Page 22 of Until the Ink Dries

“Oh shit, if it isn’t Willow Dawson. How you doing, girl? You just as fine, if not finer, than you were in high school,” he pointed out.

She waved him off and then gave him a hug. Not long after, Shirah was walking over all out of breath.

“Damn, y’all. I don’t know how we had enough energy to be doing all that shit at those dances. These knees almost gave out!”

I shook my head as they all fell into conversation around me. Willow stepped away from Jordan and Shirah to stand next to me.

“You know, you always look like you have somewhere better to be, even in high school. Do you?” she asked with a smirk.

“I could name a few places, but I’m cool chilling with you.”

Soon after I made the comment, a commotion across the gym caught our attention. I frowned at the sight of Tierra and a few of her friends arguing with some of our old classmates. I couldn’t imagine what would be the problem with people you haven’t seen in years. Man, she didn’t use to be this way. She might have had some attitude on her, but she at least had class before she got hooked on liquor and drugs.

Jordan glanced at me, then back over at Tierra.

“I didn’t expect to see her here,” he said.

I shrugged. “Anybody else want another drink?” I asked.

Willow smiled and nodded. “I’ll go with you.”

We weren’t far from the bar and ordered a few drinks.

“Hey, baby daddy, I know you saw me over there. You weren’t going to speak?” Tierra asked.

“Nah, I wasn’t. Have a good night, Tierra.” I told her.

I hoped she took the hint and walked her ass back to where the rest of her clique was posted up. I wasn’t in the mood to be dealing with her here, or anywhere else, for that matter. I could tell Willow was taken aback, but she just kept moving and followed me back to where Jordan and Shirah were actively flirting.

Tierra gripped my jacket and pulled it with everything she had, but it only caused me to spill the drinks onto my white t-shirt. Willow rushed over to the table to grab a few napkins to help clean up the spill on me.

“Oh, so this uppity bitch is the reason you don’t want to speak to me? You got me fucked up! You out here flirting with bitches. Where is our daughter?”

Willow froze and looked up at me. I held up my hand to let her know I was good.

“Thank you, I got it.” I told her.

I looked back at Tierra, who was steaming because I still hadn’t entertained the scene she was trying to put on. I couldn’t help but to chuckle as I nodded my head towards the exit.

“Take yo’ ass outside.” I told her.

“I’m not going no damn place, while you get to be in here—” she started.

“Now!” I yelled.

I hated to raise my voice, and I hated unnecessary attention, but attention was something Tierra thrived on. She looked at Willow and rolled her eyes before crossing her arms across her chest, then stomping toward the exit.

“Aye, I’m going to go outside real quick. If you need me, call.” I told Jordan.

“I’m gone be straight, actually, take my keys. I’m getting a ride back with Shirah. I’ll come by the shop to grab it,” he told me.

I nodded, then looked over at Willow; I felt horrible. I hated that this was how tonight had gone, but Tierra had never been someone I could control.

“My bad about that. I hope I get the chance to see you again and give you a proper explanation. But, enjoy the rest of your night.”

I leaned in and hugged her, then made my way out of the gym.

The moment I made it outside, Tierra was pacing on the sidewalk with her arms crossed tightly. I strolled over and stuffed my hands into my pockets to keep from strangling her ass.

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