Page 27 of Love's Most Wanted

“So what’s the problem?”

“The problem is I don’t want his ass. I don’t care if he is dead serious. I don’t want a nigga who lied to me about being not only taken, but legally married. I don’t want a nigga who would be plotting to leave his pregnant wife. He is not it for me, and I would really appreciate it if you’d stop insulting me by implying that I should continue a relationship with him.”

“I’m just saying, Kabrina. He seemed like a good man. He was nice, handsome, and made a lot of money. Maybe stick around and see if he is being honest with you and plans to leave her. It’s not a lot of options out there, baby, and you are already twenty-six. That is late to have to start all over again, especially with how long these new-aged niggas take to ask for your hand in marriage.”

I wanted to throw in her face that I was actually married already, but I decided against it, knowing it wasn’t what I would be making it sound like. And it would only prove her point once Unique and I got this shit annulled.

Shutting my eyes and holding the phone tightly, I asked through slightly clenched teeth, “Can you loan me the money or not?”

Sighing, she inquired, “How much?”

“Seven hundred.”

“Noooo, baby girl. You gon’ have to ask AJ for that one.”

“Okay.” I hung up before I said something I had no business.

I knew my other aunt didn’t have the money because she constantly complained about being broke but would never take money that I offered her.

I paced some more, trying to think of what I could do in order to pay for this abortion. I couldn’t have this baby. Even if I had to meet a strange bitch in an alley and have her use a coat hanger, I would before I birthed AJ’s child. It was definitely his per the doctor that gave me the exam that cost me three hundred damn dollars. It was another six hundred for the termination pill.

My aunt had been spewing bullshit but low-key, she was on to something. Why should I stress about paying for this abortion when I didn’t make this baby myself? AJ’s ass should pay for this shit, and sadly, he was my last resort before I threw myself down the stairs of this building.

Going into my phone, I unblocked his number then called. It was risky, knowing his wife could maybe answer now that the cat was out of the bag, but I was at rock bottom when it came to my reputation already anyway. And hell, maybe if I told her ass the situation,she’dgive me the money.

“I knew you’d be back,” he picked up. I could hear the smug ass smile painted on his face.

“I need to speak with you. When are you free?”

“Shit, right now.” He chuckled. “I missed you.”

“I’ll text you the location to meet me at.”

“Aye aye, wait, who gon’ be there?”

“What?”

“Who gon’ be there? ’Cause that nigga Unique pressed me about you, and I know he know people.”

Rolling my eyes, I snapped. “Nigga, it’s just me! This has nothing to do with Unique or who he knows!”

Just as I hung up and sent the location to the coffee shop a few blocks from here, I remembered Unique’s brother making him jump from the yacht. I chuckled a bit at the thought, realizing AJ actually did have reason to be suspicious after his and Unique’s altercation on set, on top of the yacht incident.

If he didn’t give me the money, I just might threaten to tell Unique all the big shit AJ was talking about his brother and how he only jumped off so he wouldn’t whup Asif’s ass and catch a case. I didn’t believe his ass then, but I loved him, so I went along with his pitiful explanation.

I was already dressed, so I just grabbed my purse, keys, and slipped on my shoes by the door before heading out.

I got to the cafe in no time since it was nearby where I’d been living these days. I actually loved Unique’s building because it was walking distance to a lot of stuff, even a cute little nail shop.

Entering the spot, I located AJ at the back wearing shades with his corny ass. While he was famous, no one really cared about his ass like that. Ramonté was the star of the show, so on occasion, people would ask him for a picture, but it wasn’t like the nigga couldn’t grocery shop or do normal shit.

“Damn. You look good.” He slid out of the back booth and tried to hug me.

“No, it ain’t that type of party.” I slung my purse into the seat before plopping down. I shook my head at the woman who was approaching to ask me if I wanted anything. She simply nodded curtly and flipped back around. “I need you to give me six hundred dollars.”

I’d asked my aunt for seven, wanting an extra hundred for some cushion, but I didn’t want AJ’s money for cushion. I wanted him to pay to get this baby removed from my womb and nothing else.

Laughing, he said, “You think you can diss me, not talk to me, and then get some bread? You realized that independent woman shit ain’t the life for you, huh?” He stretched his hands across the table arrogantly. “I got you on that princess shit.”