“You don’t know when to quit, do you?” She rolled her eyes.
“Hey, if you want somebody to lie to you, just say that. I’m a truthful nigga. I’m gon’ always tell you the truth.”
“Yeah, you say that now, but nobody tells the truth all the time.”
“I do. I was raised that way. Sometimes I might bite my tongue, but when I do talk, it won’t be a lie.”
Since we were two of the only people in the restaurant, it didn’t take us long to get our food, and we pretty much ate in silence. I didn’t know if she didn’t want to talk to me or if she was still in her feelings about what was going on with her family. I knew I was in my head about mine.
My family was literally on its last leg, and I was no longer willing to make sacrifices that didn’t feel good. At this age, I was only interested in making decisions that would better my future and the future of the family that would one day come from me. I just didn’t see how marrying Lacy could contribute to that future.
Things were finally going right at work. My commander had just come back, which took a lot of the work off my shoulders as XO. I’d been drowning in work while my commander was away, getting better. He’d almost drowned in an accident not too long ago and had to take sick leave. As the executive officer, I had to step up and take his place. I did my job to the best of my abilities, but no one could run a unit like the commander. Aside from that, the soldiers didn’t listen to anyone, like they did the commander, either. Although I was proud to say they had given me my due respect, and I gave them my all.
Now that Cap was back at work, I was happy to slide back into my old role. Yet, the more that I get settled at work, the more things seem to turn up at home. I didn’t know how I was going to get out of this marriage, but something had to give. Yeah, I’d walked out and said it was off, but I knew my parents wouldn’t let it die there. I would have to answer for my actionssooner or later, and I had no idea how that conversation would go.
“You wasn’t playing with that burger, huh?” Gina asked, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Hell nah. Once it landed on my plate, it was over with for that cow.” That made her laugh, and I was happy I could put a smile on her face. Seeing that she was done with her food too, I knew it was time for us to make our exit. “Let me get you out of here.”
“Yeah, I do need to be getting home.” Gina yawned, and I could see the sleep in her eyes. Once I paid for our meals, we walked toward the door together.
“Now, can I walk you to your car?” I asked, throwing shade since I knew she didn’t want me to.
“Ramel, I don’t need a babysitter, but this was nice. Thank you for the food and the drinks. I appreciate you for keeping me company tonight, even though we had a difference of opinion.”
“No problem. I appreciate you letting me spend time with you. I needed a listening ear myself.”
“I feel like we didn’t even get a chance to talk about your issues.”
“That’s okay, baby girl. We can talk about all my problems next time. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.”
“Probably not.” She smiled before walking off.
Chapter
Five
Gina
“I’d never applied for a job before. As a matter of fact, I never even thought about getting a job before. I didn’t need one. I’d been listed as an employee in my parents’ company since I was five years old, and they’d paid me with an allowance that increased the older I got.
I had always been making my own checks, but it was because I was on their payroll. Now that I was planning on cutting all ties with them, I’d left all my bank cards, credit cards, and everything that tied me to my parents’ money at home. I was ready to get out in the world and make it on my own.
I was sitting at a diner on the local Army base, looking over the first application I had ever filled out. I didn’t even know where to start. Putting my name at the top was clear because at least I knew that. It was also easy to fill in my birthday and other basic information, but it was things such as previous work experience that I struggled with.
The only thing I’d ever known how to do was sing. I didn’t know how to cook, clean, or do any other necessities. I grew up in a home filled with chefs, maids, and people who swarmed my house and did everything for me. That was a blessing and a cursebecause I’d been blessed to have everything my heart desired and people who waited on me hand and foot. But now that I had to figure out how to make it in the world alone, I didn’t know how I was going to do it. I didn’t even know where to begin.
Getting frustrated with the whole process, I picked up the application from the table and slid out of the booth. I walked over to the counter and placed the application there before asking to speak to a manager.
“May I speak with the manager, please?”
“Sure,” the cashier assured. “Did you need help with the application?”
“No, I’d just like to speak with someone.”
“Okay, just give me a second. Step to the side, and I’ll have her come up in just a second. You can actually just have a seat again. I’ll send her over to the table.”
“Okay. I appreciate you.” I thanked her for her help before walking away.
