Jio sat at the center table, rolling dice absentmindedly with three different conversations happening around him.
The folks to the left of him were talking about buying a liquor store in an unsafe neighborhood. Jio thought it was a horrible idea but he kept his comments to himself. His other buddies were discussing an upcoming trip to Denver that he was still undecided if he was going on. Kadeer was talking to no one in particular about the playoffs. He had more money on the line than the average person.
His phone vibrated and he glanced down to see who was calling him.
Nina.
He answered on the first ring. “What’s up, baby?”
Nina was so shocked that he picked up, considering the majority of her calls went unanswered. She didn’t even call as much as she used to. Nina matched his energy and effort. He didn’t put in any time with her and she was doing the same.
Her voice came fast. “Did you have something to do with Kobie getting hurt?”
The earlier talk that she had with her cousins from Philly hadn’t left her mind since they called.
“Damn cuz…I told you your pussy juice must have special powers in it.”
“I beg your fuckin’ pardon!” Nina didn’t appreciate them talking to her like that.
“Oh bitch please! You know we saw you at the game on the gram and it’s crazy that you were there and Kobie got hurt.”
“I don’t think I understand-
“… Girl please! You crazy if you don’t think Jio had something to do with that.”
Nina froze.
“What?”
“I mean—”
“Are you stupid?”
“Look, I don’t have time for this.”
“Nina relax, we joking.”
“Well, not really cus Kobie career is damn near over. They saying he may not ever walk again!”
“I have nothing to do with that.”
The other cousin laughed nervously. “But Jio did—”
Nina hung up without bothering to say goodbye.
Her jaw tightened as the thought lingered in her mind.
And she hated how she’d even let it exist, but what were the odds….
Jio’s face changed instantly and his buddies at the table peeped it.
His body went cold but his heart turned colder.
“Nina.”
“Yes?” She had the nerve to sound all innocent.
“Don’t ever call my phone questioning me about a nigga.”
