Page 107 of Perfect Rhythm

He shrugged. “Look, I’m just trying to fix things the best way I know how.”

“Yeah, well, it ain’t working. Please stop.”

“What’s up? Did she say something to you?” Mecca’s whole vibe shifted, and I could see his mind spiraling. I couldn’t tell ifit was just the weed or if it was actually something more serious happening in his head. Either way, I didn’t like it, and it made me feel like I needed to keep trying to get through to him.

“No, she hasn’t told me anything. I just know women, and when they’re fed up, there’s absolutely nothing you can do to change their minds. You’re better off just backing off and giving her time to see if maybe a friendship could be salvaged.”

I knew I was reaching with that last part. Skye was never going to forgive him for the shit he’d done.

“But what if I don’t just want to be her friend? How do I deal with that shit?”

That was a tough one. I knew that from personal experience.

“You just have to find a way. You can’t force someone to do what you want them to do. Hell, she couldn’t even force you to stop fucking other women.”

Sucking his teeth, he waved me off. “Man, that’s different.”

“It’s not different. You decided what you were going to do, and you did that shit repeatedly. You have to live with that.”

Mecca’s shoulders dropped, and he leaned back in his chair.

Slowly, he spun around, smoke filling the air as he stared at the ceiling.

I prayed like hell my words sunk in. I needed him to pull it together and start focusing on the music, especially since the little bit he played for me earlier sounded like shit.

“So, you really think I should let her go, huh?”

“Yeah, I do. If for no other reason, do it because you love her. She deserves to be free of all the crazy shit you put her through.” His sigh deepened, and I placed my hand on his shoulder. “Trust me, you’ll be glad you did it, and so will she.”

“I hear you,” he said with a nod. “The last thing I want to do is keep causing her pain. I’ve done more than enough. But you know what this means, right?”

“What?”

“I’m going to have to fuck as many bitches as I can to get her out of my system.”

I frowned. “That’s what got your dumb ass in this mess in the first place.”

“You’re right.” He chuckled. “But I’m here now. Might as well make the best of it. Plus, that’s the only time I don’t think about Skye. Well, unless the bitch that’s supposed to be better than her isn’t, and trust me, there’s been quite a few mediocre hoes.”

“I bet.”

“I mean, Brookia was the only one that even came close to doing what Skye could do.” Laughing, he slammed his hand against my chest. “I guess that’s how she ended up getting a baby put in her.” He laughed again, but I didn’t find the shit funny.

“Speaking of the baby, what’s the plan with that? It’s been all over the blogs that King ended their engagement. Have you talked to her? Is she still having the baby?”

“Yeah, I talked to her, and yeah, she’s having the baby.” He slid his hand down the back of his head. “She’s been pretty devastated about the whole thing.”

I eyed him for a moment, my mind trying to register the chill sound in his voice. It was almost a twinge of admiration I witnessed. “Bro, did you fuck her again?”

“What?”

“You heard what the hell I said. Did you fuck Brookia again?”

“What difference does it make? Skye won’t say shit to me, and Brookia’s having my baby. Might as well.”

“So, that’s a yes.” I shook my head. “Yeah, you need to leave Skye the fuck alone ASAP. Focus on your baby.”

“Look, like I just said, Brookia gets the job done. I’m not passing up on some good pussy.”