Page 18 of Save Room for Us

“You really got this looking like a hospital. If it wasn’t for the horrible lighting, I wouldn’t know the difference.” She shot me a sidelong glance with a smirk lingering on her soft lips.

Tucking mine in as I thought about kissing her, I moved closer, saying, “If you need anything else, just let me know, and I’ll have it to you as soon as possible. The next room over is where you can take naps, shower, whatever. It’s a whole suite for you to do you, and yes it has a lock on it. As far as the pay, it’s weekly and all cash.”

“I will take it, but I think just until the trial is over. I’m hoping my license gets reinstated, but also, I may not be able to workfor you if I’m convicted and have to serve time.” She sighed a bit, running her fingers over the packages of gauze before her.

“Nah, you ain’t gotta worry ’bout that shit. Big bro a beast. And people ain’t stupid enough to believe you did all that shit to yaself.” I leaned against the metal counter.

“You saw the photos?”

“I did.”

“I don’t even know why I asked when they’ve plastered them everywhere. I thought it would help, but all I hear is people saying that I’m lying or did it to myself.”

“Some of the injuries and angles of certain bruises, one can’t do to themselves. But we do got some dumb muthafuckas in the world, love.”

“True.” She nodded, glancing around. “I have to say I am a bit excited to be doing what I love again.” She beamed.

Pretty as shit. Didn’t make no fucking sense.

“Niggas gon’ love having something pretty to look at while they healing.”

Laughing, she replied, “You let them know it will not be that type of party.”

“Nah, them niggas know you off-limits.”

She stared up at me, supple lips parted before pushing her hair back behind her ears again.

“Oh shit! This is fly!” Grady walked in, fist to his mouth. “But you…” He zoned in on Anastazia, “are even flyer.” Sticking his hand out, he said, “Grady.”

I could see hearts, stars, and every fucking thing else in this nigga’s eyes, and while it was no surprise, since Anastazia was every nigga’s dream physically, I still didn’t like the shit, for more reason than one.

“Anastazia, but people call me Stazi.” She shook his hand, grinning, and Grady was giving the shit right back.

“I have to say, baby, you are beautiful.” Grady licked his lips.

“Aye, chill out.” I finally spoke up, forming fists with my hands as they rested in the pockets of these Nike track pants.

Snickering slightly, humorlessly, Grady said, “I am chill. All I did was say she was pretty, cuz.”

“Well don’t,” I somewhat snapped shortly.

Those two words and in the tone I’d used astonished both Anastazia and Grady as they looked me over, both of their eyebrows kissing a bit.

“Yeah, aight, my bad.” Grady nodded.

“Let me walk you out.” I gestured for the door and followed after Anastazia as she swayed out with her fine ass.

“I know you need my help, Asif, but I appreciate you giving me this job. It really means a lot,” she said as I held her car door open for her.

“Of course.” I smirked, and she did the same. “I’ll be in touch soon.” I shut the door once she was inside, and stayed out there until she was bending the block.

Going back in, I saw Grady sending a text or some shit on his phone.

“What was that, my nigga? She yours?” he questioned immediately.

“Nah, she not, but that’s not what the fuck she here for. She here to work, and I don’t want her feeling uncomfortable like she being preyed on by you niggas. Can’t have her thinking muthafuckas is plotting on her body while she working.”

“I feel you. I just had to ask ’cause you came off a little territorial back in there. You not usually jealous or the type to give a fuck about a bitch, though, so I don’t know why I asked.” He chuckled as I walked by him.

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