Page 18 of Bern and Isley
“You know damn well I’m not just talking about basketball. The nigga was disrespectful the first day I met him.”
“In his defense, he only reacted that way because you were being aggressive toward me.”
“You stay defending that nigga. And you wonder why I’m suspicious of what y’all got going on.”
Not again. I was tired of the same conversation. Every other day, he was inferring or outright accusing me. The shit was getting old.
“If you don’t trust me, we don’t need to be together. Because I’m not giving up my friendship with Bern because you’re insecure about his place in my life.”
“I’m just saying, you don’t ride for me as hard as you ride for the nigga you claim you ain’t fucking.”
“What are you even talking about?” I folded my arms as I waited on a response. Marshall didn’t even make eye contact with me. “Alright, I’m done with this. I’d rather be single than keep arguing every other day.” I damn near stomped toward the console where my car keys were. I grabbed them then snatched the door open.
“Fuck you, Isley. You just wanted an excuse to be with that nigga anyway. You a trifling bitch. Broke ass hoe.”
With my hand still on the handle, I stopped in my tracks. It was the first time he’d gone as low as to call me out of my name. I turned around to get one last look at him. A scowl was scribbled across his face. The face I once thought was handsome now appeared ugly. The jealousy and hatefulness in his spirit had evaporated every bit of attractiveness I once felt for him. I turned around and walked out of his house for the last time. I slammed the door as hard as I could.
I peeled out of his driveway so fast I nearly hit a neighboring mailbox across the street. I was so angry that my hands trembled. Why did I continue to hold on to that relationship when the disrespect increased? Why did I allow myself to be subjected to infidelity accusations almost daily? I’d settled for his mediocrity knowing damn well I deserved royal treatment. I wasn’t going for it anymore.
The next morning,I woke up with multiple missed calls and apologetic paragraphs. I deleted the messages and blocked Marshall’s number. I was done. The constant accusations had become tiresome and the indirect threat on Bern’s life was the cherry on top. I was good on him. I was honest with myself. I stayed with Marshall because he was attractive and looked good on paper. A branch manager at the bank, no kids, nice house. Decent family background. But that shit didn’t mean anything. Not only was he a stingy nigga, but he was a shitty individual.
Even though I knew I made the best decision, my mood was still sour. I was thankful that I didn’t have any clients this morning besides Bern. I fixed Aunt Fee breakfast and got her situated for the day while I waited for Bern to show up. I showered and got dressed in a simple tank with matching biker shorts.
Five minutes before eleven there was a knock on the door. I had little flutters in my belly as I opened the door to a smiling Bern. He wore a vintage Enyce T-shirt with dark jeans and sneakers.
“Come on in,” I instructed. “What you got in them bags?”
He walked in and placed the plastic bags on the kitchen table. “I got you a turkey sub and a chef’s salad. I didn’t know which you would want so I got both. And I got you a smoothie to sip on until you’re ready to eat. I think the lady said it had strawberries, pineapple, lime juice, or something in it.”
If this man didn’t do anything else, he was going to make sure I ate. I appreciated his thoughtfulness. Or his bossiness. I wasn’t sure which it was.
“Well, thank you kindly.” I placed the sandwich and salad in the fridge for later. I put the straw in the cup and took a sip of the smoothie. I closed my eyes and a moan slipped from my lips. It was so delicious.
“You like it?” he asked as he plopped down in my chair.
“Yes, thank you so much for thinking of me.”
“I always think of you, Isley. You know that.”
“I know and I truly appreciate it.”
If I needed the shirt off his back, I knew he’d give it to me then offer his pants too. Having someone who truly had my back was something I never took for granted. And it was exactly why I had to let Marshall’s ass go. Bern’s loyalty to me had stood the test of time.
I ran my fingers through his damp, disheveled hair. The fresh scent of his shampoo lingered. I grabbed my phone and played neo soul music then got started on his hair.
“How’s the business coming along so far?” I asked.
“It’s cool. I had to repair a few things, but it was expected. It’s an older carwash that I will eventually update after I stack some more bread.”
“That’s what’s up. I just know it’s going to be successful,” I assured him. “I lowkey been entertaining the idea of renting a booth, so I can stop bringing strangers here.”
“You should do that for real. And it will help you separate work from home.”
“Once I rebuild my savings the way I want, I probably will.” I shrugged.
“Let me know what I can do to help you with it. You know I got you.”
“No sir, you do enough as it is.”
