Page 29 of Bishop

What if you’d kissed Will?The thought rumbled through my head like beads being shaken in a jar.

I’d wanted to.

I had wanted him for a long time but I knew that it wouldn’t lead to anything good. He had a wife and three kids, if I wasn’t mistaken, at home depending on him.

Finally, home, I checked the mail before heading inside. It was nothing but invites to restaurants and a town newsletter. Slipping my heels off by the front door, I once again looked for my missing gris-gris bag.

You had to have moved it somewhere,I thought.

My phone started ringing, recognizing the number as my new primary care physician. Hesitation entered my mind but only for a moment as I answered.

“Hello,” I replied.

“Good evening, Ms. Landry. This is Dr. Matthews from Nola Primary. How are you?”

The woman on the other end of the line sounded chipper and I took that as a good sign.

“I’m fine,” I replied. “Are my results in?”

“Yes,” she replied. “I wanted to let you know that all your rapid tests came back negative. However, I would love for you to come in and for a full exam in a few weeks. Can you give us a call tomorrow and set something up?”

Nodding, I replied. “Yes, I’ll call first thing in the morning. Thank you.”

We ended the call and I let out a breath I didn’t know I’d been holding. Relief flooded my body as I sat my phone down and went straight to my bathroom. A shower was calling my name and then I was going to go and have a drink by myself.

Steam flooded the bathroom and I finally stepped under the hot water letting it cocoon my body. Thoughts of the men who’d entered into my life as of late danced in my head.

I could still smell Will’s cologne, hints of pine and tobacco.

But I could feel Zane’s touch all over my body, his mouth in places that would make a prostitute feel like she was in church.

Scrubbing my body raw, I worked to rid myself of the thoughts. I wasn't a cheater so there was no way in hell Will had a chance with me. He simply was not an option.

Zane,I thought.

Finally, I stepped from the shower and pulled a towel around myself before picking up my phone. My fingers danced over his name and finally I shot him a text.

One drink, that's it,I said.

His reply was instant and my stomach fluttered as if someone had released butterflies from a cage.

Whatever you want,Stank.

Grimacing at that stupid ass nickname, I headed into my bedroom to find something to wear.

Finding a loose blouse and a pair of black leggings, I pulled on a pair of deep purple ballet flats. After all, who was I trying to impress? Certainly not Zane.

Checking my reflection in the mirror, I noticed my edges needed some love and care after that shower. The steam had them looking fuzzy.

Once I’d applied some edge goo, and sculpted them into place, I added some red lipstick to my look before pulling my hair into a low bun.

I was reversing out of the driveway when I sent a text to the group chat.Since none of you bitches wanted to get a drink with me, I’m making bad decisions.

Summer replied by the time I was halfway to The Conjure.Is it with that fine white boy?

I’ll still bag him if you don’t want him,Diamond added.

Parking in the lot across from the strip club, I read their messages.He’s not fine. He’s an asshole that happens to be attractive. And Diamond, your husband came home.

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