Page 20 of Phase Two

“Just because two people have fun together, baby, doesn’t mean they’re meant to be together.”

“Wowwwww,” she drawled. “Just wow. So, you’re one of those?”

“One of what?”

“The old ass men that are still running around here fifty and up fucking these twenty-five-year-old bad bitches because older women require too much.”

“Aye,” I chortled. “Sheree, you really got me fucked up. Up until this morning, I hadn’t had sex in about three months. I have enough discipline not to jump on anything with a slit. I’m just the type that does shit because it feels right. I met someone while you were exploring your options, and she feels right. And shorty is far from twenty-five. More like forty-five.” I knew she’d be upset, and that wasn’t how I wanted to break it to her, but she was really acting like I had done her wrong. I wasn’t obligated to be with anybody.

“Fuck you and her Carter.”

I shook my head and started to toss my phone on the seat, but I decided to check in with Alise.

“Hey.”

“You asleep?” I asked.

“I’ve been up for about thirty minutes. I got up to use the bathroom and get something to eat. After you left, I was out like a light.”

“Must be nice. My ass is about to fall asleep behind the wheel. My daughter worked me like a Hebrew slave.”

“Are you serious? You know that’s dangerous.”

“I’m good. I’m like five miles from home. This shower is about to be love. I know after I eat, I won’t be good for shit.”

“You got something to eat?”

“You trying to come sit on my face?”

Alise giggled. “Be for real.”

“Yeah. I got leftovers. You going back to sleep?”

“I’ll probably lay here and watch TV for a bit, but I can see me dozing off soon.”

“Come spend the night with me.”

“Okay. Send me the address.”

CHAPTER 9

ALISE

As soon as the doorbell rang, I looked over at Kiara with wide eyes. I had just gotten her to sleep and if that doorbell woke her up, I was going to be pissed. I knew it wasn’t Lauren ringing the doorbell to her own house. I eased off Kiara’s bed and went to open the door. When I saw Keith standing there, I frowned.

“Eeeeyuck. Fuck you want?”

“You’re in the house where I pay the mortgage. Where is Lauren?”

“She’s not here, and you’re not coming in.”

Keith’s brows dipped. “She’s not here? Where is my daughter?”

“Asleep, nigga.”

Keith’s eyes narrowed, and he may have been contemplating putting his hands on me but if he did, I’d be the last woman he ever hit. “It’s ten pm. Why are you here with my daughter instead of Lauren?”

“Is there something that you need? Because I’m really not in the mood to be playing twenty-one questions with you. I’m not telling you shit.”