“Too late for that,” she snapped. “So let me guess, you want to pick up where you left off?”
I didn’t respond.
“That’s what I thought,” she said, eyes narrowing. “Look, I don’t care who you used to be to him. Past tense. But don’t get shit confused.”
“I’m not confused.”
“Then let’s keep it that way.”
“He seems happy,” I mumbled.
Her eyes blazed. “You don’t get to speak on his happiness. I got that under control.”
I nodded. “You’re right.”
“I know I’m right,” she said, turning. “Have a good life, Shayna.”
But before she walked off, I said the words that would crumble her perfect lil’ life.
“I just thought maybe… one day our kids could meet. They’re siblings, after all.”
Mel stopped. Slowly, she turned back to me, face contorted..
“The fuck you just say?”
I swallowed. “I—”
“You said sibling like you know something I don’t.”
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.
She stepped forward, voice low. “You got about five seconds to explain before I make a scene in this bitch.”
“I just meant… my daughter and your baby… they’re connected.”
“Connected how?” she barked. “You better come out and say it.”
I looked her in the eye. “My daughter, Liberty… is Franklin’s.”
Her face didn’t move. Her body didn’t flinch. But her silence was deadly.
“You got some fuckin’ nerve,” she said finally. “Walking up to me like that. Acting polite. Complimenting me. Then dropping that shit like it’s a muthafuckin’ gender reveal.”
“I didn’t mean it like that—”
“—You don’t mean shit,” she snapped. “You been hiding? Keep hiding.”
I was about to say something else, but a girl that favored her just a tad lighter approached us. I knew then it was about to be some shit.
11
Chapter Eleven
Nicari ‘Nic’ DeLuca
I knew Mel was going off before I even saw her face. Her voice was sharp, loud enough to echo off the damn skylight in the middle of the mall. I knew then that somebody had her fucked up.
I came around the corner with Kasha and Sophi right behind me, and that’s when I saw Mel, standing ten toes down in front of a chick I’ve never seen before. Curvy, too confident, fake sweet smile. I already ain’t like her.
