Page 150 of Rather: The Therapist

“What’s up?”

“I need you to tell me you can handle yourself tonight.”

“You don’t have to worry about me, Priest. I’m good. I can promise you that. My head is in the right place. This water will be my saving grace.”

He held up the bottle in his hand.

“I had liquid IV in my cup all day. I’ll be straight. I’m hydrated and will continue to hydrate.”

“Good.”

We arrived at Bergamont, our hotel of choice whenever visiting the city. It was in a secluded part of Berkeley and there were few people able to secure reservations in the prestigious dwelling. Your money had to be long and your connections had to be plentiful. Thankfully, neither was a problem for us.

It wasn’t until everyone had filed out that Killian noticed I wasn’t in tow. He turned back and opened the door of the SUV almost immediately.

“What you doing?” He inquired, face knotted with confusion.

“Staying overnight was never in my plans. I’ve made sure you and Kofi are safe. My job here is done. I’ll be back in the morning to drag that nigga out of the pussy and onto the plane. Be ready.”

“I got his legs,” he laughed.

“You’ve got the legs.” I confirmed.

“Bet. Be safe, nigga. See you in the morning.”

“First thing.”

He slammed the door and caught up to the woman waiting for him. I watched them all as they made it inside and through the lobby. When they turned the corner to get on the elevator, I tapped the seat of the driver.

“Let’s go.”

Twenty-three minutes later we were on the tarmac. I climbed the stairs of the plane alone. Clarke was on my radar. Soon, Berkeley would be in my rearview. There was nothing for me here. Everything I wanted, everything I needed, was miles and miles away.

I’m on my way.

Somberness weakened my resolve. The thirty-minute flight was the perfect reward after a night of socialization. Now that the party was over, I needed peace. I needed her.

It was four-thirty in the morning and I was sitting outside of Rather’s home with the engine of my car running and the phone pressed against my ear.

“Hello?”

Sleeping beauty, I thought as the scratchiness of her throat coated the line.

“Rather.”

“Yes?” She groaned.

“Open the garage.”

“You’re here?”

“I am.”

“Mm kay. Is everything alright?”

“It is now.”

“Okay. I’m coming down.”

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