“I’m so sorry,” Tyler apologized, wiping her mouth.
“It’s ok, friend. Drink this water.” Aria handed her a bottle of water that was sitting in the middle of the table.
“It’s not ok!” Shane fussed. “As soon as we get in the car, take my wig off. I was going to sell it and you got chunks of food in it,” he whined.
“Everything ok in here?” A court officer tapped on the door before opening it.
“Peachy.” Shane plastered a fake smile on his face, blocking Tyler’s disheveled appearance. “Everything is peachy.”
“Ok, they’re ready for you,” he informed the group. “There’s a crowd, so move fast and keep your head low.”
“Thank you.” Aria smiled weakly.
When the door closed, Shane turned to face Tyler with his nose turned up. “Here.” He shoved a piece of gum in her hand. “Bitch, get your shit together. I don’t give a fuck that you’re hungover. Shit, I don’t even know why you got drunk, and I don’t care. What you won’t do is go in here and look like a weak bitch. Stand up straight, fix my hair and-
“Your hair?” Aria frowned.
“Yes, my hair. That’s my fucking wig and throw up McGee ruining my shit.”
“Can you yell at your friends later? The judge is waiting.” Gene snapped his fingers.
“Sir.” Shane turned to face him. “Shut the hell up before I yell at you!”
“I’m ready.” Tyler stood to her feet.
Using the napkin, she wiped the corners of her mouth and used the water to gargle. Aria gave her a little lotion and Tyler popped a piece of gum in her mouth.
“Let’s go.” She headed to the door.
“What about the throw up?” Shane quizzed.
“I’ll get someone to come in here and clean it,” Gene assured him.
“Shame on it all,” Shane muttered, exiting the room.
This time Tyler was prepared. There was no evidence of the mishap that took place a few moments ago. The ruffled shirt was still choking the life out of her, but Tyler dug deep and pulled out her inner bad bitch. She smiled and waved like Miss America, reminding the onlookers that she was still a bad bitch.
Entering the courtroom, Tyler walked directly to the front and took the seat next to Gene while Aria and Shane sat behind her. Tyler didn’t have to look over to see Dexter staring at her, she could feel his heated gaze. Ignoring his presence, Tyler sat back in her seat and stared forward; she refused to give him the satisfaction of making eye contact.
“So, you just gone walk past me like you don’t see me?” Dexter barked, loud as usual.
“Dex, don’t,” his lawyer whispered. “This is not the place.”
“It’s always the place to address disrespect.” He glared at Tyler. “You been gone a couple of months and forgot who you belong to, huh?”
“Bro, chill,” Marty warned, peering over at the court officer near the door.
“Sir, please do not talk to my client,” Gene insisted.
“Fuck outta here. That’s my bitch, and if I wanna say something to her, then I’m gone say something to her.”
“She’s not your shit,” Aria hissed.
“Shut yo lame ass up. You think I don’t know yall amped her up to do this shit?” Dexter waved her off. “Tyler!”
Still nothing. She didn’t even flinch.
“You acting like I won’t flip the fuck out in here.”
