Page 3 of Bern and Isley
“Yeah, I thought I was going to finally meet this nigga in person. I need to see what he on.” Bern’s forehead crinkled. “I need to make sure he’s a good match for you.”
“Why do you care if he’s right for her or not?” Unique asked.
“Because she means the world to me and I’m willing to do whatever behind her,” he admitted.
“I heard that.” Snow laughed.
“You’re crazy.” I laughed awkwardly. “He’s a good dude,” I assured him.
“Mmhmm…I’d like to be the judge of that,” Bern insisted.
“He’s not perfect, but he treats me pretty good.”
“I wish Mr. Good would’ve shown up so he could speak for himself.”
“You’ll meet him soon… I promise.”
Once the sun was completely retired, the drinks really started flowing. I wasn’t a big drinker, but to celebrate my boy, I took a couple of shots. By the time “Boots on the Ground” began spinning, I had made my way to the makeshift dance floor. Myrhythm was questionable, but so was everyone else’s. After about four songs, I needed to sit my ass down. The alcohol was really starting to settle in.
“You about ready to go?” Snow asked as I took a sip of my bottled water.
I looked down at the time and it was nearing midnight. About half of the guests had left, but there were still a good amount sitting around chilling. She kept looking down at her phone, so I assumed she was trying to get back to her man.
“Yeah, let me find Bern to let him know.”
“Cool, I’ll meet you at the car.”
I didn’t see Bern outside so I made my way into the house. Ms. Cynthia had always treated me like family so it was nothing for me to just roam around as if I lived there. I entered the house through the kitchen, but didn’t see anyone in there. As I walked down the hallway I heard arguing. The closer I got to his childhood bedroom, I realized it was Bern and Unique. I stopped in front of the door.
“Why can’t I spend the night, Bern? We’re grown!”
“Because this is my mama’s house. And you know she don’t really like you, so she doesn’t want you staying here.”
“She doesn’t have to like me. I’m your woman.”
“Watch your mouth. This my mama’s house, so you’re not going to disrespect her for one. For two, I never said we were back together.”
“Oh, so we not together but you fucked me three times today?”
“And how many times them other niggas fucked you?”
“I told you those are rumors. I haven’t slept with any niggas while you were locked up.”
I rolled my eyes at her lies. Rumors, my ass. She knew damn well she had been laying it low and spreading it wide before Bern could get checked into the prison.
Just as I was about to turn around to leave, I heard his bedroom door open.
“Unique, just gone home,” he insisted as he stepped into the hall. “Oh. I was just about to come back outside, Isley.”
“I’m not done talking.” Unique was right on his tail.
“I was just coming in to let you know me and Snow are leaving,” I admitted. “I will talk to you later.”
“Dang, y’all about to leave already?” His voice dripped with disappointment.
“Yeah, it’s getting late. And Snow trying to link up with her man.”
“I can take you home, if you need a ride,” he offered.
