“Is he gay?”
Shrugging, she answered, “I thought that, but I don't know. He don't give me gay. He gives me a nigga who just…”
“Don't give a fuck,” she finished her sentence. “Maybe he’s one of those men that like to play mind games before he fucks you. You telling me that he locked you in the house is a red flag.”
When Cali snickered, Bria couldn’t help but join in laughter.
“Girl, that pissed me off so bad. You should’ve seen how I walked out the room like a bad bitch, only to be pulling on door handles downstairs.”
Cali held her chest while giggling. “I can only imagine how you were looking.”
“Like an idiot.”
Bria’s phone vibrated, displaying Dough’s name.
“Let me take this. I’ll be right back.” Quickly, she walked to the bathroom and answered the phone. “Hello?”
“What’s up, baby?”
Hearing his voice was like feeling the sunshine after days of enduring a storm. The familiarity was comforting as her mouth lifted into a genuine beam.
“Hey. How are you?”
“You know me. A nigga been making moves. Been missing my baby like crazy. You still playing wife?”
“Yeah.” She looked down at her French manicure. “I’m trying.”
“That nigga got you going through it, huh?”
She snorted a chuckle. “Is it that obvious?”
“Yeah, I know you. You ain't being fulfilled. You needy as shit and that nigga ain't giving you what you need.”
“I’m not needy,” she protested, smirking.
“You are but ain't nothing wrong with it. I like my girl to need me.”
“Yeah, well, I wish he felt that way.”
“Fuck that nigga. What you got going on?”
“I have a performance in Miami tomorrow. It’s at the Adrienne Arsht Center.”
“Word? I got some business to take care of in Miami. I may pull up on you.”
“Really?” she gushed.
“Yeah, you act like I don't try to come and see you perform.”
Suddenly, regret consumed Bria like a demonic possession. She wanted this from Lo but when she mentioned her performance, he said nothing. He didn’t even ask if she wanted him to come. Now as she sat listening to Dough, Bria wished she could go back. Dough was supportive. He’d always been, but he wasn’t necessarily ready to settle down. Their love affair was in secret but there was a bond there. Bria cherished it so much and it hurt her to know that she would never be able to explore it freely.
“I know it’s just that… I really appreciate you. Your presence would be much appreciated.”
“I know. Send me the information.”
“Okay, I will.”
“I got some shit to handle so I’ll hit you tomorrow.”
