“Latrell, what did you call me for?”
“I just wanted to talk.”
“Talk about what? I don’t want to have another conversation about us getting back together. We’re supposed to be done with that.”
“I know, but I just want to be sure that you’re sure.”
“Oh, I’m positive, trust me.”
“Look, I'm a changed man. Being out here has given me a lot of time to think. I know that I didn't always handle things well while we were together. I should have been more trusting. I should have listened to you more when it came to drinking. I know all of that now. I'm truly sorry. I just want our family back together. I want you to be my wife.”
Just the mention of me being his wife sent my anxiety through the roof.
Latrell struggled to be there for me as a boyfriend. How in the hell was he going to be there for me as a husband? Not to mention, I wasn’t cut out to play army wife. I’d seen what that looked like firsthand, and I didn’t want any parts of it.
During the time that he was here, I’d met several military spouses, and very few of them were actually happy. Instead, they were just coping and trying their best to make things work for the sake of their soldier. The shit was depressing, and to make matters worse, they didn’t get the credit that they deserved. Instead, they were criticized for not working or frowned upon for not seeming appreciative of having a man that was serving his country. To the outside world, they were living the good life and having everything handed to them. That shit couldn’t have been further from the truth. So many military spouses were struggling mentally and emotionally. I couldn’t imagine being miles away from family constantly or having to pick up and move every few months. I applauded every woman that could stick it out, but I was well aware of the fact that I wasn’t one of those women.
“Latrell, go to bed. Better yet, go link up with your girlfriend.”
“I already told you. That chick isn’t my girlfriend. Stop saying that shit.”
“Okay, fine. Either way, just get off the phone and go to sleep. I’m tired and I want to go to bed.”
“Is that really why you want to get off the phone?”
The moment I noticed the change in his tone, I dropped my head. I could feel the mood shift, and what I’d been working so hard to avoid was officially front and center.
Latrell was about to start acting stupid.
I peeked over at Layne and made sure that she was still asleep. Her little pink bonnet was secure on her head and drool was dripping from the corner of her mouth.
Making sure not to wake her, I slid out of bed and tiptoed out of the room. “I already know where this is going, and I’m not in the mood for it. Don’t start with the jealousy shit.”
“Nobody’s being jealous. I just want you to be honest about why you’re in such a rush to get off the phone.”
“Because I’m tired of sitting here talking to you about the same thing. We’re supposed to be working on our co-parenting relationship and all you want to talk about is us getting back together. I’m done with that shit, Latrell. It’s not going to happen.”
“Yeah, and I know why. My mama told me about that other nigga.”
“Other nigga? What other nigga?” I spat. But it didn’t take me long to realize what he was referring to. Clearly, his mother had told him what I said about there being a man that wanted to be with me even though I had Layne.
“Don’t try to play me.”
“No one is trying to play you.”
“Yeah, you are. But it’s cool. You don’t have to be with me, but at the end of the day, my child isn’t going to be with you.”
“Wait, what?” I replied.
“You heard what the fuck I said. When I come down there, I’m getting Layne and she’s coming back to Texas with me.”
I stepped into the kitchen and flipped on the light switch. “You’ve got to be kidding me?”
“Nah, I’m not kidding at all. If you want to be with that nigga, then give me my damn child.”
“You know what, fuck you Latrell. Your drunk ass can’t have shit. Bye!”
I ended the call and slammed my cell down on the island.
