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“Oh—before I forget,” he says pushing off the sofa and walking toward the counter. “Boris had the cinnamon rolls today. I snagged two before they sold out.”
“You’re kidding!”
“Not at all. Behold, the cinnamon rolls of glory, baby!”
I burst out laughing as I watch him sit next to me with the box open, revealing two large cinnamon rolls smothered in cream cheese icing.
“They look great. After I shower, we can dig in,” I tell him, standing.
Garrett rises and walks to the kitchen. “Cool. Don’t take too long. I’ll have them nice and warm for you.”
I smile at him as I make my way to my dresser, taking out a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt. When I go to the bathroom, I close and lock the door behind me, start the shower, and then sit on top of the toilet seat, inhaling before exhaling.
I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this up. I have to officially break it off with Garrett. But when I do, I know he won’t take it well. I don’t know what he’ll do, and that unknown terrifies the hell out of me.
Six
WILLOW
I have sex with him.It only takes him six minutes to finish, and I only know because my eyes constantly slide to the alarm clock, waiting for it to be over.
After Garrett leaves within the next hour to go to work, I curl up in my bed again and sleep for two hours. When I wake up, there are three missed calls from Faye and two text messages. I release a breath, sitting up and pressing a hand to my head. Before checking the messages, I wonder why Faye would call so many times and realize there’s only one explanation: She needs my help.
I trudge to the bathroom, brush my teeth, give my locs a rosewater and peppermint oil spritz refresh, and then call her back as I pick at some of my leftover cinnamon roll on the table.
“Um, hi. Why didn’t you pick up the phone the first time I called?” she demands as soon as she answers.
“Don’t I get a hello? Or how was your boat trip event thingy?” I ask, laughing.
“Oh, I’m sorry. How was your boat trip thingy, Willow?”
“It sucked donkey balls, thanks for asking.”
“That’s wonderful!” Faye shouts, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “No, I really do care about your event thingy, Willow, I really do, and you can tell me all about it very soon, but um…I have a huge issue.”
“Okay. What is it?”
“Tonight is supposed to be the open mic at Lit and Latte’s, but one of my employees called out, said she has a stomach bug. I could really use another hand, and you know I wouldn’t ask you unless Ireallyneeded the help.”
“Aw, Faye.” I sigh then walk to my closet, shuffling through the clothes on the hangers. “Of course, I’ll be there.”
“Thank you soooo much, Willow! I owe you!”
“I planned on eating a burger and fries while binging episodes ofBob’s Burgers, so yeah, you definitely owe me.”
“Damn. That sounds amazing,” she croons, as if longing for the same kind of mindless evening.
I laugh.
“Anyway, the open mic starts at seven. Please don’t be late.”
Seven
WILLOW
I didn’t expectrain when I left my apartment, and I curse beneath my breath as I hop out of my car with a magazine over my head and rush to the entrance of Lit & Latte’s.
I yank the front door open and lower the magazine as the bell above the door gives a light jingle.
