Page 4 of Until the Ink Dries

“Okay, maybe I was sleeping for that. I’m sor?—”

“Stop apologizing!” I yelled. “You’re listening to respond, not to comprehend, and that’s a problem. Hear this. You know what I feel, Ellis? Insignificant. Insufficient. Unimportant. I feel like I’m not enough and you do nothing to make me feel otherwise. Not with you and for damn sure not with your bougie ass mama. I’m a good woman and I bring too much to the table to accept anything less than I deserve. If you can’t be the man I need or treat me like the queen that I am, you can forget that I exist. Now, I have to finish packing for my trip. Goodbye.”

I hung up and put the phone on do not disturb so I could finish packing. My flight back home to Rose Haven was leaving in a few hours. I was returning to attend my ten-year class reunion as well as spend some much needed time with my parents. They had no idea that I was coming and I couldn’t wait to surprise them.

Anna and Willard Dawson were two of my favorite people in the world. Even with me being a few states away, I made it a point to speak with them three times a week and went home once a month for a week. This visit was different, however. Because I was my own boss these days, I could work from anywhere.

I owned and operated a very successful drop shipping business called Ship Happens. It afforded me a relaxed lifestyle and all the more reason to take an extended stay this time around. I’d packed enough clothes for three weeks, but I could possibly stay longer. My laptop was packed so I could still work and be productive.

I finished packing and booked myself an Uber to the airport. I had just enough time to bring my things out front and grab a small bite to eat before the notification chimed that the car was here. Grabbing my suitcases and carry-on bag, I left the house. After ensuring it was all locked up, I made my way down the driveway where the driver was waiting to put my things in the back.

No sooner than I climbed in the car was my phone ringing. I just knew it was Ellis, but it was my best friend, Shirah, from back home. I smiled as I answered.

“Hey, girl.”

“Mmm hmm. Don’t sound all cheerful to speak to me, ho. You’ve been acting real funny with me lately and I’m inclined to beat your ass when you step off that plane.”

I sighed. Shirah had been my girl since third grade. We’d always been thick as thieves and did everything together. We went to the same college and while I chose to stay after graduation, she went back home to Rose Haven to open her business. We remained close, but my isolation for the last couple months kept me from reaching out as much.

Shirah could hold a grudge, so I was going to have to do a lot of ass kissing to make this up to her.

“Shy…” I wined. “You know I love you, boo.”

“If you loved me, you wouldn’t have left me hangin’. You’re lucky I agreed to pick you up from the airport. I should have let your flakey ass walk.”

“I’m sorry, Shirah. It’s been a lot going on and I just haven’t had the capacity for people like I used to. I love you and I promise we’re gonna spend a lot of time together when I touch down.”

“Oh, I know we are. You’re gonna make up for neglecting me and it will be on my terms.”

I giggled. “Deal. I’m on the way to the airport now. Remember, my flight lands at two.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I remember. I’ll be there. Love you, bitch.”

“I love you more.”

We blew each other kisses before disconnecting the call. I sat back in my seat and focused my attention out the window. In a few short hours, I would be home.

Maybe this visit would get me back to… me.

* * *

ROSE HAVEN

I squealed as I ran toward Shirah in the airport. Even though she was mad at me, she was still excited to see me. I jumped into her arms, and she swung me around as we both cried tears of happiness. When she placed me on my feet, she playfully shoved me away.

“Get off me, bitch. I’m still mad at you.”

“Come on, Shy. I really missed you, boo.”

“As you should.”

She grabbed one of my rolling suitcases and started walking away. I caught up to her and looped my arm through hers as we strolled through the airport. Taking in the familiar sights and sounds gave me an almost nostalgic feeling. There was nothing like being home.

After a five-minute walk, we made it to Shirah’s Jeep. She helped me load my bags into the back before we climbed in and drove off.

“So, what’s new with you?” I asked. “How is Aunt Lilith and Uncle James?”

“Same old, same old, girl. They are still my blueprint for a loving relationship, just like your parents. Always hugging and kissing all over each other. Ugh! They’re so cute, I can’t stand it.”

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