Page 69 of The Phyre that Burns
It was early, a little after six, but since I couldn’t sleep, I decided to get up and start my day. After taking a shower and completing the rest of my morning hygiene routine, I dressed in a pair of leggings and a T-shirt I’d found in my luggage.
Both suitcases were a mess, and I had no idea what I’d packed. I spent the next thirty minutes organizing them, and by the time I finished, my stomach was growling. I remembered Devyn said she would send me breakfast, but I wasn’t sure what time.
Instead of having the rideshare take me to a restaurant, I decided to go down to the lobby to see if they offered a continental breakfast or if there was a restaurant. I was so distraught when I checked in, I honestly had no idea. As I headed toward the stairwell, a text from Devyn came through.
It was as if my best friend were reading my mind, and I smiled because she always came through for me. I had no idea what I would’ve done all these years without her support.
Devyn:
I hope you woke up feeling better. Your food is on the way. I’ll call you shortly to check on you.
I turned around and went back to my room as I typed out my response.
Me:
I feel okay right now. Your timing is perfect because I was headed downstairs to see what they had. Thank you.
Once I was back in my room, I turned on the television and channel surfed until I heard a knock on the door. Even though I was expecting my food, I looked out of the peephole to make sure it was my delivery.
The person on the other side of the door wasn’t who I expected, and I sighed because I knew my best friend was responsible for this person’s presence. When I opened the door, I was relieved to see that Phoenix had at least come bearing food.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
“Good morning to you too, Ginae. Can I come inside? I brought food.”
She held up two bags fromBlack Elm Breakfast Bistro.
“If I weren’t so hungry, I’d close the door in your face and call Devyn to cuss her out since she’s the one who sent you.”
“She’s worried about you, and it was either she catches a flight, or I come and check on you. I can leave and let her know you wouldn’t let me in.”
I shook my head as I stepped back to allow Phoenix to enter. She went straight to the table in the dining area and began unpacking the food. It smelled so good, my mouth watered. I had no idea what she’d ordered for me, but I planned to devour it.
When she finished, I sat down in front of a plate of French toast, bacon, eggs, grits, breakfast potatoes, and a Styrofoam cup of orange juice.
“Thank you,” I said before quickly blessing the food.
We ate in silence for a while before I couldn’t take it anymore. I knew the reason for her visit, so I went ahead and addressed the elephant in the room.
“How much did Devyn tell you?” I asked.
“Not much, but she did say that you and Phyre had a misunderstanding.”
“A huge one. Your brother is an asshole.”
“Obviously, if you’re staying at a hotel. Whatever it is, she said that Phyre got it all wrong but didn’t give you a chance to explain.”
“That’s correct. He wouldn’t let me get a word in edgewise, but I let him know how wrong he was after I packed my shit. Have you talked to him?”
“I have, but he didn’t tell me anything. Kevin shared what Kavia said that set Phyre off.”
“I’m listening.”
“Apparently, last night was the first time she heard your name. She mentioned you looking familiar and asked Phyre if you told him about the baby. Kevin said Phyre was confused, but when he asked her what she was talking about, she said it wasn’t her place to say, but he should ask you about the baby you aborted.”
“Once again, he let that messy ass ho fuck up our good thing.”
“True, but in his defense?—”
