“Jalen wants you now because he can’t have you.” Tasha points out. “He knows he can’t compete with a Beemer SUV.”
“It’s not just that,” SoundCloud points out, “Jalen can’t compete with Savior. If it was just a car, he would’ve gone out and got baby girl a better one. Jalen cannot compete withwealth and opportunity. Savior can give Keisha things he can’t. I’m sure he’s kicking himself for suggesting you take the internship when you were doubtful about it.”
Tasha’s mouth gaps open and I nod. “That explains his sudden attitude lately.” She says.
“When he wants you to do well, but he also wants to keep you on a leash.” Isn’t that the fuckboy logic? He can have several women as long you’re only sleeping with him? You can do nice things and play wifey as long as he doesn’t return the favor and you’re okay with it?
Truth is, Jalen didn’t want me to succeed if it meant cutting him off. He wanted me to be successful just enough but nottoo much. It has nothing to do with having a flock of women, not really caring about any of them, and one of them decides she wants to do better.
It has to do with the one he wanted, decided she wanted better for herself. The male’s ego is just so fragile.
“Oh well,” I take another bite of my wrap, “not my circus, not my monkeys.”
~~~~~
We hit a few more spots before we head back to the car. Junie picked up a purple beanie he’s had his eye on for a minute and Tasha picked up some braid accessories. I made a pit stop inside Vickie Secrets for a little sexy number for Savior. He’s made it clear he likes me butt-ass naked but there’s nothing wrong with enticing a dude.
As we made our way to the car, I overheard snickering behind me that became increasingly louder with each step. I didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. I’ve felt Chermica and her bird crew follow us from store to store, even stepping inside to just to see we were really there before they followed us to another store.
Sensing what was going on, I place a text to my daddy I was having problems at the mall. He assured me it was going to be handled and that was that.
“Do you want to confront them?” Tasha whispers to me.
“And for why? Given them even more ammo? The last thing I need is that.” I reply. “It’s being handled right now.”
“Oh word?” Junie asks. “How?”
Just as we approach my Beemer, we see three black SUVs parked around it. Chermica and the Birds immediately stopped talking and stalking once they realized who the fuck they were dealing with.
“Angel face,” Ashley gets out of one of the SUVs, greets me with kisses, and hugs. “How’s my baby girl?”
“I’m doing great, Mom.” I give her a small package from Macy’s, “got you something.”
“Oh, you didn’t have to, baby.” She smiles. “Junie, Tasha, lovely to see you.” Ashley’s face looks behind me. “Hi Chermica! I hope you’re doing well, sweetheart! Did you mother get her chlamydia cleared up yet? I heard she got the clap by messing with that parolee a while back?”
Chermica’s friends start laughing at her and Chermica is stunned in silence.
“Honey, please be sure to give my love to your mother. I know she has to be recovering from all that itching and scratching. Tell her that wearing those tight-ass jeans won’t help with the fish smell she also has been slanging around. You don’t want to pick up your mama’s dirty habits now, baby?” Ashley winks. Ashley is a classy clapback queen. Every term of endearment is always dripping in condescension.
Chermica turns around and runs back to her car with her friends following her. Ashley examines my bald head and shakes her head. “You need a trim, angel face. Let me get you an appointment with Charlene. Let’s see if she can get you in tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow morning?” I ask. “I have that gala I’m attending over the weekend.”
“That’s even more perfect! You’ll look nice and fresh for it!” Ashley smiles. “All right, it’s time for me to head back to your dad’s. Call me if there are any more problems, ‘face.” She heads back inside the SUV and they all quickly take off.
I know what transpired between me and Chermica won’t the be the last occurrence. Chermica’s mother is besties with my womb-holder, Andrea. And Andrea hates Ashley with a passion. I expect a nasty phone call from Andrea within the next 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Tasha and Junie stare at what just transpired and look at me with shocked faces. “When you’re a gangsta like my daddy, you need to be with a woman who’s just as – or even more so gangsta as you.”
