Page 73 of The Phyre that Burns
“You took this picture?” She nodded. “Do I need to ask the obvious questions, or can you just tell me what I want to know?”
She rolled her eyes, but I could tell she couldn’t wait to tell me, especially if it would disparage Ginae’s name and make me view her in a negative light.
“For obvious reasons, I couldn’t go to our family doctor to get an abortion, and I wouldn’t be caught dead in a free clinic. I found another reputable private doctor, and apparently, Ginae did too.”
“How did you know what she looked like?”
“When I stole her number from your phone, I stole a few pictures too. I studied her face until it was ingrained in my memory because I wanted to make sure I recognized her if we ever crossed paths. I didn’t have to wait long because the picture was taken about a week after I shared the news of our engagement with her.”
“Why did you think taking a picture was necessary?”
“It was my insurance in case she forgave you. It took over a decade, but now you have proof that I’m telling the truth and I’m not just being messy.”
“You’re most definitely being messy because this proves nothing. Get the fuck out of my office, and please stay the fuck away from me.”
I went to the door, opened it, and waited for Kavia to get up and leave. As she walked past me, she wore that evil smirkthat seemed to be a permanent fixture. Once she crossed the threshold, I watched as she sauntered down the hallway. The tension I felt in her presence lessened as she got further away.
I closed and locked the door, leaning against it for a few minutes to look at the picture Kavia sent. The sadness in Ginae’s eyes and the concern on her parents’ faces were evident. She was heartbroken over the loss of our child and our relationship, and my dumbass accused her of having an abortion.
When I returned to my office, I was no longer in the mood to work, but I also didn’t want to go back to my big, lonely house. I wanted to talk to Ginae, but I still had no idea where she was or how to reach her.
I’d been cursed out once by Devyn and twice by my sister, so reaching out to them for information would be a waste of time. God always had a way of working things out, but it was on His time. I prayed I didn’t have to wait as long this time.
“God, You waited thirteen years to answer my prayers, and I know You didn’t bring us back together for us to end this way. I messed up by listening to someone who only means me harm, and letting my ego control my thoughts and actions. I pray that You put it on Ginae’s heart to forgive me and that I don’t have to wait another thirteen years for it to happen.”
Even though I knew I was blocked, I took a chance and called her. I expected it to go to voicemail after the first ring, as it had been doing since the first time I’d called after our disagreement. When it didn’t, I checked my phone screen to make sure I’d chosen the right contact.
“Hello,” she answered softly.
“Sweetness, you answered.”
“I heard you wanted to talk.”
“I want to apologize, but I’d rather do it in person.”
“I’m not coming to your house, and I don’t want you to know where I am.”
“Can we meet somewhere?”
“Okay.”
“I’ll send you the address.”
“Okay.”
Before I could tell her how much I missed her, she ended the call. I sent her the address toSoulful Diner, a small and intimate soul food restaurant. It would take me fifteen minutes to get there, so I quickly gathered my things and headed out.
“What doyour parents and TJ think about all this?” Devyn asked as we sat and talked on FaceTime.
“You know TJ is ready to throw hands.”
“As any brother should.”
“My parents think I should talk to him.”
“I agree with them. You made him suffer for almost a week. I cussed his ass out, and Phoenix let him have it twice. It’s time for you to get some shit off your chest.”
“You’re right, but I’m not reaching out to him. I’m unblocking him now, and if he calls, I’ll answer.”
