Page 114 of Rather: The Therapist

“You’re right. She fuc–”

“Kofi!”

“I’m just saying.”

“Don’t.”

“Okay. But, on some real shit. I didn’t know she worked here. I wouldn’t have come. There are three other places we could’ve gone on this strip.”

“It’s fine, Kofi.”

“I’ll get the check if you’re ready to roll.”

“You’ll do no such thing. I’m fine. I’m going to finish my drink and then have another one. It’s been a long day.”

Kofi got comfortable in his seat. He’d been at the edge, unsure if we were staying or not. When I assured him I was alright and could hold my own, he planted himself firmly in the seat. It wasn’t long before he began doing what he did best, bringing tears to my eyes and making my cheeks ache.

There wasn’t something about a reclined roof in the autumn breeze underneath the sun’s subtle glow that dissolved my transgressions. Nothing matters at the moment. Not even the destruction of the loose curls I was proud of accomplishing before heading out the door. Not even the broken Dior lipstick I’d dropped on the floor in an attempt to reapply it before leaving the bar. Nothing.

Exhaustion stalked me, but I was fighting to stay away. The day was still young. And, for the first time in a few days, I felt invincible. Sleep wasn’t on my radar. Neither was a night with Kofi, so it was likely my only option.

Hailey would be waiting and I’d hate to disappoint baby girl. She was too good behind the bar and I had every intention to return to Cassius for her service. She’d refused the money Kofi tried handing her, and responded by telling us it was her treat. After she got her feelings in check, she was a joy to be around. She kept us entertained and didn’t skimp us on the liquor.

“Uhhhhhhh.”

I’d yawned five times in the twenty-three minutes we’d been driving. The drive to Windridge seemed much shorter than the journey back home. Maybe it was the two martinis I’d consumed or maybe it was the day’s activities that had drained me.

Kofi’s hand snaked across my shoulder and around my neck. Briefly, he took his eyes off the road to look at me. When our shades aligned, he squeezed gently. The amount of pressure was perfect, relieving the tension instantly.

I closed my eyes and leaned my head backward. The wind kissed my lips and forehead. Kofi’s generosity continued as he knead away the kinks of my neck. If I hadn’t been enough already, I was missing St. Catana even more now. Bi-weekly spa appointments with full-body massages, facials, lymphatic massages, and wood therapy had spoiled me.

As the wheels of his car stopped rolling, so did his fingers. The music lowered and the familiar sound of steel forced my eyes open. Instinctively, I clutched my purse where my piece of protection was sleeping peacefully. At the click of a button, it would transform from a hibernating bear to a raging beast.

“Fuck is this nigga?” Kofi questioned, hurrying out of the car.

I wasn’t far behind him. The casually dressed man placed a third and final box next to the door. At the sight of Kofi and I, his eyes grew twice their size. Before he was able to do so himself, Kofi snatched the headphones off his ear and trained his gun on his side.

“What’s in the boxes my nigga?”

The better question is who sent you?

In any other instance, I wouldn’t approve of the gun Kofi had jammed into the side of a stranger, but this wasn’t any other instance. My freedom was on the line and I’d been promised protection. Everyone had to be vetted. Everyone. Anyone.

From the mailman to the delivery man, I needed to know who you were, who you worked for, and why you were at my home. And, if you didn’t come empty-handed, I needed to know what you’d brought to my doorstep and why.

“I’m not sure. I– I’m just the delivery guy. My number is on the side of the truck. If you want, you can call the corporate office or– or my bos– or my girl. My momz can even confirm w– where I work. Man, I have a daughter on the way. I’m ju– I’m just doing my job.”

“Name on the package?”

“I– I– Rose.”

My heart fell from my chest onto the pavement.

“Sender’s name on the package?”

“Let him go. He’s not a threat.”

Kofi looked over at me, wondering if I was sure. With a nod, I doubled down.

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