Page 15 of Terrez and Shalene
“My point is, she doesn’t have shit on me. I’m in the gym every day and I have no kids. You know how many niggas would love to date me?”
“So let them, Amber. I never once told you to stop your life to fuck with me. I’ve never even given you hope that this shit would turn into more than what we’re doin’ now. From what I recall, the deal was for you to tell me if you were getting serious with someone and I’d fall back. Same thing for me. If I ever got into something serious, I’d let you know. And one last thing before I bounce…everything ain’t gotta be superficial.
“You wanna sit up here and compare your body to hers and that shit doesn’t matter to me. The same way you be in the gym, another woman can be as well. It’s nothing to change your weight. Then you keep bringing up the fact that she has a kidand I don’t give a fuck about that. What another woman doin’ with their pussy don’t have shit to do with you, Amber. This conversation right here is exactly why I couldn’t be with you on a deeper level. You cool as hell and I fuck with you, but you shallow as fuck, baby girl. All you care about is money and surface level shit.”
“And? Why is that a problem all of a sudden? You weren’t preaching to me when we first met and I’ve always been the same person.”
“I’m not preachin’ to you. I’m just letting you know to show some respect when it comes to her and why this shit between us hasn’t progressed.”
Standing, I grabbed my phone and keys and headed toward the door.
“Where are you going? You said you’d stay until I fell asleep,” Amber yelled before blocking the doorway.
“Home. I’m not in the mood for all of this. I came to have a good meal and a chill night.”
“We still can,” she said as she reached for my belt buckle.
“Nah, I’m good. My shit wouldn’t even get hard if I tried to fuck you after all of that. I’ll hit you up later.”
Gently moving her from in front of the door, I walked out and remote started my truck. Thankfully, Amber had enough sense to not make a scene in this neighborhood with all these white folks. When I made it back to my apartment, I smoked another blunt and took a shower. When I checked my phone, it was almost nine-thirty and there was nothing from Shalene, but several messages from Amber. Grabbing my phone and keys, I slid on my house shoes and walked over to Shalene’s apartment. Out of respect for Amayah, I didn’t break the damn door down like I wanted to. One day soon, Shalene would realize the type of man she was dealing with.
“Terrez? Why are you here this late?”
Barging in and past her, I took a look around at how nicely she had the place set up before speaking.
“You told me you were gonna call me at nine. It’s nine-thirty.”
“So, you come to my apartment over that?” she said as she closed and locked the door.
“I told you at the store I was gon’ hold yo’ lil ass accountable. You told me a time and you didn’t keep your word. Now, here I am. I needed to make sure you were still alive.”
“Terrez, you knew I was alive. All the connections you have in this building, I’m sure word would’ve gotten back to you if anything happened to me.”
“What you know about my connections?”
“Nothing. I just know you know things,” she said as she crossed her arms.
“Real shit though, you got it nice as fuck in here. It feel all cozy and shit.”
“Thank you. What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were out with your girlfriend tonight?”
“That wasn’t my girlfriend. I made it clear to you that I was single.”
“Who was she then?”
“Why you askin’ so many questions? You don’t wanna fuck with me, remember?”
“I can still ask questions. You know I just got out of a marriage with a cheater. I’ll be damned if I contribute to the next woman’s pain.”
“Chill out. No need for all the attitude. Like I said, I’m single and so is the woman I was with. If I had a girl, I never would’ve approached you in the first place. When I do have a lady, being faithful ain’t shit to me.”
Closing the space between Shalene and me, I tugged her arm, causing her to unfold them. Now, she was pressed against the door and I was so close that our noses were touching.
“Why you didn’t call me, Shalene?”
“I fell asleep after I put Amayah in the bed. I was gonna text you tomorrow morning.”
“That’s not gon’ work for me, love. You could’ve called just to tell me you were going to sleep. I don’t fool with people who don’t keep their word, sweetheart. I like you, and as much as you try to hide it, I know you like me too. I heard every word you said the other day and I want you to know I’m in the middle of my exit plan. I don’t like to discuss certain dealings because I keep that shit away from my personal life, but I need you to know what’s up. You and baby girl’s safety always comes first. If a nigga even breathed the wrong way around you I’d have his face on a fuckin’ T-shirt. Now, you have a good night. I just wanted to check on you.”
