Page 40 of The Smoke Hour

“I’m fine,” I lied as I rushed into my tiny bathroom to splash water on my face. “I was using the bathroom. Can you give me a minute?”

“One minute, Fiya. I’m not playing.”

“Okay, bye.”

I ended the call, splashed water on my face, and then dried it.

“That was three minutes,” Smoke stated when I pulled the door open for him. “And your eyes are red and puffy.”

He held two white plastic bags in his hands.

“What’s that?” I asked to change the subject.

“Dinner. I drove by here a few times today, and I saw that you were extremely busy. I never got a chance to stop and bring you something to eat, but I suspected even if I had, you wouldn’t have had time to eat it. Instead of risking that you might cancel on me, I decided to meet you here.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “Why do you always seem to be there just when I need you? I swear it’s like you’re a mind reader, or I conjure you up.”

“I just trust the way my spirit guides me.” Smoke brushed my hair from my face and brushed his lips against mine.

“You really need to hire some help, Fiya.”

“I know, but thanks for thinking of me.”

I locked the door behind him and then led him back to my office.

“What the fuck have you been crying for?” he asked after we sat down on the couch.

“Nothing,” I stated.

He reached forward and turned my face to him. “Tell me the truth. You’d better not lie to me again.”

I sighed and stated, “I received a visit from Terry today.”

I pulled the bag open and checked out the West African food inside.

“It smells delicious.”

I took my first bite before I noticed that he was staring at me and hadn’t spoken a word since I mentioned Terry.

“You just gon’ drop that shit like that and not say nothing?”

“It wasn’t that serious.”

“It had your ass in here crying. Now either tell me, or I go out and find out myself.”

I set my food aside and told him the entire story. When I finished, I demanded, “Don’t you dare go looking for him. I can fight my battles.”

“Aye, you earned them damn shoes back. If I can’t put a bullet in his ass, at least let me repay the man for you. You can always repay me, and I promise that my terms and conditions will be a lot more favorable to you and pleasing,” he stated with a wink before he kissed me.

“Mm. As sweet and enticing as your offer is, I think I’ll have to pass, Mr. Socco.”

“So what are you going to do?”

I shrugged and replied, “Pray. Stand in faith and keep working.”

He winked at me and stated, “It’ll all be okay, beautiful. Keep your head up. God will send his soldiers to fight your battles on your behalf.”

“I know. Thanks, Smoke.”

---