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“And before you start thinking this means you can get behind again and come back asking for another bailout, it doesn’t. The letter makes it very clear that this is a one-time payment. Kyenna wanted that language in there specifically,” Lloyd said, leaning back in his chair.

“I don’t need the slick shit, Lloyd.”

“It’s not slick. Just common sense. You moved into a house that your monthly distribution allotment cannot comfortably support. She is giving you a chance to fix that without Ryleigh losing her home. What you do after this is on you.”

I rolled my eyes even though I knew he was right.

“I’ve been looking for a job,” I told him.

“Good.”

“I’m not about to go work no fast food window or be nobody’s damn cashier either. I’ve been applying for office jobs, receptionist positions, leasing offices, shit like that. Nobody wants to hire me because I don’t have experience.”

“Then you may need to start somewhere that gives you experience.”

“See, this is why I don’t like talking to educated niggas too long. Y’all always got some shit to say that makes sense when I don’t want to hear it.”

Lloyd laughed. “That might be the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

“It wasn’t a compliment.”

I went back to reading the agreement. There wasn’t really anything in it I had a problem with, besides the fact that Kyenna’s name was all over the damn thing. I wasn’t allowed to post about the fight, speak publicly about it, or make any statements connecting payment to her. In return, my mortgage got caught up, and the shit was done. That should’ve been easy. Still, my pride was fighting me.

“I don’t like the feeling of owing her,” I said.

“You don’t owe her anything. She paid to protect Ryleigh’s housing. Kyenna was very clear about that. She doesn’t expect repayment, gratitude, friendship, or anything else from you.”

“Of course she doesn’t.”

“Raya, at some point, you have to stop searching for disrespect in everything Kyenna does. She could have denied the request completely and let the foreclosure process continue. Legally, she had every right to do that because the trust was never intended to cover this situation. Instead, she chose to use her own money, so Ryleigh wouldn’t be affected. You don’t have to like her. She clearly doesn’t like you. But that doesn’t mean every decision she makes has some hidden attack behind it.”

I stared at him. “You always defend her.”

“I defend facts. It just so happened that you and facts don’t always get along.”

“Fuck you, Lloyd.” I picked the pen up and signed my name. “There. Happy?”

“Extremely.”

He pulled the paper back towards him and checked the signature before adding it to the folder.

“So, when will it be paid?”

“I’ll send the funds today. Depending on how quickly the lender posts it, you should see the account current within a few business days.”

“And they’re not going to take the house?” I asked.

“Not if you stay current from here.”

I nodded slowly. That was the part I needed to hear. I had been waking up every morning wondering if somebody was going to knock on my damn door telling me I had to get out. Now I had room to breathe.

“Raya, I’m going to tell you something, and you can take it however you want. The monthly support you receive for Ryleigh is substantial. If you get a job, even something that brings in enough to cover your personal expenses, you can maintain this house. What’s hurting you is trying to make one source of money support both of you at a lifestyle it wasn’t designed for.”

“I know.”

“What?”

“I said, I know. Damn! You ain’t gotta look at me like I just discovered fire.”