Page 31 of Divine

“What the fuck does that even mean, D?” he asked, throwing his arms up.

“Your little minions are doing exactly what you told them to do. I hope you’re satisfied.”

“What the hell did I do now? I’m completely in the dark on this one.”

That was a relief. Maybe Liam hadn’t told Syre what happened last night. That meant he went through Psalm to find out where I was. He was pretty good. See why I liked him? He was smart enough not to poke the bear and instead nudged the nerd. I tried not to smile as I figured out how much I wanted to tell Syre. Deciding to spill the beans, I mustered all the anger I felt last night before speaking.

“I see you got Liam trained well. I’m sure he’s working out just the way you planned. Got somebody ignorant as hell just like you on my bumper all the time.”

“What he do?” Syre asked, folding his arms. He didn’t even try to hide the sinister smile spreading his lips.

“You would be smiling with your punk ass. Your employee of the month snatched me up from a date last night. I wish y’all would understand that I’m grown.”

“You didn’t have no business on a date no way. Who were you with?”

“Is that your business?” I asked, stretching my eyes.

“Yes, it is. I need to make sure he’s a nice guy.”

“Are you a nice guy?” I quizzed.

“You ain’t trying to date me, and I ain’t trying to date no damn body. Obviously, he was a bitch made punk if he let somebody come in and snatch you up. My boy Liam did exactly what he was supposed to do. Ineedto give that nigga a raise,” Syre raved.

“Whatever, Syre. Get your drinks and get up out of here,” I sassed.

“I’ve been put out of better places than this.” He chuckled as he walked over and picked up the boxes. “You going to Bishop’s engagement dinner?”

“You know I am, and you better be there too.” I rolled my eyes.

“You know Ma gon’ kill me if I don’t show up. I just don’t know why bro going for that shit.”

“Someday, you will realize that you can’t run other peoples’ lives. You can barely run your own. Have you been to court yet?”

“Nah. Waiting to hear back from the court for the date,” he stated.

“Have you been eating? You look thin as hell.”

“That’s why I came and got my refill of shakes.”

“I’m cooking ribs tonight. Come by about six and get a plate.”

“I will if I don’t have plans.”

“You heard what I said, big head,” I warned him.

“Got you, big cuz,” he teased, turning to kiss my forehead. “Chin up, pretty girl. Let the man do his job. Next time, let me vet the nigga you think you’re dating before you try to sneak off with him.”

“I’ll do that when you start letting me vet your hos.”

“Hos don’t need vetting, D. They’re only there to do one thing.”

“That’s what I keep trying to tell you. I don’t need you to vet my hos when I only need them for one thing.” I winked.

I could see the smile melting off his face in real time. I burst out laughing as he turned around to face me.

“Don’t fuck with me, Divine.”

“See you tonight, Syre.”

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