Page 37 of Tainted

“Nope. Brandy and I are hanging out.”

“I’m sure glad you girls have each other.” Nana’s unsteady hand found its way to mine, and I wondered what she meant by that, “Especially while I’m in here. Brandy’s been on her own long enough.”

“I’ll see you later.”

“Okay, baby. You and Brandy have fun, but be safe.”

“Always. You keep working on those exercises. Your grip is getting better.”

“My Zara,” she whispered, cupping my cheek, “You’ll say anything to make me feel better.”

“I love you, crazy lady.”

“I love you more.”

I kissed her forehead while thumbing her freshly oiled braids before leaving to meet with Brandy and Jewel. My first night out was now clouded by a hefty bill that I didn’t have the money to pay, and I wasn’t banking on Brandy having the money, either.

When I arrived at Nana’s house, the music was loud, and they were dancing around, taking shots. I stared at Brandy briefly, wondering how she was so carefree when we had bigger problems.

“Oh hey boo! You need to catch up,” Brandy boasted while lining up three shot cups.

“Nana’s account is behind. Do you know why?”

“Huh?” Her face scrunched up, trying to pretend she couldn’t hear me over the music.

“Serenity Springs said her payments have been short and now she has a balance. Why Brandy?”

Guilt flicked across her face before she could mask it. Brandy shifted her weight, eyes dropping to the floor. She looked like a kid caught with her hand in the cookie jar, but this wasn’t some tiny mistake. This was Nana’s livelihood.

“He promised he would give it back.”

“Who?” I asked while Jewel sat back, watching the exchange.

Brandy lowered her head in shame. “Otto. He was in a bind and needed it.”

“Did you ask that nigga for the money?”

She winced, biting her lip as she avoided my gaze.

“He’s usually good for it, but Dino won the race and the money Otto was supposed to pay me back.”

“Stupid.” I wasn’t even sure if I was talking to Brandy for giving up Nana’s money or me for coming back.

It didn’t help that Mom’s birthday was approaching. Our last conversation wasn’t heavy enough for me to say fuck Shana. Instead, it made me crave her hugs.

“I don’t need you to tell me it was stupid,” she claimed,

My leg was bouncing nonstop, and I had to keep my hands clasped before I put them on Brandy.

“Where is Aunt Misa? I haven’t seen her since I got back.”

“She’s somewhere.”

I scoffed and plopped down on the couch in disbelief.

“Un-fucking-believable! They’re going to put Nana out! What did you think would happen, Brandy?”

“I don’t know!” The dam finally broke, and her frustrations rolled down her face. “I’ve been here by myself, trying to handle everything! Do you know how hard it’s been?”

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