“Oh, now you know me.”
“Hey, Danita,” I said, putting my car in reverse and leaving the parking lot.
“Girl, what the hell? I’ve been calling, and instead of you answering the phone, you’ll send me a text saying you’ll call, but you never do! What the hell is up with that?”
“I’ve been busy, Nita. Shit, life has been lifing lately. I didn’t feel like constantly calling you and telling you all my business.”
“I’m your sister. Don’t piss me off! What’s been going on?”
I spent the next ten minutes telling Danita about the run-in with Jabari’s baby mama, Kya, the shit at work, Gio, and the run-in with Jakeem. By the time I finished, I had tears streaming down my face.
“Aw, sissy, why are you trying to handle all this shit on your own? That’s what I’m here for. Shit, that’s what Jabari’s there for.”
“I haven’t talked to him about how any of this is making me feel. I don’t want to burden him with my problems either.”
“Amina, are you crazy? If that’s your nigga, let him be there for you. It’s going to piss him off more knowing that you’re sitting here going through shit, and he doesn’t know. Let him be there for you.”
I sighed. “Easier said than done. Remember what happened with Jakeem?—”
“Fuck Jakeem! He wasn’t shit from the beginning. Jabari seems to be worth a damn. Stop harboring the past shit and get with the goddamn program! Don’t lose something good because you’re in your goddamn head!”
I heard Danita, but I didn’t feel like hearing that at the moment. I didn’t want to be preached at. I wanted to sulk in my feelings for a while.
“Switching subjects. Gio called me. Did you speak with him?” I asked.
“If you answer your damn phone, he was calling to let us know he will be in town this weekend but only for the weekend. He has to handle some things.”
My eyes ballooned. “What the hell? He could’ve texted me that!”
“I guess he wanted to surprise you, but he asked to stay at my place, so I guess it’s just a surprise to you. He said you probably would have some nigga over there laid up or blah blah blah, but I’m just warning you. Get your thoughts and shit together. You know how he can be. You would hate to have to deal with him on top of everything you’re feeling.”
I sighed. “Yeah, you’re right. Well, I go back to work tomorrow, so that’ll keep my mind off everything.”
Danita sucked her teeth. “Oh, my Amina, baby, once you realize you’re making things harder for yourself instead of just living, you’ll be alright.”
“I’ll talk to you later, Nita.”
“Have a good night, sissy.”
By the time we ended the call, I had made it home. Before I shut off the car, I sent Jabari a text letting him know that I’d be returning to work tomorrow and would speak to him later, as I had to prepare for the workday. I exited the car and made it inside, immediately heading back into my routine.
It wasthe end of the week, and this was one of the hardest but peaceful weeks I’d had at work in a while. The unit was run with structure, and even Patrick was doing his job, yet we both avoided each other as much as possible. I was ready to head home and relax, but Danita had already texted me to let me know that Gio had made it to town and wanted to have dinner tonight. I was dreading it because I knew the topic of discussion would be his discussing our career paths. All I wanted to do was go home and guzzle a bottle of wine.
My alarm went off, letting me know my lunch break was over. A part of me was bummed that it was over, but I was happy because I knew I would see Gloria soon. It had been a while since I had seen Gloria. We would text here and there, but due to mybeing wrapped up in her son and being out of work, I hadn’t seen her in a while. I quickly headed into the breakroom to place my items back in the locker just as Patrick walked in. It was just him and me, but I moved as if I didn’t see him.
“It’s been a crazy week,” he stated.
I was shocked that he even said two words to me.
I nodded. “Yep. Sure has.”
“I’m ready for the weekend. A couple of us are going to happy hour afterward for some bonding. Would you like to join us?”
I spun on my heels, finally facing him. I had to make sure it was him who was talking to me.
“Me?”
He looked around. “Um, yeah, you. Who else? You’re the only one in here.” He chuckled.
