Page 39 of Out of Bounds
“And I’m not.”
“But you are.”
Swiping his glass up, he took a sip and peered at me over the rim. “How am I fighting you?”
“By refusing to sign,” I stated in a rasp. “The terms are laid out perfectly. What is it that has you so opposed?”
Kreed stared at me for a few seconds before saying, “Remember the first time we came here? Not this specific one, but the first time we ate at the one in Hapeville. I remember you wanted to go to Spondivitis so bad, but I convinced you to try this.”
“Uh-uh… We arenotabout to take a trip down memory lane.”
“Well, ain’t that what you invited me here for?”
“Hell no!” I fussed. “Your daughter is turning five in less than a month. We need to plan her party.And….you need to sign the divorce papers.”
“We can hire a party planner for the party. I’m sure you’re strapped for time since you done took yo’ ass back to work.”
“Ohhh!” I sang before chuckling. “That’s what this is about. Me working… Is that what has you so pissy about the divorce?”
Pitching a tent with his eyebrows, he narrowed his eyes. “Fuck you go get a job for, Masai?”
“Because I have a degree, Kreed.”
“And you been had it,” he countered. “Why you all of a sudden wanna put it to use? Huh? You in yo’ ‘independent, don’t need a nigga for shit’ bag.”
“Not at all, darling. I’m in myneed to teach my girls not to depend on a man for anythingbag.”
“I feel you…” He nodded before licking his lips. “Quit the job, and I’ll sign the papers.”
Licking the corner of my mouth, I snorted. Classic Kreed was rearing his head. When I first mentioned stepping back into work, he was all for it. Now that he saw me doing it, he was feeling some type of way about it. My going back to work had nothing to do with him. I went back because I needed to prove to myself that I could stand on my own two feet.
“I’m not quitting my job.”
“I’m not signing the papers.” He shrugged. “You think I like the idea of you working.Youwanted to stay home with the kids.”
“No,youwanted me at home. Barefoot and pregnant, and like a fool, I obliged. I no longer move because of what you want.”
“Then you don’t want to be a free woman.”
Before I had the chance to offer a rebuttal, our food was delivered. After checking to make sure mine was right, I forked a piece of grouper into my mouth.
“What’s it gonna be, baby?”
“Kreed, go to hell. I can get a divorce if I want. I wastryingto take the civil route instead of letting things get messy.”
“Run the shit in the paper.” He shrugged, and now I was the one narrowing my eyes at him. “Oh…” He chuckled. “I guess you didn’t think I would do my research.”
“Can we be adults about this?”
“I am being an adult. I’m willing to give youeverythingyou asked for. But you being away from the kids as often as you are is where I gotta draw the line. Quit the fucking job, Masai.”
“No.”
“Bet. You want to play hardball, darling. Just know… I do not miss.”
Dropping my fork, I clasped my hands together. “I don’t get you. We’re in this situation because, as you put it, your flesh was weak.”
“Clearly, it was. I fucked a bitch and don’t remember how the shit even got started.”
