Page 61 of A Hood Wife And A Rich Goon

“Let’s see, I lost my job.” Lotus tapped her index finger with her other finger. “I’m about to run out of the money I had saved to pay bills, and I don’t have any idea what I’m going to do other than move in with my parents. These daycares are paying scraps, but I may have to settle for one,” Lotus rambled off. “I’m so stressed, I haven’t gotten my period. I’m eating everything, literally… and I’m tired all the time. The last couple of days, I’ve had this paralyzing nausea when I wake up, and right before I go to bed.”

Hiking a brow, Rhema shot her a quizzical look.

“Lotus, girl, you been fucking?”

“Rhema, the fuck? How you just ask me some shit like that?” Lotus sneered, eyes ballooning.

“Because what you just described sounds like a bitch that’s pregnant.” Rhema stood and went to wash her hands again.

“I had too much to drink. That’s all.” Lotus suddenly had all the strength in the world to scramble off the floor and onto her feet.

She nudged Rhema out of the mirror and stepped up to wash her hands and check her reflection.

“Denial is also a symptom,” Rhema reported. “And if you need money, why haven’t you said anything to Jewel? You know he’s got you.”

“Because I don’t want to have to depend on him either. He’s got two kids and you to support.”

“He doesn’t support me,” Rhema argued.

“Well, he tries to. And don’t front ’cause I know you ain’t turning down the money he sends you off GP, just to make sure you keep your hair and nails done. I know because he still does it for me. I stopped trying to send the shit back a long time ago.”

Rhema reached for the doorknob and cracked it open. After drying her hands, Lotus tossed the paper towel at her.

“Thank you anyway, Nurse Fredricks.”

Lotus did the best she could with her look, but her make-up was done. She was ready to throw her hair in a ponytail and call it a night. After she hit the light switch to the bathroom, she leaned against the door frame in a circle with Rhema and Toni. She didn’t know where Essence had disappeared to, but she’d been squeamish all night for some reason. With her own problems on her mind, Lotus didn’t have time to keep up with anybody. Now, Rhema’s words tap danced in the back of her mind.

“You feeling better?” Toni checked with her.

“Yeah. I’ll be fine. I just need to go home and sleep it off,” Lotus quipped. “I think I left my bag in the kitchen. I’m going to go check.”

“Tell Jewel I’m heading to the car!” Rhema called after her.

“Thank you for coming.” Toni smiled.

“This house is gorgeous. The party was also fun. It’s nice to meet you, Toni.”

“Maybe it won’t be the last time. I can tell by having Jewel and Eazy here that Bull is different with them. He’s… more at ease than usual,” Toni observed.

Rhema met Toni earlier and thought she was one of the most beautiful women she’d ever seen. She expected her to be a bitch based on her outer appearance, but as she moved through the party talking to people, and even the few minutes of conversation they had bonding over their kids, she saw that she was very humble, and a little green. She’d heard that she was Bronx’s girl before marrying Bull, and she was intrigued about it, but she wasn’t going to pry.

“Yeah. It’s been a long time since they’ve all been together like this,” Rhema articulated.

“So, I assume you knew Bronx too.”

“I did. Sorry for your loss.” Rhema offered sympathy, and Toni lowered her head when her eyes misted over.

“Thank you. I’m sure you’re wondering how I ended up with Bull.”

“Not my business, and I am not here to judge you,” Rhema insisted.

“That’s gracious.” Toni snickered. “I don’t have any friends. Bronx was my first real boyfriend. I was living with my mother in a little ass apartment, and he came in, sweeping me off my feet like a princess. I fell in love with one side of him, not knowing who he really was.” Toni inched closer to the wall behind her and tucked her arms over her chest.

“Pssh, haven’t we all been there.” Rhema blew air past her lips. “I love Jasiel, but that nigga is flawed. Heavily. Things are good with us in increments of time, and he doesn’t seem to think he has to grow up. I mean, have you talked to him?”

“I can tell he adores you, though.” Toni simpered.

“Yeah, that’s never been the issue. When it’s good, it’s so good.” Rhema’s eyes shut in bliss, and her heart fluttered in her chest, thinking about all the history and love between them. “I can see our entire life together. Yet I’m always left waiting for the other shoe to drop. Things with the crew, it’s a life they all chose, and I never know when it’s going to affect our family.”