Page 18 of Fever

I took my attention back to Carla.

“If you told HR, then why’d you quit?”

“They were told by him that I was going through some things at home and had been taking drugs, that’s why I’m making false accusations. So now they’ve opened an investigation into it.”

“Oh no he didn’t,” I said.

“Yes, girl.” Carla took a swig of her wine. “So, they drug tested both of us today, but the results don’t come back for a week.”

“But you still haven’t explained why you quit.”

“’Cause, girl, I’m not passing that drug test.”

Carla looked at me knowingly and started to twist her natural hair. Recently, she’d done the ‘big chop’ cutting her hair down to her roots, to grow it naturally without the use of chemicals. Carla’s adjustment to her natural hair wasn’t coming easy. She didn’t like looking like a cute little boy it wasn’t her style, but she had kept an open mind and now it sat against the back of her shoulders. I thought it was cute and pretty sassy.

I sighed. “You been smoking weed again, haven’t you?”

“Don’t judge me,” Carla said, sitting down on a bar stool next to Desiree at the kitchen island. She crossed her legs.

“So, you just left or what?”

“After the test, I took the rest of the day off. But I’m not going back. What’s the point? Roger wins. I lose. End of story.”

“Oh no, you didn’t officially quit, that scumbag needs to be fought.”

“I’m not going back, so yes,” Carla reiterated, “I did quit.”

We all sighed and quieted down before Desiree spoke up. “You’re going to need a clean system to get a job anywhere that I’m taking you. When was the last time you smoked?”

Carla dropped her head. “Before last night, two weeks ago.”

I shook my head and poured her more wine. “You should drink extra,” I offered. If I were you, I would go to work every day until they put me out. I’m talking about security would have to walk me to the door. They’d still have to pay me for the work I did.”

Carla and Desiree burst into laughter.

“Why do I believe you?” Carla asked.

“Because even though we’ve only been acquainted for a little while, you know enough about me.” I stifled my laugher and looked sincerely at Carla. “Will you need somewhere to stay since you don’t have a job now?”

“While my rent is still paid and my lights and water are still on, I’ll be fine at home,” Carla replied, “but I could use some company tonight.”

“We can make it a girls’ night!” Desiree chirped. “Besides, we’ve got more to discuss anyway.” Desiree turned to me with a snide smile. “Santana’s going to tell us all about the last two days she spent in Jamaica with Josiah.”

Carla’s head snapped to me. “Ooooh, you’ve been holding out.”

I sighed heavily. “I yie yie.” I moaned. I was certain I’d be drilled for the remainder of the evening.

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