Page 2 of Tempted to Love You
“You’re not bothering me at all. Let’s talk a little longer so I can make sure that you’re good. What brought on these thoughts?”
Logging into my email, I stare at the various things waiting for me to address and sigh softly. Playing the background isgreat and what I prefer in this industry. I love to work behind the scenes while allowing my creative energy to flow freely.
“I ran into Monty and his new girlfriend. They seemed so happy, making me think about what I did wrong.”
“Girl, you and I know Monty cheated from sunup to sundown, so he wasn’t the man for you, unless you like playing second fiddle, and I know better than that.”
“Right. I’m not in the business of sharing, but I hate being lonely and not having someone to curl up with after a long night.”
My forehead wrinkles, and my eyes squint because I’m not sure how seeing her ex has Keisha forgetting all the mess he took her through when they were together.
“I’ve been curling up with a body pillow, and trust me, the heat necessary to sleep well is about the same. I suggest buying one, and if you’re feeling that lonely, get you some YSL, spray that thang down, and take your tail to sleep.”
“Girl, replacing a man with a body pillow is nasty work. What is wrong with you?” Keisha laughs, making me smile at the sound because knowing I have effectively shifted her mood allows me to start my day.
“Anyway. Let me get off this phone so I can grab some breakfast before the scavengers leave nothing but breadcrumbs. Love you, babe.”
“Love you more, baby mama.”
“Calling me baby mama when neither of us has kids is wild. Later, girl.”
Once the call ends, I drop my phone into my purse before locking the drawer and heading to the break room for something to eat.
“The police aren’t doing enough to find Jessica, and the people over there won’t speak up. I’ve been popping up randomly, but no one will talk. I know she’s over there because it’s the last location her phone pinged from,” one of the desk anchors informs me. Melancholy oozes from her pores.
Her little sister seems to have gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd and hasn’t been seen for six months. I can imagine a petite, blonde-haired young woman with green eyes would be quickly swallowed up in the Ritown Projects. I understand Melinda worrying about her sister and how she’s fairing in such a neighborhood.
“What are the police saying?”
“Nothing. According to them, Jessica is grown, and since we know where she is, they’re unable to force her to leave. It’s a bunch of mess, and if something happens to her, I’m suing them.”
Humph.Interestingly, RPD isn’t moved to action because Jessica and Melinda don’t belong anywhere near the Ritown Projects. It’s surprising to hear that RPD is turning a blind eye because I assumed that white privilege alone would have them jumping to rescue Jessica.
“Have you tried to get the station to investigate or shine a light on the activities over there? Sometimes, the seedy individuals force an outsider out simply to stop the negative press,” I weakly suggest.
“No. I don’t want to use my resources here, nor do I want anyone in my business. It’s embarrassing to tell people that my sister is mixed up in something I’m unsure of.” Melinda’s eyesshift from me to the floor before shifting her weight from side to side.
Rolling my eyes, I stare intently at Melinda, waiting for her to return her gaze to me so there’s no opportunity for her to misunderstand what I’m about to say.
“You do know that white people aren’t exempt from doing drugs, prostitution, or whatever else goes on within Ritown Projects, right? I hate to break it to you, but for all you know, your sister is chasing that big dick energy and is good where she is. She doesn’t have to be on drugs or doing anything other than sitting and spinning on something she’s never had before.”
The sharp gasp escaping Melinda’s mouth and her bulging eyes has a smirk forming on my lips.
“Seriously, Latia? I’m not insinuating that Jessica?—”
“Let’s not mince words. You’re worried, and the lack of communication from Jessica has you assuming the worst. I understand, and I completely get it. However, you could be sounding an alarm that Jessica disapproves of.”
Do I think it’s possible that Jessica is smoking that shit? Hell yeah. Do I believe Jessica found something more intriguing than the suburb she’s grown up in? Again, hell yeah. However, adding to Melinda’s panic doesn’t seem fitting despite her assumptions about black people corrupting her sister.
“I know. I ultimately blame Jessica’s friend Mandy, who had her sniffing glue and cleaning products during her last two years of high school. My parents sent her to rehab, and she was clean for a while. However, Mandy got her hooks in her again, and I’m scared to know what’s happening. Jessica won’t answer my calls, and she’s stopped sharing her location with me. I’m scared that if I return to that neighborhood, I could be hurt or endanger Jessica,” Melinda admits with water glistening in her eyes.
“Okay. How about I go over there and see what I can get from the residents? I can’t guarantee they’ll talk to me either, but I’mwilling to give you some peace at night. While I’m an only child, I can understand your plight.”
“Oh my God! Will you, Latia?” Hope dances in Melinda’s eyes before she throws her arms around me, hugging me tight.
“I’ll go, but if something happens to me, just know I’m gonna haunt you,” I tease, smirking.
“Deal.”
