Page 24 of Differences

“Bet.”

Jay hung up the phone without even saying goodbye, or I love you. I shook my head, looking over at Weston in the passenger seat, but to my surprise, he was getting out of the car.

“Weston,” I called out.

He nodded his head and shut the door. I watched him walk away into the hotel lobby until I could no longer see him. I found it hard to crank up my car and drive away. Something in me wanted to run behind him and hold him. I wanted to drive him back to the hospital and be there with him, yet I knew our lives didn’t align.

9

Weston

Ilaid in the hotel bed, staring at the ceiling. Since Taja booked the hotel room for me two days ago, I’d been locked away. The words that she said to me played over and over in my head, yet I didn’t know what to do to approach it. It was now Sunday, and I debated on whether I wanted to drive to the hospital. I didn’t want to go alone. Keezy was out of town for work, and I had yet to tell him about what had happened. The only person who knew about my mama and her condition was Taja.

That night with her was different. I watched how Taja made it her business to remove the bottle of liquor from my office. She interacted with Rae as if she had known her all her life. I couldn’t help but notice how Rae did the same. She made sure that I was protected the entire night. It had been a while since I felt protected and seen, yet Taja did all that in one night. The moment was right, and I couldn’t control myself. The kiss was wanted. She sent me a text message yesterday afternoon, checking in on me, but I didn’t reply. I didn’t want to text. I wanted her near me. I wanted her lying in the bed beside me. I just wanted to feel and smell her. In my many years of living, I hadn’t felt like that about a woman, especially one with a man at home. However, with the way I was feeling, it was fuck him and his bum ass ways.

I pulled out my phone and called Taja. The phone rang for a few seconds before her perky voice answered.

“Hello! Are you okay, Weston?” she quickly probed on the phone.

I smiled at the urgency in her tone. “Yeah, I’m good.”

She sucked her teeth. “Then why haven’t you texted me back? I was so worried that I almost came to the hotel and beat down your door.”

I smiled even bigger. “No need for all that. I appreciate it, though.”

“You’re welcome.” Her tone had softened. “But really, how are you? Have you thought about what I said? Have you been back to the hospital?”

“That’s why I called. Are you busy? Are you able to accompany me this afternoon?”

The phone went quiet, and it felt as if my soul had left my body. I did not know what I was thinking when I called and asked her to come with me to the hospital. I immediately regretted even asking her.

“Weston, do you feel like that is appropriate? This is family business. The other day was different. I didn’t know what I was walking into. However, now that I know, I’m not sure if it would be right for me to be there.”

There was no way I was taking no for an answer. I knew I needed Taja to be there because I couldn’t do it without her. She was the balance I didn’t realize I needed ’til that day.

“Taja, I’ve never told a single person I needed them for anything. This time is different. I need you. Please.”

The phone went silent again. I could feel my heart pounding out of my chest. Taja was bringing a lot of unfamiliarity out of me. It was a foreign feeling.

“Okay, I’ll go...for support. What time are you trying to go?”

I tried to contain the excitement in my voice but failed. “Now!”

“Damn it!” she cursed. “My boyfriend has my car. He’s DoorDashing right now.”

I rolled my eyes. “Give me an hour. I’ll come get you.”

“Weston—”

“Be ready in an hour, Taja.”

She sighed. “Okay, see you in an hour.”

I jumped, shooting Ms. Leslie a text to let her know I needed a ride home to pick up my car. Any other time, I would’ve had Ms. Leslie drive us, but I didn’t want her there for such an intimate moment. It felt better just being Taja and me.

* * *

I was particular about time,and I was right when I told Taja I was going to be at her house in an hour. When I called her phone, I could tell she was rushing because she was out of breath.

---