Page 9 of Bully

After closing the window, I walked back to the bed and climbed under the covers, hoping the pain would leave soon and that I wouldn’t have to cancel any appointments for the day.

5

Bully

Four Nights Later

It tookeverything inside of me not to get out the car when I saw Innvy’s neighbor putting some shit on her porch. I didn’t see what all it was, but I could recognize roses and a red gift bag. The more I reminded myself that I’d been gone for nine months, radio silent, and had no real claim to her… the harder it was for me to remain seated. What little discipline I had left fizzled away as I got out of the car.

“Aye,” I called out as he headed off the porch. Motioning toward the shit he left behind, I told him, “You can take that wit’chu.”

He looked back on the porch, then at me. “I’m sorry?”

I waited until we were face to face to speak. “The flowers and shit… she don’t need that.”

His arms crossed over his chest as he looked at me with amusement. “Last I checked, Innvy was single.”

“I’m not sure why my wife said that, but like I said, she don’t need that.”

“She obviously doesn’t need you either, seeing as she out here climbing gates and shit because she accidentally locked herself out of her gate taking out the trash.” He scoffed and eyed my frame. “The fuck was you at then? I see why she said she was single.”

I wasn’t sure if the rage came from the truth of me not being present, knowing that had happened to her, or him actually trying to check me. Regardless, I sent a two piece to his mouth and eye. Stretching out my leg behind his, I tripped him when he stumbled back. Seeing as he was knocked the fuck out, I looked around to make sure no one was watching as I tossed him over my shoulder and carried him back to his house.

The whole time I did, I grumbled under my breath. I really couldn’t believe this shit. Did she call herself dating this clown? The more I thought about her trying to move on from me, the more irritated I became. I sat his ass against the wall by the front door then closed him inside before going back to Innvy’s place. It was like pulling teeth to get Neo to tell me where she’d moved to and getting her to promise not to tell Innvy I was home. All I’d asked for was a week to get my affairs in order, so that when I went to Innvy, nothing would need my attention.

I’d checked on my businesses and Asylum didn’t expect my help at any of his asylums any time soon. The high schools I normally mentored at told me I could start fresh for the next schoolyear, which I appreciated. It was my plan to pull up on Innvy so we could talk tomorrow, but seeing him leaving that shit for her almost thwarted my plans. As I pushed the wrapping paper aside, I felt my face twist into a scowl at the sight of the little bear that I was sure was for my baby girl. There was a card inside.

No pressure. Just wanted to let you know I’m sure.

I had no idea what that was in reference to, but Innvy wouldn’t know either way. I grabbed the bag and roses and tossed them in my car to throw away when I got home. Regardless of how long I’d been gone or what happened during my absence, Innvy and Innah were mine, andno onewas going to take my place.

* * *

The Next Afternoon

I watchedas Innvy talked to her receptionist. She looked radiant and just as beautiful as she did on our wedding day. It didn’t matter how much time had passed—I’d never forget her face, and I’d never find a woman more beautiful than Innvy Smith.

She had cocoa brown skin that covered a flawless tall, lean frame. No tattoos or piercings. Innvy had a dancer’s body and probably would have become one if she had the discipline and desire to take it seriously. Instead, she went a safer route but still took a risk with owning her own business as an esthetician. Before I left, she was planning to start her own skincare line, and I wondered if she’d launched it. A part of me hoped she hadn’t. I’d already missed the birth of our baby. I didn’t want to miss the birth of her dream too.

After taking a deep breath and popping a piece of gum into my mouth to try and calm my nerves, I got out and headed across the street. There was no doubt in my mind that Innvy still loved me, but I didn’t have the confidence to believe love would be enough—not right away at least. My grip on the bag tightened the closer I got to the door. I hoped lunch from one of her favorite places would make my presence easier to take.

A bell chimed as I stepped inside, and both women looked at me. While the receptionist smiled, Innvy’s mouth fell open. Her body swayed as she gripped the glass desk.

“Hi, welcome to Innvious Spa. I’m Cierra, and it will be my pleasure to serve you. Are you here to make an appointment?”

My head shook as I closed the distance between me and Innvy. As I set the food on top of the desk I said, “Nah, I’m here for my wife.”

“Oh. Is she having a service performed tod—”

The sound of Innvy’s palm against my face cut ol’ girl’s words off. It stung, but it wasn’t shit I couldn’t handle. In fact, I wouldn’t have blamed her if she tried to do more. Innvy’s jaw tightened as she grabbed the bag from Venice Kitchen and tossed it into the trash before storming away.

I didn’t know if I should go after her or give her time to process the sight of me. Knowing Innvy, it would be impossible for her to hear me while she was angry. So as much as I didn’t want to, I left. Now that she knew I was here, I’d give her time to calm down and process that. But we were going to talk… today.

6

Innvy

My entire body shook,and tears streamed from my eyes as I paced. Had I not slapped him, I wouldn’t have believed Bully was actually here. And then he had thenerveto show up with Venice Kitchen. I could tell by the smell it was my favorite thing on their menu—chicken parmesan. Damn! Had I not been so upset at the sight of him, I would havethoroughlyenjoyed that food.

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