Page 45 of Smoke

I sat, clutching my bag against me. My face was still burning from that slap. I watched as they cleared off a table and began unpacking the duffel bag. Another brick of cocaine, a scale, and a ton of little baggies were all lined up assembly style. Storing drugs was one thing. But this… setting up shop in my place of business? I couldn’t have that.

I sat there in my head, trying to figure out how I was going to end this. This man was going to cost me everything.

Patrick looked over at me as they cut and weighed the cocaine.

“You might as well dry those tears up, baby.”

“Fuck you,” I mumbled.

He chuckled. “We could have been partners, Romi. I might have considered cutting you in if you played nice.”

“You think money would have made a difference? I don’t want to do this. I’ve worked too hard to maintain my business, and you are putting my very livelihood at risk. You’ve made it clear that you don’t want this baby, but I do, and I still have to take care of her and Korri?—”

“That’s not my problem.”

I looked at him in disbelief. My baby loved him. She adored him. She didn’t understand why she couldn’t see him anymore. I never asked him to do a thing for her other than treat her with respect, and he did. For him to say her care wasn’t his problem… that this baby wasn’t his problem… that shit hurt.

“Did you ever give a fuck about me, Patrick?” I asked. “All those dates, gifts, spending time together… it meant nothing to you? My daughter meant nothing to you? Is that what you’re telling me, because I can’t fathom being as close as we were, for you to just do this and say fuck me.”

He didn’t answer. I guess that was the only answer I needed.

My phone rang, and I looked to see that it was my sister. I pulled myself together so I could answer.

“Hello?” I said softly.

“Hey, boo. You still at the shop? Mama wanted you to stop and grab some ice cream for dessert. Your child asked for sundaes again.”

“Yeah… I’m still here doing inventory.”

“You okay? You don’t sound good.”

“I’m just not feeling well. It’s been a long day, and I’m tired and my feet are swollen.”

She giggled. “My niecey pooh is giving you the business.”

“Yeah, she is. I think I’m just gonna go home when I leave.”

“Aww. Well, okay.”

“Nay?”

“Yeah?”

“Please tell Korri I’m sorry,” I said, sniffling.

“Ro, are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine. Just pregnancy hormones. I cry over everything.”

She giggled. “You do. Okay, sis. I’ll let Mom and Dad know you aren’t feeling well.”

“Thank you, Nay. I love you.”

“I love you more.”

We disconnected the call, and I placed the phone back in my pocket.

Patrick snickered. “You lie so well,” he commented.

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