Page 20 of When Love Takes Over
“Don’t worry about the cost.”
“I have to worry about it because?—”
“I said, don’t worry about it. After everything you told me, do you think I’d make you pay for that shit when I have more than enough money? I ain’t no fuck-ass nigga, Malyah. I want to help you, and I don’t want anything in return. Don’t bring money up again.”
She looked a little shocked by my response, and I felt bad because my tone was a bit harsh.
“My bad, Malyah. I didn’t mean to sound so harsh. I got you for whatever you need. Okay?”
“Fine.”
I started the car and could sense a little tension. I didn’t like it, so I started a conversation about her favorite thing.
“So, what’s your favorite dessert to make?”
She relaxed immediately, and her voice filled my car for the remainder of the ride. I could feel her passion for creating delicious desserts. The more she talked, the more I thought she’d be an asset to our company, and not as the head cook making breakfast and lunch for our employees.
Over the next hour, we rented a moving truck, got some boxes, reserved a storage unit, and headed to her former residence. When we arrived, I understood why she said her shit would be gone in five minutes. It wasn’t the best or safest neighborhood.
“You ready?” I asked.
“Yeah. Let’s get this over with.”
A few minutes later, we entered the building and took the stairs to the second floor. She used a key to let us inside, and the first thing we saw was a couple hugged up on the couch.
“Malyah, baby. I didn’t know you were coming,” the man said, pushing the woman away from him and jumping to his feet.
“Baby? Are you serious right now, Cole?” the girl on the couch said.
He looked at her dismissively before coming toward us.
“Don’t get up on my account. I’m just here to get my stuff,” Malyah said, her voice filled with disgust.
“Can we talk for—” the man I now knew was her ex began.
“Nah, man. She’s good. Go back to your lady,” I said, stepping in front of Malyah.
“Who the fuck are you?” he barked.
“Don’t worry about that. I got her.”
“This must be your new nigga,” he said, trying to hide the hurt in his voice.
“Didn’t he say not to worry about who he is? Get the fuck outta my face,” Malyah spat.
He mean-mugged us as he walked backward to the couch. When he sat next to the woman, she pushed him away, and they argued.
Malyah and I went to her room, and it didn’t look like anything had been damaged. Under the circumstances, we could’ve walked into a disaster.
“Your roommate did you a favor,” I said with a smirk.
“What do you mean?”
“Taking his bitch ass off your hands.”
She smacked her lips and rolled her eyes.
“Whatever. We all make bad choices sometimes.”
