Page 23 of This: Blake & Emon
“When’s the last time you called to check on me?” The question hit her in the gut. “Y’all all believe I have this perfect life and the truth is I don’t. At least not anymore.”
Blake softened despite herself because she was still sour about Taylor mentioning her father. She hadn’t been feeling likechecking in. And maybe it was petty, but such was life. “Taylor, be fair. You don’t say anything either. You‘ve enjoyed being the perfect friend and the friend that had it all. I love you, but we gon’ keep it a buck.”
“Yeah, well, maybe, but that doesn’t mean things have been perfect in my life. I got my shit too.”
“Well, I’m your friend, and I’m listening if you want to say more, but you go all recluse on us and we respect that.” Blake sighed, realizing sometimes friendship was messy like that. Sometimes there were seasons of girl time and constant calls, and sometimes there were seasons of insecurity and retreating. Grace was the key that kept it together. Maybe it was time to extend some of that grace to her friend. “I’ll do better.”
There was a pause on the line, followed by a shaky exhale. “Me too, B.”
“Well, then it’s settled. We gon’ do better. We been friends too long not to.”
“For the record,” Taylor sniffled, “I only told Brooks because he was worried about you, and he was worrying me about you when you weren’t answering his calls. You’re one of my favorite people in the world, sis. I need you safe.”
“I love you for that, but what’s really going on? You can talk to me, T.”
She exhaled slowly, her voice smaller than Blake had ever heard it. “Tyree and I split six months ago. His drinking... it just got so bad.”
“No way, what? Sis, six months ago? Why didn’t you say something?”
“Oh, girl, I was too ashamed to say anything. My parents didn’t even know until a month ago. I didn’t want to hear the sermon on sticking it out with your husband or to be pitied.”
“Taytay, I’m so sorry. Truly, I had no idea. And Tyree is just out of the picture? Are you ok? He put his hands on you?”Blake didn’t play that shit. If she ever found out he was hitting her friend, a drinking problem would be the least of his worries.
“I mean, he tried to get help, and at first, I just wanted to be a good wife, supportive, but then that irritated him too, so I had to make a decision. I decided that love just wasn’t going to be enough for me, so I made him move out, but he never hit me.”
“Sis, I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me.”
“No, don’t do that. It’s fine. It’s not your fault. I needed to let my pride and shame go. I wasn’t ready to do that yet. I’m still not feeling at ease telling you, but I want you to know I would never betray you in a harmful way, and I want you to know that Brooks and I aren’t serious.”
Blake leaned back in her seat, stumped by the news. Now she felt bad for being frustrated with Taylor. You just never knew what someone was going through. She was going to cut Brooks some slack as well. Her brother was a good man. A provider of all things. He was wise beyond his years, savvy, and kind. He looked just like their handsome father. Brooks was just a little taller.
“I’m glad you told me. We getting Paige and linking soon. I need to lay eyes on y’all.”
“Don’t be mad at Brooks either. He was there for me when I needed him and here we are.”
“I would understand if it was something serious. We can talk about this another time or not.” Blake had her nerve wanting to love on Emon privately, but expected her brother to tell her all his business. He was grown and so was Taylor. She was going to let them be until that wasn’t the case.
“Ok, sounds good. Love you, sis.”
“Love you too.” They disconnected the call and Blake sighed, torn between running to her friend or running to her man. That was until she got two texts back to back.
Tay Tay: I haven’t said it, but I’m happy you’re happy. You deserve it and so much more. If you say Emon is good, then he’s good. Enjoy being loved. It looks good on you.
The other read…
Emon: Bring yo fine ass in here, baby. I missed you.
Blake made her mind up right then and there. She was going in to spend time with her man.
Chapter 12
Blake grabbed her bag from the backseat and headed to the door. Tonight was going to be her first time at Emon’s, and she felt honored and privileged that he trusted her enough to invite her. Emon held her in such high regard that she didn’t understand it, but she let it flow. She climbed out of the car ready to decompress, eat, and spend time with this special person that seemed to have come out of nowhere.
Just from the outside, Blake could tell this wasn’t just a house. This was a grown man’s kingdom. The sprawling ranch-style home sat back from the road, protected by an iron fence that shielded the manicured land. His collection of toys comprised of luxury cars, a truck, and four-wheelers, lined the curved driveway like trophies of success. The wraparound porch, with its dark wood pillars against classic brick, gave the place a timeless feel. The porch swing and muddy boots on the porch let her know that he’d left out that he was an outdoors man.
Blake smiled, taking it all in. This wasn’t some boy playing house, this was a man who’d built something to come home and feel safe in. Every detail, from the landscaping to the security cameras discretely mounted at the corners, spoke of someone who knew how to protect what was his. She couldn’thelp but imagine lazy Sunday mornings on that porch, watching the sun rise over his land.
When she made her way up the steps, she almost knocked, but stopped herself, remembering the code he’d shared with her at brunch.
