Page 5

CHANIYA

*bzz*

“ W hat in the ‘Barbara, . . . this is Shirley’ hell is going on?” I grumble upon reading the incoming text.

Between the unsaved phone number and the name given, I have no idea who this person is or how she got my number.

Me: How’d you get my number, and who is he?

Nana always said curiosity killed the cat, but I can’t help responding to the cryptic message to probe for information. This Jorgie doesn’t know that the only man I’m in love with is the one I’m raising.

380-426-1532: Aren’t you Dedrick’s bottom bitch? *eyes emoji*

Bottom bitch? Who the hell does this chick think she’s talking to? My brows furrow, and a frown slides into place.

380-426-1532: I know your place in his life, which is why I got your number from his phone.

You need to understand that while you might be his bottom bitch, I’m the bitch who incubates and delivers his nappy-head children.

I’m pregnant with our fourth baby, and I need you to understand that Dedrick won’t be playing stepdaddy to that little bastard of yours.

Fire shoots from my ears, and my fingers begin frantically typing a response as I bite my bottom lip.

Me: Bitch, this conversation is done but drop your location.

Once my message is sent, I exit the thread, dialing the number of the man causing this unknown stray to type out the nonsense she has. Tapping my fingers on my couch, my lips twist when the ringing sounds in my ear.

“What you want, Chaniya?” My frown deepens upon hearing Dedrick’s nonchalant question with an aggressive tone.

Pulling the phone from my ear, I turn it over several times with my eyes tight before placing it back against my ear.

“Who’s Jorgie?”

“Fuck if I know. Why are you calling me asking about random names? What the fuck are you on right now, Chaniya? I’m busy.”

Pain radiates in the back of my head, a metallic-like taste fills my mouth when I bite my lip hard, and a burst of air escapes my mouth from hearing Dedrick’s questions.

“You know what . . .? I’m done. We’re done. Whatever you got going on is no longer my concern.” Disconnecting the call, I block Jorgie and Dedrick’s numbers from my phone.

Not knowing about Jorgie or that Dedrick has children I know nothing about doesn’t matter.

Ending our farce of a relationship has been necessary long before now.

This is just the confirmation I need to release me.

I’m just grateful that the darkness of Dedrick’s foolishness came to light and gave me the opportunity to walk away scot-free.

I bet you wish you wouldn’t have turned down that invitation to get to know Germayne.

You have no business coming to this store this time of night, Chaniya. You ain’t gonna be satisfied until some mad rapist snatches your butt up.

Mom had taken Caleb for the night, and sometimes, not having my baby boy in the house throws off my sleep pattern.

Exiting my vehicle, I hit the lock on my key fob, secure my crossbody, and head briskly toward the front entrance.

It’s nearing one in the morning, and I couldn’t sleep, so coming to Ribax Supercenter was a means for me to kill time.

I’m also hoping to tire myself by walking the aisles because I have no single item on my agenda.

My FitBit is on, so the walking will help me with my daily step goal, which is a win-win in my book.

“Welcome to the Supercenter,” a greeter states when I enter the sliding doors, causing me to jump from their unexpected presence.

With the late hour, I didn’t expect the grocery store to have someone greeting customers who come in at this time.

Grabbing a cart, I give the older man a subtle nod before continuing through the gate at the entryway.

It’s been nearly three weeks since my breakup with Dedrick, and I should be good, yet I’m still angry over the situation.

I don’t know if it’s because Dedrick has been possessively holding onto me for two years, knowing he was living foul, or the fact that my loyalty had me resisting a man I had been more attracted to than Dedrick.

Not to mention Dedrick’s inability to make my toes curl, my pussy pop or lubricate, and he was unable to suck the lining out of my inner lips, making me feel like I played myself.

Be for real, Chaniya. You didn’t know that man to accept an invitation to attend a wedding or funeral with him. All’s well that e ? —

“My grandmother has always said that if someone is destined to be yours, they’ll find their way to you, even if you’ve foolishly let them get away.

Then my mama backed Grandma Jolene up by telling me that the third time was a charm.

This moment right here proves that both of them are right.

You are a sight for these tired eyes, Ms. Chaniya.

” My steps halt upon hearing his voice just after entering the first aisle I come to.

Germayne’s voice melts over me like butter on freshly popped popcorn, and chills fill my body. My back is still facing his front while I attempt to regulate my breathing and the thumping in my lower region.

“Turn around so I can see those beautiful browns, Ms. Chaniya,” Germayne urges, causing me to clamp my lips together to prevent the moan rushing to the surface from escaping.

Please don’t embarrass me in front of this man, kitty. Stop purring, girl.

Slowly and with bated breath, I turn toward Germayne and damn near swallow my tongue when I take in his attire.

Now, why the hell would you come out here like this, Germayne Malone? Sheesh.

My eyes rake over Germayne’s attire of a simple black tee, black joggers, black socks, and black slides on his feet.

Nothing out of the ordinary, and I shouldn’t be fighting the need to fan myself from the instantaneous overheating within my body.

