Page 50 of Loving a Libra
“No, but it took me about an hour to stop seeing red. Once I was calm, I did a lot of thinking. I eventually went to the hardware store to talk to Pops.”
“And you couldn’t tell me that?”
“Baby, just listen.”
“Fine.” I folded my hands across my chest and begrudgingly gave him my attention.
“I was foolish enough to believe me and Maurice could continue to work together after he finds out about us. After what happened today, I realized it’s not possible. He’s a bitch, and I’d have to beat his ass every day for one reason or another.”
“Okay. What’s your plan?”
“I’m gonna sell Maurice my portion of the business.”
“What?”
“I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but the money we earn makes it hard to walk away. I’m at the point where I just want out. I talked to my lawyer, we came up with a number, leaving some room for negotiation, and he’s drawing up the paperwork tomorrow.”
“Are you sure about this?”
“I’m positive. I have another business venture that’s going well, and I also want to start helping my parents at the hardware store.”
“I’m sure they’ll appreciate the lighter load, but what other business do you have?”
“I don’t want to get into it right now, but I’ll share with you soon.”
“Is it legal?”
He chuckled. “Yeah, it’s legal. I ain’t no street nigga. I just know how to survive in them bitches.”
“You’re being secretive, so I wanted to make sure.”
“It’s legal, and so far, it’s been profitable.”
“I can’t wait to hear all about it when you’re ready to share. However, none of this excuses you from ignoring me all evening. Make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
“It won’t. Can I have a kiss?”
I stood to my feet. “No. As a matter of fact, you can sleep in the guest room.”
I started to walk away, but he pulled me onto his lap.
“You gon’ make your future husband sleep in the guest room?”
“After the way you had me worrying tonight, you’re lucky I didn’t change the locks.”
“Damn, baby. It’s like that?”
“Straight like that. You got me missing work because you can’t answer a call or text. Boy, let me up so I can go to bed.”
I wiggled out of his grasp, or maybe he decided to release me, but he followed me toward our bedroom. He was a few steps behind me, and I was able to slam the door in his face.
“You’re taking this shit too far, Devyn. I almost broke my nose on the door,” he griped when he opened the door and entered.
“Hopefully, you think twice about ignoring me again. Good night.”
I’d already done my whole bedtime routine, so I turned off the light and crawled into bed, leaving Tariq standing in the middle of the bedroom.
“Ain’t this some shit,” he whispered as he fumbled around in the dark.
