“Now you’re twenty-eight going on seventy. I wish your old behind would get some so you can finally loosen up,” Hope fussed.
“You worry about being loose, big sister. I’ll continue to be beautiful,” I told her.
“Go to hell,” my sister said, laughing once she caught on to what I said.
“Seriously, though, I don’t know if I can trust him, Hope. He already proved what kind of person he was. Granny always said when somebody shows you who they are, trust them.”
“There’s only one way to find out. Make the call.”
“I hate when you try to be a life coach.”
“I can’t help that I give great advice.”
“Nobody likes a know it all. You’re lucky you’re beautiful.”
“Beauty and brains—not everyone can have it all, little sister.” Hope grinned.
“I pray one day to reach the heights you have reached, if only in your mind.”
“Shut up and call that man. I’m not leaving here until you do. You can either man up and make the call or start cooking because I skipped breakfast.”
“It’s Reed, Hope! What part of that don’t you understand?”
“I understand the part where you’re being petty as hell. I understand that he hurt you. I understand that you’re afraid. I also understand what this report could do for your career. I know how much you deserve all the accolades that will come along with it. If for no other reason, do it to nail that bastard.”
Now it was my turn to grin. “Now you’re speaking my language.”
“Now to the important stuff. Did he look as good as he used to?”
“He looked like the snake he is.”
“Girl, that man is still fine. I can see it all over your face. You gon’ do it, ain’t you?” she asked, bouncing in her seat.
“See why I don’t fuck with you. You think you know so much.”
“I know my little sister, and I know she wants that story.”
“But it’shim,”I reminded her.
“So what? You’re you.”
That made me smirk. “You got me there.”
“So, you’re doing it?” she asked again.
“I feel like I would be crazy not to at least try it. I just don’t know.”
“Maybe he’s changed. It’s been what, six years?”
“Seven. That doesn’t give him a pass. He used me, Hope. I can’t forget how that felt. That’s why I know I have to keep my guard up with him.”
“You’re mostly mad because you gave up the goods.”
“I really thought he would be the one,” I recalled.
“That’s what you get for trying to micromanage every little aspect of your life. You have to let life be life.”
“Don’t start trying to be Yoda, whore. I hear you,” I said, rolling my eyes.
