Page 40 of Til Death
“I’m your wife. There’s nothing wrong with cumming inside me,” I protested as I sat up and reached for my robe.
“There’s a lot wrong with it.” It felt like I’d been punched in the stomach.
Frustrated that he’d ruined the moment, I quickly collected myself and scurried to the door. Tears pooling in the bottom of my lids threatened to fall, but Yosiah had embarrassed me enough tonight. There was no way to continue the torment by crying in front of him.
Once back in my room, I used the back of my hand to wipe my eyes, cringing as I pulled the other half of the condom out of myself. A shaky grin formed on my face upon feeling our mixed juices drip down the inside of my thighs.
Making my way to my bed, I grabbed my throw blanket, spread it out over my comforter, and lay on my back with my legs in the air. Any guilt I felt about tonight vanished the moment Yosiah reacted the way he had.
Itook a boomerang of me slurping my oyster, posted it, then set my phone down and ignored the ill taste going down my throat.
“I can’t believe you’re really eating oysters.” Savannah balled her face up from across the table as she watched me finish my current one.
“According to the internet, they help with fertility,” I answered, this time picking up a fried pickle. While the oysters’taste wasn’t all that great, I was willing to deal with it for the cause.
It had been a week since me and Yosiah had slept together. Things at the house were tense at first. Yosiah moved around the house as if I wasn’t even there. I continued as if I wasn’t affected by his rejection. Over the years I’d learned I was more of a type A personality while Yosiah leaned more toward B. He was direct, straight to the point, didn’t like to go off script, and preplanned a lot, but he worked well in chaos. He was one of the most unorganized people I’d ever encountered. Last night I thought he was still in his office at home, and I went to speak with him, but he was nowhere to be found. His desk had a bunch of files and papers scattered around. I grew up in a strict household where everything needed to have a place and be in order. We had maids, but my mom didn’t tolerate clutter, so I ended up abandoning my search and straightened up his office. It wasn’t the first time either. Yosiah got so engulfed in work that he often didn’t pay attention to anyone around him. There were times when I’d watched him work and it was chaotic but it worked for him. I didn’t understand it, but it was one of his quirks I’d grown to admire.
I hoped he would appreciate the fact that I’d straightened his office for him. The cleaning service didn’t normally do anything but dust and vacuum when they went in there so I was sure he’d be happy to have clarity.
“So you’re dead set on this baby thing, huh?” She lifted her frozen margarita to her mouth, taking a large sip. We were at a brunch spot near the Marina. We had just left our monthly pedicure and manicure appointment.
I sat up straighter in my seat, giving her my full attention. “Of course I am. Have you ever known me to be a quitter?”
I didn’t think Savannah knew about my financial issues. Earlier this week I’d received an email from the bank notifyingme about my accounts being frozen and audited. This meant my funds were limited, but I refused to show anyone I was in a bind.
Her face twisted again. She flicked her wrist and set her glass on the table. “Your funeral.” Picking her phone up, her nails tapped against the screen for a few seconds before she paused and flicked her eyes back to me. “Oh! I forgot to tell you. My cousin Simone had to fire her stylist for stealing from her and she’s in need of a replacement for this promo shoot she has coming up. I passed her manager your information, so she should be reaching out.”
My eyes widened. “Really?”
“Yeah, girl. You’re one of the most fashionable people I know.” Her eyes went back to her phone.
Once the shock wore off, a smile split my face and I did a small dance in my seat. Simone was a popular R&B singer. She had quickly become one of my favorite artists too. Her last single went platinum in my house.
“Thanks, bestie!” I’d never thought about styling other people. I just loved to dress up and look cute, but here were two inquiries falling into my lap.
Our main dishes arrived after a while and we quieted as we ate.
“I was having a bad day, but it looks like my luck is changing.” I was in the middle of eating my crab legs when a familiar voice caused me to pause. I looked over and was surprised to see Ryker, a guy I’d dated briefly in high school.
One corner of my mouth lifted and I scanned him with my eyes. “If you’re running into me, then you must be lucky.”
Leo, his best friend, laughed next to him. “Glad to see you haven’t changed.”
“Of course not.” I batted my lashes.
Ryker licked his full, pink lips and eyed the table. “You ladies mind if we join you?”
I was ready to turn him down, but Savannah spoke up first. Her and Leo had a thing back in high school too. The four of us used to hang out together often.
The guys took the two vacant seats at the table.
“It’s been a minute since I've seen you. You still look as good as ever,” Leo said, giving Savannah his attention.
My eyes left them and went to Ryker who was staring at me. “You must like what you see,” I joked.
That boyish grin that used to make me melt played on his lips. “It’s been a minute since I’ve seen you.”
I nodded, reaching for my long island. “I know. I thought you were in Arizona or something.”
