Page 112 of Lovetown, USA
The two of us, me and Cam, stare at our untouched plates.
Finally, he picks up his fork. “I mean, if you ain’t gon’ eat…”
“Go ahead.”
I blow out a sigh. I’m deeply unsatisfied with this victory, and I don’t know why.
“Is she answering your calls yet?”
I shake my head. “That’s done.”
“You giving up?”
“Nah. At this point, I’m just pestering her. She’s done. It ain’t happening.”
He chews his scampi, deep in thought. “Sounds like you’re giving up. That ain’t like you.”
I take my Long Island ice tea to the head. “I don’t know why I’m talking toyouabout this, but look. I didn’t cheat on her. I wasn’t mistreating her. I get being upset, but to cut me completely off over this…that’s crazy to me. It’s been almost a month.”
Cam studies me for a long time, his eyes too sharp for a kid his age. “So you’re saying she should understand that you meant well.”
“I mean…maybe.”
“Because your intentions were good, and you didn’t directly hurt her.”
“Pretty much.”
“So, basically, what me and Mama just did for you.”
His words hit like a punch to the gut.
The realization is sharp and brutal.
This fucking kid.
I love him.
“Eat your food, boy.”
He chuckles, grabbing the basket, sliding all the biscuits over to his side of the table.
Back at the hotel, I dial her again, ashamed that I ever entertained the idea of quitting. My daddy didn’t raise no quitter. I fight for everything I want. I never fucking back down. Ever.
I press the button.
It goes straight to voicemail this time.
I think…did she block me?
Yeah. She did. My last text was never even delivered.
Well, shit.
I open CashApp and send her $300. The note says:Please unblock me.
The next day, back at home, still blocked. I try again. $500.Please. I just need to talk to you.
The day after that, I don’t have shit else to lose. Still blocked. $1000.
