“Are you flirting with me, Jakayla Collins?” she teases, leaning closer with a beautiful smile on her face.
I smirk, leaning closer as well. My eyes traveled to her lips and then back up to her eyes. I cocked my head to the side as her breath caught. I wanted to kiss her right then and there, but I could tell that she wasn’t ready for that yet. So, I lightlycupped her chin, turned her head to the side, and kissed her on the cheek. Then I pulled back and sat in my seat again. She slowly did the same, her hand coming up to touch her cheek lightly.
“Don’t worry, love. I don’t have cooties,” I joke, and she playfully rolls her eyes. The tension between us slowly dissipated.
“You’re so annoying,” she chuckles. “You also never answered my question.”
“You sure you’re ready for the answer?” I question. She pauses, and I can see the worry flash across her face.
I knew that she was still anxious about relationships and giving her heart to people because of what Sasha had done. I hate that she had to go through that, and I wanted to tell her that I was nothing like Sasha, but I knew that she knew that. I also knew that I had to be patient. Sometimes I could feel the pull between us, and I wanted to address it badly, but my heart wouldn’t let me do so until she did. Her comfort was one of the most important things to me, and I would wait forever if I had to. I just hoped that she felt that in everything I did. Even if we never ended up together, I hoped she knew that I’d still be here for her regardless.
That’s how much I cared for her.
“I’m just...” she says, her voice trails off. I place my hand on hers and pat it softly, flashing her an understanding smile. She blinked back tears as she nodded softly. She knew. “Thank you, Kay.”
“Always, love.”
A wave of comfortable silence washed over us as we picked up our menus to see what we’d like, even though we ended up getting the same things we always got. Chickenquesadillas and a side of fries for her, grilled chicken and rice bowl with mac and cheese on the side for me, and for Serenity, an order of kids’ chicken tenders and fries with an apple juice. We also agreed that she could have dessert if she finished most of her food.
Over the next hour, we enjoyed our meal together as Zee and I talked about what we were going to do for the rest of the day. Since it was a Friday, and there was no work or school tomorrow, we decided to take a stroll around downtown New South to see what we could get up to. Although we didn’t want to stay out too late and mess up Serenity’s sleep schedule.
After a bit of walking, we stumbled upon a live performance by a local band that neither of us was familiar with. Serenity pleaded with us to stop and listen, so we found an empty bench to sit on while she danced to the music a few steps in front of us.
“Y’all look cozy.”
I could feel my eye twitch at the voice, and I exhaled deeply when I turned to see Sasha standing a few feet away with a woman I didn’t recognize. I glanced over at Zseyah, and she was already standing up and reaching for Serenity. She didn’t say anything as she grabbed her purse. Sasha rolled her eyes before stepping in her path.
“So, it’s really going to be like that, Zee?” she asks. I stand as well, ready to get in between them if I need to. “No need to be rude when all I’m trying to do is be cordial.”
“Sasha, how many times do I have to make it clear that I want nothing to do with you?” she sighs, shaking her head. “That includes talking to you. I don’t want you in my life, so please leave me the hell alone.”
She stormed off, and Sasha tried to catch up to her, but I grabbed her by the arm, pulling her back. There were people around us staring now, but I didn’t care. She needed to hear what I had to say, and hopefully, she’d get it through her thick skull to leave us alone.
“If I were you, I’d stop while I was ahead,” I warned. She scoffed, snatching her arm out of my grasp.
“First of all, get yo fucking hands off me, acting like I’m your child and shit,” she snaps. “You make me so fucking sick, always inserting yourself in business that doesn’t have anything to do with you.”
“If you think for a second that I won’t do what’s best for Zseyah and her daughter, even if that included keeping losers like you away, then you must be smokin’ some good shit,” I reply. “They are happier without you, and you did them a huge favor by getting out of the way.”
“You know, I’m trying to be civilized with you, Jakayla, but I see that you’re always going to pass judgment on me like we don’t all make mistakes.” She rolled her eyes.
“Bitch, I’m bout tomistakenlypop you upside yo head if you don’t gon head with all that bullshit! You round here trying to play victim, and youknowwhat you did was shitty as hell!” I point out. “I don’t know what it’s gonna take for you to realize this, but Zee doesnotwant to be with you, and youdefinitelydon’t deserve to be in her daughter’s life. You lost those privileges the minute you cheated on her.”
She couldn’t reply, but I don’t think she would since a crowd of people had gathered around us. I watched as her face turned a deep shade of red and her fire burned in her eyes. I didn’t give two shits about how she was feeling right now. The last thing anybody was gonna do was think theycould play with me, Zee, or Sera. I wasn’t for that shit, and she knew that.
“And you made sure to step in as soon as I messed up, huh?” She replies. I cross my arms and stare at her. “I bet you were just waiting for the day, and now you have her wrapped around your finger because she’s loving how much better you’re treating her, even though y’all aren’t even dating. It’s all going according to plan, am I right?”
“Yeah, we’re not doing this,” I shake my head. “Don’t youdaretry to twist the narrative. That womanlovedyou so fucking much while y’all were together. She was so devastated when you left that it took her years to heal. Hell, she’sstillhealing! Just because I was there to help her through it doesn’t mean I was planning shit. So, stop trying to shift the blame for your failed relationship on me as if I’ve always been the wedge between y’all when youknowthat was far from the truth. You’re the one who fucked up, Sasha. Own it.”
“You know what, you’re right.” She nods, a frustrated laugh falling from her lips. “I’m the problem, of course. So, you know what Imma do? Imma be the problem for real.”
“What are you even talking about?” I sigh over this conversation already.
She laughs. “Just wait and see,” she says. “But just remember,youdid this. If you would’ve stayed out of my way, I would’ve left it alone, but you forced my hand.”
“Girl, goodbye,” I say, waving her off. “Get the fuck out my face with that bullshit. Whatever you plan on doing, bring it on. I don’t have time for this.”
I don’t even hear what she says in reply because I walk off, leaving her right there. I wasn’t sure what she meant by what she said, but her petty threats didn’tscare me. I didn’t care about some jealous ex who was mad she couldn’t have her way. My focus was on protecting and caring for the people I loved, not entertaining delusions.
