Page 72 of Krash & Bern

I turned toward the voice and raised a brow. I’d seen her before, but I couldn’t place her face with a name. “Thanks.”

She chuckled. “You don’t remember me?”

“I don’t, sorry.”

“Lola,” she informed.

Lola… Lola…

“We hooked up after your fight with Carlos Gonzalez.”

“What did she say?” Bernice asked as she turned to focus on the conversation. Prior to that, she’d been doing a little two step to the current upbeat song playing through the speakers.

I scratched the back of my neck as I tried to figure out how to explain the current dynamic for Bernice. She’d been extremely emotional since the pregnancy, and sometimes it felt like I was walking on eggshells. If I didn’t mediate the conversation soon, Bern would be pissed.

“I didn’t mean any disrespect. Trust me, boo. I don’t want him. I just thought it was funny to see how much life has changed since I saw him a few months ago.” Lola flipped her long hair over her shoulder.

“A couple months ago?” Bernice repeated to me.

I shook my head. “It was before us. It was actually right before you installed my new security. I haven’t talked or contacted her since that night.”

“He’s telling the truth. I didn’t come to cause any drama. I just wanted to congratulate the man and see what A-list celebrities would be popping out. Trust me, girl. What Krash and I had was a one and done.”

Bernice nodded. “Okay, girl.”

“We actually never had anything. We fucked once, and I left the same night.” I defended my actions.

“Anyway, I’m going to go sit down and give my feet a rest. Find me when you’re done here.” Bernice didn’t give me a chance to respond as she waddled away, rubbing her stomach in gentle circles.

My eyes met Lola’s. “I ain’t trying to have my night ruined. Don’t ever pull no shit like that again.”

She raised her hands in a motion to ease the tension. “I promise my intentions were pure. I actually wanted to bump into that bodyguard of yours with the snake tattoo on his neck. He is my type, and I want to get to know him.”

“Rule of thumb, most niggas in close friendships don’t see a bitch their homie fucked as wifey material, but shooters shoot.” I shook my head and walked away. My eyes scanned the sea of people until I found my lady sitting at a table with her friend from college. I think her name started with a J.

“Congratulations on your win, and Happy Birthday, Krash,” Bern’s friend said as I claimed the seat next to my fiancée.

“Thank you.”

The woman shook her head. “You’d think he’d remember the name of the girl who takes his woman out once a month.”

“Apparently, he’s not good with remembering anyone’s name…” Bernice mumbled.

I smacked my lips. “C’mon, baby. Don’t do this. I told you the girl wasn’t nobody important. I fucked her before I even knew you were back in Houston. It was a one and done, and I never hit her up after the first time.”

“I hear you, but my feelings are still hurt because how the fuck did she get into the building?”

“I’ll tell them to escort her out.”

Bernice sighed. “No, it’s fine.”

“Bern, you’re the only woman for me. We’re getting married in the fall, and our baby will be here in a few months. I’m locked in for life. No one else could ever make me lose focus on you.”

“Good.” She crossed her hands over her chest.

“My name is Jaelyn, by the way…” Bern’s friend interjected.

Bernice laughed so hard she snorted, which lifted the tension in the room. Her and her friend giggled together while Bern rubbed her round belly.

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