Yet, the black joggers fit Germayne like a pair of gray ones, and the slight bulge in his lower region has me swallowing the moisture forming in my mouth.

A simple outfit has me on the verge of pushing this fine ass specimen against the shelves and pushing my tongue down his throat.

“I don’t know whether I should be excited or scared with how you’re staring at me right now.”

My eyes slowly disconnect from the hammer in Germayne’s lower region while being curious to know how it handles slow banging, rising to see Germayne smirking.

“I—”

*Pop, pop, pop*

“Don’t fucking move, or I’ll blow your head off your shoulders. Empty the register and do it expeditiously.” An unknown male voice rings out, immediately ending my words and all thoughts.

“Damn. Of all times for us to be in here,” Germayne whispers so only I can hear before placing his hand over his mouth while grabbing my hand.

My heart is beating wildly, and my eyes are alternating between watching Germayne lead us toward the opposite end of the aisle and behind my back to see if anyone is following us.

Somebody is robbing the store! Oh my God!

See, this is why your butt should be home on your tenth sleep roll instead of wandering grocery stores.

Tears slip from my eyes the second Germayne and I exit the aisle while moving briskly toward the back of the store.

*Pop, pop*

“I ain’t fucking playing, cunt. Empty this register!” the robber shouts, causing me to trip and nearly faceplant on the floor, but Germayne slows his strides long enough to scoop me into his arms and begin a low jog.

Oh God, I can’t die. Please don’t let me die. My baby can’t grow up without me.

My tears are falling heavily from my eyes, and my heart rate is racing along with my thoughts, causing me to bury my head in Germayne’s chest. The pounding from his chest lets me know that I’m not alone in the seriousness of this situation.

The creaking coming from a foreign place has me lifting my head to see Germayne pushing through the door of some back room, quickly hitting the light and instantly darkening the area.

Germayne lowers to the floor without effort or shifting my body, which is a skill I’m surprised he has.

“We’re gonna stay in here until the coast is clear. Please stop crying, though. I can’t go out there and beat that man’s ass for disturbing your peace since he’s already wasting bullets.”

My lips twist, and I fight the laugh I want to release from Germayne’s words that bring me a slight tinge of calmness. Lifting my head, I kiss his neck before responding to his statements.

“Thank you.”

“You just did. I hope you know that your pretty ass will have to be my plus one now. Your lips just sealed the deal and our fate. Let’s get acquainted while we’re here.”

I should climb out of Germayne’s lap, but comfort and the security of being in his arms keep me in place.

“What would you like to know?”

“Why the lame you’re dating didn’t accompany you to this store at this time of night, for starters?” The gravely yet aggravated tone in Germayne’s question hit me in my lower region like a wrecking ball in the process of demolishing a house.

With Dedrick, my pussy was dryer than the Sahara when he tried to put bass in his tone while speaking to me. Yet, Germayne makes me want to cross a line I shouldn’t be considering, given our current predicament.

“We’re not together anymore.” I shrug.

“Mhm. The third time is definitely a charm, and now I understand why I’m in this store after waking up craving ice cream like a pregnant chick.”

Giggles escape my mouth before I remember where we are, and I quickly slap my hand over my mouth to stifle my humor.

“I kid you not. I was in a deep sleep and comfortable under my blankets, but the craving wouldn’t release its hold on me. Now I know Cupid won the fight with the sandman. Big ups to my miniature compadre Cupid.”

More giggles sound from behind my hand at the outlandish statements coming from Germayne’s mouth.

“You’re a mess,” I whisper.

“Nah, I’m right where I’m supposed to be. What’s your favorite color?”

“Random much,” I say.

“Nah. We’re getting acquainted. You thought I was joking?”

Butterflies take flight in my stomach at the serious tone in Germayne’s delivery, and a small smile forms.

“Yellow,” I answer.

The sound of heavy footfalls approaching prevents us from speaking, and my heart starts racing as I cling to Germayne’s shirt for dear life.

“I feel your heart pounding against me. Don’t worry. Not a single hair will be out of place when you leave here. I’ll gladly sacrifice myself for you. Get behind me,” Germayne states before gently easing me from his lap so I can do what he’s instructing.

There’s roughly a minute between my scooting behind Germayne’s back and the door being forcefully pushed open.

“Shit!” a pale-faced middle-aged man shouts after flipping the switch on and seeing Germayne in a fighting stance.

“I thought all the customers fled the store.” Lifting the walkie-talkie in his chubby hand, the man speaks into the device.

“Uh, there’s two customers in the employee lounge.

Let the officers know. I’ll send them your way. ”

“Roger that, Clive,” someone returns.

“Alright, folks. The store has been cleared, but you’ll need to speak to the police before you’re free to leave. They’ll meet you up front. Sorry for the inconvenience,” the man says, holding the door open.

“Come on. We’ve had enough excitement for one morning,” Germayne tells me, extending his hand for me to take.

“This might be unethical or out of line, but can I have your phone number, Germayne? I’d like to talk to you once I get situated. We have shared something traumatic, or at least it was for me, and I would like to hear your voice before I fall asleep,” I ask.