Page 30 of Bricked Up

CHAPTER NINE

“ B ritt, me and Saadiq are over. I feel it. This time feels even worse than before. I think we’re just gonna co-parent the baby, but that’s it.

He said he forgave me, but now I know that shit was all bullshit.

He’s still holding it against me that I left.

And honestly, I don’t even blame him.” Zia mumbled sadly between sips of her mango-strawberry juice as she stretched her legs out on the couch.

Brittany had just FaceTimed her sister to see what she was up to once she got in from work, but the news of her and Saadiq’s break-up was the last thing she expected. “Bitch, wait a damn minute. What the hell happened? Y’all just got back together an eye blink ago.”

“I’m too hurt to laugh, but you’re insane.

You’re also correct, though,” Zia sighed as she blinked back a fresh set of tears.

“I love that man with all my heart and soul, but he’s right.

I didn’t think about him or his feelings.

I didn’t give a fuck. I just took off. But that fight or flight response is the only way I’ve been able to survive all the no-good bastards that came before him and all the people who came into my life who intentionally hurt me.

So when all that shit went down, the only thing I cared about was getting out of there and moving on with my life. Maybe I was wrong to–”

“Bullshit, Zia,” Brittany quickly interrupted Zia’s pity party.

“You weren’t wrong. So don’t even say or think that shit.

You protected yourself the way you thought best. And not Saadiq nor any other man has a right to be pissed at you behind that.

Now, while I know Saadiq loves you, I’on like the fact that his ass is stressing you out.

Especially while you're pregnant with Tete’s baby, so you want me to go give his ass a piece of my mind now or later?

‘Cause ain’t nobody got time for this kinda fuck shit. ”

“No, Britt,” Zia chuckled softly. “I don't want you to do anything. I get it. So I'm just gonna respect his wishes. I just love him so much, and the thought of being without him again hurts. I get why he’s pissed, and I know I hurt him, but I thought he’d forgiven me. But why would he still want to marry me if he knew he felt this way all along?”

“That nigga is crazy, but he ain’t crazy.

He loves you, and y’all ain’t bout to stress me out with this dumb shit.

And I’m not about to allow you to wallow in pity and sadness, either.

So get up, get dressed, and meet me at Tunks bar.

We gon’ toss back virgin pina coladas and pig out on the best chicken nachos in town.

Then, we’re gonna dance all your blues away.

And if you're not feeling better by tomorrow, I’m going to talk to Saadiq whether you want me to or not, curse his ass out, and find you a new nigga. Are we clear, ma’am?”

“I don’t know,” Zia winked as she scooted her body down into the couch. “Britt, I’m really not in the mood to?—”

“Fine, I’ll just go pay your baby daddy a visit. And show every bit of my ass up in there since ya’ll both wanna play these childish ass games.” Brittany popped off as she hopped up and headed for the shower.

“On second thought, Britt,” Zia jumped up and headed to her bedroom. I’m suddenly feeling the vibe. “I’ll meet you in a couple of hours.”

“Yeah, I thought so, I’ll see you shortly,” Brittany cackled as he turned on the shower. “And dress extra sexy. “‘Cause I’m ‘bout to make sure you remind Saadiq what the fuck his ass is about to miss out on if he keeps acting stupid.”

“Yes, ma’am, any more demands while you’re at it, Britt?”

“Nope, but you know that if I think of anything, I won’t hesitate to call.”

Laughing, Zia nodded in agreement. “Don’t I know it, bye chile.”

“Oh, wait, whatever happened to Raymond, Zia? Did you ever call him back? ‘Cause maybe you can have him meet you for drinks and?—”

“Gurl, I forgot to tell you. He told me to fuck off, and he blocked me. He waited in his ride outside the restaurant and saw me walk outside with Saadiq. Saw Saadiq grab my ass. He texted me and told me that he doesn’t play childish ass games and to never contact him again.”

“Ha, that nigga sounds like he was big mad,” Brittany cackled while clapping her hands together in amazement.

“Oh well, fuck him,” Brittany said once she finally stopped laughing.

“We’ll just have to find another nigga to make Saadiq’s ass jealous.

He ain’t the only nigga walking around this muthafucka. ”

“Wait, what?” Zia's forehead wrinkled in confusion. “Making Saadiq jealous? Why would?—”

“Nothinggggg,” Brittany sang as she quickly interrupted. “Don’t even worry about it. Chow, boo thang. See you in a bit.”

