Page 51 of Ex- Factor
Bitch, I was yourfriend.I watched you chase successful or upcoming men like it was your sport.
You researched them. You plotted.”
I tilted my head, smiling like this was casual conversation.
“You made sure to be where he was. I bet you even wore the perfume that would remind him of me. Which was stupid. The nigga would’ve fucked you either way.”
“I didn’t—”
“Girl.” I laughed, shaking my head. “You can keep pretending. But I’m not part of the audience anymore. Donte told me about it.”
She tried to look hurt. LikeIwas the villain.
“As far as it all goes?” I leaned back, relaxing into the seat.
“Thank you. For real. Thank you for taking that manipulative, disloyal, gaslighting motherfucker off my hands. I was exhausted, but stupid.”
“I love him,” she snapped, defensive now. “He chose me.”
“I feel sorry for you. Because you probably actually believe that. But one thing I know?
He still lovesme.He looks like he’s about to cry every time he sees me.
You? Hedidchoose you,” I said. “You have a man who tolerates you because the alternative is poverty. Congratulations.”
Sinica’s jaw dropped. “You always think you’re better than everybody—”
“No.” I gave her a calm smile. “Youalways thought you were better thanme.
And you wanted people to think so, too. That’s why you kept me around—to show off.”
Her eyes glossed over fast. A tear slipped out before she could blink it away.
She stood abruptly, purse swinging, pride unraveling. “Fuck you, Eshe.”
“Your husband did it already. Probably would again if I let him.”
She stormed out, shoes clacking loud and dramatic.
The whole salon went quiet for a beat.
I turned to Angel, gauging her reaction. Her eyes were wide.
She shook her head. “My temper would never. I meanneverallow me to be that calm.”
I grinned. “That was calm to you? Who is you hiding behind this innocent face and name?”
“A bitch who would still be dragging her around this nail shop by her hair.”
I laughed.
Angel did too, though she frowned a little.
“Too bad she a bitch, ’cause I wanna know who do her silk presses.” She added.
Chapter twenty nine- Eshe
The food court was loud. We were surrounded by a couple hundred people, but I still heard it loud and clear when Angel said, “Oh my God.”
