Page 36 of He Thugged Me First

“Whose fault is that? You could’ve passed.”

“So what? You could’ve accepted? I’m good. I love my job. That’s about the only thing I love at this point.” I stood from my vanity and continued to get dressed. My mood already wasn’t the best, and now it was worse. The sad thing about Chase was that he couldn’t hide his jealousy anymore. I could see it in his eyes. The biggest rift between the both of us was the fact that I got the offer and he didn’t. I didn’t know how for four years, he had hid it, but now it was clear. He felt like I took his job.

“That’s not fair, and you know it isn’t.” He threw his arm in the air.

“What’s not? You know what, never mind. I’m done with this conversation.” I snatched my purse and phone, leaving the room.

It didn’t take me long before I was headed out of the door. To say I was exhausted was an understatement, but about five cups of caffeine would get me through this day. I was praying that they’d discharged Kasair this morning because I didn’t feel like seeing Mazz either. It was cute at first, and the sex was amazing, but it was clear that he needed a female whose life revolved around him. That wasn’t me, and I didn’t plan on it being. Good to know some things didn’t change. We both had different time schedules and busy lives. So in Kasair’s room, he’d pissed me off because I felt like what did he expect? He knew my responsibilities. Then the fact that later on that day, he called me telling me that he felt like I was on bullshit and avoiding him because I wanted to stay with Chase further annoyed me. I just needed to clear my brain and get through this shift. I honestly didn’t feel like dealing with anybody at this point.

It took me fifteen minutes to get to the hospital and only five to get into my office. I had a budgeting meeting at nine thirty, and I was observing a surgery in two hours. My time was definitely stretched thin, but I’d get through it. Shockingly, mybudget meeting went fast, and I was able to get a little time to go get some breakfast. Right when I was on my way to the cafeteria, I heard his voice. I turned around, and Mazz was standing by my office with Styrofoam containers. My first mind told me to keep walking, but the part of me that wanted whatever was in those cartons walked toward him.

“What are you doing here, Mazzier?” I asked as we stepped into my office.

“Can’t a nigga bring you breakfast?” he asked, setting my food on my desk while taking a seat on my sofa.

“That’s sweet of you. How did you know I was here?”

He laughed. “I can’t tell you that much. Just know it cost a grip.”

I giggled. “You stalked me?”

“I have to. I mean, you work enough for the both of us, so I’m tryna fit in ya schedule if that’s okay.” He never broke eye contact with me. “And I’m sorry for the way I came at you.”

“That probably won’t work. You’re accustomed to females framing their life around you. I ca?—”

“You right. I am, but I’m not asking you for that. I’m asking you to give a nigga a chance and let’s see where this goes. I’ll even frame my shit around you.” He winked.

“I like the sound of that.” I couldn’t contain the smile that overtook my face.

“Good, because you really ain’t have a choice, G.” He set his food down and walked over to where I was leaning on my desk. His rough hands traced the bags under my eyes. “How long has it been since you got some sleep?”

I giggled because that was a funny question. “Real sleep? About two weeks, and if you’re referring to cat naps, then a few hours. What, do I look bad?”

“Never that. I can just see you sleepy, baby.” He looked concerned.

“I’m good. Summer should be over soon, so the GSW rush ins will be lower, and people will stop calling off.” I shrugged it off.

“You want me to handle that for you?” he asked with a serious expression.

“And what are you gonna do, Mazzier?” I asked with amusement in my voice.

“Put the word out in the streets. Anybody upping the heat better kill the pulse or get the fuck on because my baby needs a fucking break.” He looked so serious, but I didn’t understand a word he said.

“I’m sorry, what did you say?” He had lost me after upping heat.

He laughed and wrapped his arms around my waist. “You gotta talk to old boy. I already don’t have much time with ya. I ain’t in the business of sharing it.”

I smiled, biting my bottom lip. He was right. I needed to talk to Chase, but not because of him. I needed to talk to Chase for myself. Earlier, we both said a few things, and I was just over the entire situation. It was clear that neither of us wanted to be with one another.

Shockingly,my day went good after Mazz’s impromptu visit. No one called off, and I was able to for once follow my schedule for the day, and then I was off. That was definitely odd but good, because my ass was ready to clock out and go about my business. First, I was gonna drive out to the hospital and talk to Chase. I had given myself a pep talk and thought about this conversation all day. My thoughts were interrupted by my phone ringing. When I glanced at it attached to the fixture on my windshield, Isaw that it was my sister and Autumn. I answered and focused on backing out of the park I was in.

“This is definitely the first time we’ve spoken to you this week, and it’s Friday,” Nadeen lectured.

“Girl, these last two weeks have been hell, but things finally slowed down, and I’m actually off.”

“That’s good. Where are you headed?” Autumn asked.

“To—”

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