Page 87 of Crossing Lines

“We haven’t talked since she revealed the pregnancy. I meant to call her, but…”

“You’re unsure how to feel about it,” she finishes, knowing me well.

“I’ll stop by her place on my way home.”

She squints at me. “Look at you trying to avoid talking to Jamir.”

“I need some courage, Trish. Don’t judge me.”

“Okay. Good luck, sis.”

I text my mom to let her know I’m on my way over. She doesn’t respond, and my call goes straight to voicemail. It’s only after eight, so I doubt she’s asleep.

Reaching the Cherry Hill condos, I park in the visitors’ lot, enter the building, and take the elevator to the fifth floor. I approach her door, knock, and wait. When she doesn’t answer, I knock again.

“What!” Mom yells, yanking the door open with her hair disheveled and the strap of her slip dress off one shoulder. “Davia.” She quickly fixes herself, brushes over her hair, and glances behind her.

“Um, hey.” I take in her appearance with a scowl. “I tried calling, but you didn’t answer.”

She blocks me from seeing into the condo and clears her throat. “I have company.”

“Is it the father of your baby?” I ask.

“Keep your voice down,” she shushes. “I haven’t told him.”

“Who is he? Can I meet him?”

She hisses. “Not right now. Why did you stop by?”

“I wanted to check on you.”And avoid Jamir a bit longer. “Shanae found out you’re pregnant and told everyone at dinner yesterday.”

“That little bitch,” she spits, features twisting. “How did Mama and Dad take it?”

I lift my shoulder in a slight shrug. “Not bad. They want to see you and make sure you’re okay.”

“Hm. Well, thanks for coming, but it’s a bad time. I’ll call you. We’ll have dinner next week or something.”

“Fine.” I splay my hands. “Sorry to interrupt.”

She waves and shuts the door in my face. I hear the lock, followed by old-school R&B music and a faint yet gritty male voice I’m sure I’ve heard before but can’t place it.

Minding my business, I call Jamir on the way to the elevator.

“Hey, baby.”

The love in his voice saddens me. “At my place?”

“On my way, but I have to make a quick stop first.”

“Take your time.”We both need it.

THIRTY-TWO

“He looks out of place,” Preston remarks.

I turn in that direction, surprised to see Jamir moving through my club in a dark blue pantsuit and tie like he’s about to do business. “The fuck?”

Did Davia tell him about us?

---