Page 98 of Anything Goes

I shrugged. “You were saying the same thing the other night, then you acted a damn fool when you saw Law.”

“That’s because I was caught off guard. I wasn’t expecting to see another man coming out of your bedroom. That shit messed me up.”

“I bet it did, but you can’t just show up at my place like that.”

“You’re right, and that was my mistake. Trust me, I won’t be doing that again. I’m not trying to have something like that messing with my head.”

“It’s not like you haven’t moved on, Latrell.”

“I haven't moved on, Alauni. Have I been involved with other women? Yes. But I haven't moved on. I'm just trying to cope. Not having you in my life is hard as hell. I'm not used to this. I don't know how to function without you.”

“Don’t say that.”

“It’s the truth. Every time I think I’m good, I see or hear something that reminds me of you. I know you’re still pissed off at me about Draya, but I promise you that it’s not like that with her.”

“I don’t care about any of that. I told you, the only thing I want is respect, and whatever woman you end up with needs to give me that. Period.”

“I understand.”

“Good.”

“I hope that goes both ways,” he said.

“Of course, it does. If Law and I were still together, he would have to respect you as well.”

“Wait a minute, so you two aren’t together anymore?”

Squeezing my eyes shut, I lowered my head.

I didn’t want him to know that.

I didn’t want to give him any reason to think that there was room for him to try and slip back in. But the cat was already out of the bag, so I had to give him the truth.

Lifting my gaze, I cleared my throat and said, “No, we’re not.”

“Wow, that was fast.”

“Yeah, thanks to you,” I replied, having no shame about letting him know that it was his fault. “Not everyone wants to stick around for a bunch of baby daddy drama.”

“Damn, you really like this dude, huh?”

“Yeah, I do, but it doesn’t matter now. It’s over and I have to accept the fact that I’m going to spend the rest of my life alone.”

Laughing, he leaned forward in his chair. “You know damn well your fine ass isn’t going to be alone. If he’s smart, he’ll be back before the end of the week.”

“Yeah, well, I won’t be holding my breath.”

“Trust me, he’ll be back. Just don’t be a mean ass when he returns.”

“I’m not mean.”

“Bullshit! You’re mean as hell.”

Sucking my teeth, I waved him off. “I’m only like that when I have to be, and when I was with you, I had to be. You stayed doing dumb shit.”

“Okay, damn, you don’t have to kick me when I’m down.”

“I’m just telling you like it is. I hope your new girlfriend can handle your crazy ass.”