Page 52 of Burned

Maybe it was something in her voice, but it must have finally registered. He recoiled. “I can’t believe it. Jackie said you wanted to get back together with me.”

“She lied, just like you lied about sleeping with her.”

“I didn’t fucking sleep with your mother. I may have done a lot wrong, but that wasn’t one of them. She asked me to her move some furniture and the next thing I know she’s trying to undress me. She put her hands down my pants. I swear to God.”

Sadie didn’t know whether to believe him or not. She wouldn’t put it past her mother in light of some of the other things she’d done. But Terrell had already proven to be untrustworthy. Regardless of what happened, it no longer mattered. “Terrell, please leave. I hope you find happiness in your life and can be a good father to your daughter.”

Terrell flared his nostrils and turned his angry gaze toward a smirking Jackie. “You lying bitch. You were using me weren’t you?”

Jackie shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about Terrell and I wouldn’t go telling tales if I were you. I mean we all know what a big liar you are. I was trying to facilitate a reunion with you and Sadie because I thought that’s what you two wanted. Guess I was wrong.”

Terrell clenched and unclenched his fists at his side. “You lying bitch! You told me Sadie wanted to get back together with me. You told me she was shy. You told me to go slow. You also told me she would be moving back up here. Or was that a lie too?”

Jackie shrugged, seeming unbothered. “I can’t control my grown daughter’s movements.”

Terrell sucked his teeth. “I see your game. You were using me all along. But I bet you won’t tell her why.”

Sadie was fascinated by this diatribe between Terrell and Jackie.

“What’s he talking about, Jackie?” Sadie wanted to know.

Jackie waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t listen to that loser.”

“I’m not the loser trying to con my own daughter out of her rightful inheritance.”

Jackie crossed her arms over her chest with a heavy sigh. “Now you’re telling tales, again, Terrell, this is getting boring.”

“What the hell is she talking about?” Lily demanded.

“Tell her about the money she’ll get when she turns thirty.”

“Leave now.” Jackie no held her bored look and Sadie realized Terrell really did know something.

Sadie’s heart pounded in her chest. “Money? What’s he talking about?”

“She knows you’re going into come into money soon and wants you back here with her so she can milk as much out of you as possible.”

Jackie rolled her eyes. “Like you’d know my business.”

“Oh, I know, all right,” Terrell nodded. “You’re friends with my aunt. You know she can’t keep a secret. If you don’t want people finding out your business you should keep it to yourself. By the way, my aunt can’t stand you. She only hangs around you because she likes to laugh at you behind your back with her real friends. They talk about how pathetic you are. Sadie, if I were you, I’d get a lawyer.”

“Shut up!” Jackie charged at Terrell and racked her nails down the side of his face.

“Bitch!” He pushed Jackie away from him, sending her flying. She landed on her butt.

Sadie’s mouth fell open as she tried to process what Terrell had said.

“Terrell, I think you should leave.” Lily was the first one of them to find their voice.

“Sadie, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen like this. But it’s true. She’s been hiding correspondence from your Aunt’s lawyer for years. Your Aunt has been trying to contact you for a long time now. Please go see her if you don’t believe me.”

“Get out of my mother fucking house!” Jackie screamed still on the floor.

“Won’t be your house for long. Word on the street is you’re behind on your mortgage.” He strode toward the door and halted. Turning to Sadie, his eyes softened. “I’m sorry. I wish things could have been different.”

He’d hurt and humiliated her, but Sadie didn’t wish him ill will. Now all she could see was a man who had to live with his choices. She felt nothing for him.

“Goodbye, Terrell.”

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