Page 2 of Never Want to Love Again

“Nope. I’m not moving into your home either. You already have enough going on,” I told her.

Asia had three kids under ten. I loved them like my own, but being in the same space with them daily would drive me crazy. That little Ant was incredibly mischievous, but he was my favorite.

Asia let out a soft sigh. “Just let me know if Shamar and I could be of help. If you need us to come to help get your shit from the house, please let me know. I wouldn’t mind giving Shawn a piece of my mind.” We laughed together.

“I’ll let you know, friend.”

Asia and I stayed on the phone until her kids needed her attention. She also had to take her oldest son to basketball practice. This hotel bed felt better than the one we had at home. I sunk into the mattress with just my bra and panties on and covered myself with the soft comforter. I had the heat on low because it was the beginning of January, and so icy cold out there.

Shawn constantly texted me to the point where I had to block him on everything—from my phone to social media. I might unblock him from my phone before I collect my things from the house. I still had my house key, just in case, but he could change the locks if he wanted to be petty. Since we lived in an apartment, he shouldn’t be able to do that unless done through the leasing office. I just hoped Shawn wouldn’t go to great lengths to annoy me.

I’d closed my eyes for a second when my phone rang. Groaning, I stared at my mama’s phone number on the screen since it wasn’t saved. This was not the time. When the ringing stopped, it started again. Eventually, I just gave in.

“Hello?” I answered, attempting to sound chipper.

“Kupid…”

I squeezed my eyes shut. Shawn had called her. This fool was acting like the blame was on me.

“Mama… I’m not about to talk about this.”

“Shawn is a good catch…”

“And so am I, which is why I left. I refuse to stay and keep getting cheated on because that’s what he will do. Keep cheating becauseI stayed.”

“Who are you talking about, daughter?” She smacked.

I hit a nerve.

This is why we didn’t get along. Although the shoe did fit, I wasn’t referencing her.

“Mama, I’m not doing this today. I want to rest and figure out what I need to do,” I sternly told her. She cackled.

“If you think running away is the answer, you’re wrong. You’re going to be sad and lonely, Kupid.”

I yawned. “People are sad and lonely in relationships, too. I’m going to sleep,” I hinted and rushed out, ending the call. That time, I was referring to her. I placed my phone on DND and silenced it.

Words like that that come out of my mama’s mouth make me angry. She was the wrong person to give advice on a relationship, and how dare Shawn even call her as if I was the one who cheated on him.

It took me at least an hour and a half to close my eyes. My mind was wandering, and I concluded that the best thing for me was to leave town—permanently. To keep my peace of mind and stay sane, I had to.

Three weeks later, at the end of January…

I was packing my Rubicon with the few items I was taking with me. There was no need to rent a moving truck since I was leaving the furniture with Shawn. Everything I had shared with him could remain. I would prefer to start fresh. It was that serious. Asia sent Shamar to stop by in case Shawn showed up acting foolishly. Shawn drove trucks out of state from Monday to Friday, so I knew he wasn’t home. I believed the woman who sent me that video last night wasn’t from around here. Who knows, she probably wasn’t the only one. There would be plenty of others wanting to approach me as a woman.

A week ago, I lucked out and found a one-bedroom condo four hours away in a large city called Heartville, and I still hadn’t told my Mom. I didn’t plan on it. Not only was I leaving the only home I knew, but I was also leaving behind my job of five years. I have been a social media manager for several companies, from entertainment to education. Working from home felt like a blessing, given my current situation. Wherever I move, my job follows me. My responsibilities included creating and maintaining the company's online presence, appealing to customers, and promoting its brand. I ran blogs, responded to emails, monitored and updated their website, and managed their social media platforms. I never took on more than I could handle, and I had plenty of savings in my bank account.

Shamar knocked on the hood of my jeep.

“You sure you got everything, Kupid?” he questioned. His brows dipped.

I nodded. “Yeah, thanks, Mar. I’m sorry to have had you out here on your day off. How much do I owe you? Just give me a number?—”

Shamar feigned hurt, placing a hand over his chest and stumbling back. “Don’t insult me, Kupid. You know you’re as much like a sister to me as to Asia.”

As much as I wanted to pay Shamar, he wouldn’t take it. If I Zelle it to him, he’d only return it and cuss me out. All I could offer him was a hug.

“Thanks again.”

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