Page 38 of A Cancer's Embrace
“You’re so bad.”
“Yep, your man is so bad.”
I smiled so hard and kissed his lips. “My man, my man.”
“Damn, that shit sounds so good.”
A week had passedsince Jabari and I had made things official. I hadn’t shared the news with Danita yet. I’d been avoiding her and Gio’s calls. I wanted to live in the moment before they began asking questions. Since quitting my job, I’d spent the majority of my day at Jabari’s or with him preparing for the opening of his restaurant. I was on a high and avoided anything that could knock me off the high.
Jabari had wrapped early at the restaurant and wanted to run to the mall to look for potential outfits for the grand opening happening in two months. He wanted himself, JaBria, and Gloria to match. I was excited about going to the mall. I needed more clothes because I had gained weight in my hip area, thanksto Jabari spoiling me by constantly feeding me his delicious meals.
We walked in the mall hand in hand, smiling and laughing, enjoying each other’s company. We passed the store that mainly sold women’s clothes.
“Hey, go ahead. I’m going to head over there and see if I can find some new jeans.”
“For what?”
“You don’t see how I’m damn near bussing out of them. You keep feeding me nonstop.”
“Good. I like the way they hugging them sweet thighs. Your ass is getting fatter and fatter too. Nah. Go buy a shirt or something. Don’t size up.”
I laughed and slapped his chest. “Boy, I like to be comfortable. I’ll keep my old ones, but I’m getting new ones.”
“Yeah? Well, I’m going to run up here and see if I can cop these shoes. Here.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet.
Jabari handed me a silver card that was heavier than a lot of the cards I owned.
“Get what you want. I’ll meet you in a second.”
“Jabari... seriously.”
“I’m your man, ain’t I?” he asked, walking up on me.
I nodded.
“Then let me be. Go do your thing, baby.” He kissed my forehead and slapped my butt.
I giggled but did as I was told, strutting over to the store. I internally squealed like a kid, jumping up and down excitedly. I’d never experienced a man handing me his credit card and telling me to do my thing.
I rummaged through the racks in the store before requesting a fitting room. I hummed to the music overhead but stopped when I heard a familiar voice. An uneasy chill shot up my spine.I stuck my finger in my ear to make sure it wasn’t full of wax, but I heard it again. I scanned the store, and my eyes landed on him. There was my ex, Jakeem, with his new fiancée. Right after Jakeem broke up with me, six months later, he was engaged. I couldn’t help but think that the woman had been in the picture prior to our officially ending things. However, thinking that way made me even sadder, so I placed it in the back of my mind.
I dropped the clothes that I had and made a straight shot to the door. I tried my best to dodge them, but the universe did not see fit to help me out.
“Amina?” he called out.
I froze in place. My back was to them, so I was thankful he didn’t see the panic on my face. I took two deep breaths before turning to face them.
“Jakeem? Oh my goodness. I didn’t even see you. What are you doing here?”
“My fiancée swears she needed more clothes, so I decided to bring her here and let her get a few options.” He looked over at her, causing me to do the same, and she had a mug on her face.
“Hi,” I softly stated. “I’m Amina.”
“Moriah,” she sassed.
I turned back to face Jakeem, and he had a stupid smirk on his face.
“What?”
