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“I’m being selfish?”
“You are at this point. He hasn’t heard from you.”
“Ms. Willimina, I don’t think he’s supposed to. That’s kind of what happens when you get caught cheating. Red-handed, might I add.”
In two parallel areas were shoe racks and he only had six pairs of shoes displayed. I fingered through the few garments he had hanging as I strolled the room.
“I can’t speak for what happened. I wasn’t there,” Austin’s mother shrieked. “I’m just asking you to be an adult now and call him.”
“And what do you suppose I say?” I was emotionally disconnected from the conversation from the start.
Exploring Jas’ closet had captured all of my senses. The empty place sort of smelled like him, too, in addition to pine and, perhaps, apple notes.
“You can always start with being of the mind of an adult and figuring it out.”
That stopped me in my tracks. “Are you trying to insult me? Because that felt like a jab.”
“I’m trying to speak some sense into you two young people. Listen, Shi-Shi, I know you haven’t had a mother helping to guide you into womanhood, but I’ve always taught my children to look at the bigger picture when in conflict with a partner. That’s all I’m asking you to do. If your mother were around, I’m sure she’d say the same.”
The mother jabs were offensive, but I wouldn’t let her know. I rarely let anyone know and I wouldn’t today.
This place…
It was a diva’s haven. In the center was a gigantic marble wardrobe.A dresser… It looked like a massive kitchen island. I began opening drawers in hopes of finding a shirt and sweats. Out of the two dozen compartments, Jas scarcely occupied four.
“Ms. Willimina, Austin cheated on me. Full stop. I will not allow you, him, or even my mother to tell me how to move on fromit—”
“But there’s been no closure.”
“For me, it was when I left him and his jumpoff naked at the hotel. I’ve closed the door. I’m done and moving past it. Past him. And right now with this call at an inconvenient time, you’re not helping. I’ve got to go. Thanks for reaching out, but you don’t have to again. My best to you all.”
“Did shehang—did you hang up on me, girl?” she shouted.
“I wouldn’t do that. I’m still here, but this conversation is over with. Okay?”
“Goodbye, young lady!”
She hung up. I placed the phone on the marble top of the dresser and squatted to open a drawer. His underwear, socks, tees, basketball shorts, sweats, and jeans were folded immaculately and organized according to color. So detailed, I was uneasy about burrowing anything. With my mind racing, I turned to observe the empty space again. Who was this man? A few hours ago, I experienced a spiritual wizard and now, I see an unrefined felon. A toddler boy trying to walk in his father’s shoes.
The pings and ringing of my phone wouldn’t allow me to sit in my thoughts. So, I quickly grabbed what I needed from the drawers and got dressed. When done, I gathered my things and headed down the stairway. On the main level, traveling the hall was a woman dressed in black scrubs andCrocs. She seemed shocked to see me. And I damn sure was uneasy about the sight of her.
“Shi-Shi?” she asked as I’d just made my way to the last step.
Her hair was jet black, silky, and parted down the middle into a sleek ponytail. She was a little busty, but nothing vulgar. The woman was a healthy size with hips and a tapered waist. Her lips were painted a blood-stained hue and perfectly lined as were her dark defined eyes.
“Hi…” I didn’t know what to say.
Her focused gaping made me feel self-conscious. The last thing I needed was another surprise like the last time I was here at Jas’ place.
“Are you hungry?” That’s when I detected a thick accent. “Jas told me you were here and may want breakfast.”
I couldn’t help it. “Who are you?” I tried laughing it off, but the frigidness in my tone still lingered.
She laughed, uneasy, too. She was a very good-looking, mature woman I finally assessed. “I’m sorry. I’m Consuela, Jas’ housekeeper. I’m happy to finally meet you.” She blinked a few times, perhaps nervous. Long curled lashes. She was a housekeeper? “He left after his workout…early as usual. But he said you were here.”
“I am.” I tried smiling.
“Food?” She reminded me.
