Page 47 of Adonis Gates

Once we left the nail salon, I followed her to the Breakfast Club for brunch. Since it was midweek, we didn’t have any trouble getting a table. Rhea wanted to do a mimosa tower when we ordered, but I opted out and just got a glass. I surely wouldn’t make it to my appointment if I drank that much, plus, I still wasn’t feeling that well.

We ordered our food when the waitress returned with our drinks. I went with the stuffed French toast with cheese eggs and bacon, while Rhea got creamy shrimp and grits with catfish. Breakfast Club always had a little crowd because they had some of the best food in town.

“So,” Rhea said, tilting her glass toward me. “Tell me what’s really going on with this Adonis. You text me like you’re smitten, then you turn around and sound like you’re about to run for the hills.”

I rolled my eyes but smiled as I twisted my straw between my fingers. “Because I feel like I might be moving too fast. We’ve been… spending time together and talking daily, and it’s good—hell, better than good to be honest—but I don’t want to get caught up and be looking crazy later.”

Rhea leaned forward, propping her chin on her hands. “Girl, you’ve known him for years. This isn’t just some stranger that you swiped right on. You’re not sneaking behind anyone’s back. You’re single, healing and doing your thing. And if he makes you as happy as you say he does, then I don’t see the issue.”

“I don’t know, I guess I just feel like I’m skipping steps.” I shrugged.

“Skipping steps for who?” she quizzed. “You’re allowed to just… be happy. Nobody’s grading you. Besides, with the way you’re glowing, I’d say you’re already in too deep.” She shrugged.

I laughed softly but the sound trailed off as a sharp, twisting ache flared in my lower abdomen. I shifted in my chair, trying to disguise the sudden wave of discomfort. It wasn’t unusual, but the timing couldn’t have been worse.

“Are you okay?” Rhea asked, her voice laced in concern.

“Yeah,” I answered quickly, pressing my palm into the edge of the table. I tried focusing on something, anything, else, but to no avail. Another spasm rolled through me stealing my breath away. “S-sorry.” I stammered.

“What’s wrong, Jru?”

“I-I just don’t feel that good today?”

Her brows dipped when I locked eyes with her. Worry and concern whirled in her eyes as she peered at me. “Jru, if you weren’t feeling well, why didn’t you say that? We could have rescheduled.”

“I know how demanding you said your schedule was.” I sighed, holding onto my aching stomach. “I didn’t want to let you down our first time hanging out, but I guess I kind of blew that.”

“No you didn’t,” she countered. “I’ve enjoyed hanging and talking with you today, but if you weren’t feeling well, I could have made time another day. I’m big on prioritizing your health.”

“I know. I just—I’ll probably need to take this to go.”

“No, that’s fine, we can have this boxed.” She agreed before flagging down our waitress and asking her to bring us some boxes. Once she did, Rhea boxed our food up then insisted on helping me up.

“I hate cutting it short.” I pouted.

“Please. Don’t even worry about that.” She grabbed my hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. “We can schedule a redo when you’re better. And in the meantime, take it easy Jru—with Adonis and everything else. You deserve to be happy without feeling guilty.”

Nodding, I removed my hands from hers and pulled her into a tight embrace. “Thank you, Rhea.”

We left money for our food and the tip on the table for the server before leaving. Once I was in the car, I updated the app I used to track the days I had pain and the level then I went home.

I was a little down because I wanted to go look at the house that I’d found in Fox Chase. I was originally going to get an apartment, but my parents convinced me to purchase. It was agood thing that I hadn’t gone to get my own car yet because I didn’t need any inquiries on my credit during the process. After showering, taking my meds and getting into bed, I texted the realtor to reschedule. I hated that my illness had me down some days to the point that I couldn’t do simple stuff, but it was my reality, and it was what it was.

I texted Adonis to let him know that I was home too. I’d told him that I called out of work and that I was going to out with a friend for a while. Even though I wouldn’t have minded, I was glad that an interrogation didn’t commence after I told him. With Derrick, it wouldn’t have even been an option. He wanted to sit at all of my nail appointments or send one of his goons to do it, and brunch with a friend wasn’t happening. I cringed at the thought and the fact that I’d even allowed that to go on for so long.

Adonis called instead of texting me back, so I swiped my thumb across the screen to answer.

“Yes, Adonis?”

“Brunch was that quick?”

“Yes.” I smiled sinking deeper underneath the cover, positioning my heating pad on my stomach how I wanted it.

“And you went to see the crib?” he inquired. “It’s only been like an hour since I talked to you.”

“I know, but I got sick at brunch, so I cut my day short.”

“Sick? What’s wrong?”