Page 42 of Hellcat Barbies: Imani
“Yes. We are fine.”
“Okay but I’m going to check the weather channel,” I assure him. “Where’s momma?”
“Taking a nap. She battled it out in them stores,” he says with a chuckle. “She was not leaving without her sardines, hot sauce, and saltines.”
“Daddy, I know she got more than that.”
“Barely. You know she loves those nasty ass fish,” he says and we both laugh. My mom really does love sardines and crackers. She eats it almost every other day. I can do anchovies.They are a base to a few good sauces I cook but sardines are a no for me. I just can’t get with them. “Is it raining there?”
“No. no rain in sight. It’s actually a perfect day; I’m sitting outside in a park.”
“You had today off?”
“Yes,” I lie. Bringing up my non-existent job and severance would only worry him for no reason and my parents have been through enough.Hell, we all have.I’m not going to burden them with my shit, especially since I know that I’ll be fine. In a few months, I’ll find another job. There are surgical clinics in Crescent Falls and hospitals in the surrounding towns. “So, I took a drive and when I head back, I’m taking my car to get detailed.”
“Sounds like a relaxing day.”
“It is.”
“Well, you enjoy it, Sugar.”
“I will and daddy, I’m going to be watching the weather channel.”
“We are fine. Don’t worry about us. I love you.”
“I love you too, daddy.”
As soon as I end the call, I check the weather and storm tracker. Hurricane Paco is heading for the Florida panhandle and expected to be a category one when it hits landfall. I'm going to keep checking though because hurricanes can be unpredictable.
After checking the weather, I go down a rabbit hole on Skroll watching cooking videos. Before I even realize it, an hour has passed and I’ve smashed half of my giant cake slice. I swear they cut one fourth of a whole cake. It’s time to head back. So, Ilook up gas stations and see that it’s one on this same exit. So, I pack up my remaining cake then head back to my baby.
At the station, I fill up and grab a bottle of water from inside before getting back on the road. This time, heading back home. When I’m two hours into my drive and forty-minutes from Crescent Falls, my phone rings. The screen on the dash displays Daymir.He’s finally calling.For a moment, I debate if I should answer. He stood me up and had me waiting for his call all last night and this morning.
He can fucking wait.
My pettiness, anger, and disappointment prevail and I don’t answer him at all. I let it go to voicemail then shrug. Seconds later, he’s calling again and this time, I answer but after the third ring.
“Hello,” I say as dry as I can.
“Hey,” he says somberly. “Where are you?” he asks as if things are cool and copasetic with us.
Things aren’t.
“Is that what you really want to say to me, Daymir?” I snap.
“No. I have a lot to say. Can I come over?”
“You were supposed to come over last night and pick me up for our date or did you forget that?”
“It’s not that simple. Can I just come over so we can talk?” he pleads, his tone still somber and heavy.
“We’re talking now.”
“Not over the phone. Look, I’m coming yo’ way.”
“I’m not home.”
“Then, where are you?”
