Page 154 of Tainted

“Certainly not you,” I sighed, knowing it was on me.

Trudging to the bathroom, I wasn’t even sure I knew what to say. Rajah’s delivery might’ve been harsh, but she was right. It hurt right now, but this was the epitome of a blessing in disguise. Otto damn sure didn’t deserve the loyalty that Brandy gave him.

“Bran,” I muttered, tapping on the stall.

“I’m fine!”

“You will be, but it’s okay if you aren’t right now.”

“I just feel so stupid,” she sighed through the stall door because she hadn’t opened it yet.

“Hiding in the stall won’t make you feel less stupid. Come drown your sorrows in Tequila.”

Brandy snickered, and the door unlocked. Just as I suspected, her face was puffy and eyes bloodshot red from crying.

“Getting with Romello would be the ultimate get back.”

She sucked her teeth, “Stop trying to pimp me out.”

“I’m just trying to make you feel better. Romello might be the answer.”

“I really need a drink now.”

Brandy’s mood finally brightened after a few mimosas. Rajah’s lively personality had the table full of laughter in no time. The fruity, citrus smells had my stomach turning, but being with the girls was nice.

We all left Sip & Scramble happier and more relaxed than we came, so we made plans to do it again. Rajah looped her arm through mine as we said goodbye to Brandy and Jewel, who parked in the opposite direction.

“When do you work again?”

It was a simple question. One that we asked each other often but today was different. Maybe because the reality hit that I wasn’t going back. Neither Kross nor Kenyon had told me so, but it wasn’t hard to figure. There was no way Kenyon Keyes would go for it, which left me in limbo. Not financially, because I knewhe’d take care of me. That was the one thing I was sure of. I just didn’t know where that left my future, which created a stream of tears.

“Wait a damn minute! What’s with the tears?”

My chin dropped, with a war of emotions raging inside me, but I felt safe with Rajah to admit, “I fucked up.”

“Fucked up, how?”

“I’m pregnant.”

“Aww, my baby is having a baby!”

“I didn’t leave my family to come here, fall in love, and get pregnant. It just feels like it’s all for nothing right now. What else am I going to do besides become Kenyon Keyes’s baby mama,” I grimaced as the words left my mouth.

“Stop it!” Rajah pinched my arm, and I tried to pull away, but she continued, “Stop it right now.”

“Ow bitch! That hurt.”

“So does listening to this pity party! Your life doesn’t stop because you’re creating one. Sometimes, looking at your creation pushes you harder than you could ever push yourself. If you love dance, like you say, you’ll make it happen.”

“I’m terrified, Rajah.”

“What did Keyes say or you haven’t told him either?”

“He knows but hasn’t said much. Things are a mess right now, only making me crazier.”

“I highly doubt he’s second-guessing the baby. If hisBabygirlgives him a Babygirl, please, you’d never have to do shit else in life. Trust me.”

“It’s not that.” Rajah was waiting for me to explain, but I couldn’t. Telling his business felt like a betrayal, but I didn’t have to.

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