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She left me alone, with thoughts I knew she’d purposely planted into my head. The weight was heavy, almost to the point of chaining me down. Thankfully, Xi picked the perfect moment to call.
“What?” I answered gruffly.
“Well, first of all, good afternoon to you too. What the hell has your Fenty drawls in a knot?”
“Nothing, my bad,” I said, quickly. The last thing I wanted or needed was her in my business as well. “What’s up?”
“Please tell me that you haven’t gotten your groove back yet and don’t have a date or anything like that lined up tonight.”
“What do you need, now?”
“Now, why do you have to say it like that? Like the only time I call you is when I need something?”
“So you called just to check on my well-being?”
“No,” Xi answered pointedly, making me laugh. “I need a ride home. My car died almost as soon as I got to the pub, and I don’t want to go through the hassle of getting a jump just to have the same thing happen all over again tomorrow. I’ll just come back in the morning, get someone to start it, and take it to the auto store so they can change it for me.”
“And how do you plan on getting back to the pub in the morning to pick it up?” I teased.
“Jamie, don’t play with me. You have nothing better to do than look out for your friend who’d move mountains for you.”
“Xi, kill the drama,” I guffawed. “What time do you need me to be there?”
“My shift is over at eleven. Hence why the auto store is not a move I can make today.”
“Alright, I’ll be there.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love you.”
“You always do when you need something. But I love you too.”
Xi grew quiet for a moment before asking, “Are you sure you’re okay? You sound off.”
“I’m good. I’ll see you later.”
“Well, alright then. If you insist that you’re fine.”
“I do.”
“Then I’ll leave it alone. Text me when you’re outside tonight.”
“Will do.”
We ended the call just as my mom came strolling out of the kitchen, bringing the smell of food behind her.
“And who was that?”
“Xi,” I answered swiftly, reaching for the remote.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, she’s just having car issues. I’m picking her up from work later.”
“Why don’t you see if your brot—”
I peeped the glint in her eyes and knew I had to shut it down, quickly.
“Don’t go there, Beth,” I chuckled. “I don’t know how many times Jude has to tell you that they’re just friends.”
