Page 18 of Bonita Brynne

“Brynne, are you okay?” He knocked on the stall door. “Are you sick? Maddy said you needed me.”

Why would she tell him that? “I’m fine.”

“Open the door.”

I tore off a strip of toilet paper to dry my eyes and clean my mouth. He couldn’t see me in this state. Compared to the women hanging all over him, I looked like a homeless chick who’d been living under a bridge for months.

“I said open the door.”

“I’m just going to the bathroom. A little privacy would be nice.”

“Don’t lie to me. I can smell your puke. Open the door.”

“I don’t need your help, okay? I can take care of myself.” I slammed my hand on the lever to flush the toilet. “Go be with your family before you have church.”With the women throwing themselves at you.“I’ll see you later.”

“Goddamn it. Open the fucking door, or I’ll break it down.”

“No, you won’t break it down. I don’t want to see you right now. Is that what you want to hear? I need a second to deal with all this. Can you give me a few fucking seconds?” I screamed at him, then covered my mouth to hold back the sob burning in my throat.

“Track, go to church, honey. I’ll take care of her.”

I didn’t recognize the woman’s voice. If she had kissed him, I’d throw up again.

“Brynne, open the door,” he said calmly. “Please.”

I shook my head and silently cried into my hands. My emotions were out of control. I couldn’t stop the train wreck I had created.

“Go. I’ll watch over her,” the woman told him. “You know how Storm gets when he’s waiting on people.”

“Brynne, when I’m done, we’re talking this shit out.” His hand hit the metal door and startled me. I almost opened it then but froze when he said, “Thank you, Sugar.” It sounded like he kissed her.

How could he do that when I was in the same room? My mom had told me about the club girls… the kittens. She warned me about them. Told me to stand my ground against them. I never thought Joseph would let them disrespect me. Never imagined he’d humiliate me.

My tears picked up when I heard his boots leave the bathroom.

“Brynne, I know this must be overwhelming. But I’m here for you. I don’t know what happened, but I promised your mother I would take care of you.” She knocked lightly on the door. “Please open the door. I’m worried about you.”

“How do you know my mother?” Who was this woman, and why should I trust her?

“She’s my best friend.”

“Is he gone?”

“Yes.”

I unlocked the door and opened it. I needed to see if she had kissed Joseph.

She smiled. “Hi, honey. My word, you look just like Tina.”

“Why did he call you Sugar?” I know I must’ve sounded ridiculous and immature. How else was I to know who I could trust?

“Everyone calls me Sugar. My late husband gave me the nickname. But you can call me Eve if you prefer.” She stepped into the stall and hugged me. “Tell me what you need, honey.”

“A shower and some quiet.” I hugged her back, finally feeling safe.

“Absolutely. We prepared a room just for you and Track.”

My body tensed. “Do you know about us?”

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