Zia stared at the phone for a second after her sister hung up before she went and got herself together.

She didn’t know what the fuck Brittany’s ass was up to, but she had a feeling that she’d find out soon enough.

After bathing, oiling up her body, applying her makeup, and pinning up her curls, Zia slid her body into a fuchsia and black halter V-neck mini dress with a cinched waist and a layered ruffled hem.

Once she slid into her black pumps, she was ready to go.

With one last look at her reflection in the mirror, she smiled at the allure of her sexiness looking back at her.

Her hair was laid, her titties were sitting up extra nice tonight, and her thick thighs and flawless legs were glistening.

Zia grabbed her clutch and headed out. She didn’t know what the hell her crazy ass sister had in store for her tonight, but she was down for whatever.

After enduring the emotional rollercoaster ride she’d been on ever since Saddiq walked his ass back in her life, Zia was just ready to focus on something other than her sadness.

Once she was behind the wheel, Zia turned on her party mix playlist and sang with LAYA’s “Ain’t Sad About It” as she hit the road. Twenty-two minutes later, Zia pulled up to the bar at the same time as Brittany. Hopping out, she sashayed over to her and gave her a big hug.

“I actually don’t believe I’m about to admit this, but I'm starting to feel a little better. Maybe getting some fresh air was what I needed all along.”

“I knew you would. See, sometimes all a girl needs is to get dressed up and show some titties and hips. And baby girl, you definitely picked the right dress for that. Come over here so I can take ya pic right quick.”

“Okay,” Zia smiled at the way her sister was hyping her up. “But so do you in that sexy ass burgundy lace, short ass bodycon dress,” Zia said as she posed for a few pictures.

“Shit, you know I stay ready for a camera both in and out of the bedroom.”

“You just as nasty as you wanna be,” Zia chuckled as she snapped pictures of her beautiful bestie. “Ole freaky ass.”

“Says the freaky ass pregnant chick. Girl, come on and let’s take a couple of selfies right quick.”

Cackling and all, Brittany snapped several selfies before they headed inside.

Tunks as packed but not uncomfortably so.

Everyone was out, but it was overcrowded.

However, it did help that there were bars on both levels, a large patio on the lower level, and a balcony on the upper level.

Tunks was a lively spot that featured live bands, DJs, and an open mic.

It was a popular spot for those 35 and up only folks.

The red and gold color decor complemented the black tables, chairs, benches, and couches perfectly.

Zia and Brittany hadn’t even made it across the room to the bar before men were tripping all over themselves just to get to them.

But, as usual, they politely declined and ignored the assholes.

And after grabbing their drinks, they headed for the few seats that were available along the bench lining the back wall.

Zia hadn’t had a chance to press the rim of her virgin lemon drop to her lips before a fine ass LL Cool J look-alike approached her.

His seductive ass smile had her undivided attention.

“Wassup, sexy, wanna join me on the dancefloor for a lil bit?”

Zia glanced over to Brittany, who just winked and nodded encouragingly.

Turning her attention back to LL, Zia smiled as she placed her drink on the table.

She was just about to accept his hand when hers was suddenly shoved away from his.

Both Zia and LL glanced up at the man who had just approached them and did the dumb shit, only for Saadiq’s face to come into view.

“Nigga, don’t touch my wife,” Saadiq stepped in between them. “I’on give a shit what she told you, but she’s mine. So you can get the fuck on, bruh, or we can thug it out right here.” LL mugged Saadiq before he turned and headed into the opposite direction.

“Saadiq, what the fuck are you doin’?” Zia asked as she grabbed him by his arm.

“What you ain't finna do is break up with me, ignore me for three weeks, and then walk up in this bitch and try to claim me and shit. Plus, I really wanted to fucking dance, nigga.” She screamed before turning to walk away, but before she could, Saadiq grabbed her by her waist and snatched her up against him.

“Zia, chill, fareal. And I didn't break up wit’ ya petty ass. I said I needed a damn minute. And?—”

“Uht uh, since when is a minute three damn weeks, Saadiq?” Zia asked, while shaking her head. “So you can just let me go and get the fuck on wit’ that bullshit. Excuse me, I’m gonna go find LL and give him that dance.”

“Zia, don’t get fucked up in this bitch.” Saadiq pulled her closer when she tried to back away from him. “You wanted my damn attention, and now you got it. So quit?—”

“Wait,” She frowned, holding up a hand to stop him from saying anything further. “What’s that supposed to mean? I don’t want or need your attention.”