Page 130 of Deuce

“Yes. Speaking of which, here he comes.”

I pointed at Deuce, who was about ten feet away from us. Mario swallowed hard.

“I um… I think I better go. See you in class.”

He practically shoved my bag in my hand and power walked away as Deuce came to a stop in front of me.

“Baby,you scared him,” I said as he pulled me into him.

“He better be scared. I can tell that nigga was trying to spit game to you.”

I giggled. “He only asked me to study with him.”

“Uh huh. He’s trying to study some pussy. Don’t trust these niggas. Not even them nerdy muthafuckas.”

I shook my head. “Can we go eat, please?”

“Are you gonna be able to keep it down?”

“I feel okay today. I took my anxiety meds, so my nerves aren’t all over the place.”

“Maybe you should see my cousin again.”

“Stanley, I’m fine. Can we go? I’m craving tacos with extra sour cream.”

He stared at me for a moment before nodding. “Okay.”

Hand in hand, we headed for the car. He opened my door, and I climbed in, making myself comfortable. In the back of my mind, I wondered if I really did need to see a doctor. Probably not his cousin because this man would harass us both about the results.

If and when I decided to see a doctor, it would be one of my choosing. I was sure it was just some form of PTSD or something. While I know that was serious, I didn’t want to sit on some therapist’s couch and spill my guts about being kidnapped. I didn’t want to relive that again.

Mirron was dead and gone. Eventually, my memories about the whole ordeal would fade to black too.

“All right, bitch. If you get this question wrong, I’m chin checking your ass.”

I sat in my living room with Shar studying for my first test. We’d been at it for two hours now and my brain hurt. I was hungry, and I needed a nap.

“Shar, can we take a break?”

“After you answer this question.”

I sighed. “Fine.”

She cleared her throat. “The basic elements of the supply chain include what?”

“Integration. Operations. Purchasing. Distribution.”

“Yes! See, babe. You got this.”

“I appreciate your help, but I’d much rather study with Deuce. He lets me take breaks whenever I want.”

“Because I’m sure those breaks involve him getting some coochie. I ain’t your man.”

I rolled my eyes because she was right. It was nothing for us to have a little quickie in between study sessions.

“Whatever, bitch.”

“You’re cranky today. You on your period?”

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