“Brittany,” I answered, still looking at my disrespectful-ass brother. I finally heard her heels walking away and shook my head.
“Don’t judge me, nigga.” He laughed and stood.
“Never that. When ya girl leave ya Black ass, that’s on you.”
“She ain’t going nowhere.Ever.She stuck with me for the rest of her fucking life.” The chilliness in his tone let me know his ass was serious.
Instead of dwelling on it, I stood to say my goodbyes to my family. I wasn’t about to preach to this nigga. “You be safe out there, bro. See you when you get home. I love you,” I said, slapping him a five and pulling him in for a hug.
“Luh you, bruh. I’m glad you back home, man.”
“Me too.”
Jela walked back into the room carrying the baby and their bags. “Ready?” she asked Dame.
“I gotta be somewhere, so I’ll be home a little later. Truce gon’ take y’all home for me.”
This nigga.
How the fuck was he volunteering my services without even asking?
She shifted, showing her nervousness. “O-okay. What time will you be back?”
“When I’m back, J. I’ll see y’all later.” He kissed the baby, then placed his hand on the back of Jela’s neck, kissing her deeply.
I could tell she was caught off guard because her eyes expanded slightly before she accepted him. He pulled away and left the room without another word.
“Give me a second to bid my family a goodnight, then I’ll be ready,” I told her.
She nodded. “Okay.”
“Is her car seat in y’all’s car?”
“Yeah, I can go get it?—”
“Nah, I got it. Just chill for me. I know you’re ready to run up outta here, and so am I.” I laughed.
She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Been ready.”
“A’ight. Be right back.”
I took the baby bag from her and headed outside. It had been a long day, and I was ready to shower and relax.
I lookedout of the picture window, watching as Damien and his ex got inside his car. It was the same ex I had words with for popping up at our house a few weeks ago and walking around as if she owned the place. My blood boiled because, as much as Damien swore that nothing was going on between them, something in my spirit said otherwise.
I may have been green when we first met, but I’ve learned over time how manipulative and narcissistic Damien was. I had nothing but time to study him and his moves to know when I was being played with.
I couldn’t do this anymore.
I had to get away from him and back to my family.
“A’ight, I’m ready.” I heard the deep baritone voice say behind me. I willed my tears back into their holding place, then turned and smiled.
“Okay.”
We headed outside to his truck, which fit his persona: big and bold. I missed being able to drive, but since we moved here, Damien refused to give me access to a car. However, the man had three available. Anywhere I needed to go, he made sure to chauffeur me around.
Truce took Scottlyn from my arms and placed her inside her car seat.
