fell to the floor quicker than I could process what was happening, landing hard on my left shoulder.

“Ouch! What the fuck is your problem?” I shouted, using my right hand to get up.

“You got me fucked up!”

“Nah, nigga.Yougotmefucked up.”

I rushed to my bedroom and went to my bedside table, where I kept my nine-millimeter. Jordan wasn’t far behind me, but by the time he was close enough to touch me, I’d racked my first round and aimed it at him.

“Back up, nigga!”

He looked shocked as he held his hands up in surrender and stepped back.

“Put that shit away.”

“Get the fuck out.”

“It was an accident, baby.”

It probably was an accident, but it was reason enough for me to be done with his ass.

“You throwing me to the floor may have been an accident, but if I pull this trigger, it won’t be. Go home.”

He kept his hands up as he walked backward out of my bedroom, only turning his head for a millisecond here and there, probably to check his direction.

My gun remained aimed at him until he reached behind him, turned the doorknob, and backed out of the door. I held the door open with my foot, and when he was a few feet away, I stopped him.

“Hold up. Toss me my keys.”