Page 169 of Save Room for Us

We eventually left the park, deciding to go to Cemone’s residence since he had a luxurious backyard made for hosting. There was an outdoor theatre for us to enjoy, and everyone agreed that sounded like a good way to end the night.

“Don’t kill her,” I told Asif as I sat between his legs, leaning back on him.

“Why?” he asked collectively, not confirming or denying his plans.

“Because it’s not worth it. She’s just a dumb girl who will eventually get over it and move on,” I explained, eyes on the large ass projector screen. Behind it overlooked all of Los Angeles it seemed. Asif said nothing, so I could only hope he took my advice. “I love this house.”

Funny enough, the hosts, Cemone and Yolani, had disappeared, and it was obvious as to why. At least they gave us blankets and snacks before they left to fuck.

“It’s nice. This what you want?”

I turned to look up into his face, trying not to blush as I shrugged.

“I don’t know. As long as I can live with you.” I kissed him.

“Where the hell is Yolani!” Scotland exclaimed, looking around frantically, sending us all into laughter because she was serious about no more babies until we got our tour for Yolani’s latest release.

Lequay tugged her down into the grass, shutting her up with a kiss.

Hugging me tightly, Asif kissed my neck and said, “I wanna make sure you get whatever you want.”

“I love you,” I admitted as we started to kiss more passionately.

Asif’s hand drifted under the blanket and down into my shorts before he said, “I love you more.”

One week later…

Grabbing my mother’s watering pitcher, I took it outside to pour some over these plants she kept outside. She’d been hounding me to do it damn near since I woke up, and it reminded me that it wouldn’t be long before she and I were no longer living together. I appreciated my mother and loved her more than anything, but she was very bossy at times.

Stepping outside, I began watering the plants just as I heard a car pulling up. Looking over my shoulder, expecting to see Asif, I was befuddled seeing Jacinta’s Solara.

This bitch was crazy for real. First, she’d stalked me at my own home, and now, the bitch had remembered my mom’s place of residence and decided to come here. I guessed because I hadn’t been back by my place for a long time, she decided to check here.

I watched her climb from the car and round the back of it to step up onto the curb wearing a hoodie, tights, and some sneakers. I’d never seen her dressed like that, but maybe it was the whole having a baby thing. Your body changed a lot, and it took time to get it back. I had only recently, months ago, begun to look how I used to.

“Jacinta, I am going to get a restraining order on—” I stopped speaking when she removed her hood as she walked along the cobblestone walkway.

Her eyes both bore bruises, and her lip had crusted blood on one side, making it obvious it had been busted. As I took her in, I knew Cedric had lost his mind even more because one thing he never used to do was hit me where people would be able to see it. The fact that she had injuries to her face meant he’d stopped caring completely.

“Hi,” she finally said, sniffling a little bit. “Can I talk to you?”

I looked around, seeing no one was outside, despite it being in the afternoon right now.

“Fine.” I gestured for her to take a seat on the porch while I did the same, setting the pitcher down on the ground. Jacinta bypassed me, checking her iPhone for the time like she only had so much free time. “Have you been to work?” I queried.

“No. I went on maternity leave, returned to work for a little while, but then… I have a lot of vacation time.” She folded herhands in her lap and stared out over my mama’s impeccable lawn. Finally looking my way, she said, “You were right, Stazi.”

“About?” I knew the answer but needed her to admit it, even though I was staring at the evidence.

“Cedric.” She laughed humorlessly. “He’s a monster, just like you used to say.”

“Even though we aren’t friends or even cordial, I’m sad you had to learn this way,” I said.

“Me too.” She nibbled on her lip. “Do you think you can help me?”

“Help you? How?” I frowned.

“With anything. I can’t live like this.”

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