Red flag number two waved in front of Lo’s face. Why didn’t she answer the question? Why answer his question with another question? Bria was guilty but Lo wouldn’t call her out on it. He didn’t have the proof.
“Why you ain't say no? Why you sitting here buying time to think of a lie? Most of all, why the fuck you playing with me like I won’t crash out?”
Bria swallowed hard again, tucking her hair behind her ears. “No, I haven’t been with anyone else. You know what I've been doing? Working, Lo. Trying to maintain the bit of sanity I have left and take my mind off you. I won’t apologize for not rushing to the phone because you want to be in control all the time.”
“Let’s be clear,” he stated in an even tone. “Niggas stay coming for me, which means that they will come for you. You think I make requests just to be an asshole? No, I’m trying to make sure a nigga ain't snatched your ass up to get back at me. Do what I said, Bria. This don't need to be this hard between us. You really testing my patience right now.”
“And what do you think you're doing to me?”
Lo’s vision centered on her pouty lips that were perfectly aligned. Despite him holding back, he was intensely attracted to Bria. Everything about her drove him to peaks that he wanted to explore but he was under attack at the moment. Explaining it would require him to travel down the road that led to dread. Lo didn’t have the emotional capacity to open up to her. So, the door to his heart was closed until further notice.
“Tell me what I’m doing to you.”
A frustrated breath expelled from her mouth. “You just… I’m so tired like… you know what? Never mind.”
Bria was so aggravated that she could barely get a full sentence out. Lo wasn’t so self-absorbed that he didn’t see herneed for him. He, unfortunately, had to deal with his issues first. Self-absorbed? No. Selfish? Absolutely.
“I’ll be back later.”
Without looking at him, Bria walked away and ascended the steps. He watched her until she disappeared then left the house. The drive to Aunt Maddy’s was filled with silence and his thoughts. Whenever he was in distress, he craved the maternal comfort of his aunt. He didn’t open up to her very often but in her presence was where he somewhat felt safe. He usually went to see her twice a week to make sure she was okay, but this visit was to ensure that he was okay. When he arrived, he saw Durand seated at the table eating a plate.
“What’s up, Lo?” he greeted, mouth filled with food.
“Hey, baby,” Maddy said, pulling him in for a hug. “You hungry?”
Lo shook his head and slapped hands with Durand before taking a seat. He pulled out his phone and saw a message from Bria.
Wife: I’m about to get in the shower. Then after that, I’ll probably take a nap. When I wake up, I’m going to review my performance then go get my hair done. These are my whereabouts for the day. I hope this helps.
Her petty ass…
Lo didn’t bother responding to her. She was in her mood and so was he. Ignoring him the night before was a great offense, and he didn’t feel bad for checking her about it.
“Aye, I’m glad you stopped by. I’ve been meaning to hit your line.”
“About what?” Lo inquired, rubbing his hand down his waves.
“I need a loan, bruh.”
Lo scowled at him. “Another one?”
“Yeah, I got this move I’m trying to make, and I need about ten stacks.”
Lo cackled before his face turned impassive. “Ten Gs? Nigga you must be fucked up in the head to think you can get that outta me.”
“Kylo,” Maddy warned.
“My bad, Auntie, but the answer is hell no.”
Durand raised his arms, sporting an appalled expression. “Come on, Lo. I wouldn’t ask you if I didn’t need it.”
Angling his head, he countered, “Can you walk in Bank of America and ask for ten stacks?”
“No, but—”
“Exactly,” Lo cut him off. “I’ve been throwing you money for years, Durand. You gotta get this one on your own.”
“But I’ve paid you back though,” he argued.
