Page 70 of The Ninth

“I’m gon do you in. I promise.” My eyes closed to hide them rolling to the back of my head. “Come on. We going home. Did you enjoy your food?”

“I did. Thank you, baby,” I said. No bashfulness or asking the price.

He nodded appreciatively, “Of course, my Devyn.”

Chapter 14: Misplaced Anger

Cassie’s POV

I laid there, staring at the wall. Although I hated the sadness that consumed me, I knew it was temporary. I just have to get through the next two days, and I’ll be okay. It just felt harder this year because multiple things were hitting me at once.

Today....I should be in my man’s arms. He’d pay the guards to let me in a back room, and I’d be in his lap, kissing him. Feeling his hands all over my body. The heat from him on me. I regret giving up my visitation day.

Juan...Even if I used to not see him, he would still call or text. Now I had to block all of his contacts to be sure we both stood on business. I felt evil for what I did to him. Asking him to be in a shitty predicament. Keeping him once I realized he fell for me even before he realized it.

And then there’s tomorrow....

Buzzzz. Buzzzz. Buzzzzz.

I picked up my phone, answering the FaceTime from Kenzo.

He looked at my face and then squinted, scanning all over me.

K3: Why yo hair ain’t done?

I laughed. The wig the rain ruined was still on my head.

Me: Kenzo, not now...

K3: Cassie, I know this weekend has been tough for you. Hell, this past week with the gun shit. But you my shorty. My only shorty. My wife. There’s no way in hell I can sit in here comfortably and you’re not done up, looking your best.

Me: Okay.

K3: Book something now. I don’t care if you loc yo shit.

I cackled, immediately grabbing my other phone and booking an appointment. He himself was getting ready to see his mother. She asked to see me today, but I told her I was working. I’m just not in a place right now for hugs and smiles.

I flipped the phone around.

Me: Booked!

K3: Aight. I’ve noticed how sad you’ve been since movie night...

I swallowed hard. The night I broke up with Juan. I was rambling to K3 and hardly remember what the fuck I said. Him glancing at the camera and then away made me feel uneasy.

K3: You know I hate seeing you down, Crybaby. That shit tear my heart up. I’ma do anything in my power to make your day better tomorrow. I love you, Cassandra. I’m sorry you’re not seeing me today and I’m sorry I put myself in here.

Me: I love you, Kenzo.

My voice cracked terribly.

Me: I’m going to take care of myself.

K3: That’s all I ask. Your visitation will be here in a blink of an eye. I love you, Crybaby. I’ll call you as soon as I can.

Me: Okay, Deddy. I love you too.

The way he was looking at me only hurt my feelings more, so I hung up first.