Page 17 of The Phyre that Burns

For the next fifteen minutes, I shared with Devyn the interactions I had with Phyre. I was already annoyed by his behavior today, but as I shared the details with my best friend, I became angry.

“Like, how dare he think he could just say a few words and everything would be cool. No, nigga! That’s not how this works, and this ain’t what that is. He broke my heart into so many pieces that it’s been impossible to put it back together. His little apology and puppy dog eyes won’t fix this.”

I began to cry, and it pissed me off because I promised myself years ago that I wouldn’t shed another tear over Phyre.

“Oh, Nae. Don’t cry.”

“I’m not trying to cry. I’m actually pissed that I’m letting him get to me like this.”

“Why do you think this is making you so emotional?”

“I don’t know.”

“You think it’s because you still have feelings for him?”

I gasped. “Hell no! Why would you suggest something like that?”

“It was just a thought. Maybe you should see if they can find someone else for this assignment.”

“And give him the satisfaction of knowing he got to me? Absolutely not. If he would just let me do my job and only talk to me about work-related things, I’ll be fine.”

“I doubt that’ll happen. Maybe you should hear him out and determine how you’ll move forward from there.”

I shook my head profusely. “I don’t want to hear him out. I already know how the story ends, and I don’t want to hear about his happy family.”

“Maybe he’s not happy.”

“Well, if he’s not, it serves his ass right.”

“Ginae, when I say this, I’m saying it with all the love and positive intentions in the world.”

I rolled my eyes because I knew she was about to say something I didn’t want to hear.

“Oh God. What is it?”

“I know you thought you closed this chapter of your life, but I think you still have some unfinished business. You got some shit you need to get off your chest, and so does Phyre. Maybe if you say what’s on your heart and mind, and allow him to do the same, you can both move on and not worry about working in a hostile work environment every day.”

“I don’t agree.”

“Just think about it. If today is any indication of how things will be, these six months will feel like a year . . . a long, horrible year.”

Deep down, I knew Devyn was right, but I wasn’t sure if I was strong enough to handle whatever Phyre had to say.

“But—”

“No, Ginae. Last night, you said it was time for you to face your fear. Woman up and show that man you ain’t no weak ass bitch.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Do you need me to come there for moral support?”

“I love and appreciate you, friend, but you have a family to tend to. I’ll figure it out, and I’ll be fine.”

“Tariq would understand.”

“I know he would, but I’m okay,” I assured her. “I’ll see you next month as planned.”

“Fine. Let’s slightly change the subject. Besides Phyre, how is the rest of the staff?”