Page 65 of Platinum Pressure

“That’s crazy. I’m usually good at paying attention to my surroundings.” Evie’s voice came from somewhere near the phone.

“It’s all good. Y’all are in good hands. I’ll see you at home, babe. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

We ended the call. I walked through the mall with a purpose. I got her favorite scented candles, some electronic finds for personal and business shit, and some cool limited-edition anime Crocs. I did my research on ways to support a pregnant woman, and most things advised keeping them comfortable and to get them push gifts for when the baby was born. I already planned to upgrade her car with a custom-built SUV that would make mom-life convenient for her.

By the time I made it to the food court, I had eight bags in my hand. I didn’t even feel like grabbing my usual Chinese takeout. I’d pick up some fast food on the way home. I headed down the escalator toward the Macy’s entrance I usually came in through.

“Platinum?” the familiar voice sounded from behind me.

I turned on my heels and saw Raileigh. She had a few designer bags in her hand while she approached me with hungry eyes.

I didn’t say a word as I continued my stroll to the exit.

“Oh, now you don’t know me anymore?” she asked as she sped up her pace to catch up to me. She grabbed my arm and stopped me in my tracks. Part of me wanted to stiff arm the fuck out of her, but I knew it would look bad for my brand if I reacted physically to her touch at all—even if she was the aggressor in the situation.

“The five-hundred-thousand dollars I sent you with the breakup is all I care about. If you want to give that back with interest, then we can talk. If not, please leave me alone.”

“Please, that was chump change to you.”

“Not at all. Every dollar I worked hard for, and you leeched off it.”

“Tuh. I’m the reason your brand is what it is now. Before you dated me, you ain’t have an M in your follow count.”

“But I had several M’s in my bank account. Look, I got places to be. What the fuck you want?”

“Honestly, I have no clue why I walked over here. I saw you, because you’re hard to miss, and felt like it was destiny reuniting us. Like I think we were meant to be here in the moment together. What are the odds? After all these years, we run into each other like this, must be God giving us a second chance.”

“Houston is smaller than people realize. Ain’t surprising at all. Don’t look for something that’s not there anymore. It’s as simple as a coincidence. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“Fine. I just have one question . . . Is it true?”

“Is what true?”

“Are you dating your nurse?”

“I am.”

“You’re dating that girl for real or for appearances during your recovery? Knowing you, you probably planned the viral moment to take the attention off your losing-ass team.”

“Raileigh . . . One, who I’m dating is none of your damn business. Two, you know I never played about my team, so chill out.”

She smiled. “I knew it. You’re not one to stay in a relationship too long. Do you miss me?”

“Raileigh, please get the fuck out of my face. You were a fine ho to fuck for a while. Then you got some money out of a nasty breakup where you sued me in court, and the bitch-ass judge had a thing against Black athletes. I would never fuck with you again, even if you were the last woman on Earth. I found my wife, and I’m faithful to her. You or no other bitch could ever make me put what I’m building with her in jeopardy. Now, I’m gon’ say this shit one more mothafuckin’ time, and you gon’ listen and move around accordingly. Get the fuck out of my face and never approach me again.”

I stormed off with murder on my mind. It would be best for the entire world if I went directly home. I didn’t want to unleash my anger on someone who didn’t deserve it. The only way my anger would dissolve was if my peace wrapped her arms around me and blew out the fire.

My R&B playlist blared through the speakers as I stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around my body. Every few seconds, the music would pause because of a text message or social media notification. A deep frown tugged at my lips as I grabbed my phone and sat on the foot of the bed. I slid down the notification screen and tapped the group chat first.

Sista, Sista

Evie:

Y’all seen that headline?

Essence: