Page 20 of A Player's Prayer
“I am deadass serious!” She seethed as she kept her phone to her ear. “Dakota is the smart one. Dakota is the one who made it out of the hood and went to college. Dakota this! Dakota that! You went to college? Cool! That doesn’t mean leave the ones that were there for you when you didn’t have shit!”
“Wow.” I stepped back, stunned. I angrily wiped at the tears that slid down my face. “That’s what you think? Girl, you act as if I owe you something.” Chest heaving, she said nothing. “Wait…” I held my hand up and chuckled. “You think I owe you?”
“It was me that made sure Bear sent you food money. It was me who made sure Bear was there for you when your grandmother died?—”
“Stop!” I yelled, getting back in her face. Adrian grabbed my arm to pull me back, but I snatched it from him. “I’ve paid youandBear back tenfold for everything you’ve done for me while I was at Albany! Did you forget it was me who bought you a car when Sed wrecked yours after you caught him and his baby mama together?”
Silence.
“Did you all forget it was me who paid Bear’s restitution for the shit him and Sed got caught up with while he was at home, cheating on me when I was away at school? You go so fuckin’ hard for Bear, but where were you when that nigga was fuckin’ all the bitches in the city behind my back? Where was my friend then?”
“Get the fuck over it…” She waved me off and walked back over to my car’s passenger door. “Bitches get cheated on every day.”
“Yeah?” I chuckled. This time, I allowed Adrian to pull me to him. “Bitches walk every day too. Find a ride to my house so you can get your shit. Get your nigga and yourbrotherto pay for your ass to get home.”
Her eyes ballooned as she held her phone to her ear with her hand on the door handle, waiting to get in. I was so serious about her finding a ride to my house. I’ve been nothing but a friend to her for years. The way she was feeling didn’t happen overnight, and I would never let anyone make me feel bad about wanting better for myself. I made something of myself with the bareminimum. Zaria, Bear, and Sed all had the same opportunity. I didn’t owe any of them shit from this day forward but my ass to kiss.
“Bitch, stop playing and let me in this car.” She kissed her teeth. “If my man?—”
“Aye, if your big Winnie The Pooh looking ass takes one more step toward Kodi, I’m going to leave your body in the middle of this lot for my nigga JJ to scrape from the pavement,” Adrian spoke coolly as he pulled me behind him. “I’ve never been one to whip out my bitch and not use it either. I ain’t crazy about shooting hoes, but I’ll put more holes in your big ass than a slice of Swiss cheese.” He tapped his waist for emphasis before nodding toward the Uber I ordered for her. “Scram.”
With so much anger and hatred in her eyes, she turned and got inside the Prius. Sed was speaking so loudly, I could hear him going off on the other end. I hated to fall out with my friend like this, but I will never feel guilty about choosing myself.
“Come here.” Adrian turned to me, pulling me into a hug. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” I nodded, wiping another tear. “What are you doing here?”
“Stalking my best friend.” He smirked, causing me to slap his chest. “I guess I needed some blush after all.”
We talked briefly before he told me he would be following me home since I needed to let Zaria in to get her things. I objected, but Adrian was going to do what he wanted to do at all times. While driving back to my place, I couldn’t help but think about what Zaria said. Over and over, I tried to recall any time when I acted as if I thought I was above them. Did I consider her family? Yes, and I showed her love and appreciation every time I could. Her downplaying Bear’s cheating and insinuating I owed her nigga something pissed me off more than anything. I neverliked her cheating and abusive boyfriend, so what did I owe him besides my fists to whoop his ass for all the pain he’d caused her.
People indeed change, but I never thought I would lose my best friend because I wanted to elevate my life. Not having her in my life will hurt, but until she can apologize to me and mean it, I’m severing ties with her. I just pray she leaves well enough alone because the look in Adrian’s eyes scared me a little. Something told me that my new friend wasn’t going to play about me, and I hope Zaria isn’t the one to test that theory.
The fight with Zaria really left me in my feelings for the past couple of days, but surprisingly, Adrian has been by my side. He never gave me soothing vibes before the incident, but he’s been a really good ear and has proven me wrong in how he was caring for me. I didn’t have plans for the day, so when he asked me to meet him at the aquarium, I figured why not?
Adjusting my vintage Coach crossbody bag over my chest, I exited my car as I pulled up to where the GPS had taken me. It was an early Saturday morning, so the crowd wasn’t out yet. Walking toward the entrance, I heard my name being called from behind. When I turned, I was met with the most adorable sight.
“’Sup, bestie.” He smiled, kissing my cheek. For someone who was adamant about being friends, he was very touchy with me. “You look cute today.”
Glancing down at myself, I was simply dressed in a denim button-down dress and some Vans. My natural curls were popping today, and I was makeup-free. I felt extremely basic, but I trusted Adrian’s opinion of my look.
“Thank you.” I smiled, pushing my glasses up on my face. “Who do we have here?”
“I’m Gi Baby, and this is my baby cousin, AJ.” The little cutie at Adrian’s side pointed to the little boy who was fast asleep in his arms. “You’re pretty. What’s your name?”
“My name’s Dakota. It’s nice to meet you, Gi Baby.” I bent down and got eye level with her. “I think you’re really pretty too. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to spend a little time with you guys today.”
When Adrian asked me to come today, I had no idea he was bringing his niece and nephew. I never want to impose on their family time, so if little mama wanted her uncle all to herself, I’d respect her little wishes.
“I don’t know...” She looked from me to her uncle and tapped her chin. “How do I know you’re not a skeezer?”
“What?” My eyes went wide in shock as my mouth dropped. “Adrian, what did she?—”
“Who is your favorite Disney princess?” she interrupted and asked. “This matters to me, so answer fast.”
Amused by the child, I chuckled as I went into my bag. Pulling out my wallet, her eyes expanded at the pale yellow bag I’d waited in line for at the Coach outlet store.
“My middle name is Belle, after my Nana.” I pulled out my phone to show her my case next. I’d ordered a custom iPhone case from a lady on eBay to replace my old one after Adrian broke my phone in the supply closet. “She’s my favorite.”
