“Ice, baby, I understand, but the semester is starting in August. You won’t be here for my first day of school,” I fussed.
I didn’t give a damn how long he stayed in Colombia. I had no interest in seeing him. By the time he returned, I’d have his number blocked and I’d be on to the next duck, plucking him for a few thousand.
“That makes me sad.”
My intent was to burden him with guilt.
“I’m sorry, Heidi. If I could be there, baby, I would be.”
“You have to make it up to me.”
“And I plan to.”
“What am I going to do about my books and my clothes?”
“I got you. Send me that account info. I’ll get something in there by the end of the week to make sure you’re straight.”
“Today,” I urged.
“Today, then, Heidi. Now, what does Daddy get for being a good listener?”
I paused, placing the phone on mute.
“A pat on the back, nigga,” I said, hoping he didn’t hear me.
“Whatever Daddy wants,” I lied, unmuting the phone.
“That’s what I like to hear. I want you waiting for me in nothing but a trench when I touch down.”
“Maybe I can pick you up from the airport.”
“I’d like that.”
“Oh damn. That’s impossible. My car is still in the shop. Maybe I can borr–”
“We’ve got to get you a new set of wheels, Heidi.”
“Yes. I know. I know. I just love my car so much. I– I guess it is time to let it go.”
“We’ll talk about it, ya hear me?”
“Mm hm.”
“What are you wearing right now?” Ice asked, kissing the skin of his teeth.
“Something way too small. My cheeks are hanging ou–”
I was in period panties, a bonnet, my cleaning slides, and an oversized tee. However, I could barely get my lie out before there was movement in my home. I hadn’t invited anyone over and I hadn’t let anyone in.
The motion of the mop stopped. I stood up straight and pulled my cellphone from my ear.
“Hey, Ice. My giraffe is in the kitchen trying to cook. I’m going to have to call you back.”
“Bet. Bet. Hit me back.”
Hadn’t I been invested in the unwanted presence in my home, I would’ve laughed. My reasoning and his lack ofcomprehension was proof that niggas didn’t listen to women they didn’t take seriously. And, once they captured the woman they took seriously, they didn’t listen to her ass anymore, either.
Just as the line died, long legs came from around the corner, into my living room, and into my personal space. My heart rate increased tremendously as chocolate covered me.
