Page 44 of Love Always, Nova Black

“Everything good?” I asked.

She hit the decline button on her cell. “Everything’s just fine.”

“You sure? You seem a little agitated all of a sudden.”

“I’m sorry. I really shouldn’t let this man get to me, but anytime he attempts to contact me, I get stressed.”

“Who? Jayson?”

“Yes. It’s like he can feel when I’m having a good time and purposely puts forth an effort to screw it up.”

“You’ve got to stop allowing him to do that to you.”

“Yeah, well, that’s a lot easier said than done. Ever since everything happened, he’s given me nothing but a headache and that’s what I expect from him.”

Gently squeezing her thigh, I said, “You shouldn’t let him have that much power over you. You’re too good of a person for that, and he doesn’t even deserve the little energy that you give him.”

“I agree. But what do I do? The man won’t sign the damn divorce papers and I feel like I’m being held hostage.”

“Trust me, I get it. It’s a tough situation. But just focus on living your life. Eventually, he’ll get the point, and if he doesn’t, I’ll show him the point.”

Her eyes widened. “Don, please don’t do anything crazy. I don’t need you to get into any trouble fooling with him.”

“At this point, I can’t make any promises, but I’ll do my best.”

Shaking her head, she smiled. “That didn’t sound convincing at all. I’m going to have to keep the two of you away from each other.”

“Sounds like a good idea.”

“I bet it does.” Squeezing my arm, she leaned in for another kiss, which I quickly took her up on. “You know, I could kiss on you all day,” she said. “Your lips were meant for me.”

“Is that right?”

“Mmhmm.”

“Well, I’m glad you finally figured it out. You were giving my ass the blues.”

“Whatever. I just had a lot to sort through. I’m good now.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

Nodding slowly, I said, “Good to know.”

19

Nova

“And where have you been?” My aunt spat as she hopped out of her car.

“Aunt Patricia?” I questioned, confused as to why she was parked outside of my apartment building like some weirdo. “What are you doing here?”

“I just came from knocking on your door. I haven’t heard from you in days. I had to make sure you were still alive and breathing over here.”

“Trust me, I’m fine.” I walked towards the trunk of my car to grab my bag.

“Oh…you took a little trip, I see.”