Page 25 of Hooked on Loving Him

“Pa—”

“Hush, Ashari Jade, and hear what thus sayeth the Lord.”

Closing my mouth after being cut off has me rolling my eyes while crossing my arms over my chest like an irate four-year-old.

“Isaiah forty-three verse two says: When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. While God understands your hesitation in continuing this new journey. He also wants you to remember that after the fire comes purification. It’s uncomfortable right now because this man is unlike any before him, but even in the differences, God is staying to you… keep walking. You can’t forfeit the work before obtaining the blessing. He also told me to remind you that if He made every man the same, you would never appreciate His craftmanship.”

Blinking excessively, I try to ignore the water dropping from the corners of my orbs as my chest tightens.

“Also, think it not strange that this man has seemingly found you in several situations because my bible tells me that whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtaineth favor of the Lord. You have been seeking and picking spotted frogs unfit to be consumed by a barred owl. Therefore, God had to show that His will concerning your life won’t cause you to gravitate to baseless and temporary position fillers. I know you, so I’m also going to tell you to show whoever the young man is some patience while he sorts out some things.”

“What things? I ain’t got t?—”

“Remember that you are victorious when this battle is over. Now, tell me the young man’s name so I can personalize my prayers concerning him,” Papa Ren says deadpan, brokering no further pushback.

“Kayshon.”

“Be softer with him. You’ll benefit from the action.”

The next day…

“While I appreciate you being here late for me in your condition, you have me nervous,” I say, sitting in the chair at my nail tech’s station while giving her an inquisitive side-eye.

“Girl, I’m bigger than I should be because I have used this pregnancy to get my husband to feed me… everything.”

“Dreama Strickland! I’m telling,” I shout as the beginning of a smile tips the corners of my mouth before laughter comes from both of us.

Dreama Strickland owns and operates Dreama Styles and has been doing my nails since she got her license shortly after. Seeing her pregnant and expecting her first baby brings a smile because I know the backstory that led to her meeting and marrying her husband. Knowing that their unorthodox union hasn’t resulted in divorce excites me because they continue to build a framework that works for them.

“Oh, he knows. Chile, Shaquille is so busy campaigning for another baby when this one hits six months that he’ll practically do anything I ask,” Dreama says with stars in her eyes.

“I love that for you, girl.”

“Ooh, Risha, when did you get this color?” a familiar female voice says, causing my nose to wrinkle, and a frown upturns my lips.

Turning to look across the way, I see the infamous cat lady whose wide-eyed gaze connects with mine as she rolls her eyes before returning her focus to her nail tech.

“Did I tell you about how Kayshon had me climbing the walls the other night, Risha?”

“No, you didn’t. Spill the tea, Honesty, girl. My man and I are on the outs, so I have to live vicariously through you for a minute.”

“Her momma had the audacity to name her something she’ll never live up to. Tuh,” I say, shifting my attention to Dreama, who’s smirking. “I’m surprised you still have Risha’s bird ass still working in here, boo.”

“Most days, she and I aren’t here together, so I’m able to ignore her foolishness. Although I have been thinking about giving her the boot due to the rachet clientele she’s started working with,” Dreama says.

“Girl… Kayshon’s dick be having me sounding like Ronnie and Trixi when he’s deep up in this monkey I got,” Honesty says loudly, causing me to roll my eyes at her need to elevate her voice so I can hear the conversation.

“I know you didn’t name those damn cats after the bitches fromPlayers Club,” Risha says, laughing while sounding like the hyena that taunts Scar inTheLion King.

“I sure did. You know I love that movie,” Honesty says, sounding like the birdbrain fool she is.

“Y’all are gonna have to either utilize your inside voices or leave. I ain’t trying to be tormented by this cringy story,” Dreama interjects before Risha or Honesty can say another word, causing me to smile and exhale simultaneously, grateful for the favor I hadn’t asked for.

“It's always funny to me how women will know they’ve lost their in with a man their pussy couldn’t keep interested in more than a nut,” I say as Dreama gets started on my nails after the shop chatter drops to a more professional tempo.

“Oh. Was that display of debauchery aimed at you?” Dreama asks.

“Mhm. The nigga who could only be bothered with cat woman is now trying to lock me down for something long-term. Clearly, little Ms. Dishonest got the memo and felt the need to perpetrate fraud. The sad thing is, we live in the same townhouse community with a grassy area and three doors separating us,” I inform Dreama.

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