Page 38 of Tainted

“You don’t get any sympathy from me. You did this to yourself and Nana.”

“Did I? Because I’m pretty sure Auntie should be here helping care for her mother, but it’s only me!” Brandy stormed upstairs, leaving only Jewel and me.

“It was stupid, but Brandy isn’t malicious. She loves Nana. We all do,” Jewel explained, sticking up for Brandy.

“Thanks,” I replied sarcastically because all that love meant nothing. I damn sure couldn’t use it to bring Nana’s account current. “I’m not in the mood to go out anymore. Y’all have fun.”

“After that fight, we all need a night out,” Jewel’s reasoning wasn’t enough to make me sit back down. “Come, it’ll be fun.”

“Okay,” I replied, but not because I needed a night out. Brandy said Otto would be at the race, and I had a few choice words for him.

“Yes!” Jewel jumped up and hit the butterfly of all dances. “I’m going to get Brandy so we can have some fun tonight.”

The weather had changed from warm to chilly, forcing a shiver as we stepped outside. Brandy and Jewel were bubbling as we hopped into Jewel's old sedan, but I was still pissed. Stepping out of the car, the ground vibrated under my feet from vehicles lining the street.

Like all the other women, we stood around, waiting for the excitement to start. Brandy and Jewel were deep in conversation about why the DDs weren’t here yet while I awaited their arrival.

Brandy finally sucked her teeth, tired of ignoring my existence. “I don’t want to fight with you. Having you back has been nice. Thank you for all the help with Nana.”

“You’re welcome.”

“It’s just been me trying to do everything, you know. Mama isn’t much help unless she wants something, and Auntie is,” Brandy paused before continuing. “It helps not to feel like I have to do it all. But it’ll be more work when she leaves the facility.”

“We’re family, Brandy. We’ll figure it out, but you need to hand over the money to me.”

“Why would I do that?” Brandy quipped as if she and her boyfriend weren’t the reason her account was behind.

“Alright, y’all relax, damn,” Jewel stomped her foot because all she wanted was a night out on the town. During the ride here, she vented about her job, which she hated, and how her sister was pregnant again and couldn’t raise the two she had.

“Because you clearly can’t say no. So I’m taking over.”

“No offense, but you’ve been back a hot second. How do I know you’re not passing through to hit your next lick? Hell, her money might be the lick.” Brandy’s theory made me laugh hysterically.

“Because, unlike you, I know her best shot at recovery is where the fuck she is.”

“You don’t think I know that too!” Brandy yelled.

“Hard to tell from where I’m standing.”

“Same bitch!” Brandy yelled, pointing in my face.

“You better keep that finger out of my face!”

“Or what!” Brandy’s challenge surprised me, but not enough to let her talk to me crazy.

“You know what the fuck I’ll do! Don’t play with me!” I yelled back, causing Jewel to jump in between us.

“Ah, shit! Looks like the DDs just pulled up! Look,” Jewel pointed out.

“Great,” I smiled sarcastically.

Brandy rolled her eyes and walked toward the DDs while Jewel and I lagged.

“Wassup, Baby,” Otto greeted Brandy as she tossed her arms around his neck.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?” I asked, getting straight to the point.

“Talk to me?” He asked with a light chuckle before looking down at Brandy for an explanation.

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