Page 66 of Rather: The Therapist

Near the netted machine that dispensed basketballs and counted the number of baskets each player made was where Kofi stilled. With his head angled toward the basket and his brows attempting to fuse with his hairline, he waited for my response.

“I’m afraid I don’t lose, Kofi.”

“How much you trying to bet, baby? And don’t bullshit me. My money long and yours isn’t skimpy, either.”

I took a look at my empty wrist, still upset about a few things I’d left behind in St. Catana.

“I could use a new Rolex,” I sighed, sucking the skin of my teeth.

“Say no more.”

“What about you? What if you win?”

“You’ve gambled enough by agreeing to give me your heart, Rather. Asking for anything else would be too much. I’ve already won.”

My hand rested against my chest as my eyes closed. I swayed my body from one side to the other, humming the words to Comfortable.

“I don’t think she’s listening, Royce.”

“Rather!” Royce called out, ignoring Rome.

“Hm?”

“Why are you smiling so hard?”

I lifted my wrist so that my new presidential piece was eye-level. The 36mm Rolex with the hidden clasp and diamond dial was such a beauty.

“Him.” I admitted, lowering my arm.

I placed the pencil at my lips and began tracing my natural line until I met the dark brown shade from the other side.

“Well, I’m happy to hear you at least feel an attraction to him. Admittedly, I was worried,” Roaman explained. “But that smile on your face tells me everything I need to know.”

“He wants the entire ninety days to empty his nutsack,” I informed the group.

Everyone was on the call and in their respective homes.

“Men,” Egypt scoffed, “You hardly find one who thinks with his big head.”

“Unless they’re old and it hardly works anymore,” Roulette chimed in, stuffing a chip in her mouth, “That’s why I won’t be thinking with mine until my coochie is loose and releases a little pee when I sneeze or laugh. Until then, it’s fuck niggas. Get money.”

“But you literally have a man,” I reminded her.

“It’s not and never will be that type of party over here and you know it.”

She was right. She’d been dibbling and dabbling for years now. I doubt that would change.

“So why are you smiling?” Rugger wanted to know.

“Richie raised many things, but a fool wasn’t in his repertoire.”

“Good to know your head is on straight,” she replied. “Now, tell me more, like how you came across that new timepiece.”

“He bought it. I beat him in basketball at the arcade and this was my prize.”

“I can’t be mad at that,” Roulette chuckled, “I taught you well.”

“If that makes you feel better, then I assume.”

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