Page 42 of Til Death
I scoffed and cleared my throat. “I don’t do backsies, you know that, Ryker. And stop calling my husband old, he’s mature. There’s a difference.”
“Ryker, c’mon. We need to get going!” Leo called out.
“Here I come.” His eyes never left me.
Grabbing my left hand, he lifted it and examined my ring. “I’m not opposed to being the side dude. If you ever want to break that rule and run it back for old time’s sake. Hit me up.”
My face balled up, causing him to grin.
Leaning down, he kissed me on the corner of my mouth before releasing me and stepping back. “It was good seeing you again. You too, Savannah.”
“Bye, Ryker!” she sang.
He turned and headed in Leo’s direction.
“Mhm and what was that?” Savannah taunted as we headed for the parking lot.
“What? Nothing.”
I pulled my phone out.
She snickered. “Didn’t look like nothing. Looks like an old flame rekindling.”
I waved her off. “You saw wrong. Plus, I’m not a cheater.”
Savannah rolled her eyes. “Please, your marriage is hardly something to honor. Plus, why even waste your time trying to get pregnant by Yosiah when you can just give it a go with Ryker. He’s rich and fine as hell.”
I shook my head. “Not interested. Only man I’m interested in is my husband.”
She sighed. “I can’t believe you’re allowing your golden years to wither away for him. It’s honestly sad.”
“You don’t have to get it, but I’m not giving up.”
I hated that there was truth in Savannah’s words. It’d been years since I’d last seen Ryker and he showed immediate interest. It made something light up inside me. I was used to getting asked out and male attention, but having someone so close to me showing that kind of attention was something I hadn’t had in a long time.
“Hey, Xylina,” Savannah called out once we got to our separate cars parked next to each other. I brought my G-Wagon out today.
I looked over at her.
“I don’t say what I say to be a bitch, you know. I’m just not used to seeing my friend act like this.”
A toothless smile formed on my face. “I know that. You’re worried about me, but I’m fine. I know what I’m doing.”
Savannah was a heartless bitch a lot of the time. She hardly took anyone’s feelings into consideration, lived her life how she wanted, and looked down on a lot of people she felt were beneath her. Still, she was my best friend and the only person I could count on to keep it real with me without malicious intent.
We said our goodbyes and climbed in our cars. Once inside I didn’t start my car right away. Lately, when I was out around people, I put on a façade. But the moment I was alone, the weight of everything hit me full force, forcing me to take a moment and breathe. This kind of stress was foreign to me, and if I didn’t get a handle on it soon, I was afraid cracks would start to form and the truth would be exposed for the world to see.
CHAPTER 8
Yosiah
Insurance fraud.
Tax evasion.
Embezzlement.
Bribery.
