“You want to get a doggy bag?” I questioned.
She acted like I was interrupting her thoughts.
“Um, sure,” she replied, distracted by something on her phone.
I signaled to the waitress so that we could pay the check and leave. I was ready to get out of here. Once we were in the car, Chaya seemed more distant than ever. Her eyes remained focused out the window while mine focused on the road ahead. I didn’t know when or how the disconnect happened, but it had my attention now. Something was going on with her, and I was going to get to the truth, whether she wanted me to or not.
Frequency
The Oaklawn Rehabilitation Centerwas like a resort or spa. With rooms full of amenities for their residents. An Olympic-sized indoor pool, sauna, and gym were on site. My driver wheeled the car around their circle drive and parked outside their sliding double doors. Head down, I checked my emails and other text messages to distract myself. I thought about what I had to tell my sister. I wasn’t sure how she would react. When my door opened for me, I stepped out and glanced around, checking my surroundings. Tucking my cell into my pocket, I approached the entrance as Slice popped up from the sidewalk a few feet away.
“Free,” he called out to me, stopping me in my stride.
Giving him a nod, we stepped inside together.
“How are things going around here?” I questioned, pausing near the counter to the reception desk.
“Um, shit’s good,” he said, bobbing his head. “She’s doing really good. She’s clean, sober, and still manages to keep a positive attitude in this place.” His eyes found the ceiling, and one of the girls that looked like she ran the place approached the desk.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen.” She wore a smile, but it seemed to be more toward Slice than myself. “We are seeing a lot of you around here.”
I noticed she seemed to be flirting, but Slice kept it cool as he swept his hand over the back of his head. He had a fade, but his top was in that sponge style the young dudes was wearing.
“Shit, a nigga like the food around here.” He kidded.
“Yeah, I know that’s a lie. More like you like the company.” She continued to toy with him. “And it seems you brought a friend this time for Miss Roth.” Her sharp eyes fell on me and sparkled all over again.
Appraising me carefully, she soaked in my attire, lips, and everything in between. Shorty was giving me all kinds of “fuck me” vibes.
“And what name should I put on the visiting log?” she asked, batting her big ass false lashes at me.
If the bitch blinked too hard, I was afraid she might flap the fuck away and turn into a damn bug.
“Frequency… Roth,” I introduced myself.
“Oh, so you are related to Kara?” she posed. “Brother?” Her mouth turned up into a sexy pout.
“I am.” I nodded.
“And no wedding ring. Hmm.” She noticed, her mouth going into a full-on seductive grin as she went to scribble something on the visitor’s log.
“Ain’t no ring, but a nigga definitely locked down,” I informed her, and disappointment displayed behind her gaze.
She slid two visitor stickers across the counter for us to put on as well. “There you go. Don’t forget to check out,” she advised.
“Thanks, Tiffany,” Slice told her.
We each turned to walk away, and I would bet any amount of money that her thirsty ass was back there watching us. We stopped at the elevator, and Slice turned to me.
“She’s a wild one. She been throwing the cat at a nigga since I came through the door.” He shook his head as the doors opened.
“Looks like you getting comfortable around here. What’s that about?” I glanced his way, and we both stepped onto the elevator.
“I been checking on her. Letting her know somebody is out there rooting for her. I know you’ve been busy with the family and everything so you haven’t had a chance to visit. Your moms and bro were here earlier though.”
That didn’t surprise me, considering what we talked about. I watched the numbers move at the top of the elevator, and we arrived on the third floor. We stepped off together, and Slice remained at my side until we were right outside the door to Kara’s room. It was closed, and I faced him briefly before raising my hand to knock. The door flung open, and my sister stood radiant on the other side. She didn’t wear any makeup with her hair pulled up into a high ponytail. When she saw Slice, her eyes lit up, but they seemed to dim when landing on me.
“Free, what are you doing here?” she questioned.
