Page 53 of Wifey
“No, no, no, no. Like I said I value my free time,” she laughs and I join in. “But what I mean is that, I can’t imagine just taking off without Mo, you know? Like popping in whenever the mood suits me and totally forget she has a life of her own. She has her own friends. She has her own personality. Like, I can’t just imagine being gone for years at a time like that and think that’s okay? Like I understand why Laurie left, but I also don’t understand why she didn’t make more an effort. She could’ve stayed if she wanted. She didn’t want to. If I had some deep-rooted issues, please take my ass to Bellevue, aight? Like, I just don’t get it.”
“I still don’t and I don’t think I ever will. But that’s Laurie. She’s not to be understood.” It’s a painful realization. No matter what happens in my life, Laurie will always keep her distance. If things between Cameron and me progress, what would I tell our children?
One grandmother would use them as a photo-op every chance she’ll get (Heather), and the other one wouldn’t care if they struggled (Laurie). One will teach them how to be prim, proper, and most importantly,quiet, while the other will be non-existent.
If Daddy were still around, he would’ve been a hands-on grandfather. He was a hands-on father and the best Daddy a girl could have. Maybe if Cameron is serious about leaving the game, he could be the hands-on father to our children.
“How are things between you and Cam, by the way?” Hayley asks. “Other than the obvious.”
“So far, so good. Cam is talking about leaving the game and I hope he’s serious about it.” I said. “I’m anxious to see what happens if he doesn’t.”
“Is it a make it or break it deal?” Hayley asks. “Que is stepping back as well, but I think he’s just tired and wants to count his money. He’s getting into the investing game big time and he doesn’t want to worry about shooting fools.”
“It kinda is a make it or break it deal.” I hesitate before I answer again. “I’m late.”
Hayley drops her fork as her eyes widen. “Are you?”
“I don’t know yet. It was suppose to come a week ago and it’s still not here.” I kept track of my period on an app and I know my body pretty well. But I can admit Cameron and I haven’t been as careful as we used to be. We stopped using condoms and he started pulling out within a week of my arrival to his place.
I know the pullout method is the fastest way to pregnancy but I’m still not sure if I want our baby growing up knowing their daddy is a drug lord. “I haven’t had any symptoms, but we haven’t been careful. He used to pull out before he started staying in.”
“When the pussy is great, he ain’t gon’ want to pull out.” Hayley chuckles before she got serious. “Have you peed on a stick?”
“I haven’t been able to go anywhere but to the shop and back. Cameron told me no pit stops and I don’t want to ask the staff to do it because I don’t want them to tell Cameron before I do.” I reply. “So, there’s that.”
“No, there isn’t that.” Hayley stands up. “There’s the bodega across the street. I’ll be right back.” She leaves before I could protest. She returns a short time later with a paper bag and a test inside. “Go. Now. I don’t want to wait all damn day for this news.”
“I’m sorry if my life is inconveniencing you,” I roll my eyes and head to the bathroom. I quickly peed on the test before I returned to the office. “It’s going to take a few minutes.”
“Fuck that.” Hayley shakes her head and I roll my eyes again. “Bitch, if you’re preggers, I’m happy for you! You need this joy in your life! Shit, bitch, I hope you get knocked up soon!”
“We’ll see.” A knock on my office door interrupts the conversation and I yell for them to come in. It’s Laurie, followed by Alicia.
Alicia never cared for Laurie for obvious reasons but she was respectful when she came into town. I see them laughing and carrying on like old friends so maybe everything is cool between them now.
“Pretty girl…” Laurie coos which tells me she wants something. “I need to borrow your car for a little while. I need to get some things before I head back to your dad’s.”
“Um, okay.” I hand her the keys to the BMW. “Just be back around four to pick me up.”
Laurie smiles and grabs the keys. “Thank you!”
“I’ll go with her,” Alicia offers and Laurie smiles. Alicia whispers to me. “Just to make sure she doesn’t steal anything.”
“She can take what she wants,” I whisper back. “I have no more use for that house.”
Alicia pulls back and frowns at me. I already know the lecture is coming and I brace myself for it. “I need to talk to you when I get back. I found out some information.”
“Oh?” I know Alicia has been snooping around but I’m curious as to what she could’ve found out that I didn’t know. “Like what?”
“We’ll talk more later but…” Alicia takes a deep breath and looks behind her to make sure no one is listening. “…Gabe isn’t who he seems to be.”
I step out of the office to watch Gabe interact with another female customer. He’s smiling and flirting with her as he takes her order. Gabe was my dad’s best friend and Daddy was best man at Gabe’s wedding. I’ve practically known Gabe my entire life. “What?”
“Later.” Alicia takes the coffee cup and gives me a kiss on the cheek. “Later, chica.”
“Yeah,” I kiss her back. “Later.” I step back into the office with a confused look on my face. “Weird. Alicia told me she found out some info on Gabe and he wasn’t what he appeared to be. I don’t know what that means.”
“Heh.” Hayley comments. “That could mean anything, Pooh.”
